Check-up Chat with EvergreenHealth: Recent Episodes
EvergreenHealth
Check-up Chat is a podcast featuring EvergreenHealth doctors, providers and professionals discussing a spectrum of health and wellness topics that are important to you. Check out Check-up Chat to enrich your life.
Dr. Ehsaan Akhtar and our host unpack the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults, what the research suggests, and what patients should watch for. Learn about risk factors like diet and sedentary lifestyle, common colorectal cancer symptoms, and practical screening advice for hospitals and clinicians to share with patients.
Learn more about Ehsaan Akhtar, MD
This episode walks parents through the most important steps to prepare kids for school sports and why summer conditioning and proper evaluation can reduce injuries. Dr. Ronald Gregush, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, explains when to get a sports physical and how preseason conditioning lowers risk. Learn practical tips for preventing ACL tears, spotting stress fractures, and handling ankle sprains in youth sports. For more resources and to schedule an evaluation, visit evergreenhealth.com and subscribe to Check-Up Chat.
Learn more about Dr. Ronald Gregush
This episode of Check-Up Chat highlights recent advances in breast cancer treatment that have led to less-invasive treatments, lower need for extensive surgery and better outcomes. Drs. Analisa Armstrong and Marion Johnson discuss these new treatment options, improved reconstruction techniques, and why early detection via screening mammograms remains critical.
Learn more about Marion Johnson, MD
Learn more about Analisa Armstrong, MD
Probiotic and prebiotic sodas have taken our grocery store beverage aisles by storm. But are they really a good source Registered dietitian Amy Reuter, MS, RDN, uncovers whether the trendy pre- and probiotic sodas actually deliver on their promises of enhanced gut health and weight loss. Discover how these beverages stack up against traditional foods rich in prebiotics, probiotics and fiber, and learn how they might fit into a healthy diet. Don't miss out on vital insights into gut health! For more information, visit our website at evergreenhealth.com.
On November 3, 2025, the EvergreenHealth neurosciences division completed its expansion to the Monroe location and began seeing patients. Monroe-area community members can expect the same level of care they've experienced in Kirkland, now at a more convenient location closer to home. Join us as we discuss this expansion of care access with Dr. Daniel Burdick, a movement disorders and Parkinson's specialist at EvergreenHealth, and how it puts our mission to deliver patient-centered care for our community into action.
Learn more about Daniel Burdick, MD
In 2021, EvergreenHealth became the first health center in the Pacific Northwest to offer a novel chronic low back pain treatment called Intracept. The minimally-invasive procedure targets a specific nerve inside vertebrae three, four or five, permanently deactivating it. And the results are promising – “Most patients can expect about fifty percent relief,” said Dr. Yung J. Lee, DO, a specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at EvergreenHealth. Listen to Dr. Lee discuss the benefits of the Intracept procedure and the relief he believes it could offer to the millions of Americans experiencing low back pain.
Learn more about Yung Lee, DO
Join Dr. Zainab Alnoor as she empowers women with vital knowledge on ovarian health, covering cancer risks, symptoms, screening, and when to be concerned about cysts. Awareness starts here.
Dr. Semonti Hossain explains PCOS symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and fertility impact.
Learn more about Semonti Hossain, MD
Galit Almosnino, MD, from EvergreenHealth ENT + Head & Neck Surgical Care unpacks everything you should know about your sinuses but probably don’t. From understanding what sinuses actually do, to spotting the signs that it’s time to ditch the decongestants and see a specialist, we’re covering it all. You’ll learn about the most common sinus conditions, why they flare up, and the one piece of advice our expert wishes everyone followed. Whether you’re a chronic sufferer or just sinus-curious, this episode will help you breathe a little easier.
Learn more about Galit Almosnino, MD
Join Dr. Maheen Fallah and Dr. Lauren Swords from EvergreenHealth OB/GYN as they delve into the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing primary cesarean sections. They discuss the unintended consequences for both mothers and babies, the associated neonatal risks, and the benefits of vaginal delivery. This insightful conversation aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding childbirth choices and their far-reaching impacts.
Living with A New Shoulder: The Benefits of a Total Joint Replacement with Dr. Michael Codsi.
There has been a lot of buzz on TV or online about celebrities using weight loss drugs. We’re here with Dr. Sonia Hans, MD, FACE, board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Obesity medicine physician, to discuss when would be the appropriate time to add these medications to your weight loss journey.
Brian Dial, MD, spine surgeon with EvergreenHealth Spine, Back & Neck Care discusses spinal conditions that may require surgery as well as clear up any misconceptions and fear around the procedure.
Dr. Brian Dial, surgeon at EvergreenHealth Spine Back & Neck Care, discusses adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the specialized treatment options available at EvergreenHealth.
Yoon Hee Chang, MD, physician at EvergreenHealth Sleep Disorders care discusses lifestyle and medical reasons you could be lacking sleep and treatment options available.
In the last part of the “questions you should never be embarrassed to ask your OBGYN,” three-part series. On today’s episode, we’re discussing bodily functions, including breakthrough bleeding, bumps, discharge, and odors.
Erin Kendall, PA-C joins us for part two of “questions you should never be embarrassed to ask your OBGYN.” On today's episode, we’re discussing sexual health, including birth control, STI’s and pain with intercourse.
It’s no surprise that medical treatments have advanced over the last 100 – or even 50 years. It’s incredible what we are able to accomplish now! We’re here with Dr. Ryder Gwinn and Idil Baysal from EvergreenHealth Neurosurgery, part of the Eastside Neuroscience Institute, to discuss an advanced neurosurgical procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy (other than skin cancer) diagnosed in men. There are several successful treatment options available for prostate cancer, but today we’re discussing the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) with Dr. Marco Salazar from EvergreenHealth Urology Care.
Similar to other cancer types, detecting cervical cancer at an early stage makes successful treatment and your best possible outcome more likely. To discuss the importance of these screening measures, were here with Rachel Chesley, Family Nurse Practitioner at EvergreenHealth Primary Care Sultan.
Learn more about Rachel Chesley, ARNP, DNP
Early detection of colon cancer allows you and your care more effective treatment options. One way to detect for colon cancer is through a colonoscopy. Dr. Jeremiah Pamer discusses the risks for colon cancer and when you should get screened.
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! Whether you go with an OB/GYN, Doula or Midwife, you should be comfortable with who you choose for your care. Suzanna Avery, CNM with EvergreenHealth Midwifery Care, to joins Check-Up Chat to clarify the differences between prenatal care providers.
Dr. Joel Weber discusses the latest advancements in robotic assisted joint replacement.
Dr. Katelin Brooks and Dr. Shilpa Korah discusses Lipid Management and how it can help lower your cholesterol.
While a visit with your OB/GYN can be awkward for some women, especially if you have questions regarding your vaginal health, it is a necessary step to ensure you’re getting the answers you need. Erin Kendall, PA-C from EvergreenHealth OB/GYN, shares what questions you shouldn’t be embarrassed to ask your OB/GYN.
Dr. Heidi Gray & Dr. Kathryn Pennington discuss the Comprehensive Gynecology Oncology Care at EvergreenHealth.
If you’re planning to welcome a second child into your family, but finding it difficult to get pregnant, you may be experiencing secondary infertility, a condition that affects millions of parents. Dr. Alnoor, a certified OB/GYN physician at EvergreenHealth discusses secondary infertility and its causes.
Dr. Rohan Hattiangadi shares his insight on endometriosis and everything women need to know.
Dr. Avi Goodman discusses thumb arthritis and best way to relieve the pain that comes with it.
Dr. Alicia Stone-Zipse discusses contraception and how to choose the right birth control for you.
Dr.'s Nicolas Jonas, Emily Fan, Ryder Gwinn share their insight on Epilepsy and the type of comprehensive care given at Eastside Neuroscience Institute.
Dr. Jessica Dai shares her insight on different prostate conditions and comprehensive treatments.
Top experts from Overlake Medical Center and EvergreenHealth come together at the Eastside Neuroscience Institute to provide world-class care for the surgical management of tumors involving the brain and spine.
Dr. Jessica Dai, a Physician at EvergreenHealth Urology Care, joins us to discuss all things Kidney Stones.
Dr. John Manning, a Surgeon at EvergreenHealth Orthopedic & Sports Care, joins us to discuss shoulder instability- what it is, how it happens, and how to treat it.
Dr. Michael Codsi, a Surgeon at EvergreenHealth Orthopedic & Sports Care in Kirkland, WA, joins us to discuss shoulder pain- its causes, treatment options, and the recovery process.
Dr. Joseph Woodward, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Evergreen Health Orthopedic and Sports care, joins us to discuss what Dupuytren's Disease is, what the symptoms are, and what the treatment process looks like.
Dr. Jonathan Choi and Brian Dial, both neuro and spine surgeons at the Eastside Neuroscience Institue, join us today to discuss back and neck pain- the origins, the treatment, and the advancements in technology the Eastside Neuroscience Institue has started to implement in treating these issues.
Dr. Bradley Younggren, an Emergency Physician at EvergreenHealth, joins us to discuss what you can do to prevent falls and improve your strength.
Dr. David Likosky, Dr. Asif Khan, and Dr. Dustin Hayward join us to discuss the EHA Neuroscience Joint Venture- Cerebrovascular and Stroke program. A program that joins EvergreenHealth and Overlake Medical Center in providing rapid, high-quality care for patients experiencing strokes and emergency Cerebralvascular conditions. Dr. David Likosky is the Executive Medical Director at Eastside Health Alliance Neuroscience and a Physician at EvergreenHealth Neurohospitalists Services. Dr. Asif Khan is a Physician at Overlake Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Dustin Hayward is a Physician and Neurosurgeon at EvergreenHealth Neurosurgery.
Dr. Ryder Gwinn, a surgeon at EvergreenHealth Neurosurgery, and Dr. Daniel Burdick, Physician at EvergreenHealth Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center, join us to discuss the Eastside Neuroscience Institute and how it will further assist in the care of patients with Parkinson's Disease.
Rachel Chelsey, a Primary Care Provider at EvergreenHealth, gives insight on how to get kids active and interested in exercise!
Dr. Pamer, EvergreenHealth Primary Care, Redmond, provides expert tips on how to help manage your child’s screen time to support their optimal health, development and well-being.
Dr. Adam Sangeorzan, an Orthopedic Surgeon at EvergreenHealth Orthopedic & Sports Care in Kirkland and Monroe, joins us to discuss diagnosing an Achilles Tendon tear and how to treat them once diagnosed.
Dr. Poornima Ramadas summarizes the information you need to help you sleep soundly, knowing your little one is getting the rest they need with adequate naps and tips on sleep training.
Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center is conducting a study to evaluate the clinical effects, safety and tolerability of ATH-1017 in subjects with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). ATH-1017 is an experimental treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), formulated as a sterile solution for subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Rebecca Mass-Krajewski, ARNP, provider at EvergreenHealth Primary Care, joins us to discuss mental health challenges and how to take the first step to improving your mental well-being.
Dr. Oscar Gonzalez, a physician at EvergreenHealth Heart Health Center, joins us to discuss everything you need to know about Heart Murmurs.
Dr. Ettore Palazzo, the Chief Medical and Quality Officer at EvergreenHealth, discusses COVID-19 variants and how to know when to test for them.
Dr. Joseph Woodward, a wrist and hand surgeon at EvergreenHealth, joins us to discuss Carpel Tunnel. A syndrome that affects over 3 million people a year.
Most of us probably think we know what the thyroid is, where it's located, and all that it does but there's so much that we may not fully understand. Dr. Brandon Wei explores those questions as well as the differences between Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism.
Dr. Andrew Thurman, a physician at EvergreenHealth Monroe, joins us to discuss diabetes prevention and management.
