Hackensack Meridian Health Podcast: Recent Episodes
Health U The Hackensack Meridian Health Podcast
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive & truly integrated health care network in New Jersey.
In this special edition episode, we’ll take a deeper dive into discussing teen mental health, self-harm and suicide, as it relates to the inspiring story of Jasmine Samson, shared in part 1. We sat down with Eric Alcera, M.D., psychiatrist and vice president and chief medical officer at Carrier Clinic to reflect on key clips from her episode, and get Dr. Alcera’s take as a psychiatrist and also a father. Hearing her story for the first time, Dr. Alcera shares advice on how both teens and parents can seek help, resources available, the impact social media has had on teen mental health and how we can better support our loved ones through mental health crises.
Trigger Warning*: The following episode contains discussions about suicide and self-harm. The information shared is one individual’s personal experience and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, medical diagnosis, treatment or care. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or has suicidal thoughts, don't hesitate to reach out for help and dial 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or proceed to your local emergency room.
In this episode we tackle a crucial yet often daunting subject: how to talk to your teen about sex. How old should they be? Where should you begin?
With prom season upon us, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have these conversations with your child, and how you can empower them with the knowledge they need to make healthy and safe decisions when it comes to their bodies and relationships. Lauren Kackza-Weiss, D.O., child and adolescent fellowship program director and practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins us for a candid and informative discussion on navigating the tricky waters of teen sexuality.
In this special edition episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jasmine, a young artist and mental health advocate, as she opens up about her battle with depression and self-harm. At just 14 years old, Jasmine faced unimaginable challenges, including multiple suicide attempts. Listen to her story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance.
Our next episode will be part 2 of this special edition series. In that episode we will speak with Eric Alcera, M.D., psychiatrist and vice president and chief medical officer at Carrier Clinic. We’ll listen to clips from Jasmine’s story and get his perspective of a psychiatrist and as a father.
Trigger Warning*: The following episode contains discussions about suicide and self-harm. The information shared is one individual’s personal experience and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, medical diagnosis, treatment or care. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or has suicidal thoughts, don't hesitate to reach out for help and dial 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or proceed to your local emergency room.
Growing your family is one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer. But growing your family can also bring some worries, how will this impact your firstborn, or the dynamic of your current crew? Are they going to be jealous of the new baby? What does this mean for our relationship?
In this episode, child and adolescent fellowship program director and practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, Lauren Kackza-Weiss, D.O. joins us to discuss the exciting yet sometimes challenging journey of introducing a new baby to older siblings.
Viral skincare trends have taken over social media by storm, and on almost every platform we see claims for the next “skincare hack” or quick fix to your skin concerns. Whether you’re a parent concerned about how skin products will affect your child’s adolescent skin, or a skincare enthusiast overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, we’re bringing you all things skincare. In this episode, we consult one of our dermatologists, Alexis Young, M.D., on some of the skincare trends that have emerged on social media including “Botox at home,” skincare routines among teens and young children, and of course - some of Dr. Young’s favorite study-supported skincare tips.
As parents, we’ve all been there – faced with a screaming, inconsolable little one, unsure of what to do next. Dealing with temper tantrums is stressful for both the parent and the child. This week’s episode is about navigating those challenging moments. Pediatric psychologist Brett Biller, Psy, D., shares how we, as parents, can keep our cool during these high-stress situations and how to support our children best to reach a calmer state.
For additional learning and support, join Dr. Biller's free online or in-person events, Positive & Productive Parenting Coaching Groups: https://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/positiveparents
It’s not unusual to hear people talk about a hernia — when organs push through weakened abdominal muscles. But how often do you hear people talk about pelvic organ prolapse? By the ages of 50 to 79, nearly half of all women have some degree of uterine, vaginal or pelvic organ prolapse. Urogynecologist James Ross, M.D. shares why prolapse occurs, the signs to look for, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
Back pain can be debilitating, whether a sharp, sudden jolt or a persistent, nagging ache. The CDC notes that women are more likely to experience back pain than men. But why? In this episode, pain management specialist Mike Mizrahi, D.O., and OB/GYN Joseph Bouganim, M.D. discuss the top causes of back pain in women and how to find relief.
Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, and Zepbound – for those looking for prescription medications to help with weight loss, many options are on the market right now. Between all of these different medications, including considering bariatric surgery, how can you know which is right for you?
Seth Kipnis, M.D., a bariatric surgeon and medical director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, guides us through the pros and cons of each option, shedding light on what might be the most effective path for different individuals on their weight loss journey.
After losing a loved one, everything changes. Traditions can look a bit different, and it can feel like a piece of you is missing during these moments that are supposed to be so joyous. Whether it’s your first or your 50th holiday season after losing a loved one, this podcast is for you. Sarah Eakins, a counselor certified in grief recovery from Carrier Clinic, helps us explore strategies for not just surviving but finding moments of healing and connection during this holiday season.
A good night’s sleep is something we can all appreciate - but do you know who craves it the most? Parents. Pediatric sleep neurologist, Stacey Elkhatib Smidt, M.D. answers the questions you're too tired to ask - like when can a baby sleep through the night, or when is it safe to use a blanket? For tips and advice on how to help your baby sleep safely and soundly through the night, listen in.
