09/14/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E24 - From Womb to World:  An OB-GYN's Insights for New Moms

With Special Guest:  Dr. Samantha Pace, MD

Becoming a new mom is one of life’s biggest transitions—it’s exhilarating, exhausting, and everything in between.  And, although there's no shortage of advice out there when it comes to being a mother, there are invariably a lot of questions that new moms face.

From the physical effects of childbirth to the breastfeeding vs bottle debate, sleep schedules, mental well-being, and all of that baby gear, you'd certainly be excused if you were feeling a little overwhelmed.  Thankfully, on Episode 24 of our show, we'll sit down with OB-GYN and women's health specialist Dr. Samantha Pace to talk about all of the realities of early motherhood - both the joys and the challenges.  She's just the expert to help us cut through the noise, calm the chaos, and maybe remind us that we really are doing better than we think.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

08/31/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E23 - Beyond the Common Cold:  Understanding Pneumonia

With Special Guest:  Dr. Jessica Oswald, DO

Pneumonia!  It's something we've all heard of - or maybe even had!  It's sometimes deadly, sometimes contagious and almost always misunderstood.  But what's going on in the body exactly?  Is it contagious?  How is it different than a bad cold or bronchitis?  And why does it start with the letter P anyway?  (sorry, we don't really have an answer for that one...)

The lungs are sensitive spaces in our body and without proper care and preventative strategies, things can go sideways pretty quickly.  Thankfully on Episode 23 of our show we'll be joined by Dr. Jessica Oswald to get a baseline on these organs and what's happening when pneumonia sets in.  We'll go over who's at risk, what causes it, what can be done if you have it, and the best bets for how to dodge this pesky p-word.  And although you can't get it from having wet hair outside in the middle of Winter, Fall and Winter are peak seasons for pneumonia, so join us and get wise before they get here!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

08/17/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E22 - Why Medicaid Matters for Everyone...

With Special Guest:  Susie Emmert - Sr. Director of Advocacy and Public Policy

It's probably pretty safe to say that the healthcare system in this country is complicated, at best, and something that's only made worse by politics.  The recent passage of "The Big Beautiful Bill" has put an often debated, seldom understood and always essential piece of the healthcare puzzle in jeopardy - that being Medicaid.  But what is Medicaid exactly, and what role does it play for individuals and providers?  How is it different from Medicare?  Why is it under such scrutiny?  And why should I care if I'm not on Medicaid?

There's a lot of reasonable confusion when it comes to Medicaid and the passing of this recent bill, so we thought it was time to bring in an expert to help us untangle it - a little, at least.  Susie Emmert, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Hennepin Healthcare will walk us through some of the basics of Medicaid, how it applies to healthcare at both a patient and system level, and the effect the Big Beautiful Bill is expected to have on it (it's not pretty).  Think changes to Medicaid won't effect you?  Tune in and get wise to why this is definitely something that will affect us all.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

08/03/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E21 - The Small, but Mighty ... THYROID!

With Special Guest:  Dr. Sreekant Avula, MBBS

Sometimes, the why behind how we feel is a little hard to pinpoint.  Are you feeling sluggish and tired all the time, even though you're getting enough rest?  Are you gaining or losing weight without even trying?   Well, it could have something to do with your small, but mighty, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck - the thyroid.  Turns out this gland is responsible for quite a bit in the body!

But what exactly does it control?  What happens to us when something goes wrong?  And, of course, how do we fix it when something does?  On Episode 21 of our show, we'll be joined by endocrinologist Dr. Sreekant Avula to get the basics on this essential piece of the human puzzle.  We'll go over what makes it tick, what it makes tick, why we need it, and what can be done when something goes wrong with it.  We've all got a thyroid, so there's something here for everyone.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

07/20/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E20 - Sweet Talk: Decoding Diabetes

With Special Guest:  Dr. Allison Estrada, MD

Think about this:  1 in every 10 Americans is living with Diabetes in one form or another.  It's one of the most common chronic conditions today, and it's a condition that's often misunderstood and easily oversimplified.  Diabetes isn’t just about sugar—it’s about science, lifestyle, and the small decisions that shape our health every day.  But who's most at risk?  Is it at all reversible?  Can GLP1 drugs actually help?  And is cream always a bad idea?

