Sanjay: No, That's Not Me Hawking Cures - Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
00:00:04
Welcome to Paging Dr. Gupta. This is the place I get to answer your health questions. I love doing it. So if you've got something on your mind, you've come to the right place. On this program, we try and take your real life questions and then do some homework and try and answer them for you using science and facts. Kyra, who do we have first today?
Kyra Dahring
00:00:27
Hi, Sanjay. So today's first question is very personal. It's actually about you. Here, take a listen.
Caller, Helena
00:00:36
Hi, my name is Helena, and I'm curious to see whether you're behind a product called IQ Blast. I saw a video that looks like you were featured in that, but I'm not sure if that's the real you or someone else. And that really will make a determination as to whether I purchase this product or not. Thank you.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
00:01:05
Okay, thank you very much for this question. This has been something that's been on my mind a lot. So first of all, the short answer is no. That is not me in the video. But I want to fill you in on what's really happening here, after this.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
00:01:23
'Okay, so the question was whether I was hawking, promoting, selling any brain-boosting products on the internet. There's one ad in particular that's been making a lot of rounds.
FAKE AI Audio
00:01:33
The key isn't some new drug. It all comes down to a simple honey recipe and a powerful traditional Indian root developed by Dr. Sanjay Gupta himself. I want to say that this is truly a landmark...
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
00:01:44
'So let me reiterate and be very clear about this. No, that is not me. And it's not my colleague Anderson Cooper either who you hear in the clip as well. What you just heard is fake, a deepfake AI. Now look, this is going to become an increasing concern. So it's something we're going to all need to be more mindful about. And at the same time when it comes to medical things, there are a lot of people who want answers. They want real solutions, especially when it comes to things like Alzheimer's, how to prevent it, treat it, maybe even cure it. But to be clear, that's not what this is about. This is a total scam designed to take away your money. I'll tell you, you're not the only one asking this question, I've gotten so many voicemails, so many emails, so many people reaching out about this. People who I think are legitimately suffering, legitimately looking for some sort of answers, and think that maybe they've stumbled upon it. These ads are designed to look very convincing so don't feel bad if you've been fooled or duped by this. There are a couple things I do want you to keep in mind especially when it comes to potentially fake medical breakthroughs. Look and listen carefully. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is, meaning it's not true. If the voice or the recording sounds off, pay attention to that. Maybe it's just something that you can't quite put your finger on. It sounds flat. It sounds unnatural. Be very skeptical of that. Lip sync issues. Do the lip movements match the words? That's something else you can find. If the face appears to be too smooth or alternatively too asymmetrical or if the lighting and background are inconsistent that usually means they are pulling from several different clips and trying to mash it together to make it look like just one thing. So if any or all of those things are true then there's a really good chance that what you're listening to or watching is AI-generated. You gotta trust your gut a bit on this one. Now if you do see something that sort of piques your interest, look at the source. Who put the video out? Is it a reputable organization? Then double check it, triple check it. See if you can find evidence of the so-called breakthrough on other sources. Something that you know is reputable. Something that you definitely trust. If it's me, and I'm talking about Alzheimer's disease, and I am talking about a big breakthrough, it's not gonna be on some shadowy social media site. I'm gonna proclaim it loud and clear, hopefully with a lot of evidence and a lot of context so it can be most helpful to you. So again, I'm glad the question was asked. It's been asked a lot, thousands of times to me personally just over the last couple of weeks. That is not me. I hope more than anyone that we develop some good breakthroughs when it comes to things like Alzheimer's. Be sure, if that happens, I'll make sure you know about it. After the break, what it means when prostate cancer spreads to the bone, and what you should watch for.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
00:05:16
For another question. Kyra, who do we have next?
Kyra Dahring
00:05:19
Next is a question that may be on the minds of many cancer patients. Here's Joe.
