The snow’s piling up outside so we’re cozying down with another batch of listener medical questions! Can I take all my antibiotics at once? If my twin has an allergy, do I have it too? Are prenatal vitamins good for people who do not want to get pregnant? And can air literally get knocked out of your lungs?

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.org/donate/

Carpal tunnel sydrome, or an irritation of the median nerve, is often thought of as a more "modern" ailment, exacerbated by 8-hour days at a computer and video game hobbies. Dr. Sydnee talks about the history of the first diagnosis of this syndrome, and Justin talks about his recent surgery experience, as well as the causes and possible prevention.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.org/donate/

Even though it's associated with Nordic countries, the Sauna has been around in many different cultures for as long as people have been trying to get warm in a hot box. But how about health benefits? Dr. Sydnee talks about the history of saunas and spirituality, as well as the association between sweat and the perception of health – and that even though actual studies don't say anything definite, sometimes it is just nice to get in a warm, steamy room.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.org/donate/

Right now in the news you may be hearing about the use of tear gas against protesters. But what exactly IS tear gas and where did it come from? Dr. Sydnee and Justin talk about the origins of this chemical agent, what it is meant to do, and what one should do if they come into contact with it.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.org/donate/

Another wellness trend that feels newer than it actually is, people have been looking for a coffee substitute since coffee was discovered (see: episode about coffee). Dr. Sydnee talks about the additional claims made around these fungi, as well as what possible benefits they could have – and possible dangers.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/

Back from his first colonoscopy, Justin outlines the extremely detailed steps he took in order to prepare for the screening: the before, the after, and whether it's easier to take four liters of laxative or navigate the United States healthcare system.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/

In honor of Justin's first colonoscopy, Dr. Sydnee goes through the history of looking inside the colon. From Pompei to the Light Conductor to the more flexible tubes today, humans have always been curious to see just what's going on up there.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Immigrant Defenders Law Center: https://www.immdef.org/

This cold and flu season, we're bringing you a classic episode on clearing your nasal passage correctly.

Blowing your nose is maybe the only small glint of satisfaction had while having a cold or sinus infection. But is blowing your nose actually good, or even safe? Dr. Sydnee and Justin look through the history of handkerchiefs and nose-wiping to the science of what happens to your sinuses when you blow your nose in order to try and find a happy medium.

Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Harmony House: https://harmonyhousewv.com/