The truth is, it's a complicated subject since there are many types and origins of the condition, and on Episode 20, we'll untangle it with one of our top docs at Hennepin Healthcare - endocrinologist Dr. Allison Estrada.  We'll dig in to how diabetes develops, what happens in the body, and why early detection and consistent management are essential.  From diagnosis to treatment options and the latest help from the pharmacy - this is a great chance to get wise on a condition that's simply all too common in our society.  We hope you'll join us!

Here's a great resource for more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention/index.html

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

07/06/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E19 - Hunger, Health, and Hope: Tackling Food Insecurity

With Special Guests:  Dr. Dianna Cutts, MD, and Amy Harris

It’s pretty hard to concentrate, work, or pretty much do anything while you’re hungry.  And while, for many of us, hunger is a passing moment, there are far too many children and adults living with this as a daily reality.  Food insecurity extends well beyond the physical effects of being hungry.  It can be a major stressor on the daily lives of kids in school, their parents, and our society as a whole.  Hunger, the world over, is a critical issue, and in our first-world, modern American society, this definitely merits a deeper look.

On this episode of our show, we’ll dig into the complexities of it with the help of two special guests from Hennepin Healthcare. Dr. Diana Cutts is the Chair of Pediatrics and a nationally recognized leader on the subject, and Amy Harris is the Population Health Program Director and a champion of building healthier communities.  We’ll go over everything from the impacts food insecurity has on both children and parents, and how those effects play out in our society as a whole.  We’ll also talk about the stress it causes on families, the importance of bringing it to the fore in a clinical setting, and what can be done to help at an individual, community, state, and even national level.  Food and nutrition are essential for human survival, so it’s safe to say food security is essential for the survival of our society.  We hope you’ll join us.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Here are some links to organizations that make a difference if you want to see how you can help:

Feeding America: MN

Second Harvest Heartland

Hennepin Healthcare Foundation

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

06/22/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E18 - The ABCs of COPD

With Special Guest:  Dr. Caroline Davis, MD

Did you know that 6.5% of Americans have physician-diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?  That's a pretty staggering statistic...  You might think that people get it from smoking, and well, you'd be right.  But that's not the only thing that can cause it!  COPD is a disease of the airways where people have difficulty getting air out  of there lungs.  But why is that an issue?  Who's most likely to be afflicted with this condition?  And best yet, how can you avoid it altogether?

Joining us on Episode 18 of our show is Dr. Caroline Davis, a pulmonologist at Hennepin Healthcare, and just the expert to help us get to the bottom of some of these questions.  We'll go over the common causes of COPD, who's at risk, the current and future treatments available, and how this condition differs from other afflictions, like emphysema and asthma.  COPD can be a serious disease, but there are a lot great treatments available, and believe us when we say that at the end of this episode, you'll be breathing a little easier.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

06/08/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E17 - Bedside Bots!  AI Scribing in Healthcare

With Special Guest:  Brian Imdieke, MAN, ANP-BC

Ever feel like your doctor is paying more attention to their keyboard than to you? You're not alone—and that's one of the problems AI scribes are trying to fix.  But how do they work?  How good are they?  Is my data still private?  And are we nearing the age of Dr. Bot, M.D.?

In this episode, we'll take a look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the exam room with Clinical Informaticist and published expert, Brian Imdieke (MAN, ANP-BC) of Hennepin Healthcare.  We’ll explore how AI scribes work, who's using them, what they’re doing well—and where they might still fall short.  From reducing caregiver burnout to reclaiming precious face-to-face time in the exam room, we'll unpack the promise, the pitfalls, and the privacy questions around this transformative technology.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

05/25/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E16 - We're Talkin' Speech-Language Pathology

With Special Guest:  Adam Terrell, MS

When it comes to the field of Speech Pathology, we might tend to think it's all about helping people with the challenges of a stutter or helping kids get out a proper "R" sound - but it turns out there's a lot more to it!  Communication is a 2-way street, and there can be a lot to manage when it comes to speaking, listening and retaining information.  From a child struggling to say their first words, to stroke survivors, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can be essential to opening up the doors of language and communication.

