Optimal Health

Summary In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline D’Souza joins host Pete Waggoner to talk about headaches. They discuss the difference between simple and complex headaches, what causes them, and how they are diagnosed. Dr. D’Souza also details how she develops her patients' treatment plan and the major role that lifestyle plays in managing headaches. This episode will be helpful for anyone who suffers from occasional or chronic headaches and is looking for more information on how to manage them. Takeaways: Listen to your body and trust your gut--if you think your headache may be more than just a simple tension headache, see a doctor. An open communication between the patient and the physician is key in developing an effective treatment plan. In this episode: [1:16] Dr. D'Souza shares how growing up with her grandfather who was a physician inspired her to become a doctor herself. She talks about how even in his retirement, her grandfather would still see patients to help them with their concerns and how this influenced her desire to be a physician who makes a difference in her patients' lives. [10:13] Host Pete Waggoner asks about the difference between migraine headaches vs. those that are caused by sinusitis. Dr. D'Souza shares how 90% of what patients believed to be sinus headaches actually meet the criteria of migraine headaches. [12:58] Dr. D'Souza gets into detail about how she develops her patients' treatment plan. She puts emphasis on the importance of working hand in hand with her patients and having an open communication in order to find the root cause of their headaches and develop an effective plan that fits their lifestyle. [20:36] Dr. D'Souza shares a real-life story of one of her patients who had experienced severe, recurring headaches despite being young and otherwise healthy. She talks about how this patient's story is not uncommon and how people should trust their gut and not wait until their headache is unbearable to see a doctor. [26:13] Host Pete Waggoner begins to wrap the episode up by asking Dr. D'Souza how Botox treatment works for chronic migraines. Dr. D'Souza explains the details of the process and how they determine if a patient is a candidate for this treatment. Resources: Hudson Physicians Dr. Jacqueline D’Souza International Headache Society Quotes "It came out of love, it came out of kindness, and it came out of a deep understanding of how to care." -Dr. Jacqueline D’Souza on her decision to become a physician as influenced by her grandfather. "Trust your gut. If you think something is off, get medical treatment." - Dr. Jacqueline D’Souza "Live your best life now." - Dr. Jacqueline D’Souza

In this episode, host Pete Waggoner interviews Dr. Lincoln Likness, the pioneer of Hudson Physicians' sports concussion program. They discuss how the sports medicine team of the Hudson Physicians works with the schools, parents, and coaches to prevent and manage sport-related injuries, especially concussions. Dr. Likness also recounts his personal experiences as a physician specializing in the said field and shares how his passion serves as a driving force in his work. The episode provides an insightful overview of the complex world of sports concussion management, and offers an enlightening perspective on the role of both the schools and the physicians in preventing and managing such injuries. Takeaways: Preventing and treating sports injuries entail a multidisciplinary effort that includes close collaboration between medical professionals, coaches, and parents. A patient's recovery journey must be a collaborative effort with an honest, open dialogue between the patient and their care team. In This Episode: [03:15] Dr. Lincoln Likness talks about how the Hudson Physicians' sports medicine team coordinates with the local schools, coaches, and parents in developing programs that aim to prevent sports injuries and make the healing journey of the young athletes easier. [05:52] Host Pete Waggoner asks Dr. Likness about how the technology and practices utilized by their team have evolved over the years into a "state-of-the-art" sports concussion program that's been helping young athletes for 11 years. [13:00] Dr. Likness goes into detail about how their team performs baseline testing in coordination with the schools, and how they use the data to help manage injuries and concussions. [29:23] Dr. Likness shares how the whole process of sports concussion treatment goes—from diagnosis to rehabilitation and post-treatment tests. He also stresses the importance of an open communication between the patient, their parents, and their care team to speed up the healing process. [31:43] Pete Waggoner and Dr. Lincoln Likness wrap up the episode by discussing what's new on the horizon for the Hudson Medical Center's sports concussion program and how the developments they've been working on will make their services much more accessible in the near future. Resources: Hudson Physicians Hudson Medical Center  Dr. Lincoln Likness Healthy Roster

