Advertise on podcast: HealthTalks NOW

We are so excited to be back for the third season of the show. Today, we hear from an expert who studies and treats one of the most important structures in the human body: the spine. Neurosurgeon Dr. John Serak provides comprehensive care, diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine and nerves. He treats all adult spinal disorders and brain pathology. To begin, Dr. Serak highlights common conditions he sees which classify as chronic back pain. Back pain can originate anywhere from the spine or by the muscles which surround it. When issues or degeneration of the spine are noticed, it becomes a more serious problem. Robotic spine surgery is relatively new and allows for a much more accurate and efficient surgery. Similarly, it makes very complex procedures less complex and gives the surgeon more confidence. Minimally invasive spine surgery seeks to minimize the amount of destruction to normal structures in the body. It preserves muscles and other normalities in the spine. This typically decreases a patient’s hospital visit compared to a more traditional procedure. Robotic surgery is not laparoscopic surgery, though it is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Serak explains, utilizes cameras to look inside of the stomach to fix problems without opening it up completely. Minimally invasive spine surgery works though similar smaller incisions. At Baptist Health, Dr. Serak uses the state of the art Globus ExcelsiusGPS robot to conduct his robotic surgeries. Its neuronavigation system is used to place screws and rods and special minimally invasive retractors in the patient. He specifies who may benefit from this robotic spine surgery. Then, Dr. Serat explains failed back syndrome, an issue of degeneration of the spine after a span of at least several years. Robotic surgery is a good option for those dealing with this condition. It is Dr. Serak’s goal is to get his patients back to doing what they want to do after surgery as quickly as possible. He encourages listeners not to be discouraged if they have not yet found a treatment option which works for them. Key Takeaways: [0:49] Introduction to today’s guest, Dr. John Serak.   [1:10] - What elements make back pain chronic?   [4:08] - Explaining robotic spine surgery.   [10:37] - Laparoscopic vs. robotic surgeries.   [13:11] - The tool Dr. Serak utilizes for his robotic surgery.   [18:34] - Who would be a good candidate for robotic spine surgery?   [21:44] - Failed back syndrome and its treatment options.   [26:28] - How does life post-spine surgery look for most patients?   [32:12] - Closing words.   Learn more about Baptist Health’s surgical services.   Follow Baptist Health: Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube

The meditation is perfect to prepare your body for restful, restorative sleep. You'll focus on breathing techniques to sync your mind and body and relax as you drift off to sleep.   We believe in healthcare for the whole person. At Baptist Health, we focus on the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Some people simply find it difficult to relax after a hard day at work or at home, while others struggle to understand why they can't fall asleep. Many of these same people suffer from common problems known as sleep disorders. Learn more about how to tell if you have a sleeping disorder, how to improve your sleep conditions, and general information about sleep disorders in adults.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is estimated that in 2021, approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancer. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every 2 minutes, and there are an estimated 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. We know that mammograms save lives and are the most accurate method of breast cancer detection, with the ability to detect breast cancer before a lump can even be felt. We probably all know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, which is why today’s episode is so important. We're talking with Baptist Health OBGYN, Jean Nusz, MD, about breast health and the importance of mammogram screenings. We're asking all the questions on your mind as you prepare for that first appointment.    Learn more about Women's Services and breast health and Baptist Health, or take our free online assessment to learn your 5-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. 

The language surrounding additional COVID-19 vaccine doses is important. While a booster dose and a third dose sound similar, and are sometimes being used interchangeably, they actually refer to two very different things.  In this episode, we're talking with Amy Fabian, clinical pharmacy specialist in infectious diseases at Baptist Health Louisville. Amy explains the difference between a booster dose and a third dose, and answers common questions about the most recent recommendations and guidance. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To receive either your initial vaccination series, a third shot if you are immunocompromised and meet the medical criteria, or if you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster,  go to ScheduleYourVaccine.com to register to make an appointment.   Several pharmacies in the community are also offering vaccinations. Check availability at vaccine.ky.gov for Kentucky or website. You can also read more about COVID-19 and other health topics on our blog.

