Baptist HealthTalk

Baptist Health South Florida

Expert advice, real stories, better health. The Baptist HealthTalk podcast connects you with top doctors and specialists from Baptist Health South Florida, delivering the latest medical insights and wellness tips straight to you. But we don’t stop at the facts—you’ll also hear heartfelt testimonials from patients who’ve experienced life-changing care. Get informed, be inspired, and take control of your health with Baptist HealthTalk!

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Monday · 25 min
Diabetes Myths Busted: What You Can Eat, Warning Signs & Treatments
Diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms, and confusing advice about food, blood sugar and medication can make managing it harder. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with endocrinologist Dr. Angel Alejandro about warning signs, A1C levels, common food myths and advances in diabetes treatment. Topics include: Why diabetes symptoms can go unnoticed How Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes and gestational diabetes differ What your A1C numbers mean How glucose sensors, insulin pumps and newer medications support diabetes care Why moderation matters more than eliminating every carbohydrate How prevention and remission fit into long-term diabetes management Discover why a diabetes diagnosis doesn't have to define your future and how today's treatment options can help you take control of your health. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Angel Alejandro, M.D. Endocrinologist Baptist Health If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: Diabetes Symptoms, Types, and Early Warning Signs Explained Blake Ferguson on Playing Professionaly with Type 1 Diabetes Understanding Pre-Diabetes
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November 2 · 24 min
Are Your Veins Cosmetic—or a Sign of Vascular Disease?
Are visible veins simply cosmetic, or could they reveal a problem with your circulation? Tired legs, swollen ankles, cold feet and recurring leg cramps are common symptoms, but knowing when to take them seriously can make a difference. Baptist HealthTalk host Johanna Gomez welcomes Dr. Michelle Taubman, vascular and endovascular surgeon at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, to explain the differences between normal changes in our veins and potential signs of vascular disease. Topics include: Spider veins versus varicose veins Symptoms of poor circulation and venous insufficiency Blood clots and swelling after travel Compression socks and their benefits Circulation concerns during exercise and pregnancy Warning signs that warrant medical evaluation Everyday habits that support vascular health Discover why vein health is about more than appearance and when it's important to seek medical advice. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Michele Taubman, M.D. Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: Varicose Veins Explained: Causes, Myths & Treatments Vascular Disease Can Start Young: Know the Risks and Symptoms
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October 26 · 23 min
Medical Screenings Explained: What to Expect and Why They Matter
Nervous about a mammogram, MRI, colonoscopy or heart scan? Wondering which medical screenings matter, whether they'll hurt or what an abnormal result really means? In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with Dr. Ricardo Cury, chair of Diagnostic Radiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, to answer common questions about screening tests and explain why early detection matters. You'll learn about: What to expect during mammograms and ways to ease discomfort Lung cancer screening, PSA tests and abnormal results The differences between MRIs, CT scans and X-rays Heart calcium scores and how AI is improving medical imaging Bone density scans, colonoscopies and their alternatives How to understand imaging results and make informed decisions with your doctor Screening recommendations depend on your age, medical history and individual risk factors. Talk with your healthcare professional about which tests are appropriate for you. Learn more from Baptist Health: https://baptisthealth.net/news #MedicalScreenings #PreventiveHealth #EarlyDetection Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Ricardo Cury, M.D. Director of Cardiac Imaging Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Chairman of Radiology, Radiology Associates of South Florida Chairman and Professor of Radiology, FIU
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October 19 · 21 min
Flu, RSV or COVID? What Actually Helps and When to Worry
Flu, RSV or COVID? When fever, coughing and body aches strike, how do you know what actually helps—and when it's time to see a doctor? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez speaks with emergency medicine physician Dr. Maria Escarcia about treating flu and RSV symptoms, choosing medications and recognizing warning signs. In this episode, you'll learn: Which over-the-counter cold and flu medications can help Why timing matters with Tamiflu and Xofluza Why antibiotics don't treat viral infections What to keep in your sick-day kit When to visit urgent care or the emergency room The truth about flu shots, RSV, supplements and home remedies When it's safe to return to work or school Get practical advice to help you navigate flu season and protect your family. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Maria Escarcia, D.O. Emergency Medicine Physician Baptist Health If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: Post-Pandemic Flu: What's Really Going on in 2025 La Gripe Hoy Se Siente Diferent: Qué Es Real y Qué Ha Cambiado
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October 12 · 23 min
Breast Cancer and Heart Health: What Black Women Need to Know
Breast cancer and heart disease are more connected than many women realize. For Black women, higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and breast cancer mortality make understanding this connection especially important. But how can breast cancer treatment affect the heart, and what can women do to protect themselves? On this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Heather Johnson, cardiologist and director of preventive cardiology for women's services at Baptist Health, and Dr. Kerry-Ann McDonald, breast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health, about the relationship between breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and long-term women's health. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Black women face higher rates of death from breast cancer despite lower diagnosis rates. How chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy can affect heart health. What breast arterial calcifications on a mammogram may reveal about cardiovascular risk. Why blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring are so important. When women should begin breast cancer risk assessments and mammogram screenings. How cardiologists and oncologists work together to protect patients during cancer treatment. Why physical activity and long-term monitoring matter for breast cancer survivors. Understanding your risks and taking action early can make a meaningful difference. Learn how preventive care, early detection and coordinated treatment can help protect both your breast health and your heart. Baptist HealthTalk is powered by Baptist Health South Florida. Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guests: Heather Johnson, M.D. Cardiologist and Director of Preventive Cardiology for Women’s Services Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care Kerry-Ann McDonald, M.D. Breast Surgical Oncologist Baptist Health Cancer Care If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: Black Community and Heart Health Heart Disease in Women: Symptoms, Menopause & What You Must Know Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Who Do You See First and What Comes Next?
