The Heart of Innovation: Recent Episodes
The Heart of Innovation
The Heart of Innovation is 60 minutes with life and limb saving potential. Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Patient Navigator Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips discuss new exciting ideas and innovation in healthcare. They tackle some of the greatest barriers to timely, effective patient care and discuss solutions with physicians, clinicians, policy makers, and most importantly, patients.
What does it take to cross a 100% blocked artery and open the door to treatment when others may think there are no options?
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I'm joined by my co-host Dr. John Phillips as we talk with Dr. Brett Bennett, an Interventional Cardiologist and CTO expert, about the challenging world of chronic total occlusions, also known as CTOs.
A CTO is a completely blocked artery, and crossing it requires skill, strategy, tools, and experience. Dr. Bennett shares what makes these cases so complex, how physicians approach them, what patients should understand, and why expertise matters when dealing with advanced coronary artery disease.
Dr. Bennett has a special focus on chronic total occlusion intervention and complex coronary intervention, and his work has helped his program become one of the top CTO centers in the Southeast. He is also actively involved in research related to coronary artery disease, novel coronary stents, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, antiplatelet therapy, and artificial intelligence in heart disease diagnosis.
If you or someone you love has been told they have a blocked artery, this is an important conversation.
Please watch, subscribe, and share so more patients and families can find this information.
Call to Action:
- Subscribe: @TheWayToMyHeart
- Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
- Visit: TheWayToMyHeart.org
- Join: TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org for our PAD Awareness Month walking challenge
- Comment below with your questions about CTOs, coronary artery disease, or artery blockages
- Share this episode with someone who needs hope, answers, or another perspective
Hosted by: Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips
#HeartOfInnovation #CTO #ChronicTotalOcclusion #BlockedArtery #CoronaryArteryDisease #InterventionalCardiology #DrBrettBennett #HeartDisease #Cardiology #PatientAdvocacy #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips
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One year ago, Mama Joyce was facing an above-knee amputation after peripheral artery disease had progressed to its most advanced stage, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, or CLTI. Her daughter, Jae, called the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline looking for one more chance. We helped facilitate Mama Joyce's transfer to an advanced multidisciplinary limb salvage team with the experience, tools, and techniques needed to take another look. Today, Mama Joyce is not only standing on that leg. She is walk, walk, walking! Now, her extraordinary journey has been documented in a peer-reviewed case report published in Vascular Disease Management by HMP Global. I am deeply honored to be a co-author alongside Dr. David Allie, Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux, and Dr. Amit Amin. Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Mama Joyce andher daughter Jae back to The Heart of Innovation one year after we first shared their story. We talk about the fight to get another set of eyes on her case, the imaging and advanced revascularization that helped restore blood flow, the multidisciplinary wound care that followed, and the determination of a patient and daughter who refused to give up hope. We also discuss why this publication matters. This is the first peer-reviewed case report we have co-authored documenting the role patient advocacy can play in helping someone facing amputation reach an experienced limb salvage team. Mama Joyce's outcome cannot be promised for every patient. But her story is a powerful reminder of why patients should understand their diagnosis, ask whether all appropriate imaging and treatment options have been explored, and seek an urgent second opinion from an experienced limb salvage specialist when time and their medical condition allow. Read the peer-reviewed case report: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/vdm/case-report/extreme-limb-salvage-facilitated-patient-advocacy-multidisciplinary-care-and Watch our original conversation with Mama Joyce and Jae: https://www.youtube.com/live/2f95s6hZKsQ?si=62VmoO8gqs8AUTOz Facing an amputation or being told there are no other options? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or visit PADhelp.org. We help patients understand the questions to ask and connect with experienced limb salvage specialists for additional opinions. Subscribe to our youtube channel: @TheWayToMyHeart for more patient stories, physician conversations, and lifesaving information about peripheral artery disease. Join The Great Circulation Challenge and help us walk the 60,000 miles of the human circulatory system: https://padwalk.org/register.html Please share Mama Joyce's story. It may reach someone who needs to know that it is okay to ask questions, seek another set of eyes, and make sure every reasonable option has been explored. This program is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for medical advice. Every patient and medical situation is different, and outcomes will vary. Never delay urgent or medically necessary treatment while seeking another opinion. Always consult your own healthcare team. #PeripheralArteryDisease #LimbSalvage #PatientAdvocacy #legpain #legcramps #chroniclimbthreateningischemia #criticallimbischemia #peerreviewed #diabetes #PADsupportgroup #globalpadassociation
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The human body contains approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels. This September, during PAD Awareness Month, Dr. John Phillips and I are inviting people around the world to help us walk every one of them together.
The Great Circulation Challenge is a free global walking challenge bringing together patients, physicians, clinicians, researchers, vascular industry teams, caregivers, families, and anyone who wants to improve their circulation.
We will follow the journey of a drop of blood through the human superhighway, beginning in the left side of the heart and traveling through the aorta, brain, arms, hands, legs, feet, veins, lungs, and back home to the heart.
Along the way, we will stop at the major milestones of the circulatory system and explain why every part matters, especially the arteries supplying the legs and feet.
Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is poor circulation caused by plaque narrowing or blocking the arteries, most commonly in the legs. It is more prevalent and, when it reaches its advanced stages, can be deadlier than prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer combined.
Yet millions of people do not know they have it.
Leg cramping, aching, heaviness, fatigue, slowing down while walking, cold feet, discoloration, numbness, and wounds that do not heal should never simply be dismissed as normal aging.
Walking is medicine.
For people living with PAD, structured walking can help improve circulation, build endurance, increase walking distance, and encourage the development of natural collateral pathways around blocked arteries.
Throughout September, every participant's steps will contribute to our shared 60,000-mile goal. After the global challenge is complete, participants will be invited to continue their own individual Circulation Journey until they personally reach 60,000 miles.
REGISTER FOR THE GREAT CIRCULATION CHALLENGE THIS SEPTEMBER:
https://padwalk.org/register.html
Registration is free. You can join an existing team or create one for your family, physician, clinic, hospital, workplace, school, patient group, or community.
NEED HELP WITH PAD?
Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:
1-833-PAD-LEGS 1-833-723-5347
Our team can help you better understand PAD, prepare questions for your doctor, explore walking resources, and connect with experienced vascular specialists when needed.
FIND A WALKING PROGRAM
Learn about supervised exercise therapy and structured walking programs for PAD:
https://www.thewaytomyheart.org/pad-w...
Subscribe to our channel and join us as we raise awareness, improve circulation, and work together to save life and limb.
#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #PADAwarenessMonth #GreatCirculationChallenge #WalkingIsMedicine #ImproveCirculation #CirculatorySystem #VascularHealth #HeartHealth #LegCirculation #Claudication #LimbSalvage #SaveLimbsSaveLives #CardiovascularHealth #SupervisedExerciseTherapy #StructuredWalking #WalkForHealth #GlobalPADAssociation #TheHeartOfInnovation #LegSaverHotline
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Could a "pulled muscle"... constipation... loss of appetite... or back pain actually be the warning signs of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection?
The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham has sparked an urgent national conversation about one of medicine's deadliest and most overlooked conditions.
In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I am joined by my co-host, Dr. John Phillips, and renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Sungho Lim from Rush University Medical Center to answer the questions millions of Americans are now asking:
• What exactly is an aortic aneurysm?
• What is the difference between an aneurysm and an aortic dissection?
• Why are so many people diagnosed only after a catastrophic emergency?
• What symptoms should never be ignored?
• Can back pain, abdominal pain, or chest pain be warning signs?
• Should people with high blood pressure be screened?
• Does family history matter?
• Why does the United Kingdom have a national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program for certain men, while the United States takes a more limited approach?
This conversation is deeply personal for me.
My own mother died from an abdominal aortic dissection. Looking back, there were warning signs that seemed to fit other diagnoses. Her back pain was attributed to longstanding spine and sciatica problems. Her smaller meals and loss of appetite were thought to be related to Crohn's disease, even though it was in remission. She described what felt like a tearing sensation that was believed to be a pulled muscle.
Like so many families, we were left wondering:
Could this have been recognized sooner?
If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, a history of smoking, vascular disease, connective tissue disorders, or a family history of aneurysm or dissection, this is a conversation you should not miss.
Please remember: This program is for education only and should not replace medical advice. If you develop sudden severe chest, back, abdominal, or tearing pain, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If this conversation helps even one family recognize the warning signs sooner, it will be worth it.
Need help finding a vascular specialist or getting a second opinion?
Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:
1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)
Our patient navigators help connect patients with experienced vascular specialists across the United States.
If you found this episode helpful:
• Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart
• Like this video
• Share it with your family and friends—you never know whose life it could save.
• Leave your questions in the comments. We may answer them in a future episode.
#AorticAneurysm #AorticDissection #HighBloodPressure #HeartHealth #VascularSurgery #CardiovascularHealth #HeartDisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #RushUniversity #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #LindseyGraham #KnowTheSigns #SaveALife
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Healthcare workers spend their careers saving lives. But who is helping them before burnout costs them their own health, careers, and families?
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Chelsea Ulmer, an emergency department trauma nurse, former CrossFit Games athlete, fitness coach, and founder of CodeBrew, a new wellness platform designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
After spending 13 years working in one of the most demanding environments in medicine, Chelsea realized traditional wellness advice simply doesn't work for people working overnight shifts, 12-hour schedules, chronic stress, and relentless emotional demands.
Instead of another wellness program built around perfection, she created something different.
We explore:
• Why healthcare burnout has become a global crisis • The hidden physical toll of caring for others every day • Why most wellness programs fail healthcare workers • How realistic nutrition, movement, sleep, and nervous system regulation can fit into real clinical schedules • The surprising role community plays in preventing burnout • Why sustainable habits matter more than extreme fitness • How CodeBrew is helping healthcare professionals reclaim their health
Whether you're a physician, nurse, EMT, respiratory therapist, technician, therapist, administrator, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about the future of healthcare, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on supporting the people we all depend on.
If we want better patient care, we have to start by taking better care of the people providing it.
Subscribe for more conversations featuring the innovators transforming medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWayToMyHeart
Learn more about The Heart of Innovation: https://theheartofinnovation.org
Know a healthcare worker who needs to hear this? Share this episode with them.
Leave a comment: What is the biggest challenge facing healthcare workers today?
#Healthcare #Nursing #Burnout #HealthcareBurnout #Wellness #EmergencyNurse #MentalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CodeBrew #PhysicianWellness #NurseLife #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #LifestyleMedicine #Resilience
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Happy 4th of July and Happy 250th Birthday, America!
This special PADdy's Plate episode of The Heart of Innovation is one you don't want to miss. Chef Eric is BACK and this time, he's in the kitchen! You may remember Chef Eric from a recent episode where co-host Dr. John Phillips dramatically improved his leg blood flow using Reflow Medical's SPUR retractable stent technology. Today, he returns as Chef Eric to show us how to make a healthier 4th of July BBQ that's as good for your arteries as it is delicious, featuring broccoli slaw, grilled veggies, and portobello lettuce wrap burgers.
Joining Chef Eric and your hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips is a special guest, Dr. Jean Chen, Diabetic Educator and retired podiatrist, who shares her top tips for a diabetes-friendly and artery-healthy Independence Day celebration.
🍽️ In this episode:
- Chef Eric's healthier 4th of July BBQ menu: Broccoli slaw, grilled veggies & portobello lettuce wrap burgers
- How Chef Eric went from PAD patient to cooking for your health
- Dr. Jean Chen's tips for keeping your 4th of July diabetes and artery friendly
- Why what you eat matters for your leg circulation and overall vascular health
Whether you're living with PAD, diabetes, or just want to make smarter choices this holiday weekend... this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode of The Heart of Innovation, the #1 healthcare innovation radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area and the #1 Women in Innovation Podcast in the nation: 👉 youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart
📞 Need help with PAD? Call our Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS — free support for patients and caregivers
🌐 Learn more & get resources:
- padhelp.org - PAD patient support, education & the Leg Saver Hotline
- PADtrials.org - find the latest clinical trials for PAD treatment options
- padwalkingprogram.org - Supervised Exercise Therapy & Structured Walking Programs for PAD patients
#HeartOfInnovation #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #HealthyBBQ #4thOfJuly #PADdysPlate #DiabetesTips #VascularHealth #LegHealth #LimbSalvage #HealthyEating #ArteriesHealth #PADawareness #America250See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Men are paying more attention to their health than ever before. From peptides and testosterone therapy to protein intake, metabolic health, and longevity, a growing number of men are looking for ways to stay healthier longer and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I explore some of the biggest trends shaping men's health today and what they could mean for heart health, vascular health, performance, and quality of life.
As both an interventional cardiologist and owner of multiple Game Day Men's Health locations, Dr. Phillips shares what he's seeing firsthand from patients who are becoming increasingly proactive about prevention rather than waiting until problems develop.
We discuss:
• Why metabolic health has become a major focus for men • The growing interest in testosterone replacement therapy • What patients should know about peptides • The role of protein in maintaining muscle and long-term health • How these trends intersect with cardiovascular and vascular disease prevention • Common misconceptions surrounding men's health treatments • A new project Dr. Phillips is developing to help patients increase healthy protein intake
Whether you're interested in longevity, performance, prevention, or simply living a healthier life, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring the future of medicine, cardiovascular innovation, vascular care, prevention, and emerging technologies.
🎙️ ABOUT THE HEART OF INNOVATION
The Heart of Innovation is hosted by Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips and features conversations with physicians, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and patients working to improve healthcare and patient outcomes.
📞 NEED HELP WITH PAD OR VASCULAR DISEASE?
PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)
🌐 Learn More: https://padhelp.org
🌐 Clinical Trials: https://padtrials.org
🌐 The Way To My Heart: https://thewaytomyheart.org
👥 Join Our Patient Community: https://padsupportgroup.org
👍 If you enjoyed this conversation: • Like the video • Subscribe to the channel • Share with a friend or family member • Leave your questions in the comments for future episodes
#MensHealth #MetabolicHealth #Testosterone #Peptides #Longevity #HeartHealth #CardiovascularHealth #Protein #Prevention #TheHeartOfInnovation #JohnPhillipsMD #KymMcNicholas #VascularHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MensWellness
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if a doctor tells you there is nothing more they can do to fix your heart blockages, and you've run out of options? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips introduce you to EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)—a powerful, non-invasive "Hail Mary" technology that has been saving cardiac patients for decades but remains drastically underutilized in mainstream medicine. In this deep-dive discussion, the team is joined by world-renowned cardiologist Dr. Richard Brown (consultant for Flow Therapy and former head of Johnson & Johnson's Save Legs, Change Lives program) and Jack Clifford, a cardiovascular patient and advocate who famously refused bypass surgery and used EECP to get back to running marathons.
🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss: * What is EECP? A complete breakdown of how this therapy uses synchronized pneumatic cuffs on your calves, thighs, and hips to act as a "passive exercise" pump for your heart. * The Mechanism of Action: How inflating during diastole (heart resting) pushes blood back up to the coronary arteries, and deflating during systole (heart pumping) creates a vacuum that reduces the heart's workload. * The Cellular Benefits: Why high-velocity blood flow triggers shear stress, stimulating endothelial cells to produce blood-vessel-dilating nitric oxide while reducing vessel-constricting endothelin-1. * Advanced Cardiac Applications: Why EECP isn't just for epicardial blockages, but is a proven therapy for microvascular disease, improving ejection fraction, and reversing severe heart failure symptoms. * Reimbursement & Controversy: The strict 2026 reality of Medicare coverage (restricted to Class 3 & 4 angina not amenable to further revascularization) and why many hospitals abandoned their EECP beds. * The Amazon Warning: A crucial distinction explaining why over-the-counter compression sleeves or Normatec pants cannot replicate gated, medical-grade EECP therapy.
🌐 Resource Section & Links 🩺 Cardiovascular & EECP Resources: * Find an EECP Center Near You: eecplocator.com * Jack Clifford's Patient Journey & Book: eecpbook.com * Explore Flow Therapy Centers (Dr. Brown): flowtherapy.com * Subscribe to The Way to My Heart: youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart
🩸 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Resources: * Global PAD Association Help Hotline: If you suffer from leg pain, leg cramps, neuropathy, or can no longer walk as far as you used to due to "old age," it could be poor circulation from Peripheral Artery Disease. Call the LegSaver hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347). * PAD Educational Resources: Learn more about leg circulation and get help at padhelp.org.
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What are the warning signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and how is medical innovation changing how we treat blood clots today?
In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kim McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips sit down with Richard Davis, an engineer and medical developer whose life was completely rewritten after being hit by a truck at 23 years old. Richard shares his gripping story of survival—from being pinned inside a vehicle to developing life-threatening blood clots, surviving severe pulmonary embolisms, and ultimately transitioning his expertise into creating vascular medical devices that save lives.
Discover how modern medical advancements are moving beyond standard medical therapy to actively remove clots and restore blood flow safely.
TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS
0:00 - The Accident That Changed Everything
2:15 - Living with an Undiagnosed Clotting Disorder
4:40 - Facing a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism
7:10 - Moving Beyond Medication: Advanced Clot Removal
9:35 - How Patient Participation Drives Medical Innovation
12:00 - The Next Generation of Vascular Care
GET FREE MEDICAL SUPPORT & ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is dealing with deep vein thrombosis, severe leg pain, swelling, or vascular complications, find absolute support with our completely free community connections:
- Free Vascular Resources & Specialist Connections: https://www.padhelp.org
- Learn More About Enrolling in Clinical Trials: https://www.padtrials.org
- Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)
- Join the Private Facebook Support Group: http://www.PADsupportGroup.org
- Stream Live Radio Every Saturday Morning on AM 1220 KDOW or visit: https://www.theheartofinnovation.org #PulmonaryEmbolism #VascularHealth #BloodClotSurvival #MedicalInnovation #TheHeartOfInnovation #PatientAdvocacy #DVTPrevention
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What does it take to go from helping millions of people breathe easier to helping patients keep their legs? Join The Heart of Innovation as Kym McNicholas talks with Sarvajna Dwivedi, Ph.D., entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of AngioSafe, whose career has spanned some of the most challenging problems in medicine. Sarvajna co-founded Pearl Therapeutics, a company focused on breakthrough respiratory therapies that was ultimately acquired by AstraZeneca for $1.15 billion. Along the way, he helped develop inhaled therapies and drug-device combinations designed to improve the lives of patients with asthma and COPD. (AngioSafe United States) Today, his focus has shifted from the lungs to the arteries. As CEO and co-founder of AngioSafe, Sarvajna is leading the development of the Santreva-ATK Endovascular Revascularization Catheter, a novel device designed to restore blood flow through some of the most challenging chronic total occlusions (CTOs) physicians encounter in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The technology is designed to cross completely blocked arteries, compress plaque, create a new channel, and restore blood flow without relying on a guidewire or external power source. (Medical Economics) In this episode, we discuss: • How a pharmaceutical scientist became a medical device innovator • The story behind Pearl Therapeutics and its $1.15 billion acquisition • Why chronic total occlusions remain one of the biggest challenges in PAD treatment • How AngioSafe's Santreva-ATK technology works • What it means to restore blood flow through arteries that are 100% blocked • The future of cardiovascular and vascular innovation If you or someone you love has peripheral artery disease, diabetes, leg pain while walking, non-healing wounds, or has been told an artery is completely blocked, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 📞 Need help navigating PAD care? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Learn more: PADHelp.org ▶ Subscribe: @TheWayToMyHeart 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help us spread awareness of PAD, a disease that is more prevalent and deadlier than many cancers combined, yet remains dramatically underdiagnosed. #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #SarvajnaDwivedi #AngioSafe #SantrevaATK #HeartOfInnovation #VascularDisease #CardiovascularInnovation #MedTech #LimbSalvage #CTO #Endovascular #AstraZeneca #Asthma #MedicalInnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could artificial intelligence identify Peripheral Artery Disease before patients face limb loss? Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a machine-learning model that analyzes a simple light-based signal from the toe to detect PAD with remarkable accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to make PAD screening faster, more accessible, and eventually available on your smartphone. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with vascular surgeon Dr. Elsie Ross, cardiologist Dr. Mattheus Ramsis, and engineering PhD student Ava Faccetti to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming vascular health and what this could mean for millions living with undiagnosed disease.
FULL RESEARCH DISCUSSION: Altmetric: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-026-02655-w/metrics DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-026-02655-w
People who think they have PAD can call the Global PAD Associaton's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS to learn more and get assistance finding a testing site or treatment.
peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #legpain #legcramps #ABItest #vasculardiseasediagnosis #paddiagnosis #ucsandiego #newpadresearch #globalpadassociation
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Can staying active really help reverse Type 2 diabetes?
In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with multi-Emmy Award-winning CBS San Francisco Bay Area sports anchor Vern Glenn to talk about his personal journey reversing Type 2 diabetes — and why golf became far more than just a game.
For Vern, the golf course became part of a larger commitment to movement, consistency, fitness, and long-term health. Walking the course, staying active, and building daily habits around exercise helped him take control of his blood sugar and inspire others to rethink what healthy living can look like.
That mission is also what inspired the Vern Glenn Invitational Celebrity Golf Tournament. The event brings together former and current stars from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and beyond — many of whom continue participating in events like this not just for competition, but to stay active, connected, and healthy long after their professional playing careers end.
Vern believes seeing athletes continue to prioritize fitness sends an important message: movement matters at every age. Whether it's walking 18 holes, staying social, or simply finding activities that keep you moving, the goal is building habits that support heart health, circulation, weight management, and better metabolic health over time.
We also discuss the growing connection between exercise, obesity, cardiovascular disease, circulation, and diabetes prevention and reversal.
⛳ SIGN UP FOR THE VERN GLENN INVITATIONAL: https://www.vernglenninvitational.net/
👇 TELL US IN THE COMMENTS 👇 Has walking, golf, or exercise helped improve your health, blood sugar, or circulation?
👍 LIKE THIS VIDEO 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on innovation, heart health, PAD, diabetes, longevity, and lifestyle medicine 📢 SHARE this episode with someone who needs motivation to get moving again
📞 Need help navigating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), diabetes-related circulation issues, or limb salvage options? Visit: PADHelp.org ☎️ Call the PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
#Diabetes #Type2Diabetes #Golf #VernGlenn #DiabetesReversal #Fitness #HeartHealth #Walking #LifestyleMedicine #Longevity #PAD #Exercise #TheHeartOfInnovation
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She lost her leg in a traumatic accident… and turned it into a mission to help others find strength, identity, and purpose again.
This is the story behind Less Leg More Heart — and why it matters for every patient facing limb loss or PAD.
I'm talking with Tina Godfrey Hurley, founder of Less Leg More Heart, alongside Dr. John Phillips, about what happens after amputation — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and how patients rebuild their lives in ways most people never see.
Tina's journey started with a devastating accident that led to limb loss at a young age. Today, she's helping others navigate trauma, identity, mental health, and recovery through her nonprofit and advocacy work.
We're getting into: • What patients really experience after limb loss • The emotional side of recovery doctors don't always see • How identity, confidence, and purpose evolve after trauma • Why community and support systems change outcomes • What PAD patients can learn from the amputee community
If you've ever thought, "no one understands what this feels like," this conversation will hit home.
🎥 SUBSCRIBE for real conversations that go beyond medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart
🆘 NEED HELP NOW? 📞 PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
🌐 TRUSTED RESOURCES https://padhelp.org https://padsupportgroup.org
#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #Amputation #LimbLoss #VascularHealth #PatientStories #TheHeartOfInnovation #PADAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #LessLegMoreHeart
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A silent killer hiding in plain sight — and you may not know you're at risk.
I talk with a CEO living with this genetic heart condition and what it means for you.
Dr. John Phillips and I talk to one of the most respected minds in tech, Phil McKinney, former CTO of Hewlett Packard and now CEO of CableLabs, to talk about something far more personal than innovation:
A genetic heart condition he didn't know he had.
It's called apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where the heart muscle thickens, particularly at the tip of the heart. That thickening can interfere with blood flow and increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
And here's what you need to know:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about 1 in 500 people...many of whom don't even know they have it.
For some, the first sign is a life-threatening event.
Phil was fortunate. His condition was caught early.
Not everyone gets that chance.
We break down what this condition actually is, why it's often missed, and how something as simple as knowing your family history could change your outcome. If there's heart disease in your family, or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, those are not things to brush off.
