In this episode, we delve into how inadequate medical care in correctional facilities exacerbates mental and physical health issues and creates lasting burdens on those inside and outside of the system. How can we call a system “just” when it fails to prioritize health and rehabilitation, forcing incarcerated individuals into a daily struggle for survival that erodes their sense of security and hope? We hear from Tanika Nicholas, who was once incarcerated at Pulaski State Prison and is now a Justice Reform Partnership Strategist at the Southern Center for Human Rights, as well as Marisol Dominguez-Ruiz, a Justice Catalyst Fellow at the ACLU's National Prison Project who advocates for ending solitary confinement for incarcerated people with disabilities.

This episode was reported and produced by Aavni Deval, a junior at Emory University majoring in political science and minoring in business, with a strong passion for exploring the intersection of health injustices and policy reform. She is dedicated to addressing systemic inequalities in healthcare through innovative solutions and seeks to develop strategies that improve access to quality care and advocate for equitable health policies, particularly for marginalized populations.

Reports and litigation mentioned in episode:

• United States Department of Justice Report
• 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics Report
• Pennsylvania Department of Corrections v. Yeskey
• Read more about Dr. Yvon Nazaire (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
• GDC Response to DOJ Report

Additional resources:

• ACLU National Prison Project
• Southern Center for Human Rights

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical profe

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

In this episode, host Tre’ Harp tackles the issue of student mental health after reading a viral article that supposedly ranked the most depressed universities, with Emory coming in at No. 4. To get to the bottom of the question of what is going on with the depression on campus, Tre’ talks with fellow students including Nasneen Abdalim about what it’s like to navigate the university’s mental health resources. He also talks with Dr. Peter Hitchcock, assistant professor in Emory University’s psychology department, who gives a more nuanced answer to why college students struggle. Roderick (Tre’) Harp is a Human Health major and amateur podcaster studying at Emory University. He spends most of his time hanging out with friends and advocating for Native and Indigenous voices on campus.

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Investigating Mental Health of US College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
• Harvard Youth Poll
• Issues and the 2024 election | Pew Research Center
• What Works For Improving Mental Health In Higher Education? (PDF)

Additional Resources:

• Stress Management Health | Emory University
• Healthy Minds Network

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

How do college students find purpose amidst the hustle and bustle of academic deadlines, internships, and social pressures? In this episode of HealthierU, host Abby Weisenfeld dives into the challenges and joys of discovering meaning in everyday life by drawing on published research and talking with Dr. Christine Whelan, Emory University's “Purpose Professor” and a nationally recognized expert on purposeful living. Next, Abby experiences the restorative power of a sound bath with Emory health educator Noni Keyton. Whether you’re a student or someone seeking clarity in a busy world, Abby’s journey will leave you reflecting on how purpose can transform your life, one small step at a time.

This episode was reported and produced by Abby Weisenfeld, an undergraduate student at Emory University studying human health and global development. Passionate about holistic health practices, Abby is dedicated to exploring the intersection of well-being, mindfulness and personal growth.

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Finding a Life Worth Living: Meaning in Life and Graduation from College | European Association of Personality Psychology
• Harvard's Making Caring Common Project: "On Edge Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges" (PDF)
• The value of a purposeful life: Sense of purpose predicts greater income and net worth | Journal of Research in Personality (PDF)
• A mediating model of mindfulness, sense of purpose in life and mental health among Chinese graduate students | BMC Psychology
• Sound Baths Around Metro Atlanta | Atlanta Magazine

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

More and more, otherwise healthy female athletes are getting diagnosed with something called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS, for short). Often, the first signs of POTS are feeling faint when standing up, or noticing a rapid heartbeat. POTS is a condition that affects blood flow and can cause symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and fatigue—challenges that can significantly impact athletic performance.

In this episode, we explore the science behind POTS with the help of Emory University School of Medicine professor cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins, and hear from athletes who are managing this condition, including Emory Assistant Track and Field Coach Jordan Anunike. What does the rising incidence of POTS mean for women’s sports?

This episode was reported and produced by Samantha Glass, a track athlete at Emory University who is very familiar with the signs and symptoms of POTS, as she was diagnosed with the condition last summer. A senior majoring in Human Health, she hopes to bring this knowledge to others that might be struggling.

Additional Resources:

• Dysautonomia International
• Dr. Alexis Cutchins

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

Burnout, depression, and even suicide rates among physicians have reached alarming levels, raising the critical question: Who heals the healers? In this episode of HealthierU, we dive into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals, starting with pre-med students and continuing through residency and beyond. One-time Emory pre-med student Ruhama Atena shares her story of burnout, and psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold discusses how systemic pressures and cultural stigmas contribute to this growing crisis. This episode underscores the urgency of creating a healthcare system that supports its healers, ensuring those who dedicate their lives to caring for others receive the care they need.

This episode was reported and produced by Merom Arthur, a senior pre-med student and aspiring storyteller at Emory University, who combines her passion for health and media to explore the intersections of medicine, mental health, and human connection. Dr. Jessi Gold is a psychiatrist and wellness officer at the University of Tennessee, specializing in the mental health of healthcare professionals. She is the author of How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine. Follow her on social media or explore her work at her website.

Studies referenced in this episode:

• Physician mental health and burnout statistics.
• Will West’s call for systemic change in healthcare.
• Cracking the code on pre-med attrition.

Additional resources:

• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.

Emory’s Health Kitchen Collaborative: Research on Lifestyle Medicine.

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

This episode delves into the growing epidemic of "tech neck,” a modern issue arising from our sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen use. We all know neck pain can be uncomfortable, but did you know it can also increase stress, impact your mood, and lead to a sense of overwhelm? We talk with Emory students who’ve experienced neck discomfort, as well as Dr. John Heller, an orthopedic surgeon at the Emory Spine Center, to find out what tech neck is and how to prevent it.

This episode was reported and produced by Annie Ye, a senior at Emory University double majoring in Human Health and French Studies.

Studies and reports referenced in the episode:

• Text Neck Syndrome: Disentangling a New Epidemic

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

Sisters Yulan and Joleigh Yim used to love eating Korean food — until they were both diagnosed with food allergies as adults. In this episode, we explore the science behind food allergies with Dr. Dan Benardot, a registered dietitian and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, who explains the difference between an allergy, an intolerance and a sensitivity to certain foods.

This episode was reported and produced by Yulan Yim, a senior undergraduate student at Emory University double majoring in Film and Media and Human Health. Yulan aspires to become a dietitian and has personal experience with food allergies, being diagnosed shortly after moving into her college dorm.

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Adult-Onset Allergies: How They Happen and How to Manage Them
• Adult-Onset Food Allergies: A Silent Epidemic

Phenotypic characterization of childhood- and adult-onset food allergy among adults in the United States

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

Every sip of water you take might contain chemicals that will outlast your great-grandchildren. In this eye-opening episode, we explore how so-called "forever chemicals” called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) became embedded in our daily lives, and what innovative solutions might help us clean up this invisible mess. From the devastating effects of DDT in the 1960s to cutting-edge biopolymer filters, we track humanity's complex relationship with synthetic chemicals and ask whether technology alone can solve a problem that stems from our culture of overconsumption. We hear fromDr. John Wegner, Emory University's Chief Environmental Officer, and Dr. Yilin Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT developing sustainable nanomaterials to remove PFAS from water.

This episode was reported and produced by Shyam Dewan, a senior at Emory University who is passionate about exploring the intersection of environmental science and public health through storytelling.

Studies referenced in this episode:

• PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA's Commitments to Action 2021-2024
• PFAS Exposure and Risk of Cancer
• Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• EPA National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH