04/14/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E11 - Keeping Up with Pacemakers

The heart is pretty amazing.  In the orchestra the human body, the heart is the conductor, but sometimes, even the most skilled maestro needs a little backup.  Enter pacemakers, the tiny conductors that can help us keep the beat.  But when might you need one?  How are they implanted?  How long do they last?  And can I still use the microwave?

Join us to learn about the world of pacemakers with our guest, Dr. Rehan Karim.  He's an electrophysiologist (fantastic scrabble word, btw...) and he'll walk us through some basics on the electrical system of our hearts, how pacemakers work, what the lived experience is like with one, and some of the latest developments for this amazing technology.  Did you know that the first pacemaker was made in MInnesota?  Find out more about these life-changing devices, on Episode 11!

You can learn more about heart health issues and find helpful resources here.

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/31/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E10 - Getting a Better Understanding of ALS

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a rare but serious condition that affects around 5 people in every 100,000, but due to its devastating effects on both the patient and the caregivers, it's something that certainly merits a deeper conversation.  Lou Gehrig and Steven Hawking may be the two most well-known cases, but it seems once ALS is mentioned, many people are in one way or another connected to it.  But what's actually happening in the body?  What do we think causes it?  What is the progression of the illness like and what are the current treatments available? 

There's still a lot out there that we don't know about the disease, but the medical community is making strides every day to help support those living with the condition to lead fulfilling lives. On Episode 10 of the podcast, we'll have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Sam Maiser, MD, Chair of Neurology at Hennepin Healthcare and an expert on ALS, to help us get a better understanding of the disease.  We'll explore what is known and still unknown, what the experience is like for the patient and caregivers, available treatments and resources, and what the future may hold for those living with this disease.  It's a thoughtful conversation with a dedicated specialist on one of medicine's most challenging topics.  We hope you'll join us.

You can learn more about ALS and find helpful resources for patients and caregivers here.

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/17/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E09 - Cholesterol:  The Good, The Bad and the Triglycerides...

Cholesterol can be a confusing subject for many of us.  And, as many of us can attest to, seeing the results from a lipid panel can be like reading a foreign language.  What's a safe range?  Does good cholesterol cancel out the bad?  And what is a lipid, anyway? 

It turns out cholesterol is a necessary piece of the human puzzle, but like a lot things, too much of anything is likely not good.  But what can be done to help us in the battle for better numbers?  Thankfully on Episode 9 of the show, we'll have the help of Hennepin Healthcare cardiologist, Dr. Woubeshet Ayenew, MD, to break down some of the terms and concepts around cholesterol and get us a better feel for what we're up against.  He'll give insight on how to calculate risk of a heart attack (there's a cool online calculator here!), what we can do to keep our cholesterol in check, the role of statins, and more !  We've all got cholesterol, so there's something here for everyone - join us!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/3/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E08 - Getting our Brains Around TBI and Concussions

Brains!  We've all got 'em.  (Well, perhaps some of us more than others...)  But it's estimated that almost 50% (!) of all adults in the U.S. have experienced a concussive event or some sort of traumatic brain injury in their lifetime.  That's a staggering statistic, and on Episode 8 of the show, we'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Puderbaugh to help us define what a traumatic brain injury is, how to identify one, and what to do when we see one.

Dr. Puderbaugh is an Air Force veteran and assists on the sidelines of the NFL, so it's safe to say he's seen a number of these over the years.  He'll help us wrap our brains around what's happening when concussive events occur, how they're treated, and the effect they can have on our emotional states.  After a concussive event:  Is it best to avoid light?  Do you have to stay awake?  How long does it take to recover?   Join us for the conversation and get answers to these questions and more, on Episode 8!

If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury, be sure and check out the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance website for resources and support!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

2/18/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E07 - The Bone Zone: Insights on Osteoporosis and Healthy Bones

Ever wonder why we shrink in old age?  Is it true that astronauts lose bone mass in space?  And does all milk have the same amount of calcium?  There are over 200 bones in the human body and it's safe to say each plays a pretty important role, so of course it's important to keep them healthy!  But what's the best way to go about that?  What are some of the things that can go wrong with them?  And what is a "T-score" anyway?

Thankfully, on Episode 7 of the show, we'll be joined by Endocrinologist and author, Dr. Ann Kearns (MD, PhD), of Hennepin Healthcare to help get some information and advice on our precious frames.  We'll go over the best practices for keeping our bones healthy, the common causes when things go awry, and options available to us in the event that they do.  Doctor Kearns literally wrote the book on Osteoporosis, which you can find here!  We all have bones, and we all age, so there's a ton of essential information here for everyone.  We hope you'll join us!

Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

2/4/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E06 - Let's Talk IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

It's not uncommon that the terms IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) get confused.  Both have to do with your guts, both have impacted the lives of many in today's society and both could probably be explained a bit more.   We plan on getting to both of them, but for starters, in Episode 6 of the show, we're going to take a better look into IBD with the help of Hennepin Healthcare Gastroenterologist, Dr. Jake Matlock!

Dr. Matlock has helped us break down many other GI issues on our show and this time around he'll help us better understand the origins, diagnosis, and treatments of both Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.  How common are they?  Are they hereditary?  How do they differ from IBS?  What can be done to treat them?  And what is "The Pill Cam"?  When it comes to our guts, there's a lot to know, so come get wise with us!

Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

1/21/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E05 - Listen up!  We're talking to an Audiologist...

The Stapes!  Tinnitus!  Ear Wax!

Approximately 20% of the worldwide population suffers from hearing loss (and around 100% suffer from ear wax... Eeeew).  But what can be done to protect our hearing?  Is hearing loss permanent?  What's that ringing in my ears?  And why do we have earwax to begin with?   

When it comes to your ears and your hearing, there's a lot to know, so we thought it'd be a good idea to have an in-depth conversation with Hennepin Healthcare Audiologist, Dr. Janet Hansen.  She's an expert in the field of hearing and will help us get a better understanding of our ears, our hearing, and what can be done when things go awry.  Join us and learn about the bummer that is tinnitus, our hearing thresholds, and a common New York Times Crossword Puzzle clue that stumps so many of us...  Check it out!

Here are some helpful resources that we discussed in the episode if you want to learn more:
- American Academy of Audiology
- ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

1/7/2024

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E04 - The Fentanyl Addiction Experience

Happy New Year to all, and best wishes for sticking with those resolutions!

Although a new year gives us a fresh start for many things, regrettably, that doesn't apply to everything.  Some issues in our communities know no bounds, transcending ages and communities and affecting all walks of life.  Perhaps one of the bigger concerns in this category is the Fentanyl crisis. 

Fentanyl addiction is something that many people in our communities are struggling with, and something that we as a society must continue to confront.  And one of the keys to solving any problem is understanding it, and in Episode 4 we'll be joined by Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr. Lauren Graber (MD, MPH), to give us insight into the crisis and the drug, and details of the experience for the individual.  What's it like to be addicted?   What's it like to go through withdrawal?  How long does it last?  And how do doctors actually help get people clean?  This episode is a great chance to better understand the particulars of dealing with both the drug and the crisis, and it's packed with essential information for all of us.  Please join us.


Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

12/24/23

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E03 - "Knock Knock, Hi!" with THIS Guy!

The end of the year is here, so we thought we'd wrap it up with a fun one for Episode 3.   Recently, Dr. Hilden was the featured guest on the "Knock Knock, Hi!" podcast with none other than internet sensations Dr. and Lady Glaucomflecken!   So we're re-airing that episode here for all to enjoy!  Get all the details about the life of an internal medicine doctor in the Midwest, a bird's-eye view of a busy safety net hospital, Dr. Hilden's rankings for 10 of your organs, and more!  There's plenty of laughs and stories here, but before we get to the humor, Dr. Hilden answers a listener's question about something we all love - but likely get waaay too much of - Salt.  Join us!

From all of us here at The Healthy Matters Podcast, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.  Much more to come in '24!

Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

12/10/23

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E02 - The Mighty Liver...

In Greek mythology, Prometheus' punishment for stealing fire from Zeus was to be chained to a rock where every day an eagle would come and eat part of his liver (harsh!).  And since the liver is the only solid organ in the human body that grows back, that eagle must have been pretty well-fed.  But why do we even need a liver?  What happens to us when something goes wrong with it?  And what can we do to take care of it?

On Episode 2 of this season, we'll have an in-depth conversation about this unsung hero of the human body with Dr. José Debes (MD, MS, PhD), gastroenterologist at Hennepin Healthcare, and associate professor and researcher at the University of Minnesota.   This episode is loaded with interesting facts about the liver, explanations of the different ailments associated with it, ways we can limit the stress we put on it, and the role coffee plays.  Yep, coffee...  Join us!

Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!

Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org