Merck Manuals Medical Myths

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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
Merck Manuals Medical Myths

The Merck Manuals pits myths against medical degrees. Should you put butter on a burn? Drink coffee to sober up? Feed a cold and starve a fever? On this podcast, physicians from around the country set the record straight and help you make more informed decisions about your health. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

  1. NOV 7

    Why Babies Cry: Understanding and Managing Colic

    This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast debunks common misconceptions related to colic and why babies cry so much. Dr. Alicia R. Pekarsky, MD, FAAP, ABP Certified in Child Abuse & General Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, discusses the reasons why babies cry and how parents can manage it. Dr. Pekarsky explains that crying can be due to hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or an immature nervous system.   She also delves into colic, characterized by prolonged crying in otherwise healthy infants, and offers strategies for soothing a crying baby, such as swaddling, using white noise, and taking breaks to manage parental stress. Dr. Pekarsky emphasizes the importance of understanding that crying is a normal part of infant development and provides resources for further information on pediatric care.

    30 min

  2. OCT 16

    Uncovering the Myths of Snoring and Sleep Apnea: A Conversation with Dr. Richard Schwab

    In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Pearlman School of Medicine continues to debunk sleep myths.   The focus shifts from insomnia to snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Schwab explains that snoring is caused by the vibration of the uvula or soft palate due to a narrow airway, often exacerbated by factors like alcohol and obesity. Dr. Schwab explains that while snoring is common, it is not normal and can be a sign of sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway narrows significantly, reducing airflow, oxygen levels, and associated cardiovascular risks.   Dr. Schwab also discusses various treatments for sleep apnea, including CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgical options like hypoglossal nerve stimulation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic snoring and sleep apnea due to their significant impact on health and daily functioning.

    14 min

  3. OCT 16

    Debunking Sleep Myths: Insomnia and How to Truly Rest with Dr. Richard Schwab

    In this episode of The Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we delve into common misconceptions about insomnia and sleep apnea with Dr. Richard Schwab, a sleep medicine expert from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwab explains how insomnia is a perception of inadequate sleep, which can vary greatly among individuals. He emphasizes that everyone needs sleep, debunking the myth that some people can function without it.  The episode covers the role of exercise and diet in promoting better sleep and advises against using electronic devices before bedtime. Dr. Schwab recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia and cautions against long-term use of sleeping pills due to their side effects. The discussion also touches on the potential risks and benefits of cannabis for sleep, particularly in individuals with chronic pain. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic: sleep apnea.

    16 min

  4. SEP 24 · BONUS

    A Veterinary Journey: Dr. Laurie Hess on Avian Medicine, Exotic Pets, and the Merck Veterinary Manual

    In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we take a break from debunking myths to get to know more about Dr. Laurie Hess, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the new Editor-in-Chief of the Merck Veterinary Manual. Dr. Hess shares her incredible journey in avian and exotic animal medicine, her passion for veterinary care, and her thoughts on being one of the few board-certified avian specialists in the world. She also recounts an early career experience involving a distressed monkey and an injury caused by a cat. Later in the episode, Dr. Hess emphasizes the importance of reliable veterinary resources in education and animal care, and encourages listeners to explore the Merck Veterinary Manual.  Learn more about the Merck Veterinary Manual here: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

    14 min

  5. AUG 29 · BONUS

    Avian Flu: Protecting Your Feathered Friends with Prevention and Management Strategies

    In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, our guest, Dr. Laurie Hess, discusses Bird Flu, its background, symptoms, and treatment. Dr. Hess, the new Editor-in-Chief of The Merck Veterinary Manual, shares critical strategies for preventing and managing bird flu, particularly focusing on the H5N1 strain. The episode highlights the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures, such as isolating new birds, monitoring visitors, and keeping pet birds indoors to reduce exposure to wild birds and potential diseases. Dr. Hess provides expert insights on avian flu while emphasizing the value of annual veterinary checkups to safeguard your birds' health.  To learn more about Avian Flu, please visit merckmanuals.com.

    11 min

  6. JUN 26

    Understanding Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Michael C. Levin

    On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we focus on Multiple sclerosis or “MS”. MS is characterized by disseminated patches of demyelination in the brain and spinal cord.  Dr. Michael C. Levin joins us for this episode and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, where he is the inaugural Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair.    During the episode, Dr. Levin provides insights into MS and dispels the myth that MS is untreatable or a death sentence. Additionally, Dr. Levin explores the impact of MS on your everyday lifestyle,. the possibility of pregnancy for women who are experiencing MS, and why an early diagnosis is crucial to long term success with the disease.    To learn more about MS, please visit merckmanuals.com

    20 min

  7. JUN 19

    Debunking Skin Myths: Rosacea and Dandruff with Dr. Jonette Keri

    This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast dives deep into the world of rosacea and dandruff. Dr. Jonette Keri, Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine is here to help dispel the myths and misconceptions of this skin condition. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. Dr. Keri is a familiar face on the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast and joined us back in Season 3 to talk about anti-aging and skincare myths.  This episode begins with an introduction to rosacea overall.  Then Dr, Keri answers whether rosacea is a form of acne, whether certain foods or drinks can cause flare-ups and treatment options. The podcast then shifts to debunking myths about dandruff. She answers questions whether dandruff is contagious, impact of weather and if washing hair less often even helps.   To learn more about this condition, please visit merckmanuals.com

    22 min

  8. JAN 3

    Ear Infection Myths

    In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bradley Kesser, MD, a specialist in congenital ear disease, ventures into the intricate world of ear health, exploring various types of ear infections and their treatments, Dr Kesser dissects symptoms, delves into the necessity of antibiotics, and uncovers why some children are more prone to ear infections than others. The episode also tackles common myths about ear cleaning methods, from Q-tips to ear candling. Join the conversation as they address crucial questions surrounding ear health, offering valuable information to empower listeners. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on.

    28 min
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About

The Merck Manuals pits myths against medical degrees. Should you put butter on a burn? Drink coffee to sober up? Feed a cold and starve a fever? On this podcast, physicians from around the country set the record straight and help you make more informed decisions about your health. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

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