Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health

Seeing blood in your stool can be stressful. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Gastroenterologist Dr. Lucy Joo joins the podcast to explain the possible causes of bloody stool, from hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Dr. Joo breaks down how lifestyle habits, such as prolonged phone use in the bathroom, can impact gut health and contribute to issues like hemorrhoids. Dr. Joo also shares her expert tips for improving gut health, including the importance of fiber, hydration and stress management. Resources: Bloody Stool: Is It Colon Cancer or Is It Something Else? Trust Your Gut: How Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Cancer Risk Prebiotics versus Probiotics for Gut Health: What's the Difference? How Stress Is Affecting Your Gut Health—and What You Can Do to Manage It

When it comes to improving heart health, there are simple, science-backed ways to strengthen your heart right from home, according to Dr. Matthew Delfiner, a cardiologist who specializes in advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, and pulmonary hypertension at Jefferson Health. In this episode, learn about why being sedentary is so bad for your health, how small changes, like standing more and moving throughout the day, can make a big impact and the recommended "dose" of exercise for heart health. Plus, Dr. Delfiner discusses the number one lifestyle change that can have the greatest impact on your heart health. Resources: American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 How Stress Affects the Heart + Why You Should Never Shovel Snow If You're Over 45 Years Old Cardiologist Discusses Unassuming Warning Signals From Your Heart, Heart Disease and Preventative Medicine

In this episode of the podcast, Janine Kyrillos, the director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Weight Management Program, explains why weight loss is so complex, detailing how factors like evolution, genetics and modern lifestyle challenges contribute to the struggle many people face. She also provides a comprehensive breakdown of weight loss medications, including who qualifies for these medications, what role lifestyle changes play in achieving sustainable weight loss and how to manage potential side effects. Resources: Podcast episode: Why Bariatric Surgery Might Be the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You? Intermittent Fasting Can Lead to Muscle Loss, But It Doesn't Have to – Here's Why

Dr. Dallal is an expert in bariatric surgery and the enterprise physician lead for bariatric surgery at Jefferson. In this episode, he shares his insights on why losing weight is so difficult for many people, the science behind obesity, and how bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for those struggling with weight loss. Dr. Dallal explains the physiological and environmental factors that make weight management challenging and discusses how surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy help people regain control over their health and wellbeing. Dr. Dallal also debunks common myths surrounding obesity and weight loss, sheds light on the importance of treating obesity as a disease rather than a personal failure. Tune in to learn about the different types of bariatric surgeries, recovery expectations, and how these procedures can improve quality of life, prevent serious health conditions, and even extend life expectancy. Resources: ‘I Wish I Had Done This Years Ago': Lauren's Transformative Journey With Gastric Sleeve Surgery 'I Feel Like I Have My Life Back': One Patient's Journey to Reclaiming Her Health and Happiness Through Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You?

What is this type of cancer? Will I be in pain? How is that pain going to be managed? Will I need help at home? Can I still work while being treated? What is the survival rate? These are just a few of the questions most people have after being diagnosed with cancer. Getting this diagnosis is extremely difficult, for both the person with cancer and their family and friends. Staying informed and supportive through this medical journey is critical. Where you decide to receive treatment is just as critical. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Chapman, the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and a practicing geriatric oncologist, about comprehensive cancer centers and how advanced, multidisciplinary care leads to better patient outcomes. We also connected with nurse practitioner Tintu George about a new program at Jefferson called Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care, which allows recently diagnosed patients to connect with oncology clinicians via telehealth in 48 hours or less. She discusses top questions/concerns newly diagnosed cancer patients typically ask and the variety of sources of support patients should consider, from financial counseling to support groups.   Resources: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care Empowering through Experience: A Breast Cancer Patient's Path from Diagnosis to Advocacy

