Hello Healthy – a Dignity Health Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dignity Health
Hello Healthy Podcast is an audio series presented by Dignity Health. The series features health related topics from our experts at Mercy & Memorial Hospitals (Bakersfield); Mercy Medical Center (Merced); and St. Joseph's Medical Center (Stockton).
In this episode, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Medical Center, Donald J. Wiley, discusses the hospital’s commitment to excellence. St. Joseph’s is recognized nationally for providing outstanding care across a wide variety of services.
In this podcast, Dr. Friedman discusses the various types of meniscus tears and when it's appropriate to surgically intervene.
The FDA recently approved Wegovy, a weight loss injection medication that supports long-term weight loss. Dr. Anila Chadha, family medicine physician who specializes in obesity discusses the use and benefits of this new medical treatment for patients.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Peck, Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Dignity Health Medical Group discusses recent research that explains a rise of lung cancer in women under 50 years of age and the surgical treatment options available for lung cancer patients.
Mercy Medical Center in Merced is opening up an Obstetrics Emergency Department in the Family Birth Center. Learn the important benefits this addition will bring to the community and what it entails for expecting and postpartum mothers.
Learn more about Mercy's Family Birth Center
Pancreatic Cancer often doesn't get detected until it's in Advanced stages. Dr. Constantine Melitas will talk about a new Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program that he is spearheading at Dignity Health's Mission Hope Cancer Center and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California and what this could mean for patients.
In this podcast episode, we delve into the introduction of Street Medicine to Merced, exploring the services it will provide and the composition of the Street/Mobile Care team. Join us as we discuss the critical role Street Medicine plays in advancing our medical community and the impact it will have on the targeted population in Merced, shedding light on the concept of reality-based healthcare.
In this episode, learn the difference between the two common vascular diseases that affect millions of Americans - peripheral artery disease and venous insufficiency. Tune in to hear Dr. Hao Bui, Vascular Surgeon to discuss the common symptoms, treatment options, and management of these conditions.
How do you know when it's time to visit the OB emergency department? Ashley Thomas, labor and delivery RN with a Master's Degree in Nursing Education, with St. Joseph's Medical Center breaks down when you should come to the hospital.
In this episode, Ken Keller, President & CEO of Memorial Hospital, discusses patient safety and what it means to earn a letter "A" grade from the Leapfrog Group. Tune in and learn how patient safety and quality are delivered at Memorial Hospital and what it takes to lead staff to achieve this national distinction.
In this episode, Dr. Malellari, Colorectal Surgeon and Medical Director of the S.A. Camp Companies Robotics Surgical Center, discusses a recent robotic surgery procedure he performed on his patient, Cherry Pancian, RN. Tune in to hear how robotic surgery saved his patient and understand the details of her recovery process after undergoing assisted robotic colorectal surgery.
In this Hello Healthy episode, Dr. Oluyede, MD, Spine Surgeon, discusses the difference between spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement surgery for patients suffering from back or neck pain caused by a variety of orthopedic issues. Listen in and learn the difference between these orthopedic surgeries and discover which one is the right choice for you if you are suffering from severe orthopedic issues.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. As summer arrives, people will gravitate to spend more time in the sun. Dr. Madhusudhan, MD, Family Medicine Physician with Dignity Health Medical Group - Bakersfield, discusses how to stay safe in the sun and prevent skin cancer this summer.
Dr. Gary Alegre, a Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon and Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, discusses when you should be concerned about your back pain and when it's time to visit your doctor.
Dr. Eric Peck discusses his latest heart mass removal surgery using the AlphaVac, an FDA approved mechanical aspiration device for the removal of thromboemboli from a patient's venous system. This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to avoid open-heart surgery and no disruption to their daily life.
Dr. Sidhu, a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and total joint replacements, shares specifics on how to know it might be time to consider a hip or knee replacement.
In this podcast, Dr. Natsuhara addresses ankle arthritis, explains why it happens, how it is diagnosed, and various treatment options.
Dr. Kawaguchi (Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of the knee) talks about knee osteoarthritis. He explains what is arthritis, the risk factors of getting arthritis, and treatments.
Dr. Basra (Cardiologist) talks about various strategies to prevent heart disease, with a special focus on the prevention of heart disease in women.
Dr. Bhogal (Interventional and General Gastroenterology) talks about therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. He explains what is an endoscopy, what conditions typically require one and what is a therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound procedure.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), an exciting treatment option for people with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor and Dystonia.