But it turns out there's even more to it - and joining us on Episode 16 of our show is Adam Terrel (MS).  He's a SLP at Hennepin Healthcare and he'll walk us though what the job is really like in a hospital setting and the variety of patients helped by the work of SLPs.  We'll cover everything, from diagnosing swallowing issues to therapies and outcomes for those looking to regain their voice.  Communication is an essential part of our lives and whether you're a parent, a patient or just curious about the world of Speech-Language Pathology, you've come to the right place.  Let's get talking!

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  I  ASHA.org

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

05/11/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E15 - Heat, Haze & How Climate Is Affecting Our Health

With Special Guest:  Beth Stegora, PT, DPT

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, it's not just our environment that’s feeling the impact—our bodies and communities are, too.  Worsening air quality, heatwaves and supply chain disruptions are just some of the many ways climate change can have profound effects on both our physical and mental heath, making it an essential part of any conversation around public health.

But as always, knowledge is power and action is the antidote, so on the next episode of the show we'll be joined by Climate Health Ambassador, Beth Stegora (PT, DPT) and she'll help us get a better understanding of these effects and give us helpful ideas on how to stay healthy and how each of us can make a positive impact on our climate's health going forward.  Since we all share this planet, we're all in this together, so there's something in this episode for everyone.  We hope you'll join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

04/27/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E14 - Gut Check: Understanding Crohn's Disease

With Special Guest:  Dr. Jason Eckmann, MD

We've all had a stomach bug at some point in our lives, and it's probably safe to say that every one of us would rather skip the next one.  But for millions worldwide with a Crohn's Disease diagnosis (AKA Crohn Disease), that stomach issue is much like the condition they live with every day of their lives.  Crohn's is a chronic condition, and whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what this condition is all about, in this episode, we'll break it down in a helpful way that’s easy to understand.

A diagnosis of this condition can be scary, and it's certainly one that comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges.  Thankfully, on this show we'll be joined by Dr. Jason Eckmann, MD, a Gastroenterologist at Hennepin Healthcare, and someone who's helped countless patients navigate this condition and continue on with their lives.  From symptoms, to diagnosis, to treatments and what the future might hold for those with Crohn's, there's a lot to talk about - and we've got just the expert to walk us through it.  We hope you'll join us.

Here's a link to the Chron's & Colitis Foundation mentioned in the show.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

04/13/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E13 - We Need to Talk (About Menopause)

If there was something that had profound effects on more than half the population for decades of their lives, well, that something would certainly be worth talking about!  Menopause is something that we've all heard about before, but very few women experiencing it say they were prepared for it.  So on Episode 13 of the show, we're diving into the often mysterious world of Menopause with 2 special guests from Hennepin Healthcare - Dr. Heather Legris, a pharmacist, and Dr. Lisa Legrand, a psychologist.  Both are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners, and both will bring unique perspectives to shed some light on this biological transition that affects every woman you know at some point in their lives.

Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, brain fog, mood swings - the list of symptoms goes on and on.  But is there anything that can be done to help?  How long do these symptoms last?  And what's actually going on in the body?  There's a lot to know about menopause, and we've got just the experts to walk us through this.  We've all got women in our lives, so this episode is literally for everyone.  We hope you'll join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/30/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E12 - Bipolar Disorder:  The Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens...

Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide - and actually, a higher percentage of people in developed countries.  It can bring euphoric highs and depressive lows at any time, with no rhyme or reason, and understandably, can have a real impact on those living with the condition, as well as their loved ones.  But what is bipolar disorder, exactly?  What's the lived experience like?  And what are things to be aware of for those with the condition and the people in their lives?