In this episode, infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo returns to the podcast to provide essential updates on the latest COVID-19 booster. As we move into the fall season, Dr. Zurlo shares crucial information about whether you should consider getting the updated COVID booster and how to time your flu shot this year for maximum protection. Dr. Zurlo also offers a reminder on what to do if you test positive for COVID, including common symptoms and treatment options. Plus, he provides an update on long COVID, including what symptoms to look out for and how to best advocate for yourself if you think you might have it. Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one million women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in the United States experience menopause each year. Yet, understanding its symptoms and treatment pathways remains a mystery for many. “For every woman, it's an individual journey,” explains Dr. Robyn Faye, a gynecologist and a certified menopause practitioner through the Menopause Society. “I think some women think that their journey is going to be really easy and they're shocked at how difficult it can be. For some women, it's only going to be some hot flashes and some night sweats. For some women, it's just going to be the period is going to change and it's going to stop. And for some women, it's going to be over a hundred different symptoms.” Dr. Faye joins the podcast to provide a comprehensive overview of menopause. She discusses the different stages, symptoms, and treatment options, emphasizing the unique experiences of each woman. Dr. Faye also highlights the importance of open communication and finding support during this transitional period.   Resources: Jefferson Health Wellness Webinar: Let's Talk About Menopause Women's Health Initiative Study: The Women's Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Trials: Update and Overview of Health Outcomes During the Intervention and Post-Stopping Phases Additional Reading: The Truth About Menopause: Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Our miniseries on how stress affects the body concludes with a focus on gut health. In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Cuckoo Choudhary shares the ways stress shapes our digestive system and how it can affect gastrointestinal motility, sensitivity, gut microbiome and more.  Dr. Choudhary also discusses symptoms of stress-related GI issues and shares how some chronic GI disorders can be triggered or aggravated by stress in genetically predisposed individuals. We also talk about ways to maintain a healthy gut, including diet tips and stress techniques.     Resources:   Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Heart Episode (1/3)  Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Nervous System Episode (2/3)  Making Healthy Food Choices: How to Read the Nutrition Facts Label  How to Recognize the Signs of and Prevent Burnout  Podcast: Dietitian Reviews TikTok Nutrition Trends, Diets and More  Podcast: Gastroenterologist Takes on Questions About Gut Health, Celiac Disease, Colonoscopies and More  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

Welcome to part two of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Zhikui Wei discusses how stress specifically impacts how the nervous system functions, including the brain.      Dr. Wei explains the distinction between acute and chronic stress responses, delving into how both types of stress affect the brain's neurotransmitters, tissue remodeling in the brain, and overall mental health. He also offers insights on recognizing symptoms of stress and shares tips for managing stress, including the mindfulness practice he uses to reduce stress in his life.  Resources:  Top Sleep Mistakes and How to Get Better Sleep  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

Welcome to part one of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, interventional cardiologist Dr. David Fischman discusses how stress specifically impacts heart health. Dr. Fischman discusses the differences between acute and chronic stress on the heart and why taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Learn about broken heart syndrome and the symptoms of heart disease, plus, his tips on stress management. Resources: Cardiac Widow TikTok Free “How Healthy Is Your Heart” Assessment Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Navigating the world of diets and nutrition is no easy task, especially as new diets and trends fight for your attention on social media channels like TikTok and Instagram.   If you've ever wondered if the Keto Diet might be for you, if intermittent fasting could bring you to your weight loss goals, if juicing could help boost your nutritional intake and detox your body, or what exactly “girl dinner” means and how to make one, this episode featuring registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist Sara Hoffman is for you.   Sara breaks down diets and trends into three categories: trends to leave behind in 2023, those to approach with caution, and those that get a gold-star from Sara. Here are the trends and the minute-mark in which they are discussed:  Trends to leave behind in 2023:  Keto Diet: 2:05  Juicing: 8:25  Metabolism boosters: 12:00  Trends to approach with caution:  Meal replacement shakes/shake-based diets: 15:45  Plant-based diet: 18:25  Protein-packed foods and snacks: 23:05  Hydration boosters/WaterTok: 25:50  Weight loss medications: 28:10  Intermittent fasting: 33:35  Dietitian-approved trends:  “Girl Dinner”: 39:44  Adult Snack Box: 42:43  Mediterranean Diet: 44:35  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