We are the only center in Ventura County, and one of the few in Southern California to offer this treatment.
While the selection process is thorough, we encourage anyone with one of these conditions to come in and discuss this option. Boiled down, when taking more pills is not the answer, come in and learn more. We expect to improve a patient's symptoms while at the same cutting meds in half--and sometimes more!
Frozen shoulder is a common and debilitating shoulder condition. Research has uncovered some of the metabolic disease associated with this conditions Treatment. Protocols currently focus on treatment of both the shoulder and underlying metabolic disease.
Benefits to joining a support group and supportive services available at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center in Merced.
What makes a Well Woman? Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Anne Kennard is an OB/GYN and
nutrition
activity
avoidance of risky substances
social connection
sleep
stress management.
We will talk about each of these subheadings in some detail with a few thoughts and actionable items that are globally applicable and will not be construed as medical advice
Dr. Chadha (Family Practice Physician, Obesity Medicine Clinician) talks about Obesity Management. Dr. Chadha explains what is obesity, the health complications that come with it, and why is managing your weight important.
With Dr. Bowles coming from an emergency medicine background, his experience with stroke care is primarily within the first few hours (hopefully) after onset -- the first hour in the emergency department is sometimes referred to as the 'golden hour,' when almost all important tests and decisions should be completed. This episode emphasizes the importance of early stroke recognition, things to do and things not to do at home once it has been recognized, and what to expect after arrival to the emergency department (including treatment options and decision-making factors).
Dr. Salvo (Electrophysiologist / Director of Electrophysiology lab at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital) talks about Sudden Cardiac Arrest). Dr. Salvo explains what is sudden cardiac arrest, the signs and symptoms, and the potential risk factors.
In this panel interview Ms. Hall (Director of Emergency Services at Mercy Medical Center in Merced), Ms. Luce (Merced City Fire Battalion Chief), and Ms. Alley (Executive Director Riggs Ambulance Service) discuss when to call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and what to expect - from the ambulance ride to arrival at the hospital.
Dr. Shah and Ms. Rojas talk about caring for a stroke survivor. Ms. Ramos talks about her experience as a caregiver.
In this episode, Jill Busby-Avila, a Speech Language Pathologist and Hospital Rehabilitation Manager at Dignity Health, leads a discussion focusing on aphasia, and important things to know if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aphasia.
Dr. Lorenc Malellari leads an interactive discussion with a former patient, with Angie Gentry, on the treatment she received after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Learn more about Dr. Malellari
Dr. Alfred Johnson leads a discussion of the TIF procedure for the treatment of GERD. He is joined by 2 of his former patients, who share how this treatment has helped them lead more comfortable lives.
Learn more about Dr. Johnson
Dr. Michael Cluck leads a discussion on minimally invasive surgery, and how the techniques have evolved over the years.
Learn more about Dr. Cluck
Bettina Kindsman RNC, discusses Memorial Hospitals Safe Sleep Certification, what safe sleep is, and how to keep your baby safe.
Dr. Vip Dev leads an in-depth discussion on the topic of skin cancer, including the different types of skin cancer, the screening process, and treatment options.
Learn more about Dr. Dev
Dr. Karen Tammela discusses the COVID-19 vaccine, and what pregnant women should know about being safe, breastfeeding, and getting vaccinated.
Dr. Niren Angle discusses peripheral arterial disease and the treatment options that are available.
Dr. Nickul Jain discusses "text neck" and computer spine", how it has increased due to COVID-19, as well as how to treat and prevent these conditions.
Demand for Covid-19 vaccines is increasing but many remain vaccine hesitant. What are some common myths about the vaccines, and how can we work to address these misconceptions? Dr. Joerg Schuller, Chief Medical Officer for Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced debunk ten myths to help ease concerns and spread accurate information about the Covid-19 vaccines.
Dr. Murali Dharan discusses the importance of lung cancer screenings, as well the benefits, risks, and the symptoms to look out for.
Dr. Hormuz Irani leads an informative discussion on the different types of hernias, as well as the non invasive surgery options.
Megyn Ashley, an epilepsy survivor, and her father, James Ashley, share her story and how Dr. Hari Kunhi Veedu has helped her manage epilepsy.
Jarrad Merriman, MD, MPH, an Orthopedic Surgeon of Sports Medicine, explains how hip arthroscopy treatment can help those with hip pain.
