Health Lab

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

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 aw...

Serious disparities persist in maternal death rates in the U.S.

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. maternal death rates have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, but serious disparities persist. A recent study finds that the rate of materna...

Re-Release: 6 Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Ticks

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Updated: Measles immunization & prevention

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 special...

Survey reveals new data that may help firearm injury prevention

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A quick content warning: Today’s episode includes discussion about firearms and sensitive topics related to firearm injury prevention research. List...

How rescuing dying cells may help preserve vision loss

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Removal of damaged mitochondria can rescue dying photoreceptor cells. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for othe...

Preparedness for Teen Cardiac Emergencies in Schools and Communities

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Parents support CPR and AED training, but readiness varies, according to national poll. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this ...

Vasectomies Increasingly Popular Since Federal Right to Abortion Ended in 2022

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How Covered is IVF in the United States?

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Analysis of in vitro fertilization policy plans offers a better picture of what kind of access patients actually have. Read the full article here.Epis...

Ragweed Pollen Shows Negative Effect of Quality of Life for Some

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ragweed pollen levels correlated with worse chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. Read the full article here.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and f...

Improving UTI Care

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In an age of telehealth, portal messages and direct-to-consumer care, experts come together to create testing and treatment algorithms that reduce ant...

Delays in Heart Surgery for Women due to One-Size-Fits-All Criteria

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Two studies showed similar disparities for different heart procedures. Read the full article.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others l...

How Student Debt is Impacting Nursing

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Potential limits on borrowing for a nursing education could affect decisions to stay in the profession or seek advanced training.Episode TranscriptFor...

Private Equity Investment into IVF

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

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

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study finds that transfeminine people 18 years and older report significant benefits across multiple metrics 12 months after the procedure.Ep...

Studying Pathological Demand Avoidance

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Finding resources for parents of children with PDA can provide useful tools and help with addressing behavioral challenges.Episode TranscriptFor more ...

Re-Release: Experts Still Urge Fall Vaccinations for Flu, COVID

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

AI and Mental Health

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As concern grows about online chatbots and mental health, an expert cautions about potential risk to already-vulnerable people, especially teens and y...

Talking end-of-life planning at the holidays

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Protecting newborns from hepatitis B

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Medical experts are urging continued hepatitis B vaccine birth doses for newborns. This recommendation is based on decades of data showing that polici...

10 key things to know about health insurance in 2026

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Vasectomy FAQ

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 v...

Studying the relationship between cancer and fish oil

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ALOX15 loss, which is common in colorectal tumors, impairs the cancer-preventative effects of fish oil. Read the full article on Health Lab.Episode Tr...

Better health benefits linked to better job numbers

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The recent study shows the biggest job gains were seen among low income adults with serious health problems whose health improved over time. Read the ...

Updates to Michigan Child Passenger Safety Laws

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Michigan, laws affecting how children ride in cars will align with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read the full article on our...

An Expert Answers Questions about Autism

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A debated link between Tylenol and autism has put the neurodevelopmental condition in the spotlight. An expert answers parents’ top questions. Read ...

Hospice Patients with Dementia Face Higher Risk from Certain Prescriptions

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A study of those prescribed benzodiazepines or antipsychotics after hospice enrollment highlights two hospice policy issues. Read the full article on ...

Chronic health conditions and food insecurity in kids

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent Michigan Medicine-led study finds a link between chronic illness and higher food insecurity rates for children, even after accounting for inc...

Re-Release: Understanding Medicaid

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

*This episode first aired in May 2025.Today on Health Lab, we’re exploring Medicaid: What it is, what it does, and 10 things that U-M researchers ha...

Re-Release: Let's talk about PrEP

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Health Lab, we showcase a recent study that examines the trends in use of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, HIV-prevention medication. s...

ADHD and School

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ADHD affects about 1 in 11 children. An expert shares how parents can recognize the signs and support success in and out of the classroom. Read the fu...

Experts Still Urge Fall Vaccinations for Flu, COVID

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

The gap in dental care for children with sickle cell disease

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A study finds that fewer than half of children with sickle cell disease covered by Michigan Medicaid received dental services. Read the full story on ...

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

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this re-release episode, we are sharing resources for what to do in mental health crisis. Read the full story on Health Lab.*Content Warning: Pleas...

Widespread COVID-19 vaccination would save lives, and money

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Study finds vaccinating every person over 65 would actually save the U.S. money, while vaccinating all younger adults would be a reasonable investment...

6 Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Ticks

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

When should teens get cell phones?

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Smartphones are powerful tools—but for tweens and teens, they also come with some unique risks. From disrupting critical sleep cycles and fueling co...

Re-Release: Growing numbers of diabetic retinopathy in kids

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Research highlights alarming rates of diabetic retinopathy; an ophthalmologist shares what to know. Read the full story on Health Lab. Episode Transcr...

The Trials of Toilet Training

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent poll shows that 1 in 5 parents report struggles with toilet training their kids, highlighting many of the challenges and anxieties families f...

How to get help during a mental health crisis

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 aw...

