Stay Well with Dr. Zorba Paster
A joyful take on healthy living with family physician Dr. Zorba Paster."When people ask me what I hope to achieve with my podcast, I sum it up in one sentence: “To help people live a full, optimistic, vibrant, happy life—reducing suffering and developing resilience so they can say, unequivocally, ‘I’m here.’I’ve spent 35 years hosting my nationally-syndicated public radio show, Zorba Paster On Your Health, and it’s been an incredible journey sparking thoughtful, engaging conversations about health and wellness—without the clutter, chatter, or noise.With more than 45 years as a family physician, my experience as one of the le...
Good news for statin users! (bad news for statin haters)
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Zorba digs into the recent STAREE study. Results showed a 30% drop in major cardiovascular events for patients who took the statin (atorvastatin). These findings address a long-standing evidence gap around starting statins for primary prevention in older adults, who have been underrepresented in previous cardiovascular outcome trials.
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Kids & Energy Drinks | RECIPE: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili | Mediterranean Diet | Magnesium for Sleep | Mom Jokes
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Doctors are warning parents about the risks energy drinks pose to kids. Zorba answers emails about how to tweak the Mediterranean Diet to suit your needs, and how magnesium can help with sleep. We hear a Mom Joke for all you bridge lovers, and Zorba shares his favorite recipe for Turkey Chili.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.org<...Trump officials are delaying Covid vaccines for children in some states
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The Trump administration is holding back Covid vaccines for all children in at least 11 states and one US territory.
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The Flu is different this season | Wrist pain | Lactose in meds | Kegel exercises
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Zorba explains why influenza will be different this year. He helps a caller whose longtime work on boat motors has caused wrist and hand pain. Emails about lactose in medications, and incontinence, and we get some listener feedback.
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Weight Watchers Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet (with a Southern twist)
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Zorba weighs in on the DELISH study -- a comparison of the Weight Watchers Diet vs. The Mediterranean Diet with a southern food twist.
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Working from home may hurt mental health | Too many meds causing fatigue | How much sodium? | Constructive Criticism | Compassion during dark times
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Zorba digs in to a study that suggests working from home may be detrimental to our mental health. What are the pros and cons, and what is the best solution? He helps a caller who may be on too many medications. A listener asks about how much daily sodium is healthy, a listener chimes in with constructive criticism for Zorba, and he talks about the role of compassion and resilience during trying times.
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Why are Federal officials underreporting measles deaths in Pennsylvania?
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Zorba discusses the discrepancy between state and federal officials regarding measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania. Why is the current federal administration questioning and underreporting measles fatalities?
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New OTC pain medication | Vitamins for memory | Acid reflux | Prostate health | Pavlov's hair | Zorba's disastrous first date
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The FDA has approved a new over-the-counter pain medication that combines acetaminophen with naproxen. Zorba weighs in on why now, and what this could be useful for. He helps out a caller with questions about vitamins to help with memory. He fields emails about GERD and prostate medications, we hear a Pavlovian Mom Joke, and Zorba reminisces about a horrible first date he had when he was 16 at a restaurant in Chicago.
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New study suggests eating eggs may lower Alzheimer's risk
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Eggs! They're good for us again! Zorba digs into the complicated history of eating eggs; and he looks at new research that suggests egg consumption may lower the risk for Alzheimer's disease.
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Diet is linked to male infertility | Preserving hair during chemo | Zorba's father's gumball machine for dogs | Nuts & cholesterol | Eye drops to correct vision
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Zorba looks at new research about how one's diet affects men's sperm count. He helps a caller who has questions about using a cooling treatment to help preserve her air during chemotherapy. Zorba talks about his father's entrepreneurial endeavor developing and selling the "Yuppy Puppy" -- a gumball machine for dogs. He answers emails about eating nuts to help control cholesterol, and new prescription eye drops to help with near-sightedness.
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Thoughts on SNAP Benefit bans for soda and junk food
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Dr. Zorba's thoughts on more states restricting soda, candy, and energy drinks from the list of approved items that retailers can accept payments for through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP). He also discusses the requirement to stock perishable food items.
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Another Major Cancer Breakthrough | Marathoner's Hypertension | Vitamin K Foods | Mom Jokes
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Zorba discusses the newly-approved drug for treating pancreatic cancer. He talks to a marathon runner about how his blood pressure meds are affecting his ability to run long distances. He digs deep into the Vitamin K hole, and we hear a Mom Joke sent in from a listener named Sue
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Promising breakthrough for kidney transplant patients
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Zorba discusses exciting news for folks looking for a kidney transplant. A patient was successfully kept alive with a pig kidney for 271 Days until he could receive a human kidney.