If you've experienced any history of cardiac disease or have an established cardiac diagnosis, you're likely already regularly seeing a cardiologist. But what if you haven't? At what point should a cardiologist be a part of your healthcare team?  Cardiologist, Dr. Darius Farzad joins this podcast to answer this question and more. We discuss everything from how your lifestyle could be helping or hurting your heart health, the causes of heart disease, how to manage high cholesterol and the unassuming symptoms you need to be aware of that could be distress signals from your heart.  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

Infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo returns to the podcast to offer the latest information on COVID-19, including pertinent information on the new boosters and the state of our herd immunity. He also weighs in on who should consider wearing face masks as we see an uptick in COVID cases again this fall.   Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Gastroenterologist Dr. David Kastenberg says there's a reason the stomach is referred to as a “second brain.” There are more neurons in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract than there are in the brain. So, if you ever have a “gut feeling” something is wrong, about your health or in your day-to-day life, there's good reason to listen. There's also good reason to listen to this episode, dedicated to GI health. In this episode, Dr. Kastenberg discusses food sensitivities and intolerances, the FODMAP diet, probiotics and prebiotics, common GI disorders and alarming symptoms that you should never ignore. Plus, he offers his perspective on colonoscopy prep and breaks down everything you need to know about colon cancer, including why it's on the rise in younger patient demographics and what symptoms might lead your GI provider to recommend a screening. Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

In this episode, primary care physicians Drs. Tito Mantilla and Arun Thomas share the top questions their patients are bringing to their appointments. They offer their thoughts on weight loss medications, the importance of preventative screenings, managing chronic disease, when is the right time to start anxiety medications and more.   Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

In this episode, Dr. Martha Simmons, a family medicine doctor, offers an inclusive, judgment-free overview of the current landscape of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including why the rate of STI infection is on the rise and the best ways to protect yourself, including screening and vaccination. STIs are also commonly called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Dr. Simmons breaks down why infection is a more accurate term and discusses the stigma STIs have in our society.   Resources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC)  Planned Parenthood  City of Philadelphia – Department of Public Health  Living Well  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

The Health Nexus Podcast is now the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health. We may have a new name and look but we're delivering the same great interviews with Jefferson's experts to help support your mental and physical wellbeing.   In this episode, sleep medicine specialist Dr. Ritu Grewal breaks down sleep mistakes you could be making and ways to get more restorative rest, starting with a solid nighttime sleep routine. While everyday life stressors can cause a bad night of sleep every now and then, Dr. Grewal talks about signs of sleep disorders and what to expect at a sleep evaluation. She also reveals the best way to evaluate the quality of your sleep—and it's not from the stats you see on your  sleep tracker.   Happy listening and sweet dreams.   For more content on sleep and other health-related topics, visit the Living Well blog.   Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Whether or not you are diagnosed with a pulmonary disease, like asthma or COPD,  winter months can be tough on the lungs. Cold air can irritate the lung's airways, which can cause coughing, wheezing or a constricting feeling when breathing. The good news? There are ways to mitigate these symptoms to better protect your lungs. Enter pulmonologist Dr. Jessica Most. In this episode, Dr. Most offers her expert recommendations on how to best protect your lungs this winter, whether you are fighting the elements outside or staying cozy inside. Plus, she weighs in on the trend of taping your mouth closed while sleeping to encourage nostril breathing. Resources: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

Clinical psychologist Dr. Virginia O'Hayer works with people who experience feelings intensely and helps guide them through crisis. These days, she's dedicated and passionate about reaching those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to help them heal and have coping strategies to forge ahead with purpose and intention.  In this episode, she validates the losses we experienced collectively, including grieving the loss of loved ones and even the loss of our sense of self or purpose. Why is moving past these losses so difficult? Dr. O'Hayer addresses this and offers tools and strategies to help us come back to center, like loving kindness meditations, Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy and the power of journaling. You might want to keep a journal close for this episode.   Resources: Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy What to Expect From Your First Session with a Therapist Red Flags a Therapist Isn't Right For You Health Nexus Podcast: Anxiety and What to Know Before Starting Medication Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Some might not consider walking to be a legitimate form of exercise. Dr. Christine Marschilok, a sports medicine specialist, is not one of those people. In this episode, hear about the many health benefits, both physical and mental, associated with a short stroll every day. Dr. Marschilok discusses the recent report conducted by Harvard Medical School which analyzed data on the health benefits of walking and concluded walking just 21 minutes per day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 30%.   Dr. Marschilok also discusses the “Hot Girl Walk” a fitness trend made viral on TikTok and created by Mia Lind. The concept is accessible and simple - walk every day, focus on your goals, feelings of gratitude and positive self-image.   This episode was recorded live in Washington Square Park in Philadelphia and just happens to be 21 minutes long. We're challenging you to lace up your sneakers and listen to this episode while getting your own walk in!   Resources: The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout The Health Nexus Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean  

