Happy Fall to All.

Hi everyone! Please see below for the latest expert guests to appear on the Causes or Cures Health Interview Podcast and the trending wellness, public health, medical and research topics that are discussed. You'll also find links to the latest health videos on my Youtube channel (including the TSN Farrago Podcast), blogs, and summaries of recent health news that I think you'll find interesting. And of course, anecdotes for the lighter side of life. ;)

As always, if you have ideas for podcast topics, guests, want to co-host an episode or want me to include a blurb in this newsletter about something you are working on, please email me at erin@bloomingwellness.com. I am always looking for guests to interview and new topics to explore.

Warmly,

Dr. Eeks

ErinKate Stair MD, MPH

On The Causes or Cures Podcast:

Upcoming Episodes on Causes or Cures:

• Dr. Shai Efrati will talk about his new book Beyond Normal: How the New Science of Enhanced Medicine Elevates Peak Performance and Repairs Brain Injuries and explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is helping with a variety of diseases and aging.
• Dr. Joyce Harper will discuss her research on how cold water swimming helps menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms.
• Dr. James Johnson will join us to explain his research on how unusual bowel movement patterns are linked to higher levels of microbial byproducts in the blood, which may be tied to poorer organ function.
• Dr. Alan Lightman, internationally renowned physicist and novelist, will chat about his new book The Miraculous from the Material, which explores the fascinating science underlying the natural world.
• Dr. Andrea Casanova will discuss his research on the influence of psilocybin "magic mushrooms" on subconscious and conscious emotional learning.
• Dr. Lorenzo Pasquini and Dr. Hannes Kettner will tell us about their research on how psychedelics affect older adults.
• Dr. Sheila MacNeil and Dr. Muhammad Yar will discuss their research on how a simple sugar may be the answer for hair loss and male baldness.
• Bob Ashley, known snake expert, will share colorful anecdotes from his new book, A Photographic History of Snakebite Treatments: Bad Medicine: Snake Oils, Potions, Elixirs and Kits.
• Sophie Scorey will discuss her investigation into coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns.
• Dr. Sherlock Li will tell us how forever chemicals are impacting our sleep.

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Health News Just for You:

• Unlocking the Secrets of Aging: Key Transitions at age 44 and 60 Revealed: Aging is linked to almost all diseases, and understanding the molecular changes behind it is key to extending healthspan. While many studies focus on gradual changes, a new study looked at nonlinear shifts in aging by analyzing molecular markers in 108 people over time. It found two major periods of change around ages 44 and 60, with specific molecules and pathways, like immune and carbohydrate metabolism, shifting during these transitions. The study shows that aging-related risks don't follow a straight line but change at key points in life.
• New Shingles Vaccine linked to Lower Dementia Risk: New research suggests that the newer recombinant shingles vaccine may lower the risk of dementia. While the older live shingles vaccine (now discontinued) showed some potential to protect against dementia, this study found that the recombinant vaccine reduces dementia risk even more. People who received the recombinant vaccine had 164 more days without a dementia diagnosis over six years compared to those who didn't. The effect was stronger in women and greater than the protection offered by flu or tetanus vaccines. These findings could lead to more studies to confirm this benefit.
• Even Low-Risk Drinking linked to Higher Mortality in Older Adults with health or financial challenges: A new study looked at how alcohol consumption affects older drinkers with health or socioeconomic risk factors. It found that even low-risk drinking increased mortality in these groups, particularly from cancer and heart disease. However, those who preferred wine or only drank with meals had a lower risk, which might be due to healthier lifestyles or slower alcohol absorption. The results highlight the need to address the health inequalities linked to alcohol use in older adults.
• Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer: A new study followed over 100,000 men and women for more than 30 years and found that aspirin use may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly for those with an unhealthier lifestyle. While the relative benefit of aspirin was similar for everyone, the absolute reduction in CRC risk was more noticeable among individuals with higher body mass, more smoking, alcohol intake, and less physical activity. This suggests aspirin could be an effective prevention tool for those with additional risk factors for CRC.
• Lower Limb Muscle Mass & Osteoarthritis: A new study examined if weight-bearing recreational activities are linked to knee osteoarthritis. Among 5,003 participants, those with low lower-limb muscle mass had a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis from such activities. This research highlights the importance of tailoring physical activity recommendations based on a person's muscle mass to reduce osteoarthritis risk while still promoting the benefits of staying active.
• A Minnesota Man Dies of Rabies: A Minnesota resident over the age of 65 died from rabies after coming into contact with a bat in July, marking a rare occurrence as fewer than 10 people in the U.S. die from rabies each year. The CDC confirmed the diagnosis in September, and state health officials assured the public that there is no ongoing risk. The incident serves as a reminder to avoid contact with bats, as their bites may not be easily felt or visible due to their tiny teeth. For example, it's possible to be bitten by a bat in your sleep and not notice.

