Is Pop/Soda Really That Harmful For Your Health?

On today’s Good Day Health Show - ON DEMAND…

Host Doug Stephan and Dr. Ken Kronhaus of Lake Cardiology (352-735-1400) cover a number of topics affecting our health. First up, Doug and Dr. Ken begin with the neurological and cognitive benefits of nostalgia by acting as a psychological resource that boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens social connections. It triggers dopamine release, increases self-esteem, and fosters a sense of meaning in life. Neurologically, it activates brain regions involved in self-reflection and autobiographical memory.

Then, Dr. Ken and Doug break down the latest on the latest surge of Avian Flu (H5N1) as it continues to spread in US poultry and dairy cows, with over 20 new commercial outbreaks reported in early March 2026, including massive, multi-million bird operations. While the public health risk remains low, the virus has infected over 70 people in the US since early 2024, mostly with mild illness, but with high surveillance in affected areas.

Next up, the conversation shifts to sugary drinks and the truly scary statistics as it pertains to oral cancer. One would think that the decline of smoking and tobacco use would drive down oral cancer rates. In a recently published study, it was found those who consume at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily had a greater chance of developing oral cancer as opposed to those who abstain. These are drinks that have previously been linked to colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers are now linked, sadly, to oral cancers.

In other news, people who use cannabis have a higher risk of heart-health problems than non-users. Those who partake in weed use are more than six times likely to suffer a heart attack, and there is also a dramatic increase in stroke, heart failure and heart-related death.

Moving on, chronic stress is not healthy for anyone, but hone it comes to women, chronic stress is much worse than for their male counterparts. Chronic stress in women significantly increases risks for cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure), depression, anxiety, and immune system suppression. It specifically impacts reproductive health, causing irregular periods and infertility, while also driving weight gain, digestive issues (IBS), and severe headaches.

Continuing with female health, menopause comes with difficult symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms can also be early warning flags for dementia. According to a new study, women who experience more difficult symptoms with menopause are more likely to develop early signs of dementia, like decreased mental function and mild behavioral impairment, compared to women who have had easier transitions.

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