MemorialCare - Weekly Dose of Wellness!

This podcast episode explores the life-saving power of clot-busting drugs in stroke treatment and why every second counts when a stroke occurs. Dr. Patel explains how these medications work, the critical time window for their effectiveness, and the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms early to seek immediate medical care.

In the episode “The Role of Occupational Therapy in a Children's Hospital”, expert Dr. Shawna Townsend will explore the essential role of occupational therapy in children's hospitals. Listeners will discover how occupational therapists support physical, cognitive, and emotional development, collaborate with other specialists, and make a significant impact on long-term developmental outcomes for children.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, with one person dying every 33 seconds from heart disease. To help prevent this, it's important to get routine heart screenings to find heart disease before it escalates.

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should and should not be confused with a heart attack. Leading and advanced treatment can help improve the symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Dr. Yoon will explain how MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center helps those with heart failure live longer, while preserving their quality of life.

Dr. Marshall Gillette discusses palliative care, who can benefit from it, what it looks like in practice, and more.

Join pediatric psychologist Dr. Amy Morse as she offers expert advice to parents navigating the complex impact of social media on children's mental health. From understanding social media habits to fostering healthy self-esteem, this podcast empowers parents with practical strategies to help their kids thrive in the digital world.

Dr. Asif Harsolia debunks the common misconceptions or misunderstandings of radiation treatment. By providing better understanding of what radiation treatment is and what it entails can help provide a better understanding to patients who are needing radiation treatment and put their mind at ease.

In this episode, Mitchell Tsurudome, PT, discusses common vestibular issues such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders, which can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. He highlights the specialized Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, explaining how expert evaluation and tailored therapy can help patients regain stability, improve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life.

This podcast will focus on the scope of practice and responsibilities of social workers in children's hospitals, highlighting their critical role in supporting families and patients. Lori Rabner and Ana Perez Rodriguez will speak to their work in helping families navigate complex medical conditions, manage emotional and psychological challenges, advocate for the needs of children and families, and access community resources such as financial assistance and support groups.

This podcast explores the critical role of support in stroke recovery, featuring insights from Lenna Chitgar, neuroscience nurse navigator at Saddleback Medical Center. Lenna discusses the challenges stroke survivors and caregivers face, the benefits of support groups, and practical ways to build a strong support system. Listeners will gain valuable advice on navigating recovery and stroke support resources.

The Pediatric Hand Therapy Program at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital helps children from infancy through young adulthood who are recovering from injuries, surgery or congenital conditions affecting the hands and arms, including the wrists, elbows and shoulders. Hand therapists focus on improving strength, movement, functionality and dexterity by using different types of exercises and treatments to help children with self-care, play and school activities.

This podcast explores how family medicine differs from other primary care specialties, with a focus on the importance of back-to-school physicals and guidance on when to see a doctor for sports-related injuries. Dr. Arnold Cuenca will share insights on providing comprehensive care for families, including addressing common musculoskeletal issues.

There are so many decisions to make when it comes to planning for a baby, including what kind of birth you'd like to have, what type of care provider you'd like to use, and how to prepare for your birth. Jessica Ayala will talk about the maternity concierge service offered to expecting mothers who choose to deliver their baby at the Women's Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. She will explain how the maternity concierge provides personalized support throughout the maternity journey and partners with specialized care teams at the Women's Hospital to address each mother's unique needs and questions.

In this podcast, Roneet Cooper, a LCSW community based social worker at Saddleback Medical Center, discusses the concept of practicing Neurobics and how brain games help seniors stay mentally sharp by creating new neural pathways. She shares practical tips and activities that boost cognitive function and overall well-being.

As schools reopen each year, the importance of back-to-school vaccines cannot be overstated. This podcast will highlight the significance of vaccination for students, to safeguard them from common illnesses such as mumps, rubella, pertussis, and influenza, while contributing to the collective immunity necessary for public health. This podcast will also delve into the concerning resurgence of measles and underscore the critical importance of vaccinations in combating this highly contagious disease.

Dr. Jahan will educate listeners about ischemic strokes, including their signs and symptoms, and the critical importance of calling 911 as soon as signs of stroke occur. Dr. Jahan will also highlight the expertise of The Division of Interventional Neuroradiology (DINR) team at Long Beach Medical Center, showcasing the latest minimally invasive treatment options available at Long Beach Medical Center's Comprehensive Stroke Center and how the care team provides exceptional care to their patients.