This is about awareness. It's about asking better questions. And it's about catching something early enough to do something about it.
🔔 CALL TO ACTION (your ecosystem)
👉 If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Start by learning more: PADhelp.org 👉 Talk to a patient navigator: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 👉 Join our community: padsupportgroup.org 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations that could help you protect your health — or someone you love
#HeartHealth #SilentKiller #GeneticRisk #HCM #HypertrophicCardiomyopathy #KnowYourRisk #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #PADAwareness #VascularHealth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I'm interviewing a vascular surgeon who has PAD… and the doctor who treated him. Get ready for an inside look at what medicine looks like from both sides.
Dr. John Phillips and I are talking to Dr. Kevin Lurie, a vascular surgeon from Alaska who was recently diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease and treated for blockages below the knee.
We're also talking to Dr. Amr El Serghany, the vascular surgeon from Hawaii who performed the procedures using the Reflow Medical retractable stent.
Patients say it all the time: "If doctors had PAD, they would understand the pain." Now you'll hear from one who does… and the doctor who treated him.
This conversation goes deeper than anything we've done before: • What it's like for a doctor to become the patient • The reality of PAD pain and limitations • How treatment decisions are made in real life • What changes when the physician understands the experience firsthand • How this is reshaping the way both doctors approach care This is where clinical expertise meets lived experience — and it changes everything.
🎥 JOIN THE LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE Want to be part of the conversation or join us live?
📧 Email: info@padhelp.org to get the private studio link
⏰ Every Wednesday — join our weekly show
🆘 NEED HELP NOW? If you're dealing with leg pain or navigating a PAD diagnosis: 📞 Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347) We'll help guide you to answers, support, and next steps
🔗 ESSENTIAL PAD RESOURCES Main Website: https://padhelp.org
Clinical Trials: https://padtrials.org Support Community: https://padsupportgroup.org
🚶♂️ START WALKING AS MEDICINE Join our free PAD walking program: https://padhelp.org
📣 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 👍 Like this video if it helped you 💬 Comment your experience — we read everything 📤 Share with someone who needs this 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about PAD
#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #CollateralNation #VascularHealth #PADAwareness #WalkingAsMedicine #SaveALimb #PatientStories #VascularSurgery
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We are going to be talking about the extent to which doctors save legs. Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas talk about the latest advances in limb saving care. We will share real stories from the front lines of fighting for life and limb.
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What if the pain you're told is "just a muscle cramp" is actually a life-altering vascular emergency?
In this high-impact episode of The Heart of Innovation, Kym McNicholas sits down with interventional cardiologist Dr. Hady Lichaa and his patient, Camille, to discuss a Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) diagnosis that was almost missed until it was too late.
Camille was a mom just trying to walk to her car after her son's baseball game, but the claudication pain was so severe it brought her to tears. Despite visiting the Emergency Room twice, she was sent home with muscle relaxers while her leg was actively dying.
In this episode, we unpack:
- The ER Red Flags: Why leg pain is often misdiagnosed as muscle cramps or venous clots.
- Arterial vs. Venous: The critical question a Nurse Practitioner asked that saved Camille's leg.
- The Reality of Bypass Surgery: The complex journey of multiple surgeries and complications.
- Smoking & Vascular Health: The honest truth about the role of smoking and the "Aha!" moment that led Camille to quit for good.
- Limb Salvage: How to find the right specialist when you are weeks away from an amputation.
This is more than a patient story; it's a manual for self-advocacy. If you have leg cramping while walking, heavy legs, or non-healing wounds, do not wait.
RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH: 🚶 FREE WALKING PROGRAM: https://padhelp.org 📞 LEG SAVER HOTLINE: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (Speak to someone who understands) 👥 WARRIOR COMMUNITY: PADsupportGroup.org (12,000+ members) 📧 RESULTS REVIEW: Email your ABI or Ultrasound results to info@padhelp.org for educational insight.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. We do not diagnose; we help you understand terminology to have better conversations with your doctor.
#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #MedicalMisdiagnosis #LimbSalvage #VascularHealth #SaveMyPiggies #KymMcNicholas #DrHadyLichaa
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Could we one day bypass heart blockages without ever opening the chest? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Kym McNicholas and Dr. James Joye, who invented PTAB (minimally invasive leg bypass device) sit down with Dr. Chris Bruce, the lead author of a groundbreaking NIH and Emory study that has achieved a world first: a fully percutaneous (catheter-based) coronary bypass. Known as the VECTOR procedure, this technique was recently used to save a patient whose anatomy made a traditional heart valve replacement life-threatening. By building an "extra-anatomic" bypass from the aorta to the coronary artery—all through a small puncture in the leg—Dr. Bruce and his team have opened a new frontier in cardiac care. We discuss how they "poked a hole" through the heart to save a life and whether this technology could eventually replace traditional bypass surgery for common blockages. #heartvalve #coronarybypass #heartbypass #heartsurgery #globalpadassociation #heartdisease
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For many, amputation is seen as the final step to end the agony of PAD and CLTI. But what happens when you make that heartbreaking choice, and the pain stays behind?
It's Limb Loss Awareness Month—a time for honoring those who have faced limb loss, but also for addressing the hard, silent realities of life after amputation. In this special episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips tackle Phantom Limb Pain, the "ghost signal" that tortures millions.
We are joined by Dr. John Eidt, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Baylor Heart & Vascular, and David Veino, CEO of Neuros Medical, to reveal a medical breakthrough—a tiny implantable device specifically designed to "turn off" that phantom pain for good.
In this episode, we unpack:
✔️Why amputation isn't always the end of the pain journey.
✔️The science of damaged nerves and phantom sensations.
✔️A new hope: How Neuros Medical's bioelectronic medicine is changing lives.
✔️Essential questions to ask your surgeon before a limb is lost.
RESOURCES & SUPPORT:
📞 Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (723-5347)
👥 Join the Community: PADSupportGroup.org (12,000+ members)
📧 Results Review: Email info@padhelp.org for terminology help with your ABI or CTA.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. We help you understand terminology to advocate for yourself.
#LimbLossAwarenessMonth #PhantomPain #Amputation #NeurosMedical #VascularSurgery #TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #CLTI
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is everything you know about obesity and diabetes wrong? Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips on The Heart of Innovation as they sit down with world-renowned endocrinologist Dr. Anastasios Manessis. In this episode, we dive deep into the rapidly accelerating world of metabolic health to separate fact from fiction.
What We Cover:
- GLP-1 Breakthroughs: We go beyond the headlines to discuss the real-world impact of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in managing chronic disease and cardiovascular health.
- The New Bag Gastric Balloon: Kym and Dr. Phillips explore the latest non-surgical innovations, including the recently FDA-cleared Allurion Gastric Balloon System. This swallowable technology—often referred to as a pill-sized bag—occupies gastric volume to support weight management without the need for surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia.
- Myth-Busting Obesity Care: Dr. Manessis addresses common misconceptions about weight loss medications and the shifting clinical standards for 2026.
- A Holistic Approach: Learn how endocrinology-driven strategies combine nutrition, exercise, and medicine for long-term health optimization.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Anastasios Manessis, MD, FACE, ECNU, ABOM, is a double board-certified endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, metabolism, and obesity medicine. As the lead at Endocrine Associates of West Village PC, he is at the forefront of innovative, patient-focused metabolic care.
Don't miss this essential guide to the new hope—and new meds—changing lives in 2026.
Subscribe to our channel for more life-saving breakthroughs!
SHAREABLE LINK TO WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/dAJZsb8WQJ0?feature=share
#ObesityTreatment #DiabetesCare #GLP1 #WeightLossInnovation #GastricBalloon #HeartOfInnovation #MedicalAdvances #DrAnastasiosManessis #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips
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Join us for a powerful PAD Awareness Day conversation with Michael Lepp, a globally respected human performance and cardiovascular physiology expert whose work spans elite athletics, endurance cycling, and high-pressure team dynamics.
Michael has spent over 40 years coaching, consulting, and advising athletes and teams — from world-class endurance cyclists and cycling culture discussions to training pit crews for NASCAR Cup winners and serving as senior athletic advisor to Joe Gibbs Racing. His perspective blends physiology, performance science, and real-world human resilience.
In this discussion, we explore:
How elite performance principles from cycling and high-stress teams can inform PAD recovery and mobility
Lessons from cardiovascular training and heart health in endurance athletes
Practical movement, rehabilitation, and resilience strategies for people living with PAD
Michael's experience shaping early PAD and cardiac rehab approaches in Charlotte, NC
Whether you're living with PAD, caring for someone who is, or interested in human performance across sport and health, this interview delivers evidence-based insight rooted in decades of experience.
👉 Don't miss this unique blend of sports science, heart health expertise, and real-world PAD awareness work.
#PADAwareness #PeripheralArteryDisease #MichaelLepp #HumanPerformance #Cycling #NASCAR #CardioRehab
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🔴 TUNE IN SATURDAY | 11:06 AM PT | 2:06 PM ETThe Heart of Innovation — Live on the #1 Healthcare Radio Show in the SF Bay Area
🏆 Named by Feedspot 2025: #1 Women in Innovation Podcast in the NationNearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure and only 1 in 4 have it under control.
For millions, the pills aren't working. But there's a procedure most doctors AND patients have never heard of. And it's been FDA-approved.
This Saturday, host Kym McNicholas, CEO of the Global PAD Association, and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips sit down with two of the people who refused to give up on it:
👩🔬 Julie Trudel, PhD: Senior Director, R&D, Coronary & Renal Denervation, Medtronic 🧬 Jason Fontana, PhD: VP of Global Marketing & Renal Denervation General Manager, MedtronicRenal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets overactive nerves near the kidneys, nerves that can silently drive blood pressure up no matter how many medications you take.
It's not a pill. It's not surgery. It's a one-time catheter-based procedure that disrupts the signals causing the problem at the source.
The road to get here?
Anything but smooth.
Early trials failed.
The medical community walked away. Other companies exited the space entirely. But Medtronic kept going, redesigning the technology, running new trials, and fighting for FDA approval that finally came in 2023.
Medicare coverage followed in late 2025.So why don't more patients know about it?
Why aren't more physicians offering it?That's exactly what we're asking this Saturday.If you or someone you love has been told their blood pressure is "uncontrollable, " this episode is for you.
📻 Watch live via the link in our stream.
Set your reminder now.
If you have questions about circulation issues in your legs, which is typical for patients with long time high blood pressure, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org
#HeartOfInnovation #RenalDenervation #Hypertension #UncontrolledBloodPressure #WomenInInnovation #CardiovascularHealth #Medtronic #PatientAdvocacy #HeartHealth #BloodPressure #GlobalPADAssociation #MedTech #Innovation
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Are leg arteries ever "too small to treat"? Around the world, many patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), especially those with below-the-knee and small vessel disease, are told their arteries are "too small" or "too distal" for intervention. In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Dr. Naoki Hayakawa, Chief and Director of Endovascular Therapy at Asahi General Hospital in Japan.Dr. Hayakawa is internationally recognized for tackling the most complex chronic total occlusions (CTOs), including small-caliber below-the-knee vessels that others may consider untreatable. He has served as a live demonstration operator at major international meetings including JET, CCT Peripheral, Kokura Live, and Peripheral CTO Seminars, and has published extensively on: • IVUS-guided wiring techniques • Below-the-knee chronic total occlusions • Drug-coated balloon therapy • Transradial approaches for complex PAD • Advanced re-entry and retrograde access techniques His work challenges outdated assumptions about what is and isn't possible in limb salvage.In this conversation, Dr. Hayakawa sets the record straight on: • What can truly be treated in small vessel PAD • When vessels are actually too small • The importance of imaging and IVUS guidance • Why patients must seek experienced operators for complex disease • What global standards of care should look like If you or someone you love has been told "nothing more can be done," this episode is essential viewing. - Concerned about leg circulation or told your vessels are too small?Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGSBecause "too small to treat" should never be the final answer without expert evaluation. Subscribe to The Heart of Innovation for global leaders in vascular innovation, limb salvage, and PAD care. #PeripheralArteryDisease#PAD#LimbSalvage#BelowTheKnee#ChronicTotalOcclusion#EndovascularTherapy#IVUS#CriticalLimbIschemia
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sleep isn't just about feeling rested.
It's about your heart.
To close out American Heart Month, we're diving into one of the most overlooked drivers of cardiovascular disease: poor sleep.
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips explore:
• Why sleep deprivation increases your risk of heart attack and stroke • The connection between sleep, vascular inflammation, and blood pressure • How disrupted sleep affects circulation and long-term cardiovascular health
And then we introduce you to one of the most fascinating innovators in health tech today.
Meredith Perry, Founder & CEO of Elemind, has developed a groundbreaking, non-pharmaceutical approach designed to help you fall asleep faster by interacting directly with brainwave activity. Instead of pills, sedation, or habit-forming medications, her technology aims to gently guide your brain into sleep.
She's even tested it publicly through her bold "Sleeping with the CEO" campaign — putting strangers to sleep on the streets of New York, on trains, and even on planes.
This isn't a gimmick. It's a conversation about the future of sleep, brain science, and cardiovascular prevention.
If you struggle with: • Insomnia • Racing thoughts at night • High blood pressure • Stress-related sleep issues • Cardiovascular risk factors
This episode is for you.
Because heart health doesn't start in the cath lab.
It starts at night.
Subscribe to our channel for conversations at the intersection of innovation and cardiovascular care.
Have questions about vascular or cardiovascular health? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS.
Early detection saves lives. And limbs.
Let's rethink sleep. Let's rethink heart health. Let's innovate.
#SleepScience #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #CardiovascularHealth #InsomniaSolutions #MedTechInnovation #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularHealth #Elemind #BrainHealth
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peripheral Artery Disease is more prevalent than most cancers — and often deadlier when missed. Yet it is still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and too often treated in silos.
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist, sit down with Dr. David Dexter, Vascular Surgeon at Sentara Health, who was named the Global PAD Association's Multidisciplinary Team Leader of the Year through the Global PAD Impact Awards.
This PAD Awareness Day — observed the third Saturday of every February during American Heart Month — we are talking about why leg health is heart health.
PAD is not just a leg problem. Blocked leg arteries are a warning sign for heart attack and stroke. And patients deserve a coordinated vascular care team — not fragmented care.
In this conversation, we break down:
• Why PAD is more common than many cancers — yet still diagnosed too late • The danger of treating patients in silos • What a true multidisciplinary vascular care team looks like • How cardiology, vascular surgery, podiatry, wound care, and primary care must work together • Why "Sock It to PAD" and Red Sock Day matter during American Heart Month • What patients should demand from their care teams
Too many amputations are preventable. Too many heart attacks have warning signs in the legs first.
It is time to connect the dots.
If you or someone you love has leg pain when walking, numbness, wounds that won't heal, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of smoking — this conversation could save a limb and a life.
📞 Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline with questions about PAD.1-833-PAD-LEGS 🔔 Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations that challenge the status quo in cardiovascular care. 👍 Like, comment, and share to raise awareness this PAD Awareness Day.
Because saving legs saves lives.
#PADAwarenessDay #SockItToPAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularCare #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #PreventAmputation #LegHealthIsHeartHealth #PAD
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Peripheral Artery Disease impacts 10M+ Americans — and nearly 70% don't know they have it.
Congress has relaunched the PAD Caucus to address preventable amputations and gaps in screening and care.
On The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I debrief with Dr. Bob Tahara, Dr. Andrew Klein, Dr. David Alper, patient advocate Dawn-Marie Hernandez, and Harlem Globetrotter Larry "Shorty" Coleman, who lost a leg to PAD.
PAD is the leading cause of preventable limb loss and a major predictor of heart attack and stroke.
Early detection saves limbs — and lives.
#PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #AmputationPrevention #HealthPolicy #HeartHealth
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In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips feature multiple patients courageously sharing their lived experiences with Peripheral Artery Disease, including rare and often misunderstood cases that challenge what patients are told is "possible."
Pamela's story highlights a critical gap in PAD care. After being told by a large hospital system that amputation was inevitable, she reached out to the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline. Through patient advocacy and care coordination, the underlying contributors to her disease were identified, including the role climate played in worsening her symptoms. Her decision to relocate to a warmer environment helped stabilize her condition and avoid limb loss, proving that earlier intervention and individualized care matter.
Francine's journey offers another rare perspective. Diagnosed at just 48 despite being a runner, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, she was found to have a full occlusion in her left leg and intermittent blockages in her right. After undergoing a femoral-popliteal bypass, multiple stents, and angioplasty procedures, Francine transformed her lifestyle through the Dean Ornish program and a low-fat vegan diet. She has since completed four half marathons and continues teaching group fitness, yoga, and Reiki.
Theresa's story exposes how often PAD is dismissed, even when the warning signs are clear. With a family history of PAD, Theresa recognized the symptoms early. At 46, she sought help after developing walking pain, only to be told repeatedly that it was a back problem and that she was "too young" to have PAD. A Doppler study was performed but interpreted as normal. For five years, as her symptoms worsened and her walking distance shrank to less than ten metres, she continued to advocate for herself before finally insisting on a vascular referral.
Within minutes of meeting a vascular consultant, Theresa was diagnosed with severe PAD. Imaging revealed a 100 percent blockage in her right leg and 80 percent in her left. Angioplasty provided temporary relief, but restenosis occurred quickly. A second procedure resulted in arterial injury, requiring placement of a 30-centimetre stent in her right thigh. Despite ongoing pain, Theresa developed remarkable collateral circulation, so robust that it complicated intervention attempts. Today, she remains closely monitored by a responsive vascular specialist and manages her condition with vigilance, pacing, and rest. She also notes a meaningful improvement in walking pain after starting Wegovy, an observation she continues to discuss with her care team.
Equally important, Theresa speaks candidly about the emotional toll of PAD. A special education teacher who loves to travel, she feared the disease would take away the life she loved, as it had for her father. After a period of isolation, she made a conscious decision that PAD would be part of her story, but not the author of it. She now works full time, travels when she can, adapts when needed, and lives by a powerful truth: she controls PAD, not the other way around.
Together, these stories reinforce a message too many patients never hear in time: Leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking are not normal aging. They are warnings.
👉 Tune in to hear these powerful patient stories and learn why early diagnosis, self-advocacy, and conservative options like structured walking can change outcomes and save lives.Calls to Action 📞 In the U.S.? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS to talk with someone about possible circulation issues in your legs.
🌐 Learn more about PAD and conservative treatment options Visit padhelp.org to understand PAD, early symptoms, and access our free proprietary structured walking program, available to everyone.
👥 Join our PAD Facebook Support Community Connect with patients and caregivers at padsupportgroup.org.
👍 Support the show Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications at youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart so you never miss an episode.
#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADawareness #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #LegPainIsNotNormal #CirculationMatters #VascularHealth #StructuredWalking #PatientStories #PreventAmputation #StrokePrevention #HeartDiseaseAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #TheWayToMyHeart
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A major Medicare billing issue is emerging across 24 states, and vascular specialists are warning it could delay—or deny—time-sensitive, limb-saving care for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are joined by two leading voices on the front lines:
🔹 Dr. Elliot Adams, Vascular Surgeon, whose office-based lab (OBL) is directly impacted by the denials
🔹 Dr. Bob Tahara, Vascular Surgeon and Past President of the OEIS (Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society)
Physicians are reporting that new Medicare CPT codes for modern PAD revascularization procedures—codes that replaced deleted legacy codes—are being denied by Medicare contractors Noridian and Novitas, despite being billed correctly. These denials affect procedures that often mean the difference between saving a leg or losing it.
If not clarified and corrected quickly, this issue could: • Block reimbursement for limb-salvage procedures in office-based labs • Delay urgent care for PAD patients • Increase preventable amputations and suffering
At the same time, patients are already calling our Leg Saver Hotline nightly due to delays and denials through Medicare Advantage plans—often in severe pain, afraid they're running out of time. This Medicare CPT issue risks compounding that crisis.
🚨 We need clinicians and patients to hear this—and to speak up.
👉 If you are a physician, clinician, or billing professional seeing these denials
👉 If you are a patient who has received a Medicare denial or delay for PAD care
👉 If you've been told a limb-saving procedure won't be covered
Please tune in. Your experience matters.
You can also email Kym@padhelp.org for info on joining the LIVE in studio discussion!
📞 NEED HELP OR SUPPORT?
Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
If you've received a denial letter or are facing delays, call us. You are not alone.
#peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #medicare #medicaredbilling #medicaredenials
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hemorrhoids are far more common than most people realize — affecting more than half of adults at some point in their lives — yet many suffer in silence or believe surgery is their only option.
In today's LIVE episode, we bring together gastroenterology and interventional radiology to discuss the newest minimally invasive treatment: hemorrhoidal artery embolization.
Today's Experts
• Misha Ginsburg — Interventional Radiologist
• Zuhair Yaseen
🎙️ Hosted by Kymberlie McNicholas
⚕️ Co-host John Phillips is off today — on call saving legs and lives.
What We're Discussing LIVE
• How common hemorrhoids really are — and why they're under-reported
• When hemorrhoids move from inconvenient to clinically significant
• What hemorrhoidal artery embolization is and how it works
• Indications for embolization vs. traditional treatments
• How GI physicians and interventional radiologists collaborate to improve outcomes
This is an honest, stigma-free conversation focused on education, options, and empowering patients to ask better questions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we sit down with Dr. Jean Chen, a diabetes educator and retired podiatrist whose lifelong commitment to medicine was shaped by service, resilience, and lived experience.
Dr. Chen knew she wanted to be a doctor by the age of five. Raised in Taiwan by a pediatrician father and a nurse mother who often cared for patients unable to pay, she learned early that medicine was about people first. After immigrating to the United States, growing up in Ohio, and studying at Cornell, her career took her through oncology before she found her calling in limb preservation through podiatry.
Then her own path changed.
Following a serious car accident, spinal cord injury, and surgical delays during COVID, Dr. Chen was left partially paralyzed, bringing her career as a practicing podiatrist to an unexpected end. At the same time, she was navigating her own journey with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a heart catheterization.
Rather than stepping away from care, Dr. Chen changed how she serves. With the encouragement of her endocrinologist, Dr. Manasses, she retrained as a certified diabetes educator, bringing together clinical training and lived experience to help patients better understand how daily choices impact circulation, wound healing, and long-term health.
Today, Dr. Chen works with people living with diabetes and peripheral artery disease, and she also contributes to national efforts through the American Heart Association PAD Collaborative, supporting initiatives to improve PAD awareness, diagnosis, and care across the country.
This conversation explores what happens when medicine becomes personal, how purpose can evolve without being lost, and why early recognition of PAD and diabetes complications is critical to preventing limb loss.
If you or someone you love has diabetes, leg pain, wounds, or trouble walking, don't wait.
PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS Learn more: https://www.PADhelp.org Join the PAD Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peripheralarterydisease
Early action saves limbs and lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the most powerful New Year's resolution for your heart and leg health wasn't extreme—just consistent?
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas talk about simple, realistic daily habits that can add up to meaningful improvements in circulation, vascular health, and quality of life, especially for people living with or at risk for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and heart disease.
We focus on habits that are accessible, repeatable, and evidence-informed—not perfection.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- Setting aside 30 minutes a day for walking—even if it's broken into three 10-minute sessions, and why gently pushing through leg discomfort can help improve circulation over time
- Easy dietary additions like chia seeds soaked overnight, fermented foods, and fiber support such as psyllium husk
- The role of plant sterols and gut health in overall cardiovascular wellness
- How 10 minutes of guided self-hypnosis or positive self-affirmations can help reinforce consistency and mindset
- Why patients should feel empowered to ask their primary care doctors to help raise awareness about PAD—because early recognition saves limbs and lives
This episode is about progress, not pressure. Small daily actions—done consistently—can create real change in vascular and heart health.
📞 PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Patient education & support: https://www.PADhelp.org 🌐 Nonprofit advocacy & resources: https://www.TheWayToMyHeart.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when living with chronic disease leads you to an unexpected calling?
On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with Rob, founder of PAD Life Outdoors, who shares his powerful and deeply human journey of living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — a condition caused by poor circulation in the legs — while also navigating life after aortic stenting for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Along the way, Rob discovered something surprising.
As his beard grew, a pair of spectacles appeared, and strangers began calling him Santa — he realized that spreading joy, hope, and holiday cheer gave him something medicine alone never could. This spring, Rob is taking that calling one step further by enrolling in Santa Claus School to become fully certified.
In this heartfelt conversation, Rob opens up about:
- Living with the physical and emotional weight of PAD
- Recovering from major vascular disease and intervention
- How purpose and joy can help quiet the daily burden of chronic illness
- Why becoming Santa has helped him focus on what he can do — not what PAD has taken away
This episode is a reminder that even in the face of debilitating disease, meaning, connection, and joy still matter — and they can be powerful medicine.
📞 Need support or guidance right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
🌐 Trusted patient resources:
- https://padhelp.org
- https://thewaytomyheart.org
👥 Join our patient community:
- https://padsupportgroup.org (Facebook Support Group)
Hashtags (search-optimized): #TheHeartOfInnovation #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #PADLife #VascularHealth #ChronicIllness #PatientStories #SantaClaus #HolidayJoy #FindingPurpose #AorticAneurysm #HeartHealth #LivingWithPAD #PatientAdvocacy #HealthPodcast #HopeAndHealing
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel should be memorable for the right reasons — not stressful health surprises.
In this upcoming episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips dive into why planning ahead is critical when you're traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, mobility challenges, or strict dietary needs.
📍 Broadcasting live from a Princess Cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kym shares firsthand how Princess Cruises goes above and beyond to accommodate her and her father's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-salt, low-sugar diet, while still making it possible to stay active and keep daily steps moving — even at sea.
Dr. Phillips breaks down essential medical travel prep, including:
- How to organize and pack medications properly
- Why you should identify pharmacies and urgent care locations before you arrive
- The importance of carrying physician documentation and imaging CDs
- What to have ready in case of a medical emergency away from home
Whether you love cruising, traveling internationally, or just planning a weekend getaway, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you travel smarter, safer, and with confidence.
📞 Need help right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
🌐 Trusted resources:
- https://padhelp.org
- https://padsupportgroup.org (Facebook Support Group)
Plan ahead. Protect your legs. And don't let PAD stop you from seeing the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
🎶 What happens when a vascular surgeon decides to walk away from practice… to pursue music? This week on The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I sit down with a surgeon whose passion for rhythm has always been intertwined with healing — and now he's daring to follow that rhythm into a whole new career.
Our guest is not just a gifted clinician. He's a songwriter, producer, and vascular surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, currently earning his Master's in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. And yes — he's officially taking the leap into music full-time.
Why now? What did he discover in the OR, at the bedside, and in his own creative process that made this moment the right one?
He shares: 🎵 How music unexpectedly deepened his relationships with patients 🎵 Why rhythm matters more in vascular care than you might think 🎵 The parallels between restoring blood flow… and writing a song that moves people 🎵 What he's learned about courage, identity, and choosing a path that truly aligns with your purpose
This episode is heartfelt, surprising, and full of wisdom for anyone standing at a crossroads — in medicine, in creativity, or in life.
👉 Don't miss this one. It's a rare look at what it really means to heal… and be human.
Listen on KDOW, our podcast platforms, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Leg Saver Hotline: 1-877-FIX-LEGZ Learn more: PADHelp.org | TheWayToMyHeart.org
#TheHeartOfInnovation #VascularSurgery #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #MusicHeals #Songwriting #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #CareerJourney #PhysicianStories #HealingThroughMusic #InnovationInMedicine #LegSaverHotline #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips
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This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down for a powerful, patient-driven holiday special—one that reveals what people living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) truly wish for this season.
PAD is more common than prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined, yet still misunderstood. Our in-studio audience opened up about the physical and emotional toll of this disease—leg pain, cramps, burning, neuropathy, and wounds that won't heal—and the everyday battles most people never see.
Their holiday wish list was honest, raw, and deeply human:
- More doctors trained in advanced limb-saving tools and techniques
- Fewer preventable amputations related to PAD and diabetes
- A world where fewer people smoke or vape, as nicotine and cannabis use fuel earlier, more aggressive PAD
- And a collective wish for patients themselves to enter the new year committed to realistic goals, healthier habits, and becoming active partners in their own care
This conversation is heartfelt, unfiltered, and filled with the courage of people who refuse to give up hope. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, you won't want to miss this episode. To learn more about PAD and advanced limb saving treatment options, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS.
#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #LimbSalvage #AmputationPrevention #VascularHealth #PatientStories #ChronicPainCommunity #HolidayHealth #CirculationMatters #PADWarriors #DiabeticFoot #NeuropathySupport #StopSmokingSaveLimbs #HealthEquity
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Every leg saved has a story behind it — and this week on The Heart of Innovation, you'll meet the nurse practitioners who live those stories every day.
Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips chat with four remarkable OhioHealth NPs — Chelsea Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Brittany Byce, and Rebecca Lawler — to share what it's really like to help patients fight peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia inside a large hospital system.
They open up about:
- The split-second decisions that can mean the difference between amputation and recovery
- The emotional moments that stay with them long after a shift ends
- The gaps in care they're constantly trying to close for PAD patients
- And yes… the hilarious "Nonsense Board" where they log the wild moments that keep them sane
It's raw. It's real. It's the life of a limb-saving NP — equal parts heart, grit, urgency, and humor.
If you or someone you love is living with PAD, struggling to navigate the system, or wondering what limb-saving care actually looks like behind the scenes, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a whole new appreciation for the clinicians fighting for patients every single day.
#TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #LimbSavingCare #PeripheralArteryDisease #NursePractitioner #OhioHealth #VascularHealth #AmputationPrevention #LifeAndLimb #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicDiseaseCare #FrontlineMedicine #HealthcareHeroes
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This week on The Heart of Innovation, we bring you a true story of grit, muscle, and unwavering determination.
Meet Deputy John Dent—20 years on the road in West Virginia law enforcement, a body built for durability, and a diagnosis that threatened it all: peripheral artery disease (PAD).
He was the guy who'd outrun everyone in the academy at 275 lbs. He was the guy strides ahead of his peers. Then one day his leg seized up in the cruiser. What seemed like a cramp became a blood-clot. A fasciotomy followed. Then the vascular surgeon told him they might have to amputate. "I said, my leg don't need to be cut off," John says.
Instead, he dug in. He changed his life. He stayed active. For over a decade, no further surgery. Just gym work, collateral circulation, and refusal to back down.
And here's a twist you'll love: during our conversation, John mentions his work intersecting with a West Virginia documentary spotlighting Appalachian realities. (Think Netflix-style rural exposure.) It's a moment where his law-enforcement role met a culture-industry moment—and you'll hear how he processed it.
Host Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips walk John through his story—how PAD could've ended his career, his identity, his leg. Instead, it became a mission.
Tune in.
It's not just a "Save My Piggies" special—it's a "Save My Career, Save My Life" special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we're featuring someone whose impact on veterans' health spans nearly two decades — John Wordin, a visionary who has transformed how our nation supports wounded warriors, trauma survivors, and veterans living with diabetes, PTSD, and mobility challenges.
Wordin's work has been nothing short of groundbreaking. He created Ride 2 Recovery (now Project Hero), helped build more than 300 custom adaptive bikes for injured servicemembers, designed the DoD's Warrior Games, and has personally supported tens of thousands of veterans in their journeys toward physical and emotional recovery. His programs have consistently shown something too often overlooked in traditional care: movement, community, and purpose can change the trajectory of chronic disease, including diabetes — with many veterans reducing or even coming off insulin through structured support and lifestyle change.
Recently recognized with the American Exceptionalism Award, Wordin brings a rare combination of innovation, grit, and humanity that has shaped national conversation around veteran wellness.
Hosted by Emmy Award–winning journalist and Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips, this episode dives into the real stories behind Wordin's work — from the creation of the Warrior Games to the mental-health breakthroughs emerging from his long-running programs.
If you care about veterans, chronic disease reversal, or the power of community-driven health transformation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
#peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padgroup #VeteransHealth #JohnWordin #Ride2Recovery #ProjectHero #NoVetAlone #DiabetesReversal #InsulinReduction #PTSDRecovery #WarriorGames #AdaptiveCycling #VeteranResilience #ChronicDiseaseReversal #LifestyleMedicine #VeteranMentalHealth
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In this week's episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist present Jimontanae "Jae" McBride with the Global PAD Association's PAD Family Advocate of the Year Award through the Global PAD Impact Awards.
This award recognizes Jae's exceptional advocacy journey that began with saving her mother's limbs from amputation. When faced with limited options for her mother's PAD wound care, Jae didn't just accept the status quo—she invented a solution to fill the critical gap in care that threatened her mother's limbs.
Her determination led her to contact the Leg Saver Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS), pursue multiple medical opinions, and navigate complex healthcare systems with remarkable persistence. Jae's self-education about PAD treatment options enabled her to become an informed, effective advocate who could communicate confidently with healthcare providers.
What truly distinguishes Jae is how she transformed her personal experience into a mission to help others. She now shares her knowledge with families facing similar challenges, teaching them how to advocate effectively and navigate the healthcare system to prevent unnecessary amputations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During this episode, The Global PAD Association recognizes Spectrum Antimicrobials as the recipient of the 2025-26 Breakthrough in CLI Wound Care Award! Their stabilized HOCl-based formula has proven transformative for patients with critical limb ischemia whose wounds refused to heal—even after blood flow was restored. Through science grounded in compassion, Spectrum Antimicrobials has demonstrated how targeted wound chemistry can help patients move from limb threat to limb salvage. Join us for this episode of The Heart of Innovation for a live virtual presentation and interview with CEO Hoji Alimi and Co-founder Bill Watson as we explore the patient stories, the science, and the hope driving this breakthrough in wound care. This innovation is redefining what's possible when vascular and wound care work together. #CLI #WoundCare #PAD #LimbSalvage #HOCl #SpectrumAntimicrobials #BreakthroughAward #GlobalPAD #PatientImpact #peripheralarterydiseaes #criticallimbischemia #woundcare #globalpadassociation
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In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, host Kym McNicholas sits down with Dr. Sid Rao, one of the nation’s pioneers in transarterial embolization (TAE) — a minimally invasive procedure offering new hope for patients with osteoarthritis.
Dr. Rao explains how TAE targets abnormal blood vessels that drive chronic inflammation in the joints, sparing healthy tissue while reducing pain and improving mobility. The discussion explores the procedure’s evolution from treating knee arthritis to now addressing hand osteoarthritis, with early data showing up to 70% of patients achieving complete pain relief within six months.
Kym also shares her father’s experience undergoing the procedure at Vascular Solutions of North Carolina, highlighting the real-world impact of restored function, better sleep, and renewed independence. Together, they discuss patient selection, long-term outcomes, and the growing need for physician training to expand access to this innovative therapy.
Keywords: transarterial embolization, osteoarthritis treatment, knee pain relief, hand arthritis, minimally invasive procedure, inflammation, Dr. Sid Rao, Vascular Solutions of North Carolina, The Heart of Innovation Podcast, Kym McNicholas.
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When Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, left a recent Colorado game in pain from another blood clot, headlines focused on his toes and his comeback. But few understood what his story actually exposes: the difference between arterial and venous clots — and why that distinction can mean the difference between life, limb, and legacy.
On this week’s Heart of Innovation, I sat down with Dr. Esteban Henao of Albuquerque, NM, and Dr. John Phillips, interventional cardiologist and co-host, to unpack the science, the stories, and the stakes behind blood clots — timed to World Thrombosis Day.
We discuss: – Why Deion’s “perfect storm” of diabetes, aneurysmal disease, and hereditary hypercoagulability makes his case so complex – How arterial clots (often linked to PAD and plaque buildup) differ from venous clots that can cause deadly pulmonary embolisms – What warning signs too many patients and clinicians still miss – Why who you are can determine how quickly you’re treated — and how equity in vascular care could save thousands of limbs
As Dr. Henao said on the show: “If Deion wasn’t Deion, there’s a good chance he would have lost his leg.” And that’s exactly why these conversations matter.
Listen to the full show!
If you have additional questions about blood clots, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org
#deionsanders #coachprime #bloodclots #arteryclot #DVT #peripheralarterydisease #legsaverhotline #globalpadassociation
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This week on The Heart of Innovation, our Save My Piggies series features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and cutting-edge care.
Meet Benny, a Dallas patient who nearly lost his leg to advanced Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — and the physician who helped him reclaim his life.
Dr. Marc Salhanick, a vascular specialist in Dallas, shares how a minimally invasive procedure using a new, retractable stent helped restore blood flow in the small vessels below the knee, giving Benny a second chance to walk and to live without fear of amputation.
Benny opens up about the emotional toll of PAD, the frustration of delayed diagnosis, and the moment he finally found a care team that listened and acted. His journey highlights both the devastating gaps in PAD care and the hope that exists when awareness and access come together.
🎧 Don’t miss this moving journey from pain to possibility — and learn how early detection, innovative treatments, and patient advocacy can save limbs and lives.
📞 Questions about PAD? Call the Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Visit PADhelp.org for free education and support.
This episode was made possible through a sponsorship by Reflow Medical. The patient was compensated for sharing their personal experience. Reflow Medical did not participate in the selection of the physician or patient and had no influence over the content or discussion.
#HeartOfInnovation #SaveMyPiggies #PADAwareness #AmputationPrevention #LimbSalvage #VascularHealth #PatientStories #LegSaverHotline
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Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they go LIVE from Vascular Solutions of North Carolina's 1st Annual Multidisciplinary Conference with Patient Pro Marketing CEO Justin Lesh.
Discover how interventional specialists and orthopedic doctors are collaborating to offer groundbreaking minimally invasive treatments for knee, foot, hand, and shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about new pain relief options for patients who aren't candidates for surgery but deserve life-changing care.
Don't miss this inside look at the future of osteoarthritis treatment and how Patient Pro Marketing is helping connect patients with these innovative solutions.
#OsteoarthritisInnovation #PatientCare #MinimallyInvasive
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Join us THIS SATURDAY, September 27th, on "The Heart of Innovation" as we honor Dr. Sara Rose-Sauld, DPM, of MGH, Boston, MA with our U.S. PAD Podiatrist of the Year Award!
Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with special guest world-renowned Podiatrist Dr. David Alper, will interview Dr. Rose-Sauld about her extraordinary contributions to PAD care. Selected by patients themselves, Dr. Rose-Sauld has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of those with Peripheral Artery Disease. Patients consistently praise her ability to explain complex PAD issues in understandable terms while providing compassionate care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. What truly sets Dr. Rose-Sauld apart is her remarkable success in healing complex wounds and preventing amputations, all while ensuring patients feel respected, heard, and empowered throughout their treatment journey. Don't miss this special episode showcasing a healthcare provider who's saving limbs and changing lives! Watch live at: https://youtube.com/live/3wFPXVWl-Dk?feature=share #PADImpactAwards #LimbPreservation #SaveLimbs #PADawareness #peripheralarterydisease #HeartOfInnovation #podiatry
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Congratulations to the exceptional Kaiser Permanente vascular research team in Northern California led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma and Dr. Robert Chang for receiving this prestigious honor as “Walking As Therapy Research Team of the Year” through the Global PAD Impact Awards, presented by the Global PAD Association! Walking As Therapy Research Team members Dr. Robert Chang, Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Dr. Joy Garg, Crystal Short, Noelle Blick, and Hanan Krayem are transforming PAD management and proving that sometimes the most powerful medicine is simply putting one foot in front of the other. This innovative team is pioneering groundbreaking research on remote Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) for Walking, using a novel app with a “Peloton Style” experience designed specifically for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). What also sets their program apart is the comprehensive follow-up support that extends beyond the initial three-month, 36-session program. This extended care significantly improves patient compliance with “walking as medicine,” helping patients grow their own natural bypasses around leg artery blockages. Join our upcoming interview to learn more about this remarkable program and meet the dedicated research team behind it! You’ll also gain valuable insights into the science of how walking actually improves circulation in the legs. Are you experiencing leg pain, leg cramps, neuropathy, fatigue, foot burning, or tingling? For questions about the walking program or PAD symptoms, call the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS. You can also connect with others on a similar journey by joining our online walking patient peer support group at WalkingSupportGroup.com.
Global PAD Impact Awards - Important Disclaimer Award Clarification and Patient Guidance
The Global PAD Impact Awards are not an endorsement of any award recipient’s medical practice, research, or clinical services. These awards are:
- Based on specific, carefully evaluated criteria
- Nominated by patients who have experienced care
- Selected by a diverse panel including patients, physicians, and clinical experts
Important Patient Guidance
Receiving this award does not guarantee that a particular healthcare provider is the right fit for every patient’s unique medical needs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complex condition that requires personalized medical attention.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider If you need assistance in selecting a healthcare provider for PAD:
- Contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS
- Speak with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process of finding the most appropriate doctor for your specific presentation of the disease
Remember: Every patient’s medical journey is unique. Professional consultation is crucial in making informed healthcare decisions.
#WalkingTherapy #PADResearch #KaiserPermanente #InnovationInHealthcare #globalpadimpactawards #walkingismedicine #peripheralarterydisease #padwalk #padwalkingprogram #padwalkinggroup
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Join us for an interview with Dr. Grigorios Korosoglou, our 2025 Global PAD Interventional Angiologist of the Year, on the Heart of Innovation Radio Show! 📆 Date: Saturday, September 13th 🕚 Times: 11:00 AM Pacific Time 2:00 PM Eastern Time 8:00 PM Central European Time Hosted by: Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips Discover: -Dr. Korosoglou’s approaches to PAD treatment -Research in vascular interventions -The impact of PAD care strategies -Techniques that improve patient outcomes and limb preservation Learn how Dr. Korosoglou is advancing peripheral artery disease treatment—from Germany to the world! 🔬 Insights into: -Precise interventional techniques -Comprehensive vascular care strategies -Research driving improvements in PAD treatment PAD Patients: This is your chance to hear directly from a leader in vascular medicine who is making a meaningful difference! 📞 Questions? Call our Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Join our support community: padsupportgroup.org Global PAD Impact Awards - Important Disclaimer Award Clarification and Patient Guidance The Global PAD Impact Awards are not an endorsement of any award recipient’s medical practice, research, or clinical services. These awards are: • Based on specific, carefully evaluated criteria • Nominated by patients who have experienced care • Selected by a diverse panel including patients, physicians, and clinical experts Important Patient Guidance Receiving this award does not guarantee that a particular healthcare provider is the right fit for every patient’s unique medical needs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complex condition that requires personalized medical attention. Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider If you need assistance in selecting a healthcare provider for PAD: • Contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS and speak with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process of finding the most appropriate doctor for your specific presentation of the disease Remember: Every patient’s medical journey is unique. Professional consultation is crucial in making informed healthcare decisions. #PADAwareness #MedicalInnovation #VascularCare #GlobalPADImpactAwards #HeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padgroup #padsupportgroup
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On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are continuing we are joining the Global PAD Association in honoring a pioneer in treatment for a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. It's Peripheral Artery Disease, poor circulation in the legs that if left undiagnosed and untreated early can lead to amputation.
We are presenting the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in PAD care to Dr. Marco Manzi, the pioneering interventional radiologist from Padua, Italy, whose groundbreaking techniques have revolutionized limb salvage worldwide!
For over two decades, Dr. Manzi has been at the forefront of developing and teaching distal revascularization techniques that have transformed “amputation cases” into limb salvage success stories. His work at Policlinico Abano Terme has become a global beacon for physicians seeking to master advanced endovascular techniques.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Manzi is his unwavering philosophy: “Why not try?” When others see amputation as inevitable, he sees an opportunity to innovate. This approach has not only saved countless limbs but has inspired a generation of interventionalists worldwide.
The impact of his teaching extends far beyond his own patients. Through the CLI-Courses (CLI-C) he founded in 2017, his live demonstrations at major conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and the more than 50 publications he’s authored, Dr. Manzi has created a global community dedicated to advancing limb salvage techniques.
As many of the world’s most accomplished limb salvage specialists will attest, time spent learning in Dr. Manzi’s lab has been transformative for their practice. His willingness to share his innovative tools and techniques has elevated the entire field of interventional limb salvage.
Join us on September 6th for an in-depth interview with Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips with Dr. Manzi on The Heart of Innovation to explore how his pioneering work continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in limb preservation!
#PADImpactAwards #LifetimeAchievement #LimbSalvage #EndovascularPioneer #PADawareness #peripheralarterydisease #CLItreatment #padgroup #padsupport
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In this episode of The Heart of Innovation with hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, we are kicking off PAD Awareness Month to raise awareness of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. Leg pain, leg cramps, and neuropathy are all indications of poor circulation that could signal PAD.
We begin our celebration with the first of 40 Global PAD Impact Awards, honoring the most impactful contributors in the space. The Global PAD Association proudly recognizes “Amputation Nation” by Even Keel Productions with this year’s Best PAD Awareness Video Award!
Producers Chris Wooley and Wayne Dickmann have created a powerful visual narrative that exposes the hidden epidemic of preventable amputations in America. Through compelling storytelling and expert testimonials, their documentary shines a crucial light on peripheral artery disease and its devastating consequences when left undiagnosed or undertreated.
“Amputation Nation” stands out for its emotional impact, educational clarity, and exceptional production quality—inspiring viewers to recognize symptoms early and seek proper vascular evaluation before amputation becomes the only option.
To watch this episode later, and actually see the award-winning video, go to YouTube.com/TheWayToMyHeart. If you think you have symptoms of PAD and need to talk to someone and/or find advanced care in your area, call the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver’s Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to padsupportgroup.org.
#PADImpactAwards #AmputationNation #PADawareness #PreventableAmputations #padsupport #padgroup #peripheralarterydisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #PADAwarenessMonth #padsupportgroup #padgroup #bestpadvideo
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Don't miss this week's "Heart of Innovation" podcast as hosts Kym McNicholas (Global PAD Association CEO) and Dr. John Phillips (Interventional Cardiologist) welcome an extraordinary guest - Dr. Kevin Morgan (PhD)!
At 82, Dr. Morgan isn't just surviving with Peripheral Artery Disease—he's THRIVING as a competitive triathlete, recently placing 3rd in his age group at the 2023 World Ironman Championships!
His new book "Peripheral Artery Disease Training Plan For PAD Heroes: From Amputees to Athletes" reveals the 14-week training program that's kept him competing despite 100% blockage in his right popliteal artery.
🔹 Learn about his evidence-based approach featuring 33 instructional videos 🔹 Discover why grieving your diagnosis is the crucial first step to recovery 🔹 Get details about our exciting "30 Days to 5K Challenge" launching this September for PAD Awareness Month!
Walking is truly medicine for PAD, creating natural bypasses around blockages. Dr. Morgan will show you how to make this medicine work better with proper techniques and motivation.
Join us live and bring your questions! Then sign up for our challenge at padwalkinggroup.org (with your doctor's approval).
#PADAwareness #HeartOfInnovation #CollateralNation #WalkingIsMedicine #peripheralarterydisease #peripheralarterydiseasegroup
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In this episode, host Kym McNicholas and guest co-host Dr. Michael "Misha" Ginsburg" entertain a discussion on innovative treatments for hand and wrist osteoarthritis, featuring both embolization and orthopedic perspectives.
Dr. Yuji Okuno, founder of the Okuno Clinic and pioneer of the “Okuno Method,” will share insights on his groundbreaking approach to treating osteoarthritis pain. Since first reporting his technique in 2012, Dr. Okuno has transformed arthritis management by targeting abnormal blood vessels in pain-producing tissues rather than using conventional approaches. The Okuno Method stands out for its ability to address the root cause of osteoarthritis pain with minimal recurrence, normal tissue repair, and no restrictions on daily activities post-procedure.
Dr. Assaf Kadar brings the orthopedic surgeon’s perspective to the conversation. As a clinical and academic leader in hand and wrist biomechanics at the HULC bioengineering lab, Dr. Kadar specializes in developing new suspensionplasty hand and digit devices. He’ll provide an overview of the orthopedic approach to hand osteoarthritis and discuss the potential role of hand embolization in the treatment spectrum.
This episode offers a rare opportunity to explore both interventional and surgical approaches to hand osteoarthritis treatment.