Tune in as we dive into strategies for gracefully navigating this mesmerizing yet 'All Too Well' puzzling facet of the concert experience. We consulted Dr. Nathan Carroll, a psychiatry expert. Together, we explore methods to avoid this phenomenon in future concerts, especially with the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Eras Tour film now in movie theaters. Join us as we discuss ways to navigate this enchanting aspect of the concert experience.
In this episode, we explore the growing popularity of Ozempic, a prescription medication that has caught the eye of celebrities and influencers. However, before joining the trend, it's important to understand all of the potential risks. Join us as we talk to bariatric surgeon Dr. Richard Greco, who helps us unravel the complexities of Ozempic. Stay tuned for valuable insights!
With the growing popularity of marijuana edibles, also known as THC gummies or weed gummies, there is a lot of confusion about how to safely consume them. We brought in psychiatrist and medical director for Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health, Eric Alcera, M.D. to provide a doctor's perspective on marijuana edibles, focusing on their safety, potential health benefits, and responsible usage.
A recent study found up to 95% of teens reported using at least one social media platform, while more than one-third said they used social media “almost constantly.” While social media use is on the rise, so are cases of anxiety, depression and mental health conditions among teens. We connected with child psychiatrist Juan Jose Villar, M.D., to answer our questions about how we can keep teens safe and how social media is impacting them.
Bennett's passing in July 2023 marked the end of a musical era. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years prior, Tony still lived The Good Life, and defied the odds by continuing to perform and connect with his music. Unlike many Alzheimer's patients who lose their abilities, Tony remained special, recognizing friends and family and even recalling lyrics for his performances. We sat down with Rehan Aziz, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, to explore Alzheimer's disease, discussing the typical cognitive challenges patients and caregivers face.
There may be no scarier news than hearing, "you have a brain tumor." It not only affects your physical well-being but also has a deep emotional and psychological impact. Thomas Steineke, M.D., neurosurgeon and chair of Neurosurgery at JFK University Medical Center, joins the podcast to explain the early warning signs of a brain tumor and what treatments are available.
A vaccine for cancer treatment? Join us as we sit down with Andrew Pecora, M.D., a renowned hematologist, oncologist, and expert researcher, as he shares groundbreaking news about new cancer research for an mRNA vaccine, specifically designed to assist patients with recurrent melanoma.
After retiring from acting, Bruce Willis has since been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. We chat with Reena Gottesman, M.D., to understand his latest diagnosis and learn about the resources available to patients and their families.
Ozzy Osbourne announced that he is retiring from touring due to ongoing health issues related to a spinal injury that he re-aggravated. After many operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently exoskeleton treatment, his body is still too weak to deal with the travel required for touring. We spoke with Florian P. Thomas, M.D., to understand spinal injuries and how these new treatments work.
Air pollution is a global challenge affecting millions of people, from smog-filled cities to air quality concerns from mass forest fires. It poses a severe threat to our well-being, worsening respiratory conditions, increasing the risk of heart disease, and even impacting cognitive function. To “clear the air” pulmonologist, Ahmad Abu Homoud, M.D. shares his expertise, the truth about air quality and how to protect your lungs and breathe easier.
Join James Sherer, M.D. addiction psychiatrist and avid gamer, as he shares the multifaceted challenges faced by gamers grappling with internet gaming disorder, offering a unique perspective that combines professional expertise, personal anecdotes, and practical solutions for a healthier relationship with gaming.
In a recent interview with British Vogue, actress Selma Blair disclosed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 after experiencing symptoms that had been misdiagnosed or neglected for over four decades. She now advocates for accessibility and awareness, and she even encouraged her friend Christina Applegate to seek medical attention, which eventually led to her own MS diagnosis. Neurologist Anuradha Singh, DO, highlights some common misconceptions and early signs that individuals may overlook when it comes to multiple sclerosis, emphasizing the significance of consulting a physician if any concerns arise.
On this week’s special edition of Housecall, three nurses from across Hackensack Meridian Health join us to share their stories and advice for nurses everywhere. We talk about impactful memories, career journeys and what drives our nurses to come back every day with a renewed sense of purpose.
Former child star Amanda Bynes was admitted to an inpatient facility after being found wandering the streets in a state of psychosis. She was later placed on a psychiatric hold and underwent evaluation. We sat down with Clinical psychiatrist, Guenevere Rosenthal, M.D., and discussed Amanda's struggles and the importance of mental health awareness.
When your child is sick the emotional, physical and mental toll can weigh heavy on families. Our podcast host, Katie, shares her journey of having a child with birth defects, and discusses with Alissa Sandler, manager of social work at Joseph M. Sanzari’s Children’s Hospital, how parents and families can find hope and support when their child is sick.
Jane Fonda’s passion for exercise is only getting stronger as she gets older: The 85-year-old actor and climate activist is constantly encouraging her millions of Instagram followers to stay active. And at a recent event, she shared how it keeps her mental health in check and how exercise has really helped her combat depression in her older years. We spoke with Gary Small, M.D., to learn ways to keep our own mental health in check.
Celebrities including Randy Jackson, Jonah Hill, Mindy Kaling, and more have shown off their wellness journeys on social media and fans are loving their new transformations. Some have even attributed their journeys to weight loss surgery and rethinking how they thought about food. We talked with Jonathan Reich, M.D., to learn more about what we can do to achieve our own weight loss goals.
Clicks, cracks, and stiffness in the jaw can make eating and speaking difficult or even painful. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders or TMDs, are the most common causes of jaw pain, affecting over 11 million Americans. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr .Shahid Aziz explains TMJ disorders and how they can be treated.
