Baptist HealthTalk

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions—but what does it really look like?

In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, neurologist Dr. Samer Tabbal breaks down the early signs of Parkinson’s, what happens after diagnosis, and how treatment has evolved. From tremors and stiffness to lifestyle changes that actually make a difference, this conversation answers the most searched questions about Parkinson’s.

You’ll learn:

•  The first symptoms people often ignore
•  What to do right after diagnosis
•  How Parkinson’s progresses over time 
•  Why exercise may slow the disease
•  Treatment options including medication and surgery 
•  Whether you can still live a normal, active life

One of the biggest takeaways? Parkinson’s does NOT shorten your life—and many people continue to work, travel, and stay active for years. 

▶️ Subscribe for more expert-backed health insights from Baptist Health South Florida.

Host:
Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.
Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital
Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health

Guest:
Samer D. Tabbal, M.D.
Neurologist
Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:

How Deep Brain Stimulation is Changing Parkinson's Care

Life After a Parkinson's Diagnosis

La esclerosis múltiple (MS) es conocida como “la enfermedad de las mil caras” porque puede manifestarse de forma diferente en cada paciente. En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, el neurólogo Dr. Luis Compres-Brugal explica las señales tempranas, cómo se diagnostica y qué significan los avances más recientes en tratamiento.

Desde síntomas como fatiga, pérdida de visión y problemas de memoria, hasta las razones por las que esta condición suele confundirse con otras enfermedades, este episodio responde a las preguntas más buscadas en internet con información clara y confiable.

También hablamos sobre qué causa la MS, cuándo acudir al médico y cómo los tratamientos actuales están permitiendo a muchos pacientes llevar una vida plena y funcional.

🔔 Suscríbete para más información confiable de los expertos de Baptist Health.

Presentadora:
Sandra Peebles
Periodista Galardonada

Experto:
Luis Compres-Brugal, M.D.
Neurologist 
Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often called “the disease of a hundred faces” because it can look different for every patient. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, neurologist Dr. Luis Compres-Brugal breaks down the early warning signs of MS, how it’s diagnosed, and what modern treatments mean for patients today.

From fatigue and brain fog to vision changes and mobility challenges, we explore the symptoms people most commonly search for—and the ones that often go unnoticed. You’ll also learn what causes MS, how it’s frequently misdiagnosed, and why early, aggressive treatment can make a major difference.

If you or someone you love is experiencing neurological symptoms, this episode offers clear, expert-backed guidance to help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.

🔔 Subscribe for more trusted health insights from Baptist Health experts.

Host:
Sandra Peebles
Award-Winning Journalist

Guest:
Luis Compres-Brugal, M.D.
Neurologist 
Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: The Battle Within

Menopause is having a moment—and for good reason. But what many women don’t realize is that the journey often starts years earlier with perimenopause.

In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, we break down what’s really happening in your body, the early signs to watch for, and why so many women feel confused or dismissed when symptoms begin. From mood changes and brain fog to sleep issues and weight shifts, the conversation goes beyond the basics.

Our experts also tackle one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) topics: hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Why did it become so controversial? What’s changed? And how do you know if it’s right for you?

We also explore:

• The connection between menopause, breast cancer risk, and heart health
• Why lifestyle factors play a critical role
• How symptoms are diagnosed (and why labs don’t always tell the full story)
• What options exist for women who can’t or choose not to use hormone therapy
• The importance of advocating for yourself and finding the right provider

Most importantly, this episode is about empowerment—understanding your body, knowing your options, and realizing you’re not alone in this stage of life.

Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Guests:
Anastasia Tousimis, M.D.
Chief of Breast Surgery
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Jila Senemar, M.D.
OB-GYN & Menopause Specialist

Tamsen Fadal
NY Times Best Seller, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, Podcast Host and co-producer of MFactor2

If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:

Menopause Unplugged: How a New Generation is Owning Menopause

Perimenopause and Menopause: What's Happening to Me?

Hormones and Menopause

¿Son realmente malos los carbohidratos? ¿Qué significa comer balanceado? ¿Hay espacio para los platos culturales dentro de una dieta saludable?

En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, la presentadora Sandra Peebles conversa con Lucette Talamas, dietista nutricionista, y Yanelis Díaz, chef ejecutiva de Baptist Hospital, sobre cómo construir una alimentación saludable sin sacrificar sabor, cultura ni tradición.

