The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

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.

X Ambassadors keyboardist Casey Harris on blindness and the Vision Through Music Program

X Ambassadors keyboardist and Grammy-winning musician Casey Harris shares what it’s like living with Leber’s congenital amaurosis and how learning music by ear shaped his career. He also explains why he partnered with Vision Through Music to connect blind and visually impaired kids with trained music teachers and why more educators are urgently needed. Vision Through Music: https://childrenseyefoundation.org/what-we-do/vision-through-music/ Sign up for The Wellness Files event: https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/05/04/join-our-live-event-learn-about-lifestyle-medicine 00:00 Intro 01:02 Host welcome; Wellness Files live event + where to watch featured story 01:58 Casey’s role with X Ambassadors + Vision Through Music partnership overview 02:30 Quick tangent: screens/eye health takeaway 03:24 Casey’s upbringing in Ithaca, NY; music-filled home and early lessons 05:30 Mentors/teachers + learning to play by ear; jamming as “wordless” communication 08:24 Early recording/producing at home; building bands with friends/brother 09:49 What his vision is like; adapting to dark venues and fully blind workflows 11:46 Ear training/transcription vs. sheet music; how it shaped his musicianship 13:21 Diagnosis: Leber’s congenital amaurosis + Senior-Løken syndrome; importance of aides/teachers 14:57 Vision Through Music mission: matching/training teachers for blind/low-vision students 18:20 More blind musicians he’s met; piano tuning program experience 20:00 Call to action: need teachers (incl. Carolinas); virtual training/resources 22:19 Why music is empowering for disability community; confidence and purpose 24:35 Wrap-up + links/resources; where to follow the podcast/host

Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 2)

A groundbreaking randomized trial in Kinston, North Carolina is testing fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated water in young children to produce the most rigorous evidence yet on fluoride’s real-world benefits today.   00:00 Intro 01:01 Quick history setup: how fluoridation began and why it became widespread. 01:20 Early clues: mottled teeth but fewer cavities; investigators suspect water. 01:40 Fluoride identified in water; dental fluorosis linked to high levels. 02:13 Grand Rapids becomes first to fluoridate; endorsements follow. 02:38 UNC dentistry expertise and an under-the-radar, ongoing study. 03:33 Kinston removes fluoride—setting up the WaterBeST Treatment Study. 03:52 Observational vs. randomized research and why randomization matters. 04:31 Study design: 200 families, blinded fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated bottled water. 04:53 Measuring total fluoride exposure via toenail clippings. 05:21 Potential expanded outcomes (e.g., IQ) if funded; results expected 2029. 06:34 How fluoride’s cavity-prevention benefit has changed; biggest gains for low-income families. 07:20 Promo: live event on lifestyle medicine (May 21, 2026) + wrap-up.

Should We Put Fluoride in Our Drinking Water? (Part 1)

Cities across the U.S. are battling over a question that hits close to home: what’s really in your tap water and what could it mean for kids? In Part 1, host Kari Beal goes on the road to investigate fluoride fears concerns, breaking down the latest science on thyroid markers, IQ findings, and why dosage matters, with a leading researcher explaining what we know (and what we still don’t). RSVP for The Wellness files live here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d96a1f3f77b339a49f323e7064032 Studies: Thyroid: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11003687/ IQ: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/research/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride IQ: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/fluoride-drinking-water-does-not-harm-childrens-iq 00:00 Tap water question; why fluoride is controversial 00:00:37 Welcome + episode setup (broadcast story format) 00:01:21 Brevard, NC intro; notable choice: no fluoride in tap water 00:02:03 Parent/council member Maurice Jones shares child health concerns 00:02:26 Hypothyroidism explained; why fluoride studies worry some families 00:02:58 Expert interview: USC chemist Susan Richardson explains fluoride basics 00:03:24 Benefits at low levels; risks of too much (fluorosis) 00:03:48 EPA level (0.7 mg/L); thyroid review discusses higher exposures (~2.0 mg/L) 00:04:24 2025 IQ meta-analysis: higher levels (>1.5 mg/L) linked to small decrease; limits noted 00:05:09 “How much water?” Dose matters; bottled water as an option if concerned 00:05:36 Topical vs swallowed fluoride; toothpaste use in Jones’ family 00:06:11 What’s next: how removing fluoride affects dental health; providers decline due to politics 00:06:38 Host adds study context + new IQ study update; links mentioned 00:10:05 How to find your local water quality report + fluoride levels 00:11:07 Toothpaste backwash + kid toothpaste guidance; host’s personal note 00:12:22 Preview Part 2: higher-quality NC randomized study using toenail clippings

“I Thought I Was Losing It”: Nisha Patel’s Perimenopause Wake-Up Call—and the Simple Changes That Helped

Nisha Patel thought she was “too young” for perimenopause because her labs were normal, but her mood and body told a different story. We hear from nutrition coach, Bonnie Papajohn on how to spot the real signs, advocate for yourself, and use practical nutrition and workout tweaks to feel like you again.  Sign up to attend The Wellness Files LIVE! https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d96a1f3f77b339a49f323e7064032 [https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d96a1f3f77b339a49f323e7064032] 02:15 Nisha’s symptom timeline (hot flashes, mood changes) and reluctance about HRT. 03:19 Blood test “snapshot” comes back normal; self-doubt. 03:52 Meeting Bonnie; coaching support and early wins. 06:09 Health history context (IVF, hysterectomy, surrogate). 06:33 Hormone testing options: blood vs saliva/DUTCH; tracking hormones across a day. 08:11 Bonnie’s background + menopause specialization; why midlife care is changing. 10:13 Nutrition changes: eating enough, protein/fiber goals, meal planning/real-life barriers. 12:11 Sample meals + hydration; shifting toward chicken/seafood and “colorful” salads. 14:54 Inflammation + food sensitivity: journaling, trial-and-tweak (soy/dairy/grains). 16:41 Exercise changes: strength training focus, walking/low intensity vs HIIT/cortisol. 23:20 Avoiding extremes; stress management + 80/20 approach. 26:15 Advocating for yourself: don’t accept dismissal; make specific menopause appointments; find the right provider.