Intrauterine devices, known as IUDs, have become pretty popular for their convenience and long term usage. But there’s some confusion online about how an IUD is placed. Our expert, OB/GYN Neeti Misra, M.D., breaks it down and shares what to expect during insertion.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle against the Bengals. This caused a frightening scene: Hamlin was administered CPR on the field as players from both teams watched in horror. Hamlin survived and is reportedly making "remarkable" progress in his recovery. We connected with interventional cardiologist, Daniel Kiss, M.D., to discuss his take on what happened and the importance of knowing CPR.
Did you know about 50 million Americans live with some form of chronic pain? And not surprisingly celebrities including Paula Abdul, George Clooney, and Lady Gaga are among them. We sit down with Patrick Roth, M.D., chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, who offers insight on some of the common questions about chronic pain.
The triple threat from the COVID-19 virus, RSV and the flu simultaneously are spreading this winter. Hitting health care systems hard and overwhelming pediatric hospitals, these viruses are affecting families everywhere. on our first podcast of the new year, we sit down with Pediatrician, Melissa Wallach, M.D., who shares predictions for the season and how to stay safe.
From school shootings, acts of hate, war, to pandemics, kids are more exposed than ever to traumatic events. Our child and adolescent psychiatrist, Ulrick Vieux, D.O. shares how to approach these difficult conversations and help your child feel safe.
COVID fatigue is real; do we really need another booster? Chief physician executive, Daniel Varga, M.D., explains who should get an updated booster and how to stay safe through the "tridemic" season.
Bone marrow transplants have been a miracle to many, and have been used for years to treat conditions affecting blood cells, including leukemias, lymphomas, solid tumor cancers, anemia and immune deficiency disorders. Pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Christine Camacho-Bydume, M.D., shared with us the ins and outs of bone marrow transplants.
You may love to nap, but a recent study suggests that your heart doesn’t. A study from the American Heart Association found that people who nap often may have a greater risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Chief of Cardiology, Brett Sealove, M.D., FACC, RPVI, shares what you need to know about napping and sleep habits.
Actress Emilia Clarke suffered two severe brain aneurysms and often mentions seeing her brain scans and wondering, "how am I even functioning?" This made us wonder - how much of our brains are we really using? We spoke with Nancy Gadallah, D.O., a vascular neurologist, to explain what happened to Emilia and how our brains operate.
Did you know that biking lands more than a quarter-million children a year in US Emergency departments? Critical Care surgeon and Chief Of Trauma, Stephanie Bonne, M.D. shares why sharing the road and wearing a helmet are so important when it comes to bike safety.
Did you know that biking lands more than a quarter-million children a year in US Emergency departments? Critical Care surgeon and Chief Of Trauma, Stephanie Bonne, M.D. shares why sharing the road and wearing a helmet are so important when it comes to bike safety.
The Americas were declared polio-free in 1994. That was until recently. Pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Bruce Terrin, M.D., shared with us why polio is on the rise again after 28 years and what we can do to avoid it.
Recently actor Brad Pitt shared his struggles with undiagnosed prosopagnosia, also known as “face blindness”. Although it is widely assumed to be rare, doctors have started to move toward the conclusion that it is more common than generally realized. Neuropsychologist, Olga Nikelshpur, PhD., shares with us just how fascinating this condition really is.
Earlier this month actor, Ashton Kutcher revealed that he has vasculitis, a disease that left the actor unable to see, hear or walk for a period of time. Rheumatology specialist, Anna Broder, M.D., sat down and talked us through this very complex autoimmune disease.
Rising cases of monkeypox may have you wondering, what is it and should I be worried? Infectious disease expert, Edward Liu, M.D., shares what you need to know about monkeypox, how it spreads and how to stay safe.
The term the "baby blues" describes the emotional and hormonal changes that follow the birth of a child. With up to 80% of mothers experiencing this postpartum mental shift, maternal fetal medicine expert, Antonia Francis Kim, M.D., shares how parents can get through this growth period.
https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/Antonia+Francis+Kim/1499953
A number of celebrities have been very candid about their endometriosis diagnosis and most recently Fantastic Beasts actress Jessica Williams shared her personal journey about living with the painful disease. We sat down with Kathleen Walsh, M.D., to talk through this diagnosis and the many treatments available.
We sat down with Michael Stifelman, M.D., to talk about all things men's health and why men sometimes are the biggest obstacle to their own health.
From one world crisis to another, we are living through some remarkably stressful times. David Leopold, M.D., network medical director for Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine, discusses the mind-body connection to stress and tips for coping with chronic stress.
It's Stroke Awareness Month. Hailey Beiber, Justin Beiber's wife, suffered a mini stroke due to a hole in her heart. Is this common? Is it dangerous? Find out the answers and so much more as we sit down with Dr. Martin Gizzi to learn all about strokes.
Since 2005, Nick Jonas has been an advocate for type 1 diabetes and diabetes management. He has even teamed up with 'The Global Movement for Time in Range', to help others understand that they are deserving of adequate care and education to help manage their condition. We sat down with Colette Knight, M.D. to talk about this diagnosis and how treatable of a condition diabetes is.
At-home massage guns have been growing in popularity, but are they good for you? Courtney Powell, a physical therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, talks us through how to use them, who should and shouldn’t use them and best qualities to look for when making that purchase.
