School Age Children Pedcasts

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 49

Over the next few weeks, I will be doing a deeper dive into the world of eczema or atopic dermatitis. In the greek language where we derive many of our medical terms, eczema is spelled ἔκζεμα or ékzema which means to bubble up. This weeks podcast guest is Dr. Ana Maria Temple, an expert in eczema. We go all over the place in the pod and it is so worth your time if your child suffers from eczema.

Eczema is a multifactorial skin condition that affects millions worldwide, manifesting as red, itchy rash due to inflamed skin. Its prevalence has been steadily rising, particularly in industrialized nations, which suggests a complex interplay of genetics, environmental factors (epigenetics), and immune dysregulation. As we unpack the root causes of eczema over the coming weeks, an integrative functional medicine approach highlights not only the “what” but the “why” behind this condition—providing opportunities for both prevention and healthier management…..plus a section on Skin pH.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #84 – Francis Koster Ed.D

Today, we have an extraordinary guest joining us—Dr. Francis Koster, a man who has spent decades uncovering the invisible forces that shape our environment and, ultimately, our health.

Dr. Koster is the founder of Pollution Detectives, an initiative that combines data-driven science, community collaboration, and advocacy to address environmental issues that impact the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the ecosystems that support our lives. With a focus on actionable solutions, Dr. Koster empowers communities to identify and combat environmental risks, especially those affecting children, who are often the most vulnerable to pollutants.

Through his tireless work, Dr. Koster has inspired countless individuals to take charge of their surroundings and has highlighted the profound connection between environmental stewardship and public health. Today, we’ll dive into his groundbreaking efforts, the stories behind the data, and how we can all become part of the solution to ensure a healthier, safer future for the next generation.

So, without further ado, let’s welcome the innovative and inspiring Dr. Francis Koster to the show!

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Pollution Detectives

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 46

Lymphatics – Refresher

Lymphatics – a plumbing system that follows the circulatory system throughout the body including the brain where it is called the glymphatics. The function of these passively moving tubes is to transport fats around the body, clear cellular debris returning it to the liver and spleen, move fluid in and out of tissue to maintain fluid balance, transport and help immune cells function. By transporting fats , lymph is involved in vitamin movement to tissues and cells for Vitamins A, D, E, K. These are critical functions of metabolism, immunity and detoxification that when disrupted lead to chronic diseases of aging including edema, hypertension, autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease.

“Traditionally considered a passive route for transport of fluid, immune cells, and lipoproteins, lymphatics are now known to be active players in major physiological and pathophysiological processes. Until recently, lymphatic vessel dysfunction was mainly associated with primary and secondary lymphedema. Unexpectedly, however, lymphatic vascular defects have been uncovered in conditions such as obesity, cardiovas- cular disease, inflammation, hypertension, atherosclerosis, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma and various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.” (Oliver et. al. 2021)…and a discussion on chemicals in school food.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 45

Vaccines

In the coming months, I am going to take a deeper look at vaccines. I am fielding lots of questions in the office about the safety of vaccines. People are scared. Are they wrong? Should they be?

Let me start here: first off, I am solidly pro vaccine. That is not the same as to be in agreement with the current vaccine schedule or that vaccines are without risk. I believe that the vaccine schedule and the risk should be questioned on a rolling basis in perpetuetum. This is the function of medical science. Question dogma always. Look for errors of past thinking and reassess on a continual basis.

I think that on the face of it, the skepticism is well placed as the organizations tasked with our safety have made a mess of being honest during the COVID pandemic vaccine rollout….. plus a literature review.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #83 – Ana Maria Temple, MD

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple, MD, is an integrative pediatrician known for her whole child approach to children’s health. She studied medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine before pursuing pediatric residency training at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In 2017, Dr. Temple further specialized by completing a fellowship in Functional Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She combines conventional medicine with functional and lifestyle-based strategies to address common childhood conditions such as eczema, asthma, and allergies. Dr. Temple has a particular focus on helping families reduce dependence on medications by making sustainable health and wellness changes.

With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Temple has been a vocal advocate for preventive care, emphasizing nutrition, environmental changes, and integrative treatments. She is the author of the two bestselling books Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World and Ending the Eczema Epidemic. Additionally, Dr. Temple is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, sharing her expertise on holistic pediatric care through various platforms. Today, we focus on her approach to eczema and children’s health.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 38

Section I

Are Smart Phones a benefit or a curse for the teenager in school? This is becoming a huge topic this past year or so. Logic would seem to dictate that this is a curse more than a benefit, but what does the data and expert opinion show?

The Scientific American article “Do Phone Bans Help Students Perform Better in School?” examines the growing trend of banning smartphones in schools to enhance student performance and well-being. Numerous U.S. cities, including New York and Los Angeles, have recently implemented or are considering bans on phones in classrooms. Schools use tools like the Yondr pouch, which locks phones away during school hours, to enforce these bans. These measures are popular with educators and parents, with 60% of likely voters in New York State supporting such restrictions. Charlotte Schools has this policy: “In accordance with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Student Code of Conduct, personal technology devices, including cell phones must remain off and put away during school hours. Violations will result in confiscation of the personal technology device. The district is not responsible (monetary value or replacement) for theft, loss or damage to personal technology or other electronic devices brought onto CMS property.” (CMS) My informal poll has a higher number of parents interested in phone ban restrictions in North Carolina….plus a section on teen anxiety.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast David Katz, MD – Childhood Obesity Part II Repost

David L. Katz, MD, MPH is a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition.
He earned his BA at Dartmouth College (1984); his MD at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1988); and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health (1993). He completed sequential residency training and board certification in Internal Medicine (1991) and Preventive Medicine/Public Health (1993). Katz is the founder and former director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (1998-2019); Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; President and Founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative; and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. The recipient of numerous awards for teaching, writing, and contributions to public health, Katz was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Award nominee in health journalism, has been a widely supported nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General, and has received three honorary doctorates. Katz has served as a nutrition columnist for O, the Oprah Magazine; an on-air contributor for ABC News/Good Morning America, and with appearances on most major news programs and contributions to most major magazines and leading newspapers, including OpEds in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
His most recent book, How to Eat, co-authored with Mark Bittman, is a 2021 IACP Awards finalist and is worth your time. I have had the pleasure of hearing him speak many times over the years and he is an amazing orator and I am blessed to have this hour with him. Today, we dive into the science of childhood obesity and what are the public health pain points that can be pressed on to change the negative trajectory.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

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