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October 5 · 36 min
Breast Cancer Survivorship: What Life After Treatment Really Looks Like
Breast cancer treatment may end, but survivorship brings a new set of physical and emotional challenges. In this deeply personal conversation, host Johanna Gomez and fellow breast cancer survivor Andrea de Armas share what life after diagnosis and treatment has really looked like for them. They talk candidly about the parts of survivorship that are often harder to see from the outside, including: Building a strong support system and learning not to go through cancer alone Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and confronting an unexpected future Speaking up, asking questions and advocating for yourself during treatment Anxiety, panic attacks and the emotional impact that can continue after treatment Body image, reconstruction and learning to feel comfortable in a changed body Dating, relationships and family planning after breast cancer Why the end of chemotherapy or radiation does not always feel like the end of the journey Finding perspective, confidence and hope while moving forward Johanna and Andrea offer an honest reminder to anyone facing breast cancer: survivorship is not one single moment. It is an ongoing process of healing, adapting and learning how to live fully again. Host: Johanna Gomez Breast Cancer Survivor Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Andrea de Armas Breast Cancer Survivor If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend the following: Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing and Hope Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screenings and When to Speak Up Breast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Who Do You See First and What Comes Next?
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September 28 · 16 min
Vascular Disease Can Start Young: Know the Risks and Symptoms
Leg pain, swelling, numbness or cold feet can be easy to dismiss — especially when you’re young and otherwise healthy. But when do those symptoms point to a circulation problem, and how early can vascular disease actually begin? In this episode, you’ll learn: What vascular disease is and how it affects arteries, veins and lymphatics Why vascular disease can develop silently for years before symptoms appear Warning signs such as reproducible leg cramping, swelling, numbness and cold limbs Risk factors including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and vaping How to tell everyday leg soreness from circulation-related pain What happens during a vascular evaluation and which tests may be used How exercise, medications and minimally invasive treatments can help Simple lifestyle steps that may reduce vascular risk over time Host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with Dr. Young Lee, a vascular and endovascular surgeon at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, about how to recognize vascular disease earlier and what you can do to protect your circulation for the long term. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Young Christina Lee, M.D. Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend the following: Heart Disease in Young Adults: Why It's Rising (And What to Watch For) Stroke Symptoms at Any Age: What You Need to Know Young People and Strokes: A Troubling Trend
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September 21 · 21 min
Heart Disease in Women: Signs, Risks and Prevention
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet the warning signs can be easy to miss or mistaken for stress, menopause or everyday fatigue. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with cardiologist Dr. Andrea Vitello about the symptoms, risk factors and life stages that can affect a woman’s heart health. They discuss: Subtle heart symptoms women should not ignore, including fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, jaw pain and shoulder discomfort How pregnancy complications, menopause and autoimmune conditions can influence cardiovascular risk Why family history, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar matter earlier in life than many people realize The connection between chronic stress, poor sleep and heart health What early heart disease prevention and personalized cardiovascular care can look like Three everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference: healthy eating, quality sleep and regular exercise Why women should trust their instincts, advocate for themselves and ask questions when something does not feel right Dr. Vitello also explains how Baptist Health’s women’s heart program takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to evaluating cardiovascular risk across every stage of life. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Andrea Vitello, M.D. Cardiologist Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend the following: Heart Disease in Women: Symptoms, Menopause & What You Must Know Women and Heart Disease Women & Heart Health
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September 14 · 21 min
Prostate Cancer Care Today: Earlier Detection, Better Treatment, Fewer Side Effects
