Aspirus Health Talk

Important Information About Bone Density Scans

RadioMD — Mon, 29 May 2017 14:52:50 +0000

In the United States, low bone mass and brittle bone disease, otherwise known as Osteoporosis, are currently considered major public health threats. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, that’s one fracture every 3 seconds!

Osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in the hospital than many other diseases, including diabetes and breast cancer for women over 45 years of age. One in five, over the age of 50, will experience an osteoporotic fracture of either the forearm, humerus, hip or spine.

Even more concerning --- Hip fractures increase a person’s risk for dying. Mortality rates jump 20-24% in the first year after a hip fracture.

Here to explain more on the importance of good bone health is Sandy Hoogland, Family Medicine Certified Physician Assistant at Aspirus.

Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

RadioMD — Mon, 08 May 2017 23:07:24 +0000

Is a wound that won't heal keeping you from doing the things you love? Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics in Wisconsin Rapids can help. Using their expertise and technology, including two hyperbaric oxygen chambers, they can heal most wounds – even those that haven't responded to conventional treatment.

In this segment, Sarah Falkner, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager with Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics, located in Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, discusses wound healing with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. (HBOT)

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

RadioMD — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 22:12:02 +0000

Breast Reduction is designed to relieve the physical discomfort associated with large breasts while improving overall breast appearance. Elevating the breast and reducing nipple size is an integral portion of this procedure. This procedure is frequently covered by insurance if certain criteria are met.

Listen as James H. Kong, MD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Aspirus Health System, discusses breast reduction surgery and how to decide if this procedure is right for you.

GERD and Antireflux Surgery

RadioMD — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 23:59:50 +0000

Anti-reflux surgery is a treatment for acid reflux or GERD, a problem in which food or stomach acid come back up from your stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube from your mouth to the stomach.

Reflux often occurs if the muscles where the esophagus meets the stomach do not close tightly enough. A hiatal hernia can make GERD symptoms worse. It occurs when the stomach bulges through this opening into your chest

Symptoms of reflux or heartburn are burning in the stomach that you may also feel in your throat or chest, burping or gas bubbles, or trouble swallowing food or fluids

Listen in as Michael McAllister, DO, General Surgeon, explains the damages of ongoing reflux and how anti-reflux surgery might be the treatment for you.

Healthy Living: First a Habit, Next a Lifestyle

RadioMD — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 23:36:44 +0000

It takes 21 days to create a habit and 90 days to create a lifestyle.

People often say they want to take steps toward becoming healthy, so they often jump in full force, saying they are going to work out 5 days/week and go on a diet of fruits & vegetables and nothing else.

That does not usually work.

Instead, picking one healthy change at a time and focusing on that, is what helps people stick to a program.

It can be as simple as drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Work on doing just that for 21 days to create a habit. Then pick the next habit you want to adopt and work on it for 21 days. A habit can be emotional, physical or food-driven and should be something that you want to get control of.

Listen in to this segment with Laura Ching, Fitness Instructor for Aspirus.

Alternative Comfort Options For Labor and Delivery: Nitrous Oxide

RadioMD — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 18:02:38 +0000

As your due date approaches, you might be wondering what the medical and natural options for pain relief are best for you and your baby. In recent years using nitrous oxide during pregnancy has grown in popularity.

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), research has supported the reasonable efficacy, safety and unique beneficial qualities of nitrous oxide as an analgesic for labor.

Christiann Rosemurgy CNM, WHNP-BC discusses nitrous oxide as an alternative comfort option for labor, and the many benefits nitrous oxide has for women in labor.

Do You Need a Mommy Makeover?

RadioMD — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:02:49 +0000

After pregnancy, child bearing, and breast feeding; many women are dissatisfied with the appearance of their body and seek surgical options to change troubled areas. The most popular surgical options include tummy tucks, breast enhancement, and liposuction.

How do you know if this type of makeover is right for you?

Jennifer Cameron, MD, MPH shares what you should know about mommy makeovers and what to expect after surgery.

3 Vitamins That Are Difficult to Obtain

RadioMD — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 23:20:30 +0000

There are a multitude of vitamins and minerals that help your body grow and stay healthy.

