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By Health U The Hackensack Meridian Health Podcast

A Hackensack Meridian Health podcast focused on sharing wellness tips, information and general health advice all for YOU!
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Housecall Quicks: COVID-19, the Vaccine & Myocarditis

HealthUNov 09, 2021

00:00
04:42
Pop Culture RX: A Dermatologist's Guide Through Viral Skincare Hacks

Pop Culture RX: A Dermatologist's Guide Through Viral Skincare Hacks

Viral skincare trends have taken over social media by storm, and on almost every platform we see claims for the next “skincare hack” or quick fix to your skin concerns. Whether you’re a parent concerned about how skin products will affect your child’s adolescent skin, or a skincare enthusiast overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, we’re bringing you all things skincare. In this episode, we consult one of our dermatologists, Alexis Young, M.D., on some of the skincare trends that have emerged on social media including “Botox at home,” skincare routines among teens and young children, and of course - some of Dr. Young’s favorite study-supported skincare tips.

Apr 02, 202425:20
Housecall: Tantrums & Handling Tough Moments in Parenting
Mar 05, 202445:09
Housecall - Uterine Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatments & What You Should Know

Housecall - Uterine Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatments & What You Should Know

It’s not unusual to hear people talk about a hernia — when organs push through weakened abdominal muscles. But how often do you hear people talk about pelvic organ prolapse? By the ages of 50 to 79, nearly half of all women have some degree of uterine, vaginal or pelvic organ prolapse. Urogynecologist James Ross, M.D. shares why prolapse occurs, the signs to look for, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.

Feb 13, 202439:43
Housecall: Top Causes of Back Pain in Women

Housecall: Top Causes of Back Pain in Women

Back pain can be debilitating, whether a sharp, sudden jolt or a persistent, nagging ache. The CDC notes that women are more likely to experience back pain than men. But why? In this episode, pain management specialist Mike Mizrahi, D.O., and OB/GYN Joseph Bouganim, M.D. discuss the top causes of back pain in women and how to find relief.

Jan 23, 202440:14
Housecall: Ozempic, Bariatric Surgery and Other Weight Loss Alternatives

Housecall: Ozempic, Bariatric Surgery and Other Weight Loss Alternatives

Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, and Zepbound – for those looking for prescription medications to help with weight loss, many options are on the market right now. Between all of these different medications, including considering bariatric surgery, how can you know which is right for you?
Seth Kipnis, M.D., a bariatric surgeon and medical director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, guides us through the pros and cons of each option, shedding light on what might be the most effective path for different individuals on their weight loss journey.

Jan 10, 202437:05
Housecall: Surviving the Season - First Holiday After Losing a Loved One

Housecall: Surviving the Season - First Holiday After Losing a Loved One

After losing a loved one, everything changes. Traditions can look a bit different, and it can feel like a piece of you is missing during these moments that are supposed to be so joyous. Whether it’s your first or your 50th holiday season after losing a loved one, this podcast is for you. Sarah Eakins, a counselor certified in grief recovery from Carrier Clinic, helps us explore strategies for not just surviving but finding moments of healing and connection during this holiday season.

Dec 19, 202346:27
Sleeping Through the Night - Sleep Tips for You & Baby

Sleeping Through the Night - Sleep Tips for You & Baby

A good night’s sleep is something we can all appreciate - but do you know who craves it the most? Parents. Pediatric sleep neurologist, Stacey Elkhatib Smidt, M.D. answers the questions you're too tired to ask - like when can a baby sleep through the night, or when is it safe to use a blanket? For tips and advice on how to help your baby sleep safely and soundly through the night, listen in.

Dec 05, 202332:42
Popculture RX: Shake Off Your Concert Amnesia: A Prescription for Swifties with 'Lavender Haze'

Popculture RX: Shake Off Your Concert Amnesia: A Prescription for Swifties with 'Lavender Haze'

Tune in as we dive into strategies for gracefully navigating this mesmerizing yet 'All Too Well' puzzling facet of the concert experience. We consulted Dr. Nathan Carroll, a psychiatry expert. Together, we explore methods to avoid this phenomenon in future concerts, especially with the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Eras Tour film now in movie theaters. Join us as we discuss ways to navigate this enchanting aspect of the concert experience.

