Health Break: Recent Episodes
UPMC Health Plan
A podcast for UPMC Health Plan members, Health Break is your quick guide to caring for your mental and physical health, prioritizing wellness, and making the most of your health insurance plan. We’ve connected with experts across health care and health insurance to bring information you need—plus tips and ideas—to each episode. Find show notes and more information at upmchealthplan.com/podcast
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, has been making the news lately. Tune in to learn what it can feel like and how you can protect your family from getting sick. You’ll hear about everything from symptoms to vaccines.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP52 for show notes and additional information.
Do you know what to do when you get hurt or sick? Who should you ask when your doctor’s office is closed? Listen in to learn how UPMC nurses can help you decide the right level of care for your symptoms.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP51 for show notes and additional information.
Skin issues can be more than a pain. And finding time to get them checked can be a challenge. Learn how, why, and when to use eDermatology as a quick and easy way to help with certain skin problems.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP50 for show notes and additional information.
The LGBTQIA+ community can face challenges in their health care journey. In this “Health Break,” we’ll discuss the resources and services UPMC Health Plan members can use to help them meet their health care needs in a welcoming space.
Find show notes and more information at upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP49
Knowing your network is key when it comes to using your health insurance. Listen in to learn why it’s good to stay in-network when you get care—and tools that can help you do it.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP48 for show notes and additional information.
Keeping asthma in check can feel daunting if you or a loved one has it. Understanding asthma, its triggers, and how to treat and manage it can help you breathe easier.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP47 for show notes and additional information.
Learn what you can check off your health insurance to-do list as you get ready for your parenting journey.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP46 for show notes and additional information.
Many people think that statins are used only to lower cholesterol. This class of medications can do much more. Learn how statins work and who can benefit from them.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP45 for show notes and additional information.
Brush up on everything you need to do to take care of your mouth and teeth as an adult. Learn about oral health basics and beyond.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP44 for show notes and additional information.
Get a complete overview of osteoporosis so you can take action. Tune in to learn about this condition, from causes and risks to diagnosis and treatment.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP43 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Maria Guyette, senior medical director for UPMC Community HealthChoices and emergency physician at UPMC Shadyside, takes a Health Break to talk with us about preparing for flu season and why we need to be vaccinated against the flu each year.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP42 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Robert Rutkowski, medical director of practice transformation at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to explain respite care, how it works, and what resources are available for caregivers in Pennsylvania.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP41 for show notes and additional information.
Rebecca Ballentine, associate vice president of clinical affairs and post-acute services at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to review the next steps you should take after an ER visit.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP40 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, practicing pediatrician and chief medical officer of the Quality Department at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to explain mental and behavioral health for kids and teens.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP39 for show notes and additional information.
Laura Kelsch and Robin Bernens, registered nurse case managers on the Baby Steps maternity team at UPMC Health Plan, take a Health Break to explain ways to care for body and mind before and after giving birth.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP38 for show notes and additional information.
Tish Rohan, senior director of population health and clinical optimization at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to share details on the RxWell mobile app for UPMC Health Plan members.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP37 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, practicing pediatrician and chief medical officer in the Quality Department at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to discuss why vaccines are important at every stage of childhood.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP36 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Margarita Zuley, chief of Breast Imaging at UPMC, takes a Health Break to talk about breast health and share steps to take for breast cancer prevention.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP35 for show notes and additional information.
In this episode, we’re taking a Health Break to discuss home health supports with Josh Rosman, certified registered nurse practitioner and clinical director of the Advanced Illness Care Program through UPMC Innovative Homecare Solutions.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP34 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Anthony DeFail, associate vice president of medical service at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to share why it’s important to have an action plan if you have a chronic condition.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP33 for show notes and additional information.
Prescription for Wellness care manager Mandi Batykefer takes a Health Break to tell us about who the care managers are at UPMC Health Plan, and what they do to support members.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP32 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Robert Rutkowski, medical director of practice transformation at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to provide an overview of some of the primary warning signs for type 2 diabetes or obesity in children and teens, and strategies for creating healthy lifestyle habits to avoid a diagnosis.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP31 for show notes and additional information.
Ray Prushnok, associate vice president of program development and social impact at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to uncover the social determinants of health that may be affecting you, and the support available to help you.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP30 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Amanda Gabarda, senior director of clinical training and education at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to discuss some of the challenges working mothers face, and how to receive support from your health insurance.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP29 for show notes and additional information.
Alicia Fairman, program manager at LifeSolutions, takes a Health Break to walk us through three tips for how to find comfort and access support in any moment of stress.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP28 for show notes and additional information.
Tish Rohan, senior director of population health and clinical optimization at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to explain what a Prescription for Wellness is, how to get one, and what it can do for your health.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP27 for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Sonika Bhatnagar, senior medical director of pediatric population health at UPMC Health Plan takes a Health Break to talk about health and health care for teens.