However, humans must regularly consume 13 essential vitamins, anywhere from 20-29+ essential minerals, two essential fatty acids and nine essential amino acids to survive. It's best to try to get these through your diet first, and supplement when needed.

Aspirus Pharmacist, Trigg Thielke shares three vitamins that are difficult to obtain in optimal amounts even with a well-balanced diet. In this segment he provides education and insight into these vitamins that include: Vitamin D3; Vitamin K2 MK-7 and Magnesium.

Becoming an Effective Health Care Consumer

RadioMD — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:02:04 +0000

Health care has evolved, especially in terms of the patient’s role in decision making. Patients come to their doctor with a diagnosis already in mind, and with many pages of information printed from the Internet. Is this a good thing?

Listen as Margaret Anderson, MD discusses why she likes to see her patients engaged in their own health care and how you can be your own best health advocate.

WATCHMAN - Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

RadioMD — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 00:22:34 +0000

In September 2016, Aspirus Heart & Vascular became the first program in the area to begin performing the WATCHMAN procedure. This offers an alternative for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that have difficulty with blood-thinning medication. People with AFib often face lifelong use of blood thinners to reduce their risk of stroke.

Listen as Kevin E. Rist, MD, PhD explains that the one-time WATCHMAN™ procedure offers an effective alternative for those that are at high risk of bleeding complications or have had difficulties tolerating blood thinners.

Aspirus: Working To Better Serve The Community

RadioMD — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 19:24:38 +0000

Hospitals have always been considered a “community benefit,” that’s why they are tax-exempt entities. But today, Aspirus hospitals are taking their role as a community resource further than simply providing 24-hour access to care for anyone who needs it.

They are actively developing community partnerships and programs with a broad range of entities, seeking new ways to improve the health of those we serve – beyond the walls of our buildings. The concept of “collective impact” asserts that we can accomplish much more by working across industries and specialties than we ever could by working separately.

Listen as Tara Draeger discusses some of the initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life in the community – often in ways few people would associate with health care.

The Importance of Vaccinations for Your Child

RadioMD — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:35:57 +0000

According to the CDC, immunizations have had an enormous impact on improving the health of children in the United States. Most parents today have never seen first-hand the devastating consequences that vaccine-preventable diseases have on a child, a family, or community.

Some diseases that are prevented by vaccines, like pertussis (whooping cough) and chickenpox, remain common in the United States. On the other hand, other potentially deadly diseases are no longer common in this country because of vaccines.

In this segment, Jason Chan, MD discusses the importance of getting your children the vaccinations they need to avoid certain life threatening illnesses.

Simple Tricks to Avoid What's Going Around!

RadioMD — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 02:29:42 +0000

When one member of the family gets sick, it seems as if all the members of the family get sick. It doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Some easy to follow guidelines can help you to avoid all the dreaded coughs and sniffles everyone seems to have.

In this segment, Anna Marciniak & Nikki Mueller, infection preventionists with Aspirus Wausau Hospital, discuss how we can protect ourselves from illnesses that are going around with a few simple healthy habits.

Do You Suffer From COPD?

RadioMD — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 22:54:59 +0000

According to the COPD Foundation, COPD affects an estimated 30 million individuals in the U.S., and over half of them have symptoms of COPD and do not know it. Early screening can identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs.

Listen today as David M. Warren, the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics, discusses COPD and ways to prevent it.

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy

RadioMD — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 01:39:09 +0000

Being pregnant can be such an amazing time in a womens life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout your pregnancy is key for both baby and mother. Important steps to a healthy pregnancy include eating a balanced diet; gaining the right amount of weight; and keeping physically active.

You’re eating for two now; does that mean double the portions? There are foods that should to be avoided and others that are important for mom and baby. And then there are the cravings!

Listen as Stacie Leahy, RD gives great advice about what to eat so mom and baby can stay healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Sensory Disorders and Learning Disabilities

RadioMD — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 20:30:46 +0000

You might know a child who is oversensitive, clumsy, and out of sync. That child may have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a common but misunderstood problem that affects children’s behavior and can affect the way they learn, move, relate to others, and feel about themselves.

Aspirus Outpatient Therapy Services provides comprehensive pediatric occupational, physical and speech therapy services.

Our therapists provide evaluation and treatment services for infants, children and adolescents (up to age 14) who are not achieving their physical, functional and/or communicative potential.

