Welcome to another episode of Happier Healthier with Conway Medical Center. Today, we are sitting down with Courtney Fuller, registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager with CMC Nutrition. If you are looking to eat healthier, and feel overwhelmed by all the varying opinions about health and wellness, this is the episode for you. Courtney explains some of the biggest nutrition myths she regularly debunks for her patients (like why carbs are not the enemy), how to know what nutrition advice to trust online and simple tips everyone can implement to make eating healthy approachable and sustainable. ⁠

Thanks for listening!

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This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice.  By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

Talking Points:

(02:55) Courtney shares her upbringing and what sparked her interest in nutrition

(04:00) Her role at CMC

(05:00) How nutrition care varies in Courtney’s day-to-day role

(05:30) CMC Diabetes Support Group

(07:30) Learn about CMC Nutrition’s Outpatient Services

(8:15) So how should we eat?

(10:15) Working with patients who have diabetes and weight-loss goals

(10:50) Working with providers to implement nutrition into a patient’s care

(12:00) Nutrition and diabetes

(12:30) “Carbs are not the enemy!”

(16:00) Courtney’s favorite spot to find new recipes

(18:20) Navigating a healthy diet in the south

(20:00) The importance of small steps in a health and wellness journey

(21:30) Advice for aspiring clinical nutritionists

(23:00) The most common myth Courtney debunks for patients 

(24:30) The future of clinical nutrition

(25:00) Online nutrition noise we should avoid

(26:00) How often should we eat?

(27:00) Snacks to have on hand during long shifts

(29:00) How to fuel for workouts

(30:50) Healthy lifestyle tips for people with diabetes

(34:00) Tips for prioritizing nutrition on a budget

(38:00) Courtney leaves us with one final nutrition tip almost everyone can benefit from

Welcome to another episode of Happier Healthier with Conway Medical Center. Today, we are sitting down with Dr. Meghan Malone of CMC Digestive Health. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so we will discuss why colonoscopies are the best method for colon cancer screening and why you shouldn't fear these procedures. We will also talk extensively about gut health, covering inflammatory lifestyle habits to avoid, the best probiotics, and a wide range of digestive health topics.

Register for the CMC Tennis Classic here.

Talking Points:

(01:30) Dr. Malone’s recent hacks for feeling happier and healthier

(01:45) Growing up & background 

(05:05) How gastroenterology in Horry County has grown in the the past decade

(05:55) Dr. Malone explains how she uses EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) in the staging and workup of cancers

(06:45) Why colonoscopy for colon cancer prevention & treatment

(07:35) Why not use box tests for screening?

(08:30) What is colonoscopy prep like?

(10:50) The importance gut health has on overall health 

(12:00) Common GI conditions

(14:30) Food intolerances vs. autoimmune diseases 

(16:00) Gluten 

(17:45) Probiotics and gut, brain and overall health 

(19:30) Top tips for good gut health

(19:45) The importance of fiber

(21:45) Can googling symptoms negatively affect your gut health?

(23:20) When should you see a doctor for bloating?

(24:00) Probiotic vs. prebiotic

(24:30) Do apple cider vinegar and ginger shots support gut function?

(25:00) Are there any one size fits all approaches to healthy eating?

(26:00) Habits to change for better gut health

(27:00) Healthier substitutions for pain management 

(27:45) Dr. Malone’s favorite part of her job

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice.  By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

Welcome to a BONUS episode of Happier Healthier with Conway Medical Center! Our guest is Dr. Sharon Thompson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Public Health at Coastal Carolina University. Dr. Thompson is our first guest from the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance, and she is a major force in CCU’s health education programs. On top of that, she has done extensive research on nutrition and health behavioral change. Some of her published studies look at topics like the female athlete triad, eating disorders in fitness communities and more. She is also a leader of the Swain Scholarship program and gives us a look into some of the incredible research those students are working on. 

WARNING: We discuss some tough subjects, such as eating disorders, mental health and gun violence. If you feel like listening to this conversation will be harmful for you, we have plenty of other episodes in the archives to choose from. I also wanted to mention for anyone struggling with an eating disorder seeking help, National Eating Disorders Association has a 24/7 hotline available, call 1-888-375-7767. Of course, your primary care provider is another resource for any health concern you may be having.

Talking points:

Click here to sign up for the CMC Tennis Classic.

Click here to learn about the Swain Scholars Program.

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠⁠conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

Dr. Najla Itani, Medical Director of the CMC Cancer Center, joins us today on Happier Healthier! On top of being the Cancer Center’s Medical Director, Dr. Itani is also an Oncologist and Hematologist. She started here about five years ago, before our Cancer Center really existed and was able to kickstart this service and provide care to patients facing cancer in our community. From how to deal with a cancer diagnosis to why you need to take initiative in your healthcare as a patient, Dr. Itani covers it all in this episode. 

Talking Points:

(01:40) Welcome Dr. Itani!

(02:00) Dr. Itani’s recent habits for being happier and healthier as a mom

(03:07) Making the switch to telehealth as a physician

(04:00) Why Dr.Itani made the switch to telehealth

(04:50) Dr. Itani’s background

(05:30) Becoming a Doctor… (even when her parents told her not to!)

(06:35) Why Oncology and Hematology?

(08:00) Why establishing a deep connection with patients is essential

(09:05) Delivering hard news to patients

(10:30) From Saudi Arabia to Conway Medical Center

(12:25)The role internal medicine plays in treating cancer

(13:35) “Early Detections means Early Intervention”

(14:50) Cancer screenings available at CMC

(16:20) Cancer treatments available at the Cancer Center

(17:20) Claire asks, “What advice would you give someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis?”

