Northwestern Medicine PodTalk

Dr. Rod Passman, a leading researcher into the connection between atrial fibrillation and stroke, shares the latest research and treatment options and the best ways to get this condition under control to reduce the risk of stroke.

High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart and vascular disease. Robert Nierzwicki, MD, cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage and Delnor Hospitals, discusses the lifestyle and genetic factors that impact cholesterol and other fats in the blood, as well as how genetic testing can impact treatment.

While diet and lifestyle play a large role in developing heart disease, research has found that as much as 30 percent of heart disease cases are influenced by genetic factors. Anjan Tibrewala, MD, heart failure specialist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Delnor Hospital, and Rebecca VanDyke, MS, LCGC, licensed genetic counselor at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, discuss how genetic testing can provide patients with a sophisticated and personalized cardiovascular evaluation that has implications on the diagnosis, prognosis and management of heart conditions.

In this panel interview, Gayle Kricke MSW, PhD and Alison Bodor MBA, MS OTR/L share what elements The Human Rights Campaign Foundation looks for to make hospitals leaders in LGBTQ healthcare, the unique healthcare needs of patients in the LGBTQ community and what NM hospitals doing to meet these needs.

Dr. Benjamin Nager explains what the pseudobulbar affect is, how common it is, how it affects a patient and their family, and treatment options available.

Dr. Ilana Ruff Treiber discusses the F.A.S.T warning signs of a stroke, the importance of receiving treatment after suffering a stroke and the different treatment options available.

Dr. Sara Padalik shares when stroke rehabilitation will begin, the types of treatments offered, if a patient will fully recover, and some of the challenges a stroke patient may face.

Gestational diabetes is on the rise with pregnant women and a balanced diet and exercise are not the only way to ward off the condition. Hear from two leading experts, Dr. Szmuilowicz, and Dr. Metzger in gestational diabetes about how you can lower your risk and keep you and your baby healthy.

Dr. Jessica Delaney discusses the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for heart rhythm disorders.

Dr. Brian Chielli discusses the symptoms of cartilage damage in the knee, and the many non-operative treatments options available to restore function and reduce pain.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and leading cause of disability in the United States. Stroke Education Coordinator Ryan Keiler shares warning signs of a stroke, prevention tips, and risk factors.

Dr. James Thomas explains the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, and how it could be a game changer in the way doctors prevent, diagnose and treat patients with cardiovascular disease.

More women than men die each year from heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions, yet women are less likely than men to receive appropriate care. Dr. Marla Mendelson discusses what you need to know about heart disease in women. She shares how the symptoms of heart disease are very different in women than men and are often under recognized. She gives guidelines and tips for prevention all women should follow.

Dr. Cynthia Barnard discusses the most common hospital related injuries, what patients can do to ensure a safe hospital stay, and what patients should do after they've been discharged to continue their recovery and avoid readmissions.

If you have ever stepped down off a curb or worn high heels and twisted your ankle, you know how painful and debilitating it can be, as you limp away trying to figure out what to do next. Dr. Anish Kadakia discusses what causes ankle instability, ways to prevent it, and treatment options available at Northwestern Medicine.

Joint replacement may be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability. Dr. Linda Suleiman discusses signs that it might be time for someone to consider a joint replacement and what to expect from this type of surgery.

Every day, more than 90 Americans die after overdosing on opioids. For people who have an opioid addiction, their problem may have started with a prescription. Can acute and chronic pain be treated without an opioid? Dr. Victor Foorsov discusses alternative pain treatment options to opioids.

Sara Bradley, MD, discusses why we become more frail as we age,why seniors are at greater risks of falling and what it means to age in place. She will give fall prevention tips and strategies for assisting older adults to safely age in place.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that’s caused by a mutation in a gene. If a parent is diagnosed, their children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene and developing HD. Danny Bega, MD, MSCI discusses Huntington's disease and how to genetically test for this disease.

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment option for patients with Parkinson's disease who have not seen positive effects from medication. While this device implanted in the brain is not for everyone, it may be a lifesaver for those living with essential tremors. Dr. Cindy Zadikoff, discusses deep brain stimulation as a treatment option to help restore a better quality of life.

Esther Vorovich, MD shares how to cope with a heart failure diagnosis as well as the treatment options available at Northwestern Medicine.

Elizabeth Lowden, MD discusses the medications and health conditions that can impact weight gain and the new Northwestern Medicine Metabolic Health and Surgical Weight Loss Program.

Integrative medicine is what patients and providers believe in their hearts and minds is the right treatment, based on all current evidence and informed by their beliefs, values and experiences.Integrative medicine is the way you live your life, the food you eat, the environment you live in, and the relationships you maintain. It's also using the best approach to help you not only treat disease, but flourish in your life.As integrative medicine becomes more popular, Dr. Melinda Ring can give patients tips on what to look for when selecting an integrative provider.

Northwestern Medicine is proud to announce that Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University has received the highest rating of Exceptional from the National Cancer Institute.Leo Gordon, MD, explains why this designation is so important for advancing cancer research that will then translate into new treatments for cancer patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system. Each person can be affected differently by the disease, with different symptoms that depend on which areas of the nervous system are affected.Dr. Carolyn Bevan discusses how The Northwestern Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Program offers cutting-edge and compassionate care for patients with MS.

If and when the time comes to focus on comfort care closer to the end of life for a loved one, it might be time to consider hospice care.Priya Kumthekar, MD, neuro-oncologist at Northwestern Memorial, discusses end of life care for patients with Glioblastoma and how we will work with you and your loved ones to ensure as safe and comfortable a transition as possible.

Women with fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometeriosis and other issues that can cause heavy bleeding are often told hysterectomies are the only option. However, that is not always the case. Dr. Magdy Milad discusses alternatives to hysterectomy, how you know when you actually need a hysterectomy and general minimally invasive approaches to common (and uncommon) gynecologic conditions, many which impact fertility.

Viral hepatitis, which can include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, is among a group of viral diseases that can affect the liver.Dr Steven Flamm, Medical Director of the Liver Transplant Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, is here to discuss what you need to know about Hepatitis and World Hepatitis Day, the latest treatment options and how Northwestern has taken the lead in getting people tested.

New findings from a groundbreaking Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx), or TAILORx trial, show no benefit from chemotherapy for 70 percent of women with the most common type of breast cancer.Dean Tsarwhas, MD, Medical Director, North Region, Cancer Services, Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, joins the podcast to explain these findings and to let women know that this could help identify women with a low risk of recurrence who could be spared chemotherapy.

Nearly 80 percent of people face a painful back or neck problem at some point in their lives. Whether you need care for common injuries or complex spine surgery, Northwestern Medicine spine specialists combine innovation and skill to help restore your movement and improve your quality of life.Dr. Michael T. Walsh, Neurosurgeon with Northwestern Medicine, discusses treatments for back pain that can help get you back on your feet and doing the activities that you enjoy.

Heart valve disease can take its toll on more than just the heart. At the Center for Heart Valve Disease, we don’t just integrate clinical expertise and research to treat each condition. We also use a total-team approach to address each patient’s specific valve diagnosis, including their emotional health needs.Dr. Micah Eimer, Cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, discusses heart valve disorders and the latest advancements in treatment available at Northwestern Medicine.

Whether it’s a television, computer, smartphone or tablet, do you ever feel like your child is always staring at a screen? Ryan Thill, LPC shares how to set screen time rules, and why you need to enforce them in your teens and young children.