Listen as Annika Zallek, OTR/L explains sensory disorders and learning disabilities.

Population Health Management for Todays HealthCare Needs

RadioMD — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 19:21:34 +0000

Population Health Management is about looking at key groups of people and devising ways to maximize their wellness.

In health care, it might focus on top users of health care services, or people with specific conditions, or people at high or rising risk for developing certain conditions. This is a very distinct departure from how health care traditionally addressed issues as they appeared, rather than preventing issues from developing at all or better managing existing conditions to maximize quality of life and avoid unnecessary problems.

Listen as Renee Smith, MD., Chief Medical Director, Aspirus Network Inc, explains the practice of Population Health Management at Aspirus Networks inc.

Dry Needling at Aspirus Riverview Therapies

RadioMD — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:51:04 +0000

Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial triggerpoint. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle.

Listen as Matt Ironside, PT explains dry needling at Aspirus Riverview Therapies.

Emotional Wellness in Times of Stress

RadioMD — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 01:58:22 +0000

Our mental and emotional health can influence how we think, feel, and behave toward ourselves and others. It can also affect our ability to cope with stressors and to overcome challenges.

Listen as Linda Murphy, LCSW discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and healthy body to help you stay emotionally well.

Your Electronic Health Record (EHR): How Does It Impact Patient Care?

RadioMD — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 21:21:21 +0000

The electronic health record is a powerful tool for today’s clinicians. It can provide access to current information in multiple locations at once, it can help avoid errors and duplication in service, and it can make care more convenient and timely for patients. But it has required, and continues to demand, changes in how doctors and other clinical workers provide care.

Listen as Ryan Gossett, MD explains how Aspirus is leveraging this important and powerful new technology to benefit our patients.

Keep Those New Year's Resolutions

RadioMD — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 03:25:38 +0000

Whether it's diet, exercise or any other new years resolution you might be considering, sticking with them may be a real challenge.

Listen as Stacy Bussiere gives great advice about how to make resolutions to get healthier this year that you can really stick to.

The Health Benefits of a Good Nights Sleep

RadioMD — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 22:27:04 +0000

Sleep is absolutely essential for your health and well being. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more.

Listen in as David Warren, BS, explains the importance of a good nights sleep and how healthy sleep tips and healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Birth Control Options for Women

RadioMD — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 01:49:26 +0000

Contraceptives are devices, drugs, or methods for preventing pregnancy either by preventing the fertilization of the female egg by the male sperm or by preventing implantation of the fertilized egg.

Choosing the appropriate contraceptive is a personal decision.

Listen in as Peggy Groeneveld, pharmacist with Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, discusses questions to consider when selecting a birth control method.

Getting Life Back in Balance – Literally

RadioMD — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 01:27:12 +0000

Quite a few people will make comments similar to; “Oh I’ve never had good balance.” Or they say, “I get dizzy, but it goes away eventually. There’s nothing to be done for it."

Kaitlin Eichman, Physical Therapist with Aspirus Therapy and Fitness- Medford, is able to address these statements. She discusses the 3 main systems that affect one’s balance/vestibular well-being, as well as the different services offered at Aspirus and what might be available within your community that are beneficial for your balance, as well as overall wellness.

MyAspirus: Features And Key Benefits For Patients

RadioMD — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 02:22:02 +0000

MyAspirus E-Visits provide patients with increased access to Aspirus providers for non-emergency health care concerns without the need to travel to an in-person office visit.

E-Visits can help established Aspirus patients with minor medical concerns through a secure online questionnaire available to anyone with a MyAspirus account.

Listen in as Laurence R. Gordon, DO explains how MyAspirus lets you view your medical information online to help you be your own best health advocate.

When Is It Time To Consider Assisted Living?

RadioMD — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:38:00 +0000

If you have concerns about the ability of an aging parent or relative to live independently, you may want to investigate assisted living—and sooner rather than later.

When that time has come to consider moving into an assisted living facility, how do you choose an assisted living that is right for you or your loved one? .

Some important questions to consider are: What types of services are offered, and how much does it cost?

Sherry Meyer, coordinator of Admissions and Marketing for Senior Care Services, is here to answer these and other great questions about assisted living facilities.