It has been well over two years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and with that brought a year of loss, separation, anxiety, and uncertainty. Eventually, the physical stress of the infection might end, but for some, the emotional scars from the pandemic can last for months and years, often in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We sit down with Dr. Gary Small, a behavioral health physician and chief and psychiatrist with Hackensack University Medical Center to talk through what this might mean for our community’s mental health in the future.
Will Smith shared his colonoscopy with the world via a vlog to help promote colorectal cancer screenings. We brought in Rosario Ligresti, M.D. a gastroenterologist from Hackensack University Medical Center to talk us through this important screening.
Hulu's 'Dopesick' brings attention to the opioid crisis in rural Appalachia and highlights the efforts that community took to fight addiction and hold those responsible accountable. We spoke with Rachel Wallace, the director of substance abuse counseling services at the Retreat & Recovery at Ramapo Valley, to talk through the reality of the crisis here in our own community.
A racing heart can make anyone nervous, including actress La La Anthony. We brought in Taya Glotzer, M.D. an Electrophysiologist from Hackensack University Medical Center to help us understand what a healthy heart rate looks like and how many beats are one too many.
For those who have running a marathon (or maybe just running in general) as a 2022 goal, we brought in Stephen Silver, M.D., Chief of Sports Medicine and Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon from Hackensack University Medical Center, to talk us through making that goal a reality.
Hans Schmidt, M.D., a bariatric surgeon from Hackensack University Medical Center, helps us understand how we can achieve our own personal weight loss goals this year.
Daniel Yu, M.D., an emergency medicine physician from Bayshore Medical Center walks us through a couple of scenarios and what we can do while help is on the way. To view classes, please visit https://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/c/calendar/5add99e2-c1d9-462e-b53b-40d71d775290?_ga=2.166276412.320529785.1642432709-952710805.1615215176&hgcrm_agency=client&hgcrm_campaignid=5593&hgcrm_channel=email&hgcrm_source=healthgrades&hgcrm_tacticid=13297&hgcrm_trackingsetid=18927
Actress and star of Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’, Christina Applegate revealed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, calling her experience thus far a “strange journey” and “a tough road.” We sat down with Krupa Pandey, M.D., director of the MS Comprehensive Care Center in the Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, to talk through what this diagnosis means for Christina moving forward.
The CDC has officially given the green light for emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 15. While this may be a welcome piece of news, many parents are still hesitant to schedule their children for an appointment. We sat down with Katherine Clouser M.D., to help us navigate through some of the top questions about the vaccine for younger children.
Adults ages 60 and older are no longer advised to take aspirin for heart disease and stroke prevention.
Brett Sealove, M.D., chief of cardiology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, weighs in on the guideline changes.
Learn more about the risk of heart inflammation from COVID-19 and the vaccine. Brett Sealove, M.D., chief of cardiology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explains the risks of each.
With what feels like the whole world wondering what happened to Gabby Petito, it’s hard not to notice some of the red flags in her relationship with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie. We sit down with Dr. Gary Small, a behavioral health physician and chief and psychiatrist with Hackensack University Medical Center to talk through red flags in a relationship and how to handle them both personally and mentally.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp experienced an episode of vertigo in the middle of the night, which resulted in her taking a scary tumble and suffering some minor injuries to her face. We sat down with Virginia Toth, the Manager of Audiology, Tinnitus and Balance Programs at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, to talk through what vertigo is and how we can treat it.
Schitt’s Creek star Annie Murphy shared how she experienced depression at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown and how taking antidepressants and participating in regular therapy sessions saved her life. Gary Small, M.D., a behavioral health physician with Hackensack Meridian Health joins us and shares the different types of therapy that can help those experiencing a change in their mood.
Recently, Grammy Award Winner, Mary J. Blige got candid about her mental health. Sharing that she credits her fans for helping rescue her from suicidal thoughts early in her professional career. We sat down with behavioral health physician, Gary Small, M.D., to talk through warning signs and coping skills people can work on when struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Conspiracy theories about the COVID vaccine are running rampant with talk of magnetism, 5G and more. Microbiologist Barry Kreiswirth, Ph.D., opens up on what we should believe.
As children's COVID-19 cases surge, there's another virus on the rise: RSV. We sat down with pediatric hospitalist Katharine Clouser, M.D., to talk about what this means for kids.
CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour recently shared with the world her ovarian cancer diagnosis. We sat down with Mira Hellmann, M.D., a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, to talk through what this diagnosis means for Christiane and how to be vigilant in noticing the signs and symptoms of this diagnosis early on.
Today we sit down with William Ziegler, D.O., a fertility specialist, to talk about infertility, birth control, COVID, family balancing and much more on this episode.
Actor Colin Farrell recently filed for conservatorship of his teenage son with Angelman Syndrome. We connect with Dr. Michelle Sirak to talk about what Angelman Syndrome is and if a conservatorship is the right move for this family.
The Hills’ star Lo Bosworth revealed that she secretly suffered a traumatic brain injury two years ago and still struggles with side effects. We dive in with Dr. Christine Greiss the director of the concussion program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to further understand what a traumatic brain injury is.
On today's special two part episode, we pick up from when we last sat down with Dr. Aakash Shah, Director of Addiction Medicine
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. In this episode's conclusion, we have an in depth conversation about Celebrity Demi Lovato, and her struggles with addiction, which she opens up about in her new documentary, "Dancing With The Devil" on YouTube. Dr. Shah gives us great insight on addiction, some real world examples, and some heart breaking stories that end with hope.
