In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Hussam Mahmoud discuss the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, citing the 2023 Maui fire and the 2024 Ventura County fire. Dr. Hassam Mahmoud, an expert in wildfire control, explains that wildfires have risen by 5% annually since 2001 and are now more intense. He highlights that 90% of wildfires in the US are human-induced. Dr. Mahmoud discusses his research focusing on a model to predict fire spread in urban areas, considering factors like wind, building materials, and vegetation. This model, which has accurately reproduced historical fires, aims to identify "super spreaders" to target mitigation efforts effectively. The approach could potentially reduce wildfire damage by identifying critical structures and implementing preventive measures.

Key Takeaways:

• Human-caused fires are far more common than weather-caused fires, up to 90% in the United States.

• There are things that can be done in both communities and in wildlands that can help to control wildfires. Preventing and controlling wildfires is more than just a one-person effort.

• Even if you make your house fireproof, there is still a probability of the house burning. But you can minimize the chance of the house burning.

• Communities should look at fire prevention as a collective effort for a collective impact.

"I am incredibly hopeful that in the future we will get to the point where we minimize losses to a great extent. Maybe it will happen. We're not there yet, but I'm confident we'll get to that point." — Dr. Hussam Mahmoud

Episode References:

• TEDxMileHigh: Hussam Mahmoud Wildfires and Pandemics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55uop7jsJaQ

Connect with Dr. Hussam Mahmoud:

Professional Bio: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/~hmahmoud/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-mahmoud-4b16754

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Keith McCormick discuss what you need to know about osteoporosis and bone health. Dr. McCormick explains what causes osteoporosis, the importance of early bone density tests, and breaks down some of the lifestyle factors that affect bone health. They discuss the need for personalized treatment beyond only medication, and Dr. McCormick advocates for patient empowerment and comprehensive understanding to improve treatment outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• 50% of women will get osteoporosis. 20% of men will get osteoporosis.

• People should be getting bone density tests in their forties, not waiting until their fifties or sixties. The sooner it is discovered you are having symptoms, the sooner you can begin to treat and prevent.

• Bone strength is a combination of bone density and bone quality. Get both the DEXA and Trabecular Bone Score or TBS.Usually physicians don’t request the TBS but it is very important. Ask for it.

• Testing should include blood tests for bone turnover markers. Your blood is telling a larger story and it can get complicated.

• Systemic inflammation also can be tested as it can contribute to loss of bone density.

• The more times you stimulate your body, the more you will stimulate the osteoblasts.

"It's important to understand that you, the patient, are the boss, and you're paying that person, you're asking that person for help and that they should be working with you." — Dr. Keith McCormick

Connect with Dr. Keith McCormick:

Website: https://www.osteonaturals.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-keith-mccormick-dc-433a2526/

Twitter: https://x.com/OsteoNaturals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OsteoNaturals/

Books:

Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Bones-Taking-Control-Osteoporosis/dp/B0BS8RJ2V3

The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Body-Approach-Osteoporosis-Strength-Harbinger-ebook/dp/B0056JX49Y

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Elizabeth Scott discuss the impact of cognitive distortions on stress. Dr. Scott explains what cognitive distortions are, how they lead to increased stress and emotional difficulties and gives examples of different types of distortions. They discuss how the distortions can be mitigated. They also talk about why addressing cognitive distortions is crucial for mental and physical health, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. Finally, Dr. Scott provides free or minimal cost resources to help you change cognitive distortions and regain power over your mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Cognitive distortions are patterns of thinking that skew our perception of reality. They are shortcuts of the brain, but they aren’t always accurate and can lead to increased stress and emotional difficulties.

• Cognitive distortions often prevent us from enjoying the good things in life through distortions such as catastrophizing, jumping to conclusions, emotional reasoning, or disqualifying the positive, among many others.

• Your brain's attempt to protect you from disappointment and from setting yourself up to be hurt can actually create stress. Remember, stress response is triggered when our mind thinks there's a threat, whether there is one or not.

• Over time, we can rewire our brains to think more positively and accurately. Intentionally focusing on the things that are going well and moments of gratitude, will help your brain to help notice the good as well as the bad.

• It is never too early to teach children about thoughts and recognizing patterns.

"Once we can identify these distortions, we can challenge them and begin to think more realistically and positively." — Dr. Elizabeth Scott

Check out Dr. Scott’s link for a new course Designed for anyone tired of being held back by negative thought loops. Take charge of your thoughts.

https://drelizabethscott.com/mindset-makeover-masterclass-landing-page/

Episode References:

• Woebot: https://woebothealth.com/

• CBT Thought Diary: https://www.thinkwithclarity.com/

• The Five Minute Journal: https://www.intelligentchange.com/collections/all/products/the-five-minute-journal

Connect with Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D.:

Twitter: https://x.com/ElizabethScott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AboutStressManagement/

Website: https://drelizabethscott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elizabethscott/

Book: 8 Keys to Stress Management: amazon.com/Keys-Stress-Management-Mental-Health-ebook/dp/B00AJUKO5M

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.