Honoring Choices: Advance Care Planning

RadioMD — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 00:08:00 +0000

Honoring Choices is a free program offering individuals help with advance care planning. It is held the fourth Tuesday of every month at Aspirus Medford Hospital (135 South Gibson St., Medford).

Advance care planning involves thinking about future medical decisions, including end-of-life preferences.

An Advance Directive is a document that allows you to appoint someone to make your health care decisions in the event that you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

Listen in as Sherry Meyer explains the Honoring Choices program at Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics.

To learn more about upcoming Honoring Choices: Advance Care Planning classes please call Aspirus Customer Contact Center
M-F, 8am - 5:30pm (Central)
715-847-2380 | 800-847-4707

How to Shape Your Childs Behavior with Positive Parenting

RadioMD — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 02:24:55 +0000

Helping shape your children's behavior is a key part of being a parent. It can be difficult as well as rewarding. While at times it can be challenging, a few key principles can help. Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities we will ever undertake. Yet what training do we receive for this awesome task?

So, how do you raise happy and responsible children?

Emily Tracey, PA-C is here to give advice to parents on how children learn by watching everyone around them, especially their parents, and when you use manners and good coping strategies, you teach your children to do the same.

How to Play and Enhance Learning With Todlers & Infants

RadioMD — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 22:00:08 +0000

It might look like your child is just "playing", but your child is hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination.

Parents should give their child many opportunities to practice their developing skills while providing supervision so they stay safe while they learn and grow.

Emily Tracey PA-C, is here to discuss how parents can help in the overall development of their child by allowing them to explore and experience all varieties of great activities.

Recognizing and Preventing the 3 Ds: Delirium, Dementia & Depression

RadioMD — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 20:42:03 +0000

Elderly patients are at high risk for depression and cognitive disorders. As the population ages, many older adults will suffer one or more of the three D's: delirium, dementia, and depression. Because signs and symptoms overlap, distinguishing one from the others isn't always easy. Yet an accurate assessment is essential because treatments depend on the diagnosis

Listen is as Evalyn Michira, MSN, RN, Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Aspirus Health System, helps families of elderly patients learn what to look for to recognize the 3 Ds: Delirium, Dementia & Depression, so that the best help for their loved one may be administered.

Aging Parent? Keeping Them Safe and Preventing Falls

RadioMD — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:42:42 +0000

Is your aging parent at risk of falling or tripping. This can result in broken bones or more serious injuries. Making changes in their home helps lower their risk of falling.

Re-organizing their home is the first step to help prevent falls. For example, to help stay safe in the bathroom, put hand rails in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet.

Listen in as Nicky Kollmansberger, RN discusses what you can do for your aging parent to help keep them safe from falls and injuries in their home.

Have You Been Told You Have Pre-Diabetes?

RadioMD — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 01:07:39 +0000

Aspirus providers, dieticians and diabetes educators work with patients of all ages and all types of diabetes. We know having diabetes or prediabetes greatly impacts your life and can be difficult to manage, but we work with you as a team to manage your condition and prevent complications from occurring.

If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes we can help you manage and care for your condition in the healthiest way possible!

Listen in as Beth Cook, RD, CDE explains that having prediabetes is a wake-up call to take action to improve your health.

Living With Arthritis: Help for This Painful Condition

RadioMD — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 20:05:59 +0000

The varying types of Arthritis affect more than 53 million people in the U.S.

For millions of Americans with arthritis, the pain can affect every part of their everyday lives. The stiffness can keep people home from work, and keep them from enjoying things the rest of us take for granted.

Listen in as Mark A. Kelley, MD discusses arthritis and the treatment options available to you through Aspirus Health System.

Do You Love Sleeping? You Should

RadioMD — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:10:24 +0000

Doctors are increasingly convinced that restful and regular sleep is just as important to their patients’ health as exercise and a balanced diet.

Overcoming a sleep disorder and getting a good night’s rest has many benefits for overall health and quality of life.

Sleep is important for learning and forming memories.

Getting a good night’s sleep can give you more energy, and can increase your productivity and safety throughout the day.

Perhaps most importantly, healthy sleep can greatly reduce the risk of serious health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression.