On today's special two part episode, we sit down with Dr. Aakash Shah, Director of Addiction Medicine
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. We have an in depth conversation about Celebrity Demi Lovato, and her struggles with addiction, which she opens up about in her new documentary, "Dancing With The Devil" on YouTube. Dr. Shah gives us great insight on addiction, some real world examples, and some heart breaking stories that end with hope.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is a topic on everyone's minds right now. We brought in an expert to talk through some common questions we have been asked about the vaccine and how you can gain access to it.
Back in August, weatherman Al Roker underwent a total shoulder replacement due to arthritis pain he was experiencing. We talk with Frank Alberta, M.D. about what one can expect when having shoulder surgery in 2020
2020 has been quite the year so far but something we can look forward to is even more celebrity babies! It feels like every day someone is either announcing their pregnancy or we are welcoming in a new little one. Most recently we welcomed Daisy Dove Bloom (daughter of Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom) into our hearts and we are patiently waiting for plenty of other stars to all become parents! But with everything - pregnancy looks a bit different in the time of COVID-19. So, whether you’re thinking about starting a family or are already pregnant, knowing what to expect when you’re expecting during a pandemic can help you prepare, ease your worries, and help you and your baby stay safe.
Rebel Wilson declared 2020 her "Year of Health." With that shes been hitting the gym 6 to 7 days a week and strictly follows the Mayr Method for her diet. We dive in with Susan Kraus M.S.R.D., Registered Dietician, to talk through sustainable weight loss and are these fad diets really healthy for us to pursue.
The matriarch of the Pearson family on the hit show ‘This is Us’ discovered she is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease when she went to the doctor to get the results of her MRI. Mandy Moore's character, Rebecca Pearson's health has been one of the major storylines this season, and back in February the show revealed her devastating diagnosis. We dive in with Kristie Soriano MS/CCC-SLP, to help us understand Alzheimer's a bit more.
Can your work-from-home situation cause neck, shoulder and back pain? According to Dr. Sagar Parikh, an interventional pain medicine specialist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, there are a handful of factors that may contribute to discomfort and pain in these areas. Listen to the expert share his thoughts and also provide advice on improving your home office.
Can being obese put you at an increased risk of suffering from COVID-19 or other viruses? According to Dr. Aram Jawed, a U.S. board certified general surgeon with a specialization in bariatric and robotic surgery, obesity decreases the immune system and effectiveness of viral vaccinations while increasing viral shedding and potential changes of viral mutations. Listen to the expert share his thoughts and discuss why losing weight is of utmost significance amidst the pandemic.
After seeing Emily Blunt in movies like The Devil Wears Prada, The Girl on the Train, and most recently in Into the Woods, you would never guess a childhood stutter helped this actress stumble into acting. In fact, without the speech problem, she might have never become one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. Now, Emily Blunt is a big supporter and activist for the American Institute for Stuttering being living proof that your struggles do not have to define you. We dive in with speech pathologist, Kristie Soriano, and talk through all things speech and stuttering.
The internet is constantly flooded with memes, trends, gifs and viral challenges—but sometimes these challenges post serious health threats. One in recent news includes TikTok’s ‘skull breaker challenge,’ where two people prank a third person into jumping into the air and kicking the jumper’s feet mid-air. According to Christine Greiss, D.O., director of the Concussion Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, this person then lands on his or her back, which can lead to brain injury and other health conditions.
Oscar winners and co-directors of the documentary “American Factory,” Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar took the stage to accept their award. Both were proudly bald... Unfortunately, this was not a publicity stunt, Julia is battling bladder cancer. We dive in with Dr. Dr. Mutahar Ahmed, to talk through all things bladder.
Watching a loved one battle cancer is a topic that resonates with millions of people worldwide including singer/songwriter Taylor Swift. Recently Taylor shared that in addition to cancer, her mom also has a brain tumor and how she’s trying to be home with her as much as possible this year. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Joseph Landolfi and dive into the illness behind the lyrics of “Soon You’ll Get Better”.
While most of the world was commenting on the way Justin Bieber looked they failed to notice how he actually felt. Justin Bieber revealed his recent diagnoses of not only Lyme disease but also a serious case of chronic mono at the same time which affected his skin, brain function, energy and overall health. tune in as we talk with Dr. Kristi Kosarin from Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, and dive into what Lyme disease is and how to avoid it in our area.
@TheBachelorette alum (@JP Rosenbaum) (married to season 7 star Ashley Herbert (@Ashley Lynn Rosenbaum)) woke up one morning with some tightness in his hands and by the time he picked up dinner for his family he couldn’t walk right or even hold the pizza box with one hand. Hoping he would sleep it off he went to bed and by the next morning he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Emad Noor, a neurologist at JFK Medical Center, as we discuss what exactly Guillain-Barre Syndrome is.
Did you know that 80% of sexually active people will contract human papillomavirus, or HPV, at some point in their lives? Karim ElSahwi, M.D., a board certified gynecologic oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Health, offers his expert insight on the virus and discusses potential health risks and cancers associated with HPV, the importance of routine screenings and prevention methods.
After years of confusing ups and downs, Actress Chyler Leigh received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder 10 years ago. However, only recently has she chosen to talk about it publicly. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Eric Alcera about bipolar disorder and how we can support loved ones who might have it.