When a prominent new building is being constructed, it is the end result that catches the attention of neighbors and patrons. They might notice progress along the way, but rarely give thought to what is happening step-by-step. For those passing by the new Hudson Medical Center location, there is now a very large crane on-site. This means a highly efficient and important segment of the project is happening. The crane belongs to Wells, one of the largest precasters in the United States, who have paired with Hudson Physicians leadership and other designers/craftsmen to create an attractive, extremely safe, and immensely functional clinic to benefit Western Wisconsin’s medical needs. Jace and Nathan from Wells explain about precasting and prefab concrete, and how it is helping to significantly speed up the building process of the Medical Center. They also delve into metal-looking concrete, the unimaginable logistics of using a crane (even indoors!), and how there is a good chance you’ve already hunkered down on their work (think football…).  Take a listen to the Wells Optimal Health podcast episode and see how Wells’ involvement with the construction of the Hudson Medical Center will provide the community with craftsmanship of the highest and sturdiest quality. Episode Links:  https://www.wellsconcrete.com https://hudsonphysicians.com/hudsonmedicalcenter/ Follow the progress of the building: https://hudsonphysicians.com/hudson-medical-center/

Your feet take the weight of your whole body It's easy to see how painful feet can quickly lead to discomfort and cause health problems. If you have heel pain, dry skin, discolored toenails, cracked skin, cuts, redness, or swelling, you should consult with a specialist as soon as possible. A variety of diseases can present themselves peripherally in the lower extremities. Dry skin that is cracked or flaking near the heel or ball of the foot can be a sign of thyroid issues. The characteristic “pins and needles” sensation in the feet can lead to the discovery of undiagnosed diabetes. In today’s podcast with Dr. Melanie Berg, she discusses misconceptions about foot care, how stretching plays a part in your foot health, and warning signs you can look for. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Foot health & podiatry with Dr. Melanie Berg.  Podiatry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions related to the feet and lower legs. https://hudsonphysicians.com/service/podiatry/

Learn how the new Western Wisconsin Eye Center of Excellence can assist the community with cradle-to-grave medical and surgical eye care.  Podcast with Associated Eye Care ophthalmologist, Dr. Gary S. Schwartz. Annual medical exam?  Check.  Bi-annual dental appointment?  Scheduled.  Yearly eye exam?  No?  You don’t need glasses?  The clinics are all too far away?  There is an ophthalmologist you need to meet – Dr. Gary Schwartz from Associated Eye Care. Dr. Schwartz explains how Associated Eye Care will be relocating from a small, one-doctor office on the Hudson Hospital campus to a large 4-doctor office in the new Hudson Medical Center in early 2023.  He calls this new location their Western Wisconsin hub, where they will provide local communities with more convenient, comprehensive vision and eye care services. In this podcast, Dr. Schwartz discusses how their move will positively affect Western Wisconsin and what is new in eye care.  He tackles topics such as being a cradle-to-grave practice, why perfect vision isn’t necessarily the same thing as perfectly healthy eyes, “not-your-parents” eye care, the impact COVID-19 has had on children’s vision, and more!

Using Technology to Streamline Healthcare Design How do you imagine the construction of a 50 million dollar project? Do you use cardboard boxes to build a mock exam room? Do you pull all your providers off site to view it? Hudson Physicians decided to use virtual reality to leverage technology to visualize what the workstations and exam rooms would look like for the development of the Hudson Medical Center set to be completed in January, 2023. Virtual Reality (VR) is often just thought of for playing video games, but the team at Hudson Physicians, in association with Cresa, decided to use it to reduce problems, reduce the timeline, and reduce cost. Bringing Virtual Reality to Life With the use of VR goggles, the providers and staff were able to go through an experience that was memorable, and will get them closer to what they are looking for, as well as pass on the benefits of an overall better patient experience. Join our speakers, listed below, in today’s podcast, to learn more about virtual reality and its role in healthcare design as it relates to the Hudson Medical Center. Matt Brandt CEO, Hudson Physicians Brandon Bogdalek Vice President, Corporate Solutions - Cresa

Meet our Audiology provider, Kirsten Daniels, AuD, in today’s podcast about health and your hearing. She discusses hearing loss & early prevention and primarily works with adults. In this episode you'll discover:  What age you should get a baseline and screening. What are signs & symptoms that you might need a screening. Strategies for hearing difficulties while wearing a mask. What a comprehensive evaluation entails. Easy ways to tell if your AirPods are too loud. Learn more on our audiology page. 