#TheHeartOfInnovation #Embolization #OsteoarthritisTreatment #HandPain #OrthopedicInnovation #globalpadassociation #padhelp #osteoarthritis #okunomethodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blood Work Decoded: Understanding the "Why" Behind Heart Disease and PAD
Saturday LIVE on "The Heart of Innovation," Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips welcome vascular surgeon Dr. Lily Johnston from Scripps La Jolla in California to discuss the root causes of peripheral artery disease and heart conditions.
Dr. Johnston brings her extensive background (Princeton, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins) to explore how advanced blood work can reveal underlying issues that traditional approaches might miss. She'll decode:
• What your lipid panel actually means for your vascular health • Key blood cell markers everyone should understand • Why anemia frequently accompanies cardiovascular conditions • Which specialized tests to discuss with your doctor
As founder of the Vascular Health Institute, Dr. Johnston takes a metabolic approach to vascular disease, focusing on prevention and addressing underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms.
Have questions about PAD diagnosis, treatment options, or prevention strategies? Drop them below or bring them to our live conversation.
#peripheralarterydisease #vascularmedicine #preventivehealth #cardiovascularhealth #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #heartdisease
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Ever wonder what it’s like to search the ENTIRE country for the right doctor while dealing with excruciating leg pain and diabetes that won’t quit? Our guest Pat is sharing his wild journey finding help for his advanced Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.
Pat was determined not to let PAD stop him from traveling and living life on his terms. He’ll reveal how the Global PAD Association’s leg saver hotline and our very own podcast became his roadmap through the medical maze!
You’ll learn: • The surprising differences between vascular medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists • Red flags that told Pat when a doctor WASN’T right for his case • The critical questions every PAD patient should ask before treatment
Plus, there’s a MAJOR PLOT TWIST about which doctor Pat ultimately chose (hint: it’s someone pretttty familiar to our listeners 😉)
If you or someone you love is dealing with leg pain, circulation issues, or diabetes complications, this episode is a must-listen!
Remember: The Global PAD Association is always just a call away at 1-833-PAD-LEGS for anyone needing guidance.
#peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #paddoctor #vasculardoctor #bestpaddoctor #bestvasculardoctor #padsupportgroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talks with world renowned diabetes reversal and vascular expert Dr. Michael Dansinger about a connection most men never consider - what sperm health reveals about heart disease risk and risk of other chronic illnesses Turns out male reproductive issues might be your body's early warning system for cardiovascular problems as well as other chronic health issues. Dr. Dansinger breaks down the science behind this unexpected link and what it means for preventive care. Not the conversation you expected from The Heart of Innovation, but possibly one of our most important.
#menshealth #heartdisease #sperm #healthinsights #healthinnovation #theheartofinnovation #peripheralarterydiseaseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Week on The Heart of Innovation, Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. Phillips talk to Mike, who's sharing his journey with peripheral artery disease (PAD), poor circulation in mainly the legs due to artery blockages. After watching his mom lose her leg to PAD, Mike's now facing the same diagnosis himself. He's making serious lifestyle changes - improving his diet, quitting smoking, and adding regular exercise to his routine - all in hopes of improving his circulation naturally. What makes this episode special is how Mike connects his mother's experience to his own determination. He's learned there's a lot patients can do alongside medical treatment, and he wants to share these practical steps with others who might be in the same position. If you or someone you care about is dealing with circulation issues, this conversation offers real insight from someone who's living it day by day. Also, always reach out to the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org to connect with a PAD Navigator to discuss symptoms, find an advanced skilled doctor, and learn the lifestyle modifications you need to improve your prognosis. Don't miss this honest look at fighting for your health when PAD hits close to home.
#peripheralarterydisease #Padsupportgroup #padhelp #amputationprevention #padamputatino #padwalk #walkingforpad #padlegsaverhotline #globalpadassociation #legpain #legcramps #diabeticneuropathSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we're tackling a critical health crisis affecting millions in India - Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Join us as hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk with the visionary father-daughter duo behind iiV Health Systems, Alfred and Pooja Arambhan! With diabetes rates soaring in India, PAD has become a silent epidemic leading to devastating complications including amputations. The Arambhans have groundbreaking PAD testing technology that's changing the game for early detection and treatment. Their journey from concept to market hasn't been easy, but their innovation is now saving limbs and lives! Discover how their technology is revolutionizing vascular care in a region where nearly 77% of patients with PAD also have diabetes. #HeartOfInnovation #PADAwareness #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #vascular #padtesting
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Five years ago, Jose joined our Global PAD Association Facebook group with a simple question: “What does everyone do when your feet get cold?” What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience and determination.
At nearly 700 pounds, Jose was suffering from severe peripheral vascular disease affecting both his arteries and veins. His symptoms were alarming - cold feet, swollen legs, wounds that wouldn’t heal, and even toenails falling off. Doctors couldn’t help until he lost weight.
Through the support of our community and a complete nutrition overhaul, Jose lost over 300 POUNDS WITHOUT surgery or medication! Today, his A1C has dropped from 9+ to a healthy 5.1, his blood pressure is normal, and he’s experiencing healing in areas where blood flow had been severely restricted.
“Don’t give up on yourself,” Jose shares. “If you’re alive and breathing, there’s still a chance for your situation to get better.”
Watch his full interview to hear how he transformed his health, saved his legs, and reclaimed his life for himself and his family. This is why our PAD community exists at www.PADsupportGroup.org - You can also call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline to learn more at 1-833-PAD-LEGS ! ❤️
#PADWarrior #PeripheralVascularDisease #WeightLossJourney #SaveYourLegs #DiabetesRemission #GlobalPAD #HealthTransformation #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padsupportgroup
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Can't walk because of knee pain? This could save your legs AND your knees! Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they interview interventional cardiologist Dr. Sid Rao about Genicular Arterial Embolization (GAE) – a groundbreaking minimally-invasive procedure targeting the root cause of osteoarthritis knee pain. What makes GAE revolutionary: • Performed through a tiny nick in the skin • Targets inflamed blood vessels feeding the painful knee • Can provide significant pain relief without major surgery • Potentially delays or eliminates the need for knee replacement • Quick recovery compared to surgical alternatives This innovation is especially crucial for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients caught in a dangerous cycle: They need to walk to improve circulation and grow natural bypasses around blocked arteries, but knee arthritis pain prevents them from this essential exercise. Dr. Rao will explain how this procedure works, who's an ideal candidate, and how it could be a game-changer for maintaining mobility and independence. ] #KneePain #PAD #ArterialDisease #MinimallyInvasive #WalkForHealth #InnovativeMedicine #VascularHealth
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In El Salvador, where diabetes affects approximately 12.5% of the adult population, vascular surgeons like Dr. Fernando Javier Martínez Irigoyen face a daily battle against limb loss due to peripheral artery disease (PAD).
While specific amputation statistics for El Salvador are limited, the reality in developing nations is sobering: • Patients in low-resource settings often present with advanced disease due to limited healthcare access • Treatment options for PAD are significantly constrained by availability of specialized equipment • Geographic and socioeconomic barriers can delay critical interventions that could save limbs
Join us on the next episode of "The Heart of Innovation" as host Kym McNicholas and special co-host vascular technician Jill Sommerset interview Dr. Fernando Javier Martínez Irigoyen about:
✦ The unique challenges of practicing vascular surgery in El Salvador ✦ His fight to introduce cutting-edge treatments despite resource limitations ✦ The devastating impact of preventable amputations on patients' lives ✦ Innovative approaches to limb salvage in resource-constrained settings
This conversation highlights a global health disparity that receives too little attention. Learn how dedicated medical professionals are working to change outcomes for patients at risk of limb loss in developing nations.
- Don't miss this important discussion on saving limbs and lives! #LimbSalvage #VascularCare #GlobalHealth #ElSalvador #TheHeartOfInnovation
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Dr. John Phillips introduces his patient Eric and his journey with Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) - an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease (poor leg circulation). After facing recurring blockages in his below-knee arteries and multiple unsuccessful procedures, Eric received treatment with the innovative FDA-cleared SPUR Retrievable Stent System by Reflow Medical. In this episode, Eric shares his compelling "Save My Piggies" story and the impact of this new technology on his quality of life. Dr. Phillips discusses how this treatment option works for patients with severe PAD symptoms when conventional therapies fail to heal foot wounds and relieve debilitating leg cramps. If you're experiencing debilitating leg cramps, leg pain, or neuropathy or know someone struggling with poor circulation, contact the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or visit PADhelp.org for helpful resources. Disclaimer: Reflow Medical is a sponsor of The Heart of Innovation but featuring the technology and patient are not part of the sponsorship. Content of the show is selected by an independent editorial board of advisors. #peripheralarterydisease #legcramps #legpaintreatment #reflowmedical #globalpadassociation #padsupportgroups #padtreatment #paddoctor #amputationpreventionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remember when Coach Prime Deion Sanders nearly lost his legs due to below-knee blockages? Many patients with severe poor circulation in their legs known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) face the same “revolving door” of treatments with limited options… until now. Watch “The Heart of Innovation” as Dr. Jay Matthews, the lead Principal Investigator behind the groundbreaking DEEPER REVEAL trial talks about a technology that just changed the game for peripheral artery disease treatment! Dr. Matthews will reveal how Reflow Medical’s breakthrough technology called "SPUR" —a temporary stent that achieves impressive early results—is offering new hope for patients suffering from debilitating leg cramps, pain, and neuropathy. This FDA-cleared innovation specifically targets those challenging below-knee arteries—long considered the “Achilles heel” for vascular specialists—and could be life-changing for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease who suffer most from these difficult-to-treat blockages. The DEEPER REVEAL clinical trial demonstrated a remarkable 99.2% technical success rate with this novel approach that leaves no metal behind! Don’t miss this episode that could literally help save limbs and transform lives! If you have peripheral artery disease and have questions about treatment options, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org #MedicalBreakthrough #PADawareness #HeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #removablestent #retractablestent #reflowmedical #padtreatment #blockedarterytreatment #blockedarteries #stents #peripheralvasculardisease #padsupport #padsupportgroup #healthinnovation
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Join us for a wildly entertaining and informative interview with renowned podiatrist Dr. David Alper as he shares the most jaw-dropping foot care mishaps he's encountered throughout his distinguished 30+ year career! Dr. Alper, who recently retired from his private practice in Belmont, MA, brings a wealth of experience as Emeritus Surgical staff at Harvard's Mt. Auburn Hospital and a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Podiatric Medical Association. His leadership extends beyond clinical practice—he served as President of the American Diabetes Association's New England Leadership Board for over 20 years and chaired the Belmont Board of Health for three decades. In today's interview, Dr. Alper takes us behind the scenes with stories that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even think twice about your summer footwear choices! From flip-flop disasters to beach glass emergencies, and patients who arrived at his clinic with situations you won't believe until you hear them. Whether you're planning a beach vacation or simply want to protect your feet this summer, you won't want to miss Dr. Alper's expert advice wrapped in these cautionary (and sometimes hilarious) tales from the frontlines of podiatric medicine. #FootHealth #SummerSafety #PodiatryStories #DrDavidAlper #BeachSafety #FootcareExpert
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Join hosts Kym McNicholas, Emmy Award-winning journalist and CEO of Global PAD Association, and Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist, as they welcome Dr. David Alper, podiatrist, to discuss critical summer foot health issues. In this episode, Dr. Alper shares entertaining stories about the biggest foot follies that occur during summer—from beach mishaps to BBQ blunders. But the conversation takes a serious turn as he reveals the hidden summer dangers for people with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Learn essential strategies to protect vulnerable feet and prevent wounds that could lead to amputation. Dr. Alper brings decades of expertise as Emeritus Surgical staff at Harvard's Mt. Auburn Hospital and former Board of Trustees member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. His impressive background includes serving as President of the American Diabetes Association's New England Leadership Board for over 20 years and chairing the Belmont Board of Health for three decades. Whether you're concerned about your own foot health or caring for someone with circulation issues, this episode delivers valuable information that could help save limbs and lives this summer season. #FootHealth #DiabetesCare #PADAwareness #SummerSafety #HeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #padtreatment #diabetesfootcare #diabeticfoot #padsupportgroup #legcramps #legpaintreatment
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When Jae’s mother faced amputation due to Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) an advanced stage of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in rural Louisiana, she refused to accept it as the only option. Despite being told there were no alternatives, Jae discovered the truth: not all PAD specialists have the skills to treat advanced cases.
This episode comes at a crucial time. A May 2025 study from @SCAI reveals Black patients with CLI face a 46% higher chance of amputation and are 10% less likely to see vascular specialists before treatment.
CLI is more deadly than breast, colon, and prostate cancer COMBINED—and outcomes worsen dramatically after amputation.
Listen as Jae shares how she: • Fought against medical gaslighting • Found help through the @GlobalPADAssociation’s Leg Saver Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS) • Connected with CLI specialist Dr. Amit Amin who successfully opened her mother’s arteries
This story could save someone’s leg—or life. Share widely.
#SaveALeg #PADAwareness #HealthcareEquity #CLI #PeripheralArteryDisease #PatientAdvocacy
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This Saturday on The Heart of Innovation, Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips welcome James Maskell to discuss TruNeura, founded by Dr. Kristine Burke, to pioneer personalized medicine for Alzheimer's and dementia.
Inspired by innovative treatments that helped his own father, Maskell will share how TruNeura's precision medicine approach is creating new possibilities for patients with cognitive decline.
The conversation will explore how vascular health impacts brain function, with special attention to how arterial buildup restricts critical blood flow to the brain.
Get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Alzheimer's Summit starting Tuesday, where experts will gather to discuss the latest advances in cognitive health. While challenging, these new approaches offer hope for many families.
Join us for this important conversation and visit truneura.com to learn more about the company and drtalks.com/summit/alzheimers for summit information.
#AlzheimersResearch #PrecisionMedicine #CognitiveHealth #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #globalpadassociation #theheartofinnovation
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Join us on "The Heart of Innovation" as hosts Kym McNicholas (Global PAD Association CEO) and Dr. John Phillips (Interventional Cardiologist) interview Silicon Valley entrepreneurial powerhouse Robert Nathanson! From spotting healthcare gaps as a chiropractor to co-founding GrubMarket (now a $3.6 billion + company), Robert's journey exemplifies innovation at its finest. After his early success connecting farmers directly to consumers through a digital marketplace, Robert's life took an unexpected turn when he faced his own health crisis - blocked arteries requiring medical intervention. This wake-up call prompted a complete lifestyle transformation. Despite always being active with tennis, Robert doubled down on his health, embracing pickleball with incredible success (13 podium finishes with 5 gold medals in just 8 months)! Discover how Robert's background in healthcare, entrepreneurial mindset, and personal health journey have shaped his unique perspective on innovation and wellness. He'll share insights on: • Translating healthcare gaps into business opportunities • Building and scaling successful ventures • Navigating life-threatening health challenges • Transforming his diet and fitness approach • Finding unexpected joy in health recovery This episode perfectly embodies our show's mission: highlighting innovations that transform cardiovascular health and inspire others on their wellness journeys. Don't miss this powerful conversation! #TheHeartOfInnovation #HealthEntrepreneurship #CardiovascularHealth #WellnessJourney #GlobalPADAssociation #robertnathanson #siliconvalley #healthcareinnovation #healthinnovation #healthtech #healthinnovation #peripheralarterydisease #heartdisease #hearthealth
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Join us on "The Heart of Innovation" as we welcome Albert Chen, a visionary bioelectric energy specialist. Albert will unveil his organization's three revolutionary branches:
1️⃣ Bios Vitalium: A cutting-edge healing energy practice 2️⃣ BioSingularity Institute: A 501(c)(3) research foundation conducting clinical studies on bioelectric energy healing 3️⃣ BioDavinci: Focused on therapeutics and drug development for regenerative healing
Albert and his team are at the forefront of reverse-engineering bioelectric energy healing techniques to develop scalable therapeutics. Their groundbreaking work even explores how bioelectricity can potentially regenerate the gut lining, addressing issues caused by stress and other factors.
Don't miss this fascinating discussion on the intersection of bioelectric energy healing, scientific research, and therapeutics development. Tune in to learn how these innovations could shape the future of healthcare!
#BioelectricEnergy #RegenerativeMedicine #HealthInnovation #TheHeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #globalpadassociation #albertchen
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Join us for an exclusive interview with Dr. Robert Gabbay, endocrinologist and former chief medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, on "The Heart of Innovation" hosted by Dr. John Phillips and Emmy-award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas. Dr. Gabbay will share cutting-edge developments in diabetes care that go beyond just lowering A1C—they're revolutionizing heart health, kidney function, and mobility for patients! He answers questions about: - Game-changing medications that reduce heart attack risk AND help you walk farther - The latest insulin pump technology transforming daily management - Advanced diabetes screening methods catching the disease earlier than ever - How AI digital twins can visualize the impact of lifestyle changes before you make them This is your chance to learn from a leading expert who has been at the forefront of innovations in treatment options for patients with diabetes and obesity. #DiabetesInnovation #HeartHealth #TheHeartOfInnovation #GlobalPADassociation #peripheralarterydisease #diabetescure #diabetestreatment #padsupport #legcramps #legpaintreatment
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This Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, The Heart of Innovation presents an extraordinary story of resilience and transformation. Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they welcome Thomas Francois, a peripheral artery disease amputee turned Santa Rosa Junior College baseball coach. Discover how Thomas views his amputation as a "gift" and a pivotal "Saul to Paul" moment in his life. Don't miss this powerful episode exploring: • Overcoming physical challenges • Finding purpose through adversity • Redefining success in sports and life Tune in to hear Thomas's remarkable journey from PAD patient to inspiring coach. #LimbLossAwareness #PADSurvivor #InspiringCoach #HeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padawareness #amputationprevention
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For the first time in over TWO DECADES, there's a new medication treatment approach for peripheral artery disease!
The groundbreaking STRIDE Trial has shown that semaglutide significantly improves walking ability and quality of life for those suffering from PAD with type 2 diabetes. JOIN US THURSDAY as we interview Dr. Marc Bonaca, co-investigator of this landmark study that revealed: ✅ 40-meter improvement in walking distance ✅ Significant quality of life benefits ✅ 54% reduction in disease progression requiring intervention ✅ Benefits potentially extending beyond weight loss This could be life-changing for millions who struggle with leg pain that limits everyday activities. Have questions about what this means for your PAD treatment? Drop them below and Dr. Bonaca will address them during our exclusive interview! #PADBreakthrough #DiabetesCare #STRIDETrial #PatientVoices #MedicalAdvancement #semaglutitude #ozempic #ozempicwalking #wegovywalking #wegovysupport #markbonaca #globalpadassociation #peripheralarterydisease #peripheralarterydiseasetreatment #claudicationcureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Limb Loss Awareness Month, The Heart of Innovation brings you an extraordinary story of resilience, advocacy, and patient-driven healthcare reform.
Robert Parant turned his struggles with diabetes and peripheral artery disease into a powerful force for change. Discover how he:
• Advocated for drug affordability alongside President Joe Biden • Advances cutting-edge diabetes research • Amplifies the voices of the amputee community
Tune in to hear one man's plight to change the landscape of diabetes and PAD care.
#DiabetesAdvocacy #LimbLossAwareness #PatientVoices #HealthcareInnovation
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Tune in to The Heart of Innovation this week as we share an incredible story of a young woman who helped save her grandfather's life and now is trying to save others through organ donation advocacy.
Since it's National Kidney Month, Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Danica Almazan, RN and Miss Marin County 2025, whose family's courageous fight against kidney disease sparked a powerful mission of hope.
You might wonder why we are talking about kidney disease on a show about cardiovascular and vascular health. Kidney disease, especially in advanced stages can lead to peripheral artery disease, which is poor circulation in mainly the legs, and lead to amputation.
Many of the peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients both Kym and Dr. John support have CKD and ESRD, some of which are also in need of a kidney transplant.
They want to get the word out there on the importance of kidney health as well as raise awareness that all kidney disease patients should be checked for peripheral artery disease and to find a doctor who specializes in opening the small vessels below the knee and into the foot, which is where kidney disease patients are typically stricken with PAD.
Whether you're impacted by peripheral artery disease, kidney health challenges, or simply want to understand the power of family support, this episode is a must-watch!
#KidneyHealth #OrganDonation #TheHeartOfInnovation #NationalKidneyMonth #MissMarin2025 #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #CLI #criticallimbischemia
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In our next episode of The Heart of Innovation, co-hosts Dr. John Phillips and Emmy award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas talk to the Founders of Storyboard Capital about how they're helping startups, including healthcare innovators, secure crucial funding and partnerships.
Michael Likosky and Jeff Kafka are literally announcing their launch on this show. So you don't want to miss this episode to discover how they're democratizing access to funding and resources for startups across various sectors, including healthcare:
• Unlocking hidden funding opportunities in government and private sectors • Connecting innovators with strategic partnerships, from tech to medicine • Empowering entrepreneurs with expert-level tools for investor engagement
Learn about their platform's impact on innovation ecosystems: ✅ Helping startups craft compelling narratives for diverse investors ✅ Navigating complex funding landscapes in multiple industries ✅ Facilitating collaborations between startups and established organizations
For healthcare innovators, Storyboard Capital offers specialized support in translating medical breakthroughs into fundable ventures and navigating industry-specific regulations.
Join us for this insightful discussion on how Storyboard Capital is reshaping the future of startup funding and corporate innovation across sectors.
#InnovationFunding #StartupSuccess #HealthTechInnovation #TheHeartOfInnovation #globalpadassociation #storyboardcapital #startupfunding #healthcareinnovation
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Join Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas on The Heart of Innovation as they share Rose's story of perseverance and medical innovation Rose, an oil industry worker and antique seller, Had her life upended by undiagnosed peripheral artery disease (PAD): • Misdiagnosed for 4 years, with leg cramps attributed to low vitamin D • Struggled to walk across her 93-foot house without resting • PAD discovered only after a lung cancer removal procedure Her Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. John Davis, faced a challenge: Rose's severe PAD required a revolving door of interventions that needed to stop, but she wasn't a candidate for traditional bypass surgery. Enter a new, minimally invasive bypass technique that's keeping Rose on her feet so far without repeated procedures. Tune in to hear: • How Rose's PAD went undetected for years despite textbook symptoms • The unexpected connection between her lung cancer treatment and PAD diagnosis • Why this new bypass technique could be a game-changer for PAD patients Don't miss this eye-opening episode about the importance of proper PAD diagnosis and the promise of emerging treatments. #PADAwareness #PatientStory #MedicalInnovation #HeartOfInnovation #ptab #legbypass #bypassprocedure #arterybypass #PADstory #PADpatient #globalpadassociation #healthinnovation #healthcare innovation
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Join Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas as they interview podiatrist Dr. Mark Hinkes on The Heart of Innovation. Discover a groundbreaking program to reduce unnecessary amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and critical limb ischemia. Dr. Hinkes shares essential strategies for healthcare professionals to assess, screen, and mitigate risks in diabetic patients. Learn about comprehensive foot exams, risk stratification, and how AI is shaping personalized diabetes care. Don't miss this crucial discussion on preventing lower extremity complications and saving limbs.
#DiabeticFootCare #AmputationPrevention #InnovativeHealthcare #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #pvdsupport #peripheralvasculardisease #DFUtreatment #amputation #amputationprevention #globalpadassociation
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Reverend and Dr. Don J. Tynes cares so much for his patients. He will drive them across the State of Michigan if need-be to prevent amputation for those suffering in advanced stages of peripheral artery disease, known as Critical Limb Ischemia. He knows it's possible for doctors to at least try to open up arteries below the knee, but he has discovered that so many physicians tell patients it can't be done. He doesn't settle for that. He strives to ensure his patients have all options exhausted to save their limbs before an amputation is considered. He shares what sparked his passion for limb salvage and led him to become a medical missionary for patients with poor leg circulation. #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #pvdsupport #peripheralvasculardisease #CLI #globalpadassociation
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Join us for an exciting episode of The Heart of Innovation on National PAD Awareness Day!
Discover how a simple walk can be your body's natural bypass surgery. Learn:
• The secret "back-up system" in your body• How pushing through pain grows new blood vessels• The right way to walk for maximum circulatory benefits
Dive deep into the science of collateral vessels and learn why walking through discomfort could be the key to improving your circulation.