This podcast explores the benefits and advancements of image-guided spine surgery, highlighting how cutting-edge imaging technology enhances surgical precision, reduces risks, and improves recovery times for patients. Join Dr. Bhalla to discuss the transformative impact of these techniques on spine care and patient outcomes.

In this podcast, Jennifer Rodriguez, injury prevention coordinator, will talk about the importance of safety measures around Halloween, including costume safety, neighborhood and pedestrian safety, safe candy practices and what to do in case of emergencies. Emergency rooms frequently see a spike in visits on Halloween due to safety factors, making it a critical time for heightened safety awareness and preparedness.

Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition of the heart and must be treated quickly and effectively to ensure survival. The Comprehensive Aortic Program, part of the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, is dedicated to the early detection, monitoring and treatment of various aortic diseases using evidence-based treatments.

Microvascular dysfunction is a heart disease affecting the walls and inner lining of tiny coronary artery blood vessels that branch off from the larger coronary arteries. Younger women are at a higher risk of developing this disease, and the Women's Heart Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center want to ensure women understand the signs and symptoms of the disease early.

In this podcast, Jennifer Rodriguez will talk about the importance of swimming safety for children and families, as well as the common risks associated with swimming and how to mitigate them.

Dr. Leslie Young will be discussing the complex landscape of ADHD. He will be providing tips on how families can create a supportive environment for children with ADHD and help them channel their energy in different ways.

Dr. Ramkumar will discuss hip arthroscopy in-depth, detailing the procedure, its benefits, the conditions it treats, who qualifies, preoperative preparations, the recovery process, and expected outcomes. As one of Southern California's top three hip arthroscopy surgeons based on case volume, he offers valuable insights from his extensive experience.

In this podcast, Leigh Hunter, RN, will talk about pediatric diagnoses of Sickle Cell Disease and how parents can navigate their child's diagnosis. She will cover understanding the condition, managing symptoms, treatment options, and how to support a child's overall well-being with this condition.

Join Dr. Snodgrass, a dedicated primary care and sports medicine provider, as he delves into the latest advancements in health care, from cutting-edge treatments for sports concussions to innovative techniques in musculoskeletal care. With a wealth of experience in sports medicine and a passion for holistic patient care, Dr. Snodgrass shares his insights and expertise in optimizing health and performance for athletes and individuals alike.

There are various issues that can affect your child's mental health. Cultural and Socio-Economic factors are two key components that can have a huge impact. Dr. Iona Pal will talk about how understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives and socioeconomic contexts is vital in providing effective and inclusive mental health support for children and how the Stramski Children's Center at Miller Children's & Women's provides resources to support your children and help them navigate any mental health concerns they may have.

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the body's main artery – the aorta – which causes the vessel to widen significantly, and if not treated promptly, can cause a tear in the aorta and lead to sudden death. Dr. Rodney White, the medical director of vascular surgery at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, joins us to explain what a thoracic aortic aneurysm is, its symptoms, and when to receive treatment.

Technology advancements and new medications are making a huge difference in coronary disease, allowing patients to delay heart procedures. However, for patients who may need a cardiac procedure, they should ask their cardiologist or physician about the future of heart health and the minimally invasive procedures available that are best suited for their needs.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. Early detection and treatment could save many lives but requires going farther and deeper than the accepted approach. To help women with their heart health, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute created the Women's Heart Center – a specialized center dedicated solely to expertise in education, prevention, early diagnosis, and timely management of women-specific cardiac presentations across their lifespan.

Athletes require a strong heart to maintain the high level of physical activity they perform frequently, but heart disease, including those passed down from family, can prevent them from doing so. Dr. Christina Rodriguez will explain how diagnostic imaging can help find heart disease to eliminate risks sooner, including a recent cardiac case involving a Long Beach Marathon runner.

Although the risk for severe joint pain increases as you age, joint pain can happen at any age, especially in those who are very active or involved in sports. In this podcast, Dr. Wassef will explain how joint pain can affect young adults, how to manage joint pain and when medical intervention is necessary.

We use our necks and backs daily to perform tasks throughout the day such as lifting, sitting, walking, and resting. If these tasks are performed with improper form or posture, it can cause chronic neck and back pain, and in extreme cases, severe injury. To avoid back or neck pain from occurring, it is important to know what steps you can take in advance to prevent back or neck pain.

