Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic syndrome characterized by fast heart rate (30-40 BPM higher than resting heart rate), lightheadedness/dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations (feeling your heart beat in your chest), brain fog, exhaustion, shakiness, and anxiety. While these are the most prevalent symptoms, POTS varies greatly from case to case. Some people can experience only a few of these symptoms while others can experience nearly all of them.

POTS most often affects people aged 15-50, and predominantly affects women. POTS can be exacerbated by warm environments, sitting and standing quickly, intensive exercise, menstruation, or illness.

This week, Dr. Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur discuss how POTS works, how people with this syndrome treat the symptoms, disorders that look similar to POTS, and the implications of what this might mean for people with POTS.

What is a state veterinarian? What are the responsibilities of someone in this position? Today Dr. Amar Patil, the State Veterinarian of New Jersey, joins our host, Dr. Jonathan Karp, and student producer, Kaya Basatemur to talk about what it means to be the State Vet.

As someone who is also part of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Patil has some unique insights on what it's like to deal with widespread animal disease outbreaks, such as livestock and poultry diseases, rabies, and more. Dr. Patil also has an extensive background in research and laboratory directing, leading to a career that has a good balance of research, legislature, practice, and real world application.

What really counts as being exposed to nature? Is it being on a hike, camping out in the wilderness for days at a time, climbing mountains, or going out to sea? Griff Griffith, a renowned nature conservationist and nature interpreter, says it's much simpler than you might think.

Today, Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur are joined by Griff Griffith to discuss the role that nature plays in our daily lives-- from our lifestyles, to our mental health. Nature not only has a huge impact on how we feel, but also on how we perceive the world around us. Griff explains how nature observation is accessible within our own backyards and windowsills, without requiring a visit to the local forest or national park.

Griff, while a nature conservationist, has not only worked in wildlife conservation, but also has experience in trail construction, leading ecological restoration crews, firefighting, fishing, farming, and conducting wildlife surveys. He has completely dedicated his life to his passion for nature and protecting the environment.

If you want to know more about Griff or the documentary, visit the links below!

Documentary website: https://www.inournaturemovie.com/

Griff's website: griffgriffith.info

Instagram: @thenaturenut

Everywhere else: @griffwild