Advance Care Planning is for all adults, regardless of their medical condition. This type of planning prepares you and your loved ones for any future healthcare needs such as an unexpected emergency or accident. So much of life is unpredictable, but one thing we can do is plan ahead to make what is undoubtedly a really challenging time a little bit easier.  In this episode we're joined by Rev. Alice Tremaine, Advance Care Planning Coordinator for Baptist Health, to discuss the importance of planning for the future and how to get started. Sign up for a virtual advanced care planning class to take the first step.

With back-to-school routines — and quarantines — in full swing, we connected with Kelcie Cobb, PA-C, a primary care provider and mom of two to discuss many of the concerns hesitant parents have about sending their child to school during a pandemic.  She outlines ways parents can protect young students from the virus, how to help them cope with mental health issues, and signs they might be struggling. She also covers other contagious conditions parents should watch for as students return to the classroom, such as lice, pink eye, strep throat, and hand, foot and mouth disease. Finally, to ensure a healthy foundation, Cobb addresses the challenge of encouraging children to eat well, practice healthy sleep habits, be physically active, and cut down on screen time.   Episode Links:  Episode Webpage Find a Primary Care Provider CDC Activity Booklet Create a Family Media Plan HealthyChildren.org

Until 2020, the word “pandemic” wasn’t one we heard very often. Fast forward to 2021, and our vocabulary of public health-related buzzwords continues to grow. One term you may have heard in recent months is “long COVID,” also called long-term COVID, post-acute COVID or long-haul COVID-19. The condition has become so widespread that, in January, the World Health Organization revised its COVID-19 treatment guidelines to include the condition.   What exactly is a COVID long-hauler? In this informative episode, respiratory disease specialist Erica Gregonis, MD, joins host Kendra Barnes to discuss what physicians are learning about the long-term effects of having the novel coronavirus. Dr. Gregonis, chief medical officer for Baptist Health Richmond and a physician with Baptist Health Medical Group Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, also discusses treatment for long-term COVID. Tune in to learn more from Dr. Gregonis about long-term COVID symptoms, complications and treatment.    You can find more information about COVID-19 at BaptistHealth.com/COVID-19.   Note: Baptist Health has developed a program for patients who have had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms or do not feel they have fully recovered. If you are experiencing any issues after having COVID-19, such as persistent shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, or ongoing symptoms, you can get care now from Baptist Health's long COVID program via a virtual visit with a provider. To get started, visit BaptistHealth.com or sign-in to MyChart via your computer or mobile app. 

If you’re an adult on TikTok, you’ve very likely seen the surge of videos about adult ADHD. It’s gone viral and content creators are raising awareness, which is causing people to self-diagnose and wonder if they may be affected. On this episode, we're joined on the phone with Dr. Jonathan Martin, psychiatrist with Baptist Health Medical Group and an expert on ADHD so we can dig in and ask the questions that matter.

Over the past year many new buzzwords have been added to our everyday vocabulary. One that remains on the forefront today -- vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization defines vaccine hesitancy as a “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services."  In this episode, primary care physician, Jai Gilliam, MD, explains what vaccine hesitancy is and why it's not such a new concept. He retraces history to explain why legitimate hesitancy exists today, and offers facts to combat COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. 

The first Pride March was in June 1970, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in NYC. Since then, we’ve made progress, but there is a long way yet to go. In today's episode, we're joined on the phone by Dr. Eli Pendleton, primary care physician with Baptist Health Medical Group at our Deer Park location in Louisville. Dr. Pendleton is an amazing ally for the LGBTQ community and provides primary care to almost 250 transgender patients who travel in from all parts of KY and Southern Indiana. There are unique health issues and challenges that affect the LGBTQ community, and in today's episode, we’re taking some time to explore some of those.

Adding to the list of things disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, many elective medical procedures, including cancer screenings, were primarily put on hold to prioritize urgent needs, focusing on reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Additionally, patients were dissuaded from pursuing screenings with fear of contracting the disease. In today's episode, we're talking with Amitoj Gill, MD, to discuss this further and understand the possible repercussions.

Deciding whether or not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is intensely personal. Hear from frontline healthcare workers as they describe their decision process, recount their experiences, and share important information.