Dr. Linda Chan explains a new PSMA PET Scan study that is revolutionizing care at MemorialCare Cancer Institute for prostate cancer patients whose cancer has metastasized. The scan's ability to detect the progress of radiation treatment halfway through the process will allow physicians to make real-time adjustments to ensure the cancer is being directly targeted; making cancer treatments even more tailored to a person's cancer journey than ever before.

Back pain can be a debilitating condition, making it hard to complete everyday activities and decreasing one's quality of life and it can be very difficult to diagnose since it can be caused by many different factors. If you have intense pain where your lower spine and pelvis meet, it may be sacroiliitis.

Adolescence is a time when children begin to mature and experience mental and physical changes. As these changes begin, some adolescents may start to question their sexuality. Unfortunately, too often children find themselves unable to fully embrace themselves and who they are, which impacts their mental and physical health. Dr. Linderholm will explain how kids may be dealing with trying to figure out their own sexuality, what parents can do to support them, and the services offered at the MemorialCare Medical Group Family Medicine Clinic to assist parents and other loved ones. 

In this interview, listeners will gain valuable insights into the diverse treatment options available to women facing the challenges of menopause. The discussion will also delve into hormone replacement therapy, shedding light on its potential benefits and considerations for women's health during this life stage.

September marks National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, a critically important time to raise awareness for this life-threatening arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is defined as an irregular heartbeat that can lead to various heart-related complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. During this talk, Dr. Drury will help the public become more familiar with the symptoms, warning signs, how to stop an AFib episode, available treatment options and how to manage living with this condition.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) refers to the vaginal delivery of a baby after a previous delivery by cesarean section. For many people, VBAC can be a safe and successful delivery option. The benefits of VBAC include a shorter stay in the hospital, faster recovery, no surgery and lower risk for infections.

Clinical Nutrition Supervisor, Crystal Vila RD, CNSC, CLT discusses the importance of nutrition during cancer treatment, what patients may experience, nutritional recommendations and resources available about specific cancer nutrition interventions.

Excessive screentime can have a negative effect on a child's physical and mental health. Dr. Pal will discuss how too much screen time can result in depression, anxiety, mood and emotional dysregulation in children and the services offered at the Stramski Children's Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach to assist parents and caregivers.

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process. Perimenopause and menopause are triggered by hormones that fluctuate and decrease. A common symptom often associated with hormonal changes is pain. Dr. de Winter will address what causes pelvic pain during menopause and some of the indicators such as urinary incontinence, constipation and especially atrophy that causes dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Dr. de Winter will also share with listeners how the specialized medical teams and the Pelvic Health Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center can help treat women who are experiencing these symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that describes conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of gastrointestinal tract of patients. IBD is usually diagnosed early, since many of the signs can be concerning to parents, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or weight loss. Dr. Nattiv will talk about why it's important for parents to recognize these signs early, and how the IBD Program at Miller Children's & Women's helps treat and manage the disease in children.

Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common birth defects in the United States and can be overlooked due to symptoms not being too serious or not appearing until children grow older. To help parents identify if their child has congenital heart disease, Dr. Rahimi explains what causes congenital heart disease, its signs and symptoms, and what to do when children start showing symptoms.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis requires daily care to manage, but improvements in screening and treatments have meant that people with Cystic Fibrosis now have a better quality of life than in previous decades. The Cystic Fibrosis team at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach have dedicated their careers to treating and improving the lives of children and young adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center offers the latest in advanced technologies, nationally recognized physicians, and innovative treatments to provide the complete continuum of cardiovascular care. Why trust your heart to anyone less than the best?

As people age, the body begins to run less efficiently and problems start to become more frequent, both internally and externally. Aging is a part of life, but one can undergo different medical procedures and treatments to slow down their aging and prevent health related problems from arising.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season started earlier this year, most likely due to isolation experienced during the pandemic. Learn tips on how to identify if your child has RSV, how to manage it at home, and when to know if you should go to the hospital.

Oncoplastic procedures have really taken off, specifically, nipple- and areola preserving mastectomies. Find out the benefits of nipple and areola preserving mastectomies and learn which candidates are ideal for these procedures.

As one is reaching Medicare eligibility you are bound to have a lot of questions. How do you know which Medicare Part is right for you? MemorialCare's Medicare Education Specialists have resources to educate you and help you determine what is best for you. Medicare open enrollment starts Oct 15, so it's important to get this information out soon, and ends December 7.