More Life

Veteran's Day is Friday, November 11. In this episode, we celebrate those who have and who currently serve and the special skill set they bring to their civilian roles. Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with Keith Grant, APRN, vice president of operations for the Hartford Region and United States Air Force reservist.Keith also served as Hartford HeathCare’s senior system director of infection prevention throughout the pandemic. Once COVID-19 hit Connecticut, Keith became one of the trusted voices and faces that would update the state regularly through the crisis. His expertise and leadership skills helped both his colleagues and the general public navigate through very uncertain times. Check this episode’s links to learn more about Keith Grant, COVID 19 vaccines and resources and Hartford HealthCare’s partnership with Jamaica. Follow More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform.Watch: Keith Grant - We Stand TogetherRead: Hartford HealthCare Celebrates Special Partnership with the Jamaican Health ConsulateHartford HealthCare: COVID 19 Vaccines and resources

In this episode, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with Laura Bailey, vice president of Patient Care Services at Hartford Hospital. It's been almost three years since the onset of the pandemic and Laura gives us important perspective looking back - where we are now – and what the future looks like for healthcare workers, their patients and the general public. Laura also addresses the current nursing shortage – how Baby Boomer retirement is affecting the numbers and how new hiring and recruitment efforts are helping.  Learn more about nursing careers at Hartford HealthCare at HHCCareers.org.Follow More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform. 

Welcome to More Life. In this episode, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coats welcomes Angel Rentas. Angel is an APRN who works at Hartford HealthCare’s Heart & Vascular Institute EP Lab at Hartford Hospital. He’s also a professional stand-up comedian!Angel has a great story about breaking on to the comedy scene in the 80’s - which is no easy task - and how his career in healthcare came to be. He also talks about his family’s journey from Puerto Rico to mainland America and how comedy helped him with that sometimes-difficult transition. Check the links in this episode’s notes to learn more about Angel. Subscribe to More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform. Angel Rentas featured in the Hartford CourantAngel Rentas stand-up comedy

In this episode of More Life, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates digs into the topic of hoarding with Dr. David Tolin, medical director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living, part of the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network.Hoarding disorder is surprisingly common and can range from tolerable to hazardous and can make the person suffering, or the people around them, miserable.Dr. Tolin helps us identify the difference between messy and hoarding and sheds some light on how a genetic predisposition, previous life event, or even impaired cognitive function may contribute to the disorder. Who is Dr. Tolin?Dr. David Tolin is the author of over 200 scientific journal articles, as well as the books Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Behaviors, Thoughts, and Emotions, Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding and Face Your Fears: A Proven Plan to Beat Anxiety, Panic, Phobias, and Obsessions.Dr. Tolin has been featured on the reality TV series “Hoarders,” “The OCD Project,” and “My Shopping Addiction,” and has been a recurrent guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Dr. Oz Show.”Learn more about compulsive hoardingHoarding Disorder ResearchThe Anxiety Disorders Center at Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living is conducting a study investigating changes in brain functioning after treatment in people with Hoarding Disorder.Learn more

Welcome to a special 3-part series of Hartford HealthCare's More Life that will focus on how different generations engage on  various healthcare topics. Hosted by Tina Varona, director of Media Relations on the Hartford HealthCare content strategy team, and administrative graduate intern Levell Williams - a health equity scholar at the Brown University School of Public Health in Rhode Island.The idea behind the series: identify the “generation gap” in various health-related topics while Tina and Levell share their own, unique experiences representing Generation X and Gen Z.  The goal:  to “bridge that gap” through a lively discussion with Hartford HealthCare experts to educate audience members of all age groups.In episode three, Tina and Levell get very honest about the physical, emotional and social generation gap when it comes to COVID-19. Their guest, Keith Grant, APRN, is Senior System Director of Infection Prevention for Hartford HealthCare and has been on the front line, helping every generation navigate this pandemic from the start. Listen to the other episodes in this series:Episode 1 with Dr. Laura SaundersEpisode 2 with Dr. Godfrey PearlsonWatch: Keith Grant featured on  NBC CTKeith Grant Recognized as Local Hero for All, including People of Color