This is a condition that's often misunderstood and might not be what you think, so on Episode 12 we'll be joined by psychiatrist Dr. Vanessa Stumpf, MD, to help get our brains around what's going on in the brain.  Whether you’ve been diagnosed, know someone who has, or just want to understand more, this episode aims to shed light on the emotional rollercoaster that is bipolar disorder—with empathy, insight, and a few moments of humor along the way.  We hope you'll join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Helpful mental health resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org)

988 Life Line

If you or a loved are seeking mental health care, help is available, simply dial 988 from anywhere in the U.S.

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/16/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E11 - Why Are Kids Always Sick?! Let's Talk About It.

If you have (or know) a kid, you've probably wondered: "How can such a tiny human catch so many illnesses?" And, "How is it humanly possible to create such an endless supply of snot?!"  Let's face it, kids are mini germ factories. From coughs to colds to ear infections, kids seem to pick up everything.  But which symptoms are just part of growing up, and which ones should actually worry you?

On Episode 11 of the show, we'll be joined by a repeat guest, pediatrician Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian, to break down the most common childhood illnesses.  He'll help us get an understanding of what's normal, what's not, and how to handle those inevitable ailments like a pro.  This episode will be guest hosted by Meghan McCoy who will share with us her POV and experiences as an Ear, Nose Throat specialist as well.  Kids will always keep us guessing, but you can count on finding at least a few answers here.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/02/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E10 - Controlled Chaos: A Day in the Life of an Emergency Nurse

There are a lot of important people in healthcare, but the medical system itself simply would not exist without one essential piece of the puzzle: NURSES.  It might be impossible to give them enough credit for the many important jobs they do - from the Emergency Department to the clinics.  They literally see it all, and regardless of how intense the situation might be, somehow always seem to keep their cool.

Emergency Department nurses are a special breed and the backbone of hospital emergency care, and in Episode 10, we'll be joined by one of these unsung heroes.  Kara Fussy (BAN-RN, CCRN) is a Critical Care and Emergency Medicine nurse, working in the Emergency Department of HCMC, a major Level I Trauma Center. In our conversation, we'll get insights and stories from what can be one of the most intense places in the hospital.  We'll learn about the personal and professional challenges of the job,  what it takes to thrive in this position, and also hear stories about a few of the more interesting patient cases she's seen over the past few decades.  It's safe to say this job is not for everyone, and this is an excellent chance to learn about the role and experience from someone who lives this job day in and day out.  We hope you'll join us.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

02/16/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E09 - Hypertension: Avoiding the Silent Killer

High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is often called The Silent Killer because it can wreak havoc on our bodies, oftentimes without us even knowing.  It's estimated that 85 million people in the U.S. alone have high blood pressure, which is an alarming stat, especially given that it can be a major contributor to a whole host of bad stuff - like stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease, to name just a few.  But what causes hypertension?  Why is it so damaging to our bodies?  Who's most at risk, and what can be done to keep it in check?

From Hypertension to Hypotension, on Episode 9 of our show, we're talking all things blood pressure with a repeat guest, Dr. Woubeshet Ayanew (MD).  Dr. Ayenew is a cardiologist at Hennepin Healtcare and currently holds the record for most downloads of a single episode of our show (S3: Episode 09 - "Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and the Triglycerides...)!  He'll break down the condition for us and explain the causes and effects of high blood pressure, best practices to stay ahead of it, the importance of home monitoring (and what those numbers actually mean), and what can be done for those looking to get things under control.  This is a great chance to learn all about hypertension and get some useful tips on how to manage your blood pressure from a true expert.  Join us!

Links:

American Heart Association

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

02/02/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E08 - The MS Journey: From Symptoms to Solutions

Did you know that 1,000,000 people in the U.S. alone are living with Multiple Sclerosis?  We've all likely heard of MS before, and many of us may even know someone with the condition, but there are always a lot of questions when it comes to these types of diseases.  Like, what's actually happening in the body?  What are typical symptoms?  And what help is there available to those living with it?