Sleep disorders are problems with sleeping, including trouble falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at the wrong times, too much sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Shannon Handler, FNP is here to explain the importance of a good nights sleep.

Specialized Physical Therapy Helps Women With Pelvic Health Issues

RadioMD — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 16:10:30 +0000

Why would someone see a women’s health or pelvic health physical therapist?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in your pelvic area. These muscles support the organs in your pelvis like a sling.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause incontinence, slow urine stream, vaginal or rectal pain, painful sex and constipation.

Pam Meyer, a Physical Therapist with Aspirus Outpatient Therapy Services, is here to help you better understand pelvic floor dysfunction and how physical therapy can help to relieve these symptoms.

Treatment For Painful Intercourse

RadioMD — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 17:00:29 +0000

Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) refers to pain in the pelvic area during or after intercourse, and can occur in both women and men.

Besides possible physical causes, pain may occur in association with psychological factors such as previous sexual trauma.

A pelvic exam can confirm the diagnosis.

A medical history and complete physical exam are needed to look for other causes of pain with sexual intercourse.

Dr. Bonita Kolrud, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with Riverview Family Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids, is here to explain what can be done to help you with painful intercourse.

Healthy Cooking Ideas for One or Two

RadioMD — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 16:45:24 +0000

One of the biggest things we hear is that it is very challenging to cook for one or two people.

Many people are used to cooking for a family, so scaling back how much food they make is difficult.

Most recipes serve 4-6 people. Ingredients in the store tend to serve more than 1-2 people (ex. 1# of ground meat).

Easy to get in meal “ruts” or stuck with too many leftovers.

Because of this, people sometimes resort to using more processed convenience foods (which can be used in moderation, but generally are not the best choice for health).

Brianna Wolfe, registered, certified dietitian, is here to offer suggestions on how to cook for one or two with a healthy flare.

Keeping Active for the Long Haul

RadioMD — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:35:33 +0000

A little bit of exercise goes a long way to healthy lifestyle.

James Bjork, Physical Therapist, is here to explain how the importance of exercise is key to remaining active with aging and helps to prevent falls.

Honoring Choices – What Matters Most

RadioMD — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:28:03 +0000

When you are very ill or injured, you may not be able to make health care choices for yourself.

If you are unable to speak for yourself, your doctors may be unclear as to what type of care you would prefer, and your family members may be uncertain or disagree about the type of medical care you should receive.

An advance care directive is a legal document that tells your doctor what care you agree to in advance of this type of situation.

With this document, you can tell your doctors what medical treatment you do not want to have and what treatment you want no matter how ill you are.

William H Johnston, MD is here to explain that at Aspirus we have trained staff to help people discuss their wishes, complete a written advance directive, witness it, and make photocopies.

Depression During Pregnancy

RadioMD — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:52:42 +0000

Growing a baby is hard work.

Your body will go through a lot of changes as your baby grows and your hormones change.

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, but for many women this is a time of confusion, fear, stress, and even depression.

Listen in as Dr. Steven Bergin discusses depression during pregnancy.

Preparing for Pregnancy

RadioMD — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 17:37:59 +0000

Getting good care before, during, and after your pregnancy can help your baby grow and develop and keep you both healthy.

It is the best way to be sure your little one gets a head start on a healthy life.

You will want to choose a health care provider for your pregnancy and childbirth.

This provider will provide prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services.

Dr. Jenna Kolodziej, OB/GYN, is here to discuss your best options while you prepare for pregnancy.

Donating Breast Milk to Help Babies

RadioMD — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 01:19:21 +0000

If you have extra milk, it can be processed into specialty formulations for the nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units.

Many moms donate their extra milk to help babies in need because they have had a preterm baby in the past or know someone who has had that experience.

Chris Hanke is here to explain the benefits of donating your extra breast milk.

Blood in Your Stool? When Do You Worry?

RadioMD — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 03:20:59 +0000

Have you found blood in the toilet? Maybe on your toilet tissue?

Is this something to worry about?

Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or anus that have become swollen and painful.

There are 2 types of hemorrhoids: those that are just inside the anus or lower rectum (internal) and those that are outside the opening to the anus (external).

You can have both at the same time. Internal hemorrhoids usually don't cause pain or discomfort, while external hemorrhoids often do.