Hablamos sobre:
 • Qué significa realmente un plato balanceado
 • La verdad sobre los carbohidratos
 • Diferencia entre alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados
 • Cómo adaptar recetas culturales para que sean más saludables
 • El papel de los macronutrientes en nuestra energía y saciedad
 • Consejos simples para empezar a comer mejor hoy mismo

Aprende cómo pequeños cambios en tus porciones, ingredientes y hábitos pueden tener un gran impacto en tu salud.

Más recursos de salud y bienestar:
baptisthealth.net/news

Suscríbete para más consejos de nuestros expertos de Baptist Health.

Presentadora:
Sandra Peebles
Periodista Galardonada

Expertas:
Lucette Talamas, RD 
Dietista-Nutricionista
Baptist Health 

Chef Yanelis Diaz
Chef Ejecutiva, 
Baptist Health Baptist Hospital

Eating healthy can feel confusing with so much information about carbs, processed foods, and diets. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles sits down with registered dietitian Lucette Talamas and Executive Chef Yanelis Diaz to break down what healthy eating actually looks like.

They discuss the plate method, the truth about carbohydrates, the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods, and how to enjoy cultural favorites while still maintaining a balanced diet.

You’ll also learn how Baptist Health prepares nutritious meals for thousands of patients, staff, and visitors every day while keeping food flavorful and satisfying.

If you're looking for simple, realistic ways to improve your diet without eliminating the foods you love, this conversation is packed with practical tips you can start using today.

Host:
Sandra Peebles
Award-Winning Journalist

Guests:
Lucette Talamas, RD 
Registered Dietitian 
Baptist Health 

Chef Yanelis Diaz 
Executive Chef
Baptist Health Baptist Hospital 

If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:

• How to Eat Healthy in the U.S.
• Breaking Down Nutrition: Labels, Trends & What Actually Matters 
• Diabetes & The Heart: It's Not Just The Sugar

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women — yet the symptoms often look very different than they do in men.

In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, cardiologist Dr. Sandra Chaparro from Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute breaks down the unique signs of heart disease in women, including fatigue, nausea, back pain, jaw pain and other symptoms that are often overlooked.

We also discuss:

• How menopause affects your heart
 • Why pregnancy and postpartum increase long-term risk
 • The role of stress in heart health
 • When to start screening
 • What heart pain really feels like in women
 • The truth about smoking, vaping and heart risk
 • The best exercise and diet strategies for prevention
 • How AI is helping detect heart disease earlier

One of the biggest takeaways? Know your numbers. Understanding your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight can help you prevent heart disease before symptoms ever appear.

If you feel fine now, that’s great — but prevention starts early.

Subscribe for more expert-backed health insights from Baptist Health South Florida.

Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Guest:
Sandra Chaparro, M.D.
Cardiologist 
Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

What do your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers actually mean? Dr. Tarek Rambahtla breaks down how plaque forms, how high blood pressure increases stroke risk, and why prevention starts earlier than most people think.

Heart health isn’t just about feeling fine — it’s about knowing your risk.

Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Guest:
Tarak Rambahtla, M.D.
Medical Director of Inpatient Cardiac Services 
Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Heart disease is rising in young adults — and it’s not just something that happens later in life.

In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Sergiu Darabant, cardiologist with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, to explain why more adults ages 20–40 are experiencing heart-related events and what’s driving the trend.

You’ll learn the early warning signs young adults often overlook, including:
 • Chest tightness with activity
 • Shortness of breath out of proportion to exercise
 • Palpitations and racing heartbeats

Dr. Darabant also breaks down the biggest risk factors impacting young adults today — including stress, poor sleep, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ultra-processed foods — and explains why prevention starts earlier than most people think.

One of the biggest takeaways: know your numbers and schedule a yearly checkup so you can catch issues early and protect your heart long before symptoms become serious.

Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Guest:
Sergiu Darabant, M.D.
Cardiologist
Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care

If you’re wondering what your coronary artery disease risk really is, a calcium score screening can provide important insight—often before symptoms appear. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Willard Shepherd speaks with Dr. Socrates Kakoulides, cardiologist and Chief Imaging Officer at Baptist Health, to explain what a calcium score measures, who should consider the test, and how it fits into overall heart health.

You’ll learn how calcium scores are used to assess heart attack and stroke risk, why age matters when interpreting results, and how lifestyle changes and medical therapy can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Kakoulides also clears up common misconceptions about calcium and shares practical steps for protecting your heart through diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management.

👉 Learn more or request an appointment: BaptistHealth.net/heartscan

Host:
Willard Shepard
Award-Winning Journalist

Guest:
Socrates Kakoulides, M.D.
Cardiologist & Chief Imaging Officer
Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute