Flourish- A Prisma Health Podcast

How can I live well with sickle cell disease across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood? Gary Bell, MD, Internal Medicine Physician at Prisma Health, and LaChina Hollis, FNP, Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner at Prisma Health, explain how to recognize symptoms (pain crises, anemia, jaundice, infections), common triggers (temperature changes, low oxygen, infections, stress), and practical prevention steps (dress for temperature changes, treat infections early, have an ER pain plan). They review disease-modifying treatments—hydroxyurea (oral), Adakveo (monthly IV), and Endari (oral powder)—and clarify how these differ from acute pain management. The hosts also discuss curative options mentioned in the episode (bone marrow/stem cell transplant and gene therapy), noting eligibility limits such as donor availability and organ-health requirements, plus the role of multidisciplinary follow-up to monitor kidneys, lungs, eyes, and bones. Finally, the episode outlines transition challenges and the Lifespan Center–style support at Prisma Health to help patients, families, and caregivers maintain continuity of care without losing sight of mental-health and social needs. 

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How is childhood cancer different from adult cancer? Anna Hoppmann, MD, Pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Prisma Health, explains that childhood cancers cannot currently be screened for or prevented the way some adult cancers can. Listeners will learn which tumor types are most common in children, how survival has improved over decades, and why pediatric care focuses on long-term cure rates and supportive services rather than routine screening. 

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Description: How long should I wait before seeing a doctor for sciatica? Taylor Girolamo, MD, Neurosurgeon at Prisma Health, outlines the timeline and warning signs for care. She explains acute versus chronic sciatica, recommends trying conservative measures for about four to eight weeks, and advises further evaluation by three months. The episode lists red flags—weakness, worsening numbness, saddle-area loss of sensation, and bowel or bladder changes—and explains when urgent evaluation or emergency care is needed. 

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How do I pick the right obstetrician for my pregnancy? Choosing an obstetrician matters for communication, safety, and your birth experience. Matthew Scalise, Jr., MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Prisma Health, explains what to ask about communication style, a provider’s philosophy of care, and how the practice and hospital handle after-hours coverage. He also discusses red flags to watch for and why the care team—not just one person—matters for your birth. 

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Learn the step-by-step process clinicians use to start, adjust, and stop antidepressants, plus how long to stay on medication and when lifelong treatment is considered. Dr. Benjamin Griffeth, MD, discusses risks like sexual side effects and interactions so you can discuss options confidently with your clinician.
Searchable keywords: treatment duration, medication dosing, withdrawal and discontinuation, drug interactions, SNRI blood pressure, antidepressant risks.
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In this episode we debunk common myths about mental health and explain why mental illnesses are medical conditions of the brain, not character flaws. Dr. Benjamin Griffeth, MD, psychiatrist with Prisma Health, walks listeners through how genetics, biology, psychology, and social factors all shape mental illness and recovery. You’ll hear clear explanations about mental illness stigma, brain disorders, therapy benefits, medication management, and evidence-based psychiatric treatment so you can recognize when to seek help. For more episodes and resources visit prismahealth.org/podcast. 

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In this episode we explain what osteoporosis is, who is most at risk, and why early detection matters for preventing broken bones and loss of independence. Dr. Brinda Basida, a rheumatologist at Prisma Health, joins host Scott Webb to discuss bone density testing, risk factors, and treatment options. Listen for clear guidance on DEXA scan screening, fragility fractures, calcium and vitamin D intake, and lifestyle steps for fracture prevention. For more resources and other episodes, visit prismahealth.org/podcast.

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This episode walks you through the essential screenings and daily habits men should prioritize to prevent disease and feel better long term. It matters because many men delay care until symptoms are serious, but early attention to preventive care can change outcomes. Guest Dr. Kevin Ryan, board-certified Internal Medicine physician with Prisma Health, explains which preventive screenings to schedule, how to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, and when to check testosterone levels. Learn actionable tips on heart disease prevention, mental health, colon cancer screening, and building a realistic exercise and diet plan. For more resources and other episodes, visit prismahealth.org/podcast. 

Learn more about Dr. Kevin Ryan 

In this episode Dr. Paris Patel, a board-certified electrophysiologist and cardiologist, walks through AFib diagnosis and the full spectrum of treatment options—from EKGs and heart monitors to blood thinners and antiarrhythmic drugs—so patients know what to expect and how to protect against stroke. Keywords: atrial fibrillation diagnosis, AFib treatment, EKG, blood thinners (Eliquis, Xarelto), antiarrhythmic medications, stroke prevention. Learn more and find care at prismahealth.org/podcast — subscribe for more expert heart-health guidance. 

Learn more about Paras Patel, MD 

In this episode Dr. Johnnie Wright Jr., MD, Urogynecologist, breaks down what urinary incontinence is, who’s at risk, and when symptoms warrant evaluation. Learn about stress vs. urge incontinence, postpartum and menopausal risk factors, and practical next steps so you or your patients can regain quality of life. Keywords: urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, bladder training, vaginal estrogen. 

Learn more about Dr. Wright