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Football & Concussions | Kids & Viruses | AMA calls out Zorba | Mom Jokes | Zorba in Nepal
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On our 50th episode: Zorba looks at new research showing 1 in 4 NFL players have CTE, a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. He also talks about how this plays into youth sports. The American Heart Association calls out Zorba for something he said on the podcast. We hear a Mom Joke and Zorba talks about his recent time in Nepal, and how folks can help with the relief efforts following the recent disasters in the area.
Link to support Nepal disaster relief
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<...The President's executive order on vaccines for children is far from the "Gold Standard"
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Zorba's thoughts on the President's new executive order that reduces the recommendations for childhood vaccinations.
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Traffic fatalities spike when new music is released | Doctor advice vs. treatment | HRT | Grief & resilience | Baez Remorse | Zorba gets stumped!
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Zorba looks a study about distracted driving, and how traffic fatalities surge on days when popular artists release new albums. He helps a caller whose health insurance soared after getting "advice" from his doc. Zorba helps a listener with HRT questions, talks about grief and human resiliency, Karl's mom shares a Mom Joke, and Zorba gets stumped on a boozy question.
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Phone: 608-492-9292...New cancer vaccine should be celebrated
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Zorba's thoughts on the groundbreaking mRNA therapeutic vaccine to combat melanoma.
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First mRNA flu shot approved | Zorba on compassion and visiting the Dalai Lama | Lettuce update | Mom Jokes | Corn Report
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Zorba discusses the FDA's approval of the first mRNA flu vaccine, and how leadership in Washington DC will likely respond. He also talks about his recent humanitarian trip to India, and his visit (and his longtime friendship) with the Dalai Lama. A listener asks if Zorba is eating lettuce right now. We hear a mom joke and we deliver our first ever "corn report."
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...Measles cases soar and Washington DC leadership continues to call for less vaccinations
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Measles cases continue to skyrocket, yet POTUS and RFK call for less MMR vaccinations. Zorba breaks down the history of the MMR vaccine, and what you can do to help educate others who may be anti-vaccine.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
Coffee may slow down aging | Most baby foods are not healthy | Melatonin | Zorba breaks down cholesterol numbers & reads reviews
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Good news for coffee lovers! It may slow down the aging process. Zorba also talks about how 4 out of 5 toddler foods are ultra-processed. He answers emails about melatonin, breaks down a listener's cholesterol numbers, and reads some podcast reviews.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
Why is the US Military screening for testosterone levels?
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo testing for testosterone deficiency as part of annual health screenings. Zorba provides some history on testosterone levels, and explains why this policy is not necessary.
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Heavy TV viewing linked to dementia | Family Reunion Rapid Fire: Mosquitos, Leeches & Knee injections | Sleep & Food cravings | Mom Jokes
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Zorba discusses a new study suggesting heavy TV watching may be linked to dementia risk. He is peppered with phone call questions from Karl's extended family who are at a northern Minnesota lake cabin. He answers emails about fatigue and blood pressure, and sugar and carb cravings. We get a fishing mom joke, and get listener feedback about Zorba's short "rapid response" podcast episodes.
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...Why is the President pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines?
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Zorba digs into the history of autism, and looks at why the President is pushing RFK Jr. to cut back childhood vaccines.
Wall Street Journal article
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Zorba Had Surgery...He's fine! | AI and Online Doctors | Liver Die | PSA Test Controversy | Grammar Cops
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Zorba opens up about his recent surgery, and what led to it. He helps a caller with a question about dealing with AI on health websites. He gives advice to a listener regarding liver health, discusses why the PSA test for prostate health is seen as controversial, and we hear from the pesky Grammar Cops.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]...Tainted lettuce & Cyclosporiasis: What went wrong?
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Zorba shares his thoughts on the recent Cyclosporiasis outbreak, and how staffing cuts implemented by The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have made the outbreak worse.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
Early Social Media Use Can Lead to Substance Abuse | Cholesterol Drugs | Creatine | Prostate Help | Grammar Cops
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Zorba examines new research that suggests early social media use in tweens can lead to substance experimentation. He helps a caller with questions about her cholesterol, and helps folks with prostate health and creatine questions. And Zorba gets a smack down from the Grammar Cops about sex and cell phone use.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.org<...