PADAwareness #WalkingIsMedicine #HeartOfInnovation #VascularHealth #peripheralarterydisease #sockittopad #padsupport #walkingpad #walkingwithpad #naturalbypass #amputation #amputationprevention
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Don't Miss the Next Episode of "The Heart of Innovation" to learn more about a groundbreaking technology that helps treat pain, reduce inflammation, remove scar tissue, and heal wounds! Hosts Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist and Kym McNicholas, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & CEO of Global PAD Association, interview Chris Bazzy, Co-founder of BioCell. Discover how BioCell's is: using electrical frequencies to combat inflammation, dissolving scar tissue with cutting-edge methods, and accelerating healing for diabetic foot wounds. We will explore how this technology differs from traditional treatments, the science behind electrical frequencies in healing, and whether tthis innovation may prevent amputations. Tune in for a shocking (pun intended!) look at the future of treating injuries, reducing pain, and healing wounds! #HeartOfInnovation #DiabeticWoundCare #MedTech #BioCell #peripheralarterydisease #peripheralarterydisease #microcurrent
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In our latest episode of The Heart of Innovation, Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips dive deep into the transformative world of regenerative farming with two extraordinary guests.
Groundbreaking Nutrient Density Research:
Recent studies reveal the incredible potential of regenerative agriculture:
- 21% More Nutrients: The Bionutrient Food Association found regeneratively-grown vegetables contain significantly more nutrients than USDA averages
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Mineral Boost: Regenerative wheat shows:
- 58% more selenium
- 27% more zinc
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Vitamin Power: Regenerative vegetables demonstrate:
-
22% more iron
- 19% more vitamin C
Why Regenerative Farming Matters:
Conventional industrial agriculture has led to:
- Declining soil health
- Reduced nutrient density in crops
- Increased nutrient deficiencies in communities
Regenerative Agriculture Offers:
- Improved soil microbiome
- Enhanced crop nutrient profiles
- Increased food security
- Reduced environmental impact
Special Guests: • Richard Lackey, World Food Bank Chairman • Joni Kindwall-Moore, Snacktivist Foods CEO
Political Landscape: With RFK Jr. potentially leading Health & Human Services and championing regenerative agriculture, we explore how this approach could revolutionize our food system.
Key Discussion Points:
- What is regenerative farming?
- How does it differ from modern agricultural practices?
- Potential impact on nutrient density and public health
- Economic and environmental benefits
The Science Behind the Transformation: Regenerative practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and diverse crop rotations create:
- Healthier soil microbiomes
- More resilient ecosystems
- Nutrient-rich food systems
Emerging Research Insight: Regenerative agriculture isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about creating a holistic approach to food production that benefits:
- Soil health
- Plant nutrition
- Human wellness
- Environmental sustainability
Tune in to discover how regenerative farming is set to transform our understanding of food, nutrition, and ecological balance!
#RegenerativeFarming #FutureOfFood #Nutrition #HealthyEating #SustainableAgriculture #peripheralarterydisease #cardiovasculardisease #heartdisease #paddiet #hearthealth
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Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips this week on The Heart of Innovation as we dive deep into a groundbreaking solution for men struggling with enlarged prostate:
🔬 Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): - A game-changing, minimally invasive procedure - Featuring expert insights from: - Dr. Michael "Misha" Ginsburg (Bloomfield, CT) - Dr. Osman Ahmed (Chicago, IL)
We'll uncover: ✓ What is an enlarged prostate? ✓ Who does it impact? ✓ What causes it? ✓ Symptoms patients experience ✓ ALL treatment options - including the revolutionary PAE
🚨 The Hidden Battle: Insurance companies are blocking access to innovative treatments, forcing patients into more invasive procedures with longer recovery times.
🎧 Don't Miss This Critical Conversation! Tune in to learn how medical innovation is fighting to give patients better, less invasive healthcare options.
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Saving Legs, Saving Lives:
When Hector faced the terrifying prospect of leg amputation, his wife Melissa became his lifeline.
🚨He has what's known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a silent threat more prevalent and deadlier than breast, colon, and prostate cancer COMBINED.
Join us on The Heart of Innovation as Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas dive deep into Hector's journey with Hector, his wife Melissa, and his Podiatrist Dr. Amy Bodart. Learn how early detection and the right specialists can literally save your limbs—and your life.
🔍 Key Takeaways: - Recognize early PAD symptoms: Neuropathy, leg pain, cramps, restless legs - Understand the critical importance of limb salvage specialists - Hear a powerful story of hope and medical breakthrough
Make sure to tune in on Saturday, February 18 for this powerful story!
If you are reading this and have symptoms of PAD and/or have questions about your care, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at (415) 233-2730 for immediate guidance.
Don't wait. Your leg could depend on it. 💪
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🌟 Get Ready to Meet A Doctor Who Practices What He Preaches 🩺💃
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and an Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips as we dive into the inspiring story of the "Zumba Doctor" - Dr. Raymond E. Poliquit, a pediatrician who's taking social media by storm!
🔥 Tune in to discover how a medical professional became a viral dance sensation 🔥
🕺 Learn about his journey from medical practice to inspiring thousands through free online Zumba sessions on Facebook and through his own El Doco Loco Dance Studio!🕺🏽
Don't miss this fun episode of The Heart of Innovation - where medicine meets movement!
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Join this week's episode of The Heart of Innovation, where Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Patient Advocate Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips explore the scientific advancements in intravascular lithotripsy technology.
Learn how this sophisticated sonic pressure wave system effectively modifies arterial calcium, enhancing vascular access and improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures. 💥❤️
🎙️ Featured guest Scott Nelson, FastWave CEO, discusses:
✔️Current clinical applications of lithotripsy ✔️Technical principles behind sonic pressure waves ✔️Advancements in vascular treatment protocols
Join us for an in-depth analysis of this transformative technology revolutionizing cardiovascular and vascular medicine.
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Join hosts Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips on KDOW radio as they dive deep into a critical issue in healthcare with special guest Alexandra Calingo, Program Specialist at American College of Healthcare Executives. 🔍 In this eye-opening episode, we explore: - Why empathy is more than just a "soft skill" - The impact of empathy (or lack thereof) on patient care - Real-life experiences that highlight the importance of compassion in healthcare - Practical tips for developing and nurturing empathy in professional settings 💡 "Empathy does not come naturally to everyone, but it is something that can be attained." - Alexandra Calingo Don't miss this crucial conversation about transforming healthcare through the power of human connection. Tune in to learn how we can all play a part in creating a more empathetic healthcare system.
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As we approach the holiday season, we're tackling a topic that resonates with many of our listeners: maintaining a healthy mindset during festive times while managing cardiovascular or vascular diseases such as heart disease and peripheral artery disease. Today, we're thrilled to welcome lifestyle and mindset transformation coach, Nicole Marino who will share her expertise on: Navigating conversations with family and friends about your health limitations Addressing potential accommodations needed during holiday gatherings Managing expectations and emotions when faced with dietary restrictions or physical limitations Avoiding the pitfall of comparing your current capabilities to past experiences Steering clear of unhelpful "pity party" interactions Whether you're dealing with dietary constraints, reduced mobility, or the emotional weight of lifestyle changes, this episode aims to equip you with strategies to enjoy the holiday season fully. So, let's dive in and discover how to create a healthy, positive mindset that allows you to celebrate the holidays your way, without compromising your well-being or joy.
For More information visit ReviveMyLifestyle.com
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Welcome to The Heart of Innovation. Today, we're talking about a silent killer - a genetic marker called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), that can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
Lp(a) affects 1 in 5 people worldwide, yet most don't even know they have it until it's too late. In fact, Lp(a) can increase heart attack risk by 2-5 times. And many don't know they have it until it's too late, unfortunately.
But there may be hope on the horizon. New drug trials are underway that could help address this overlooked condition.
Joining us today to discuss what we know, and don't know, about Lp(a) is Dr. Harpreet Bhatia, Associate Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health System. We also have a couple of patients here to share their personal journeys with Lp(a).
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Since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing the harrowing story of a Registered Technologist and Cardiac Invasive Specialist who almost lost her life to Breast Cancer after years of exposure to radiation during limb and life-saving procedures in the Cath Lab. In part one of this two-part series, Sheehan L. Raab shared her passion for saving limbs and her journey to diagnosis of breast cancer. This is part two where Raab candidly walks us through her fight to save her own life and what she learned along the way about the real dangers of radiation exposure, gaps in healthcare, and a critical need for an improved healthcare system for people with life-threatening ailments. Even if you didn't listen to part one of this series, tune into this episode because it's a powerful story that will drive home the importance of advocating for yourself or having someone advocate for you at the hospital.
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Tune in to this groundbreaking episode of "The Heart of Innovation" where co-host Kym McNicholas and guest co-host Dr. Nik Patel interview Dr. James Joye, the 2024 PAD Impact Award winner and inventor of the revolutionary PTAB/Detour technology. Dr. Joye discusses his innovative minimally invasive bypass technique for treating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), performed through small keyhole-sized incisions. Learn about the inspiration behind this game-changing device, the challenges faced in bringing it to market, and its significant impact on patients with comorbidities like diabetes and chronic venous insufficiency. Discover how this breakthrough is transforming vascular surgery, offering hope to those previously considered unsuitable for traditional procedures, and shaping the future of PAD treatment.
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The "Vascular Luminary of the Year" award recognizes a doctor who excels in research, policy change, and advocacy around preventing, treating, and managing PAD who is helping to create the change patients want to see in care. This individual influences clinical practices, and dedicates efforts towards educating both the medical community and the public. The nominee’s work embodies a commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing the field of PAD research, and fostering a healthier, more informed society.
The Global PAD IMPACT Awards honor individuals and organizations across the globe who have made exceptional contributions to the field of PAD through research, innovation, patient education, advocacy, and/or professional leadership. Awardees are recognized for their selfless dedication to life and limb-saving care, advancing the field, and significantly improved the quality of life for PAD patients across the globe.
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Fruit has incredible benefits but for some sensitive to sugar, fruit can be dangerous. Nurse Practitioner Deidre Arms with Desire Wellness addresses attacks on the value of fruit, especially when it comes to diabetes. Host Kym McNicholas talks to NP Arms about fruit, its benefits, drawbacks, and how to maximize the antioxidant benefits.
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Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Bumgarner with UNC REX Healthcare in North Carolina joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips to kick off the Olympics with a discussion about the importance of staying fit but keeping in mind the idea that there is the possibility of too much of a good thing and how to mitigate risk for a heart attack
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One of the biggest causes of amputations for diabetes patients is poor wound care. Different facilities offer different options leading to variances in outcomes. Anne Walsch, ANP-BC, CWOCN, ACHPN, AND WOC NP is joining us to talk about the gaps in wound care that led to her creating a digital solution. She is the brainchild behind "Wound Care Pro," an app that democratizes access to cutting edge treatments that clinicians can turn to when treating patients with wounds (to heal or palliate) & ostomies! It's available on iOS & Android.
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If your doctor can't figure out why you have pain, cramping, burning, tingling, cold foot, or numbness in the back of your calf, it might be Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES). Symptoms can often mimic that of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Those symptoms, coupled with additional swelling, heavy legs, and even a blood clot may also indicate Vein Entrapment. Vascular Surgeon DR. Krishna Mannava, with Vive Vascular in Ohio has seen an increase in the number of patients and talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Philips about Why PAES is often overlooked and innovative approaches to ensure patients don't progress to amputation with this disorder.
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Renowned Vascular Surgeon Dr. Krishna Jain talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about the increased insurance delays and denials for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. Patients with PAD, blocked arteries in mainly their legs, are suffering as vascular specialists are facing delays and denials from insurance companies upon their request to improve the quality of life for their patients by restoring blood flow using minimally invasive tools and techniques. This is leading to unconscionable suffering by patients who struggle with pain and cramping in their legs, some with wounds that won't heal on their feet. Dr. Jain explains that patients need to understand that Medicare Advantage Plans are not Medicare and they need to understand the benefits and drawbacks, especially if they have PAD.
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SOUND mind, SOUND Body, SOUND Ocean Let's celebrate World Ocean Day June 8th through healing our mind, our body, and our spirit with the sound of the ocean while raising awareness for ocean conservation! We have a world renowned sound healer and ocean conservationist Joshua Sam Miller, the visionary founder of Embodied Sounds, joining us LIVE! (Link to his site: https://embodiedsounds.com/) Joshua isn't your typical advocate. He's a trailblazer at the intersection of art, mindfulness, and marine conservation. Through his pioneering work with Embodied Sounds, he's redefining how we connect with our oceans and inspiring tangible change. Picture this: whales as lead singers in a groundbreaking film. That's just a taste of Joshua's captivating project, Sounds of the Ocean. (Here's his site link: https://www.soundsoftheocean.com/) It's an immersive experience that not only enchants audiences but also serves as a potent educational tool, shining a spotlight on the critical need for ocean conservation. But here's where it gets even more exciting: Embodied Sounds has just launched their Global Campaign for World Oceans Day, offering planetariums and science centers worldwide a one-week free license to screen their film. This initiative isn't just about awareness—it's about action. It's about rallying communities around the globe to support local ocean conservation causes. You don't want to miss this powerful program where Joshua will teach us about immersive wellness experiences through sound, that allow you to reconnect with yourself. You will walk away with understanding the power of sound in healing not only your mind, your body, and your soul, but that of our valuable sea life
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SOUND mind, SOUND Body, SOUND Ocean
Let's celebrate World Ocean Day June 8th through healing our mind, our body, and our spirit with the sound of the ocean while raising awareness for ocean conservation!
We have a world renowned sound healer and ocean conservationist Joshua Sam Miller, the visionary founder of Embodied Sounds, joining us LIVE! (Link to his site: https://embodiedsounds.com/)
Joshua isn't your typical advocate. He's a trailblazer at the intersection of art, mindfulness, and marine conservation.
Through his pioneering work with Embodied Sounds, he's redefining how we connect with our oceans and inspiring tangible change.
Picture this: whales as lead singers in a groundbreaking film.
That's just a taste of Joshua's captivating project, Sounds of the Ocean. (Here's his site link: https://www.soundsoftheocean.com/)
It's an immersive experience that not only enchants audiences but also serves as a potent educational tool, shining a spotlight on the critical need for ocean conservation.
But here's where it gets even more exciting: Embodied Sounds has just launched their Global Campaign for World Oceans Day, offering planetariums and science centers worldwide a one-week free license to screen their film. This initiative isn't just about awareness—it's about action. It's about rallying communities around the globe to support local ocean conservation causes.
You don't want to miss this powerful program where Joshua will teach us about immersive wellness experiences through sound, that allow you to reconnect with yourself. You will walk away with understanding the power of sound in healing not only your mind, your body, and your soul, but that of our valuable sea life
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Special Guest: Kevin Thomas Morgan
Website: https://inspirationalselfhelpbooks.com
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Mike Pawlawski shares his journey and his process for creating mental resilience to overcome adversity, including health challenges, in order to inspire others. Pawlawski is American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), Arena Football League (AFL), and XFL. He played college football for the California Golden Bears where he led them to a 10–2 record and a No. 8 national ranking in 1991. He is currently a sought-after inspiration speaker, the host of Gridiron Outdoors on Outdoor Channel, and is a radio color commentator for Cal football on KGO 810 and the Cal radio network.
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Marcia is a retired XRay Tech who is fighting to save her legs and the legs of others. After a University vascular surgeon told her amputation was the next logical step in her care, she found the Global PAD Association (GPAD), who helped her obtain a second opinion from Interventional Radiologist Dr. Arthur Lee. Dr. Lee was able to offer her a different treatment option that has kept her legs in tact so far. She is committed to now helping to raise awareness for peripheral artery disease, blocked arteries in mainly the legs, through her new initiative, in partnership with GPAD, called #LightARedCandleDay where she's encouraging physicians, clinicians, patients, and industry to light a red candle of commitment on June 1, 2024. Participants are urged to share a video or picture of that candle lighting on social media along with a message which includes their summer walking goal to improve their circulation to prevent or stall progression of PAD. Those interested in helping to share the importance of walking as medicine, can learn more and get their candles at www.LightARedCandle.org. If that isn't enough, she's also working with GPAD to launch Moving Mondays with Marcia, where each week she and other exercise experts offer free online classes to help patients with PAD improve their circulation. The first session is Monday, May 13, 2024. Patients can learn more by joining our support group at www.padsupportgroup.com
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A new study in Science Direct, shows a disturbing trend in a younger demographic of patients with an advanced stage of Peripheral Artery Disease, or poor circulation in their legs. It’s known as Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). The study shows an increase in CLI patients age 18 to 40 from 2016 – 2020. One reason is an increase in adolescent diabetes T2. Another reason is doctors telling patients they’re too young to have poor circulation. It’s typically an ‘old person’s disease’. So, younger patients who experience leg pain and leg cramps are brushed off in early stages, leaving their disease to advance to a point where they’re a toe stub away from amputation with their arteries blocked extensively, restricting blood flow to their feet. The key is to educate primary care doctors and podiatrists about PAD and arm them with the ability to test for it so that patients can get diagnosed sooner when conservative treatment, which consists of medication, insulin control, and lifestyle modifications, is enough to stall disease progression. That’s why the Global PAD Association is partnering with PAD test maker Biomedix, to help patients find a primary care doctor or podiatrist who have additional experience with PAD and offer a test in their clinic. Biomedix CEO John Romans talks about the partnership which includes the launch of PADtest.org where patients can search for a doctor with their PADnet test in office in case it’s medically appropriate to conduct additional vascular assessment upon presentation of PAD symptoms, which may include neuropathy, leg cramps, leg pain, heaviness, or weakness.
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Dr. Michael Dansinger is leading our discussion during this episode about how to fix the Diabetes epidemic that the American Diabetes Association says impacts one in every two U.S. adults. He talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about his new Diabetes Reversal Program that's launched in Massachusettes, which he hopes to scale across America. One of his patients will join the discussion to talk about how the program has helped her and where she still struggles to remain compliant. Dr. Dansinger is a renowned expert in wellness, working with hit cable TV show, 'The Biggest Loser," as Medical Director for the Lifestyle Program at Boston Heart Diagnostics, author of the Tufts University Popular Diet Trial, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in January of 2005, and having served as an expert with Medscape and WebMD since 2005.
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Tune Into a special episode of the Heart of innovation though our save my piggies deep dive.
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The Heart of Innovation hosts Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym
McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips talk to
Aortic Hope founder Carin Andersen about her journey as a patient that
led her to create a foundation to help others at-risk of and suffering
from an aortic aneurysm. We talk about signs and symptoms of an
aneurysm as well as how to talk to your doctor about checking if you
are at-risk. We also discuss the support system she's created through
Aortic Hope for herself and others who've been diagnosed with aortic
disease.
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In this episode of "The Heart of Innovation," hosts Kym McNicholas and Special Guest: Dr. Anahita Dua take front and center stage with discussions on blood thinners and talking with callers.
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In this episode of "The Heart of Innovation," hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips delve into the groundbreaking advancements in limb salvage tools and techniques for patients with advanced stage peripheral artery disease, also known as Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). Join us as we interview Howard Leonhardt, the Executive Chairman & CEO at Leonhardt Ventures LLC and Lionheart Health, a pioneering figure at the forefront of research and development in the field. Leonhardt sheds light on their team's innovative work in the development of bioelectrical stimulation signaling sequences, which have the remarkable ability to regulate the release of Klotho, a potent anti-aging and regeneration-promoting protein. If you are low in circulating Klotho you are aging more rapidly. Howard has patented a way to increase your circulating Klotho dramatically with bioelectric stimulation. Leonhardt Ventures is leading the charge as the world’s first Innovation Accelerator, with a focus on the convergence of bioelectrics & biologics for organ regeneration, longevity, wellness, and healing. Additionally, Lionheart Health is driving the commercialization of a full pipeline of Leonhardt patented inventions, targeting MedSpas and Sports Medicine Clinics, while also planning to establish numerous Lionheart Health Longevity and Wellness MedSpas over the next 5 years. Tune in to explore how this transformative technology platform featuring bioelectric stimulation controlled release of key anti-aging and health improvement proteins is poised to revolutionize not only limb salvage but also the broader landscape of longevity and wellness.
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Amputations within the African American community occur at a staggering 3-4 times higher rate than their white counterparts, underscoring the urgent need to galvanize the community and other stakeholders to engage in candid discussions about the prevalent gaps in communication and care for a disease more prevalent and deadlier than all cancers combined, except lung cancer, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk about the key takeaways from The Global PAD Association’s event series, "PAD: The Lived African American Experience," which seeks to provide a platform for diverse stakeholders to collaboratively develop tangible solutions to address these disparities that lead to people of color not getting appropriate testing and treatment to save their limbs and life. Also, in this episode of "The Heart of Innovation," Shannon shares her powerful life and limb saving story you don't want to miss that will drive you to run toward a second, third, even fourth opinion before consenting to any interventional or surgical procedure.
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Diabetes has a deadly secret. Even one extra sugar molecule floating around your blood can damage your arteries putting you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and amputation. ABC News Live Correspondent Steve Osunsami knows this all too well from watching his Dad suffer from Diabetes and one of its most prevalent and deadly complications, known as Peripheral Artery Disease, which is poor circulation mainly in the legs due to plaque build-up. In this episode, Steve talks to The Heart of Innovation's Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about his Dad's story and its influence on pitching his team to do a story to spread awareness of the diabetes epidemic and the serious repercussions of not getting it under control, and fast. Tune into this episode to hear the backstory of the new ABC News Live feature, "Severed," in which a dozen ABC team members who worked on it all were personally impacted by diabetes and/or related amputations.
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Amputations within the African American community occur at a staggering 3-4 times higher rate than their white counterparts, underscoring the urgent need to galvanize the community and other stakeholders to engage in candid discussions about the prevalent gaps in communication and care. In this episode, The Heart of Innovation seeks to provide a platform for diverse stakeholders to discuss some of the disparities patients feel are interfering with timely, effective, life and limb-saving care for poor circulation in their legs known as peripheral artery disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas in a compelling episode of "The Heart of Innovation." This week, our guest is micronutrient expert and health coach Steph Vukovich, known for her specialization in micronutrients and their impact on overall metabolic health.
In today's world, chronic diseases stand as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable global health challenge. Understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental factors throughout life is paramount in addressing the predisposition to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Substantial evidence has underscored the pivotal role of macronutrients and micronutrients in programming metabolic diseases early in life.
This episode aims to shed light on the critical role of micronutrients in developing effective preventive strategies to counter the global burden of non-communicable diseases. By delving into the intricate relationship between micronutrients and metabolic health, our guest, Steph Vukovich, will provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies for promoting overall well-being.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the transformative potential of micronutrients in shaping a healthier future. Tune in to "The Heart of Innovation" and be part of the movement toward preventive health strategies.
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Join Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas in a compelling episode of "The Heart of Innovation." This week, our guest is micronutrient expert and health coach Steph Vukovich, known for her specialization in micronutrients and their impact on overall metabolic health.
In today's world, chronic diseases stand as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable global health challenge. Understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental factors throughout life is paramount in addressing the predisposition to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. Substantial evidence has underscored the pivotal role of macronutrients and micronutrients in programming metabolic diseases early in life.
This episode aims to shed light on the critical role of micronutrients in developing effective preventive strategies to counter the global burden of non-communicable diseases. By delving into the intricate relationship between micronutrients and metabolic health, our guest, Steph Vukovich, will provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies for promoting overall well-being.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the transformative potential of micronutrients in shaping a healthier future. Tune in to "The Heart of Innovation" and be part of the movement toward preventive health strategies.
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This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosted by Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas, the focus is on the relationship between leg pain and heart health. Since February is American Heart Month, we invited Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Jason Yoho, who practices in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas, and his patient Douglas, to share a life-saving story. Douglas had what's called, Peripheral Artery Disease, which is poor circulation in mainly the leg arteries, and doctors didn't check his heart arteries until it was almost too late. Did you know that three-in-five people who suffer a heart attack have plaque in their leg arteries? If only a doctor would have checked their leg pulses regularly, life and limb might be saved. In this episode, we hope you learn from Douglas' story, including the critical tests and questions to discuss with your doctor.
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Welcome to the first Episode of Save My Piggies on the Heart of Innovation in 2024!
Today Dr. John Phillips Leads the discussion with Dr. John Robert Coates a Primary Care Physician, from Ontario Canada, on a story talking about Hypercoaguability. It is a huge issue, as advanced blood work doesn't show a known risk factor for blood clots and yet his and other families have fallen victim in some form to them.
