Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Sauna Health Benefits, Cellphone Risks, and AI in Mental Health

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Sauna Health Benefits, Cellphone Risks, and AI in Mental Health · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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  Welcome to Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow, your daily dose of the latest medical and health news from around the world, brought to
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  you by artificial intelligence.
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  I'm your host, Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow.
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  As a family physician, general internist, and cardiologist, I'm here to guide you through
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  today's top stories in health.
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  Let's dive into our first segment.
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  Today, we're exploring the fascinating world of saunas and their potential benefits for both
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  physical and mental health.
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  Saunas have been a staple in Finnish culture for over two thousand years, and recent
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  research is shedding light on why they've stood the test of time.
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  From alleviating stress to reducing pain and improving sleep, saunas offer a range of
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  benefits that might just convince you to try one out.
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  Let's start with mental health.
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  Saunas are known to induce a relaxation response in the body.
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  Dr.
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  Amy Zack, a family medicine physician, notes that saunas can be particularly effective for
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  individuals experiencing high stress in their work or personal lives.
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  A study from 2017 found that time spent in saunas was linked to a reduction in depression,
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  while another study in 2019 reported improved mental well-being and sleep among sauna users.
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  The heat from a sauna stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and
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  serotonin, which help you feel happier and more relaxed.
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  Now, let's talk about pain management.
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  The heat from a sauna helps muscles relax, improves circulation, and reduces stiffness,
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  all of which can ease muscle pain.
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  A 2022 study from Sweden reported that regular sauna users experienced a reduction in pain,
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  and another study from 2019 highlighted the benefits of saunas for alleviating lower back
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  pain.
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  So, if you're dealing with chronic pain, a sauna might offer some relief.
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  The cardiovascular benefits of saunas are also noteworthy.
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  According to exercise scientist Rachelle Reed, anything that raises your core temperature
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  makes your body work harder, whether you're exercising or just sitting in a sauna.
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  This increase in heart rate, breathing, sweating, and cardiac output supports the
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  health of your blood vessels.
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  A 2018 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that saunas can reduce high
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  blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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  Furthermore, a 2015 study linked sauna use to a lower risk of sudden cardiac death and fatal
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  coronary heart disease.
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  However, it's important to be mindful of the risks associated with saunas.
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  Staying hydrated before and after a sauna session is crucial, and it's advised to limit
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  your time in the sauna to ten to twenty minutes to prevent overheating and dehydration.
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  Dr.
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  Reuben Chen, a sports medicine physician, warns against consuming alcohol before using a sauna.
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  Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant should
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  consult their healthcare provider before using a sauna.
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  In summary, while saunas offer a host of potential health benefits, they should be used
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  with caution.
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  The key is to enjoy them safely and responsibly, ensuring that you stay hydrated
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  and limit your time to avoid any adverse effects.
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  Whether you're looking to reduce stress, manage pain, or improve your cardiovascular health, a
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  sauna might just be the relaxing therapy you need.
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  Today, we're focusing on a topic that has been generating a lot of discussion and concern: the
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  potential health risks associated with cellphone use.
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  The Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new study to investigate whether
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  radiation from cellphones could be harmful to Americans' health.
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  This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy report released by the MAHA
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  Commission, which was established during President Donald Trump's administration.
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  In 2018, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study that found "clear evidence"
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  linking high exposure to radio frequency radiation with cancer in male rats.
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  However, it's important to note that the exposure levels in these studies were
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  significantly higher than what humans typically experience.
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  The study focused on radiofrequency radiation from cellphones, but did not cover other
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  sources like Wi-Fi or 5G networks.
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  HHS Secretary Robert F.
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  Kennedy Jr.
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  has expressed significant concern over electromagnetic radiation, highlighting it as a
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  major health issue.
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  Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for the mobile carrier industry trade group, CTIA,
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  maintains that there is no credible evidence linking wireless devices to health problems.
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  They emphasize that radiofrequency energy from devices like mobile phones and Wi-Fi has not
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  been shown to cause health issues according to the consensus of the international scientific
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  community.
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  The World Health Organization has also stated that research has not causally linked exposure
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  to wireless technologies with adverse health effects.
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  In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission requires cellphones
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  to comply with limits on radiofrequency exposure, using a metric called the specific
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  absorption rate to ensure safety.
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  This metric measures how much radiofrequency energy is absorbed by the body, with a limit of
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  1.6 watts per kilogram.