Welcome to a special 3-part series of Hartford HealthCare's More Life that will focus on how different generations engage on  various healthcare topics.Hosted by Tina Varona, director of Media Relations on the Hartford HealthCare content strategy team, and administrative graduate intern Levell Williams - a health equity scholar at the Brown University School of Public Health in Rhode Island.The idea behind the series: identify the “generation gap” in various health-related topics while Tina and Levell share their own, unique experiences representing Generation X and Gen Z.  The goal:  to “bridge that gap” through a lively discussion with Hartford HealthCare experts to educate audience members of all age groups.In episode two, Tina and Levell explore the generational use of marijuana – who likes it, and why – medicinal or recreational?  Their guest, Dr. Godfrey Pearlson of the Olin Neuropsychiatry Center at the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, is also the author of Weed Science, and he has some fascinating insight. Listen to the other episodes in this series:Episode 1 with Dr. Laura SaundersEpisode 3 with Keith Grant, APRN

Welcome to a special 3-part series of Hartford HealthCare's More Life that will focus on how different generations engage on  various healthcare topics.Hosted by Tina Varona, director of Media Relations on the Hartford HealthCare content strategy team, and administrative graduate intern Levell Williams - a health equity scholar at the Brown University School of Public Health in Rhode Island.The idea behind the series: identify the “generation gap” in various health-related topics while Tina and Levell share their own, unique experiences representing Generation X and Gen Z.  The goal:  to “bridge that gap” through a lively discussion with Hartford HealthCare experts to educate audience members of all age groups.In episode one, Tina and Levell explore the generational shift in social media with special guest Dr. Laura Saunders, Psychologist at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living.You've been listening to the first episode in a special 3-part series on More Life, focusing on how members of different generational age groups engage various health care topics.Listen to the other episodes in this series:Episode 2 with Dr. Godfrey PearlsonEpisode 3 with Keith Grant, APRNLearn more about the Institute of LivingWatch more from Dr. Laura Saunders:Taking a Break from Social MediaHow Social Media Affects Teens

In this episode, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with Dr. Amir Masoud, Co-Medical Director of the Hartford HealthCare Nuerogastroenterology & Motility Center.What is IBS? What is GERD? Dr. Masoud answers these questions and more. He explains the function of motility - and describes the important interplay between our brain and our gut. Check the links in this episode’s notes to learn more about Dr. Masoud and the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Center.Follow More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening to More Life.VISIT: Hartford HealthCare Nuerogastroenterology & Motility CenterWATCH: Meet Dr. Amir Masoud 

This important episode is a must-share and could save a life this holiday weekend – or at any time of the year. Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with Dr. Jonathan Gates, chief of trauma at Hartford Hospital.Dr. Gates gives us a rare perspective from behind-the-scenes of a Level 1 trauma center. He also shares some of the chaos and seamless coordination he experienced during the Boston Marathon bombings and the Haitian earthquake in 2010.Closer to home, Dr. Gates and Hartford HealthCare have joined forces with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for “Not One More” – a campaign designed to prevent the trauma that can result from impaired driving due to alcohol and drugs. He sees the devastating effects every day. It’s an undeniable problem that peaks during the July 4th holiday.He is asking for Connecticut drivers to pledge that they won’t have that one additional drink or smoke that will put them and others at risk. His story is a compelling one.  Please, explore and share the links in this episode’s notes to “Not One More” with the ones you love. There are some impressive videos and resources there that are guaranteed to make us all think twice about “Not One More.”  Videos, TV spots, resources and more: Will you sign the pledge? Visit NotOneMore.org.Follow More Life to be notified every time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.

Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks to Hartford, Connecticut Mayor Luke Bronin. They cover some critical challenges U.S. cities are all facing including violence, COVID recovery and how health equity plays an important part in each of these issues.Mayor Bronin, who recently recovered from COVID himself, shares some important lessons learned in being tasked with leading his city through the pandemic. He also talks about leveraging key partnerships with hospitals, health systems, community and faith organizations and the impact that can have on individuals and the city at large.DominGO! Hartford, which will temporarily transform a few miles of Hartford’s city streets into car-free public spaces this summer, is one of the mayor’s prime examples of how we are connecting our communities and creating new places for safe, neighborhood fun and healthy activities for all ages and abilities.Follow More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform. Related links and episodesBackus Hospital Helps A City Park Rise From RubbleEquity in Healthcare Delivery ConferenceSupplier Diversity Summit Builds Partnerships with Minority and Women-Owned BusinessesListen: The Racial Divide: Acknowledging and addressing disparities in healthcare

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living (IOL) this year, Hartford HealthCare has partnered with the Connecticut Historical Society to present Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health.   This special podcast series will take us through the history of mental health treatment in Connecticut, and behind the scenes of the IOL, the first psychiatric hospital in the history of Connecticut and the third in the nation.The journey of mental health care through the 19th and 20th century is a fascinating one. The IOL played a significant role in fundamentally changing approaches to mental health – blazing a trail of moral, ethical treatment for others to follow.In episode three, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks to Dr. Javeed Sukhera, chair of psychiatry at the Institute of Living and chief of the department of psychiatry at Harford Hospital.They discuss the current state and rising need of quality mental health access in the U.S., how the IOL has historically pivoted to meet the needs of any given era, and they also look at a future filled with new possibilities in the field of mental health treatment. Check the links in this episode’s notes to listen to episodes one and two which feature the Connecticut Historical Society’s exhibit and a fascinating conversation with Dr. Hank Schwartz. Be sure to follow Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform where more episodes focusing on the IOL’s history, present and future will publish throughout the year. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.The Evolution of Mental Health Care: 200 years at Hartford HealthCare's Institute of Living: Episode One: featuring the Connecticut Historical SocietyEpisode Two: featuring Dr. Hank SchwartzLearn more about Hartford HealthCare's Institute of Living Learn more about Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health Presented by Hartford HealthCare Institute of Living

Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates and Dr. Jared Bieniek, medical director of Men’s Health at Hartford HealthCare’s Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute, get into some very important topics for men – any anyone who loves them.While vasectomy is a sensitive topic, is it really a good option for birth control? And more importantly for some, is it reversable, and is it covered by insurance? Dr. Bieniek has answers.In addition to overall men’s health, Steve and Dr. Bieniek also get into Zero Prostate. It’s a movement to create Generation Zero – the first generation of men free from prostate cancer. Hartford HealthCare and Tallwood have partnered with Zero Prostate Cancer, a national organization, to raise funds for research with a Zero Prostate 5k family run scheduled for June 12 in Hartford.More about the Zero Prostate 5K:Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute is hosting a ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, as part of a nationwide series of Run/Walks designed to attract patients, survivors, family members, friends, medical professionals, and athletes who come together as a community to raise awareness about prostate cancer and save lives. Races will finish inside Dunkin Donuts Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats.Registration is free to take part in the 5K run/walk or Kids Superhero Dash for Dad. Official Chip timing and T-shirts are optional. The proceeds raised from this event will be shared among national and local organizations who share the mission to end prostate cancer by supporting research, education and treatment for the uninsured.Imagine the impact to families and loved ones if men are diagnosed and treated early, vastly improving their odds of living longer, healthier lives because WE brought awareness.

