• Episode #7—Online Grocery Shopping May Be Key to Better Nutrition Habits
    Sep 6 2023

    In this seventh episode of Morning Sign In, Morning Sign Out (MSO) Outreach Director Jenny Lee and writers Kruthica Dama and Andrew Camacho talk about a recent study on how online grocery shopping was found to help reduce hypertension and build better nutrition habits.


    Audio editing: Jenny Lee, Outreach Director

    Speakers: Jenny Lee, Outreach Director; Kruthica Dama, Writer; Andrew Camacho, Writer


    MSO Website: 

    https://www.msoatucla.org/

    Kruthica Dama's Article:

    https://www.msoatucla.org/online-grocery-shopping-may-be-key-to-better-nutrition-habits.html

    Steen et al.’s Research:

    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02077-7


    Other sources used in this episode:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on healthy eating:

    https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html#:~:text=Emphasizes%20fruits%2C%20vegetables%2C%20whole%20grains,%2C%20trans%20fats%2C%20and%20cholesterol.

    Harvard Medical School on foods that should be taken in moderation:

    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/which-foods-dont-belong-in-a-healthy-diet

    CDC's hypertension statistics:

    https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm

    American Heart Association on blood pressure readings:

    https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

    CDC on health issues due to hypertension:

    https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm#:~:text=High%20blood%20pressure%20can%20damage%20your%20arteries%20by%20making%20them,Chest%20pain%2C%20also%20called%20angina.

    World Health Organization on other health issues due to hypertension:

    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension#:~:text=If%20hypertension%20isn%27t%20treated,chest%20pain

    United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with more information on nutritional health:

    https://www.nutrition.gov/

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    10 mins
  • Episode #6—Effects of Fiber on Strengthening the Skin Barrier to Prevent Eczema
    May 8 2023

    In this sixth episode of Morning Sign In, Morning Sign Out (MSO) Outreach Director Jenny Lee, writer Audrey Banzali-Marks, and editor Hope Harris talk about the latest research on the relationship between eczema and dietary fiber, as well as how the modern Western Diet could affect our health based on the researchers’ results. 


    Audio editing: Jenny Lee, Outreach Director

    Speakers: Jenny Lee, Outreach Director; Audrey Banzali-Marks, Writer; Hope Harris, Editor


    MSO Website: 

    https://www.msoatucla.org/

    Audrey Banzali-Marks’ Article:

    https://www.msoatucla.org/feeding-the-fight-against-eczema-how-fiber-strengthens-skin.html

    Trompette et al.’s Research:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1933021922000113?via%3Dihub


    Other sources used in this episode:

    National Eczema Association Website:

    https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/

    National Eczema Association’s eczema statistics:

    https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/

    Medline Plus’ carbohydrate information:

    https://medlineplus.gov/carbohydrates.html

    The Harvard School of Public Health’s information on dietary fiber recommendations:

    https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/

    Mayo Clinic’s information on symptoms of insufficient dietary fiber in the diet:

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983#:~:text=Dietary%20fiber%20increases%20the%20weight,Helps%20maintain%20bowel%20health.

    Nemours Children’s Health information on keratinocytes:

    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/skin-hair-nails.html#:~:text=Keratinocytes%20(ker%2Duh%2DTIH,protect%20the%20body%20against%20infection.

    Rakhra et al.’s information on the Western Diet:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721435/

    Bylund et al.’s information on the prevalence and incidence of atopic dermatitis:

    https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/1691

    National Eczema Association’s information on eczema diets:

    https://nationaleczema.org/diet-nutrition/

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    12 mins
  • Episode #5—Heart Xenotransplantations
    Apr 5 2023

    What are heart xenotransplantations? Why is it important and what kind of research has been found and is currently being done? In this fifth episode of Morning Sign In, we'll be delving deeper into these questions.

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    11 mins
  • Episode #4—Mental and Cognitive Health
    May 16 2022

    While you may not think about it often, your brain is vital to practically everything you do. In fact, it’s what allows you to process and remember this podcast episode! While our physical health (the health of our bodies in general) rightfully receives lots of attention, the health of our brains should not be neglected either. Doing so can have serious consequences.

