Heart health. Coronavirus Concerns. Nutrition and fitness. The Baptist HealthTalk podcast brings you health and wellness information directly from the experts at Baptist Health South Florida. Join host Dr. Jonathan Fialkow and his guests each week for lively informative discussions on topics important to you and your family. From the common cold to the latest cancer breakthrough, get the facts you're looking for right here on Baptist HealthTalk.
"Lub-dub" are the words often used to describe the sound of a normal beating heart. But when a swooshing sound is mixed in, the words "heart murmur" become a part of the conversation. To a doctor, questions arise: Is it an innocent, or an abnormal murmur? Is it a heart valve problem or a structural defect that could lead to real trouble? Host: Jon…
There’s a lot of buzz about AI these days, or artificial intelligence. But there's been very little talk about the brains of the whole operation -- ours. The human brain is the command center of everything we create and do. It is ever evolving as we grow from childhood through adulthood. The question is: What are those changes and how can we improv…
Maybe you’ve had it. Maybe someone near and dear to you died from it, or you’re dealing with long term effects from it. It was a global pandemic that impacted each and every one of us. Three years ago, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. More than 6.5 million have died from it, with 1.1 million of those right h…
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Understanding Atrial Fibrillation or AFib
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Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm. AFib affects more than 2.7 million yearly. Left unattended, it can lead to strokes or even heart failure. So, what causes AFib and what can be done to avoid or even correct it before it does damage? Host: Jonathan …
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Heart Month: How to Lower Your Risk Now for Heart Disease
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February is American Heart Month. Despite overall increased awareness over the years, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to public health officials. The good news: You can do a lot to protect your heart and stay healthy. Understanding your risk factors for heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle…
With the start of Heart Month, it’s important to review some of the tools that are readily available to save someone’s life. What if that “someone” is somebody close to you? Are you prepared to jump to their rescue? Tools such as AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save lives. Unfortunately, not many…
Proper nutrition is vital for healthy living. It’s important to be mindful of what we put in our bodies to manage weight and prevent chronic diseases. In terms of your health, the expression -- “You are what you eat.” – should be taken seriously. Host: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief of cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Offic…
A burning sensation when urinating can spell trouble -- UTI (urinary tract infection) to be specific. It happens to more than 3 million people a year in the United States. Women suffer UTIs the most, but it can also strike men. Symptoms include fever, pelvic and urination pain, and abdominal pain. Let untreated, UTIs can spread from the bladder to …
Menopause is a natural occurrence in the cycle of a woman’s health, marking the end of the reproductive stage. While some women complete this stage free of symptom, most experience hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, pain during sex and/or depression. There are temporary solutions for these symptoms caused by an hormonal imbalance, but not all …
We now have 60 years of studies to show which of the more than 5,000 chemicals inhaled by tobacco smokers can impact their health. But we’re only just beginning to see the damage caused by vaping, the cigarette alternative. Diacetyl, formaldehyde and acrolein, a weed killer, are just a few of the chemicals found in vape pens, and ER cases and hospi…
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death worldwide among children under five, and even adults can experience bouts from time to time. Experts at Baptist Health discuss the different types of diarrhea – yes, there are more than one – and their causes. They also share tips on how yo…
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Preventing Holiday Emergencies and Meltdowns
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It’s here again, that season of celebrations. Put on a sweater and a smile and pray that nobody sees the stress you’re hiding inside. 38 percent of us describe the holiday season as a stress-inducing event. Whether it’s holiday parties, children’s holiday shows, cooking, shopping, and even shopping online, take…a…deep…breath. The reason for the sea…
Antibiotics have long been used as a powerful tool for fighting infections caused by bacteria. However, improper use can actually be detrimental to your health, defeating their life-saving, healing characteristics. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading contributors to antibiotic resistance, a problem the World Health Organization has sa…
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American Heart Association's Essential 8 Steps to Healthy Living
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1 in 3 Americans are literally losing years off their lives every night by not getting enough sleep, are you one of them? For years the American Heart Association has provided guidance on 7-simple steps to good health. They included features such as managing weight, increased physical activity, nicotine exposure, controlling cholesterol, managing b…
Acne, also known as pimples, or the proverbial zits, takes many forms and usually plagues teens and young adults, but can also affect people of all ages. There are effective treatments, but for some, acne can be persistent. Where one goes away others can pop-up creating embarrassment at times. Depending on its severity, the emotional stress and sca…
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Mental Health Issues in Teens and Young Adults
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We are deep into our new school year, and it is the first truly complete year since the pandemic. The pandemic created unforeseen challenges for students back at school, and our older children are no exception to that. Between the pressure of social media and trying to figure out life in college, it can be a stressful time for kids as well as paren…
Pre-diabetes is a diagnosis where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. There are a lot of misconceptions and a general lack of concern around this condition because most people think they're not really diabetic. Just because you may not be considered diabetic, yet, there are reasons as to wh…
The package inserts on medications these days read like a laundry list of potential side effects. How do we know which would be more common than others? Which should cause more of a concern? Navigating the novel size medication labels can cause a headache in itself, but did you know there are resources available? Guests: Lijo Jose, M.D. - Family Me…
