Baptist HealthTalk

Award-winning actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years of age. It's a progressive brain disorder that can strip away a person’s movement and speech over time. There’s been some headway since Mr. Fox created his foundation on Parkinson’s research in 2000. But what’s the latest and what more can be done for the estimated one million Americans who have this disease? Host: David Jeannot Guests: Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., Chief of Movement Disorders at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute Ana Velasco, Parkinson’s Patient

You’ve likely seen celebrities such as Christina Applegate, Selma Blair and Jamie Lynn Sigler talk publicly about their battles with multiple sclerosis, or MS. But do you know what this disease entails; or how common it is; or how disabling it can be? MS was among the first diseases to be described scientifically nearly 200 years ago. Although doctors back then didn’t understand what they saw and recorded, drawings from autopsies clearly show what we recognize as MS today. Host: Johanna Gomez Guests: Amy Yu, M.D., Director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Immunology Program at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Farima Raof, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Manager at Baptist Health Infusion Care.  

Imagine looking at a photo and not being able to recognize the person. In that moment, he or she is a stranger. However, in reality they have been your spouse or child for more than 30 years. Dementia is part of the harsh reality millions of people are facing and it’s a global problem. Dementia has plagued us for a very long time, but only recently has research begun to crack the code of fighting back. Host: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health who oversees Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical Specialties Guest: Peter Gliebus, M.D., Neurologist Specializing in Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, a part of Baptist Health

Can you believe it’s been four years since the world shut down? It was March 15, 2020 when everyone was put on lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic began. And we are still seeing a list of effects -- both directly from having had the virus, and indirectly from side effects related to how we work and live our lives. Although the federal government canceled the public health emergency just last year, the ripple effects of COVID-19 are still being felt across the country – from an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses and other diseases to lingering brain fog and heart issues. The list goes on …  Host:David Jeannot Guests: Geoffrey Young, M.D., Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute Melanie Rodriguez, PA-C, Baptist Health                                                                                                                                                                       

Sodium, saturated fat, preservatives and added sugars are just some of the ingredients found in just about anything consumed in the U.S. And for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it feels harder and harder to find healthy food options for themselves and their kids. Good nutrition is vitally important and key to a healthy lifestyle. It helps reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, among many other benefits. Host:  Johanna Gomez  Guest: Lucette Talamas, R.D, Registered Dietician at Baptist Health

Statements such as – "I’m so empty, I can’t even cry” ... “It’s like hell.” – are just some of the ways sufferers of depression have described their conditions. However, now patients are sharing these: "For the first time in years, I am off all anti-depression medications" ... "My family and friends say it’s great to have ‘me’ back.” Many patients have shared very similar experiences due to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. TMS is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to deliver small bursts of energy to targeted areas known to be involved in mood regulation. Host: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health who oversees Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical SpecialtiesGuest: Rachel Rohaidy, M.D., Psychiatrist at Baptist Health, specializing in adult and addiction care.

Colorectal cancer isn’t exactly exciting dinner conversation. But the alarming fact of the matter is that colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults under 50 and has been for years. And doctors say people as young as 20 – that’s both Millennials and Gen Zers -- need to know the warning signs. Host:  Johanna Gomez Guests:Victor Maciel, M.D., Colorectal Surgeon at Baptist HealthYoussef Zeidan, M.D., Radiation Oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a hot topic lately, and a game-changer in the healthcare field. AI is already being used for medical imaging analysis, telehealth, and robot-assisted surgery – and that’s only the beginning. Technological advances in recent years have enabled physicians to help a wider range of patients with complex heart issues and catch problems sooner with novel devices and advanced imaging. The landscape of cardiovascular care and interventional cardiology has improved significantly because of the ability to care more efficiently for more patients. Host: Patty Abril Guest: Tom C. Nguyen, M.D., Chief Medical Executive, Barry T. Katzen Endowed Chair, and Director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

You’ve probably heard the saying: “Men are from Mars; women are from Venus.” Well, that may apply to heart health too.  Recent research has shown how heart disease and heart attacks can affect women worse or very differently, compared to men. This makes it so important for women to take charge of their health and understand their personal risk factors and family history.  Host:  Neki Mohan, Award-winning Journalist Guest: Lisa Forbess, M.D., Medical Director, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiac-OB Services.