Oct 31, 202326:23
Pop Culture RX: Ozempic: Exploring Trends and Risks

Pop Culture RX: Ozempic: Exploring Trends and Risks

In this episode, we explore the growing popularity of Ozempic, a prescription medication that has caught the eye of celebrities and influencers. However, before joining the trend, it's important to understand all of the potential risks. Join us as we talk to bariatric surgeon Dr. Richard Greco, who helps us unravel the complexities of Ozempic. Stay tuned for valuable insights!


Oct 12, 202336:48
Housecall: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know About THC Gummies and Edibles
Sep 20, 202324:22
Housecall: Exploring the Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teens

Housecall: Exploring the Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teens

A recent study found up to 95% of teens reported using at least one social media platform, while more than one-third said they used social media “almost constantly.” While social media use is on the rise, so are cases of anxiety, depression and mental health conditions among teens. We connected with child psychiatrist Juan Jose Villar, M.D., to answer our questions about how we can keep teens safe and how social media is impacting them.


Sep 05, 202342:29
Pop Culture RX: Staying Sharp with Alzheimer's: Musical Legend Tony Bennett

Pop Culture RX: Staying Sharp with Alzheimer's: Musical Legend Tony Bennett

Bennett's passing in July 2023 marked the end of a musical era. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years prior, Tony still lived The Good Life, and defied the odds by continuing to perform and connect with his music. Unlike many Alzheimer's patients who lose their abilities, Tony remained special, recognizing friends and family and even recalling lyrics for his performances. We sat down with Rehan Aziz, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, to explore Alzheimer's disease, discussing the typical cognitive challenges patients and caregivers face.


Aug 22, 202337:54
Housecall: What Does a Brain Tumor Feel Like?

Housecall: What Does a Brain Tumor Feel Like?

There may be no scarier news than hearing, "you have a brain tumor." It not only affects your physical well-being but also has a deep emotional and psychological impact. Thomas Steineke, M.D., neurosurgeon and chair of Neurosurgery at JFK University Medical Center, joins the podcast to explain the early warning signs of a brain tumor and what treatments are available.


Aug 08, 202332:51
Housecall: New Hope for Cancer Patients: The Potential of Vaccines for Cancer Treatment

Housecall: New Hope for Cancer Patients: The Potential of Vaccines for Cancer Treatment

A vaccine for cancer treatment? Join us as we sit down with Andrew Pecora, M.D., a renowned hematologist, oncologist, and expert researcher, as he shares groundbreaking news about new cancer research for an mRNA vaccine, specifically designed to assist patients with recurrent melanoma.


Jul 25, 202333:02
Pop Culture RX: What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Pop Culture RX: What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

After retiring from acting, Bruce Willis has since been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. We chat with Reena Gottesman, M.D., to understand his latest diagnosis and learn about the resources available to patients and their families. 

Jul 18, 202318:22
Pop Culture RX: Are Exoskeleton's the Future?

Pop Culture RX: Are Exoskeleton's the Future?

Ozzy Osbourne announced that he is retiring from touring due to ongoing health issues related to a spinal injury that he re-aggravated. After many operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently exoskeleton treatment, his body is still too weak to deal with the travel required for touring. We spoke with Florian P. Thomas, M.D., to understand spinal injuries and how these new treatments work.  

Jul 05, 202335:33
Housecall: How Does Pollution & Air Quality Affect Your Health?

Housecall: How Does Pollution & Air Quality Affect Your Health?

Air pollution is a global challenge affecting millions of people, from smog-filled cities to air quality concerns from mass forest fires. It poses a severe threat to our well-being, worsening respiratory conditions, increasing the risk of heart disease, and even impacting cognitive function. To “clear the air” pulmonologist, Ahmad Abu Homoud, M.D. shares his expertise, the truth about air quality and how to protect your lungs and breathe easier.

Jun 12, 202335:18
Housecall: Game On, or Game Over? Understanding Video Game Addiction

Housecall: Game On, or Game Over? Understanding Video Game Addiction

Join James Sherer, M.D. addiction psychiatrist and avid gamer, as he shares the multifaceted challenges faced by gamers grappling with internet gaming disorder, offering a unique perspective that combines professional expertise, personal anecdotes, and practical solutions for a healthier relationship with gaming.