For decades public health experts have warned us about the negative consequences of the obesity epidemic. However, the numbers continue to rise with no signs of slowing down, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 70% of adults over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese. The consequences of obesity are well…
Heat and humidity are facts of life during South Florida summers, as is the danger of heat-related illnesses. Don't take the risk lightly. Learn what you should do to prepare for outdoor activities including sports, workouts and yard work. Michael Swartzon, M.D., a sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, joins host, Jonathan …
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Alzheimer's Disease: What Caregivers Need to Know
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Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually robs people of the ability to do even the simplest tasks. Loved ones and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients face many challenges, but help is available. Becoming knowledgeable about the disease is the first step. A panel of experts joins host, Jon…
In general, men are less healthy than women. They have more heart disease, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, kidney stones, bladder cancer and other chronic illnesses. And their life expectancy is shorter. Each year in June we observe Men’s Health Month to raise awareness about mens’ health issues – and to encourage men to make take their health s…
Strokes can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Knowing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention are the keys to saving lives and minimizing stroke-related disability. A panel of Baptist Health experts joined host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., to discuss stroke prevention and treatment during national Stroke Awareness Month. Gues…
There’s a phrase we use to describe the determination it takes to get through an illness or other challenge: ‘it’s a question of mind over matter.’ That’s more than just a saying. Widespread medical evidence has demonstrated the power of the mind to affect our physical state. Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., explores the phenomena of the placebo and n…
More than 20% of American adults suffer from chronic pain, defined as persistent pain that lasts at least six months. Back pain, arthritis, nerve pain and headaches are common causes. What can be done when long-term pain is ruining your quality of life? Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., explored this complex and frustrating syndrome with a panel of exp…
Aphasia is an acquired condition that affects a person's ability to speak, write and understand language. The condition has been in the news ever since it was cited as the reason for Bruce Willis' recent retirement from acting. What do we know about aphasia; its causes, symptoms and what can be done to help those who are affected by it? A recent ep…
After a brief hiatus, the Baptist HealthTalk podcast is back with a special edition to mark a milestone: our 100th episode. Join us as we turn the tables on host Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., to get his unique perspective on the podcast's evolution during two of the most tumultuous years in modern medicine. Originally intended to cover common healthcare …
There are more than 200 joints in the human body, but chances are you take them for granted until you experience swelling, stiffness or pain. Joint pain is very common, especially as we age. But is it inevitable? What can we do to keep our joints as healthy as possible for as long as possible? Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., welcomes Charles Lawrie, …
From indigestion and acid reflux, to IBS and Crohn’s disease, millions of Americans suffer from chronic digestive problems that affect their quality of life and can even be life-threatening. More than 50,000 deaths are expected to be caused by colorectal cancer this year. Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. hosted a panel of experts to talk about digestive heal…
Both men and women get heart disease, but women are more likely to die from it. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. As American Heart Month continues, we turn our attention to women's heart health. Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., welcomes Heather Johnson, M.D., a preventive cardiologist at the Christine E. L…
During American Heart Month, we take a look at the differences between men and women when it comes to preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease. Join host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., and his guest, interventional cardiologist Marcus St. John, M.D., for a wide-ranging discussion about heart health for men.…
This weekend’s Super Bowl is sure to feature some incredible feats of athleticism. From their hearts and lungs to their muscles and joints, pro football players work hard to stay in peak physical condition. So, what can everyday athletes and weekend warriors learn from the pros? Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. welcomes a panel of experts with tips for…
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The Latest on the Landmark Miami Heart Study
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Seven years ago, a team at Baptist Health's Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute (MCVI) launched the Miami Heart Study (MiHeart). The researchers are following 2,549 volunteers between ages 40-65 who had no symptoms of heart disease at the beginning of the study in order to track the primary factors involved in the development of coronary artery dise…
January is thyroid awareness month. This butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck is small but powerful -- affecting metabolism, heart function, mood and more -- sometimes without causing obvious symptoms. If you think a health issue you’re having may be due to a thyroid problem, listen in to this discussion with experts from Baptist…
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Why Exercise Prescriptions are Good Medicine
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Getting a prescription for a medication is nothing new. Neither is getting your doctor’s advice to exercise regularly. When that advice takes the form of a detailed plan tailored to your individual health goals it’s called an exercise prescription. It’s a relatively new term that’s gaining traction across disease states – from diabetes to osteoarth…
New year, new COVID surge. The Omicron variant has swept across the country bringing with it new questions about testing, symptoms, quarantine guidelines, boosters, treatments, and its impact on children. Join host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. and a panel of experts as they clear up the confusion with medical facts and useful information in this must-li…
Did you fall off the healthy-habits wagon over the holidays? Don’t beat yourself up! And don’t give in to the lure of fad diets or going from zero-to-60 with a new exercise program. Our expert panel joins host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., with real-life tips and medical advice to help you be safe and smart while working on your 2022 health goals. Guest…
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Heart Disease in Women: There IS a Difference.
