The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

How close are we to a cure for Hunter Syndrome?

A new FDA-approved treatment for Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is giving families hope, but it’s not a cure. We explore how close researchers may be to a cure, including promising gene therapy clinical trials, and what experts say still needs long-term study. 00:00 intro 00:45 How this story began: a mom reaches out about newly approved Avlayah. 01:03 Why it matters: therapy designed to cross the blood-brain barrier. 01:20 The emotional center: two moms bond while navigating the same diagnosis. 02:23 Hunter syndrome (MPS II) explained: missing enzyme, sugar buildup, organ/brain damage. 03:40 How the “next-gen” enzyme replacement works using an enzyme transport vehicle. 04:16 Early impact: reported behavioral/physical improvements and infusion-center support. 05:36 “Not a cure” → what a cure could look like; intro to gene therapy. 06:23 London trial spotlight: one-time ex vivo gene therapy; early (anecdotal) improvements. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/gosh-manufactures-new-gene-therapy-for-rare-condition/ 08:01 U.S. clinical trial in New Jersey: timelines and what’s still unknown. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07236606 08:48 Physician Assistant Laura Buch: long-term durability, dosing questions, and rare-disease trial limits. 10:03 Advocacy + how to find trials on ClinicalTrials.gov; closing thoughts. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03566043

Psychedelic Therapy: Why so many patients are asking for the option

The federal government is fast-tracking some psychedelic-based medicines for research and development. Emergency physician Dr. Jonathan Leak explains how these therapies may work in the brain and if they’re safe. 00:00 — Fire captain recounts suicidal crisis; psilocybin changes his outlook and family life 00:36 — Intro: what psychedelics might do (neurotransmitters/neuroplasticity) and the safety question 00:54 — Why now: executive order to speed development; focus on treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, addiction 01:23 — Arizona psilocybin trial for first responders; content warning for sensitive topics 02:05 — Mark Herman’s story: chronic trauma, “fight or flight,” and seeking relief 03:01 — Research barriers from past criminalization; trial details and demand/waitlist 04:22 — Career risks/stigma for officers; underground use; dosing and safety concerns 05:01 — Black market concerns; funding push; hopes for right-to-try and guardrails as access expands 07:20 — Interview begins: Dr. Leak’s credentials; ketamine currently used in psychedelic therapy 08:15 — What drugs are discussed: psilocybin, ibogaine, methylone/MDMA 09:00 — Evidence/history; why these may help PTSD, depression, addiction 10:53 — How they may work: receptors + neuroplasticity + psychedelic experience; importance of therapy integration 12:36 — Brain connectivity shifts; new pathways; how psilocybin is dosed and how long sessions last 15:01 — Patents/formulations; molecule tweaks vs process patents 16:02 — MDMA/methylone differences; trauma processing and study outcomes; need for certified care 18:08 — Clinic model questions; side effects, monitoring, and scaling sessions safely

Musician Carnie Wilson Talks Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Signs, Stigma, and Getting Diagnosed

Musician Carnie Wilson is raising awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), an uncontrolled movement disorder that often goes undiagnosed. She shares why she’s advocating for screening, how stigma can keep people silent, and where listeners can find support and resources.  00:00 – intro 00:01:05 – What TD is: common symptoms (face/lips, chewing-like movements, eye twitch). 00:01:29 – Main cause: dopamine receptor–blocking meds (often antipsychotics); risk factors + generations of meds. 00:02:21 – Why TD is missed: many cases undiagnosed; importance of recognizing symptoms. 00:02:42 – Carnie on speaking up, getting screened, and how diagnosis can change lives. 00:04:53 – “Connecting with Carnie” campaign + where to find resources (connectingwithcarney.com). 00:05:24 – Bell’s palsy story as a way to relate to visible conditions and shame/stares. 00:07:10 – What helps diagnosis: noticing changes, telling your healthcare provider, rejecting shame. 00:09:33 – How TD impacts daily life (driving, sleep, leaving home) + real patient stories. 00:10:17 – Carnie on depression/addiction, stigma, and checking in on mental health. 00:14:23 – Medication/research question; Carnie points listeners back to medical resources. 00:16:18 – Why this cause matters to her: family experience with mental illness + compassion. 00:19:10 – Specific symptoms to watch for + encouragement to seek help. 00:20:30 – Final call to visit the campaign site; thanks and outro.

Live at USC School of Medicine Greenville: The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, Explained

USC School of Medicine Greenville experts break down lifestyle medicine and the evidence behind its “six pillars.” They discuss how food, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances can improve chronic disease outcomes—and even support brain health in depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and more. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Welcome + live event at USC School of Medicine Greenville 02:10 Guest intros: Dean/primary care, neuroscientist, lifestyle program director 03:00 Why lifestyle medicine matters in med school + patient care 07:27 Real-life examples: hypertension, sodium, “food as medicine” (beets/flax) 09:13 Exercise & depression: blood flow, muscle-brain signaling, BDNF 12:35 Brain health + dementia risk: six pillars may slow cognitive decline 14:05 Parkinson’s study: tandem cycling benefits patients + caregivers 14:49 Curriculum: 109+ hours integrated across 4 years 15:51 Gut-brain connection: microbiome, fiber, ultra-processed foods 19:03 Social connection: loneliness, group care, “social capital” 22:21 Lifestyle vs functional medicine; the six pillars defined 23:40 Supplements + misinformation; magnesium; third-party testing (USP) 26:02 How to vet health info online (“too good to be true”) 29:02 Audience Q&A: antidepressants timeline; exercise outdoors 31:06 Motivation strategies: small goals, remove barriers, prioritize sleep 32:27 Organic vs frozen produce: cost-effective options + washing 35:07 Exercise guidelines by age + strength training + bone health 38:05 Cooking skills: culinary medicine + mobile teaching kitchen

News anchor Tori Carmen talks recovery, resilience, and lifestyle changes one year after brain cancer

After a seizure led to the discovery of a brain mass, FOX Carolina news anchor Tori Carmen shares the whirlwind from surgery to an unexpected malignant diagnosis and how recovery has challenged her physically and emotionally. One year later, she explains the tools that helped her cope (therapy, nature, faith, community) and the lifestyle shifts she’s made to support long-term health. 00:00 Intro 02:23 Seizure night, ER trip, CT scan, loss of right-side function. 04:12 Tumor location/size; next steps; wedding plans change; surgery set at Northwestern. 05:28 Meningioma explained; surgery + early recovery; can’t drive; pathology surprise. 07:23 Grade 3 malignant diagnosis; neuro-onc/radiology consults; choosing gamma knife. 10:18 Radiation day + side effects; returning to work; hair loss grief/identity shift. 13:18 Ongoing MRIs; seizure meds; rebuilding strength; stress on body/mind. 14:27 Coping tools: therapy, walks, nature, prayer, dogs; purpose + advocacy. 16:17 “Be kind” message; invisible battles; connection and support systems. 22:28 New normal: rest, boundaries, saying no; redefining productivity. 26:07 Staying active: weighted-vest walks, Pilates, shorter workouts; heat sensitivity. 28:05 Nutrition/toxin reduction: local/organic, baking soda wash, fewer plastics/chemicals. 28:50 Giving up alcohol; mocktails; better sleep/skin/gut. 34:04 Western + functional medicine balance; tests, supplements, inflammation focus. 38:20 Birth control + meningioma discussion; hormone caution + research. 41:18 Migraine scare + ER fear; stress triggers; clear MRI. 44:27 Fear of recurrence; faith + focusing on the present; advice to others.