Jun 06, 202346:17
Pop Culture RX: Uncovering MS: From Misdiagnoses to Advocacy

Pop Culture RX: Uncovering MS: From Misdiagnoses to Advocacy

In a recent interview with British Vogue, actress Selma Blair disclosed that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 after experiencing symptoms that had been misdiagnosed or neglected for over four decades. She now advocates for accessibility and awareness, and she even encouraged her friend Christina Applegate to seek medical attention, which eventually led to her own MS diagnosis. Neurologist Anuradha Singh, DO, highlights some common misconceptions and early signs that individuals may overlook when it comes to multiple sclerosis, emphasizing the significance of consulting a physician if any concerns arise.

May 23, 202320:13
Housecall: Celebrating Nurse's Week: The Stories of Nurses and What Inspires Them to Serve

Housecall: Celebrating Nurse's Week: The Stories of Nurses and What Inspires Them to Serve

On this week’s special edition of Housecall, three nurses from across Hackensack Meridian Health join us to share their stories and advice for nurses everywhere. We talk about impactful memories, career journeys and what drives our nurses to come back every day with a renewed sense of purpose.

May 09, 202344:59
Pop Culture RX: Unpacking Amanda Bynes' Recent Struggles: A Discussion on Mental Health Awareness

Pop Culture RX: Unpacking Amanda Bynes' Recent Struggles: A Discussion on Mental Health Awareness

Former child star Amanda Bynes was admitted to an inpatient facility after being found wandering the streets in a state of psychosis. She was later placed on a psychiatric hold and underwent evaluation. We sat down with Clinical psychiatrist, Guenevere Rosenthal, M.D., and discussed Amanda's struggles and the importance of mental health awareness.

May 02, 202325:32
Housecall: My Story Finding Hope & Navigating Having a Child Who is Sick

Housecall: My Story Finding Hope & Navigating Having a Child Who is Sick

When your child is sick the emotional, physical and mental toll can weigh heavy on families. Our podcast host, Katie, shares her journey of having a child with birth defects, and discusses with Alissa Sandler, manager of social work at Joseph M. Sanzari’s Children’s Hospital, how parents and families can find hope and support when their child is sick.

Apr 19, 202301:08:21
Pop Culture RX: Keeping Your Mental Health In Check

Pop Culture RX: Keeping Your Mental Health In Check

Jane Fonda’s passion for exercise is only getting stronger as she gets older: The 85-year-old actor and climate activist is constantly encouraging her millions of Instagram followers to stay active. And at a recent event, she shared how it keeps her mental health in check and how exercise has really helped her combat depression in her older years. We spoke with Gary Small, M.D., to learn ways to keep our own mental health in check. 

Apr 04, 202322:41
Pop Culture RX: Understanding the Weight Loss Journey

Pop Culture RX: Understanding the Weight Loss Journey

Celebrities including Randy Jackson, Jonah Hill, Mindy Kaling, and more have shown off their wellness journeys on social media and fans are loving their new transformations. Some have even attributed their journeys to weight loss surgery and rethinking how they thought about food. We talked with Jonathan Reich, M.D., to learn more about what we can do to achieve our own weight loss goals. 

Mar 22, 202337:23
Housecall: Understanding Jaw Pain & TMJ Disorders

Housecall: Understanding Jaw Pain & TMJ Disorders

Clicks, cracks, and stiffness in the jaw can make eating and speaking difficult or even painful. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders or TMDs, are the most common causes of jaw pain, affecting over 11 million Americans. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr .Shahid Aziz explains TMJ disorders and how they can be treated.

Mar 07, 202323:09
Housecall: What to Expect During an IUD Placement

Housecall: What to Expect During an IUD Placement

Intrauterine devices, known as IUDs, have become pretty popular for their convenience and long term usage. But there’s some confusion online about how an IUD is placed. Our expert, OB/GYN Neeti Misra, M.D., breaks it down and shares what to expect during insertion.

Feb 21, 202349:12
Pop Culture RX: Damar Hamlin

Pop Culture RX: Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle against the Bengals. This caused a frightening scene: Hamlin was administered CPR on the field as players from both teams watched in horror. Hamlin survived and is reportedly making "remarkable" progress in his recovery. We connected with interventional cardiologist, Daniel Kiss, M.D., to discuss his take on what happened and the importance of knowing CPR.

Jan 31, 202329:15
Pop Culture RX: Living with Pain?

Pop Culture RX: Living with Pain?

Did you know about 50 million Americans live with some form of chronic pain? And not surprisingly celebrities including Paula Abdul, George Clooney, and  Lady Gaga are among them. We sit down with Patrick Roth, M.D., chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, who offers insight on some of the common questions about chronic pain.