@petefrates3, the inspiration for the #ALSIceBucketChallenge, saw his illness as an opportunity to inspire and raise awareness for his disease. According to the @alsassociation, more than 17 million people participated in the challenge and raised more than $200 million worldwide. The money raised by the Challenge led to the discovery of five new genes connected to ALS. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Mary Sedarous about ALS and the advances we have made in the last couple of years.
It all started with a cough that wouldn’t go away. Suspicious of this lingering irritation, Maybelline Hicks went to her primary care physician hoping for relief. Seeming to be just a cold, her doctor suggested an X-ray to be safe. After additional testing, the results showed that Maybelline had an aggressive case of breast cancer. At Southern Ocean Medical Center, Maybelline underwent a minimally invasive procedure to remove the lesion and nearby lymph nodes. Following surgery, Maybelline received highly targeted radiation at Jersey Shore University Medical Center -- a balloon was implanted where the lesion had been, and delivered radiation on the inside of her breast to the areas adjacent to the lesion, while sparing the healthy tissue. Healthy and on the mend, Maybelline now focuses on spreading awareness to women and sharing her story. She also has channeled her energy and her background in fashion into helping other women who face breast cancer by working on a special design for a prettier bra that can accommodate the tubes that trail out of the balloon while it’s in place.
Did you know that roughly 93% of people make New Year’s resolutions, according to the American Psychological Association? But did you know that another study reported that almost 45% of people fail to keep their resolutions by February? Jeffrey Fein, D.O., an internal medicine doctor at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, joins House Call to discuss some healthy resolutions and offers tips to help individuals actually stick to these goals throughout the year.
When the weather outside is frightful, a visit to the emergency room is not so delightful—especially during the holidays. Michael Eagan, M.D., Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Raritan Bay Medical Center, outlines some scenarios that may land you in the ER this winter and provides healthy, safe tips to avoid them.
Lady Gaga recently opened up about her mental health struggles in an interview featured in Elle Magazine. Gaga shared her story and how she wants others to know that they too can keep going, they can also be survivors and can win their Oscar. She also encourages those to try, when they’re ready to ask for help. Tune in as we talk with Stacy Doumas M.D., about mental health and how Gaga is leading the charge when it comes to removing the stigma.
Kim Kardashian shared her medical journey with the world when she opened up about her autoimmune blood test results on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” The good news was after further testing, she did not have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The bad news was that she does did have psoriatic arthritis. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Deborah Alpert about what the difference is between lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, and what symptoms to look out for with in each.
Something didn’t feel right for Sue Barbour. She was experiencing pressure in her urinary tract, and thought perhaps it was a UTI. After seeing a urologist, a CT scan was ordered which revealed growing cysts on her pancreas. Although there were no indications of pancreatic cancer, Sue has a family history of various cancers. Sue was referred to Ocean Medical Center for genetic testing. Instead of only testing for the cancers that run in her family, a multigene panel test was conducted. Testing revealed a particular gene mutation that comes with an 87% risk of thyroid cancer. Sue was referred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to have her thyroid removed.
Because this gene mutation is genetic, Sue has taken charge in helping to get her entire family tested. Four of Sue’s children, two of her brothers, three of her nieces and nephews, and one of her grandchildren tested positive for the RET gene mutation.
Gene mutations can be either inherited or acquired. When they’re acquired, it’s typically because of environmental factors, like smoking or radiation. When they’re inherited, it’s because one generation passes abnormal genes to the next. The four most common types of hereditary cancer are breast, ovarian, uterine and colon cancers. If there are multiple people in your family that have had one of these cancers, and they were diagnosed under age 50, you should be referred for genetic testing. You can learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Genetic
Amidst the joyous jingles and seasonal spreads of the holiday season, a gloomy fact also exists: many studies have reported an uptick in holiday heart attacks and deaths during these months in comparison to other periods throughout the year. Sheila Sahni, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at JFK Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, joins “House Call,” part of HealthU, to talk about this phenomenon.
Mathew Knowles, Father of Beyoncé, recently revealed his battle with breast cancer. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Yolanda Tammaro about breast cancer in men – how rare it is, when to see a doctor, and how men should also be tested for the BRCA gene.
Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, is a common and sometimes embarrassing problem.
Those with incontinence may face the occasional ‘tinkling’ of urine during a cough or sneeze or, on the extreme end of the spectrum, may face these overwhelmingly strong—and sudden—sensations of having to urinate so much so, that they might not get to a restroom in time. We’ve brought in Laurie Kane, M.D., a urogynecologist at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group and Southern Ocean Medical Center, to discuss this medical condition that affects millions of Americans—most of which are women.
When it comes to recreational activity, safety is always the goal regardless if you are a professional athlete or a child getting into sports for the first time at a young age. The topic of sports safety is usually dominated by they word “concussion” but how many people really know what a concussion is, how it is diagnosed and most importantly how concussions can be prevented? To get the medical professional's point of view, we ask our panel of Dr. Felicia Gliksman, Director of the Concussion Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and Dr. Christine Greiss, Director of The Concussion Program at JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to discuss the facts on concussions and offer advice on the best ways we can all enjoy sports and recreation safely.