Caller, Joe
00:05:23
Hey, good afternoon, Sanjay. My name is Joe and I'm 71 years old. I was diagnosed with cancer, prostate cancer, five years ago. I'm currently under active surveillance. My question to you is how does one know whether or not prostate cancer cells have metastasized to bones or anywhere else in the body? Question that I've been struggling with here since we heard the news about President Biden. Um, and I was just wondering if you could help me. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
00:05:58
'Okay, great question. First of all, as anyone with cancer knows, it can be tricky. It can be a tricky adversary. What sometimes happens is that cancer cells will leave the primary location and then travel, travel throughout the body, through the blood, through the lymph tissue to one or more parts of the body and then take up residence there. The cancer is then said to have metastasized. And, as a general rule, that is gonna make it more complicated to treat. So, to this question specifically, prostate cancer in particular, when it spreads, does tend to spread or metastasize to the bones, especially the spine and the pelvis, but it can affect other bones as well, the ribs and I've even seen prostate cancer spread to the skull. It can go to the lymph nodes. That's part of an interconnected system that helps the body filter fluids and help fight infections. Prostate cancer can even spread sometimes to other organs, particularly the lungs and the liver. Now, it can be sometimes tough to know just based on your symptoms if your cancer has metastasized. You might feel fatigued or generally unwell. You might begin to experience unexplained weight loss, but you might not have any symptoms at all. Now depending on were your cancer has metastasized, you might have specific symptoms related to that. So for bone metastases, the most common symptoms are going to be, no surprise, bone pain. And that bone pain can be a dull ache or it can be sudden and stabbing. It might get worse, might wake you up at night, you might develop bone weakness, maybe even bone fractures. If it's spreading to the lymph nodes, you might feel swelling and pain or tenderness in the area where the cancer has spread. But again, I wanna reiterate, you might not know at all. You might not have any symptoms at all or at least no new symptoms. So Joe, I think it's important to see your doctor if you feel off or if you're developing unusual symptoms. You may be the first line of detection when it comes to something like that. Afterwards, they can do a scan to determine if your cancer has spread. And as a general rule, the earlier that a problem is caught, the easier it will be to treat. So pay attention to those signs, especially if you know you have cancer and now you're worried about potential spread. So, Joe, thank you for calling in with your concern. And I'm certainly wishing both Joes, you and former President Joe Biden, good luck with your health and your treatment. That's all the time we have for today. Thanks to everyone who has been sending in questions. I love hearing from you. Your curiosity, your stories, your voice. It's really bringing this show to life. So keep the great questions coming. If there's something health-related you've been wondering about, send to us and we might answer it, next week even. Record a voice memo, email it to asksanjay@cnn.com. Or give us a call 470-396-0832. Thanks for listening, I'll be back next Tuesday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Mother celebrates late daughter's birthday with mental health awareness event
After losing her daughter to suicide, Julie Mastin organized a community event to celebrate her daughter's life while creating space for crucial mental health conversations.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Key to Staying Sharp After 70, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, RD, CPT Key Points Social connection helps keep your mind sharp with age. Being social supports brain and immune function while connecting you to your community. Physical activity, quality sleep and good nutrition all support brain health. As we age, keeping our minds sharp becomes just as important as staying physically strong. After age 65, about 40% of older adults experience some form of memory loss, and among those over 70, roughly 16% face mild cognitive impairments, such as trouble remembering or finding the right words. Although genetics and preexisting medical conditions play a role in cognitive health and aging, lifestyle habits can make a big difference in keeping your mind engaged. While many lifestyle factors support cognition and brain health, recent research has found that your social life may play the biggest role. 'The best habit for staying sharp after 70 is staying socially connected, through conversation, community activities or simply spending quality time with others,' says Erica Park, M.D., M.B.A., FAAPMR. Read on to learn why experts say social connection is the key to staying sharp in your later years. Why Social Connection Is Key to Staying Sharp Whether it's meeting a friend for a walk, attending community events or hopping on a video call with family members, regular social interaction is crucial for mental sharpness. Here's why. It Supports Your Brain Structure and Function Older adults who rarely interact with loved ones and have low participation in the community are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 'Regular interaction helps reduce stress, supports memory and keeps the mind engaged,' says Park. Large long-term studies have found that people who are socially isolated have a 26% to 62% higher risk of dementia than those who stay socially connected. Brain scans reveal that these adults have less gray matter in brain regions that are responsible for memory and learning. These changes are linked to the underexpression of specific genes that protect against Alzheimer's disease and support healthy brain function. It Supports a Strong Immune System Though you may think of physical health and cognitive health as two separate things, they're closely intertwined. At the genetic level, loneliness causes an underexpression of anti-inflammatory genes and an overexpression of genes related to proinflammatory immune responses. This can decrease the body's ability to ward off illness and disease. A healthy immune system not only makes it easier to engage in other activities that support your brain and well-being, but it may also directly influence cognition. Recent research shows that poor immune function and heightened inflammation are associated with cognitive impairment, regardless if dementia is present. It Keeps Your Mind Engaged Every conversation or shared activity is like a mini workout for your brain. Whether you're learning a new card game, discussing the latest read with your book club, picking up a new skill for a community project or having a deep, thought-provoking conversation, you're engaging and strengthening areas of the brain that keep your mind sharp. One small study found that older adults who spent at least six weeks learning skills such as drawing, learning a new language or playing music experienced improvements in executive functions—like planning, organizing and problem solving—that lasted up to a year after the learning period. It May Keep You Active Regular physical activity has a strong relationship to better cognitive health. 'Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory and mood and keeps you socially connected if you're part of a group or team,' says Katie Schimmelpfenning, RDN. In fact, one study found active older adults had a 37% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to their inactive peers. The benefits go both ways, according to a recent study that found higher levels of social support increase physical activity among older adults, while being physically active fosters more socialization. So whether you meet a friend for a walk, take a yoga class or play a game of pickleball, you'll be sharpening your memory and thinking skills. How to Incorporate Social Connection If you're looking to boost your mental sharpness through connection, here are some ways to become a social butterfly. Join a Club or Class Reflect on skills or topics you've always wanted to learn—or activities you once loved—and find a way to make them happen. 