Dr. Nirav Naik, the Director of Bariatric Surgery Program with Mercy Hospital Bakersfield, explains how obesity can lead to complications with COVID-19.
Urologist Dr. Edwin Youngstrom explains the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Dr. Caleb Thompson, an interventional cardiologist with Dignity Health, explains a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR.
Dr. Steven Schopler, an orthopedic spine surgeon with Dignity Health, explains the ExcelsiusGPS, a new technology for spine surgery.
How do masks help slow the spread of COVID-19? We speak with Dr. Kaite Khandelwal Gilman, a general surgeon with Dignity Health to find out, as well as discuss what is true and what is not about the virus.
Dr. Micah Roberts discusses pacemakers, their advancements, and the procedure to get one.
Dr. Nick Jain discusses a minimally invasive procedure as solution for chronic back pain.
Brenda McMurtrey, Registered Nurse and Director of Maternal Child & Women's Services, discusses the importance of having low cesarean section rates and what Memorial Hospital is doing to keep rates low.
Heart attack survivor Lesly Minney shares her story and advises women on how to listen to their hearts for signs of a heart attack.
Dr. Christopher Hamilton shares information about the use of the Mako robotic arm in joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Peter H. Grossman shares information on burn care and why these types of injuries require specialized care.
Nahal Massoudi and Ana Mathew share information that patients need to know about pre-diabetes.
Dr. Kian Azimian shares information about how Memorial Hospital's Bridge Program provides treatment for patients suffering form opioid addiction.
Dr. Sima Asadi shares tips for protecting yourself and others from respiratory diseases during flu season.
Dr. Kwabena Adubofour explains the important numbers that diabetic patients need to track to stay healthy.
Cathy Mangaoang-Welsh shares tips on how to manage stress in an effective and healthy way.
Dr. Pavan Khanna discusses the interventional radiology program at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Nickul S. Jain discusses the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery and those who are prime candidates for this type of surgery.
Nathan Banks, a young stroke survivor, shares his story and discusses how strokes can strike at any age.
Nurse Dawn Arnsberg shares breastfeeding and natural childbirth resources in Merced County.
Dr. Pavel Moldavskiy discusses the causes and treatments for carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel and the differences between the two.
Addison Hoover explains how docent health is creating better experiences and healthier outcomes.
Premature babies require special care. Dr. Phillip Cheng, neonatologist, discusses the neonatal intensive care unit.
Dr. Lorenc Malellari discusses colorectal cancer, the importance of colonoscopies, and the recent advances in colon surgery.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. More than 87 percent of cases are ischemic stroke, which are largely treatable if a patient gets to a hospital right away.
Dr. Kiron Thomas explains how to identify the signs of a stroke and why immediate treatment is vital.
Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Justin Lee discusses urinary incontinence, issues associated with an overactive bladder, pelvic floor rehabilitation and pelvic organ prolapse.
Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has many potential causes.
Dr. Edward Taylor, general surgeon, explains GERD causes, symptoms, and when to see your doctor.
Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health, Scott Neeley, MD, discusses caring for critically ill patients and Dignity's new 24-hour intensivist program.
Lung cancer prevention starts with screening for early detection, particularly for those with risk factors.
Gaurav Signh, Medical Director of Cancer Institute and Chief of Radiation Oncology at Dignity Health, discusses lung cancer symptoms, treatment, and the importance of getting screened.
Activities one takes for granted can be impacted by shoulder pain. Getting dressed, reaching cabinets, and lifting lightweight objects can be a challenge. Shoulder replacement surgery is an option for chronic issues.
Jaicharan Iyengar, MD, discusses shoulder pain and joint replacement.
Asthma is a lung condition that causes airways to narrow and stimulates mucus production. Breathing becomes difficult. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Dr. Amy Mehta discusses triggers and treatment of asthma.
Losing weight isn’t always possible through diet and exercise alone. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to improve quality of life and overall health. Bariatric surgery may be an option.
Dr. Cyrus Moon discusses Mercy Bariatrics Program and candidacy for bariatric surgery.
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries occurs when there is complete or nearly complete blockage of one of the heart’s arteries for 30 days or longer. It is caused by chronic build-up of artheroscleroic plaque inside the artery.
Dr. Nasser Khan, cardiologist, explains the cause, prevention and treatment options for CTO.
Artificial knee replacement places an implant into the joint. When that implant fails, orthopedic knee revision may be necessary.
Dr. Karl Balch discusses when knee revision surgery is needed and current techniques for this complex procedure.