Medical Intel, brought to you by MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Diet and Nutrition’s Effect on Wellbeing

RadioMD — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 05:00:01 +0000

The nutrients in the foods that we eat enable the cells in our bodies to perform their necessary functions. What you eat can greatly affect your health and well-being. Scientific studies have shown many times that choosing healthy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Listen as Andrea Goergen, Clinical Dietitian, discusses diet and nutrition's effect on wellbeing, and how you can enjoy a variety of foods, eat healthy and have more energy.

Treatment for Hernia

RadioMD — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 05:00:01 +0000

Hernias occur when a weak abdominal wall allows a piece of the intestine or other tissue to slip through, often creating a noticeable lump. They either develop slowly over months or years or develop very suddenly.

Hernia surgery is critical for repairing the opening or weakness in the abdominal wall. If the opening is not repaired, tissues can become entrapped, weakening blood supply to those areas.

In this segment, Dr. Ivanesa Pardo, discusses treatment for hernias to help determine the most effective repair surgery for you.

Bariatrics and Weight Management at Medstar Washington Hospital Center

RadioMD — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 14:00:00 +0000

Obesity comes with health risks. Diabetes. High-blood pressure. Joint pain. Sleep apnea and more. That's why so many people have turned to us for help. MedStar Washington Hospital Center's Bariatric Surgery Program is one of the area's most experienced and comprehensive.

Join Dr. Timothy Shope, Director of Bariatric Surgery, to begin your journey to better health and if this is your first step in the bariatric surgical process, to think of this as a tool to aid in the long term weight loss that could improve the quality of the rest of your life.

The Latest Advances in Spine Surgery

RadioMD — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:52:29 +0000

Spine surgery has traditionally been done as an open surgery. However, in recent years, there have been technological advances have allowed more back and neck conditions to be treated with minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The orthopaedic surgeons at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute have extensive training in the most advanced and innovative surgical procedures to treat back pain, including minimally invasive back surgery and motion sparing surgery.

In this segment, Dr. Oliver Tannous discusses the latest advances in spine surgery at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

How to Prevent Summer Burns

RadioMD — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 18:17:12 +0000

According to the NIH, in the United States, approximately 1.25 million people with burns present to the emergency department each year. People do not realize that summer fun carries with it an increased risk of many types of burns.

In this segment,Dr. Jeffrey Shupp, Director of the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, joins the show to discuss how to prevent those summer burns and how The Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the only adult burn treatment center in the Washington metropolitan area, serving the District, southern Maryland, northern Virginia and eastern West Virginia.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

RadioMD — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 22:25:00 +0000

Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and acid salts that build up inside the kidneys. Kidney stones are relatively common, hospitalizing more than one million Americans each year. Approximately 10 percent of people in the United States will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

In this segment, Dr.Daniel Marchalik joins the show to discuss kidney stones and how MedStar's urology specialists focus on the medical management of kidney stones for patients that require metabolic evaluations for recurring kidney stones.

Cardiogenetics: The Importance of Genetic Testing and Counseling

RadioMD — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:18:43 +0000

Susan O'Donoghue, MD, discusses the burgeoning field of cardiogenetics, which can help identify various certain inherited cardiovascular disorders, particularly those that are based in the heart's electrical system. Potential candidates include individuals who have fainted due to physical exertion or who have a family history of unexpected cardiac arrest and/or death at young ages.

Dr. O'Donoghue also explains the importance of genetic counseling pre- and post-screening and guidance on when a molecular autopsy might be in order.

Surgical Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea

RadioMD — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 23:43:02 +0000

Stan Chia, MD, discusses the curative options for sleep apnea patients who are not good candidates for CPAP. Options include removal of the tonsils, reducing excess tissue of the tongue, advancing the upper and lower jaw to open up the airway, and even bariatric surgery to eliminate obesity-induced apnea. Dr. Chia also provides information on the newest therapy, upper airway stimulation, which is a pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

RadioMD — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:29:11 +0000

Krishnan Venkatesan, MD, discusses the common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, side effects from certain medications, prior surgeries, trauma to the pelvic and/or genital region, and mental/emotional hindarances. Dr. Venkatesan also explains the various ways to address ED, such as medication, vacuum devices, injections and penile prostheses.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

RadioMD — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 23:17:57 +0000

James Robinson, MD, discusses new advances in minimally invasive, non-invasive and robotic-assisted gynecologic surgeries. These new approaches address issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding. Benefits include shorter hospital stays, less pain, a more rapid return to work and daily activities, preserved fertility, and a reduced risk of post-operative infection or other complications.

Managing Your Diabetes

RadioMD — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 00:42:12 +0000

Michelle Magee, MD, explains why type-2 diabetes is on the rise across all generations, genetic factors surrounding the disease, and lifestyle factors you can shift in order to get control of your blood sugar. Dr. Magee also discusses when you should consider insulin therapy, as well as new medications and advances in insulin delivery methods.

Prevention and Treatment of Common Sports Injuries

RadioMD — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 19:07:56 +0000

Dr. Evan Argintar, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, dives in to the most common injuries associated with exercise and athletics. From acute to chronic injuries, he provides recommendations for nonsurgical therapies and advice on when it's time to consider a surgical approach.

Neck and Back Pain Basics: What You Need to Know

RadioMD — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 02:16:48 +0000

Lower back and neck pain are among the most common reasons that people seek medical care. These issues greatly affect their ability to work and manage daily activities of life. The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals that back pain has the second highest number of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in the United States.

If you suffer from this type of pain, you're likely looking for solutions. As you do, it's wise to consider all of your options – surgical and nonsurgical. Oliver Tannous, MD, says that the first step is to figure out exactly where your pain is coming from.

