Health Lab
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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to...
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...
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 Transcript
Links:
Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution Recipe
Cyclosporia: Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services: Infectious Disease Outbreaks
USDA Food Safety Basics
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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.gov
Video: Learn to build an air filter at home for around $40
For more information...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
Additional Resources:
How to protect your baby from the dangers of hot weather
5 hot weather tips that could save an older adult’s life
CDC: Heat and Medications – Guidance for Clinicians
Video: Who's most at risk of heat-related health issues?
For more...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 OPEN
Michigan OPEN: Kratom Definition & Clinical Management Guide
Michigan OPEN: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Michigan OPEN: Kratom 101
Michigan OPEN: Kratom, Aggression and Psychosis
Episode Transcript
For more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab...
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 Transcript
For 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.<...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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
Resources
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
How rescuing dying cells may help preserve vision loss
Removal of damaged mitochondria can rescue dying photoreceptor cells. Read the full article here.
Episode Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
Studying Pathological Demand Avoidance
Finding resources for parents of children with PDA can provide useful tools and help with addressing behavioral challenges.
Episode Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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.
Resources
National 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 Transcript
For more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Transcript
For 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...
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 Counselors
Washtenaw Health Project
healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov: Find Local Help
ACA plans that U-M Health’s hospitals and providers in SE Michigan will accept in 2026
List of plans accepted at UM Health-Sparrow
VA: Expanded eligibility criteria for veterans
Coverage Calculator & Qualifying Income
Healthy Michigan Plan
MIChild program & its equivalent in oth...
Vasectomy FAQ
Today on Health Lab we're bringing you something a little bit different - an expert FAQ with a U-M Health urologist answering common questions about vasectomies.
Episode Transcript
For 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...
Studying the relationship between cancer and fish oil
ALOX15 loss, which is common in colorectal tumors, impairs the cancer-preventative effects of fish oil. Read the full article on Health Lab.
Episode Transcript
For 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...