There's the normal day-to-day fleeting anxieties that affect everyone—from meeting someone for a first date to the anticipation of giving a big presentation. Then, there's anxiety that feels ever-present. Moments of anxiety are normal. Long-term anxiety affecting your quality of life isn't and coping with it isn't something anyone has to do alone. In this episode, meet adult psychiatrist Dr. Tal Weinberger, who both normalizes the anxiety we all feel from to time and explains when it might be time to start an anti-anxiety medication. Tune in for everything you need to know, from who to discuss anxiety and medication with, what lifestyle changes may happen when starting medication and how long people typically stay on these medications. For more stories on supporting mental health, visit TheHealthNexus.org: - Recognizing Signs of Depression and When It May Be Time to Start Medication - How to Recognize and Support Someone Who Feels Hopeless - Red Flags a Therapist Isn't Right for You - How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist - What to Expect Your First Session with a Therapist Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean

Infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo joins The Health Nexus Podcast once again to provide the latest information on COVID-19, including how he would time getting the Omicron BA.5 bivalent vaccine and the flu shot if you're trying to avoid feeling potentially crummy. Also on the docket of topics: masking recommendations this flu season, whether we'll see a surge this fall/winter and much more on that new bivalent vaccine. We also get an update on the monkeypox virus affecting our region and Dr. Zurlo breaks down the recent polio outbreak. A top recommendation? Be sure your vaccine records are up to date. On COVID Is COVID-19 over? –  01:13 Is anyone still a COVID virgin? –  03:30 On bivalent COVID-19 vaccines – 04:18 Why you need the primary COVID vaccine –  05:10 Who is eligible for this booster? – 06:06 Was the bivalent booster tested on humans? – 06:35 What is the best time to get the booster? – 08:22 How long does immunity last? – 09:11 Do you need the booster if you already got the Omicron variant of COVID? – 10:03 Should we get the COVID booster and flu shot together? – 11:01 How long until immunity from the booster kicks in? –  11:46 Will we face a COVID surge this fall/winter? – 12:02 Tips on spacing out COVID booster and flu shot – 12:46 Should we be masking up this flu season? – 13:27 On Monkeypox Update on outbreak affecting the region – 15:26 Who should receive the monkeypox vaccine? (And its side effects) – 18:15 Best ways to protect yourself and community – 19:43 On Polio Dr. Zurlo on the recent polio outbreak and what caused it – 20:18 History of polio – 21:28 Getting the polio vaccine and if it's harmful to get it twice – 24:32 Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean For more stories on COVID-19 and more, visit TheHealthNexus.org

