Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: The real reason polio is so dangerous | Dan Kwartler

Information Inoculation: Defending Against Medical Myths: The real reason polio is so dangerous | Dan Kwartler

Author: TED June 17, 2025 Duration: 34:45

In 1952, polio was everywhere: killing or paralyzing roughly half a million people annually. Yet just 10 years later, paralytic polio cases in the US dropped by 96% and we were on track to get rid of polio for good. But in recent years, the virus started striking back. So, what’s behind these recent spikes? Explore the dangers of poliovirus and the possibility of eradicating this deadly disease. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].


After the talk, Shoshana interviews Dr. Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and the former Chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, to cover how vaccine decisions get made and the ripple effects it has on communities.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Curiosity about our own bodies and minds often starts with a simple, surprising question. TED Health, hosted by physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, turns those questions into a compelling exploration. This isn't just a summary of health tips; it's a deep dive into the ideas reshaping our understanding of well-being. You'll hear from leading TED speakers who are doctors, researchers, and thinkers, unpacking everything from the profound neurological effects of a daily walk to the emerging potential of psychedelic therapy for mental illness. Each episode is built on a foundation of rigorous science and accessible storytelling, moving beyond headlines to the nuanced realities of medical breakthroughs and everyday habits. The conversations in this podcast challenge assumptions and connect disparate fields, offering perspectives on longevity, mental fitness, and preventative care that you likely haven't encountered before. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the 'why' and the 'how' behind living a healthier life, providing not just answers but better frameworks for thinking about your own health. The discussions are grounded yet forward-looking, always aiming to translate complex concepts into meaningful, actionable understanding. Listening feels like having a direct line to the cutting edge of medical and wellness research, all filtered through Dr. Ungerleider's insightful and thoughtful guidance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TED Health
Podcast Episodes
How to stop feeling tired all the time with Dr. Alexandra Crosswell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:15
Why do we feel exhausted all the time? We’ll get through the workday, collapse on the couch, scroll for a while, and go to bed… but wake up still feeling depleted. In this episode, Shoshana seeks to understand the concep…
Silence and stillness, the universal medicine | Pico Iyer, Elise Hu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
In a world growing louder, faster and more fractured, author Pico Iyer makes the case for a radical act of repair. Explore why tapping into silence may be the best medicine you can give yourself, and everyone around you.…
How to raise kids who can handle hard things | Kathryn Hecht [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
Could exposing kids to their fears help them thrive later on in life? Exploring the science of exposure therapy, pediatric psychologist Kathryn Hecht shows how encouraging children to handle discomfort builds confidence…
The secrets to aging well with Zeke Emanuel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
When has healthcare advice become so complicated? And how should we be thinking about long-term wellness? Zeke Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethnicist whose latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream, might sound paradoxical agai…