Echoes of the Dead: The Grateful Dead's Role in the Psychedelic Medicine Revival

I love this article from the

Multidisciplinary Study of Psychedelics (MAPS) about my favorite band. You simply can't discuss the history—or future—of psychedelic medicine without mentioning the Grateful Dead. They were the soundtrack for the 2nd psychedelic revolution, their music pulsing through the veins of a cultural shift. Their contributions helped sustain the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, founded during the Summer of Love, 1967, a beacon of free, compassionate care.

I was lucky to chat with Dr. Dave Smith, one of the founders of the Haight Ashbury Clinics, on my podcast. Now in his 80s, he shared why he’s cautiously optimistic about the 3rd psychedelic revolution. He described the cyclical pattern of hope for the healing potential of psychedelics—only to have it crushed by narrow-minded puritanism and political muscle. The psychedelic counterculture movement of the '60s was silenced by the criminalization of psychedelics in the '70s, with Nixon’s war on drugs stamping out the 2nd revolution.The war on drugs marched on under Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign, leading to punitive measures and skyrocketing incarceration rates.

One of the most iconic commercials in America aired in 1987: A person holds an egg, saying, “This is your brain.” They crack it in a frying pan and warn, “This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” While that ad delivered a visceral punch, public health historians may look back and see it as a reductive, hollow scare tactic. I, for one, have questions—and it’s fair to say that the war on drugs was a colossal, costly failure, one that chose punishment over education and treatment.

The 3rd psychedelic revolution is distinct from earlier waves. This time, it's not just cultural experimentation leading the charge; it’s science, medical application, and a push for regulatory reform. Psychedelics are now being studied in clinical trials at prestigious institutions, reframed as tools for holistic healing, expanded self-awareness, and for mental health conditions like depression and PTSD—areas in dire need of better options. While some are discouraged by the FDA's recent rejection of Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, I don’t see this as a derailment of the 3rd revolution. Regulators will regulate—but a little red tape can’t stop the revolution.

Though the soulful poet and spiritual guru of the Dead, Jerry Garcia, has long since passed, I and many others have been blessed to hear Dead & Co keep the magic alive. The adjacent photo is from a night at The Sphere—a venue that felt purpose-built for the Dead, with its mind-blowing special effects merging music, mind, and soul into one surreal experience. In the midst of the 3rd revolution, the Sphere show felt like a fitting tribute to a band that gave so much to the world of music and psychedelics. I call it the show that ruined me for other shows.

Indeed, what a long, strange trip it’s been.

Thanks for reading, sharing and everything in between.

Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested in the above topics or anyone who would be interested in listening to the Causes or Cures Podcast or anyone you think might have an idea for a podcast guest or topic.

A big thanks to those who support the Causes or Cures Podcast with contributions and subscriptions, as you really help keep it up and running!

All Best Wishes,

Dr. Eeks

If you are interested in scientific communication consulting work, click here to contact me.