"Ball Maxxing" and other Cosmetic Social Media Trends
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Zorba gives his take on "ball maxxing" and other niche cosmetic trends that are gaining popularity up on social media "self improvement" communities.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
EPA Relaxing Restrictions To Approve More Pesticides | What Organic Produce Zorba Buys | Prostate Health | Sleep | Scar Help | Mom Jokes
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Zorba discusses why the EPA would loosen restrictions to approve more PFAs and pesticides; and what produce he prefers to buy organic. He helps out a caller with prostate questions, a listener's husband with sleep issues, and offers up help with hiding surgical scars. And we hear an architecture-centric mom joke that history buffs will appreciate.
Calm History podcast: https://podfollow.com/calm-history
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Can a new blood test really predict Alzheimer's? And would you want to know?
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Zorba gives an update on the new Alzheimer's blood test developments from the Mayo Clinic and other institutions. And he poses the question: Would you want to know?
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GLP-1 Drugs Increase Testosterone | Vitamin D Recommendations | Facial Hair Woes | Grammar Cops | Loss of Taste & Smell
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Zorba discusses new studies about GLP-1 drugs: One says these drugs may increase testosterone in men; the other finds people are exercising less once taking these drugs. He helps a caller with questions about Vitamin D, a listener who is grappling with facial hair, and someone who lost their sense of taste and smell after mowing the lawn. Zorba also gets a saucy visit from the Grammar Cops.
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Brisk Walkers Have a 50% Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline
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A new study shows that fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half.
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Has the Smartphone Impacted Birth Rates? | Zorba Sings with Karl's Band | Toenail Fungus | AFib | SNAP Benefits | Zig-Zag Eaters
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Zorba looks at research linking a drop in U.S. birthrates to the release of the iPhone. Zorba describes his experience singing a song with Karl's band, and talks about how trying new things out of your comfort zone is good for your health. He also helps a caller with toenail fungus, and another listener with atrial fibrillation (AFib) questions. We also hear a joke from Karl's mom, discuss new SNAP benefits policy changes, and talk about "zig-zag eating."
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Doing Nothing Is Good For You! | RECIPE: Zorba's Chicken Salad | Pepcid, Allegra & HRT | Dementia | Mom Jokes
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Zorba looks at new research that shows doing nothing for 10 minutes a day can be good for us. He walks us through his delicious summer time picnic recipe for Chicken Salad, and he helps a listener who has questions about HRT, sleep, and mixing Pepcid and Allegra. He helps out a listener who asks if there is a connection between dementia and mixing prescription drugs. And we hear a mom joke that Zorba isn't quite sure about.
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The CDC will stop testing for measles and mumps
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Zorba reacts to recent news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to end federal diagnostic testing for measles and mumps.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
Vitamin D during pregnancy is good for child's brain health | Ehlers-Danlos syndrome | Rosacea & Raynaud's | Sven & Ole Jokes
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Zorba digs into a new study that shows taking vitamin D during pregnancy can lead to better cognitive health for the child. He also helps a caller with questions about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. And he answers emails about rosacea, Raynaud's syndrome, and we get some listener-sourced Sven and Ole jokes.
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Unproven stem cell treatments for children with Autism
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Zorba's thoughts on the rise in unproven, experimental, and expensive stem cell treatments for children with autism.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
Kids Screen Time Warning from Surgeon General | Pain & Sleep | Green Lawn Police | Kid Jokes | Protein Powder | Quack Tales!
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Zorba deciphers the new warning from the Office of the Surgeon General regarding screen time limits for children. He helps out a listener whose chronic pain issues are affecting his sleep, and an emailer who has strong opinions about lawn chemicals. We hear a "kid joke" and a mosquito bite question from Karl's daughter, Zorba talks protein powder, and he digs into some 18th century quackery that paved the way for how doctors conduct clinical trials.
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Full-body MRI Scan Trend | Peanut Allergies | Back Pain | Mom Jokes | Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones
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Elective full-body MRI scans are gaining popularity...Zorba discusses why this trend is not a good idea. He helps out a listener with questions about peanut allergies, and advises a listener who has questions about back pain. Zorba talks about drinking lemon juice to combat kidney stones, and we hear a mom joke from Karl's mom.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: askdoctorzorba@gmail...Breakthrough Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer Doubles Survival Rate
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Zorba explains a breakthrough treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer that nearly doubles the survival rate.
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Phone: 608-492-9292 (call anytime)Email: [email protected]: www.doctorzorba.orgStay well!
More Reasons To Drink Coffee | ADHD Meds | Doc Exams & Over-billing | Mom Jokes | Facebook Comments
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More good news for coffee drinkers: Zorba digs into new research showing drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day may help fend off dementia risk. Zorba helps a listener who asks why it's so difficult to obtain her monthly ADHD medication. He weighs in on why some doctor exams can lead to extraneous billing. We hear a Disney-centric Mom Joke, and scroll through some listener comments from the Facebook page.
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