Erik Branstetter, DO is here to give you advice for when it's time to see a doctor and how to deal with hemorrhoids.

Help for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

RadioMD — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 23:12:56 +0000

There is help for people who have chronic problems with diabetic foot sores.

It’s important to seek help and not wait until a wound is severe.

Diabetic foot sores can quickly become infected and lead to partial or total foot amputation.

Lindsey Graff, NP is here to discuss Diabetic foot sores.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

RadioMD — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:57:54 +0000

Do you have discomfort, skin breakdown, pain, bleeding or other possible side-effects that may have resulted from radiation treatments you received in past years?

These symptoms may be caused from lack of oxygen supply to the affected areas.

For some people, hyperbaric oxygen therapy will help enable the body to heal itself by providing a rich supply of oxygen to affected areas.

Matthew Clancy, MD, is here to explain if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments may be the answer you need.

Geriatric Cardiology: Steps To Get The Best Care For Your Heart

RadioMD — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 20:13:38 +0000

The cardiovascular system is composed of the heart and the network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood throughout the body.

As you get older, it gets more important and more of a challenge to take care of your heart.

Peter Vaitkevicius, MD, is here to discuss Geriatric cardiology issues and necessary steps to get the best care for your heart to allow you to maintain the best quality of life possible.

Ankle Arthroscopy – Repairing Ankles with Keyhole Surgery

RadioMD — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 18:31:42 +0000

Ankle arthroscopy – also known as keyhole surgery – can be an excellent option for repairing ankle tissue damaged by a fall, twist or sprain.

Ankle arthroscopy typically requires only two tiny incisions, a few stitches, and bandages for about 10 days.

Many patients don’t even need crutches following surgery, and most return to working out and running in just six to eight weeks.

Dr. Torhorst is here to explain this minimally invasive procedure that is helping his ankle surgery patients enjoy fewer complications, less scarring and faster recoveries.

Simple Procedure to Remedy Acid Reflux Disease

RadioMD — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:59:09 +0000

Acid reflux disease affects roughly 20% of the US population and causes extreme heartburn and regurgitation, and other complications with the esophagus and other parts of the body.

While medication can temporarily deal with symptoms and pain, the TIF procedure is a revolutionary way to deal with the root cause of the issue.

Due to the unique approach of the TIF procedure, patients typically experience less discomfort, faster recovery and fewer adverse effects.

Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within a few days after their TIF procedure.

The TIF procedure, using the EsophyX device, reconstructs the antireflux valve at the entrance from the esophagus into the stomach.

This valve opens and closes as food is swallowed and is a physical barrier to reflux.

By preventing reflux, TIF eliminates both the acidic symptoms of reflux such as heartburn and sore throat as well as the non-acid symptoms such as asthma, chronic cough and regurgitation.

Dr. Medhat Fanous is here today to further explain the TIF procedure.

Achieving Strong Mental Health and Happiness

RadioMD — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 18:18:19 +0000

We live in a world where it's far too easy to be hard on ourselves and our family.

Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Maleah Cummings, a provider at Aspirus Grand View, joins the show to explain how to foster healthy emotional and mental health for you and your whole family.

A Rewarding Experience For Mom’s And Newborns

RadioMD — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:08:03 +0000

Breastfeeding is a bonding experience that benefits both mom and baby.

Today, we're talking with Aspirus International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse Sue LindeKugel.

Sue has years of experience helping moms get breastfeeding off to a great start.

Today she’s sharing insights to the benefits of breastfeeding, some common concerns moms have, and some tips for continuing to breastfeed once mom has returned to work.

Breast Health During Midlife: Common Myths, Concerns and Tips for Staying Healthy

RadioMD — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:25:53 +0000

Women’s bodies undergo many changes at midlife.

One of the most common areas women experience midlife health issues is with breast health.

Breast cancer is when a cancerous tumor occurs inside the breast.

Earlier detection, combined with improvements in therapy, has resulted in improved survival rates.

Clinical breast exams should be performed every 1 to 3 years up to the age of 40 and then annually after that.

Exercise alone reduces the risk of breast cancer by 25 to 30%, and the association seems strongest for those who engage in moderate rather than extreme forms of physical activity.