'Join a local club or senior center, or participate in a group activity like a walking group, book club or community class,' suggests Park. These activities offer benefits beyond social connection, including physical activity, learning opportunities and a strong sense of purpose and community. Schedule Weekly Dates To hold yourself accountable and reduce decision fatigue about how you spend your time, schedule activities on your calendar. Whether you sign up for a weekly class, go for a morning walk with friends or plan a video chat with a loved one, you're more likely to stick with a habit when others are counting on you. Just be sure to start small and build at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. 'The more it becomes part of your weekly rhythm, the more natural—and beneficial—it will feel,' says Park. Pair It with Another Habit To get into the routine of scheduling and engaging in social activities, you may need to pair it with a daily habit you already do. 'I recommend pairing new habits with things you already do daily,' says Schimmelpfenning. For example, if you sit down at your computer every morning to check your email, spend a few minutes checking your community events calendar or FaceTime with a family member or friend. Other great ideas include running errands or doing household tasks like gardening with a friend, or going for a group walk after participating in worship services or another community gathering. Other Tips for Keeping the Mind Sharp Prioritize Physical Activity. Being physically active at least five times per week may provide the biggest cognitive benefits after 70. Just be sure to start small, emphasize safety and find activities you enjoy. Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Diet. Support your brain health by eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. 'Prioritizing nourishing, balanced meals with adequate protein, fruits and vegetables can help lower inflammation and prevent chronic disease with aging,' says Hennis Tung, M.S., RD. Continue Learning New Skills. Regularly using your mind is essential for keeping it sharp as you age. Participating in different fitness activities and exploring new topics all support improved cognitive function. Get Enough Sleep. There is a strong relationship between aging, poor sleep and cognitive decline. While the relationship between the three is not exactly clear, adults who prioritize sleep and address sleep problems like sleep apnea or insomnia may have added protection against cognitive decline. Our Expert Take Staying socially connected does more than just boost your mood—it's one of the most powerful ways to protect your brain as you age. Social interaction keeps your mind active, supports healthy brain structure, strengthens your immune system and often encourages other healthy habits like regular exercise. Whether it's joining a community group, calling a friend or finding a workout buddy, prioritizing social connection can help you stay sharper, healthier and happier well into your 70s and beyond. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
UNH stock: Why are UnitedHealth Group shares surging over 11% today? It's because of this big reveal
Shares in the troubled private health insurer UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) are currently seeing their best trading day in months. As of the time of this writing, UNH shares are up nearly 11.8% to $303.94 in premarket trading. The FDA is warning you not to use this cookware—it could be poisoning your food with lead Mark Cuban and Sam Altman just warned about disappearing jobs and the need to learn AI New study finds coffee is good for you, but there's a catch Yet the company, which is under federal criminal and civil investigations for alleged irregularities in its Medicare business, hasn't announced any fundamental changes to its business—no revised upward outlooks, or hints that its operational costs are decreasing. So why, then, are UNH shares surging this morning? It mainly comes down to one man: Warren Buffett. The Warren Buffett effect Warren Buffett is the most legendary investor in America, and when his company, Berkshire Hathaway, buys shares in another company, investors take notice. And that's exactly what's happened with UNH shares. In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Berkshire Hathaway revealed that the Warren Buffett-led firm acquired a significant position in UNH in June. As noted by CNBC, Berkshire Hathaway purchased more than 5 million shares of UNH in June, worth about $1.6 billion. Now that that stake has been revealed, other investors are buying into UNH, likely hoping both to ride the Warren Buffett effect, and also that Buffett is correct in whatever he saw in the stock that led Berkshire Hathaway to make such a large investment. One of the tactics Buffett, who is known as the 'Oracle of Omaha,' has used to buy stocks in the past is to invest in companies when they are down. It's a strategy many investors use: Buy stocks when they are depressed, hoping they will rise in the future when the company overcomes whatever challenges it is facing and investor sentiment warms. UNH shares have still had a horrible 2025 Of course, UnitedHealth Group is facing more challenges than most companies right now. After the killing of its subsidiary's CEO, UnitedHealthcare's Brian Thompson, in December 2024, there was large blowback from the American public against UnitedHealth. Americans under UnitedHealth plans voiced their frustrations about their difficulties in getting medical appointments or treatments approved by the private insurer, not to mention the crippling medical costs they face even if their treatments are approved. The private insurance giant has also faced rising costs as more elderly Americans who delayed elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic are now returning to hospitals to get surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements. In May, UnitedHealth Group's CEO, Andrew Witty, announced he was stepping down. And in July, the company confirmed that it was under federal criminal and civil investigations for alleged irregularities in its Medicare business, and also revised its 2025 full-year fiscal outlook downward. Before today's pre-market boost to its stock price, UNH shares had trended down for a long time. As of yesterday's market close, UNH shares were down over 46% year-to-date. Over the past 12 months, shares have been down over 53%. While the nearly 12% rise in UNH's share price this morning is giving the stock a much-needed boost, the company is still facing the same problems it was before Berkshire Hathaway's stake was revealed. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