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prejudice, xenophobia and racism toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities has surged. In this conversation, meet Dr. Xiao Chi Zhang, an emergency medicine physician and Chinese American, who shares the hateful words that people have yelled out to him on the street, and what happened when one day words escalated to physical assault. He talks about the confusion of being targeted because of what he looks like and shares how his scrubs sometimes felt like a shield that could protect him from this violence. [Editor's Note: To read Dr. Zhang's essay “Wearing Scrubs Like a Shield,” click here. Don't miss the audio player at the top of the essay if you'd like to hear Dr. Zhang read it in his own voice.] Sara Campbell also joins the conversation. She is the Associate Vice President of the Presidential & Leadership Advisory Councils at Jefferson's Office of Institutional Advancement and shares her unique experience as a Korean American woman who was adopted by a white family with her two brothers when she was eight years old. Campbell explains in what ways she gave up her Korean identity to better fit into a predominately white community and how she's still finding and reconnecting with her ethnic roots today. To better understand the trauma of racism, especially during the stress of the pandemic, Dr. Deanna Nobleza, a psychiatrist at Jefferson, joins the episode. She validates the unique experiences of the AAPI community—she herself is Filipino American—and stresses the importance of finding safe sources of support and practicing self-care, now more than ever. Resources: NAMI | National Alliance on Mental Illness Jefferson Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn Full show transcript on The Health Nexus Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be a disease you may not know about, or even know you have, and it is predicted to be the number one indicator of the need for liver transplant in the next few years. In this episode, we connect with transplant hepatologist Dr. Dina Halegoua-DeMarzio, dedicated to trying to prevent patients from needing a liver transplant because of fatty liver disease. She breaks down what causes it, symptoms (or sometimes lack of symptoms), risk factors and what makes this disease so complicated to diagnose. We also connect with her patient, Karl Burrows, who shares his personal journey after being diagnosed with fatty liver disease in the 1980s. He shares how he was able to keep the disease at bay for more than 20 years before his health took a turn in 2018 and how he's working with Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio to stay well through lifestyle choices.  For more from Dr. Dina Halegoua-DeMarzio and Burrows, click here. Listen and subscribe to The Health Nexus Podcast on podcast players: Spotify Apple Podcasts Podbean

It's been over a month since Russian invaded Ukraine. For Dr. Alex Hajduczok, a first year cardiologist fellow at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, the war felt at first inconceivable and then it felt impossible to follow from the sidelines. In this episode, he tells us about traveling to Medyka, Poland, a town just on the Polish/Ukrainian border, to provide medical care to the thousands of Ukrainian refugees arriving there each day. The nine days he spent at the pop-up medical tent changed his life and will forever impact his life's work as a cardiologist. To read more about Dr. Hajduczok's trip, plus see photos and videos, visit TheHealthNexus.org   Follow Jefferson on social media: @JeffersonHealth  on Instagram @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHospital on Facebook Follow Dr. Alex Hajduczok on Twitter @AHajudczok   The Health Nexus Podcast is powered by Jefferson Health. Jessica Lopez and Carly Williams are our co-hosts and producers. Our team includes Dan Bernstein and Barbara Henderson. Additional support for this episode provided by Patrick Monaghan.

When it comes to COVID, we've seen our fair share of progress and set-backs over the last two years. This episode, we hear from Chief of Infectious Disease, Dr. John Zurlo on the what life will look like from here. He comments on recent changes to masking restrictions, timelines for vaccinations for young children, the challenges we face in declaring an “end” to the pandemic.   For more on COVID and other articles for maintaining a healthy life, visit TheHealthNexus.org   Follow Jefferson on social media: @JeffersonHealth IG @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

The nation is experiencing a shortage of blood products. There's been decline in the number of people donating blood and a drop in blood drives. The result is doctors being forced to make tough decisions about who receives transfusions and who will need to wait until more products are available.   Experts from Jefferson and the American Red Cross address myths behind donating blood, explain how blood is used regularly in the hospital setting, and detail what you can do to help in this time of crisis.   To schedule a donation through Jefferson call 215-955-7791 or click here. To schedule a donation through the American Red Cross, click here.   Visit The Health Nexus for more information from our experts.    @JeffersonHealth IG @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

Bariatric surgeon Dr. Candice Chipman notes that 60 percent of the country is obese, yet only 2 percent are seeking help from a bariatric surgeon when other weight loss methods fail. A misconception about the reason to seek bariatric surgery could be the culprit. She explains the various benefits to this type of surgery and why it isn't simply about physical appearance.   Then, registered dietician Alexandra Agasar offers tips that you can implement into your life today to manage a healthy weight year round.   Read more on The Health Nexus about how you can manage your weight during holidays, celebrations and year round and snack on a dietician's tips on how to create long-lasting resolutions for a healthier you.   Looking to connect with the Jefferson Health Comprehensive Weight Management Center? Learn more here   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

