KTBS provides local experts to answer your health questions. Get information on a wide range of medical topics with each episode.

Host Nate Fluharty welcomes Dr. James Barnes of Highland Clinic Bariatric Surgery to discuss modern weight loss treatments, including bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, and lifestyle changes. Learn who may be a candidate, the health benefits of weight loss, and how to choose the right path toward lasting results.

This HealthLine program featured Brian Rockett, Head Athletic Trainer at Willis-Knighton Health, discussing the importance of heat safety for student athletes. The conversation covered hydration strategies, heat-related illnesses, athletic safety protocols, the use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitoring, and best practices for coaches, parents, and schools to help prevent heat injuries and ensure athlete well-being during hot weather conditions.

This Healthline 3 segment featured Dr. Mark Neustadter of Willis-Knighton Ear, Nose, Throat & Hearing Center discussing common causes of allergies, nasal obstruction, and sleep apnea. The conversation explored how breathing and sleep quality affect overall health, the importance of proper diagnosis, available treatment options ranging from allergy management to CPAP therapy and Inspire implants, and practical steps patients can take to improve their breathing, sleep, and quality of life. Callers also shared personal experiences with sleep disturbances and allergy-related symptoms, highlighting the value of seeking professional evaluation and care.

This HealthLine 3 discussion featured Dr. David Hamm and Dr. Darian Payton of Red River Cardiovascular Surgeons, who provided insights into heart disease, cardiac surgery, and advances in minimally invasive treatment options. The conversation covered common heart symptoms, differences in how cardiovascular issues present in men and women, the importance of primary care and cardiology screening, family history risk factors, patient-centered treatment decisions, and the latest surgical techniques designed to improve recovery and outcomes.

Dr. Ashley Wheat of the Willis-Knighton Eye Institute explains how drooping eyelids and excess eyelid skin can interfere with vision and quality of life. Discover the signs, treatment options, recovery process, and preventive eye care strategies.

In this episode of Health Line 3, Dr. James Barnes shares expert insights on weight loss surgery, GLP-1 medications, patient success stories, and the health benefits of sustainable weight management.

Dr. Milan Modi discussed cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by pressure on the spinal cord in the neck. The discussion covered common symptoms such as balance problems, falls, hand weakness, and coordination difficulties, as well as how the condition is diagnosed with MRI imaging and treated through therapy, lifestyle modifications, or surgery when necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment were emphasized to help prevent permanent nerve damage and improve quality of life.

Dr. Ahmad Virani from WK Lung Specialists discussed lung nodules, lung cancer screening, and common respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. The discussion emphasized the importance of early detection, routine screening for at-risk patients, advances in diagnostic technology, and seeking medical evaluation for symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss. The program also highlighted smoking cessation, environmental triggers, and available treatment options that can improve lung health and patient outcomes.

Could leg pain be more than just getting older? On this episode of HealthLine 3, vascular surgeon Dr. Miles Sugar explains the warning signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), what causes plaque to build up in the arteries, and why healthy blood flow is essential. Learn about common symptoms, risk factors like smoking and high cholesterol, the latest minimally invasive treatment options, and when surgery may be necessary. Plus, Dr. Sugar answers viewer questions about low blood pressure, plaque buildup, foot pain, venous insufficiency, and improving circulation.Â

In this episode of Health Line 3, host Nate Fluharty talks with ophthalmologist Dr. David Bryan of the Willis-Knighton Eye Institute about glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Learn about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, testing methods, and treatment options available to help protect your eyesight. Plus, hear answers to common viewer questions about eye health and vision care.

Dr. Wyche Coleman and Dr. Christopher Shelby discuss cataracts, modern cataract surgery, vision correction options, and the latest advances helping patients see more clearly and live better.

Dr. Donnie Altman explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of parathyroid disorders, and why recognizing this often-overlooked condition can improve your health and quality of life.

In this episode of Health Line 3, autism specialist Michael Smith discusses Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), early diagnosis, communication challenges, neurodiversity, and the strengths individuals with autism can bring to their families and communities.

An informative discussion on obesity, weight loss surgery, medical treatments, and real patient success stories from Dr. James Barnes of Highland Clinic.

Dr. Catherine Kennedy of Brentwood Hospital joins Health Line 3 to discuss anxiety disorders, panic attacks, treatment options, and the importance of seeking help. Learn how anxiety affects daily life and discover the resources available for support and recovery.

Dr. Christopher Caldwell of Willis-Knighton Orthopedics discusses arthritis, joint pain, injury prevention, and the latest advances in hip and knee replacement surgery. Learn about treatment options, recovery expectations, and practical ways to maintain healthy joints and improve quality of life.

What is the best approach to weight loss? Healthline 3 welcomes bariatric surgeon Dr. James Barnes for a discussion on weight loss surgery, GLP-1 medications, patient success factors, and improving overall health through sustainable weight management.

