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The Back Story

The Back Story

By: Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D.
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The Back Story is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for you and your entire family. Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D. and the world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, join forces with an expanded network of experts to bring in-depth conversations covering medical research, trending topics and wellness. Our podcast is a trusted source of information for medical care, combined with real patient experiences and the latest breakthroughs in medicine.

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Episodes
  • The 20 Minute Nap That Could Save Your Life: Why a Screening Colonoscopy Is Worth It
    Mar 16 2026
    Colon cancer—also called colorectal cancer when we include the rectum—is tragically common but highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Here’s the headline: colonoscopy doesn’t just find cancer; it prevents it by removing polyps before they turn into cancer. That’s like pulling weeds before they choke the garden.
    But there’s a problem. Too many people either:
    • Put it off,
    • Think they’re too young,
    • Or fear the prep more than the disease.
    I get it. The prep has a reputation. But medicine has evolved, the prep options are better, the sedation is kinder, and the benefits? Off the charts.

    And if you’re nervous about the prep, remember: I lost 6 lbs, the prep wasn’t terrible, the day of the procedure was a blessing, and it was the best 20‑minute nap I ever took. I’d do it again without hesitation—because prevention beats treatment every time.


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    14 mins
  • Top 10 Health Myths Debunked
    Jul 31 2025

    💬 “Diet soda is worse than regular soda.”

    • Myth: Artificial sweeteners are more harmful than sugar.
    • Reality: While not necessarily healthy, diet sodas are generally less harmful than sugary sodas in terms of calorie and sugar content. However, concerns remain about long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and appetite regulation.

    🍷 “Red wine is good for your heart because of resveratrol.”

    • Myth: A glass of red wine a day is heart-healthy.
    • Reality: Resveratrol has shown benefits in lab studies, but the amount in wine is too small to have a significant effect. The risks of alcohol often outweigh the benefits.

    🥚 “Eggs raise your cholesterol and are bad for your heart.”

    • Myth: Dietary cholesterol = blood cholesterol.
    • Reality: For most people, moderate egg consumption does not significantly impact blood cholesterol or heart disease risk.

    🥛 “You need milk for strong bones.”

    • Myth: Only dairy provides enough calcium.
    • Reality: While dairy is a good source, many other foods (leafy greens, fortified plant milks, tofu) and lifestyle factors (like weight-bearing exercise) contribute to bone health.

    💧 “You must drink 8 glasses of water a day.”

    • Myth: Everyone needs exactly 64 oz of water daily.
    • Reality: Hydration needs vary by individual, activity level, and climate. Thirst is usually a good guide.

    🌿 “Natural products are always safer and better.”

    • Myth: “Natural” means healthy.
    • Reality: Many natural substances (e.g., arsenic, cyanide) are toxic. “Natural” is not a regulated term and doesn’t guarantee safety or efficacy.

    🥗 “Detox diets cleanse your body.”

    • Myth: Juices, teas, or fasts remove toxins.
    • Reality: Your liver and kidneys already detox your body efficiently. Most detox products are unnecessary and sometimes harmful.

    🧬 “You can boost your metabolism with certain foods or supplements.”

    • Myth: Spicy foods, green tea, or pills can significantly increase metabolism.
    • Reality: While some foods have a minor thermogenic effect, sustainable metabolism changes come from muscle mass and physical activity.

    🥩 “High-protein diets damage your kidneys.”

    • Myth: Protein is harmful to kidney function.
    • Reality: In healthy individuals, high-protein diets are generally safe. The concern mainly applies to those with pre-existing kidney disease.

    🛌 “You can catch up on sleep over the weekend.”

    • Myth: Sleeping in on weekends reverses sleep debt.
    • Reality: While it may help temporarily, chronic sleep deprivation can’t be fully undone with weekend recovery sleep.

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    15 mins
  • Why Are NBA Players Tearing Their Achilles?
    Jun 27 2025

    From Kevin Durant to Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard — elite athletes are going down with devastating tendon tears. But why now? What’s changed? And what can be done to prevent these injuries?

    Let’s break it down.

    Why Do Tendons Get Injured?

    1. Mechanical Overload

    2. Tendinopathy and Degeneration

    3. Aging and Reduced Blood Flow

    4. Biomechanical Imbalances

    5. Systemic Risk Factors

    6. Sudden Load Increases


    What the Science Says About Tendon Protection

    1. Eccentric Strength Training

    2. Progressive Load Management

    3. Cross-Training and Movement Variety

    4. Adequate Recovery and Sleep

    5. Nutrition for Tendon Health

    6. Footwear and Biomechanics

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    14 mins
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