Visit upmchp.us/HealthBreakEP26 for show notes and additional information.
Health coach Alex Treanor takes a Health Break to talk with us about sleep—and why we’re probably doing it wrong. Tune in to learn about sleep hygiene and why it’s key for your health.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Teresa Messick, clinical pharmacy supervisor at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to describe how to connect with a pharmacist and ask questions using UPMC AnywhereCare.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Nicholas DeGregorio, senior medical director of UPMC for You, takes a Health Break to bust common myths about cervical cancer and share tips for screening and prevention.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Why do some vaccines require booster shots, and when should people get a COVID-19 booster? Dr. Maria Guyette, senior medical director for UPMC Community HealthChoices and emergency physician at UPMC Shadyside, takes a Health Break to explain.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Health coach Alex Treanor takes a Health Break to help us turn our resolutions into goals—whether it be for our physical or mental health, relationships, or lifestyle habits. Join us to learn about goal setting and how to follow through with your goals.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Laura Francis, Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Programs, takes a Health Break with us to discuss the free digital tools members can use to support their mental and behavioral health.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Laura Francis, Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Programs at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break with us to review important resources you can use if you are having a mental health crisis.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Suzan Clark, program director at LifeSolutions, takes a Health Break to describe the mental health challenges we may encounter as we get older—and how to find and access support at every stage of life.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Nick DeGregorio, senior medical director of UPMC for You, takes a Health Break to discuss all things antibiotics: Why they’re different from other medications, how to know when you should and shouldn’t be taking them, how to take them correctly and safely, and how to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Claire Marcus, director of Telehealth Technology & Solutions at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break with us to discuss accessing health care with digital tools. We’ll learn about UPMC Health Plan programs, tools, and services that are available to our members and the communities we serve.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Do you use telehealth as part of your health care? Jeffrey Gala, senior digital product manager at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to give us an overview on telehealth and what it means for access to care, for saving money, and for the future.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Amy Meister, associate chief medical officer of UPMC’s Insurance Services Division and vice president of Workpartners, takes a Health Break with us to define diabetes and prediabetes—plus, she shares lifestyle changes we can make to minimize risks.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Amy Meister, associate chief medical officer of UPMC’s Insurance Services Division and vice president of Workpartners, takes a Health Break to discuss why seeing a PCP (or primary care provider) is an important part of health insurance. Plus, she’ll tell us how to select a PCP.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Cynthia Rosenberg, chief medical officer of Medicare and Special Needs Products at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break with us to outline what matters most when it comes to having a healthy heart. She also talks about preventive measures we can take to support our heart health at any age.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Amy Meister, associate chief medical officer of UPMC’s Insurance Services Division and vice president of Workpartners, takes a Health Break to discuss health risk assessments. What are they, why is it important to complete one for your health insurance, and how can it affect your health?
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Kalpana Char, associate vice president of Special Needs Plan Medical Services at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break with us to explain blood pressure, what we need to know about high blood pressure, and how to treat high blood pressure with help from your primary care provider.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Nicholas DeGregorio, senior medical director of UPMC for You, takes a Health Break with us to explain how telehealth works and how easy and convenient it can be to talk to your doctor online.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Programs Laura Francis takes a Health Break with us to explain how the brain works in moments of discomfort—and how we can build habits for healthier thoughts.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Clinical pharmacy specialist Teresa Messick takes a Health Break to share common mistakes you might be making with your prescriptions and how to correct them. Plus, we’ll talk about how to avoid prescription misuse.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Health Care Concierges Joyce Reagle and Michael Ahern take a Health Break to share the top five things you need to know about health insurance—from eligibility and coverage to hidden benefits and other extras—all in five minutes. No matter where you are in exploring health insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dr. Andrew Watson, colorectal surgeon and senior medical director of telemedicine at UPMC Insurance Services, takes a Health Break to explain colorectal cancer, how it develops, and ways to detect signs and symptoms early.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Dental care managers Alaina Stango and Barb Hammerschmitt take a Health Break to share tips and strategies for building healthy oral health habits with the kids in your life.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
In this Health Break, we revisit PA Takes a Breath, a UPMC Health Plan virtual event that shows the benefits of deep breathing. Hear from Dr. Matthew Hurford, president and CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, and practice a simple breathing exercise with UPMC Health Plan health coaches.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Brittany Ramsey, senior product manager at UPMC Health Plan, takes a Health Break to give us the details on free and convenient digital tools that can help UPMC Health Plan members make the most of their health insurance plan.
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Health coach Linda Fayad takes a Health Break to tell us about health coaching: what it is, how it works, who the coaches are, how it can help, and how to get connected. The best part—it’s free!
Visit upmchealthplan.com/podcast for show notes and additional information.
Welcome to Health Break, a new podcast by UPMC Health Plan.
Health Break is your quick guide to caring for your mental and physical health, prioritizing wellness, and making the most of your health insurance plan.
Learn more at upmchealthplan.com/podcast.