Episode Highlights:

- The importance of understanding both innate and adaptive immunity

How allergies were first recognized and how far treatment has come

Breakthrough medications that are transforming care for allergic patients

- What causes immune deficiencies and how they can be treated

- The myths and misinformation surrounding immune “boosting

- Which vitamins and supplements actually have science behind them

- Everyday changes you can make at home to reduce allergens

- How stress, sleep, and social connection all impact immunity

- The need for trusted medical guidance and evidence-based information

(:40) A friendly start as Drs. Shah and Patel talk about football—especially the Chicago Bears.
(3:50) A look into the history of allergy and immunology as a field of study.
(5:40) Explaining immunoglobulins, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity—how our bodies recognize and fight threats.
(8:50) How allergies are discovered, what they really are, and how modern medicine treats them.
(13:00) A discussion of new medicines available today to help those with allergies or immune deficiencies.
(14:15) How and why people become immuno-deficient, and what that means for their health.
(19:34) The most common pieces of misinformation Dr. Patel encounters about immunity.
(25:57) Vitamins and supplements—especially vitamin C—and whether they truly boost immunity.
(28:53) Practical advice on what you can do around your home to help with allergies.
(33:02) Everyday habits that might actually harm your immune system.
(34:43) The effects of stress and socialization on immunity and overall health.
(37:52) Closing thoughts from Dr. Patel.

The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Episode Highlights:

· Why vaccines are essential and how they protect children

· Discussing misinformation about autism, preservatives, and vaccine ingredients

· Recommendations for screen time, phones, and social media use in kids

· Nutrition tips including colorful eating and daily fruit/vegetable goals

· Strategies to help kids manage stress and build healthy routines

· Safe approaches to exercise and strength training

· The importance of keeping communication open with your pediatrician

(:45) Meet Dr. Zoy Patouhas!

(1:50) Dr. Patouhas talks about pediatric “anticipatory medicine”, explains what it is, why it’s important and how it works. Also, why vaccines are important and how they work…protection without having to fight a disease. And, what’s natural immunity?

(8:24) What does the data show about the risk for getting vaccines? And what about Autism and vaccinations?

(13:20) What’s the number one item of misinformation about vaccinations? Then, what about preservatives? What about aluminum content?

(16:30) and…what about formaldehyde content?

(18:43) Dr. Zoy talks about measles, how it changes the brain chemistry and its long-term effects.

(20:19) What’s “herd immunity” and why’s it important to the population?

(23:41) Does complete isolation prevent you from getting an illness?

(24:45) When should kids get phones, how much screen time is too much, and other questions are addressed by Dr. Zoy…and she provides recommendations. For example – less than 2 hours of screen time per day…parents set the example!

(29:21) What about nutrition and processed foods? Look for all the colors of the rainbow! And 5-6 fruits and veggies per day.

(32:22) Dr. Zoy addresses stress in kids and makes recommendations to address this. Remember, EVERY age experience stress. Decrease screen time, healthy diet, water, fresh air, hugs (tactile experiences) and 5-6 pictures that bring happiness to share right before lights out.

(35:34) At what age is it OK for kids to start lifting weights? Dr. Zoy discusses the options.

(38:00) And now…of course, Dr. Neel and Dr. Zoy discuss football and specifically the Detroit Tigers!

(40:17) Will the Lions win the division this year?!

(40:40) What final words does Dr. Zoy want to share? “Keep the dialog open with your pediatrician”!

(42:55) What’s the major cause of childhood death in the US?

The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

In this special episode Neel Shah interviews Dr. Neel Shah! Dr. Shah is a board-certified Hematologist-Oncologist in Dyer, Indiana, known for his work in community oncology, bringing academic-level care to patients in Northwest Indiana. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a fellowship at Rush University Medical Center.

Beyond his clinical expertise, he is passionate about his hometown of Detroit—and a proud supporter of the Detroit Lions.

In this candid self-conversation, Dr. Shah explores a range of important topics:

• Cancer basics: What cancer really is and the emotional weight of delivering a diagnosis.
• Treatment decisions: How oncologists determine the right course of care.
• Medical advancements: Breakthroughs in tools, blood cell treatments, and bone marrow therapies compared to 10–15 years ago.
• Supplements: Which are safe, helpful, or harmful for cancer patients.
• Second opinions: When and why they matter in oncology.
• Mental health: Essential support for patients and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.
• Genetic and family history: The role of testing when cancer runs in the family.
• A personal touch: Dr. Shah even pokes fun at himself—answering the burning question of why he’s so short!

(1:10) Dr. Shah begins this unusual episode talking about his passion for Detroit and the Detroit Lions!

(1:30) Dr. Shah, an Oncologist, talks about cancer, what it is and what it’s like to tell a patient they have been diagnosed with it.

(3:20) How does a doctor know the correct course of treatment to pursue? Dr. Shah explains.

(4:52) What tools are not available today that weren’t available 10-15 years ago?

(5:44) What are the new treatments that are being used to treat cancer? Learn about blood cells and bone marrow and their part in healing.

(8:40) what about supplements? Does Dr. Shah recommend them to fight cancer? What to take and what to avoid.

(10:50) Whan is it wise to get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?

(12:42) what kinds of mental health support is important for those diagnosed with cancer?

(13:55) What kind of tests are important when there is a history of it within a family?

(16:06) And why is Dr. Shah so short?!!!

The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.