Jan 17, 202333:54
Housecall: Tridemic: COVID, Flu & RSV

Housecall: Tridemic: COVID, Flu & RSV

The triple threat from the COVID-19 virus, RSV and the flu simultaneously are spreading this winter. Hitting health care systems hard and overwhelming pediatric hospitals, these viruses are affecting families everywhere.  on our first podcast of the new year, we sit down with Pediatrician, Melissa Wallach, M.D., who shares predictions for the season and how to stay safe.

Jan 03, 202332:10
Housecall: How to Talk to Your Child About Traumatic Events

Housecall: How to Talk to Your Child About Traumatic Events

From school shootings, acts of hate, war, to pandemics, kids are more exposed than ever to traumatic events. Our child and adolescent psychiatrist, Ulrick Vieux, D.O. shares how to approach these difficult conversations and help your child feel safe.

Dec 06, 202231:07
Housecall: COVID Boosters, Do I Need One?

Housecall: COVID Boosters, Do I Need One?

COVID fatigue is real; do we really need another booster? Chief physician executive, Daniel Varga, M.D., explains who should get an updated booster and how to stay safe through the "tridemic" season.

Nov 22, 202232:60
Pop Culture RX: I Feel It In My Bones

Pop Culture RX: I Feel It In My Bones

Bone marrow transplants have been a miracle to many, and have been used for years to treat conditions affecting blood cells, including leukemias, lymphomas, solid tumor cancers, anemia and immune deficiency disorders. Pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Christine Camacho-Bydume, M.D., shared with us the ins and outs of bone marrow transplants.

Nov 15, 202218:41
Pop Culture RX: Is Napping Bad for You?

Pop Culture RX: Is Napping Bad for You?

You may love to nap, but a recent study suggests that your heart doesn’t. A study from the American Heart Association found that people who nap often may have a greater risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Chief of Cardiology, Brett Sealove, M.D., FACC, RPVI, shares what you need to know about napping and sleep habits.

Nov 01, 202218:28
Pop Culture RX: How Much of Our Brains Are We Really Using?

Pop Culture RX: How Much of Our Brains Are We Really Using?

Actress Emilia Clarke suffered two severe brain aneurysms and often mentions seeing her brain scans and wondering, "how am I even functioning?" This made us wonder - how much of our brains are we really using? We spoke with Nancy Gadallah, D.O., a vascular neurologist, to explain what happened to Emilia and how our brains operate.

Oct 18, 202224:53
Pop Culture RX: Keep a Lid on it

Pop Culture RX: Keep a Lid on it

Did you know that biking lands more than a quarter-million children a year in US Emergency departments? Critical Care surgeon and Chief Of Trauma, Stephanie Bonne, M.D. shares why sharing the road and wearing a helmet are so important when it comes to bike safety.

Oct 04, 202215:11
Pop Culture RX: The Rise in Polio

Pop Culture RX: The Rise in Polio

The Americas were declared polio-free in 1994. That was until recently. Pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Bruce Terrin, M.D., shared with us why polio is on the rise again after 28 years and what we can do to avoid it.

Sep 20, 202222:41
Pop Culture RX: ‘I Can't Feel [See] My Face When I'm With You’

Pop Culture RX: ‘I Can't Feel [See] My Face When I'm With You’

Recently actor Brad Pitt shared his struggles with undiagnosed prosopagnosia, also known as “face blindness”. Although it is widely assumed to be rare, doctors have started to move toward the conclusion that it is more common than generally realized. Neuropsychologist, Olga Nikelshpur, PhD., shares with us just how fascinating this condition really is.

Sep 06, 202223:29
Pop Culture RX: Ashton Kutcher vs. Vasculitis

Pop Culture RX: Ashton Kutcher vs. Vasculitis

Earlier this month actor, Ashton Kutcher revealed that he has vasculitis, a disease that left the actor unable to see, hear or walk for a period of time. Rheumatology specialist, Anna Broder, M.D., sat down and talked us through this very complex autoimmune disease.

Aug 30, 202220:19
Housecall: Do You Really Have to Worry about Monkeypox?

Housecall: Do You Really Have to Worry about Monkeypox?

Rising cases of monkeypox may have you wondering, what is it and should I be worried? Infectious disease expert, Edward Liu, M.D., shares what you need to know about monkeypox, how it spreads and how to stay safe.