In this special Mother's Day edition of More Life, we are joined by Hartford Hospital's Jennifer Dowe, patient education manager for Women's Health Services, and Mary Marshall-Crimm, a family nurse practitioner, lactation consultant and the manager of the lactation program at the hospital.They help to take us through the amazing journey of becoming a mom, from prenatal education to labor and delivery, breastfeeding, taking baby home - and beyond. Jen and Mary describe some of the amazing resources now available to expectant and new parents including support groups, virtual classes and social media connections. Be sure to explore some of the great programs and pages discussed in this episode:HH Special Deliveries Childbirth Center (Facebook) – Open to the publicHHC Breastfeeding support group (Facebook) – Private groupFourth Trimester and Postpartum Wellness class - Open to the publicHartford HealthCare Parent Education classes - Open to the publicWebinar: What New Grandparents Should Know - Open to the publicRegister for the weekly Breastfeeding Support Group HERERelated More Life podcast episodes:Midwifery: Back to the basics of birthingCall the Hartford Hospital Lactation Center to schedule a phone consultation; virtual consultation or in person consultation: 860.972.2428Call the Hispanic Health Council for follow up by a peer counselor: 860.527.0856More breastbeeding resources:La Leche League of CT Breastfeeding USA  

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living (IOL) this year, Hartford HealthCare has partnered with the Connecticut Historical Society to present Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health. This special podcast series will take us through the history of mental health treatment in Connecticut, and behind the scenes of the IOL, the first psychiatric hospital in the history of Connecticut and the third in the nation.The journey of mental health care through the 19th and 20th century is a fascinating one. The IOL played a significant role in fundamentally changing approaches to mental health – blazing a trail of moral, ethical treatment for others to follow.In episode two, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks to Dr. Harold "Hank" Schwartz,  psychiatrist-in-chief emeritus at the Institute of Living.They take us back to the state of mental health in 1822. A time when those with mental illness were treated like prisoners, or worse. The field was on the cusp of much-needed change, which began in Europe. That change would soon reach the American shores and would be spearheaded by Eli Todd, a physician in Farmington, Connecticut, and who served as the first director of the Institute of Living.Check the links in this episode’s notes to listen to episode one featuring the Connecticut Historical Society’s Director of Exhibitions Ben Gammell, and Research Historian Karen Li Miller describing the “Common Struggle” exhibit which is now open at the Connecticut Historical Society.Be sure to follow Hartford HealthCare on your favorite podcast platform where more episodes focusing on the IOL’s history, present and future will publish throughout the year. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.The Evolution of Mental Health Care: 200 years at Hartford HealthCare's Institute of Living:Episode OneLearn more about Hartford HealthCare's Institute of LivingLearn more about Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health Presented by Hartford HealthCare Institute of Living

Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with Mui Mui  Hin-McCormick, Clinical director of Adult Residential Services with Rushford, part of the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network.The topic: The Model Minority Myth - which is an assumption made, most commonly with Asian-Americans, that they are smart, successful, good with subjects like math and science, polite and law-abiding.While that might sound flattering, this stereotype not only ignores the diversity in the Asian-American culture, but it positions the community as not needing resources and programs to help them.The goal: To equip people to ask for help when they need it, whether it’s teachers in school or colleagues in the workplace. It’s an important and ongoing journey to awareness. You can subscribe to More Life and be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform and hit follow.Related articles:Unrealistic Expectations on Asian Americans: the ‘Model Minority Myth’Related episode:Health Equity: Examining the past, present and future

In this episode, originally published in March of 2021, Steve Coates talks with Dr. Jeffrey Nestler, Hartford Hospital Chief of Gastroenterology and Medical Co-Director of the Digestive Health Center, about the current colonoscopy recommendations, advances made in preventing, detecting and treating colon cancer, the pros and cons of home test kits – and even dreaded colonoscopy prep. For more information or to schedule your colonoscopy, go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ColonoscopyBe sure to share this episode with anyone in your life over the age of 45 or who may have a family history of colon cancer.Subscribe or follow More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.Related articles:Former Red Sox Pitcher Jim Corsi: ‘Don’t Be Stupid. Get a Colonoscopy’Prep! Colonoscopies Just Got Younger: New Screening Recommendations Start at Age 45