Thankfully, we've got experts on hand to guide us through the basics.  On Episode 8, we'll be joined by Dr. Ali AlMoamen (MB, BCh, BAO), a board-certified neurologist at Hennepin Healthcare and a specialist in autoimmune conditions like MS.  He's helped many patients and their loved ones navigate this perplexing, and oftentimes scary condition, and has assisted them on their way to continuing to live a fulfilling life.  On this show, we'll take a look at the root causes of the condition, the challenges in diagnosing it, the current and forthcoming treatment options, and how we all can help anyone living with MS.  Please join us.

Additional resources and information can be found on the National MS Society website.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

01/19/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E07 - Let's Learn About Lupus!

Did you know that in 2024, over 200,000 people in the U.S. alone had Lupus?  It's a condition that many of us have likely heard of, but it's one that often presents with a lot of questions - like where does it come from?  Who is most likely to get Lupus?  Is it a life-long condition?  And what help is available for those living with it?

On the next episode of the show, we'll be joined by Rheumatologist, Dr. Rawad Nasr, and he'll help us get our brains around Lupus, as well as the basics of autoimmune diseases at large.  This is one condition that has seen a lot of progress in terms of treatments and medications over the past decade (finally!), so this is a great chance to get some up-to-date knowledge from an expert in the field.  He'll discuss the origins of the condition (and the name!), who's at risk, what help is available from the medical community, and ways we all can support those living with it.  Come get wise with us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

01/05/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E06 - How to Live to be 100 (or Die Trying...)

When it comes to our longevity, there's certainly no shortage of advice out there. We'll often get an earful about the superfood du jour, fad diets, or trendy exercise routines - but what's the word from an actual MD on the subject?  Are there really keys to living a longer, healthier life?  And can I still eat bacon?

Well, on Episode 6 of our show, we'll be joined by an extra special guest - Dr. David Hilden!  He'll share with us his learnings from over 25 years in the field and help us develop strategies for how to live healthy, and ideally, long lives.  From what we can do for ourselves, to what the medical community can do for us, there's a good bit of wisdom here for all of us humans.  He'll also tell us what "ditzel" is...  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/22/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E05 - A is for Alcohol. A Primer.

Are you doing a "Dry January"?  Do your family gatherings get a little more colorful when the wine starts flowing?  Like it or not, alcohol plays a role in many of our lives, both directly and indirectly.  It lives deep within the fabric of our society (and it has since ancient times!) but there've been quite a few changes to how the medical community has viewed it in the past decade.  But is it all bad?  How much is too much for us?  And, maybe most importantly, how can I avoid a hangover?!

We've all likely developed our own relationship with alcohol, and it's safe to say it's a personal matter and one that can benefit from a fresh look every now and then.  In Episode 5 we'll talk with an addiction medicine specialist Dr. Charlie Reznikoff, who himself enjoys good cider on occasion!  He's an expert on the subject of substances and addictions and in our conversation we'll go over the physical effect alcohol has on the body, the current medical guidelines, how to assess your own consumption, and the options available for those looking to get things back under control.  And yes, we'll discuss hangovers as well...  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/08/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E04 - Decoding Food Labels

Our diets are a major contributor to our overall health, so of course it's important to know what's in the food we eat.  And what better way would there be to find out what's in our food than to read its label?  But let's face it, oftentimes food labels can be confusing, and sometimes even a little misleading.  So how do you interpret what's on a food label?  What does each of the items mean for our diets?  And what is Riboflavin, anyway?

To help us get a better understanding of these cryptic contents, we'll be joined once again by Dr. Iesha Galloway-Gilliam (MD).  She chairs the Department of Weight Management at Hennepin Healthcare and she'll help us get our heads around the contents of a food label, the real meanings behind buzzwords like "natural", "fresh" and "organic", and the role macronutrients play in our diets.  We all gotta eat, so there's something here for everyone.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

11/24/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E03 - All About Gout!