Dr. Venuka Wick, M.D. of EvergreenHealth joins us to discuss the differences between traditional, holistic, and integrative approaches to medicine.
Dr. Hattiangadi of EvergreenHealth provides insight into the importance of Women's Specialty Care and Gynecology.
Leticia Hunyh, MD, a pediatrician at Evergreen Health, discusses the best practices for keeping children safe as they return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Camille Clinton explains what an ACL injury is, how it might differ in females, and treatment options.
Dr. Joel Weber discusses the symptoms, how to diagnose and treat a rotator cuff injury.
Dr. Adam Rothenberg shares information about the robotic-assisted surgery used for joint replacement.
Dr. Kevin Ostrowski explains male stress incontinence, symptoms, causes, and treatment options available.
Dr. Kevin Ostrowski explains Erectile Dysfunction (ED), symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available.
Dr. Kevin Ostrowski explains what Peyronie's Disease is, what causes it, symptoms, and when you should seek a doctor for a diagnosis.
Dr. Adam Rothenberg explains the process of a joint replacement procedure, what you should expect and how to prepare.
In this panel interview, Dr. Hope Wechkin and Dr. Laura Johnson share what palliative care is, the benefits, and how to decide if it's the right care for you.
In this panel discussion, Dr. Aileen Mickey and Dr. Mark Freeborn explain how EvergreenHealth Medical Group formed, and what its function is.
Dr. Marissa Black discusses fall prevention, home safety, and how to have the necessary conversations with your doctor.
Dr. Kevin Ostrowski explains what a vasectomy is, who would consider a vasectomy, the success rate, recovery, and if there are any risks.
Dr. Kevin Ostrowski explains what a vasectomy reversal is, why someone would consider this, and any side effects.
Dr. Adam Rothenberg shares the conditions that may lead to joint replacement, symptoms that may indicate a joint replacement is needed, how long a joint replacement lasts, and what the recovery period is like.
While life with a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, many physical and emotional changes can happen to a woman after she gives birth.
Patricia Morgan, DNP, ARNP discusses the difference between PPD and the baby blues, the signs and symptoms, and when you should seek professional help.
Dr. Ettore Palazzo shares the importance of seeking non-COVID-19 related medical attention.
Dr. David Likosky discusses what are risk-factors/who is most at risk for a stroke, lifestyle changes to make to help prevent stroke, and the signs of stroke.
Dr. Mark Freeborn discusses how the coronavirus is spread, how will flattening the curve help, and how to flatten the curve.
Dr. Bettina Paek and Dr. Angela Chien discuss what a birth plan is, how to create one, the importance of communication between the doctor and the patient, and how to establish expectations.
Dr. Jason Van Winkle reads words of encouragement from local schools for those on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
In this panel podcast, Dr. Theodore Brown and Dr. Pinky Agarwal explain what a clinical trial is, the potential benefits and risks of a clinical trial, and who would be eligible for a clinical trial.
Guy Freeman and Pat LeBaron share the different stages of grief, if you can ever prepare yourself for a loss of a loved one, and professional support available.
Dr. Tamuna Chabra explains the importance of regular breast exam. She shares at what age you should schedule your first screening, what to expect during a mammogram, and how often you should schedule this very important preventive screening.
Dr. Dustin Hayward shares the symptoms of an aneurysm, if there are any risk factors, and treatment options available.
Dr. Steven Montague shares why it's important to stay active and healthy as you age, different ways to stay motivated, the many physical and mental benefits of staying active, and how your provider can help build a plan with realistic goals.
In this panel discussion, Dr. Jinay Parveen and Jovita D'Souza, ARNP share tips on transitioning your children back to school from the Summer break.
Barbara Jensen, RN, CHEP discusses why it's important to formulate an emergency preparedness plan and tips on who and what to include in your plan.
Laurene Burton discusses what a public hospital district is, how EvergreenHealth is governed and how the board of commissioners is different from private hospitals, as well as how public hospital districts are funded.