In this episode of Health Line 3, cardiologist Dr. John Winterton discusses heart disease prevention, cardiovascular risk factors, cholesterol, blood pressure, and the importance of regular exercise. Learn how healthy habits, early screenings, and simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related conditions while improving your overall quality of life.

This Healthline 3 segment featured Mobility City of Shreveport and focused on helping individuals maintain independence through mobility and accessibility solutions. The discussion covered mobility scooters, wheelchairs, ramps, stairlifts, equipment repairs, battery maintenance, and personalized consultations. Emphasis was placed on finding the right solution for each person's needs, preventing falls, and improving quality of life through increased mobility and accessibility.

In this episode of Health Line 3, we focus on eye health and the latest advances in cataract treatment. Featuring Dr. Norman A. Zafatter, Jr. of Willis-Knighton Eye Institute, the discussion covers modern lens implants, improved vision options, and how procedures can reduce dependence on glasses. Listeners also hear real caller questions and expert advice on maintaining healthy vision at every stage of life.

In this episode of Health Line 3, we discuss mental health with Dr. Suresh Sabbenahalli, including how to recognize early signs of depression, the impact of stress, and ways to improve your mental well-being. We also cover resources, treatment options, and why open conversations can make all the difference.

In this episode of Health Line 3, we discuss practical ways to achieve a healthier, pain-free life with a focus on weight loss. Featuring Dr. James Barnes, the show explores medical and surgical options, answers live listener questions, and provides real-world insight into improving overall health and long-term wellness.

On this episode of Healthline 3, Nate Blanchard sits down with Dr. Jerry San Pedro to discuss how summer heat and humidity impact your lungs and overall health. From asthma and COPD to air quality and exercise, they break down why breathing gets harder in the heat—and what you can do about it.Plus, viewer call-ins cover real concerns about managing symptoms, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical help.

This Healthline 3 segment focused on improving mobility and independence through accessibility solutions. Jeff from Mobility City discussed mobility equipment, technology advancements, repair services, and personalized consultations. Live callers received guidance on common issues and home accessibility needs, highlighting a people-first approach that prioritizes practical, cost-effective solutions to enhance quality of life.

In this episode of Health Line 3, host Nate Fluharty sits down with cardiologist Dr. Keerthish C. Jaisingh to discuss heart health and prevention. From recognizing warning signs like chest pain and shortness of breath to understanding cholesterol, risk factors, and lifestyle changes, this episode provides clear, practical guidance. Featuring live caller questions, this conversation helps you take proactive steps toward a healthier, stronger heart.

In this episode of Health Line 3, we explore trauma, stress, and mental health with expert insights from Brentwood Hospital. Learn how trauma affects the mind and body, recognize warning signs, and discover healthy ways to cope, heal, and seek support.

Dr. James Barnes with Christus Highland Clinic is a Bariatric Surgeon. On HealthLine 3 he talks about what losing weight can do for you. Dr. Barnes performed surgery on Megan McGee and it was so successful that her husband Hunter decided six months later to have the same surgery.

On this Healthline 3, KTBS news anchor Shannon Brinias spoke with Dr. Syed Mehmood with Red River Cardiovascular Surgeons of Willis Knighton about various heart procedures that can be considered for patients with heart issues prior to needing heart transplantation. More information can be learned by calling 318-227-9777.Â

On this Healthline 3, KTBS news anchor Shannon Brinias interviews Dr. Kelli Coleman and Dr. Wyche Coleman III of Willis Knighton Eye Institute about cataracts and other eye issues. You can get more information by visiting wkeyeinstitute.com.Â

Shannon Brinias and Dr. Shane Barton of Willis Knighton Orthopedics & Sports Medicine talked about the importance of joint health, and the advancements and considerations when surgery becomes the only option.Â

Dr. Zibari is part of the John C. McDonald Transplant Center, and discusses liver transplantation. The liver is the largest organ, but also is unique in that if resected, it can grow back to the original size. Dr. Zibari talks about what causes Liver Lesions, and the different treatment options that are available.

Dr. Rozeman talks about how the last 10 have really advanced Cardiovascular Care, and the outcomes of Cardiovascular diseases. He says newer medicines, like the weight loss drugs have really made major improvements in health. Not only is it helping people lose weight, but it's also helping bring down the diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers. Those advances are making a big difference in extending life, keeping people out of the hospital, and the assisted living facilities. Dr. Rozeman also says with AI, he thinks the future is very bright, and even more improvements are coming.Â

Mobility City provides walkers, wheelchairs, and much more as they try to help young and old navigate movement. Whether it's an electric scooter, a walker, or a wheelchair, one size does NOT fit all, in fact, you need to be measured for a chair or a lift, and make sure the device is measured for your size. There are lots of devices and pieces of equipment that can help a person get around after a surgery, trauma, or aging. You can rent or own and Jeff talks about all of the options.