The Omicron variant is by far the most dominant of the COVID virus strains in our region at this time. Dr. John Zurlo, Chief of Infectious Diseases updates us on what we're seeing in the hospitals, new monoclonal antibody therapies Sotrovimab and Evusheld, and the accuracy of at-home tests. Plus, he addresses whether the United States will follow in the footsteps of Germany and Israel and expedite an additional booster. Be sure to check out The Health Nexus for additional content on COVID like an update on boosters, floosters, and the omicron variant.   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook    

Coming out and living authentically is an important part of life, but it isn't always easy. Falling into unhealthy coping mechanisms is a risk as there is worry of family and friends not being supportive of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. Behavior Health Specialist Christopher Huff, LCSW, LCDAC and dietitian Sarah Spinner, RDN, discuss how you can manage the stressors associated with coming out to your loved ones. They discuss how to address negative comments, how to maintain a healthy diet to reduce stress, and how to be an ally to others.  For the full article with more from Huff and Spinner, visit TheHealthNexus.org Be sure to check out The Health Nexus for additional content for the LGBTQ+ community like Four Jefferson Coming Out Stories and Tips and Tools for Supporting LGBTQ+ Family and Friends.   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

Groups of family and friends are making plans to spend the holidays together. For some, it may be the first time together since the beginning of the pandemic. Vaccinations offer protection from COVID, but it's important to remember that the virus has not been eradicated. Dr. Efrat Kean, an Emergency Medicine physician, provides questions to consider to evaluate your personal risk before making holiday plans and offers five strategies to minimize risk as much as possible.   Visit The Health Nexus to read an article on the full interview with Dr. Keane. and an update with our experts on the booster shot and the Omicron variant.   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

The holidays are upon us and millions of Americans will be missing a loved one at the family gathering this year. Jefferson's Safe Harbor program helps families manage their grief together with helpful activities, support groups, and resources. In this episode, coordinators of the program talk about things a grieving family can do around the holidays to honor their lost loved one. They share three Cs that are valuable to coping with grief: choice, communication, and compromise.   Visit Safe Harbor's website for a list of books on grief, answers to frequently asked questions by children about their grief, and more.   Read Ashley Jefferson's full article on the Safe Harbor program for more from today's interview, including how you can support others who are grieving, too.   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook

Dietician Recommends Pumpkin All Year Round  Did you know that some of your favorite fall treats may not contain real pumpkin at all? Dr. Cheryl Marco discusses the incredible nutritional value of the real deal. Pumpkins, their seeds and pulp are rich in vitamins and minerals and are among the best-known sources of beta carotene.     COVID Update  Dr. John Zurlo gives an update on the state of the virus. Data is showing that the vaccines developed for the virus have just as much efficacy against the variants as they do against the original virus. And while it's important that antibodies produced from natural and vaccine-induced immunity can help defend our bodies against the virus, they won't necessarily completely prevent future illness or stop the spread of COVID-19.   MORE INFO:  How Effective Are the Vaccines Against the Variant, Should We Get Booster  What to Expect For Booster Shots This Fall    How to Give Yourself a Self-Breast Exam and When to Start Screening  Self-breast exams are important in the detection of breast cancer and should be started between the ages of 25 and 30. Learn how to appropriately perform a self-exam, and what imaging is needed if pursuing medical help.  MORE INFO:  Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer  What I Wish People Knew About Surviving Breast Cancer  Best Diet For Better Breast Cancer Outcomes  10 Things Everyone Should Know About Mammograms    Midwifery on the Rise in the US, Jefferson Health Expanding Services  For a practice that has been around for centuries, there are still many questions and myths surrounding midwifery. Jefferson midwives bust common myths like that midwives don't have formal training, you can't use pain medicine under the care of a midwife, and more.  MORE INFO:  Is a Midwife Right For You?    Follow Jefferson Health:  @TJUHospital on Twitter  @JeffersonHealth on Instagram  @JeffersonHospital on Facebook 