Singer Mike Posner is currently on a Walk Across America releasing a song in each state he crosses (he actually started his journey in Asbury Park, NJ!). While on his walk he was bitten by a rattle snake and air lifted to a nearby trauma center. He luckily received the anti-venom treatment in time but wasn’t able to walk for a few weeks. We dive in with Kevin Hewitt, M.D., Vice Chairman of Emergency Medicine for the Emergency & Trauma Center at Hackensack Meridian University Medical Center. He shares more about what to do when coming into contact with venomous snake bites and other various animal bites.
A trend has swept across the country over the past few years: vaping.
The World Health Organization reported about 7 million vapers across the globe in 2011. As of 2018, the number has skyrocketed to 41 million. Dr. Ziad Hanhan, medical director for minimally invasive thoracic surgery at Riverview Medical Center and Bayshore Medical Center, joins us on the HealthU podcast today to clear up some of the ‘smoke’ about vaping.
Hallmark channel host and former All My Children soap star Cameron Mathison revealed his kidney cancer prognosis. We dive in with Michael Stifelman, M.D., Chair And Professor Of Urology And HMH Seton Hall Medical School As Well As The Director Of Robotic Surgery For Hackensack Meridian Health. He shares more about how the kidneys work and how to keep them healthy.
We were able to join hundreds of entrepreneurs at the October 3 event in Hoboken, where ideas are turned into action! Think about all of those tools you use on a daily basis – Google, Uber and Verizon, to name a few. All of these companies started with a single great idea and Propelify gives those ideas a platform from which tomorrow’s Google could launch.
Listen in on the conversations we had with innovators in the healthcare market. Find out, like we did, what innovations we can expect in the near future, or the lofty goals the market is reaching for. (IF THIS IS CORRECT). And just maybe you’ll hear “the next best thing” that will help transform health care.
A report by the National Institute of Mental Health stated that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. above the age of 18 live with a mental illness.
Former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and Don Parker, President of Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic, discussed the prevalence of mental health and outlined how public policy has changed to help improve access on our latest episode of #HealthU.
Diet soda, fat free peanut butter and dried fruit snacks—they must be healthy, right? Well, that’s not always the case. David Leopold, M.D., Medical Director of Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine, and Marissa Winters, an integrative nutritionist, break down some of these “healthy” alternatives and provide tips for clean eating.
Country artist Granger Smith recently opened up to his fans about the loss of his three-year old son, River, who accidentally drowned at the family’s home. In the midst of this tragedy, the family decided to help others through organ donation – saving the lives of two people. We dive in with Michael Goldstein, M.D., Director of Abdominal Organ Transplant at Hackensack University Medical Center. He shares more information about the need for organ donation and busts myths that come along with the topic.
In the United States, it is estimated that 77.9 million adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Given these staggering statistics, we’ve brought in Suelyn Boucree, M.D., an internal medicine doctor at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, to outline the condition and provide tips for managing a healthy lifestyle.
Are we saving lives or enabling addicts by reversing overdoses? Is receiving Narcan® a wakeup call or does it provide an incentive to keep using drugs? How do you reverse an overdose? Is it like they show it in Pulp Fiction?
Join us for this Up for Debate podcast as we look to separate the fact from fiction around overdoses and reversing it with Narcan®. Dr. Rajiv Prasad, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at Bayshore Medical Center, and Steve Drzewoszewski, Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services and Director of the Blake Recovery Center at Carrier Clinic, discuss the facts around overdoses and the moral dilemma that comes from making Narcan® easily available.
The key to losing weight is cutting calories.
So, if you cut hundreds of calories a day then you are bound to shred pounds of fat away, right?
Actually, that’s not always the case. Betsy Varghese, M.D., a board certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, explains in our latest podcast that you might be undereating.
If you aren’t eating enough, Dr. Varghese warns that you may actually not be able to lose weight—and you may be faced with a few additional unhealthy side effects.
It may only be four letters, but it is one trending diet program: keto.
Jacqueline Hollywood, M.D., a board certified in cardiologist and nuclear cardiologist at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, helps to digest this fat-packed diet. As someone who has tried the diet in the past and noticed temporary weight loss, Dr. Hollywood distinguishes a ‘dirty’ keto plan from a healthy, ‘clean’ keto.
Despite the fact that everyone dies, most people, avoid discussing end-of-life care choices for themselves or a loved one. It isn’t an easy conversation to have and very few people want to go through the effort of making a legal document. But it isn’t as scary a topic or as daunting a task to prepare for as you may think! Join us as our three experts: Ellen Davis, DNP, APN, ACHPN, ACNP-C, the Palliative Care Program Coordinator at Bayshore Medical Center; Sara Owen, a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy; and Jamie Pona, a Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, shed some light on end-of-life care decisions, what your options are and take a look at how being prepared can reduce stress for both yourself and your loved ones who will be left behind.
Being that we’re in the peak of July and some of the hotter summer weeks—there’s nonstop barbecues and food-centric festivities popping up left and right. That being said, it can be easy to eat a little too much—which can almost turn into a habit.
Betsy Varghese, M.D., a board certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, packs our plates with knowledge on overeating and provides tips on creating a healthy relationship with food.
Recently the world came together to celebrate the newest member of the royal family! On May 6th 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. We dive in with Kristen Aland, M.D., an OB/GYN with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group to learn how to get our bodies ‘baby ready’, the benefits of pre-natal vitamins, and more!