As we age, our eyesight changes. For some people items in the distance seem out of focus, for others, it's harder to read and see the letters on the computer screen, or on the page.If we live long enough, all of us will develop cataracts in our eyes. Those cataracts can make it more difficult for you to see, especially driving at night. Dr. Chrisopher Shelby, and Dr. Wyche Coleman, III can answer your questions. Why do some people develop cataracts earlier than others? What are the treatment options, and when is it time to see your doctor and have your cataracts removed? Since there are so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? These questions and more are answered by The Cataract Surgeons.

All of us experience stress in our lives, but there are times every day stress becomes an Anxiety Disorder. What are the symptoms, what causes Anxiety Disorders, and what can be done to help? Dr. Suresh Sabbenahalli from Brentwood Hospital will explain the difference between the stress we all feel, and Anxiety Disorder. Treatment options are available and Dr. Sabbenahalli will explain those as well.

Dr. James Barnes, bariatric surgeon with the Highland Clinic, joins Healthline 3 to discuss advances in bariatric surgery. Dr Barnes further discusses how the surgery and GLP-1 drugs can work together to help obese Americans reach their desired weight.

Dr. John Mays, orthopedic surgeon with Willis-Knighton Bossier Orthopedics, joins Healthline 3 to discuss advances in hip and knee replacement surgery. These advances allow some patients to return home the same day and begin walking almost immediately following the procedure.

On Healthline 3, news anchor Shannon Brinias spoke with Jeff Jarjoura of Mobility City of Shreveport, 1820 E. 70th Street, about various types of mobility scooters and features that might make them right for a client. He discussed the ways in which someone can see if a scooter is covered by their medical insurance, and why certain models might or might not be covered. For information on your mobility needs, call their showroom at (318) 399-7400 or look them up at www.shreveportla.mobilitycity.com.

Dr. Priyadarshee Patel, with Willis-Knighton Interventional and Vascular Neurology, joins Healthline 3 to discuss how to recognize and treat carotid artery disease.

Dr. Jagan Beedupalli of Willis Knighton Health joins Healthline 3 to discuss a new technology to assist in treating peripheral artery disease. Intravascular lithotripsy treats calcified artery disease by using sonic pressure waves to fracture vascular calcium. It enables better artery expansion and stent placement.

Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III with WK Eye Institute join Healthline 3 to discuss cataract treatment options and age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older.

On this Healthline 3, Dr. Kathryn Kennedy of Brentwood Hospital spoke to news anchor Shannon Brinias about PTSD, who can get it, what it means, and how it can be treated, with therapies and medications. More information can be found by going to https://www.brentwoodbehavioral.com.

Dr. James Barnes, general and bariatric surgeon with Highland Clinic, joins Healthline 3 to discuss the arrival of semaglutide in pill form, which gives patients on GLP-1 medications an option besides a weekly injection. Dr. Barnes also discusses bariatric surgery, and the population it serves.

Healthline 3's Shannon Brinias sits down with Dr. Mark Callanan of Willis Knighton at Pierremont Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to field questions about rotator cuff injuries and specific surgeries that can help bring relief. Dr. Callanan is located at 7925 Youree Drive, Suite 200 in Shreveport.

On this Healthline 3, Dr. Karen Berken of Women's Health Associates, part of Willis Knoghton, discusses issues related to pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal reconstruction. More information can be found at wkwomenshealthassociates.com.

Irena Haas-Ghattas, Catherine Schaefer, and Erica Thomas from Shed It Weight Loss and Weight Loss join Healthline 3 to discuss how GLP-1 medications help individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. Catherine Schaefer says goodbye, as she departs for maternity leave, and introduces her replacement, Erica Thomas.

Chest pain isn't the only red flag. Today we're looking at other warning signs of heart disease.

Jeff Jajoura, the owner of Mobility City, joins Healthline 3 to discuss the importance of having a professional assess your needs and equip you with the device that best suits your needs. Through their total solutions approach, they consider the person, home, how they travel, and how their needs might change over time.

Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche Coleman, the Cataract Surgeons at Willis Knighton Eye Institute, join Healthline 3 to discuss cataract and glaucoma symptoms and treatment options.

Dr. Katherine Kennedy, Psychiatrist with Brentwood Hospital of Shreveport, joins Healthline 3 to discuss services offered by Brentwood Hospital and how to identify signs of mental health disorders.

Jennifer Hable and Nicole Ortiz, Total Joint Coordinators with Willis-Knighton Health, join Healthline 3 to discuss how they work with patients to ensure they are prepared for joint replacement surgery. They also help design and implement an individualized post-surgery plan to help the patient regain mobility.