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  While there is currently no scientific evidence establishing a definitive link between wireless
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  device use and cancer or other illnesses, the Federal Communications Commission provides
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  guidelines for reducing exposure.
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  These include minimizing time spent on wireless devices, using speaker mode or an earpiece to
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  reduce proximity to the head, and texting instead of talking when possible.
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  As this new study by the Department of Health and Human Services unfolds, we'll be keeping a
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  close eye on the findings and any new recommendations that may arise.
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  It's crucial to stay informed and take a balanced approach to the use of technology in
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  our daily lives, keeping both the conveniences and potential risks in mind.
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  Recently, Health Canada has issued a public advisory warning people against purchasing or
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  using fake or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs.
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  These drugs include semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy.
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  As interest in GLP-1 products for weight loss grows, there's been a concerning rise in the
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  availability of unauthorized or counterfeit versions, often referred to as "fauxzempic."
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  These products are being sold both in stores and online, posing serious health risks as they
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  have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness, or quality by Health Canada.
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  The drugs that have been authorized for use in Canada are semaglutide, available in the form
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  of Ozempic and Wegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets, as well as tirzepatide, which is
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  marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound injections.
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  However, Health Canada has identified various retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1
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  products.
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  Alarmingly, some websites and social media advertisements misuse official Health Canada
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  logos and display fake endorsements to mislead consumers.
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  It's crucial to understand the risks associated with unauthorized or counterfeit drugs.
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  These products may contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient, and
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  they might include unlisted, dangerous, or unknown ingredients.
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  Additionally, there is a risk of contamination with solvents, heavy metals, particles like
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  fibers, glass, or plastic, and microbials such as bacteria and fungi.
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  Poor or incorrect labeling and improper manufacturing or storage further exacerbate
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  these risks.
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  Injectable products carry even more significant risks, such as infections due to lack of
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  sterility, allergic reactions, and other serious negative outcomes due to contamination,
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  improper handling, or unsafe administration.
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  Selling unauthorized or counterfeit products or making false or misleading claims to prevent,
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  treat, or cure illnesses is illegal in Canada.
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  Health Canada advises people to only buy prescription drugs from a licensed pharmacy and
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  to avoid unauthorized products.
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  It's important to look for drugs that have been authorized by Health Canada by checking for the
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  eight-digit Drug Identification Number on the label and by searching Health Canada's drug
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  product database.
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  If you've used an unauthorized GLP-1 product and have concerns about your health, it's vital
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  to speak with a healthcare professional.
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  The regulator also underscores the risks of buying drugs over the Internet and provides
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  guidance on how to choose a safe online pharmacy.
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  Health Canada encourages people to report any health product-related side effects or
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  complaints, including suspected counterfeit and unauthorized products.
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  They are actively monitoring the marketplace and have the authority to seize products and
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  send compliance or warning letters against the sale and advertisement of these products.
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  In collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada is working to
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  prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country.
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  This action follows a warning from the World Health Organization in 2024 about falsified
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  semaglutides detected in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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  As the demand for weight loss medications continues to grow, it's crucial to remain
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  vigilant and ensure that the products you use are safe and authorized.
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  Today, we're diving into a study that's sparking conversations in the mental health
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  community.
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  A recent survey suggests a modest but significant link between regular use of
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  generative artificial intelligence and higher levels of depressive symptoms.
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  This study, led by Dr.
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  Roy H.
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  Perlis from Massachusetts General Hospital, was published in JAMA Network Open and points to
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  intriguing patterns that deserve further investigation.
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  The survey study found that daily use of generative artificial intelligence was
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  associated with increased depressive symptoms, as measured by the nine-item Patient Health
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  Questionnaire.
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  The survey showed that individuals who used artificial intelligence multiple times per day
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  also reported higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who did not use it
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  at all.
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  Interestingly, the study highlighted that this association varied significantly by age, with
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  the most pronounced effects seen in adults aged twenty-five to sixty-four and those using
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  artificial intelligence for personal purposes rather than work or school.
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  The researchers employed sociodemographic-adjusted regression models to
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  analyze the data.
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  They found that daily users of artificial intelligence had a higher likelihood of
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  experiencing at least moderate depressive symptoms.
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  These are levels that clinicians would typically consider for evaluation and
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  treatment.
