Advertise on podcast: Health Matters: Getting Real About Wellness

Since 1985, Enloe Health’s FlightCare air ambulance service has transported more than 25,000 patients, playing a vital role in emergency medical care across the North State.  In this episode of Health Matters, flight nurse Pete Davis joins the conversation to share insight about a significant enhancement: FlightCare now carries lifesaving blood on board its aircraft. This advancement enables caregivers to administer immediate blood transfusions to critically ill or injured patients, whether at the scene of an emergency or in rural hospitals.  

Enloe Health’s popular Bittie Baby & Me class series is for mothers who have babies up to 3 months old. But it’s more than just a class. It’s also a nurturing environment that often blossoms into lifelong friendships. Enloe Health’s Mother & Baby Education Center has offered the Bittie Baby & Me class for decades, providing a supportive and safe space for mothers to connect while also providing education. Janessa Valine and Jean Teesdale are new mothers who met in Enloe’s Childbirth Class, then signed up together for the Bittie Baby & Me class. Kim Hicks, a labor and delivery nurse, teaches the course and joins the conversation to share what parents can expect when they sign up for the class.  

April is National Donate Life month, a time to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as honor those who gave the gift of life. Claudette McCarthy became a donor mom in 2018 when she unexpectedly lost her daughter, Shannon. Claudette shares her story about how she became a Donate Life ambassador to heal and spread awareness about organ donation. Sarah Harris, Director of Donation Development for Donor Network West, also joins the conversation. She shares insight about the non-profit organization responsible for facilitating organ, eye, and tissue donation in Northern California and Northern Nevada.  

Chico Project SAVE, a nonprofit organization, provides a crucial service to patients locally and around the world. The organization accepts donated medical equipment and delivers the much-needed supplies to communities in countries where health care resources are limited. The partnership between Enloe Health and Chico Project SAVE has spanned many years and has made an impact far beyond the North State. Bill Seguine, Enloe Health’s Director of Property Development and Facilities Management. Janice Walker, Director, of Chico Project SAVE, and Lisa Williamson, former General Manager, join Health Matters.

Recuperative Care provides short-term residential care for patients experiencing homelessness who need time to heal. Through this free program, patients receive free temporary housing, medical care, meals and more, so they can continue getting well following their hospitalization at Enloe Health.  A partnership between Enloe Health, the Jesus Center, and Butte County’s Department of Employment and Social Services, the program began in 2022 and helped 49 patients in 2023. Learn more about this initiative and the impact it’s having on the community.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors but beware of ticks. These tiny creatures can carry harmful diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  Learn how to protect yourself and your family from tick bites from Enloe Health Prompt Care physician John Gunel, D.O., on this episode of Health Matters.

Food can be considered a universal language. Everyone enjoys food whether it’s a meal with close friends and family or enjoying your favorite comfort dish during a stressful time. It’s a big reason why food and health care can go hand-in-hand. Alison Patt, CEO of Thomas Cuisine, Enloe Health’s foodservice partner, and Ali Christensen, Enloe Health’s Director of Food & Nutrition Services, join Health Matters to talk about food and health care.

Chronic wounds can be challenging to live with, but with the right knowledge and treatment, they can be effectively managed and cured.  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy uses pressurized oxygen to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, making it an effective option for chronic wounds and non-healing injuries.  Learn about how wounds develop and treatment options from Scott Zittel, D.O., Medical Director of Enloe Health’s Wound/Ostomy & Hyperbaric Center.

According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer yields a survival rate of 99 percent. Early detection is the best protection and that was the case for Jennifer Schwabauer. After going in for her first mammogram, she received the news she had breast cancer. Since it was detected early, she was able to undergo surgery and is now cancer free.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a is a hormonal disorder that can lead to numerous symptoms including irregular periods, weight gain, and excess body hair.  PCOS, is one of the main causes of infertility affecting as many as 5 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Learn about this condition and how it’s managed from Enloe Health’s OBGYN, Celeste Bailey Pace, MD, on this episode of Health Matters. 

 In honor of National Donate Life month, Kelly Wells shares her story on Health Matters.  Kelly’s son, Ethan, tragically lost his life in 2022 at the age of 19. But, Ethan gave the gift of life by being an organ donor to three recipients. Kelly shares her story about how the process of organ donation has helped her healing.

Frequent heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing could be signs you’re suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Learn about this common condition and how it’s managed from Enloe Health nurse practitioner, Michelle Brown, NP, on Health Matters. Watch on Enloe Health’s Facebook or listen at www.enloe.org/podcast.

Carotid artery disease occurs when the veins in our neck that carry blood from the heart to the brain get blocked by plaque. This condition can have very serious consequences like a stroke.  Transcarotid Artery Revascularization or TCAR is a minimally invasive surgery to treat blockages in the carotid artery, reducing the risk of stroke.  Listen to a Q&A discussion about Carotid Artery Disease & TCAR with Mark Janzen, M.D., an Enloe Health vascular surgeon.

February marks American Heart Month, a time to focus on our heart health and protect ourselves against heart disease.  Tami McIntyre, a former patient of Enloe Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, shares her experience with the program and how it helped her.  Diana Fairburn, an exercise physiologist within Enloe’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab program, also joins the conversation.

Lymphedema is a long-term condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling.  It affects millions of people around the world. It occurs frequently as a result of cancer treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from progressing.  Listen to a Q&A discussion about lymphedema with Karen Fleming, Enloe Health’s lead lymphedema specialist.