See how we are expanding to serve our community better. Hudson Physicians is building a 3-story multi-tenant facility, Hudson Medical Center, with medical offices and outpatient services. 

Children have ongoing changes based on their age and development. Here are some things to consider when reaching out for your child regarding mental health services. What you’ll learn: • Who are mental health providers and what do they do. • Who’s trained and what skills do they provide. • How much training is required for certain providers. • Questions you should be asking, when looking for a mental health provider for your child.

Dr. Concepcion and Lauren Knapp discuss going back to school and the feelings you and your kids may be having. What you can expect, things you can do, and what signals you can look for in kids at different ages. 

Dr. Schneider discusses when veins have trouble sending blood from your limbs back to the heart, which is known as venous insufficiency. Listen to the podcast to learn about signs and symptoms to look for, as well as treatment options.

Dr. Druffner discusses symptoms, screening methods, treatment, surgery, and genetic risk relating to colon cancer. Dr. Ade specializes in GI services.

COVID-19 podcast update with CEO, Matt Brandt, and Dr. Ryan McFarland. Recorded on April 3, 2020. It’s important to stay on top of your routine appointments. We are keeping risks low while continuing to treat medical issues via Telemedicine. Telemedicine - 715-531-6800 (option #1) It’s best to start with a telemedicine appointment and then determine if it should be converted into an in office visit. We keep our website updated with COVID-19 resources, as well as information about telemedicine visits.  

New COVID-19 podcast with CEO, Matt Brandt and Dr. Keith Bratulich. Recorded on March 19.  Learn more about Virtual Telemedicine Appointments as well. 

If you've ever been afraid to exercise, cough, or laugh because of urinary leakage, you'll want to tune into this podcast with Dr. Barnum.

Dr. Young will discuss Heart Health & Cardiovascular Disease. Check your BMI score. 

CEO, Matt Brandt, talks about what you can expect from Hudson Physicians in 2020.

In this episode, the Medical Director of New Richmond Medical Center, Dr. Stephen Harrold himself, joins host Pete Waggoner to discuss the upcoming open house event this February 2nd. From the physicians who will be joining Dr. Harrold's team and their backgrounds in medicine to the variety of specialty services that will be available, the two explore everything that New Richmond Medical Center has in store for the community. Pete and Dr. Harrold also put emphasis on how the new facility will be adopting Hudson Physicians' patient-centered culture and focus on providing high-quality care to the people of New Richmond and its neighboring communities that do not currently have access to specialized medical services. Tune in now to learn more about this exciting event! Takeaways: Setting up medical facilities takes not only a team of skilled professionals, but also an unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care. Fostering connection between the hospital and its community is essential in order to build a trusting relationship and ensure that everyone receives the care they need. In this episode: [1:02] Pete dives right into the conversation by asking Dr. Stephen Harrold what people should expect from the open house event and how their team is preparing for it. Dr. Harrold emphasizes how they plan on bringing Hudson Physicians' patient-centered culture to the New Richmond Medical Center. [5:12] Dr. Harrold provides an overview of the team that will be joining him in the new medical facility. He shares the background and his own experiences working with the four other physicians and how their expertise will be beneficial for the community. [12:04] Pete and Dr. Harrold talk about the other tenants and healthcare providers of Hudson Physicians who will be offering their specialized services at the new medical center such as Associated Eye and Hudson Imaging. [18:10] Dr. Harrold shares how witnessing the construction of the Hudson Medical Center has made the planning much easier for the New Richmond Medical Center. He also mentions how they made sure the new facility has enough room for the staff who will be assisting the patients before they meet their physician. [20:38] Dr. Harrold and Pete discuss how the location of the New Richmond Medical Center is strategically placed to ensure that surrounding communities that do not have access to specialized medical services will be able to receive the care they need. Resources: New Richmond Medical Center Dr. Stephen Harrold Dr. Nyquist podcast  Associated Eye Care Hudson Imaging Read Transcription Quotes: "That's why I'm here. I don't want patients to feel like a number. The doctors that are joining me in New Richmond have that same mindset as well as the doctors here at Hudson Physicians." - Dr. Stephen Harrold "This is not just putting up a medical center to be in competition with others. There is truly a need, definitely in New Richmond, but probably even more so in some of the surrounding communities that may be a long enough drive to Hudson." - Dr. Stephen Harrold