What does a prostate cancer diagnosis really mean — and how do you know when screening or treatment is needed? Prostate cancer is common, but not every case carries the same risk, and today’s diagnostic tools and treatment options can help men make more informed decisions while protecting quality of life. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Willard Shepard speaks with urologist and surgical oncologist Dr. Manuel Ozambela of Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and the technology changing how the disease is treated. Why prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages How PSA testing works and what an elevated PSA may — and may not — mean Who may be at higher risk based on family history, genetics and race How MRI and targeted biopsy help diagnose prostate cancer How robotic surgery, HIFU and IRE are expanding treatment options How PSMA imaging helps doctors determine where cancer is located How AI is beginning to improve prostate imaging and treatment planning Why preserving urinary and sexual function is an important part of treatment The takeaway: knowing your personal risk, talking with your physician and staying current with screening can help detect prostate cancer earlier — when more treatment options may be available. Host: Willard Shepard Award-Winning Journalist Guest: Manuel Ozambela, M.D. Urologic Surgical Oncologist Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: Prostate Cancer Awareness: Screening & Treatment The Screening That Changed Everything for Alonzo Mourning
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September 7 · 12 min
Cholesterol and Heart Disease: What You Need to Know Earlier
High cholesterol can start damaging your arteries long before you feel anything — and your total cholesterol number does not tell the whole story. So when should you start checking it, what do LDL and other cholesterol particles really mean, and when are lifestyle changes no longer enough? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez speaks with Dr. Sanjeev Gulati about how cholesterol contributes to heart attacks and heart failure, why screening should begin earlier than many people think, and the treatment options available today. Why high cholesterol is directly linked to heart attack risk Common cholesterol myths, including the idea that diet is the only cause How LDL and lipoprotein(a) contribute to plaque buildup and inflammation How uncontrolled cholesterol can ultimately contribute to heart failure Why cholesterol screening may need to begin in your 20s How family history and familial hypercholesterolemia change cardiovascular risk Lifestyle steps that can help lower cholesterol When cholesterol-lowering medication may be needed Why cholesterol control remains critical even after a heart attack How advanced lipid testing can provide a clearer picture of individual risk Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Sanjeev Kumar Gulati, M.D., Executive Deputy Director System Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend: What Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Numbers Really Mean Calcium Scores Explained: What Your Heart Rick Really Looks Like Heart Disease in Young Adults: Why It's Rising (And What to Watch For)
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August 31 · 15 min
Endometrial Cancer Is Rising: Warning Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore
Endometrial cancer cases are rising — and abnormal bleeding is the warning sign women should never ignore. Who is most at risk, why are more women being diagnosed, and what symptoms should prompt a call to your doctor? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. John Diaz, gynecological oncologist at the Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, about what women need to know about endometrial cancer, from early warning signs and risk factors to diagnosis, treatment and fertility-preserving options. Why endometrial cancer cases are increasing in the U.S. and around the world How obesity and prolonged estrogen exposure can raise risk The abnormal bleeding patterns women should report — including after menopause Other warning signs such as pelvic pain, bloating and abnormal discharge Why endometrial cancer can also affect younger women How doctors diagnose endometrial cancer and why there is no routine screening test Treatment options for early and advanced disease, including immunotherapy When fertility-sparing treatment may be possible How family history and Lynch syndrome can affect risk Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guest: John P. Diaz, M.D. Chief of Gynecologic Oncology Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology, FIU If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend the following: Can Cervical Cancer Be Cured? A Gynecologic Oncologist Answers Eradicating Cervical Cancer: Possible or Impractical?
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August 24 · 14 min
Infusion Care for Neurology: What Patients Should Know
Why would a neurologist recommend an infusion instead of a pill, and what should patients expect when they arrive for treatment? Neuro infusion therapy can be used for conditions including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease, but the process can feel unfamiliar or intimidating at first. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez speaks with Janisse Marin and Leah Marcelin about how neurological infusion therapy works, why it may be recommended, and how care teams help patients through treatment. What neuro infusion therapy is and how it differs from chemotherapy Why an infusion may be chosen instead of an oral medication What happens before, during and after an infusion appointment Common side effects and how patients are monitored for reactions How infusion therapy is used for multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease Why some treatments are designed to slow disease progression rather than immediately relieve symptoms How education and a coordinated care team can make treatment less overwhelming Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guests: Janisse P. Marin RN, MSN Chief Nursing Officer/Assistant Vice President Baptist Outpatient Services Halena Leah Marcelin, PharmD Assistant Vice President, Pharmacy Business Affairs & Development Baptist Health If you found this episode helpful, we recommend the following for additional information: Infusion Care for Osteoporosis: What Patients Should Know The Power of Infusion Therapy: What You Need to Know
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August 17 · 28 min
Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Who Do You See First and What Comes Next?