Cecilia Stroede, M.D., is here to talk about myths surrounding breast cancer. What are your risk factors? What is the importance of prevention and the elements of a good prevention plan? What are your common breast changes and concerns during midlife?

Dr. Stroede offers everyday living tips for maintaining your breast health and preventing disease.

Do You Have Diabetes? Take Good Care of Your Eyes

RadioMD — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 06:21:50 +0000

Diabetes can harm your eyes.

It can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, which is the back part of your eye.

This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes also increases your risk of having glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems.

You may not know there is any damage to your eyes until the problem is very bad.

Your doctor can catch problems early if you get regular eye exams.

If your doctor finds eye problems early, medicines and other treatments may help prevent them from getting worse.

Shalini Johnson, MD is here to discuss Diabetic eye care.

Don’t Make Me Laugh: Preventing Urinary Incontinence

RadioMD — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 14:21:25 +0000

When someone says, “I laughed so hard I pee’d my pants”, it may have been spoken not only in jest, but in truth as well.

57% of women between 40-60 years old have reported at least one incident of urinary incontinence in the past year.

There are 3 types of urinary leakage; stress, urge and combine.

Stress incontinence is particularly common in younger women after childbirth… Really?! Why?! What’s causes this?

Can a woman prevent urinary incontinence? Do men suffer from it too? What options are there to treating it?

Suja Roberts, MD, an Aspirus Medford Hospital OB/GYN, is here to answer these and other great questions.

Mammogram Recommendations and Commonly Asked Questions

RadioMD — Mon, 18 May 2015 18:36:21 +0000

At Aspirus we are dedicated to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer through screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasound, MRI and image-guided interventions.

When should a woman have her first mammogram?

There are differing opinions about how often a woman should have a mammogram? What are the medical recommendations? Do the recommendations change with age?

If a woman has a history of breast cancer in her family, does that change the recommendations? Is there a certain time of the month that a woman should schedule her mammogram to mitigate discomfort? And, if something suspicious is found what options are available relative to tests to determine next steps?

We will be talking with Dr. Michael Olson from Aspirus Langlade Hospital about some common questions women have about mammogram screening.

Do You Suffer From Ingrown Toenails or Hammertoes?

RadioMD — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:51:20 +0000

Summer is the time get out and get active, but it can be especially difficult if you have foot pain.

Improper footwear, especially in the summer, can cause foot issues.

In order to keep your feet healthy, Dr. David Wood from Aspirus Grand View is here to talk about how to prevent issues such as ingrown nails and hammertoe – and how correction can be quick, easy and get you back in the sand and water sooner.

Abdominal Pains: Early Warning Signs for Common Hernia and Gall Bladder Problems?

RadioMD — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:34:35 +0000

Many people suffer from various types of abdominal pains they think are diet or stress related when in fact it could be a hernia or gall bladder problem that is easily treated.

Dr. McAllister helps explain the early warning signs you should know to prevent a simple hernia or gall bladder issue from becoming a more critical health risk.

CardioMEMS™ Heart Failure Monitoring Solution

RadioMD — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 14:50:53 +0000

CardioMEMS™ is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring solution that provides physicians with vital real-time measurements from inside a person’s body.

CardioMEMS consists of a small sensor that is permanently implanted into a person’s pulmonary artery via a catheter during a minimally-invasive procedure. Once in place, it provides real-time, on-demand access to data like pulmonary artery pressure and heart rate that allows physicians to more effectively manage patients with heart failure.

Patients use a wireless electronics system to transmit the data to a secure website, which can be accessed remotely in a doctor’s office. With access to this data, physicians can make time-sensitive treatment decisions that can help keep patients out of the hospital. In trials, the use of CardioMEMS reduced hospital admissions for heart failure patients by 37 percent.

Paul A Luetmer MD, FACC is here to discuss CardioMEMS™.

Infertility: Aspirus Offers Hope

RadioMD — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:08:05 +0000

Children are often described as blessings.

There are many couples who wish to have children but just can’t seem to get pregnant. Are you one of them?

What treatment options are out there for couples trying to conceive? Some fertility problems are more easily treated than others.

What can you expect from treatments and how long do they take to work?

Listen in to what Dr. Suja Roberts has to be say as to why a couple may have difficulty getting pregnant and how she can help couples that are having trouble getting pregnant.