The story on today's show focuses on his sister Melissa. She was a model & wrestler. A very active person prior to this condition in Las Vegas. Unfortunately having to receive an amputation was devastating her career. The recovery was long and arduous with multiple casting for prosthetics. By June of the next year she died in her sleep. They claim she had cardiomyopathy.
Before she died she talked a lot about trying to help others with limb loss. So, that's what her brother John now is trying to do... is figure out ways to raise his sister's voice and help others.
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Welcome to the first Episode of Save My Piggies on the Heart of Innovation in 2024!
Today Dr. John Phillips Leads the discussion with Dr. John Robert Coates a Primary Care Physician, from Ontario Canada, on a story talking about Hypercoaguability. It is a huge issue, as advanced blood work doesn't show a known risk factor for blood clots and yet his and other families have fallen victim in some form to them. The story on today's show focuses on his sister Melissa. She was a model & wrestler. A very active person prior to this condition in Las Vegas. Unfortunately having to receive an amputation was devastating her career. The recovery was long and arduous with multiple casting for prosthetics. By June of the next year she died in her sleep. They claim she had cardiomyopathy. Before she died she talked a lot about trying to help others with limb loss. So, that's what her brother John now is trying to do... is figure out ways to raise his sister's voice and help others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
: This week on The Heart of Innovation Hosted by Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Philips and Emmy Award Winning Journalist Kym McNicholas, The focus is on groundbreaking treatment for hard-to-treat blood pressure. The featured guest is Interventional Cardiologist Dr Eric Secemsky, Director of Vascular Intervention at BIDMC and Section head of Intervetional Cardiology and Vascular research at the Richard. A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology at BIDMC. Dr. Secemsky delves into the prevalence of high blood pressure, affecting nearly half of American adults, with many being unaware of their condition or facing challenges in consistently accessing or adhering to medications. Shockingly only one in four individuals with high blood pressure have it under control, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health concern. The discussion highlights the subset of patients facing treatment resistant hypertension, where standard medication prove ineffective or intolerable, posing increased risks of heart of disease, stroke, and cardiovascular complications. Dr. Secemsky introduces the pioneering procedure of renal denervation (RDN), which involves permanently disrupting the nerves, controlling the kidneys' arteries. This innovative approach, developed, offers a potential solution for bringing treatment resistant hypertension back under control, offering hope for patients facing persistent challenges in managing their condition. The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the groundbreaking RDN procedure, offering valuable insights into a first-of-its kind treatment for high blood pressure. Dr. Secemsky's expertise and the innovative advancements in cardiovascular care showcased in this episode underscore the ongoing pursuit of transformative solutions in the field of interventional cardiology. Tune into * The Heart Of Innovation* for an in-depth discussions on this breakthrough treatment for hypertension and its potential impact on reshaping the landscape of vascular care.
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This week on The Heart of Innovation Hosted by Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Philips and Emmy Award Winning Journalist Kym McNicholas, The focus is on groundbreaking treatment for hard-to-treat blood pressure. The featured guest is Interventional Cardiologist Dr Eric Secemsky, Director of Vascular Intervention at BIDMC and Section head of Intervetional Cardiology and Vascular research at the Richard. A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology at BIDMC. Dr. Secemsky delves into the prevalence of high blood pressure, affecting nearly half of American adults, with many being unaware of their condition or facing challenges in consistently accessing or adhering to medications. Shockingly only one in four individuals with high blood pressure have it under control, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health concern. The discussion highlights the subset of patients facing treatment resistant hypertension, where standard medication prove ineffective or intolerable, posing increased risks of heart of disease, stroke, and cardiovascular complications. Dr. Secemsky introduces the pioneering procedure of renal denervation (RDN), which involves permanently disrupting the nerves, controlling the kidneys' arteries. This innovative approach, developed, offers a potential solution for bringing treatment resistant hypertension back under control, offering hope for patients facing persistent challenges in managing their condition. The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the groundbreaking RDN procedure, offering valuable insights into a first-of-its kind treatment for high blood pressure. Dr. Secemsky's expertise and the innovative advancements in cardiovascular care showcased in this episode underscore the ongoing pursuit of transformative solutions in the field of interventional cardiology. Tune into * The Heart Of Innovation* for an in-depth discussions on this breakthrough treatment for hypertension and its potential impact on reshaping the landscape of vascular care.
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Fisayo Oluwadiya is a principal software engineer for a large organization, working remotely from Manhattan who's side hustle is developing a web application to help people with special dietary requirements find the best restaurants that meet their needs. This idea stemmed from her self-proclaimed obsession with food. While working as an engineer for big name organizations such as JP Morgan, Major League Baseball, and Nordstrom, she has always written restaurant reviews as a food blogger. It wasn't until she joined her current employer, a large entertainment organization, that she decided to turn her passion into something more impactful, combining it with her talents as a software engineer. During this episode, Fisayo Oluwadiya will discuss her new personalized eating out guide she's developed to help make it easier for people with special dietary preferences to find their best meal match.
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While show co-host Kym McNicholas is on assignment in the Pacific exploring how Princess Cruise Lines adapts its service for vascular and cardiovascular patients, Dr. John Phillips takes the reigns and invites two other renowned vascular and cardiovascular specialists from Texas for a candid conversation about patient care. Vascular Surgeon Dr. Miguel Montero Baker and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Lucas Ferrer discuss not only their draw to practicing medicine but also the frustrations in trying to care for patients that they didn’t expect to experience in their plight to save life and limb. They’ll also share details on their new podcast you’ll definitely want to subscribe to after hearing these two interact. Click on the link to listen to this not-to-miss insider conversation and learn what doctors talk about when patients aren’t in clinic. It's guaranteed to be a lively discussion.
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While show co-host Kym McNicholas is on assignment in the Pacific exploring how Princess Cruise Lines adapts its service for vascular and cardiovascular patients, Dr. John Phillips takes the reigns and invites two other renowned vascular and cardiovascular specialists from Texas for a candid conversation about patient care. Vascular Surgeon Dr. Miguel Montero Baker and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Lucas Ferrer discuss not only their draw to practicing medicine but also the frustrations in trying to care for patients that they didn’t expect to experience in their plight to save life and limb. They’ll also share details on their new podcast you’ll definitely want to subscribe to after hearing these two interact. Click on the link to listen to this not-to-miss insider conversation and learn what doctors talk about when patients aren’t in clinic. It's guaranteed to be a lively discussion.
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Doctors don't always have the opportunity to hear about the impact they've had on their patients. So, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist/patient advocate Kym McNicholas talk to patients who have a disease that's deadlier than all cancers combined, except lung cancer, called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a circulation issue in the legs that left untreated can lead to amputation, stroke, and heart attack. Patient Alan offers his thanks to Dr. Kumar Madassery at Rush Hospital as well as Dr. Jihad Mustapha at Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Centers in Michigan, along with his vascular surgeons in Indiana. Nancy thanks Dr. James Antezana, a vascular surgeon in Charlotte, North Carolina for his care. Charles shares his appreciation for Dr. Michael Siah, a vascular surgeon in Dallas for saving his limbs as well as TheWayToMyHeart.org for supporting his wife through the journey. And Douglas shares his appreciation for Dr. Mehrzad Zarghouni for not only saving his legs but also his life.
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In the latest episode of "The Heart of Innovation," hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips delve into the challenging journey of Dee and her 90-year-old mother, who is facing the complex issue of non-healing wounds caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries that can prevent critical nutrients, including oxygen, from reaching muscles, tissue, and nerves clear to the foot - nutrients that are essential for wound healing. Dee's mother has been struggling with a non-healing wound on her toe since 2019, which has led to a series of complications. From oxygen therapy to the diagnosis of osteomyelitis (bone infection), they have explored various treatments, but wounds persist. Now, Dee is determined to find the best specialist and facility to give her mother the greatest chance of success and minimize complications, which may include clearing blockages in her Mom's arteries below-the-knee and below-the-ankle into the pedal-plantar artery loop in the foot. In this episode, the hosts bring together a panel of experts in the field of PAD treatment, including Dr. Christopher Lee Stout, a Vascular Surgeon from Ozark Vascular in Arkansas, and Dr. Dan Simon, an Interventional Radiologist from Edison Radiology Group in New Jersey. Alongside show co-host Dr. John Phillips, an Interventional Cardiologist, they provide valuable insights and answer Dee's pressing questions. They focus specifically on the advanced stage of PAD, known as Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), characterized by leg pain, leg cramps at night, and non-healing wounds on the foot or toe. The panel of physicians aims to address Dee's concerns and guide her in making informed decisions to save her mother's limb and improve her quality of life. They discuss the value of a multidisciplinary approach to treating CLI. They also drive home the importance of ensuring whomever she chooses has experience with treating an elderly patient with series comorbidities that include chronic heart failure (CHF) and advanced stage kidney disease, Plus, they educate Dee on the advance skillset and tools required to reduce radiation and contrast die during the procedure which could result in complete kidney failure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, host Kym McNicholas shares a personal story about her father's battle with blood clots. Joined by InterventionalCardiologist Dr. Jay Mathews and Pain Specialist Dr. Efrain Rivera, they delve into the challenges her father faced after a fall and subsequent sedentary recovery period. Initially misdiagnosed with back issues, they explore how the discovery of blood clots in his lungs and leg veins changed the treatment approach. Together, the medical experts provide guidance on available treatment options, offer valuable insights, and equip listeners with essential questions to ensure the best care for their loved ones. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of blood clots and how to become a proactive advocate for your family's health.
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Co-host Kym McNicholas is LIVE at the CLI-F Multidisciplinary limb salvage conference by The Limb Saver Society in El Paso, Texas. She is joined by conference co-founder Lorena Henderson to talk about its focus, which is on complex revascularization techniques, wound care, podiatry and infectious disease best practices for amputation prevention. Also joining Kym is Podiatrist Dr. Gary Grindstaff and Pain Specialist Dr. Efrain Rivera to talk about managing patients with vascular issues and chronic pain. They discuss medication and other modalities to try and bring some relief either temporary or long-term for these patients.
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Co-host Kym McNicholas is LIVE at the CLI-F Multidisciplinary limb salvage conference by The Limb Saver Society in El Paso, Texas. She is joined by conference co-founder Lorena Henderson to talk about its focus, which is on complex revascularization techniques, wound care, podiatry and infectious disease best practices for amputation prevention. Also joining Kym is Podiatrist Dr. Gary Grindstaff and Pain Specialist Dr. Efrain Rivera to talk about managing patients with vascular issues and chronic pain. They discuss medication and other modalities to try and bring some relief either temporary or long-term for these patients.
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Show co-host Kym McNicholas surprises co-host Dr. John Phillips with a live thank you from a patient after saving her limb and her sister's life. You don't want to miss the story these two sisters share of their fight against genetics and the lessons both physicians and patients need to learn in order to prevent heart disease and peripheral artery disease from reaching advanced stages where heart attack, stroke, and amputation are imminent.
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Innovative Food software company Innit's CEO Kevin Brown shares some easy ways to make your Thanksgiving Day favorites just a little bit healthier. He is cooking alongside show co-host Kym McNicholas in his home kitchen while a patient with peripheral artery disease, which is blocked arteries in mainly the legs, shares her favorite farro stuffing recipe. Don't go shopping until you find out some quick and easy substitute ingredients that will sacrifice calories and fat, not flavor. Show co-host Dr. John Phillips shares why you don't have to completely overhaul your entire thanksgiving day feast one day out of the year but just make some adjustments in order to live a longer, healthier life.
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Innovative Food software company Innit's CEO Kevin Brown shares some easy ways to make your Thanksgiving Day favorites just a little bit healthier. He is cooking alongside show co-host Kym McNicholas in his home kitchen while a patient with peripheral artery disease, which is blocked arteries in mainly the legs, shares her favorite farro stuffing recipe. Don't go shopping until you find out some quick and easy substitute ingredients that will sacrifice calories and fat, not flavor. Show co-host Dr. John Phillips shares why you don't have to completely overhaul your entire thanksgiving day feast one day out of the year but just make some adjustments in order to live a longer, healthier life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We were live ahead of the The African American Male Wellness Agency Walk in Los Angeles talking to their director Jhade Barnes to talk about the need to improve access and care for African American Men. Since 2004, The AAMW agency has produced a 5K Walk & Run (The Walk) in over 15 cities as an awareness campaign to spotlight the fact that Black Men get Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes related amputations at 4x that of their white counterparts and die on average 12 years earlier than their white counterparts. They have incredible partners such as Johnson & Johnson and The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson that provide free testing and information to help Black men live longer from preventable diseases like PAD. This year The Way To My Heart, EZ Care Link, and Philips Healthcare had the opportunity to provide support for this wonderful mission! Celebrity fitness trainer Dion Jackson was also at the event to help inspire better health through exercise.
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Salih Hendricks was diagnosed with diabetes as a teen and no one warned him of the potential for vascular complications that comes with an imbalance of sugar in the bloodstream. He shares his personal experience with diabetes, which includes facing challenges such as the rupture of blood vessels behind his eyes, which nearly caused him to lose his vision, as well as the amputation of his leg due to the accumulation of plaque in his leg arteries, restricting blood flow to his foot. Salih has transformed the lessons he learned along his journey into a life purpose, dedicated to assisting others who are also afflicted by diabetes and associated artery issues. His aim is to provide support and guidance to those who face similar struggles.
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Individuals with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) describe the pain caused by artery blockages restricting blood flow to their feet as having a tourniquet wrapped tightly around their thigh and calf causing their muscles, tissues, and nerves below to scream for much needed oxygen and other nutrients. Timing is critical to diagnose and treat PAD whether with medication, lifestyle modifications, and/or interventional/surgical approaches because once tissue and nerves are damaged due to lack of blood flow,pain may be permanent. Few options are available to bring relief for that neuropathy pain and chiropractic and general wellness practices across the country are preying upon these individuals with band-aid options which come at a high price. But some physicians are working on clinical solutions that are much more effective and durable for these patients who have had their blood flow restored and still can’t get relief from PAD, diabetic neuropathy, or even phantom pain following amputation. Southern Vascular & Pain Management Center Interventional Radiologists Dr. Stephen Leschak and Dr. Thomas Hodgkiss join Emory University Vice Chair for imaging intervention and division director for interventional radiology Dr. David Prologo in talking about innovative approaches to managing pain and questions to ask your doctor to know if they’re right for you.
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Charles Winters thought he could breathe a sigh of relief after the gift of a lifetime, a kidney transplant, saved his life. But after his fight for life, he found himself fighting for limb. Doctors hadn’t told him Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are at an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), blocked arteries in mainly the leg arteries which restrict blood flow, and steps that could be taken such as with diet and exercise to prevent it. So, after he recovered from a kidney transplant and had just started getting his life back in order, he found himself back in the hospital fighting to avoid amputation. He talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about his life and limb-saving journey that is certain to give others hope that it’s possible to live a longer, better quality of life, if only you stand up and advocate for what you feel is right for your care.
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Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease have an increased risk of developing limb-threatening plaque build-up in their leg arteries that restricts blood flow, a disorder known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). That’s why Terry Litchfield, who fought alongside her husband Bill who was a dialysis dependent CKD patient for more than 50 years, is sinking her teeth into prevention efforts and advances in treatment for those with advanced disease that tends to settle in the calf and foot arteries, which are tougher to tackle. She joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips in talking about gaps in care for CKD and PAD patients and innovative ways in which sees care evolving to help patients live a longer, healthier life. Terry has dedicated her life to advocacy, turning her passion into her profession as President of Access Solutions, which offers patient Advocacy consulting services related to the renal dialysis field. She’s also an author and expert in patient engagement and satisfaction so you don’t want to miss highlights from her publications.
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Blood clots are a common occurrence that can have fatal consequences. However, they can be prevented by understanding the risk factors, recognizing the signs, and seeking prompt medical attention. This is an important topic, especially with World Thrombosis Day taking place annually on October 13. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) organizes this global initiative to raise awareness about thrombosis, a condition that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in veins or arteries, leading to serious health risks such as deep vein thrombosis(DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, and heart attack. In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Dr. Thomas Tu, Chief Medical Officer for Inari Medical. Inari Medical has developed a groundbreaking device that offers a new approach to treating blood clots. The discussion focuses on how clots form, the reasons behind their formation, the individuals who are most vulnerable, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and the various natural and medical options available to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.
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Interventional Cardiologist Barry Tedder has been advocating for months for one of his patients to undergo a potentially life-saving procedure that uses minimally invasive methods instead of surgery. Unfortunately, their insurance has denied coverage for it, causing frustration for Dr. Tedder and unimaginable suffering for his patient. This situation is not unique - insurance companies are consistently denying reimbursement requests from physicians for minimally invasive procedures that aim to open up the arteries of patients suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). P.A.D., a disease that is more prevalent and deadlier than all cancers combined (excluding lung cancer), causes severe leg pain during physical activity and can even disrupt sleep due to restricted blood flow caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Vascular specialists are urging insurance companies to cover the necessary procedures to alleviate the suffering and prevent limb loss, but these requests are being consistently denied. To talk about these denials, Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by Dr. Barry Tedder.
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Get ready for the unscripted, candid stories of patients and their experiences along their journey with a disease more prevalent and deadlier than all cancers combined except for lung cancer. It's called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which is poor circulation in mainly the leg arteries. Juanita talks about her experience that led her to amputation without a PAD Diagnosis. Without a PAD diagnosis, she didn't know that her arteries need to and could potentially be opened up by an advanced skilled doctor. She explains, that if it weren't for her daughter finding Dr. Jihad Mustapha at Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Centers in Michigan on Twitter, she would've lost more than her toes. When doctors wanted to remove her leg below-the-knee, she got in her car and drove to Michigan where Dr. Mustapha was able to maintain her legs in tact for the last seven years. She urges everyone, especially the African American Community which is up to four times likely to have their leg amputated than others, to always get a second opinion from a doctor who will fight alongside you to keep you walking on two feet. You don't want to miss her powerful message also to the the medical community to take a stand against amputation and treat patients as if they were family. Karen and her husband Axel join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with guest physician Dr. James Antezana, to drive home the importance of getting a second opinion as a title and white coat don't guarantee the best, most advanced limb salvage options. Karen was locked into an HMO in the San Francisco Bay Area with a Vascular Surgeon only a year out of fellowship who would only offer a surgical procedure known as an axillobifemoral bypass, which entails placing a tube from the shoulder to groin and splits off into both legs to bypass blockages in her aorta and iliac arteries. This procedure is rarely performed as frontline therapy and is considered palliative care in the UK because it has low durability and high mortality rate. A second opinion from her doctor's superior only affirmed the axillo bypass as the best strategy. A third opinion at a different facility within the HMO shed light on an even more dire issue, blocked renal arteries. But he declined to take over her care due to corporate politics. They found TheWayToMyHeart.org, which directed them to a known limb saver outside of the HMO, but the HMO decline coverage as
Karen's care team was confident in their care plan. They decided to pursue the consult on their own dime and discovered Karen was months away from dialysis with a narrowing in her renal arteries upwards of 90-percent. Her HMO vascular surgeons denied the need to address her renal arteries, brushing the one 'shriveled' up kidney as likely a birth defect. They took money out of their life savings to not only have Dr. James Joye open up her renal arteries but also her aorta and renal arteries in a minimally invasive way using wires, balloons, and stents. A year later and she is continuing to thrive. Axel says, "I have my wife back."
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This show started out with a conversation about Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) Awareness Month where I shared my experience meeting and presenting alongside Congressman Henry Cuellar and Mission Heart & Vascular Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Pedro Mego MD FSCAI about this circulation issue that is more prevalent and deadlier than all cancers combined except for lung cancer. It was part of the South Texas CLI (Critical Limb Ischemia, advanced stage of P.A.D.) and Limb Salvage Club’s (501c3) meeting of community leaders and media. During their discussion, they educated Cuellar’s constituents about a piece of legislation he’s pushing, which is the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act. The ARC Act, if passed, would require Medicare and group insurance to cover initial testing for P.A.D. and that hospitals and surgeons perform a vascular assessment in order to get reimbursed for any amputation. Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Robert Coronado, who was filling in during this episode for Dr. John Phillips, affirmed the need for this legislation for the sake of the patients, with more than 51% of overall P.A.D.-related amputations being preventable if only patients were diagnosed sooner and physicians performed a vascular assessment prior to offering amputation. One of the biggest risk factors for P.A.D. is diabetes and Kym adds that time is of the essence for action, with P.A.D. soon to become an epidemic as the American Diabetes Association now reports 1 in 2 U.S. Adults are either pre-diabetic or diabetic and 85% of all diabetic-related amputations as being preventable if only, as Dr. Coronado suggests, early diagnosis and proper vascular assessments in a timely manner.
The discussion about Peripheral Artery Disease transitioned into a conversation about another vascular disorder that is prevalent and often overlooked and undertreated, which is venous vascular disease as a caller expressed concern about not getting a definitive diagnosis and treatment to bring her relief for what she explains as venous-related leg pain. But the overriding message between this caller and another raises concern over patients feeling unheard and left to suffer without answers to what ails them. In an article from 2017 published in the Harvard Business Review titled "Creating Time for Genuine Patient Listening," the writers assert that the true healing potential of modern medicine relies on a resource that is currently being depleted: the time and capacity to genuinely listen to patients, understand their narratives, and grasp not only what ails them but also what truly matters to them. However, this approach seems to be more of an exception than a rule within today's healthcare system. Factors such as staffing deficits, mounting workloads accompanied by additional documentation requirements, and constant pressure from healthcare administrators demanding doctors do more with less are all hindering their ability to engage in meaningful conversations with patients.
This episode features Ashley and Douglas sharing their recent experiences during medical appointments. Due to these limitations within the healthcare system, both patients leave these encounters uncertain about whether they will live another day or if walking will remain possible for them. Dr. Coronado offers additional support and inspiration for Ashley and Douglas as they navigate through their health challenges.
Ashley is a scientist with a PhD who was a former competitive athlete that now is in a wheelchair due to debilitating pain in her thighs when she stands up or begins to walk. Doctors acknowledge the potential for iliac vein compression in both legs but keep sending her away from consults without definitive answers and any hope for relief. Dr. Coronado validates Ashley's experience by explaining that venous vascular disease is not only the most prevalent vascular disorder worldwide but also frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed. He urges her to continue to get additional opinions until she finds the answers she deserves so she can get her life back.
In another case, Douglas recounts his encounter with a heart surgeon whom he traveled over three hours to see regarding test results indicating that his heart was functioning at only 50% capacity and the presence of an arterial blood clot in his heart. However, during their scheduled 20-minute consultation, the surgeon abruptly left to take a phone call and returned, merely allowing five minutes with Douglas where he hastily prescribed additional heart medications and schedule another test for one month later. As for Douglas, he shares his experience with a heart surgeon whom he drove more than three hours to see to discuss test results that indicated his heart was only pumping at 50% of what it should and the presence of a blood clot somewhere in his arteries. Within moments of beginning the scheduled 20-minute consult, the surgeon left to answer a call and when he came back in the room, only devoted five minutes to ordering some additional heart medications and scheduling another test for a month later. He wouldn't spend additional time with Douglas listening to, addressing, and easing concerns about dizziness that resulted in a fall earlier that day, 48 episodes reported in another heart monitor test, as well as continued tachycardia and frequent activation of his defibrillator each day - all leaving Douglas with an impending sense of mortality. Dr. Coronado assured Douglas that shouldn't be the normalcy of a physician, especially one that is addressing life-threatening coronary issues. He also suggested a trip to the emergency room for critical bloodwork and additional timely imaging if symptoms continue.
The moral of this episode is the critical importance of relationship-centered communication as critical to saving life and limb.
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Cotton gauze, Telfa pads, Raytec sponges, lap pads and surgical towels release lint that can put patients at risk. Significant complications have been associated with lint being introduced into the body. Norm "Fuzzy" Furbush is the Founder/CEO of Syntervention that develops innovative products that reduce lint contamination, procedure time, and overall costs to the hospital. He talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about how he's come up with these inventions and offers advice to others who want to bring healthcare devices to market.
