In this special edition episode, we’ll take a deeper dive into discussing teen mental health, self-harm and suicide, as it relates to the inspiring story of Jasmine Samson, shared in part 1. We sat down with Eric Alcera, M.D., psychiatrist and vice president and chief medical officer at Carrier Clinic to reflect on key clips from her episode, and g…

In this episode we tackle a crucial yet often daunting subject: how to talk to your teen about sex. How old should they be? Where should you begin? With prom season upon us, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have these conversations with your child, and how you can empower them with the knowledge they need to make healthy and safe decisions…

In this special edition episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jasmine, a young artist and mental health advocate, as she opens up about her battle with depression and self-harm. At just 14 years old, Jasmine faced unimaginable challenges, including multiple suicide attempts. Listen to her story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power …

Growing your family is one of the greatest gifts that life has to offer. But growing your family can also bring some worries, how will this impact your firstborn, or the dynamic of your current crew? Are they going to be jealous of the new baby? What does this mean for our relationship? In this episode, child and adolescent fellowship program direc…

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…

As parents, we’ve all been there – faced with a screaming, inconsolable little one, unsure of what to do next. Dealing with temper tantrums is stressful for both the parent and the child. This week’s episode is about navigating those challenging moments. Pediatric psychologist Brett Biller, Psy, D., shares how we, as parents, can keep our cool duri…

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, th…

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.…

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 Bar…

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 Ca…

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 safe…

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 the…

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…

With the growing popularity of marijuana edibles, also known as THC gummies or weed gummies, there is a lot of confusion about how to safely consume them. We brought in psychiatrist and medical director for Hackensack Meridian Behavioral Health, Eric Alcera, M.D. to provide a doctor's perspective on marijuana edibles, focusing on their safety, pote…

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 ans…

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 lyr…

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 treat…

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.

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.

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 Floria…

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. …

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.…

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,…

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.

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.…

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 si…

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. …

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…

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.…

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.

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 con…

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 pai…

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…

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.

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.

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.…

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.…

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.…

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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+…

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.…

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.

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.

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.

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 treat…

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.