Gout!  It's kind of a funny word, but ask anyone who's got experience with it, and it is no joke!  It's on the rise in the U.S., and although men are the more likely candidates, women and even some dogs(!) are also susceptible.  But what is it exactly?  Why is it so often found in our big toes?  And, which dogs can actually get Gout?!

Many people who have experienced a Gout flare are quick to say it's the most painful thing they've experienced in their lives (...maybe second to childbirth).  Since it deals with our joints, Gout typically falls under the field of Rheumatology, and in Episode 3, we'll sit down with Dr. Linh Ngo (DO, RhMSUS) to get a crash course on the subject.   We'll go over the basics of what the condition is, ways people contract gout, as well as the most up-to-date diagnosis and treatment options to help get rid of it.  There's a lot to learn here, so tune in to get wise on what's often referred to as "The Disease of Kings".  Why is called that?  Join us and find out!

Wanna see what Gout crystals look like under a microscope?

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview for upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

11/10/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E02 - Dr. Thomas Wyatt and the Hospital's Front Door (Open 24/7/365)

It can be said that the emergency department is the front door between a community and healthcare - that never closes.  Within it, there's an immense team of providers working together to attend to anyone and everyone who comes in through the door - every hour of every day.  Safe to say, it's an intensely busy place with no two days ever being the same.

Hennepin County Medical Center is a Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center and safety net hospital, which means it's equipped to tackle the full gamma of healthcare issues in our community - from earaches to heart attacks.  It's an intricate organization with a lot of moving pieces and a new, unique leader at the top, Dr. Thomas Wyatt (MD, FACEP).  Dr. Wyatt is one of the first tribally enrolled American Indians (Shawnee/Quapaw) to chair an academic emergency department in the United States and in Episode 2 he'll discuss the importance of this role, what life is like inside and outside of the emergency department, and the many challenges facing these departments across the country.  This is an excellent chance to get an inside view of an essential piece of the healthcare puzzle and to get to know a great figure in medicine.  We hope you'll join us.

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/27/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E01 - Elder Essentials: Keys to Aging Gracefully and Caring for Older Adults

Though some of us might not like to admit it, it's a fact that right now, we're all getting (at least a little) older.  But aging doesn't have to be scary, and there are certainly better practices to helping our loved ones - and ourselves - age in the best way possible.  But what does "healthy aging" really mean?  How do we distinguish a "senior moment" from something more serious?  When is the right time to talk to a geriatrician? 

On the next episode of the show we'll introduce the "5 M's" of geriatric care with geriatrician, Dr. Kerry Sheets (MD).  They are: Mind, Mobility, Multi-Complexity, Medications and Matters Most, and they help provide a framework for navigating the aging process.  She'll help us understand each of these and give us tips on healthy aging, and how to give the best possible care to our elders.  Aging is a part of life, and there's certainly a lot to know about it, so tune in and get senior savvy with us!

Resources mentioned in this show:
fivewishes.org
honoringchoices.org
The National Institute on Aging

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/13/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E24 - Insomnia... and How to Fix It.

I’m sure most of all of us would agree that sleep is precious…

But sooner or later we all run into issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.  Of course, missing out on quality sleep can have direct consequences on how well we function in our daily lives, but did you know it can have real consequences on your physical and mental health as well?  So, when is it actually insomnia versus just a restless night?  How many hours of sleep should I get each night?  How long does the average person need to fall asleep?  And maybe most importantly - what’s the ideal length of a nap?

On the final episode of Season 3 of our show, we’ll look into the world of restful sleep with sleep psychologist Dr. Mark Rosenblum.  Dr. Rosenblum is also a specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which has been proven to show even better results than most of the medications prescribed for this condition, and without the hefty side effects.  So tune in and find out what causes insomnia, when it’s time to get help, and what the best methods are to make sure you’re able to get a proper dose of restful, delicious sleep.  We hope you’ll join us, and as always, thanks for listening!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org