The Hartford HealthCare (HHC) Ayer Neuroscience Institute Headache Center and the internationally-recognized Migraine Research Foundation (MRF) recently announced an official, permanent collaboration. In this episode, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates talks with the Headache Center’s medical director Dr. Brian Grosberg who explains how this one-of-a-kind program is advancing research and treatment in the field of headaches. Check the notes in this episode to learn more about the Headache Center, their research, services and upcoming programs and classes. Or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/Headache. Subscribe or follow Hartford HealthCare’s More Life to be notified each time a new episode drops. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform. Related articleHartford HealthCare, Migraine Research Foundation Announce Collaboration Related episodesSplitting Headaches: Episode 1 with Dr. Nicole GillSplitting Headaches: Episode 2 with Dr. Joe CasalyHartford HealthCare programs and classesView or search by category

A lucky online sports bettor from Connecticut recently made national news by turning a $20 bet into $579,000 after guessing exact final scores of last Sunday’s NFL championship games. Key word: Lucky.Betting on sports is nothing new, but legalized online sports betting is new to Connecticut and we're being bombarded with ads tempting us with all sorts of winning scenarios. These once-in-a-lifetime wins are fun to dream about, online bettors have more than money at stake - their odds of developing an unhealthy habit are pretty good. In this episode, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coats welcomes Dr. J. Craig Allen Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network, and Laura Zappieri, an addiction and substance abuse counselor in Glastonbury, Connecticut. They discuss some of the pitfalls of online sports betting and how the normalization of gambling, especially for young minds, could be putting us at real risk.We’d love you to share this episode and subscribe to More Life for more episodes on a wide range of important topics. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.Related article:The Risks of Legalized Sports Gambling: Is The State Prepared?Easy Access to Sports Gambling Could Cause ProblemsBehavioral Health NetworkGamblers Anonymous

In this episode of More Life, Hartford HealthCare’s Steve Coates sits down with Dr. J. Craig Allen, Vice President of Addiction Services for Hartford HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Network. They discuss the recent tragedy in which a 13-year-old died from a fentanyl overdose at his school in Hartford, Connecticut. The pandemic and societal stressors are putting our children, and others, at more risk than ever before. Dr. Allen provides some critical warnings we all need to be aware of to help us get a handle on the dangerous and sometimes deadly pandemic of substance abuse. Subscribe to More Life for more episodes on a wide range of important topics. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform. PREVENTION IN OUR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY NARCAN AND FENTANYLJoin Zoom Meeting: https://hartfordhealthcare.zoom. us/j/94287578002Meeting ID: 942 8757 8002One tap mobile  +16468769923,,94287578002# US (New York) +13017158592,,94287578002# US (Washington DC)Browse more events by category Hartford HealthCare Classes and EventsRelated Article CDC: Connecticut Opioid Deaths in 2020 Spike Almost 15 Percent to 1,359

In this episode you’ll meet Loreli Jenkins, an 80-year-old who was suffering from severe tremors that were taking a toll on her quality of life.Dr. Patrick Senatus, Medical Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program for the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute, treated Loreli with Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, a surgical procedure that helped free Loreli from decades of medication and maintain her independence – tremor free. Learn more about Deep Brain Stimulation at HartfordHealthCare.org/DBS. Be sure to subscribe to Hartford HealthCare’s More Life podcast for more episodes on a wide range of important health topics. Just search “Hartford HealthCare” on your favorite podcast platform.Join one of our FREE virtual webinarsWebinar: Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)Watch Dr. SenatusNeurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Senatus talks about deep brain stimulation as a way to treat Parkinson's disease and answers questions from our Facebook audience.Related articlesNow, Deep Brain Stimulation to Prevent Epileptic SeizuresWhy Deep Brain Stimulation ‘Life-Altering’ for Some Parkinson’s Patients