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The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2021, 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke. In fact, some in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds and dies of a stroke every 3 minutes and 14 seconds. A stroke occurs when a vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked and prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. What are the symptoms of a stroke? How do you prevent a stroke? How do you know if your local hospital can effectively treat a stroke? That's what Dr. Arash Padidar, Interventional Radiologist with Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions in San Jose, California, is talking about on this week's show.
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Engaging in a mere five-minute daily fitness routine, termed as "strength training for your breathing muscles," can significantly lower blood pressure and enhance certain vascular health indicators. This is equally or even more effective than aerobic workouts or medicines, according to fresh research from University of Colorado Boulder. Sid Garza-Hillman, Wellness Director for California, luxury, plant-based eco-resort The Stanford Inn along the Mendocino Coast joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips to share the evolution of eco-tourism with an increased focus on improving your mind, body, and spirit while reducing your carbon footprint on vacation. Sid walks us through a powerful breathing exercise and offers new insights into the latest research on eating vegan, but healthy.
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Chronic illnesses can be classified under multiple umbrellas. But allergies are only official classified as an immune disorder. Should allergies be classified as a blood disorder as the histamine response occurs in the blood stream? Histamine is the chemical that is found in mast cells. When they leave the mast cells,histamines boost blood flow in the area of your body the allergen affected which can lead to certain symptoms depending on the part of the body where the histamine release occurs. For some it can lead to significant heart palpitations and anaphylactic shock, which can impact the circulatory system. In this episode Nurse Janara Iman-Thomas is going to talk about how pollens and foods get into the blood stream to cause allergies. She will share her passion for helping patients diagnose these allergies and prevent them from overburdening the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response in our bodies.
⦁ What are allergies. a histamine response in your blood.
- Once in blood stream – body knows what belongs there...
- Things that shouldn’t belong there... it has an immune response
- Body creates an antibody against those things....
- Sends out a little army of histamines and says attack.
- If it’s the first time... then your immune system handles ok.
- Then the next time it sees it – it is going to attack bigger.
- Building up a response to the point where you start having symptoms.
- It means your immune system is functioning, but overload.
- That’s where severe allergies happen.
⦁ How can allergies impact your cardiovascular system. Heart palpitations, high blood pressure, lack of oxygen in the blood
⦁ What are the different types of allergies - inhalants vs foods
- let's talk about how they each get into the bloodstream
⦁ How do allergies occur? how do they evolve over time.
- many want to know in detail how they go from a tree and mold or plant to food you eat
⦁ Advances in diagnosis
⦁ Advances in treatments
Cardiovascular diseases and allergic diseases occur commonly in developed countries. They lead to serious health complications and significantly impair the quality of life. Both types of diseases are characterized by excessive inflammatory processes. Recent studies suggest a link between allergy and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting from over activity of the immune system in allergic diseases and increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, which has been well documented in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Data from the National Health Interview Survey demonstrated adults with a history of allergic disorders have an increased risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, with the highest risk seen in Black male adults. The study is being presented at ACC Asia 2022 Together with the Korean Society of Cardiology Spring Conference on April 15-16, 2022."For patients with allergic disorders, routine evaluation of blood pressure and routine examination for coronary heart disease should be given by clinicians to ensure early treatments are given to those with hypertension or coronary heart disease," said Yang Guo, PhD, Department of Dermatology at the Institute of Dermatology at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, and the study's lead author
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Once a procedure is performed to improve blood flow in the legs for a circulation issue known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), it starts the clock for the next one. PAD is a progressive disease in which the best treatment lay in patient compliance to appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, diet, and diabetes management. That's why Interventional Cardiologists Dr. John Phillips and Dr. Ashish Gupta discuss the importance of ensuring all conservative options are exhausted prior to any attempt to restore blood flow manually using wires, balloons, and stents, or bypass. If conservative approaches aren't enough to relieve pain, cramping, or help heal a wound that has developed on the toe or foot, they say it's at that point guidelines indicate an intervention or bypass may be necessary. But it's important to have all risk factors mitigated prior to a procedure in order to extend its durability and time before another procedure may need to be performed again. This discussion comes on the heels of recent string of patients with moderate PAD presenting to patient advocacy organization The Way To My Heart with intervention and bypass surgery as frontline treatment prior to frontline treatment of medication and lifestyle modifications as per guidelines set forth by the Society for Vascular Surgery and American Heart Association.
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Getting diagnosed with a constriction or blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your brain can be quite daunting, as Nancy from South Carolina can confirm. She discovered she had carotid artery disease,which put her in danger of having a stroke. The carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, are crucial blood vessels that provide blood to the brain, neck, and face. About one-third of all stroke cases are associated with diseased carotids. This disease arises when fatty residues, known as plaque, accumulate in these arteries. Alarmingly, in its initial stages, this disease often goes unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. It only becomes noticeable when it becomes severe enough to deprive the brain of oxygen, resulting in a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Lucky for Nancy, she discovered her condition early as she was under close observation following a heart attack. During a routine medical examination, a Physician Assistant detected a bruit, a turbulent flow in her neck arteries, using a stethoscope. In today's episode, Nancy shares her journey from diagnosis to receiving advanced treatment. Also joining us is the globally recognized Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Ehrin Armstrong, who discusses treatment guidelines and ongoing debates that could alter how and when doctors can offer more than just medication to enhance blood flow and avoid severe complications.
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Deidre Arms, a medical professional specializing in women's health, was an energetic 46-year-old who cycled up to 32 miles a day. Despite her family's medical history, she believed her medical knowledge,passion for nutritious diet and supplements, and commitment to exercise were adequate in reducing her chances of suffering a stroke or heart attack. However, her cycling endurance suddenly plummeted, leaving her feeling easily worn out and short of breath. Medical professionals dismissed her symptoms as possibly adult-onset asthma.Two years later she suffered a heart attack. It was then that she encountered Dr. John Phillips, an Interventional Cardiologist and co-host of The Heart of Innovation. He guided her onto a path that not only saved her life but also led her to find her true life's calling: to educate, treat, and inspire others to enhance their cardiac health. Deidre shares her astonishing two-year struggle to make her doctors understand her situation and how she used this ordeal as a catalyst to prevent similar experiences for others.
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Deion Sanders courageously shared his struggles with a circulation issue that puts him at-risk of losing his foot in a video posted on social media. It may have been left on the editing room floor, but critical information about this circulation issue and treatment options to prevent amputation were not shared in the video or across other media covering this story. In this episode, hosts Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips are joined by specialists trained in advanced treatment of this circulation known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its advanced stage critical limb ischemia CLI), a circulation issue characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries due to plaque such as blood clots and/or calcium, which can cause leg pain, leg cramps, non-healing wounds, and more.Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Jihad Mustapha, and Vascular Surgeons Dr. James Antezana and Dr. William Shutze talk about what you need to know about this circulation issue, which is one of the most debilitating diseases most have never heard of, yet impacts 3-in-5 heart attack sufferers, 1-in-5 over age 60, and 1-in-3diabetics (Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics) over the age of 50. Importantly, they'll share advances in treatment and amputation prevention as well as the standards of care patients should expect from their physicians treating it.
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We have the Godfather of Interventional Cardiology Dr. John Simpson and world renowned Interventional Radiologist Dr. Lorenzo Patrone on to share the evolution of how physicians started using minimally invasive methods to unblock arteries in the legs and heart. You don't want to miss the incredible stories of how some of these physician-inventors used themselves as guinea pigs to further the science of saving life and limb.
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Many individuals who suffer from vascular diseases such as Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Venous Insufficiency are plagued with chronic pain. This ongoing pain can cause a sense of helplessness and frustration, as those affected struggle to regain control over their lives. Take Helen, for example, who finds herself buried under medical bills and unsure of where to turn for relief. She doesn't want to burden her family, but the prospect of managing her chronic pain seems overwhelming. In this episode, Helen shares her story about how she ended up determining that jail was her only option for medical care and pain relief.Kathryn Walker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and CEO of Rivitalist, a wellness healthcare chain, helps Helen walk us through her story and what was going through her mind when she was arrested as she pretended to attempt to steal items from a Georgia Walmart. Christopher Stout, a vascular surgeon,contributes to the conversation by highlighting the challenges faced by patients with PAD and CVI, such as delayed care, insurance obstacles, and gaps between diagnosis and treatment. These issues can result in chronic pain that can significantly impact patients' daily lives and mental well-being.
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We are LIVE at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Intervention, or SCAI, Conference in Phoenix, Arizona learning about physicians and medical device makers are trying to make procedures safer and improve patient outcomes. One of the technologies we discuss on this episode is an Intravascular Ultrasound, or IVUS, which is an imaging technique that uses a transducer to generate sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of blood vessels. Physicians are mainly using this device during angiograms for diagnostic and treatment of coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Guests include David Chalyan, Director of Evidence Transformation and Medical Safety Officer at Philips IGT-Devices and Royal Philips Chief Safety Officer Steve C de Baca
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One of the most common medical disorders in the United States that is also one of the most underdiagnosed is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) It's a disease of the veins, which makes it difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs. It happens when the wall of the veins and/or the valves stop working properly and blood starts leaking into tissue or pooling. It can happen in your deep veins, which are the largest ones that are deep in your body and run through the muscle, your superficial veins that are close to your skin's surface, or your perforating veins that actually connect the deep and superficial veins. If you have CVI, you may experience symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, and throbbing while standing, muscles aches, leg cramps, itching, even varicose veins. Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Robert Coronado joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips to talk about the prevalence of CVI, how to talk to your doctor about getting tested, how its diagnosed, and treatment options.
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Marathon runner Mark Easter is traveling the world to raise awareness for Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), a circulation issue impacting mainly the leg arteries. He shares why this cause is personal to him and what is powering every step he takes to the finish line. He'll also talk about the races he will run this year, how you can
follow his successes, and support his campaign to reduce P.A.D. related amputations. In this episode of Save MyPiggies, Jesse Waters shares his P.A.D. journey and how an early diagnosis led to lifestyle modifications which
have stalled progression of this disease.
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Research has repeatedly shown that people of faith report feeling better and healthier. Yet faith healing practice remains neglected in health care literature. In this episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk to Dr. Mark Kauffman, who has a doctorate of Divinity, about how and why individuals seek faith healing modalities in an age when western medicine is touted as the most effective treatment for most diseases.
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Researchers in Scotland are using Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a method of pain relief for people suffering from peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.), a circulation issue that causes leg pain and leg cramps while walking. Walking is the best medicine for P.A.D. patients because it helps stimulate the body's ability to establish a collateral network of vessels that can re-route blood flow around blockages and severely narrowed areas in the arteries. The problem is each step can be painful for these patients due to the nerve pain caused by restricted blood flow to muscles, tissues and nerves in the lower extremities. Physiotherapist Dr. Chris Seenan and Doctorate student and researcher Daniel Tiboldi have been studying this issue and trying to get a greater understanding on physical, emotional, and behavioral barriers limiting mobility. One research project led by Dr. Seenan involves attaching a TENS unit to strategic areas on these patients where the pain is occurring while they walk. This study found improved walking distance in those patients who wore the TENS unit. Dr. Seenan talk with hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about the results and next steps in their research.
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A new investigation into the association between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and major adverse limb events (MALEs) has found that not only is it strong, but ESRD is particularly associated with below-knee amputation. The details of the study were presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting (4–9 March, Phoenix, USA). Summarizing the findings, the authors state that ESRD is “strongly predictive” of both MALE and major amputation for CLTI patients who are receiving PVI procedures, and particularly so in the case of below-knee amputation. Finally, they look forward, calling for more research: “These patients warrant closer follow-up, and new methods may become necessary to predict and further reduce their amputation risk.” We will discuss this and more with special guest Rotimi Badero, MD, FACP, FASN, FASDIN, FNKF, FICA, FASA, FASNC, FACC, FSCAI CardioNephrology (Cardiology & Nephrology) Interventional Cardiologist, Director Cardiac Renal & Vascular Associates.
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April is Limb Difference Awareness Month so we are focusing on a big problem you may not be aware of in America. Did you know more than 2 million people in America are limb different, meaning they have had an amputation for one medical reason or another? However, Sixty-percent of those amputees don't have a prosthesis, and remain immobile. Paul Kent, founder and CEO of the disAbled Life Alliance, hopes to
change that with a new Prosthesis for Every Limb initiative. During this episode, he will talk about the gaps in care for amputees and his strategy to help ensure all who desire to be mobile, can get back on their feet and thrive limb different.
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Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are LIVE in Venice, Italy at one of the most advanced educational events for doctors treating peripheral artery disease, a circulation issue impacting mainly the legs that impacts three-in-five people who suffer a heart attack. It's also the leading cause of amputation in the country. CLI-C Global, founded by Dr. Mariano Palena and Dr. Marco Manzi share best practices at the event for treating the most advanced stages of this disease. Hear some of the most impactful moments from this event during this week's episode.
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Jenny couldn’t wait for her Mom to meet her firstborn. So she flew her in from the Congo and within days she fell ill and was hospitalized. She was placed on machines and medications to try and save her life but didn’t realize at that time it might be at the expense of her limbs. Jenny’s Mom is a live thanks to the ECMO machine and vasopressors but she now has to learn to live without all four limbs. Jenny and her sisters are hoping their Moms story will help save others from the same fate.
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Serial Entrepreneur Jeff Stevens is not a doctor. He’s never worked in medicine in any capacity. But he is making the changes we all want to see in medicine as a computer scientist. He cut his teeth on healthcare innovation, combining what he learned about the physics of a microphone when he worked as a music engineer intern starting in college, with data analytics he practiced as a risk mitigatory and technology futurist on Wall Street. Listen to how Jeff’s life unfolds from a boy on a paper route, to learning computer programming languages, to capitalizing on those manipulating the stock markets, to music engineer, to technology futurist and evangelist, to developing a diagnostic tool for expecting Moms that caught the attention of NASA, to ultimately creating what could bridge the gap in healthcare, putting potentially life-saving medical grade diagnostics in your hands that can be remotely monitored by your healthcare team. Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips get inside the heart and the mind of this self-proclaimed ‘dreamer.’
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Society of Vascular Surgery Executive Director Ken Slaw, Ph.D, and his wife Anne Slaw, JD, share their quest to save their son who was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening, genetic, neurologic disease present at birth. Familial Dysautonomia, abbreviated FD, at the time of diagnosis, had a life expectancy rate of 10 years. That wasn't acceptable to Ken and Anne. Ken reached out to his life-long network of healthcare professionals and attended pediatric conferences in search of researchers while Anne launched FD Now, a 501(c)(3) and started fundraising. They teamed up with Dr. Berish Rubin and Dr. Sylvia Anderson, who through the partnership launched The Laboratory for Familial Dysautonomia Research at Fordham University, New York, which is dedicated to studying the molecular biology of this disease. In addition to the discovery of the gene mutation that causes FD, research at the laboratory has produced numerous life-changing treatment breakthroughs. Listen in to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Ken and Anne about their story, which they hope will inspire others to not give up hope.
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William Shakespeare said eyes are the windows to the soul. But they're so much more than that. Eyes are the windows to vascular health. Your eyes are windows to the live action of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues throughout your body. Problems spotted in the eye are often the first signs of disease lurking elsewhere. Dr. Harvey Fishman is here to talk about traditional and innovative diagnostics that can give you not only insight into your eye health, but also your vascular health with indicators that show diabetes, high blood pressure, blocked vessels, aortic aneurysm, and more. Dr. Harvey Fishman is an ophthalmologist who's always on the cutting edge of what's new and next in eye care. A former Chief Resident in Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Department of Ophthalmology, he is now medical director of Fishman Vision while always continuing to pursue multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He provides a window to the future of your eye exam as a key source of information for your overall health.
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We all know that lowering risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputation is up to us. We know we need to eat right. We know we need to exercise? Are we faithful at making healthy choices all the time. No one is perfect. In this episode, hosts Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas talk about what makes especially the healthier food choices tough. They also provide easy ways to improve our diet starting with simple substitutions and small compromises. All the information is available in a new handbook available for sale on Amazon, called “Food For Thought: A P.A.D. Warriors Handbook for Healthier eating.” P.A.D. Is an acronym for peripheral artery disease, which is restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries due to plaque build-up. Three-in-five heart attack sufferers have P.A.D. Most don’t know it, if it all, until it reaches advanced stages and heart attack, stroke, and/or amputation are eminent. If someone has plaque build-up in their leg arteries, it’s likely systemic. So, while this handbook discussed is geared toward P.A.D. Patients, it addresses overall artery health and how to start on the road to making healthier food choices. After the food discussion, Dr. John Phillips discussed important diagnostics, how to know when you should feel confident in your heart health, and how to decide when an intervention is necessary to clear some plaque from your coronary arteries and have a stent placed.
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What we eat is central to our health. It can prevent, maintain, cure, and cause different diseases. It can be argued that the number one killer in America, heart attack, might occur prematurely because of poor food choices. That's
why Dr. Michael Dansinger is leading our discussion during this episode about how we cure America of its deadly eating habits. He talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about what he's learned throughout his
medical career, which is heavily focused on research and education on the power of dietary selection, including his time working with hit cable TV show, 'The Biggest Loser." Dr. Dansinger most recently served as the Medical
Director for the Lifestyle Program at Boston Heart Diagnostics since 2011. Other career highlights include, credits as a "Nutrition Doctor" for "The Biggest Loser," author of the Tufts University Popular Diet Trial, which was
published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in January of 2005, and he's served as an expert with Medscape and WebMD since 2005. He says, "I quickly recognized during my fellowship training that much of the underlying cause of our broken healthcare system has been fueled by the growing financial burden of “Lifestyle Diseases”. I came to understand that the epidemics of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and related conditions were not only making millions of people sick, but also overwhelming our healthcare system. A few
months into my fellowship program I decided I’d like to train in the prevention and reversal of lifestyle diseases."
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We acknowledge American Heart Month every year but are we using the information provided to take our health into our own hands? Heart Disease, the number one killer, is manageable if you are willing to take the steps to mitigate your risk. Lifestyle changes are the most impactful preventative measure. What's stopping you? During
this episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk to Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ofir Isaac, with All Care PT out of Brooklyn, New York, about how he's getting people to take their health into their own hands. He talks about some new, innovative approaches, to cardiac rehabilitation. Joining the discussion in this week's Save My Piggies series, Learn to Love To Exercise (LTLTE) founder Linda Terjesen talks about her journey to prevent genetics from taking control of her life and through her story you will be inspired to do the same.
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How do we improve our mental health in the face of adversity? One in four adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. People with chronic physical illnesses are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety or depression as their physically healthy counterparts. Coach Christine Meyer, author of "Keep It Simple Smarty Pants," says the biggest mistake people make in trying to dig their way out of depression is trying to jump from depression to happiness. She explains that it's a guaranteed recipe for failure. During this episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk to Christine about creative games we can play with our mind that guide us step-by-step to better feeling thoughts which become more sustainable. Christine demonstrates how effective her methods work by coaching three patients LIVE who have Peripheral Artery Disease, restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries that cause debilitating pain and ultimately depression.
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Larry "Shorty" Coleman practices what he's preached his entire career as a Harlem Globetrotter, the power of positive thinking, even as he stands up against amputation of his right leg, two years after his left was lost due to complications from Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). P.A.D. is restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries due to plaque build-up. He didn't know other advanced options might be available to save his right leg so he never sought a second opinion. With his left leg on deck, he reached out to peripheral artery disease advocacy organization The Way To My Heart, which has found him a different doctor with an advanced set of limb salvage skills, who is exhausting all efforts available to keep "Shorty" on his feet. Throughout "Shorty's" fight for life and limb he has continued to maintain a powerful positive mindset much in thanks to his faith and has continued to hold clinics to not help kids learn some of his pro hoop tricks on the court, but to also raise money for those with disabilities like himself due to amputation.
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If you are over age 50, your physician may urge you to have a colonoscopy to check for cancer. You might also be urged to have your lower gastrointestinal tract checked using a colonscope and upper GI tract checked using a camera held on to a flexible tube called an endoscope that slips down your throat. An alternative to a procedure which some facilities offer is to swallowing an imaging device shaped like a pill that follows your intestinal tract down through excretion. The limitation with that versus a manual scope is that the current device you swallow can't be directed and so it may miss problem areas. That's why inventor and entrepreneur Torrey Smith started Endiatx. It's a company that's building a newer version called a Pillbot, a type of robot you can swallow, that can be controlled remotely while you are in clinic with your healthcare team. He talks to hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about gamifying the gut exam and future use cases for robotics in examining the arteries and other areas of the body. Smith sees microrobotics as a game-changer in diagnostics and interventional medicine, at some point even sprouting surgical instruments to treat real-time. Prior to this project, Smith helped invent a device that would remove plaque from the arteries, which is still in use today.
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To continue honoring her Mom, Marilyn Lou Baum McNicholas, who transitioned almost one year ago due to an undetected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Kym McNicholas and cohost Dr. John Phillips are keeping the conversation about detection, prevention, and treatment alive to prevent others from suffering the same fate. While Kym's Mom couldn't get diagnosed and treated in time, David Williams is a survivor of an aortic dissection, who shares his long, painful, but successful, fight for his life. The physician who David credits for saving his life joins the discussion. It's aortic specialist, Dr. George Arnaoutakis, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at University of Texas (UT), Austin, who recently moved from the University of Florida, Gainesville, to build a specialty center at UT. He and Dr. Phillips talk about the prevalence of aortic dissection and aneurysms, the difference between the two life-threatening conditions, how to prevent them, and how to know if you need to seek treatment for one.
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Mindset is medicine for both the physician and patient. Medicine already recognizes the persuasive power of beliefs. The use of placebos is a great example of that. But it's much more than that, especially with chronic, painful vascular ailments such as peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.), which is restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries due to plaque build-up. Patients with P.A.D. feel at times as though a tourniquet is wrapped tightly around their legs when they walk. Sometimes the leg pain and cramping wake them up at night. Dr. Paramjit Romi Chopra joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips to talk about the powerful combination of science and spirituality to help patients and physicians persevere in challenging life and limb-saving situations.
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Podiatrist Dr. David Alper joins co-hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips to talk about the cold weather dangers for those with poor circulation and how to protect their life and limb, especially feet.
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Open Enrollment just wrapped up and call centers were center stage, handling a high volume of calls from patients looking to secure their health insurance for 2023. On the front lines ready to prevent call center failure was Cyara, a quality assurance technology company that helps organizations, including those in healthcare, spot problems and find resolve of them before the customers discover them and hang up. Show hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk to Cyara Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Dennis Renos about the biggest call enter fails and how to fix them. Also, a former Highway Patrol Call Center Supervisor, Connie, shares her limb saving story in our Save My Piggies series. She continued to help facilitate potentially life-saving calls for others while fighting for her own life.
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Show co-host Kym McNicholas is dedicating this how to her Mom Marilyn Lou Baum McNicholas who transitioned earlier this year due to an undetected abdominal aortic aneurysm that ultimately ruptured. Marilyn’s cardiologist told Kym that there’s still so much doctors don’t know about aneurysms and because of that, there are gaps in care, which lead to premature death. Marilyn was diagnosed with having a 4cm thoracic aneurysm six months prior to her transition. Her cardiologist would only say it’s not at a size to worry about since a surgeon typically does not treat an aneurysm until it’s at least 5cm. Her cardiologist never discussed how to preventthe aneurysm from growing, what symptoms to look for, or her increased risk of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm because of it. So, not further testing was done despite textbook symptoms of symptoms of increasing erratic blood pressure, tachycardia, a pulsating feeling around her belly button, an abdominal mass, and severe radiating pain in her back. Her cardiologist, a vascular surgeon, and an emergency room doctor told her there was nothing life-threatening with her symptoms. They told her to take muscle relaxers and prescribed physical therapy, along with traction. The autopsy revealed what doctors missed.
Should Marilyn’s 4cm thoracic aneurysm have been taken more seriously? Should she have been tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm after being diagnosed with a thoracic aneurysm? Should her symptoms have been a red flag for doctors?
In this episode, co-host Dr. John Phillips leads the discussion with guest Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Arnaoutakis, about specifically thoracic and thoraco abdominal aneurysms. For those who aren’t familiar with what an aneurysm is and how it forms, they will go through the basics. But the primary discussion will be around the current gaps in care, new innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, as well as critical questions to discuss with your healthcare team. Also, Retired Veterinarian, triathlete, and author Dr. Kevin Morgan shares his personal story about how he diagnosed his own aortic aneurysm, found the right treatment, and continues to compete in running and cycling events.