    In this episode, join MSO at UCLA Co-Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Khosla and writers Mia Kim and Umiemah Farrukh as they discuss the importance of both mental and cognitive health. They explain key concepts, like what these terms mean in the first place, and go on to discuss issues stemming from poor mental or cognitive health, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Mia and Umiemah also provide resources and strategies that may help you improve the health of your brain!

    If you’re interested in learning more about the articles and topics we covered, you can do so at our website, www.msoatucla.org!


    Speakers: Dhruv Khosla, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Mia Kim, Writer. Umiemah Farrukh, Writer.

    Audio editing: Jingyao (Bella) Chen, Editor

    Cover art: Yea-Lyn Pak, Media Director


    Sources used in this episode:

    Umiemah’s article on mental health: https://www.msoatucla.org/genetics-and-adverse-childhood-experiences-shape-the-adult-mind.html

    Mia’s article on cognitive health and exercise: https://www.msoatucla.org/redefining-the-factors-behind-exercises-benefits-for-the-brain.html

    Healthy Minds Study Fall 2020 Data Report: https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HMS-Fall-2020-National-Data-Report.pdf

    APA information on mental health disparities in diverse populations: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/mental-health-facts

    Trygg et al. 2019 study on intersectional inequalities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6657170/

    MannMukti at UCLA: https://mannmuktiucla.wixsite.com/mysite

    NIH NIA information on cognitive health: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

    SPRINT MIND trial: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2723256

    Summary of 2019 NIH study on physical activity and cognitive health: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/physical-activity-and-motor-ability-associated-better-cognition-older-adults-even-dementia

    2021 Nature study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04183-x

    2015 meta-analysis on loneliness and treatments: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866548/

    Article on benefits of yoga for youth with depression and anxiety by former MSO writer Lily Kiamanesh: https://www.msoatucla.org/benefits-of-yoga-for-youth-with-depression-and-anxiety.html

    Harvard article on sleep and mental health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health

    2015 review article on aging and cognition: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906299/

    Explanation of healthy aging by UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences: https://memory.ucsf.edu/symptoms/healthy-aging


    Additional resources:

    UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services: https://counseling.ucla.edu/

    LA County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH): https://dmh.lacounty.gov/get-help-now/

    LACDMH Help Line: 800-854-7771

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    14 mins
  • Episode #3—Cancer
    Nov 1 2021

    As one of the leading causes of death in the United States and around the world, cancer is an extremely relevant topic and a frequent health concern. Fortunately, the amount of information available to healthcare professionals and the general public on what cancer is, and on precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cancer, continues to increase. Recently, breakthroughs in cancer research have helped improve existing treatment options and even led to the development of new methods for treating certain types of cancer.

    In this episode, join MSO at UCLA president Laila Khorasani, writers Catherine Beaudin and Robin Fong, and guest speaker Kevin Fong—a radiation therapist at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco—as they discuss what cancer is and steps everyone can take to help prevent cancer. They also discuss some of the available treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a rapidly emerging field of cancer treatment called immunotherapy.

    If you’re interested in learning more about the articles and topics we covered, you can do so at our website, www.msoatucla.org!

    Cover art: Yea-Lyn Pak, Media Director

    Audio editing: Jingyao (Bella) Chen, Editor

    Speakers: Laila Khorasani, President. Catherine Beaudin, Writer. Robin Fong, Writer.

    Sources used in this episode:

    Article on improving cancer immunotherapy by MSO writer Anjali Roy: https://www.msoatucla.org/activating-the-killer-in-stem-cells-to-improve-cancer-immunotherapy.html


    Article on detecting cancer early by MSO writer Annie Liang: https://www.msoatucla.org/a-cure-for-cancer-prevention-and-early-prognosis.html


    Understanding cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer


    Chemotherapy as a cancer treatment option: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/how-is-chemotherapy-used-to-treat-cancer.html


    Chemotherapy to treat cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy


    Immunotherapy to treat cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy


    Guidelines for the early detection of cancer: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html


    Healthy choices that can help prevent cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/other.htm

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    12 mins
  • Episode #2—Racial Disparities in Healthcare
    Aug 1 2021