The saying "saving your skin" takes on extra meaning when you are outdoors. Living a "sun and fun" lifestyle can come with a price -- the sun's damaging UV rays and the risk of skin cancer. Hopefully, you practice safety by using sunscreens, hats and clothing to mitigate those harmful rays. Some people forget that sun damage and skin cancer can be synonymous. As spring and summer approach, how do we avoid skin cancer? And if it leaves a concerning spot on the skin, what do we do next? Host: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health who oversees Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical Specialties Guest: Michael Raisch, M.D., Mohs Micrographic Surgeon and Dermatologist, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute 

We all know someone affected by heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. But did you know that Black adults in the U.S. are at a greater risk than any ethnic group? Research shows that Black adults are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease.  And conditions such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension put them at an increased risk. Host:Kendis Gibson Guest:Adedapo Iluyomade, M.D., Preventive Cardiologist, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Exercise is an important component of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. But there’s often an assumption that athletes, or physically active people, are not at risk of heart-related issues. Athletes are not immune. They can suffer from cardiovascular conditions at any point in their lives. Activity can range from mild to intense -- from the amateur to the marathon runner or professional athlete. It’s vital for every type of athlete to stay on top of their heart health. Host:Kendis Gibson Guests:Eli Friedman, M.D., Medical Director of Sports Cardiology at Baptist Health’s, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.Alex Mafdali, M.D., Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Nearly 4 percent of the world’s population – or more than 320 million people -- is affected by one of more than 80 autoimmune diseases, with some of the most common ones being multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In the vast majority of cases, autoimmune diseases are not fatal, and individuals can live full lives. But managing such a disease can be a frustrating battle if you don’t know what’s going on. More than half of autoimmune patients experience mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.Host:Neki Mohan, Award-Winning Journalist Guest:Inna Yaskin, D.O., Concierge Medicine Physician, Baptist Health Concierge Medicine Farima Fahkeri Raof, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Manager, Baptist Health Pharmacy Services

Did you know that one in ten people suffer from a thyroid disorder? The thyroid is a small gland that plays a huge role in your body through the hormones it produces. More than half of U.S. adults who suffer from a thyroid disorder don’t even know it. What this small butterfly-shaped powerhouse can do includes controlling your body’s temperature, figuring out how quickly you burn calories – and making sure your brain, heart, and other organs and muscles are working properly. Host:Neki Mohan, Award-Winning Journalist Guest:Inna Yaskin, D.O., Concierge Medicine Physician, Baptist Health Concierge Medicine

Cervical cancer is still one of the most common cancers, with more than 14,000 women in the United States diagnosed every year But, there is some good news. Thanks to advancements in screening and diagnosis, cervical cancer is not only preventable, but also one of the most successfully treatable cancers.  Host:Johanna Gomez, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and TV Host  Guest:John Diaz, M.D., Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body -- physically and hormonally. Many of these changes can present with symptoms or signs that may raise concerns of underlying cardiac conditions. Additionally, many women who have certain medical conditions may have a worsening of issues with pregnancy involving their cardiovascular conditions. Often, doctors are not fully aware of the cardiac issues a pregnant woman may have leading to a sub-specialty around Cardiac Obstetrics. Guests: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health.  Overseeing Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical Specialties Lisa Forbess, M.D., Medical Director, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiac-OB Services.

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the United States every year. And while smoking rates across the country are on a downward trend, the effects from smoking can linger for years. The American Cancer Society suggests there are over 5 million smokers or previous smokers who should undergo annual screenings for lung cancer – with early detection being the best shot at beating the deadly disease. Guests: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Officer at Baptist Health.  Mark Dylewski, M.D., Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon, Miami Cancer Institute

Have you ever heard of someone being hit with a sudden headache -- but not just any headache -- one of an explosive and unexpected nature that is likened to a "clap of thunder?" When followed by vomiting and blurry vision, the odds are high that it's a brain aneurysm. And the individual should seek medical care immediately. A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood. A ruptured aneurysm can cause very serious health emergencies such as stroke, brain damage, coma, or even death.  Guests:Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Officer at Baptist Health.  Robert Wicks, M.D., Neurosurgeon and Co-Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery at Baptist Health.

Breast cancer dates back more than a thousand years and is the world's most prevalent cancer. The dreaded C-word is one that strikes fear far too often. But the chances for survival are always improving. The past 20 years have seen advances in treatment regimens, bringing hope for millions of women and their families. Guests:Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Officer at Baptist Health. Louise Morrell, M.D., Medical Director and Medical Oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Chest pain -- it’s the warning bell that scares us. Sometimes, we accurately presume “heart attack.” But what if it isn’t?  While men are more likely to suffer heart attacks, and at a younger age, roughly 24% of women in emergency rooms for chest pain are found to have coronary artery disease. Women don't tend to think of themselves as at risk for coronary artery disease and heart attacks. And they don’t often seek care for themselves, or as often as they push their partners to do so.  Guests:Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Officer at Baptist Health.  Andrea Vitello, M.D., Cardiologist, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute