Health Smart

HealthSmart: In Case of Emergency

2013-05-14T13:24:17Z

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 300,000 Americans are treated in the nation’s emergency departments every day. Would you know what to do if you experienced or witnessed a medical emergency?

Take the poll below and then watch HealthSmart: In Case of Emergency on May 30^that 8 p.m. to see how you did!

HealthSmart in a Minute: Financial Incentives for Doctors

2013-04-19T13:48:50Z

Under the Affordable Care Act there’s a new emphasis on keeping people well rather than treating them when they’re sick. There will be new financial incentives for doctors to reach out to patients. For example doctors may be rewarded for making sure patients with chronic diseases are managing their conditions.

Here’s how that’ll work from the doctor’s perspective:

HealthSmart in a Minute is supported by Capital BlueCross as a community service for the communities of central Pennsylvania.

HealthSmart in a Minute: Technology and your Health

2013-04-18T13:43:07Z

Maybe you use technology to help you succeed at work or to keep you organized at home, but did you know you can use it to help you achieve your health goals as well?

Dr. Michael Ripchinski, the Chief Medical Information Officer for Lancaster General Health, says patients have a number of tools at their fingertips.

You can also find apps to track everything from your heart rate to the number of calories in a meal.

Learn more about these tools in the video below.

HealthSmart in a Minute is supported by Capital BlueCross as a community service for the communities of central Pennsylvania.

HealthSmart in a Minute: Patient-Centered Medical Home

2013-04-17T13:32:33Z

You may have heard the term Patient-Centered Medical Home – or PCMH.

Dr. Dennis Gingrich says the PCMH model puts the patient at the center – and partners them with their primary care doctor. They’re supported by a care team – which is made up of nurses – a pharmacist whatever the patient needs.

If your doctor’s office becomes a PCMH, watch the video below to learn about a few changes you may notice.

HealthSmart in a Minute is supported by Capital BlueCross as a community service for the communities of central Pennsylvania.

HealthSmart in a Minute: Electronic Health Records 101

2013-04-16T12:27:44Z

Remember the rows and rows of patient charts you used to see at your doctor’s office? With the introduction of Electronic Medical Records, this sight is becoming less and less common.

Thomas Wright the Executive Director of PinnacleHealth Medical Group says electronic is the way to go.

Watch the video below to see why he says the switch is a good thing.

HealthSmart in a Minute is supported by Capital BlueCross as a community service for the communities of central Pennsylvania.

HealthSmart in a Minute: Doctor Patient Partnership

2013-04-15T17:19:19Z

You may remember a time when the doctor-patient relationship was somewhat paternalistic.

But Dr. Dennis Gingrich, the Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, says times are changing.

"Today, most patients prefer a partnership, and to be honest with you that’s my preference too, if the patient’s good with that," says Gingrich.

Get a few tips for making a doctor-patient partnership work in the video below.

HealthSmart in a Minute is supported by Capital BlueCross as a community service for the communities of central Pennsylvania.

HealthSmart: In the Wake of Trauma

2013-04-03T13:40:03Z

Whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster, a large number of people have been exposed to potentially traumatic situations in the last 20 years alone.

Many of us also struggle with trauma personal to our own lives, like the sudden loss of a loved one, an accident or abuse. No matter what form the trauma takes, it can affect our lives dramatically.

Today, it’s estimated that over 7.5 million Americans are affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a given year.

Learn how to spot the symptoms and where to find help. Plus, what to do when kids ask tough questions about scary things they see and hear in the news.

Watch In the Wake of Trauma on PBS. See more from HealthSmart.

HealthSmart: Partnering in Health

2012-12-05T21:39:39Z

We’ve all been to the doctor. We trust them with our health and the health of those we love. When you think about it that way, the relationship between a doctor and patient is valuable. But, how much do you invest in that relationship? How much does your doctor invest in you?

On HealthSmart: Partnering in Health, we’ll take a look at the doctor-patient relationship. How is it changing and what’s leading to the change? Plus, tips on how to get what you want out of your appointments. And – what changes you can expect to see under the Affordable Care Act.

Watch HealthSmart online

What makes a good doctor-patient relationship? Here's what some Central Pennsylvania patients had to say (below).

The doctor-patient relationship according to Dr. Peter Lewis, a family physician with Penn State Hershey Medical Group (below).

HealthSmart: Baby Steps

2012-09-25T19:39:45Z

It only takes twelve short months for a baby to go from helpless newborn to active little one.

Babies grow at an astonishing pace! Each month, sometimes each day, brings something new. It’s an exciting time, and an important one in terms of physical, mental and emotional development.

What’s going on in that sweet, little head? What’s the best diet for a growing baby? Plus, is it possible to spoil a newborn by responding to their cries every time?

Watch HealthSmart online

HealthSmart: Baby on Board

2012-05-10T00:12:49Z

Tiny toes and that cute, little nose - it’s amazing what the female body is capable of producing! Every year there are about four million babies born in the United States. Although most expectant moms will deal with some unpleasant symptom of pregnancy, like morning sickness or stretch marks, there’s no denying pregnancy is life’s greatest miracle!

If you or someone you know is expecting, you’re in for an exciting ride! On HealthSmart: Baby on Board we’ll guide you through all 40 weeks of pregnancy. Travel inside the womb to see how baby’s developing in each trimester of pregnancy. When does baby begin to move? Can he or she recognize Dad’s voice? Plus, learn how to keep weight gain on track, what to eat and how to approach exercise during pregnancy. And, listen as local moms have an honest chat about what it’s like to have a baby on board.

If you've had a baby, we want to hear from you! What was your favorite part about being pregnant? Please share your memories in the comment section below!

Watch HealthSmart: Baby on Board now!

Here's a sneak peek...

HealthSmart: Personal Responsibility

2012-03-13T19:36:27Z

Every day someone in the US and right here in Pennsylvania faces health news that turns their life upside down. But, it’s what they choose to do from there that ultimately has the power to change their life.

Over the past seven seasons of HealthSmart we’ve met many people who have found power in taking control of their health. Join us as we check back in with our most memorable guests on HealthSmart: Personal Responsibility.

Additional resources:

Coping with Chronic Illness

Study by PA Medical Society

Obesity and Chronic Disease

Don't miss HealthSmart: Personal Responsibility on Thursday, March 22 at 8:30 p.m. on witf-tv.

HealthSmart: The Science of Love

2011-11-23T02:00:07Z

From the moment we're born humans crave love and affection. When we're young we look for affection from parents. As we age, that shifts and we look for the love of a mate. What's the science behind love? What affects does it have on the brain? Do those in relationships experience better health than those who are not? What impact can a divorce have on your health and how do we cope with the separation process?

Don't miss an in depth look at the role of love in our lives only on HealthSmart: The Science of Love

Watch episodes of Health Smart online http://video.witf.org/program/healthsmart/

HealthSmart: Menopause

2011-08-19T20:09:22Z

Menopause is a natural part of life for all women. In fact, about 6,000 women reach menopause every day in the United States. For some, the menopausal transition can be filled with undesirable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Others may not even realize they’re in the transition until they’ve already reached menopause.

On HealthSmart: Menopause travel inside the body to see what takes place during the change. Learn about the symptoms and available treatments. Plus, what health issues should post-menopausal women be thinking about?

Watch HealthSmart episodes online.

HealthSmart: Facing Cancer Together

2011-05-09T22:36:48Z

Today millions of people in the US are living with, or have had cancer. It’s estimated that half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetime. The disease has the potential to touch all of us.

On HealthSmart: Facing Cancer Together we’re not going to focus on how far we’ve come in cancer research or how close we may or may not be to a cure. Instead, we’ll experience the disease along with the people who are facing it, living with it and surviving it. Learn about staging cancer, the side effects of treatment and how to approach recovery. Plus, a caregiver will share her story and advice.

Join us as we face cancer together. Watch HealthSmart online. Click on the link in the right margin of this page.

Take the Cancer Risk Questionnaire.

HealthSmart: When Seconds Count

2011-03-31T01:19:50Z

Every 40 seconds. That’s how often a stroke is estimated to occur in the United States. Without warning, blood flow to the brain is blocked and with each passing second precious brain tissue is lost. Stroke, also called a brain attack, is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of long-term disability.

There is good news. If you know the warning signs and what to do when seconds count, the effects of a stroke can be minimized or, in some cases, prevented.

Know the warning signs and act in time! Watch HealthSmart: When Seconds Count online.

First, put your knowledge to the test with this quiz!