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Foods that are considered “healthy” and labeled as “natural” contain many harmful chemicals used as food preservatives and flavor enhancers. Dietitian Melissa Hooper joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with guest co-host Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith to reveal hidden hazards companies have creatively hidden
in food that are labeled in a way that make you think you are making healthier choices. We all know that fresh, local ingredients are always the best. But our store shelves are stocked with boxes, cans, bags, and jars that might be more attractive with creative labeling! How do you know if your go-to favorites have ingredients also found in jet fuel and embalming fluid? Dietitian Melissa is going to refine your radar for those harmful man-made chemicals that acidify your body pH, which in turn accelerates bone loss and inflammation. Even more, she will also reveal the truth about the ingredients you may 'think' are 'healthy?'
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A great time for family and friends to show support for those with vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), restricted blood flow in the arteries around the heart that restricts blood flow, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is restricted blood flow in the leg arteries due to plaque build-up, also chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), diabetes, and Raynaud's Syndrome. Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with guest co-hosts Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith and Revitalist CEO Kathryn Walker offer some innovative ideas to help with mental well-being, exercise regimens, health monitoring, and more. PAD Warrior and PAD Life Outdoors Youtube channel creator Robert Castleberry joins to share his favorite holiday gift gets for those who are seeking adventure!
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Get ready for the unhealthiest time of year -- the holidays! Research shows half of Americans will break their diet to give into the temptation of holiday food. A little cheat here or there -- well - we are all human. But you don't want to make a holiday habit of eating foods that will light your arteries on fire. The more logs on the fire --- the more retardant you will need to put out the flames. In body speak, the more fats and cholesterol being called in to patch up the artery damage. Don't worry, we are not here to be scrooge and tell you not to enjoy your holiday favorites. We are going to be your Holiday Angels, offering some healthier ways to enjoy them! The Way To My Heart has released its first publication called, "Food For Thought," and one of the largest sections is all about healthier substitutes. So during the next hour, hosted by Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, co-hosted by Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith, we are going to show you how to healthify your holidays. Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease, restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries caused by plaque build-up, share their favorite holiday hacks. Dietitian Melissa Hooper rounds out the broadcast with some of her non-negotiables for anyone trying to stick to their medical diets
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Since November 14th is World Diabetes Day, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. Phillips are joined by guest co-hosts Podiatrist Dr. David Alper and Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith, to talk about one of the most prevalent complications of Diabetes, amputation. Every 20 seconds globally, a limb is amputated due to diabetes. Why? Extra sugar in the blood can damage the artery walls, allowing for fats and cholesterol to sneak in and push the artery wall out, hindering blood flow to the feet. Sometimes the first sign a diabetic has restricted blood flow in the leg arteries, known as Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) is when an ulcer appears on their foot or toe that won't heal. Every 1.2 seconds somewhere in the world there is a new diabetic foot ulcer that appears on someone. Diabetic Foot Ulcers are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes, driving direct costs through the roof. Innovators at Sensoria® Health and Defender believe they have one way to help heal diabetic wounds faster, minimize related amputations, and reduce costs. Dr. Jason Hanft, podiatrist, and Michael DiTullo, a former shoe developer at Nike, have created the Foot Defender® to help patients expedite the healing time for their diabetic ulcers. The Foot Defender is designed to help heal diabetic foot ulcers and reduce the risk of amputations by improving patient adherence to mechanical offloading, monitoring patient usage, activity, improving outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. A patient supported by P.A.D. advocacy organization The Way To My Heart shares his long journey trying to save his legs from amputation as well as his feedback after trying out The Foot Defender® for a few weeks.
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If you have symptoms A, B, and C, it is likely your physician will follow a decision-tree that leads them to choose X as treatment. Treatment algorithms exist across healthcare. They're detailed, step-by-step flow charts that outline
the recommended treatment for patients with a specific disorder. These algorithms are a critical foundation for any physician. They're also critical for standardizing treatment around the world so as to provide equitable care. In this week's show hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by The Way To My Heart's Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith and Rush Hospital's Dr. Kumar Madassery about the value of treatment algorithms as well as where they fall short for patients, costing life and limb. They also discuss critical questions patients can ask their doctor to determine their treatment algorithm so they can weigh it against another physician who may use a different flow chart for treatment. During the Save My Piggies segment in the second half of the show, a patient, John, and his wife, Amy, who discovered almost too late that different doctors have different treatment algorithms, share their plight to save his life and limb and the importance of getting a second opinion.
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Dignity is an important component of providing care for dying patients and their families. Death with dignity is an end-of-life option, governed by state legislation in the United States, and other lawmakers around the world. It
allows certain people with terminal illness to voluntarily and legally request and receive a prescription medication from their physician to hasten their death in a peaceful, humane, and dignified manner. In today's show we talk
about what you need to know about your freedom of choice when it comes to dignity in dying. It's an important conversation that could impact the discussions you have about life and death with your family and healthcare
team.
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COVID-19 in its early days was classified as only a respiratory illness with varying degrees of severity. But as healthcare professionals learned more over time, they started also considering it a vascular disease because of blood clots that led to serious complications, including death, in patients suffering from COVID-19. In today's show hosts, Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas are joined by guest co-host Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith and Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. David Allie, and a patient who almost lost his legs following vascular complications due to COVID-19, to talk about those vascular complications and strategies to minimize arterial/venous thromboembolism (blood clots), myocardial infarction (damage to the heart muscle caused by lack of blood supply, which could be the result of a blood clot) complications. Some of those strategies discussed include earlier bloodwork to check cardiovascular biomarkers such as D-dimer and troponin as well as ultrasound imaging of the lungs, heart, and legs upon the early presentation of symptoms, which could signal an earlier need for aggressive intervention and treatment.
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How much easier would it be if we had instant access to our medical records, especially imaging, so we could make real-time decisions on our care and even get a second opinion in a timely manner? The reality is that although HIPAA mandates our right for access to our medical records, get copies of them, and request chances be made to them, policies differ depending on facility which hinder a patient's ability to get access real-time. Some charge to release the records, asking patients to cover the 'administrative costs.' Some wait until the very last moment to send under HIPAA's 30-day requirement between the time the request was made and honored. Some even take advantage of a one-time 30-day extension, further delaying the release of records. The delay in getting those records could cost life and limb. But there is some light on the horizon with the new Cures Act as well as innovation by entrepreneurs around medical records access. Leading the discussion is Bill Anderson, Advisor to Digicare, which is creating a platform that at its foundation democratizes access to all medical records for the patient across facilities, and even more, using a special algorithm brings the information to life by highlighting key medical terms and offering patients the ability to instantly get them defined and explained. He's also VP of
Partnerships for Briya, which allows patients, physicians, and researchers, and data analytics tools to be able to access and make sense of data from any location, in any format, in near real-time. In the last half of the show, a
patient shares her story of perseverance with Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), a chronic circulation issue impacting mainly the legs, that impacts one in five over age 60. Diagnosed and treated at early onset of symptoms such as leg cramps and pain in the buttocks, hips, thighs, or calves, reduces a patient's risk of heart attack, stroke, and amptuation.
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Hosts Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas are talking about innovation around ALS. Most are familiar with ALS now more than ever because o the famous internet ice bucket challenge involving the pouring of a bucket of ice water over a person's head, either by another person or self-administered, to promote awareness of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , or ALS. ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle. Most people with this disease begin with muscle stiffness or weakness. But they eventually lose the ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe on their own when the muscle paralysis spreads to vital organs such as the lungs. We are talking about it here on the Heart of Innovation for three reasons: First, although it's not considered a vascular disease, some researchers believe that an ALS-linked gene mutation could cause disruptions in the blood-spinal cord barrier, causing the neurovascular inflammatory response, which is ALS; Second, due to the lack of mobility as ALS progresses, many people with ALS end up with circulation issues in the legs (Circulation issues in the legs is known as peripheral vascular disease. We've talked about that at length on this show where arteries start hardening and the flaps that help usher blood flow back to the heart start malfunctioning.); Third, innovation around treatment and disease management has led to a longer, better quality of life for people with ALS due to organizations such as the Gleason Foundation, founded by former New Orleans Saints NFL great Steve Gleason. Kearney Gray, Director of development for the Gleason Foundation talks about how patient-driven innovation with communication and mobility are helping patients to live a longer, better quality of life. The Gleason foundation has played an integral role in raising the patient voice to create change in care, empowering companies to create new, novel approaches to improving communication for people with ALS, and not only educating lawmakers on ALS, but inspiring them to take action to help elevate care. Dietitian Melissa Hooper also joins the discussion to talk about the importance of nutrition in slowing the progression of disease and improving the quality of life of people with ALS. Since people with ALS maintain their cognitive ability throughout disease progression, knowing what's to come and what's happening can impact mental well-being. So, Kathryn Walker, CEO, MSN-Anesthesia, MSN-Psychiatry, at mental wellness treatment centers, Rivatalist, adds to the conversation with available options to improve mental health.
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Having a chronic illness and/or a surgical procedure can be scary. In this episode of the Heart of Innovation, we are talking about pre and post surgery stress and anxiety, especially tomophobia, 'the fear of surgery'. In the hospital, people are given medicine to help them sleep or sedatives to put them at ease. At home, it's not always as easy. Either way, many times the hurry up and wait game for any procedure is sure to put you on edge. The Way To My Heart Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith along with CRNA Kathryn Walker, CEO of Rivitalist , a group of mental wellness centers and her colleague Beth Ward, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) talk to hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips about how to discuss doubt, fears, and anxiety with your healthcare team. They also offer tangible, actionable ways in which you can put yourself at ease pre and post surgery.
Grady, a family member of a patient who is now recovering from open heart surgery kicked off the discussion with a candid description of his experience leading up to his brother's procedure. He discussed the fear driven by the procedure itself but also the revolving door of physicians, the numerous pre-operative tests, the gaps in communication at times, and worries about what happens if treatment doesn't work. He also drove home the importance of a patient's healthcare team to recognize the stress and anxiety of a patient's family and to keep them in the loop to ensure all are on the same page so they can more effectively support the patient and help accelerate versus hinder the healing process.
Marcia, a patient with peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.), asked the therapists and Dr. Phillips about how to deal with post-surgery symptoms and the emotional stress that comes with so many questions that may arise between appointments with her healthcare team. Most patients don't have a physician or clinician on speed dial every single time a question pops up. So, what might be a small, normal post-surgery side effect, can be magnified the longer a patient waits for an answer.
A big takeaway from CRNA Kathryn and LCSW Beth is to recognize that stress, anxiety, and fear step from worrying about the future and things you can't control. They say the key is to focus on what you can control. Draw a circle on a piece of paper and place inside the circle all of the things you are worried about that YOU can actually do something about. That includes planning for options to accelerate recovery, such as starting to contemplate rehab possibilities, setting up a meeting with a dietitian,
obtaining items for improved comfort and mobility at home, etc. Focus on those. For the others, sit down and come up with questions that may arise around them which can be discussed with your healthcare team or that of your family member.
In summary, it's most important to not burden yourself with regrets of the past and the 'what if's' of the future. Catch them coming into your mind, and remind yourself to look for things that are within your power tand control to change and do right now.
For more, listen to this powerful conversation:
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Douglas is on deck for open heart surgery and decided to join the show just minutes before air time to inspire others by sharing his courageous journey. He heard that Dr. Mehrzad Zarghouni, Interventional Radiologist with Houston Vein & Vascular, was going to be on the show as co-host since Dr. Phillips was on call and taking care of an urgent heart patient at Ohio Health, and he popped on just before our producer Aikman did the final countdown. Douglas wanted to thank Dr. Z, who was named U.S. Vascular Doctor of the Year 2022 by advocacy nonprofit The Way To My Heart, for saving his life. Douglas had shown up to see Dr. Z a few months ago for a procedure to unblock arteries in his legs because of a disease known as Peripheral Artery Disease, which is defined by plaque build-up in mainly the leg arteries which restricts blood flow, causing debilitating pain. Douglas seemed off that morning and was complaining of fatigue and chest pain. Dr. Z sent him immediately to the emergency department and called a friend, an Interventional Cardiologist, who was on call that day who was able to get diagnosed and stabilized. Douglas has a very rare apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is when the walls of the heart become thicker than they should be. This excessive thickening can cause the heart to become more stiff and leaves less room for blood to fill the heart. Douglas is now on deck for open heart surgery next week to improve his prognosis. During the show Douglas was able to ask our guest panel questions to ease his fears about the procedure and the aftermath. The Way To My Heart Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith was able to provide an in-depth explanation of Douglas' situation. Then Nurse Practitioner/CRNA Kathryn Walker, who's also CEO of Revitalist, a group of mental wellness treatment centers, walked Douglas through what to expect from the moment he's wheeled down to the operating room clear through recovery. Dietitian Melissa Hooper (www.dietitianmelissa.com) answered Douglas' questions about how to improve his health following open heart surgery. Also, in the show's Save My Piggies segment, Dr. John Corl, Interventional Cardiologist with Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio is joined by his patient Marcia to talk about how the right doctor and "modern medicine" changed her life and made her "new" again.
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When your physician says "Walking is the best medicine" for treating Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), they're right. P.A.D. is defined by a narrowing of the arteries, mainly in the legs, due to plaque build-up. When flow is
restricted, muscles, organs, and tissue are starved of critical nutrients, including oxygen. This may cause symptoms, such as leg pain and cramping when walking (claudication). Even worse, it could prevent the healing of sores on your feet, leading to ischemia, meaning tissue loss. Wounds need oxygen to heal. Your body does have a back-up system. It's the collateral network, known as your body's "natural bypass." During this episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talk to Interventional Radiologist Dr. Lorenzo Patrone, 2022 European Patient
Champion and 2020 Global Vascular Doctor of the Year, about why walking is the best medicine for peripheral artery disease and other circulation issues. Mass General Hospital Vascular Surgeon Dr. Anahita Dua also shares
how to walk effectively to wake up and grow your collateral network to help improve circulation without intervention. In the third segment, a P.A.D. patient shares how he had a second opinion from First Coast Cardiovascular Institute Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Yazan Khatab, who saved his leg after his previous physician told him amputation was the only option because he would make more money versus performing multiple angiograms.
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Chronic physical illness can lead to depression and anxiety, resulting in a mental health crisis which can further jeopardize a patient's health. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by The Way To My Heart's Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith, legendary business and financial reporter Bambi Francisco (Founder and CEO of Vator.tv), and Revitalist CEO Kathryn Walker to talk about the problem and innovative solutions to improve mental health in patients with chronic physical ailments. Also, Diane, a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), which is a
chronic circulation issue, talks about the impact of P.A.D. on her mental state and how finding the right vascular specialist who uses advanced minimally invasive tools and techniques can make all the difference in the world in not only providing pain relief but also restoring hope as well as her love life.
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Since this is the first show during Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness (P.A.D.) Month, which brings to the forefront a debilitating circulatory disorder that impacts one in five people over age 60, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith, are talking to Dr. Jay Matthews. Dr. Matthews is an
Interventional Cardiologist in Bradenton, Florida, whom several patients through nonprofit, The Way To My Heart's community call, "Dr. Miracle" for his limb-saving efforts for their care. He is fascinated by the innovation happening around P.A.D. and other vascular diseases and shares some of the technology that's catching his eye. Also, during the show, we talk to radio host Mike Matthews as we dedicate this show to his Mom Christa, who recently transitioned following a long battle with P.A.D.
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Type 2 diabetes and obesity are epidemics that can lead to amputation due to a common complication known as peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.), which is plaque build-up in mainly the leg arteries that restricts blood flow. But the right diet can help mitigate the risk of limb loss. Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith to chat with special guest Dr. Michael Dansinger about diabetes reversal, eating strategies for P.A.D. prevention, and the secret to weight loss based on USA Network's The Biggest Loser reality show. Dr. Michael Dansinger is Wellness Director at Boston Heart Diagnostics and Founding Director of the Diabetes Reversal Program at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He also serves on the CDC’s Expert Panel for Worksite Wellness Programs and on the Council of Directors for the True Health Initiative, a leading international voice for health and wellness. Dr. Dansinger previously served as the Nutrition and Obesity Editor for Medscape Journal of Medicine and was the principal investigator of the Tufts Popular Diet Trial comparing the Atkins, Zone, Weight Watchers, and Ornish eating plans for weight loss and heart disease risk-factor reduction (published in JAMA). Dansinger was the nutrition doctor for NBC's The Biggest Loser for 10 years and designer of the Biggest Loser Diet, which won top awards from U.S. News & World Report (including No. 1 Best Diet for Diabetes).
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Patients are on the frontlines when it comes to uncovering gaps in our healthcare system. That's why this show will feature what they have to say about how patients in the most vulnerable communities who have Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), plaque build-up in mainly the leg arteries that restricts blood flow to the lower extremities, are treated. Live at The Way To My Heart's first in-person conference focusing on sharing cutting-edge information with patients with P.A.D., we talk to attendees about shaping the future of P.A.D. care.
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What patients say and what doctors hear is often very different. That's often the case with what doctors say and patients hear as well. During this episode, patients share stories about conversations with their doctor that have left them speechless. Hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips are joined by Dr. Kirk Minkus, and Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith who will also share their most shocking conversations with patients. Plus, one patient, Douglas, shares his fight for life and limb during this week's Save My Piggies segment.
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If you have been diagnosed with a form of vascular disease such as Heart Disease, plaque build-up that has the potential to restrict blood flow in the coronary arteries, or Peripheral Artery Disease, which impacts the leg arteries then it is likely you have plaque build-up in other vessels in the body, even those that feed the prostate. In this episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by board-certified Vascular and
Interventional Radiologist Dr. Charles Nutting, who specializes in prostate artery embolization (PAE) , an outpatient procedure that involves the release of microscopic, plastic beads into the arteries that feed the prostate gland. We
discuss who might be a candidate, the risks involved, how to talk to your doctor about sexual dysfunction, what might be causing it, and available treatment options. A patient, Douglas also shares his personal story, experiencing sexual dysfunction as the first sign of systemic vascular problems and how his disease evolved. Kym is also LIVE from the Vascular Institute in Sacramento, California where she observed Dr. Inder Singh saving the leg of a The Way To My Heart patient who was on deck for a below-the-knee amputation. Dr. Singh shares how he was able to restore additional blood flow to heal the wounds on the patient's foot.
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It might be odd to think that on a show about vascular health, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are talking about fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in a woman's uterus. But studies show that cardiovascular risk factors were slightly more common for women with fibroids than for women without fibroids. During this episode, Kym and Dr. Phillips talk to Advanced Vascular Centers Interventional Radiologist Dr. Mary Costantino about those risk factors as well as newer, more innovative approaches to treating fibroids.
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In the summer, your feet are exposed to the elements more often which is especially concerning for those with diabetes, neuropathy, and Peripheral Artery Disease. Podiatrist Dr. David Alper joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about how to prevent common foot problems and complications. Also in this episode, you don't want to miss our Save My Piggies segment where a patient and her doctor share an inspiring story of how a second opinion made the difference between life and limb.
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About half of those who suffer a heart attack have normal cholesterol in a basic lipid panel. It's not until advanced bloodwork is performed that they come to find out that while the quantity of LDL particles (bad cholesterol) is ok, the quality is poor. That begins the conversation on this week's show about the critical need for advanced bloodwork for those at-risk of and with vascular diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips are joined by Dr. Michael Dansinger, Medical Director of Boston Heart Diagnostics, which offers cutting-edge bloodwork for cardiovascular health. He also created a well-known diabetes reversal program for Tufts University and developed the diet for the hit TV show The Biggest Loser. They discuss newer blood markers that can help you and your doctor better understand your cholesterol, your risk for diabetes, and what's damaging your arteries triggering an inflammatory response that causes plaque to build-up and restricts bloodflow in various parts of your body.
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Why do my veins seem bigger in the summer? That question leads Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas into a discussion with co-host Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips, Hill Vascular's Vascular Surgeon Dr. Bradley Hill, and The Whiteley Clinic's Dr. Mark Whitely, world renowned vein expert from London about varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and Deep Venous Thrombosis (blood clots). They talk about the reasons why only 10% of the 30 million Americans, who are estimated to have venous issues, actually get treated. Advanced treatment options are also discussed at length.
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Heat can increase risk for morbidity and mortality. So, in this week's show over the 4th of July Holiday weekend we are focusing on the factors that increase someone's risk of heat-related illness or death in the summer sun and how to talk to your doctor about mitigating your risk. Co-host Emmy Award-winning Journalist Kym McNicholas, Co-host Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips, and Dr. George Adams, Director of Cardiovascular & Peripheral Research and Associate Professor at Rex hospital in North Carolina don't just tell you to drink water and limit time in the sun, they discuss the mechanism of action by which heat causes blood vessels to burst, blood clots to form, and medications to adversely react with your body. Also, in this episode you don't want to miss Walking William's story of perseverance, improving his health with each step he takes.
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This week Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas talk about how physicians stay on the cutting-edge of treatment, especially with one of the most debilitating diseases most have never heard of yet impacts 3 in 5 heart attack sufferers and 1 in 5 over age 60, known as peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) (plaque build-up in the leg arteries). Kym is LIVE from a conference in Italy for this broadcast where she talks to some of the most advanced physicians in the world who treat P.A.D.
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C.H.A.T. is an acronym for Carotids, Heart, Abdomen, and Toes. In this show, Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with guest co-host Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith drive home the importance of urging your doctor to perform a full head-to-toe vascular assessment during each annual exam, especially if you have high risk factors such as family history, diabetes, autoimmune disease, celiac disease, obesity, former/current smoker, and more. Patients and physicians join to share their stories that will inspire you to advocate for your health.
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Everyone knows of the condition Cardiovascular Disease, also known as Heart Disease, which is plaque build-up in the arteries around the heart. In the legs, plaque build-up in the arteries is known as Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). It can also impact the arms and sometimes the small arteries in the brain. But it's mainly the legs. Three-in-five heart attack sufferers, one-in-five over age 60, and one-in-three diabetics over age 50 have it. Globally, it is estimated that more than 200 million people have P.A.D. Most don't know it until it reaches advanced stages and heart attack, stroke, and amputation are imminent. Doctors may misdiagnose textbook symptoms of leg pain and leg cramps as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot, fibromyalgia, old age, arthritis, or even spinal/sciatic problems. But it’s easy to diagnose or rule out with even two fingers and two seconds with a doctor feeling a patient’s leg pulses. In this episode, Dr. Yazan Khatib, Interventional Cardiologist with First Coast Cardiovascular Institute in Jacksonville, Florida calls in to drive home the importance of not only diagnosing P.A.D. early but then finding the right doctor who has advanced skills in treating P.A.D. Tammie Caves, Clinical Program Director for wound care organization, Healogics, Inc. calls in to share why it’s perfect timing to discuss P.A.D as it’s Wound Care Awareness Month in June. Douglas, a P.A.D. patient from Texas sparks a discussion about walking as the best medicine. Nurse Practitioner Kay Smith is featured in our “Save My Piggies” segment, to share her story about spending 19 months in the most advanced stages of P.A.D. known as Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) and how she persevered.
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What is The Heart of Innovation? In this first episode, Co-Hosts Emmy Award-winning Journalist/Patient Navigator Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips talk about the catalysts for creating change in healthcare through this radio show/podcast. We specifically address vascular diseases with Heart Disease remaining the #1 killer and the many associated ailments which contribute to vascular complications whether it’s diabetes, autoimmune disorders, COVID-19, Peripheral Artery Disease, stroke, aneurysm, or others. Dr. Phillips And Kym explain their passion for specifically addressing Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), which is restricted blood flow in mainly the leg arteries due to plaque build-up, that impacts three-in-five heart attack sufferers and one-in-five over age 60. Listen to the show at this link to hear the details of their journeys and more about what you can expect each week on this show, which encourages doctors, patients, researchers, innovators, decision-makers, and all healthcare professionals to have a candid discussion about how to shape the future of care and improve outcomes for patients with vascular diseases. One patient called in during this episode as well as an advanced skilled Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Fadi Saab, who both shared the same message that it’s important for patients and physicians alike to understand what’s new and next in the treatment of vascular disease in order to improve outcomes.
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