Listen in as Dr. Tannous describes the variations of back pain, nonsurgical therapies, and which surgical treatments work best for certain patients.

New Device Reduces Risk of Stroke in A-Fib Patients

RadioMD — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 17:07:29 +0000

In general, the most dreaded complication associated with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is the occurrence of stroke. The first line of defense is usually a blood thinner–an oral medication taken to reduce the risk. But for some patients, these are not a safe solution. In these cases, a new implantable device called the Watchman™, may help.

Listen in as Manish Shah, MD, an electrophysiologist at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, explains the benefits of the Watchman.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the first in the region to implant this device.

When Should You Start Considering Surgery To Treat Bunions?

RadioMD — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 23:06:20 +0000

Bunions can range from mildly unattractive to a major source of pain. When you notice that bump in the area around the base of your big toe, questions start to pile up.

What caused this? Which shoes best minimize the pain? At what point should I consider surgery?

Katherine Raspovic, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, tackles these questions and more.

Transradial Cardiac Catheterization: When, Why and for Whom is it an Option?

RadioMD — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 23:49:18 +0000

Most young cardiologists are now being trained to perform cardiac catheterizations transradially– or through the wrist. Traditionally, this procedure, which is used to diagnose or treat arterial disease, involved inserting a catheter in the groin.

The transradial approach provides a much more comfortable recovery for the patient and lowers the risk of bleeding, which can significantly impact outcomes, even reducing mortality in certain patients.

Listen in as Robert Lager, MD, explains how this procedure has evolved and the benefits for patients, today.

Myths of Joint Replacement Surgery

RadioMD — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:41:43 +0000

Joint pain and disability lead to almost one million total joint replacements in the United States each year. However, there are countless people who avoid surgery due to certain myths about the procedure, resulting in unnecessary, chronic suffering.

Listen in as Savyasachi Thakkar, MD, breaks down the myths and truths about joint replacement surgery, and offers answers for those considering the option.

Weight-Loss Surgery: Your Questions Answered

RadioMD — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 19:22:31 +0000

Considering weight-loss surgery inevitably results in a long list of questions and concerns.

Elizabeth Alexandra Zubowicz, MD, a bariatric surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, walks us through the patient journey, from initial consultation to recovery, and offers explanations for some critical questions along the way.

Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Less Invasive, Less Scarring

RadioMD — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 22:35:29 +0000

Approximately 12 million Americans are affected by thyroid disease and some of those cases may be cancerous. When a thyroid nodule is discovered, imaging, biopsies and possibly surgery may be recommended.

Jennifer Rosen, MD, Chief of Endocrine Surgery and Vice Chair of Research at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, provides the full picture of what to expect during the process.

The Epidemic of Heart Failure

RadioMD — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:42:30 +0000

Heart failure is a very common condition, affecting more than 5 million Americans. But it is not a death sentence. Through lifestyle changes, new medications, and advances in technology, the condition can be managed and patients can lead longer, fuller lives.

Listen as Samer S. Najjar, MD, the Director of Advanced Heart Failure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center discusses advanced heart failure and the ways that it can be managed for a better quality of life.

Act F.A.S.T.: Quick Diagnosis and Treatment for Stroke

RadioMD — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 21:50:30 +0000

Approximately 800,000 people have a stroke each year; about one every 40 seconds. MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the first hospital in the Washington region to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The Hospital Center joins an elite group of only 73 medical centers nationwide to receive this prestigious certification.

Listen as Amie Hsia, MD, Medical Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, discusses what exactly happens in your body during a stroke, the ways we can stop it and the importance of receiving diagnosis and treatment quickly.

What is Palliative Care?

RadioMD — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:02:24 +0000

Palliative care services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center provide hospitalized patients with serious illnesses ongoing relief from symptoms and stress during and after treatment. Our interdisciplinary palliative care team members are experts in this specialized field of medicine—and deliver an important level of additional support to our patients. The team takes a holistic approach to care aimed at healing mind, body and spirit.

Listen in as James Hunter Groninger, MD, discusses how members of the team work collaboratively with one another, and hand-in-hand with patients' other medical specialists and health care providers to help ease physical pain and other symptoms and promote patients' emotional, psycho-social and spiritual health at any stage of illness.

Midlife Sex: Myths v Reality

RadioMD — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 22:29:40 +0000

When it comes to sex after 40, one of the biggest misconceptions is that age will sour your sex life. But in reality, many women in midlife say the quality of sex is better than ever.

Listen in as Cheryl Iglesia, MD, discusses myth vs. reality about midlife sex.

Cochlear Implantation and Dementia

RadioMD — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 01:48:00 +0000

For older adults, particularly those with dementia, hearing loss can increase isolation and damage their overall quality of life. Cochlear implants are an effective treatment for hearing loss, but the anesthesia used during the procedure may cause risks for this populations.

Listen in as Selena Heman-Ackah, MD, explains how she performs the implantation procedure with only local anesthesia with sedation to improve the overall outcome and decrease the risks of the procedure for patients with dementia.

Risks of Long-Term Use of Acid-Reducing Medications

RadioMD — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:05:38 +0000

Roughly 20 percent of Americans suffer from frequent episodes of acid reflux.

Acid blockers are a great way to help ease the symptoms of heartburn. However some of the newer and stronger acid-reducing medicines appear to increase the risks of bone disease, fractures, and intestinal infections.

Listen in as Tim Koch, MD discusses the risks of long-term use of acid-reducing medications, and other options to ease acid reflux symptoms.