    In countries around the world and especially in America, the last few years have brought a tidal wave of reckoning with racial inequality and unjust social structures. While this probably immediately reminds you of police brutality incidents and the inexcusable killing of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, this reckoning also applies to a field concerned with healing and supporting life: healthcare. In this episode, join MSO at UCLA writer Melody Zaki and editor Sofia Luengo-Woods as they explore how people of color—particularly Black Americans—receive different, and often unfair, treatment than their counterparts of other races in the realm of medicine and healthcare. This unequal treatment is not an isolated series of cases, but rather a racial pattern that persists through the stages of life. Melody and Sofia also provide concrete suggestions for how these issues can be addressed to promote equality and improve health outcomes for patients.


    2:13 - Melody explains the connection between childbirth and racial disparities in America


    5:54 - Socioeconomic status isn’t the only barrier Black mothers face


    10:07 - Melody proposes some solutions to handle racially differing rates of maternal morbidity and C-sections


    11:50 - Sofia reveals an area of disparity further down the life course that is often overlooked


    13:24 - Research studies indicate that bystander CPR rates are influenced by race, something that can mean the difference between life and death


    15:35 - Sofia pinpoints potential paths towards finding equity in bystander CPR rates and some great resources for CPR training


    16:58 - Melody explains end-of-life options and how they are entangled with socioeconomic status and race


    20:14 - Trust between healthcare professionals and Black Americans has historically been low, and VAE/PAS may worsen it


    22:46 - Melody shares her thoughts on improving end-of-life care without racial disparity


    If you’re interested in learning more about the topics we covered, you can do so at our website, www.msoatucla.org!


    Cover art: Yea-Lyn Pak, Media Director

    Audio editing: Jingyao (Bella) Chen, Editor

    Speakers: Dhruv Khosla, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Melody Zaki, Writer. Sofia Luengo-Woods, Editor

     

    Sources used in this episode:

    Melody’s article on maternal morbidity and race: https://www.msoatucla.org/racial-disparities-in-maternal-morbidity.html


    Melody’s article on VAE/PAS: https://www.msoatucla.org/racial-privilege-behind-vae-and-pas.html


    Data from study on C-section rates: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-020-00842-3/tables/2


    AHA study on bystander CPR and race: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012637


    Study on race and cardiac arrest: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0300957218300959?casa_token=sBOzRT1yqrAAAAAA:ncKYDzH7eWeCb1F4OeLsg9KpmII9bRFAG5ll5zfVGqnc0p0fc5Onwq4GAP5RAxOIfgk6BMJd


    Study on bystander CPR and neighborhood ethnicity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735675714004495


    CPR training for UCLA students: http://uclacpr.weebly.com/


    CPR training: https://www.nationalcprfoundation.com/how-much-does-a-cpr-class-cost/

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    25 mins
  • Episode #1—Nutrition and Food Insecurity
    Apr 11 2021

    Ever find yourself on the prowl for a tasty midnight snack? Well, recent research studies have found links between late-night snacks and lower fat breakdown in humans, and between high-calorie diets and disrupted mealtimes in mice. In our first-ever episode of 'Morning Sign In', come hear MSO at UCLA’s current President, Laila Khorasani, and editor Bella Chen tackle the topic of nutrition! Laila provides excellent insight on the state of food insecurity and hunger during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and she also discusses recent MSO articles on important research about the role of meal timings and weight gain. Bella follows up by explaining key concepts in nutritional science, including food with potential health benefits, their role in inflammation, and the interplay between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. If you’re interested in learning more about the topics discussed, you can do so at our website, www.msoatucla.org!


    Sources used in this episode:


    https://www.msoatucla.org/the-hidden-risks-of-snacking.html

    https://www.msoatucla.org/obesity-its-not-just-what-you-eat-but-when-you-eat.html

    https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1107021

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28670620/

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535900/

    https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/states-are-using-much-needed-temporary-flexibility-in-snap-to-respond-to

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/one-in-six-could-go-hungry-2020-as-covid-19-persists

    https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2033629

    http://www.cpo.ucla.edu/cpo/foodcloset/

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    11 mins