Better Health Now

In the latest episode of  #BetterHealthNow, Dr. Greg Thompson dives into what causes GERD, what symptoms to look out for, and how it's diagnosed and treated. 

Whether you’re dealing with occasional heartburn or have been managing GERD for years, this episode offers a closer look at the condition, how it’s evaluated and the treatment options available.

What does insulin resistance have to do with weight loss and blood sugar? In this episode of Better Health Now, primary care physician Wes Hoskyns, DO, breaks down insulin resistance, explains what can cause high blood sugar and discusses how weight can affect your overall health. He also shares his perspective on healthy, sustainable approaches to weight loss and ways to improve blood sugar levels.

In this episode of our Child Safety Series, Dr. John Licata discusses medication safety when children are in the home. He shares important tips for keeping medications safely out of children’s reach, why child-resistant packaging should never be the only line of defense, and the importance of giving children the correct dosage of prescribed medications. Dr. Licata also explains what parents should do if they think their child may have taken too much medication and when to contact Poison Control.

What does an interventional cardiologist do, and how have advances in heart care changed the way cardiovascular disease is treated? In this episode of Better Health Now, Dr. Stephen Bakir, interventional cardiologist at Cullman Regional Heart & Vascular Clinic, a partnership with Cullman Regional and Orlando Baptist Cardiovascular Associates, discusses treatment options ranging from medications and lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive procedures. Learn how today's advances in interventional cardiology are helping many patients avoid more invasive procedures while achieving better outcomes.

Content note: This episode discusses infant safe sleep, including infant deaths and prevention. We share this information to help families create safer sleep environments.

Every parent wants their baby to sleep safely, but with so much information out there, it can be hard to know what's best. That's why we're talking all about safe sleep in the latest episode of our Child Safety Series on the #BetterHealthNow Podcast.

In this episode, pediatrician Dr. John Licata breaks down the ABCs of Safe Sleep in a way that's easy to understand, shares tips for keeping your newborn comfortable during the hot summer months, and explains why a safe sleep environment is one of the best ways to protect your baby's health.

With summer here and families spending more time on the water, in boats, and riding ATVs, this episode is a reminder that simple safety measures can make a big difference. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket or helmet may seem small, but it can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.

Thank you to our Child Safety Series sponsors:

Cullman County District Attorney's Office

Cullman County Sheriff's Office

Cullman Regional Medical Group

As children get older and summer schedules fill up, it can be harder to keep up with annual checkups. In this episode of Better Health Now, pediatrician Dr. John Licata talks about why it’s never too late to get back on track with your child's healthcare and how regular visits can help address questions about their health, growth, and development along the way. Call 256-735-5430 to schedule an appointment or learn more here: https://bit.ly/4iaAzbx 

From young athletes to active adults, no two ACL injuries or recovery plans look the same. On this episode of Better Health Now, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Eric Goodrich discusses ACL injuries, the latest surgical techniques, and what recovery after surgery looks like for everyone from children, to desk-job workers and high-performance athletes. 

In this episode Brett Kelley, Director of Cullman Regional Emergency Medical Services, explains how pre-hospital blood transfusions are helping trauma patients survive by receiving life-saving blood products before they even reach the hospital.

He highlights how in 2022, former EMS Director James Curtis launched the region’s first blood program, transforming EMS from a “treat and transport” model to a more advanced “treat and stabilize” approach. This shift is making a critical impact, especially for patients in rural Alabama.

On this episode of Better Health Now, Executive Director Maria Stanford discusses the mission and impact of the Cullman Regional Foundation. She shares how community support and fundraising efforts help provide resources that benefit patients and healthcare services throughout Cullman County.
 
Maria also highlights one of the hospital’s most impactful traditions—the Cullman Regional Foundation Gala, now celebrating its 25th year. Learn what this year’s milestone event will support and how you can get involved to help make a difference.