Health Lab

byMichigan Medicine Podcast Network

HealthFitnessMedicineNewsScience

Each week on the Health Lab podcast, we share cutting-edge research, practical health information and inspiring stories of survival from Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center for the University of Michigan. Visit the Health Lab website where you can check out all of our content and subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Transcripts for each episode of Health Lab are linked in the episode descriptions.Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Studying Period Pain

A study looks at risk factors for pain with menstruation in adolescents. You can read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All Health...

Published: Sep 18, 2026Duration: 3m 57s

Caregiver Resources: Reduce the Risk of Burnout

If you are a caregiver, whether you’re helping a spouse, parent, another adult relative or a friend with a disability, health need or medical crisis, you don’t have to go it alone. You can read the full article here.Episode TranscriptLinks to National Caregiver Resources:AARP Caregiving Advance Directives by State or Territory from CaringInfoAlzheimer’s Association - Dementia Caregiving Area Agency on AgingCaregiver Action Network Center for Independent LivingEldercare LocatorFamily Car...

Published: Sep 11, 2026Duration: 16m 0s

Re-Release: Private Equity Investment into IVF

In a recent paper published in JAMA, researchers find that over 50% of IVF cycles in the United States are now done at fertility clinics affiliated with private equity firms. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department...

Published: Aug 28, 2026Duration: 4m 3s

Re-Release: Serious disparities persist in maternal death rates in the U.S.

*This episode first aired in April 2026.U.S. maternal death rates have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, but serious disparities persist. A recent study finds that the rate of maternal deaths in the United States disproportionately impacts Black women. Read the full article.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the...

Published: Aug 21, 2026Duration: 3m 47s

Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause

To celebrate Health Lab’s 10 year milestone, Health Lab recently hosted its the first Health Lab Live Show, which brought a Health Lab article to life by interviewing experts on stage in front of a live audience. Here, John Randolph, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Michigan Medicine, discusses hormones, hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause, menopause and so much more. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to...

Published: Aug 15, 2026Duration: 36m 4s

The Kidney Warning Signs You’re Missing— And Why Waiting is Dangerous

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary, Health Lab hosted its the first Health Lab Live Show, which brought two Health Lab articles to life by interviewing experts live on stage in front of a live audience while deep diving into trending health and wellness topics. Julie Wright, M.D., a nephrologist, talks about the silent symptoms you’d never suspect, why most people don’t catch issues until it’s too late, and what you can do today to get ahead of any issues. She even says you might be able to prevent it if you spot concerning bloodwork early. Read th...

Published: Aug 7, 2026Duration: 34m 10s

Cyclospora: What to Know About the Parasite Sweeping the Nation

Key tips for getting through an outbreak if you or your loved ones get sick. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptLinks:Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution RecipeCyclosporia: Comprehensive Guide for CliniciansMichigan Department of Health & Human Services: Infectious Disease OutbreaksUSDA Food Safety BasicsFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to...

Published: Jul 31, 2026Duration: 10m 47s

Re-Release: Updated | Measles immunization & prevention

Note: A previous version of this episode first aired in February 2025, and was updated in March 2026.In this episode, a top infectious disease specialist from University of Michigan Health answer questions about the measles vaccine for adults and children. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of...

Published: Jul 24, 2026Duration: 7m 58s

Re-Release: Protecting your lungs during wildfires

Note: This article originally ran on September 18, 2020 and was updated on January 8, 2025 and July 16, 2026. Today on Health Lab, we re-releasing an episode about wildfires and how to protect your lung health in poor air quality. Experts offer advice for living in hazardous ranges. Read the full article on the Health Lab website, and click here for the episode transcript.Resources:Check the air quality in your area in real time: AirNow.govVideo: Learn to build an air filter at home for around $40For more information...

Published: Jul 17, 2026Duration: 3m 2s

Medicare's New GLP-1 Bridge Program

An obesity expert welcomes new Medicare option for access to effective weight loss medication, and shares the new program’s limitations. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to He...

Published: Jul 11, 2026Duration: 13m 19s

Re-Release: Tips for Surviving the Heat

Extreme heat can be dangerous - especially to people with certain health conditions. In this episode, Dr. Brad Uren shares tips for weathering extreme heat.You can read the full article on the Health Lab website.Episode TranscriptAdditional Resources:How to protect your baby from the dangers of hot weather5 hot weather tips that could save an older adult’s lifeCDC: Heat and Medications – Guidance for CliniciansVideo: Who's most at risk of heat-related health issues?For more...

Published: Jul 2, 2026Duration: 9m 39s

Re-Release: Study shows access to gender-affirming vaginoplasty improved quality of life for transfeminine patients

*This episode first aired in January 2026.A recent study finds that transfeminine people 18 years and older report significant benefits across multiple metrics 12 months after the procedure.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen...

Published: Jun 26, 2026Duration: 2m 18s

LGBTQ+ Aging in America

People over 50 are growing older in a very different environment for LGBTQ+ people than the one they grew up in. Now, a new University of Michigan poll looks at what that means for both people over 50 who are LGBTQ+, and those who are not.Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each...

Published: Jun 19, 2026Duration: 8m 10s

New Findings on a Decade of Medicaid Expansion in Michigan

A new U-M report shows that individuals, hospitals and primary care clinics all experienced positive impacts in the first decade of Michigan's Medicaid expansion, but the report also raises concerns about the cost-sharing provisions that all states must soon enact.Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is...

Published: Jun 12, 2026Duration: 4m 52s

7-OH, kratom and the emerging public health crisis for sale across the country

A patient, his doctor and other experts warn of dangers of 7-OH, which is touted as a derivative of kratom and is widely available, but packs far more opioid danger. Read the full article on Health Lab.Resources:Michigan OPENMichigan OPEN: Kratom Definition & Clinical Management GuideMichigan OPEN: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)Michigan OPEN: Kratom 101Michigan OPEN: Kratom, Aggression and PsychosisEpisode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab...

Published: Jun 5, 2026Duration: 11m 35s

Could preeclampsia become a thing of the past?

The findings position VGLL3 as a promising novel treatment target for the pregnancy-related condition. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.<...

Published: May 29, 2026Duration: 8m 56s

Re-Release: When is a mole suspicious?

This episode first aired in May 2025.Many people have them, but not all moles are the same. In this episode, learn how to examine yours properly — and when it’s time to see a doctor. You can read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the...

Published: May 22, 2026Duration: 3m 32s

An expert's view on hantavirus

A University of Michigan infectious disease expert shares their insights into the latest hantavirus outbreak and answers questions about common concerns. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to...

Published: May 15, 2026Duration: 6m 39s

Re-Release: An Expert Answers Questions about Autism

Note: This episode first aired in October 2025.A debated link between Tylenol and autism has put the neurodevelopmental condition in the spotlight. An expert answers parents’ top questions. Read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by th...

Published: May 8, 2026Duration: 7m 37s

Re-Release: How to get help during a mental health crisis

Today on Health Lab, we are sharing resources for what to do in mental health crisis. Read the full story on Health Lab.*Content Warning: Please be aware that this episode has mentions of suicide and self-harm. Episode Transcript Resources988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988, text any word to 988, or use their webchatVeterans: Press 1 after calling 988, or text any word to 838255 LGBTQ+ youth hotline: Call The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386, text the word START to 678678, or use webchatCrisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 or visi...

Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 15m 37s