An agonizing, burning pain in her left breast plagued Billie Klecko, then 37, for weeks as she breast-fed her baby girl. “I felt like I had a hot coal under my skin,” she recalls. Frightened, but not discouraged, the Jackson resident decided to be proactive and discuss the symptoms with her primary care doctor — a week after her daughter’s first birthday in January 2017.
After closer examination, Billie’s doctor advised she get a mammogram.
Her mammogram results were abnormal enough to require a follow-up ultrasound. Two days later, Billie found herself undergoing further examination with a biopsy.
Her tests revealed Billie’s diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer.
Billie turned to the expert care of the highly specialized physicians at Hackensack Meridian Health for the most effective, individualized treatment.
Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/MeetBillie to learn how this Jackson resident teamed up with the experts at Hackensack Meridian Health to battle this diagnosis.
On his last day as a stroke and telemetry observation nurse at JFK Medical Center, Phil Castillo was preparing to end his shift when he was struck with an unusually painful headache. The following Monday, he was set to start a training program to work in the operating room – he did not anticipate that he would end up in the operating room that night, as a patient.
“Suddenly everything changed – I went from having a headache, to everything not functioning,” Phil reflects. At the age of 30, Phil suffered a catastrophic hemorrhagic stroke. The team at JFK saved his life. After various lengthy operations and weeks of rehabilitation and recovery, Phil returned the neurosurgery operating room as a nurse and uses his experience to connect with the patients he cares for.
Emilia Clarke, known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones, revealed prior to the last season of the show that she suffered not one but TWO life-threatening brain aneurysms during her role as the mother of dragons. We dive in with Dr. Thomas Steineke M.D., Ph.D., chairman of Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, to learn what a brain aneurysm is and how they are treated.
Nitin Patel, M.D., a family medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, discusses a popular health and diet trend—one which involves partially abstaining from eating for a set amount of time. That’s right, he’s talking all things intermittent fasting. He talks through the different variations and methods, possible health benefits of fasting safely and tips for someone looking to give this a try.
Visit https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2019/04/10/11-things-to-know-about-intermittent-fasting/ for more information.
Everyone wants to be more informed before they visit their physician, but are there downsides to relying on internet search engines to tell us what we are feeling and why? Searching out our symptoms may put us at ease but it can also create anxiety, usually unjustified without consulting our doctor first. To get the medical professional's point of view, we ask our panel of Dr. Adrian Pristas, Corporate Medical Director of the Hackensack Meridian Health Centers for Sleep Medicine and Dr. Jason J. Sayanlar, cardiologist board certified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine to discuss the pro's and con's of patients relying on Dr. Google.
From the first moment they kissed, Gary Bartnicki knew that he and Lynn would share a lifetime of love and happiness together. Unfortunately, Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 90’s, and after going into remission, in 2012 the cancer had returned and aggressively spread. Gary shares the journey of his life and love with Lynn, and praises the incredible care he and Lynn received when they had made the decision to bring on hospice treatment. Praising the Hackensack Meridian Health Home Hospice team in Ocean County, Gary acknowledges their warmth and gentle nature, “It was as if they were coming over to take care of one of their own loved ones, that’s something."
A few months ago Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde actress, Selma Blair shared not only her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis but also did a Good Morning America interview showing the world how debilitating this disease truly is. It was inspiring to say the least. We dive in with Florian Thomas, M.D., M.A., Ph.D., M.S., director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center and chair of the Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Neurology at Hackensack University Medical Center, to learn what we could do right now to prevent MS and how we can help others who may currently have it.
When the word “arthritis” is mentioned, most people tend to associate the condition with the elderly. However, this fails to include the nearly 300,000 children in the nation with some form of the disease. According to Ginger Janow, M.D., a pediatric rheumatologist at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group and Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, arthritis is a term used to encompass over 100 types of joint pain and diseases—and will chronically develop in approximately 1 in every 1,000 children. As one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, Dr. Janow answers some commonly asked questions about juvenile arthritis.
This past March, long time host of Jeopardy, Alex Trebek announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We dive in with Ronald Matteotti, M.D., a surgical oncologist who specializes in pancreatic cancer, to learn what this means for our favorite TV Game Show Host and what lifestyle changes we can make today to help keep pancreatic cancer at bay.
Talking about your private parts is something that you might want to keep, well, private. But let’s face it, ladies, sometimes we may have questions regarding our vaginal health. While a visit with an OB/GYN can feel awkward for some women, Louisa Essandoh, M.D., a board certified OB/GYN at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, explains that not a single question exists that she hasn’t heard before. Though an open and honest dialogue is always encouraged, Dr. Essandoh reviews some questions that she finds her patients are often initially hesitant to ask.
Visit https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/HealthU/2019/03/06/questions-you-shouldnt-be-too-embarrassed-to-ask-your-ob-gyn/ for more information.
The emergency department team members at Mountainside Medical Center have made a lifelong friend in Cardie Mortimer. The Verona, NJ resident has a unique story in visiting the ED on two separate occasions. Cardie shares his story and how the ED team members made him feel like a true VIP.
In 2019 there have been over 600 cases of measles confirmed in the United States, with many cases in our New Jersey/New York area and communities. How does this disease spread and what questions should parents ask when it comes to vaccinations for their children? We get the facts and learn more in a panel discussion with pediatrician, Amy Peardon, M.D., Julia A. Piwoz, M.D., FAAP, Chief, Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and Jerry M. Zuckerman, M.D., Vice President of Infection Prevention & Control, Hackensack Meridian Health.