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  The study's findings underscore the need for further research to explore whether there's a
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  causal relationship between artificial intelligence use and depressive symptoms.
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  Dr.
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  Perlis and his team emphasize the importance of understanding these potential mental health
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  implications as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives.
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  Dr.
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  Darlene King from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center commented on the
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  study, noting that while the findings shed light on how people use artificial
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  intelligence, they do not clarify whether prior depressive symptoms lead to more frequent
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  artificial intelligence use or if the use itself could induce depressive symptoms.
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  Dr.
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  King suggests that it might be a combination of both.
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  This highlights the importance of generating more data to support mental health applications
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  using artificial intelligence chatbots, as frequent use without benefits could potentially
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  harm users by increasing depressive symptoms.
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  The use of generative artificial intelligence has surged since the introduction of ChatGPT
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  3.5 in late 2022.
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  Alongside the excitement about its potential benefits, there have been anecdotal reports of
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  possible negative impacts on mental health.
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  Concerns have been raised that using chatbots might exacerbate delusions or even increase
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  suicide attempts in rare cases.
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  These concerns echo those associated with social media use, which has been linked to
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  depression, anxiety, and irritability in previous studies.
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  Interestingly, one randomized trial suggested some benefits from a chatbot specifically
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  trained to discuss mental health symptoms.
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  This indicates that the nature and context of how artificial intelligence is used could be
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  crucial factors to consider.
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  The current study used data from the Civic Health and Institutions Project, a fifty-state
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  internet survey conducted in 2025, which included over twenty thousand participants.
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  It found that daily or more frequent use of artificial intelligence was more common among
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  men, younger adults, those with higher education and income, and those living in urban
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  areas.
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  Dr.
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  Perlis expressed his hopes that other groups will replicate these findings in different
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  samples and highlighted the potential value of longitudinal studies to track mood changes over
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  time with artificial intelligence use.
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  He also pointed out that a randomized trial would be the most direct way to test these
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  observations, though such studies can be challenging to conduct.
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  Dr.
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  Perlis calls for individuals to periodically reflect on their own use of artificial
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  intelligence and its impact on their mood, similar to how they might approach their use of
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  social media.
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  In our final segment today, we're delving into how some countries are rethinking exercise,
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  especially in the context of public health and urban planning.
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  As we become more aware of the importance of physical activity for overall well-being,
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  governments and communities around the world are exploring innovative ways to integrate
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  exercise into daily life.
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  In the Netherlands, for example, the government has been pioneering efforts to promote cycling
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  as a primary mode of transportation.
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  With its extensive network of bike paths and a culture that celebrates cycling, the country
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  has seen significant health benefits.
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  Cycling is not only a form of exercise but also a sustainable means of transportation that
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  reduces pollution and traffic congestion.
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  The Dutch approach encourages daily physical activity as part of routine commutes, which can
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  lead to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of obesity.
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  Meanwhile, in Japan, there's a strong emphasis on lifelong physical activity.
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  Programs like "Radio Taiso," a morning exercise routine broadcast on national radio, have been
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  a staple for decades.
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  These short, simple routines are designed to be accessible to people of all ages, promoting
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  flexibility, strength, and endurance.
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  This cultural integration of exercise helps maintain high levels of physical activity among
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  Japanese citizens, contributing to their reputation for longevity and good health.
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  In New Zealand, the focus is on encouraging outdoor activities and sports as part of a
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  healthy lifestyle.
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  The country's stunning natural landscapes provide ample opportunities for hiking,
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  swimming, and other outdoor pursuits.
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  The government supports this by maintaining public parks and recreational facilities,
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  ensuring that the citizens have access to spaces where they can engage in physical
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  activities.
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  This approach not only boosts physical health but also enhances mental well-being by
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  connecting people with nature.
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  These examples illustrate how different countries are creatively rethinking exercise to
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  enhance public health.
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  By integrating physical activity into everyday life and making it accessible and enjoyable,
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  these nations are fostering healthier populations.
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  As we continue to face global health challenges, these innovative strategies offer
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  valuable lessons on promoting fitness and well-being.
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  That's all for today's episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  I hope you found the insights into saunas, cellphone health risks, counterfeit drugs,
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  artificial intelligence, and exercise enlightening.
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  Join me again tomorrow as we continue to explore the latest in medical news and health
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  trends.
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  Until then, stay healthy and take care.