Re-Release: VA research identifies risk factors that could help prevent veteran suicide

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on March 7, 2025.CSREs are conducted after a veteran screens positive for potential suicide risk, as part of the VA's ongoing...

Is it time to let go of "holding it"?

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that fighting the urge to pee could rewire your brain, and not in a good way? A neuro-urologist and pelvic reconstruction specialist expl...

Early Release: Tips for Surviving the Heat

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Extreme heat, especially in places that don't experience it often, can be dangerous - especially to people with certain health conditions. In this epi...

Allergies feeling amplified?

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Health Lab, we highlight how to treat seasonal allergies, and why allergy seasons are getting more severe. You can read the full article on t...

Let's talk about PrEP

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Health Lab, we showcase a recent study that examines the trends in use of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, HIV-prevention medication. s...

Re-Release: Your health care costs today

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired in March 2025.An expert shares 10 things you should know about your health costs right now. Read the article on Health L...

Benefits of Medicaid in Telehealth

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Virtual appointments improve access to care for adults with low incomes, including those living in rural areas.Episode TranscriptFor more on this stor...

When is a mole suspicious?

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Understanding Medicaid

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Health Lab, we’re exploring Medicaid: What it is, what it does, and 10 things that U-M researchers have learned about Medicaid and its impa...

Re-Release: Keeping kids safe in poor air quality conditions

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired in January 2025. As climate change continues, the growing number and intensity of wildfires creates more air pollution, leadi...

This worm can live forever

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Figuring out the secrets of planarian worms' immortality could lead to insights about aging for mammals, including people. You can read the full artic...

Polling parents on having "the talk" about puberty with their kids

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most parents agree that talking to their kids about puberty is important—but when and how to start the conversation is often less clear, a national ...

Re-Release: Measles immunization & prevention: 10 things to know

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired in February 2025.Measles: 10 things to know about immunization and prevention. Infectious disease specialists from University...

Re-Release: IUD 101

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired in December 2024.IUDs are becoming one of the most popular forms of birth control for all ages. In this episode, we cove...

Your health care costs today

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An expert shares 10 things you should know about your health costs right now. Read the article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptMedicare & MedigapS...

How parents are navigating bird flu in 2025

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new national poll on children's health shows that less than half of parents think they have accurate information about bird flu, 2 in 5 parents wish...

VA research identifies risk factors that could help prevent veteran suicide

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

CSREs are conducted after a veteran screens positive for potential suicide risk, as part of the VA's ongoing effort to reduce the number of veterans w...

Measles immunization & prevention: 10 things to know

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Measles: 10 things to know about immunization and prevention. Infectious disease specialists from University of Michigan Health answer questions about...

Re-Release: Research launched to address health disparities in abnormal menstrual bleeding and anemia

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on May 31, 2024.Grant helps launch research to improve screening and treatment for a gynecologic disorder disproportionately ...

Self-sampling for HPV screening found to be as effective as speculum exams

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers have found that self-sampling is equally reliable to speculum exams for HPV screening in people aged 25 to 65. Visit our website for the e...

Uterine fibroids: Seeking another option after advice to undergo a hysterectomy

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Health Lab, a public health professor publicly shares her personal fibroid journey, addressing racial disparities for Black patients. Visit o...

Do penile implants work for erectile dysfunction?

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For people with erectile dysfunction, penile prosthesis surgery provides a safer, and more successful treatment option, than you might think. Read the...

Using biolasers to improve cancer diagnostic tools

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lighting up cancer cells with biolasers. The technique overcomes the limitations of current cancer diagnostic tools. Read the full article on the Heal...

Keeping kids safe in poor air quality conditions

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As climate change continues, the growing number and intensity of wildfires creates more air pollution, leading to poor air quality being a more common...

Protecting your lungs during wildfires

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Health Lab, we share an article about wildfires and how to protect your lung health in poor air quality. Experts offer advice for living in h...

Re-Release: It’s back to school season for viruses too

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Health Lab will be back with new episodes starting next week, but for now, please enjoy this re-release of our episode on viruses that are expected to...

IUD 101

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

IUDs are becoming one of the most popular forms of birth control for all ages. In this episode, we cover a recent Health Lab article Q&A on IUDs w...

Re-Release: The need to raise awareness about pulmonary rehab for COPD patients

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on October 4, 2024.Michigan claims data reveals underuse of an effective intervention. Visit Health Lab to read the full stor...

Re-Release: Simplifying the low-FODMAP diet to help manage IBS

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on July 26, 2024.Researchers try to simplify the low-FODMAP diet in hopes of making it easier for patients to follow without ...

Tips for managing anger in children

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Expert offers strategies to help kids manage intense emotions as many parents report setting a bad example for anger management, worrying their child’...

Tips for Hosting Allergy-Safe Holidays

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Precautions are crucial — even lifesaving — when feeding guests with dietary restrictions. Simple strategies can help avoid issues at the din...

