This week, Corinna Bellizzi invites you to learn from her longtime friend and former colleague, Dr. Joseph Maroon, a neurosurgeon and Ironman Triathlete that has a few first place finishes under his belt, and who has been the team neurologist for the Pittsburgh Steelers for more than 40 years. He has advocated for better concussion protection in the sports of football, wrestling and sports in general, throughout his career. He joins us today to talk about his most recent book, Square One: A Simple Guide to a Balanced Life. Before they conclude the episode they cover the 3 most important things in life - a healthy mind and body, healthy relationships and lastly, carpe diem - seize the day.

About Our Guest: Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS

Dr. Joseph Maroon. Dr. Maroon is Vice Chairman and Professor of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is an authority in sports medicine and concussion management. Dr Maroon serves as the team Neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Medical Director of the World Wrestling Association. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific articles and numerous books. Dr Maroon is a ranked Ironman triathlete and is frequently asked to lecture on wellness, and the benefits of exercise and healthy living.

08:14 Danforth's checker

12:15 Our endogenous endocannabinoid system

13:00 What Dr. Maroon needed to reset and balance his life

16:40 Learning from the centenarians (people who live to be more than 100)

18:00 The problem of chronic stress... it destroys your brain cells

20:30 "I want to die young, as late as possible and the way is the four square life."

23:10 Unpacking inflammation and returning your system to homeostasis (AKA balance)

24:40 Algae-sourced omega-3s to support return to homeostasis

26:50 The problem of so-called "Atlantic" salmon, subliminally marketed as wild

28:11 The Longevity Factor, resveratrol and red wine

30:00 Former episode with Dr. William Li on his work, Eat To Beat Disease

30:50 Combatting the problem of sarcopenia (muscle atrophy), which becomes an increasing problem as we all age

33:45 The importance of checking in with oneself -- awareness is critical!

The 3 most important things in life - #1 healthy mind, healthy body #2 relationships #3 carpe diem

Resources Discussed:

• Previous episode: Eat To Beat Disease: How Your Body Can Heal Itself with the Right Nutrition, featuring Dr. William Li.
• Square One: A Simple Guide To A Balanced Life by Joseph Maroon, MD
• The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine can Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life, Joseph C. Maroon, MD, Simon & Schuster, January 2009
• Dr. Maroon's Website: https://www.josephmaroon.com/