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)
Serious disparities persist in maternal death rates in the U.S.
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 Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the...
Published: Apr 24, 2026Duration: 3m 47s
Re-Release: 6 Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Ticks
Note:This is a re-release of a previously released episode from 2025.Mosquito and tick bites are usually just a nuisance, but in some cases, they may also transmit disease. A pediatrician offers parents 6 ways to combat these bugs. Read the full story 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...
Published: Apr 17, 2026Duration: 7m 52s
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: Apr 10, 2026Duration: 7m 58s
Survey reveals new data that may help firearm injury prevention
A quick content warning: Today’s episode includes discussion about firearms and sensitive topics related to firearm injury prevention research. Listener discretion is advised. Seven percent of Americans have thought of shooting someone, but many either told someone, are open to giving their gun to someone for safekeeping, or didn’t have a firearm at the time. 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 l...
Published: Apr 3, 2026Duration: 5m 27s
How rescuing dying cells may help preserve vision loss
Removal of damaged mitochondria can rescue dying photoreceptor cells. 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 Lab content including health news...
Published: Mar 27, 2026Duration: 2m 56s
Preparedness for Teen Cardiac Emergencies in Schools and Communities
Parents support CPR and AED training, but readiness varies, according to national poll. 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 Lab...
Published: Mar 20, 2026Duration: 4m 37s
Vasectomies Increasingly Popular Since Federal Right to Abortion Ended in 2022
The contraceptive method growing in popularity could be an option for you. 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 Lab content...
Published: Mar 13, 2026Duration: 5m 55s
How Covered is IVF in the United States?
Analysis of in vitro fertilization policy plans offers a better picture of what kind of access patients actually have. 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...
Published: Mar 6, 2026Duration: 5m 22s
Ragweed Pollen Shows Negative Effect of Quality of Life for Some
Ragweed pollen levels correlated with worse chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. 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 Lab content including health news...
Published: Feb 20, 2026Duration: 3m 35s
Improving UTI Care
In an age of telehealth, portal messages and direct-to-consumer care, experts come together to create testing and treatment algorithms that reduce antibiotic resistance risk for UTI's. 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...
Published: Feb 13, 2026Duration: 6m 24s
Delays in Heart Surgery for Women due to One-Size-Fits-All Criteria
Two studies showed similar disparities for different heart procedures. 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 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 Lab content including health news, best...
Published: Feb 6, 2026Duration: 3m 53s
How Student Debt is Impacting Nursing
Potential limits on borrowing for a nursing education could affect decisions to stay in the profession or seek advanced training.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...
Published: Jan 30, 2026Duration: 4m 54s
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: Jan 23, 2026Duration: 4m 3s
Study shows access to gender-affirming vaginoplasty improved quality of life for transfeminine patients
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 to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts. All...
Published: Jan 16, 2026Duration: 2m 18s
Studying Pathological Demand Avoidance
Finding resources for parents of children with PDA can provide useful tools and help with addressing behavioral challenges.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 Lab...
Published: Jan 9, 2026Duration: 3m 38s
Re-Release: Experts Still Urge Fall Vaccinations for Flu, COVID
An expert update on vaccinations needed this Fall. Read the full story 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.All Health Lab...
Published: Jan 2, 2026Duration: 5m 27s
AI and Mental Health
As concern grows about online chatbots and mental health, an expert cautions about potential risk to already-vulnerable people, especially teens and young adults. Read the full article on the Health Lab website.ResourcesNational Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988Program for Risk Evaluation and Prevention Early Psychosis ClinicMore information about psychosis for parents and othersFree Online Course on Psychosis for Health ProfessionalsEpisode 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: Dec 19, 2025Duration: 8m 4s
Talking end-of-life planning at the holidays
It may seem odd to talk about end-of-life planning at this time of year. But seizing the opportunity while the family is together can save heartaches and misunderstanding later. 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 Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of...
Published: Dec 12, 2025Duration: 8m 23s
Protecting newborns from hepatitis B
Medical experts are urging continued hepatitis B vaccine birth doses for newborns. This recommendation is based on decades of data showing that policies put in place for hepatitis B vaccines that have long been the status quo are estimated to have prevented one million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths. 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...
Published: Dec 5, 2025Duration: 5m 40s
10 key things to know about health insurance in 2026
It’s important to look at all options and get some form of health coverage. Free unbiased help is available. Read the full article.Michigan Medicine Patient Financial CounselorsWashtenaw Health Projecthealthcare.govHealthcare.gov: Find Local HelpACA plans that U-M Health’s hospitals and providers in SE Michigan will accept in 2026List of plans accepted at UM Health-SparrowVA: Expanded eligibility criteria for veteransCoverage Calculator & Qualifying IncomeHealthy Michigan PlanMIChild program & its equivalent in oth...
Published: Nov 28, 2025Duration: 11m 51s