Health Lab

This week on Health Lab, we showcase a recent study that examines the trends in use of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, HIV-prevention medication. suggest more effort is needed to boost consistent use. Read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

This episode originally aired in March 2025.An expert shares 10 things you should know about your health costs right now. Read the article on Health Lab.Episode TranscriptMedicare & MedigapSwitching Medicare Advantage PlansMedicare Advantage to traditional MedicareSpecial Enrollment PeriodsMedigap Open Enrollment PeriodMedicare Prescription Payment Plan"Extra Help" Medicare ProgramNavigating Medicare: State Health Insurance Assistance ProgramHealthcare.govMarketplace by StateFind out if you can get health coverage nowPreventive Health ServicesUnderstanding HSA-eligible plansUSA.govHow to get help with medical billsFind and contact elected officialsVAEligibility for CarePACT ActCommunity Care Outside the VAArticleA freeze, or a fix? Preventive care coverage at a crossroadsHealth Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. All Health Lab content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

Virtual appointments improve access to care for adults with low incomes, including those living in rural areas.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

Many people have them, but not all moles are the same. In this episode, learn how to examine yours properly — and when it’s time to see a doctor. You can read the full article on our website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

Today on Health Lab, we’re exploring Medicaid: What it is, what it does, and 10 things that U-M researchers have learned about Medicaid and its impact. Visit our website to read the full article.Episode TranscriptMore on Medicaid research from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation (IHPI):Research on Medicaid by U-M faculty who belong to IHPIIHPI’s evaluation of Michigan’s Medicaid expansionFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

This episode first aired in January 2025. As climate change continues, the growing number and intensity of wildfires creates more air pollution, leading to poor air quality being a more common occurrence in many areas. Most parents are concerned about children's exposure to unhealthy air quality, but may not know the steps to take to help keep kids safe during those conditions. Read the full article on the Health Lab website, and click here for the episode transcript.Resources:Check the air quality in your area in real time: AirNow.govBuild your own low-cost air purifier video tutorialFor more information: Air Quality IndexFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can subscribe to Health Lab on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional or personalized medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

Figuring out the secrets of planarian worms' immortality could lead to insights about aging for mammals, including people. You can read the full article on the Health Lab website.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

Most parents agree that talking to their kids about puberty is important—but when and how to start the conversation is often less clear, a national poll suggests.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.

This episode first aired in February 2025.Measles: 10 things to know about immunization and prevention. Infectious disease specialists from University of Michigan Health answer questions about the measles vaccine for adults and children. Visit the our website for the full story.Episode TranscriptFor more on this story and for others like it, visit the Health Lab website where you can subscribe to our Health Lab newsletters to receive the latest in health research and information to your inbox each week. Health Lab is a part of the Michigan Medicine Podcast Network, and is produced by the Michigan Medicine Department of Communication. You can listen to Health Lab wherever you get your podcasts.All Health Lab content including health news, best practices and research insights are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a health care provider for questions about your health and treatment options.