In this episode of the Optimal Health Podcast, host Pete Waggoner is joined by Dr. Timothy Toonen of Minnesota Oncology to share his expertise and knowledge about cancer care. They discuss the role oncologists play in helping cancer patients find the right treatment options while alleviating the fear that comes along with a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Toonen also talks about how his team plans on providing the people of Hudson with even more comprehensive care through their new facility at the Hudson Medical Center which will be opening its doors to the public this January 12, 2023. Takeaways: There is support and help available for cancer patients. Helping people battle and survive cancer involves a comprehensive approach to treatment, including emotional and physical support. In this episode: [2:19] Pete Waggoner asks Dr. Timothy Toonen to talk about his early life and what led him to become an oncologist. Dr. Toonen shares how meeting a group of community-based oncologists has inspired him to pursue a career in cancer care. [5:36] Dr. Toonen defines oncology and explains the role oncologists like him play in helping cancer patients find non-surgical and non-radiation care options and curate treatment plans that best fit the patient’s needs. [11:03] Pete and Dr. Toonen talk about how cancer treatment has evolved over the years and how there are now better supportive care medications tailored especially for patients with fear of getting chemotherapy. [14:25] Dr. Toonen provides insight into Minnesota Oncology's comprehensive, full-circle care and how the new Hudson Medical Center can help its team provide the appropriate treatments to patients all within the Hudson area. [18:00] Dr. Toonen talks about how their team along with other healthcare providers such as Associate Eye Care and Twin Cities Orthopedics are eager to bring independent, physician-driven healthcare practices to the Hudson community through the new medical center. Resources Hudson Physicians Medical Center Minnesota Oncology Timothy Toonen Associated Eye Care Twin Cities Orthopedics Quotes "We might not have all the answers, certainly a lot of times we don't on the first visit. But I think it gives patients a sense that we care." - Timothy Toonen, MD

In this episode, Hudson Physicians' CEO Matt Brandt joins host Pete Waggoner on the Optimal Health Podcast to discuss the Hudson Medical Center's upcoming public open house on January 12, 2023. They talk about the nitty-gritty details of the event, from its location to what services and amenities people can expect. They also get into the process of making the plan come to life and how their desire to bring as many services possible to the growing community of Hudson has been a major goal. This is an invitation for everybody in the Hudson community to come and experience the quality care that Hudson Medical Center has to offer. Tune in to find out more about this exciting event. Takeaways: A lot of planning, thought, and care goes into building a medical center that caters to a community. Anything's possible with the right people, resources, and the drive to make it happen. In this episode: [1:35] Pete starts the discussion by asking about the logistics of moving and how the Hudson Physicians team plan on relocating to their new medical center. Matt details their target schedule and how this would allow them to stay fully operational during the move. [3:18] Matt shares what the public can expect from the open house event. From the tours of the medical center's facilities to the discussions of key services, Matt and Pete discuss how the open house offers a chance to get to know what Hudson Physicians has prepared for the community better. [7:49] Matt puts emphasis on their goal to bring more healthcare services to the growing community of Hudson and the mindset of being local providers as driving forces in the changes they've made. [12:25] Pete asks Matt about the parts of the medical center that turned out exactly how they envisioned it and the ones they would have done differently. [15:58] Pete closes the episode by sharing his final thoughts and emphasizing how a lot of thought and planning by a team of dedicated people goes into making a medical center that caters to the needs of its community. Resources: Hudson Physicians Matt Brandt, CEO Hudson Physicians Hudson Medical Center Associated Eye Care Hudson Imaging Minnesota Oncology Valley Surgery Center Read Transcript Quotes: "It's been interesting to watch how everybody's really adapted to their profession, and being professionals about that adaption has been really (kind of) a breath of fresh air for the public...I think that your facility and your work is leading that charge." - Pete Waggoner