Aug 23, 202225:10
 Housecall: What Causes the Baby Blues? How to Reset Your Brain

Housecall: What Causes the Baby Blues? How to Reset Your Brain

The term the "baby blues" describes the emotional and hormonal changes that follow the birth of a child. With up to 80% of mothers experiencing this postpartum mental shift, maternal fetal medicine expert, Antonia Francis Kim, M.D., shares how parents can get through this growth period.


https://doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/Antonia+Francis+Kim/1499953

Aug 16, 202233:22
Pop Culture RX: Understanding Endometriosis

Pop Culture RX: Understanding Endometriosis

A number of celebrities have been very candid about their endometriosis diagnosis and most recently Fantastic Beasts actress Jessica Williams shared her personal journey about living with the painful disease. We sat down with Kathleen Walsh, M.D., to talk through this diagnosis and the many treatments available.

Jul 12, 202230:37
Pop Culture RX: Men Would Rather Do WHAT Than Go to The Doctors?!

Pop Culture RX: Men Would Rather Do WHAT Than Go to The Doctors?!

We sat down with Michael Stifelman, M.D., to talk about all things men's health and why men sometimes are the biggest obstacle to their own health.

Jun 28, 202227:09
Housecall: Chronic Stress & Coping

Housecall: Chronic Stress & Coping

From one world crisis to another, we are living through some remarkably stressful times. David Leopold, M.D., network medical director for Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine, discusses the mind-body connection to stress and tips for coping with chronic stress.

Jun 14, 202245:41
Pop Culture RX: Hailey Bieber suffers a stroke? But she's so young!?

Pop Culture RX: Hailey Bieber suffers a stroke? But she's so young!?

Model Hailey Bieber suffered a mini-stroke due to a hole in her heart.  Is this common?  Is it dangerous? Find out the answers and so much more as we sit down with Martin Gizzi, M.D. to learn all about strokes.

May 24, 202233:52
Pop Culture RX: Dealing With a Bit of Diabetes?

Pop Culture RX: Dealing With a Bit of Diabetes?

Since 2005, Nick Jonas has been an advocate for type 1 diabetes and diabetes management. He has even teamed up with 'The Global Movement for Time in Range', to help others understand that they are deserving of adequate care and education to help manage their condition. We sat down with Colette Knight, M.D. to talk about this diagnosis and how treatable of a condition diabetes is.

May 10, 202232:42
Housecall: Massage Guns

Housecall: Massage Guns

At-home massage guns have been growing in popularity, but are they good for you? Courtney Powell, a physical therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, talks us through how to use them, who should and shouldn’t use them and best qualities to look for when making that purchase.

Apr 26, 202215:18
Pop Culture RX: Pandemic PTSD

Pop Culture RX: Pandemic PTSD

It has been well over two years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and with that brought a year of loss, separation, anxiety, and uncertainty. Eventually, the physical stress of the infection might end, but for some, the emotional scars from the pandemic can last for months and years, often in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We sit down with Dr. Gary Small, a behavioral health physician and chief and psychiatrist with Hackensack University Medical Center to talk through what this might mean for our community’s mental health in the future.

Apr 05, 202226:02
Pop Culture RX: Don't Become a Statistic - Get Your Colonoscopy

Pop Culture RX: Don't Become a Statistic - Get Your Colonoscopy

Will Smith shared his colonoscopy with the world via a vlog to help promote colorectal cancer screenings. We brought in Rosario Ligresti, M.D. a gastroenterologist from Hackensack University Medical Center to talk us through this important screening.

Mar 15, 202224:41
Pop Culture RX: Dopesick

Pop Culture RX: Dopesick

Hulu's 'Dopesick' brings attention to the opioid crisis in rural Appalachia and highlights the efforts that community took to fight addiction and hold those responsible accountable. We spoke with Rachel Wallace, the director of substance abuse counseling services at the Retreat & Recovery at Ramapo Valley, to talk through the reality of the crisis here in our own community.

Mar 15, 202245:07
Pop Culture RX: Be Still My Heart

Pop Culture RX: Be Still My Heart

A racing heart can make anyone nervous, including actress La La Anthony. We brought in Taya Glotzer, M.D. an Electrophysiologist from Hackensack University Medical Center to help us understand what a healthy heart rate looks like and how many beats are one too many.

Mar 01, 202218:51