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Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet it is still perceived as a disease of men. In fact, women are 50 percent more likely than men to be diagnosed incorrectly after having a heart attack. Understanding differences -- from basic anatomy to the way they experience heart attack symptoms -- can help women take c…
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Omicron, Boosters and COVID Pills: A Look Ahead
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As the pandemic nears the two-year mark, we’ve come a long way in our fight against COVID-19 with vaccines for adults and kids, booster shots and anti-viral medications. With the omicron variant spreading rapidly, and new at-home drug treatments on the horizon, we take a look at what’s in store for 2022 and beyond. Host: · Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., C…
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful. Holiday preparations and gatherings are fun, but the stress of the season can put a strain on your physical and mental health. Studies have even shown that heart attacks are more frequent around Christmas and New Year’s. Learn what you can do to combat the stress of the season and …
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Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners & Your Brain
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We all know that excess sugar in our diet can lead to diabetes and weight gain. But did you ever stop to think about how sugar affects your brain? If you’re thinking “I switched to artificial sweeteners, so I'm O.K.,” listen up: they come with their own set of impacts on your brain chemistry. Join host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., and his guest Dalia L…
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Don't Let COVID-19 or Flu Ruin Your Holidays
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Holiday travel and family gatherings are expected to rebound this year to near pre-pandemic levels, even though COVID-19 is still with us and the flu is beginning its annual spread across the country. Find out what preparations you should be making now to keep your family healthy this holiday season, with host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. and a panel of…
More than one-third of American adults are considered obese. It's not just about being overweight. Obesity is linked to the development of many chronic diseases. In some cases, bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for losing a large amount of weight. This major surgery has come a long way over the decades, but is not the answer for everyone. …
Smoking is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, yet between ten- and twenty-percent of lung cancers happen in people who have never touched tobacco. Learning about lowering your risks and improving your lung health can be lifesaving. In observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. gathered a panel of experts t…
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What Every Woman Should Know About Mammograms
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Mammography has advanced significantly in recent years. What sets 3D mammograms and the use of artificial intelligence apart from standard mammograms? What questions should you ask when looking for a mammography center? And can someone clear up the confusion when it comes to changing guidelines about when regular screenings should begin? Kathy Schi…
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How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Health
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When you visit your doctor, chances are that lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are part of the conversation. Increasingly, so is sleep. Sleep deprivation not only has short-term effects on alertness and cognitive function, over time it can lead to a host of other significant health issues, discussed in this episode hosted by Jonathan Fialkow…
Annual screening mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable, but often mammograms show other irregularities in the breasts that are not cancerous, such as cysts, calcifications, and dense breast tissue. What exactly do these findings mean? And where can women turn for guidance concerning these benign breast cond…
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Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What's Next?
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Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. hosts a panel of breast cancer experts to answer the most common questions women have after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Listen in to their wide-ranging discussion about treatments, genetic testing, fertility issues, support services and the importance of finding an experienced multidisciplinary care team. Guests: Louise Mor…
Telehealth visits for urgent care and mental health counseling have become commonplace during the last 18 months. Technology once limited to the doctor’s office is expanding; being integrated into the home setting to provide a continuous care experience that balances clinical support with self-management. Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., welcomed a pa…
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Aneurysms: A Talk With A Pioneering Leader
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Aneurysm, or ballooning of an artery, is often called a silent killer because it develops without any symptoms. Most aneurysms are discovered by accident during imaging scans that are performed for unrelated reasons. Treatment and management of aneurysm has advanced rapidly in past decades, thanks in part to innovations pioneered by Barry T. Katzen…