Re-Release: How mental health policy aimed at increasing access has impacted new moms

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on 8/30/24.A recent study finds that after two major health policy shifts aimed at increasing access to care, slightly more p...

Re-Release: Access to Plan B coincides with a drastic decrease in emergency contraception-related ER visits, study shows

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on February 16, 2024.U.S. emergency departments see 96% fewer visits, $7.6 million less in medical costs after FDA approval o...

Re-Release: What health care concerns matter most to older adults this election?

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All types of health care costs, and financial scams, rise to the top.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episode can be fo...

Growing numbers of diabetic retinopathy in kids

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Research highlights alarming rates of diabetic retinopathy; an ophthalmologist shares what to know.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcr...

The “chemical nudges” approach to chronic pain

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you will get to hear Dr. Boehnke, in his own words, talk about his experiences, and the “chemical nudges” approach to chronic pai...

New study finds steep increase in ED visits for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and shows persistent maternal health disparities

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Findings suggest significant increase in emergency department utilization for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy over 14 year span.Visit Health Lab t...

The need to raise awareness about pulmonary rehab for COPD patients

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michigan claims data reveals underuse of an effective intervention.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episode can be foun...

Re-Release: Worry and anxiety is impacting falling asleep for kids

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired in June 2024.Certain nighttime habits can either help or hurt sleep issues in young children.Visit Health Lab to read the ful...

Re-Release: New research launched to address health disparities in abnormal menstrual bleeding and anemia

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on May 31, 2024.A $5.6 million grant helps launch research to improve screening and treatment for a gynecologic disorder disp...

It’s back to school season for viruses too

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What to know about the uptick in B19 and other respiratory illnesses expected to have a comeback in colder seasons.Visit Health Lab to read the full s...

How mental health policy aimed at increasing access has impacted new moms

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study finds that after two major health policy shifts aimed at increasing access to care, slightly more pregnant and postpartum women with de...

What health care concerns matter most to older adults this election?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All types of health care costs, and financial scams, rise to the top.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episode can be fo...

Re-Release: The 3 S's of Seizure First Aid

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired in October 2023.For kids with epilepsy, seizures can strike at any time. Here’s what you can do to help.Educational resourc...

Re-Release: Managing Chronic Pain for Patients with Long COVID

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on March 15, 2024.Therapies for pain conditions like fibromyalgia provide clues for helping those with long COVID.Michigan Me...

Simplifying the low-FODMAP diet to help manage IBS

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers try to simplify the low-FODMAP diet in hopes of making it easier for patients to follow without sacrificing effectiveness.Visit Health Lab...

Re-Release: Breakthroughs in Personalized Medicine for Rare Kidney Disease

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on 5/3/24.The NEPTUNE match study builds kidney atlas.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episode...

Addressing health care inequality

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An expert on racial and ethnic differences in health care and health outcomes offers recommendations as part of a national committee.Visit Health Lab ...

Re-Release: Period Poverty and the Need to Make Menstruation Products Easier to Access

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on April 26, 2024.A survey focused on how much people in their teens and early 20s know about periods and their experience an...

Worry and anxiety is impacting falling asleep for kids

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Certain nighttime habits can either help or hurt sleep issues in young children.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episod...

Re-Release: Study Shows Medical Marijuana Use Decreased in States with Legalized Recreational Use

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on April 19, 2024.The number of patients using cannabis for medical purposes has increased more than 600 percent since 2...

New research launched to address health disparities in abnormal menstrual bleeding and anemia

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A $5.6 million grant helps launch research to improve screening and treatment for a gynecologic disorder disproportionately impacting Black and Hispan...

Presenting: The Fundamentals

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today on Health Lab, we are sharing an episode of The Fundamentals, another podcast from the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network that just launched its ...

Re-Release: Study finds bipolar disorder surpasses smoking in mortality risk

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode originally aired on January 12, 2024.A large study shows having bipolar disorder is associated with a four- to six-fold risk of dying pre...

Re-Release: Access to Plan B coincides with a drastic decrease in emergency contraception-related ER visits, study shows

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on February 16, 2024.U.S. emergency departments see 96% fewer visits, $7.6 million less in medical costs after FDA approval o...

Breakthroughs in Personalized Medicine for Rare Kidney Disease

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The NEPTUNE match study builds kidney atlas.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The transcript for this episode can be found here.Health Lab is br...

Period Poverty and the Need to Make Menstruation Products Easier to Access

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A survey focused on how much people in their teens and early 20s know about periods and their experience and attitudes around “period poverty”.Vis...

Study Shows Medical Marijuana Use Decreased in States with Legalized Recreational Use

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The number of patients using cannabis for medical purposes has increased more than 600 percent since 2016.Visit Health Lab to read the full story.The ...

Re-Release: How AI is helping to predict death and complications after heart procedures

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on January 19, 2024.It showed high levels of accuracy at predicting death, major bleeding events and the need for blood trans...

Re-Release: The 3 S's of Seizure First Aid

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode first aired on 10/20/2023.For kids with epilepsy, seizures can strike at any time. Here’s what you can do to help.Educational resources...