One minute everything feels normal. The next, you can’t speak, move, or think clearly.

That’s what having a stroke can feel like—and recognizing the signs quickly can save your life.

In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, we hear from stroke survivor Meisha McIntosh, who shares her real-life experience of having a stroke while at work, and how fast action helped save her life. Dr. Guilherme Dabus, interventional neuroradiologist at Baptist Health, explains what happens in the brain during a stroke, the different types of strokes, and why every second matters.

You’ll learn:

• The most common stroke symptoms and how to recognize them
• What the FAST and BE-FAST acronyms mean and how to use them
• Why calling 911 immediately is critical
• What causes a stroke and the most important risk factors
• What recovery can look like after a stroke
• Why strokes can happen even in younger, otherwise healthy individuals

The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more brain damage occurs. Acting quickly can mean the difference between full recovery and long-term disability.

Host:

 David Jeannot

 Guests:

Guilherme Dabus, M.D., Co-Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

 Meisha McIntosh, Stroke Survivor

Award-winning actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at just 29 years of age. It's a progressive brain disorder that can strip away a person’s movement and speech over time. There’s been some headway since Mr. Fox created his foundation on Parkinson’s research in 2000. But what’s the latest and what more can be done for the estimated one million Americans who have this disease?

Host:

David Jeannot

Guests:

Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., Chief of Movement Disorders at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Ana Velasco, Parkinson’s Patient

You’ve likely seen celebrities such as Christina Applegate, Selma Blair and Jamie Lynn Sigler talk publicly about their battles with multiple sclerosis, or MS. But do you know what this disease entails; or how common it is; or how disabling it can be? MS was among the first diseases to be described scientifically nearly 200 years ago. Although doctors back then didn’t understand what they saw and recorded, drawings from autopsies clearly show what we recognize as MS today.

Host: Johanna Gomez

Guests:

Amy Yu, M.D., Director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Immunology Program at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Farima Raof, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Manager at Baptist Health Infusion Care.

Imagine looking at a photo and not being able to recognize the person. In that moment, he or she is a stranger. However, in reality they have been your spouse or child for more than 30 years. Dementia is part of the harsh reality millions of people are facing and it’s a global problem. Dementia has plagued us for a very long time, but only recently has research begun to crack the code of fighting back.

Host:

Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health who oversees Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical Specialties

Guest:

Peter Gliebus, M.D., Neurologist Specializing in Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, a part of Baptist Health

Can you believe it’s been four years since the world shut down? It was March 15, 2020 when everyone was put on lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic began. And we are still seeing a list of effects -- both directly from having had the virus, and indirectly from side effects related to how we work and live our lives. Although the federal government canceled the public health emergency just last year, the ripple effects of COVID-19 are still being felt across the country – from an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses and other diseases to lingering brain fog and heart issues. The list goes on …

Host:

David Jeannot

Guests:

Geoffrey Young, M.D., Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Melanie Rodriguez, PA-C, Baptist Health

Trying to eat healthy in the U.S. can feel overwhelming.

With fast food everywhere, confusing nutrition advice online, and busy schedules, many people struggle to know what a truly healthy diet looks like.

In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, experts from Baptist Health discuss practical ways to build healthier eating habits while living in the United States. They explain how everyday food choices affect heart health, brain health, and long-term wellness.

You’ll learn:

• What a balanced, heart-healthy diet actually looks like
 • Why the Mediterranean diet is often recommended by doctors
• How processed foods and sugar affect your health
• Simple ways to improve nutrition without completely changing your lifestyle
• Small habits that can make a big difference over time

Healthy eating doesn’t require perfection—it starts with small, sustainable changes that support long-term health.

Host: 

Johanna Gomez

Guest:

Lucette Talamas, R.D, Registered Dietician at Baptist Health

Statements such as – "I’m so empty, I can’t even cry” ... “It’s like hell.” – are just some of the ways sufferers of depression have described their conditions. However, now patients are sharing these: "For the first time in years, I am off all anti-depression medications" ... "My family and friends say it’s great to have ‘me’ back.” Many patients have shared very similar experiences due to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. TMS is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to deliver small bursts of energy to targeted areas known to be involved in mood regulation.

Host:

 Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Chief Medical Executive at Baptist Health who oversees Population Health, Primary Care, Cardiology, Endocrinology and other Medical Specialties

Guest:

 Rachel Rohaidy, M.D., Psychiatrist at Baptist Health, specializing in adult and addiction care.

Colorectal cancer isn’t exactly exciting dinner conversation. But the alarming fact of the matter is that colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults under 50 and has been for years. And doctors say people as young as 20 – that’s both Millennials and Gen Zers -- need to know the warning signs.

Host:  

Johanna Gomez

Guests:

Victor Maciel, M.D., Colorectal Surgeon at Baptist Health

Youssef Zeidan, M.D., Radiation Oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a hot topic lately, and a game-changer in the healthcare field. AI is already being used for medical imaging analysis, telehealth, and robot-assisted surgery – and that’s only the beginning. Technological advances in recent years have enabled physicians to help a wider range of patients with complex heart issues and catch problems sooner with novel devices and advanced imaging. The landscape of cardiovascular care and interventional cardiology has improved significantly because of the ability to care more efficiently for more patients.

Host:

Patty Abril

Guest:

Tom C. Nguyen, M.D., Chief Medical Executive, Barry T. Katzen Endowed Chair, and Director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

You’ve probably heard the saying: “Men are from Mars; women are from Venus.” Well, that may apply to heart health too.  Recent research has shown how heart disease and heart attacks can affect women worse or very differently, compared to men. This makes it so important for women to take charge of their health and understand their personal risk factors and family history. 

Host: 

Neki Mohan, Award-winning Journalist

Guest:

Lisa Forbess, M.D., Medical Director, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiac-OB Services.