After a breast cancer diagnosis, what happens first—seeing an oncologist, having surgery or starting chemotherapy? And how do doctors decide between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Mehran Habibi, Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery with Baptist Health Cancer Care, to answer common questions patients search online about breast cancer surgery and treatment. They discuss: The difference between a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist Who patients typically see first after a breast cancer diagnosis How doctors decide whether chemotherapy or surgery comes first Why chemo first does not automatically mean the cancer is more aggressive Whether chemotherapy can be shortened when a tumor responds well Why second opinions and breast cancer specialists can matter The truth about the myth that surgery or biopsy can make breast cancer spread Why treatment may still be needed after a tumor is removed How doctors and patients choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy Why feeling fine is not a reason to delay recommended treatment How lymph node involvement affects staging and treatment Options for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction How AI is beginning to support breast imaging, surgical planning and treatment decisions Subscribe to Baptist Health for more expert conversations on health, wellness, prevention and treatment. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Mehran Habibi, M.D. Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery Baptist Health Cancer Care If you found this episode helpful, we recommend these links for additional information: Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screenings, and When to Speak Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope
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August 10 · 21 min
Could You Have Sleep Apnea? Symptoms, Risks and CPAP Alternatives
Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing repeatedly during the night — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times — without you realizing it. And while loud snoring is a common warning sign, it is not the only one. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with sleep specialist Dr. Edward Mezerhane about how sleep apnea affects the body, the symptoms people often miss, and what can happen when the condition goes untreated. They also break down how sleep apnea is diagnosed, why weight and airway anatomy matter, what to do if CPAP is difficult to tolerate, and the other treatment options available. What sleep apnea is and how common it may be Why people can stop breathing without realizing it Common and overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea The connection between sleep apnea, weight gain and heart health Whether losing weight can improve sleep apnea How sleep studies confirm a diagnosis Ways to make CPAP easier to tolerate Alternatives to CPAP, including oral appliances and surgical options Sleep apnea is highly treatable. If you regularly wake up exhausted, snore loudly, or a bed partner notices pauses in your breathing, getting evaluated may help improve both your sleep and your long-term health. For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Edward Mezerhane, M.D. Sleep Medicine Physician If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: 7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your Sleep This is What Lack of Sleep Does to your Brain and Heart Pillow Talk: Uncovering the Sleep-Heart Link
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August 3 · 29 min
Weight Loss Medications and Muscle Loss: What You Need to Know
Weight loss medications can bring the number on the scale down quickly—but are you losing fat, muscle or both? And why do some people feel weaker or less healthy even while the pounds are coming off? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with clinical pharmacy specialist Erin Dorval and physician assistant Lisa Davis about what GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are doing inside the body, why muscle preservation matters and how resistance training and nutrition support healthier, more sustainable results. They discuss: Why rapid weight loss can include significant muscle loss How GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and quiet “food noise” Why resistance training should begin at the start of treatment What “Ozempic face” really is—and what causes it How protein, hydration and smaller portions may help manage side effects Why medication dosage does not always need to keep increasing The risks of rapid weight loss and unmonitored compounded medications How pharmacists, cardiology teams and other providers can work together Practical ways to build healthier habits without trying to change everything at once The goal is not simply to lose weight. It is to improve strength, function, metabolic health and long-term quality of life. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Erin Dorval, PharmD, CPh Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Baptist Health Lisa K. Davis, DMSc, PA-C, CLS Physician Assistant Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Weight Loss Medications Weighing the Options: Diet, Exercise and Medication Weight Loss Medication vs Surgery: What to Know
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July 29 · 22 min
PMOS: El Nuevo Nombre del SOP
El síndrome de ovario poliquístico ahora se conoce como síndrome ovárico poliendo-metabólico, o PMOS, un nombre que refleja mejor cómo esta condición puede afectar mucho más que los ovarios y la fertilidad. En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles conversa con la endocrinóloga Dra. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil y la obstetra-ginecóloga Dra. Ingrid Paredes sobre el diagnóstico, los síntomas, los riesgos metabólicos y las opciones de tratamiento. Por qué el cambio de nombre ayuda a comprender mejor la condición Síntomas como períodos irregulares, acné, crecimiento de vello y dificultad para perder peso La relación entre PMOS, resistencia a la insulina, diabetes y salud cardiovascular Cómo se diagnostica y por qué no todas las pacientes presentan los mismos signos Opciones de tratamiento según los síntomas, el metabolismo y los planes de embarazo Por qué un diagnóstico de PMOS no significa que una mujer no pueda quedar embarazada Con un diagnóstico temprano, cambios saludables en el estilo de vida y un tratamiento individualizado, el PMOS puede controlarse. Las especialistas también comparten un mensaje claro: hay opciones, tratamiento y esperanza.
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July 29 · 25 min
The PCOS Name Change: Why PMOS Better Reflects the Whole-Body Condition
Polycystic ovary syndrome has long been associated mainly with irregular periods, ovarian cysts and fertility concerns. But the condition can also affect insulin resistance, weight, heart health, diabetes risk and other systems throughout the body—one reason the new name PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is gaining attention. Host Sandra Peebles talks with Baptist Health endocrinologist Dr. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ingrid Paredes about what the name change means, how PMOS is diagnosed and why symptoms can look very different from one woman to another. In this episode: Why the condition is about much more than ovarian cysts Common signs, including irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and hair loss How doctors diagnose PMOS and rule out other hormonal conditions What PMOS means for ovulation, fertility and unplanned pregnancy The connection to insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular risk Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone and GLP-1 medications Why early diagnosis and coordinated care can improve long-term health PMOS is manageable, and a diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Early evaluation by an OB-GYN and an endocrinologist can help patients address both reproductive and metabolic health. Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guests: Ingrid Paredes, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist Priscilla Escalona Villasmil, M.D. Endocrinologist Baptist Health
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July 22 · 19 min
7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your Sleep
Summer can wreck your sleep in ways you may not expect: hotter nights and longer daylight to travel, jet lag, alcohol, caffeine and changes in your daily routine can all play a role. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, sleep medicine physician Dr. Edward Mezerhane explains how these seasonal disruptions can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed. He also clears up common melatonin myths, including why taking more does not necessarily it'll work better, and why timing matters. You’ll learn practical ways to cool your bedroom, protect your sleep schedule and recognize when poor sleep may signal an underlying sleep disorder. Listen now to discover seven ways summer can wreck your sleep and what you can do to wake up feeling restored. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Edward Mezerhane, M.D. Sleep Medicine Physician If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: This is What Lack of Sleep Does to Your Brain and Heart The Science Behind Sleep and its Connection to our Health How Much Sleep Do Kids and Parents Really Need Each Night?
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July 15 · 26 min
Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screening and When to Speak Up
Breast cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, including many who are not yet old enough for routine mammograms. What warning signs should women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s recognize, and what should they do when a concern is dismissed? Host Johanna Gomez, a breast cancer survivor, speaks with Dr. Starr Mautner, breast surgical oncologist, and Dr. Reshma Mahtani, chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. They explain why knowing what is normal for your body, understanding your personal risk and advocating for proper imaging or a biopsy can make a critical difference. Why breast cancer rates are increasing in younger women Lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and other symptoms that should not be ignored How lifestyle, alcohol use, genetics and family history may affect risk When screening should begin and why dense breast tissue matters Why an ultrasound does not replace a mammogram When to push for a biopsy or seek a second opinion Fertility preservation and coordinated care for younger patients Practical steps women can take to protect their breast health Early detection matters. Know your body, understand your risk and do not ignore a change that does not feel normal for you. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Starr Mautner, M.D. Breast Surgical Oncologist Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Reshma Mahtani, D.O. Chief of Breast Medical Oncology Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope Young Women and Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later
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July 8 · 24 min
Infusion Care for Osteoporosis: What Patients Should Know
Osteoporosis can silently weaken bones long before a fracture happens. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez talks with April Tchumy, orthopedic nurse practitioner with the Bone Health and Fracture Prevention Program at Baptist Health, about how infusion care and injection therapies can help protect bone health and reduce fracture risk. Many people hear “infusion care” and think of cancer treatment, ports and hours in a chair. But for osteoporosis, infusion and injection treatments can look very different — and may be an important option for patients at higher risk of fractures. In this episode: • How osteoporosis is diagnosed through bone density screening • When screening may be needed before the standard age guidelines • The difference between oral medications, IV infusions and injections • Why some patients may need bone-building treatments first • Common side effects and what patients can expect • How calcium, vitamin D and strength training support bone health • Why preventing hip and spine fractures is such a major treatment goal • How treatment success is measured over time Listen to Baptist Health Talk for more conversations on prevention, wellness and the most searched health topics. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: April Tschumy, APRN, ONP-C Metabolic Bone Specialist Baptist Health Orthopedic Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Osteoporosis Explained: Risks, Screenings, and Strength Training
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