With information about COVID-19 continuing to rapidly change, we kick off the new season of The Health Nexus Podcast by checking in with the Chair of the COVID-19 Task Force, Dr. John Zurlo. He weighs in on emerging variants, return to school, booster shots, and more.   Since the time of recording, guidance has been released by the FDA recommending a booster shot for adults over the age of 65 years. The agency will likely issue a final decision shortly.   For more information on managing COVID for yourself and your family, visit TheHealthNexus.org. You'll find personal stories from patients dealing with Long Haul COVID and tips from pediatricians on keeping your children safe as they go back to school.   Follow Jefferson Health: @TJUHospital on Twitter @JeffersonHealth on Instagram @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

The term Long COVID, also known as Long-Haul COVID, has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for post-COVID conditions and symptoms affecting patients for multiple weeks after their initial infections. Patients experience a string of strange symptoms like brain fog, rashes and weight loss. Newly released guidance from the Biden Administration now categorizes "long COVID" as a physical or mental impairment, entitling qualified individuals with the illness to discrimination protections under the American Disabilities Act.   In a quest to find answers, many patients have turned to social media to figure out what is happening to their bodies. In this episode, three women discuss their symptoms, their discovery that it's COVID-related, and how vitamin C infusions, food elimination and other alternative practices are bringing hope to their otherwise hopeless journey. For more information on integrative medicine to treat long COVID, check out Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. Read more from our experts on Long COVID and learn about Jefferson's involvement in a CDC study on the condition. Plus, hear more from one of the women featured in the episode, Alexandra Hackett.    Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

Restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID are easing up and vaccines are effective, but the virus is still a risk. Before you head out to enjoy common summer activities, make sure you understand any associated risks for COVID for you and your family. Infectious disease physician Dr. Mark Fussa and family medicine physician Dr. Karen Dong discuss how you can assess your personal risk and evaluate certain activities like dining and travel. Also, pediatrician Dr. Vanessa Carlo gives the outlook for children and teens and what parents can do to prepare for vaccine distribution in younger age groups. Read more on The Health Nexus about how you can stay safe this summer and also how to cope with social anxiety as COVID restrictions are lifted.

COVID often presents itself with an unusual symptom-- the loss of taste and smell, also known as anosmia. Americans have taken to quirky remedies found on social media to try to regain their senses. But no need to continue scrolling. Otolaryngologist Dr. David Rosen from Jefferson Health shares ways you can bring back your smell and taste with at-home and over-the-counter treatments, and also discusses a new clinical trial. If you're interested in learning more about the clinical trial, please call 215-955-6760. Read more from Dr. Rosen on The Health Nexus. And check out other articles on how the pandemic is affecting our bodies and when to schedule a mammogram after receiving your COVID vaccine. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.  

The last year has often felt like a never-ending one. It's as if the year 2020 was just one long month of March. And here we are, a year later, with tremendous social and economic upheaval, and a virus that continues to devastate across the world. Amid the chaos, though, there has been so much creativity.  In this episode, we meet four individuals who brought especially creative projects to Jefferson Health, including artists who discovered new talents and patients who gave back to their care teams in creative ways. For more stories about our lives in the pandemic, including a multimedia-rich oral history of the past year, visit TheHealthNexus.org. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

It has been a stressful year in America with the threat and the impact of the coronavirus still very real in our everyday lives. All of that stress could be affecting your physical and mental health in ways you wouldn't expect-- and you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Beth Schwartz and Dr. Paul Chung, a gynecologist and urologist respectively, discuss how the stress of a pandemic is affecting men and women and what each can do to address their physical and mental health. Check out more on The Health Nexus for how COVID could be affecting your period, and how understanding the activity in your brain can help with stress. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

In this episode, we compare and contrast symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and allergies with the coronavirus. Hear from various experts at Jefferson Health on how you can identify your symptoms and what you can do to treat each. Plus, get insight on what this upcoming flu season could look like as it intersects with the coronavirus. Check out more on The Health Nexus, like what you should know about colds vs. the coronavirus, how to determine if it's seasonal allergies or the coronavirus, and insights from our expert on an impending "twindemic." Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

In a time when racial tensions are high, many are focusing on how America can create a more equitable and inclusive society. This episode of The Health Nexus Podcast explores what various industries like health care, academics, and the corporate world need to do to promote equality. Hear from Jefferson's Chief Diversity Officer Lisette Martinez, clinical nurse advocate Tiffany Gibson, and PhD student Lebaron Agostini on their personal experiences and recommendations. Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on diversity and inclusion, like how therapy can address racism, coping with racial trauma, and four staff members who share their coming out stories. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital on Facebook.

Alan Phillips, a patient from Jefferson Health in New Jersey, knew his cancer care couldn't wait for the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Masked, sanitized, and ready to go, he continued his chemotherapy treatments during a time when many patients chose to avoid the hospital setting for fear of the coronavirus. Alan says he felt safer in the hospital than he did in most places in the community. His treating physician, Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, medical oncologist from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, said this continuation of care could mean a world of difference in his outcome.    The National Cancer Institute forecasts 10,000 additional deaths from breast and colorectal cancer over the next 10 years due to failure in receiving care. Hear more from Alan on what his experience was like and why it's important to seek the necessary medical care you need, even during this time of uncertainty.   Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on the coronavirus, like a patient's guide to going to the doctor during the pandemic and a story from a Jefferson patient who had surgery for thyroid cancer during the coronavirus.   Also, read an article with insight from Dr. Ana Maria Lopez. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital Facebook.

Jefferson Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Anna Marie Chang became sick with the coronavirus in mid-March 2020. In this episode, she tells the story of her symptoms worsening, the isolation of the hospital room as a patient, and using her experience to rally efforts toward convalescent plasma donation.   Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on the coronavirus, like a patient's guide to telemedicine during the pandemic and information about plasma donations from coronavirus survivors at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Blood Donor Center. Also, read the commentary from Dr. Chang about her experience.   Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital Facebook.

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone. Our societal norms of interacting with each other are being interrupted and our daily schedules are upended. Dr. Bruce Meyer, President of Jefferson Health, talks about how kindness and compassion, hand-washing and sanitizing, and self-care are all key in making sure we work together as a society to fight this. He addresses social distancing (why do we need it?) and flattening the curve (what is this curve and why does it need to be flat?).    Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more stories on the coronavirus, like how telemedicine is playing a big role, how the mobile testing sites work, and more information about the importance of flattening the curve.   Also, read more from Dr. Meyer. He and other experts from Jefferson Health answer more questions about the coronavirus and offer a call to action for Philadelphia.   Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter and @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and Facebook.

Drs. Sallie Cho and Paulina Gorodin-Kiliddar join Jefferson Cardiology after their practice at Drexel Medicine closed as a result of the nearby Hahnemann University Hospital closure. They recount the emotional toll the closure took on each of them as well as their patients. Hear what's next for them at Jefferson and their tips for a healthy heart. Read the commentary on The Health Nexus co-written by Drs. Cho and Gorodin for more on their story:https://thehealthnexus.org/mending-broken-hearts/ For more stories from The Health Nexus on the impact of the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital: https://thehealthnexus.org/tag/hahnemann/ Visit TheHealthNexus.org for more articles on cardiovascular and heart health articles. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter and @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and Facebook.

If you're not in the health care industry, it may come as a surprise to learn that patient-facing staff can encounter violence in the workplace. This episode tells the story of one nurse's frightening experience and what Jefferson and Strongline are doing to create a safer environment for health care workers.

This episode of The Health Nexus Podcast highlights someone who is key to Jefferson's future: Jefferson Health President Dr. Bruce Meyer. Hear about his big ideas… and his big family.

There are 21,000 babies born in Philadelphia every year. With the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital, many mothers would turn to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for their deliveries. The support and love felt strongly throughout the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department helped brace them for the increase in patients.

When Hahnemann University Hospital announced its closure in the summer of 2019, many post-graduate trainees in their residencies and fellowships were left questioning their futures. One psychiatry fellow, Dr. Adam Sagot, tells the story of how he landed at Jefferson.

Located only one mile away from Hahnemann University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia saw an uptick in patients when Hahnemann closed the doors to its emergency room in the summer of 2019 as part of its overall closure. Hear from hospital president Rich Webster and staff members from the department on what that experience was like.