(20:15) Some ways we can help a loved one facing a cancer diagnosis 

(21:15) Advancements in cancer research

(21:50) Customizable cancer care

(23:00) Using blood to detect cancer DNA

(23:45) A tailored approach to cancer screenings

(24:45) Lifestyle habits that increase cancer risk

(26:15) Dr. Itani’s recommended cancer prevention measures

(28:30) Findings in cancer screenings

(30:00) Why screenings are your ‘best bet’ for detecting cancer

(32:00) How family history can impact your screening timeline

(34:00) Don’t let fear affect your screening habits 

(35:30) What Dr. Itani wishes people knew about her role in cancer care

(36:35) Teamwork being an integral part of the CMC Cancer Center

(37:30) Dr. Itani’s advice for listeners

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠⁠conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice.  By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

Dr. Paul Richardson, CMC Chief Medical Officer, joins us today on Happier Healthier! Dr. Richardson is not only Conway Medical Center's CMO, he is also VP of Medical Education an internal medicine doctor. Today Dr. Richardson is using his vast knowledge and experience to teach us a little bit about heart health.

In this episode, Dr. Richardson emphasizes the importance of preventative care when it comes to lowering risk of heart disease and living a heart-healthy life. You'll learn more about the opportunities for cardiac care offered at Conway Medical Center, and how partnering with Novant will only grow this service line.

Talking Points:

(01:22) Welcome back Dr. Paul Richardson

(01:40) Dr. Richardson shares what is making him feel happier and healthier

(03:25) Dr. Richardson tells us why he’s put his heart into CMC for over a decade

(05:12) The role a primary care provider plays in cardiovascular health

(06:24) The importance of health screenings at any age

(06:50) PCP’s role in heart disease prevention and treatment 

(07:40) Hypertension: What is it? Why does it matter?

(08:30) Dr. Richardson’s approach to managing hypertension naturally 

(08:55) Why South Carolina is considered the ‘Stroke Belt’ of the United States

(10:00) Tips to improve heart health and lower risk of heart disease / death

(10:08) Stop smoking

(10:40) Salt intake 

(11:00) Get exercise

(11:05) Alternative techniques 

(11:20) Dietary approach

(13:10) Knowing warning signs of a stroke

(15:15) What is the experience like for a CMC patient having a stroke or heart attack?

(17:00) What to do about chest pain

(17:50) Warning signs for cardiac disease in women

(19:00) Learn about CMC Cardiac Care

(20:40) How partnering with Novant Health will expand CMC Cardiac Care

(23:10) Measures to take if you are genetically prone to heart disease

(24:00) Dr. Richardson’s daily heart-healthy habits

(25:40) “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

(26:45) Dr. Richardson’s shares his experience with his patients implementing healthy lifestyle changes and improving their lives

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠⁠conwaymed⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

Megan Causey, PT, joins us today on Happier Healthier! Megan Causey is Conway Medical Center's Director of Rehab and has over two decades of CMC Physical Therapy experience under her belt. You'll hear Megan tell us in the episode that she started her career at Conway Medical Center and never left. Megan is such a light and has a positive energy you will feel through your headphones. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in becoming a PT, anyone struggling with pain, or someone just wanting to learn more about working in healthcare.

Talking Points:

(2:05): "What is making you feel happier and healthier recently?"

(2:45) Tips for better work-life balance

(3:28) Megan talks about being raised in Conway

(3:50) Getting started in Physical Therapy

(5:36) Tips for students interested in PT

(6:52) How Megan became a director

(7:50) Hear more about our rehab services & the care they provide

(8:31) Working in Acute Rehab

(9:13) Outpatient Rehab

(9:34) Rehab for babies

(9:46) Women's Health Physical Therapy

(11:11) Challenges transitioning from seeing patients to a director position

(11:45) How babies as young as 4 weeks old can benefit from physical therapy

(13:38) The mental side of being a PT

(15:38) Is PT painful?

(20:20) Working with chronic pain

(23:05) Finding the best plan of care

(26:00) Megan's top tips for pain management

(28:25) Stabilization exercises to master

(30:41) The importance of good form in the gym

(30:41) Pain vs. discomfort in the gym

(33:46) How to stay safe when starting a new exercise plan

(34:40) Injury prevention tips for athletes

(40:40) Learn more about CMC's Rehab Services

(43:22) New PT clinic coming to Surfside Beach

(44:00) How CMC Rehab has grown in the past 20 years

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠conwaymed⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. 

And just a reminder, All content discussed on CMC’s a Happier Healthier Podcast are the individual opinions of our hosts and guests and should not be construed as personalized medical advice.  By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast to treat any medical condition for either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues you may be having.  This disclaimer applies to any guest or contributor to the podcast.

⁠Dr. Micheal Odle⁠ is on the podcast today to kick off our Heart Month series talking about his role as Chief of Cardiology at Conway Medical Center and so much more. Dr. Odle emphasizes the importance of teamwork throughout our ⁠Heart Center⁠. We explore scenarios for patients on all ends of the heart health spectrum; including when to start 'watching your numbers' and how to respond to chest pain. Dr. Odle is truly a wealth of knowledge on all things cardiology and the perfect guest to kick off Heart Month!

Thanks for listening to Happier Healthier with Conway Medical Center.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@conwaymed⁠⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠conwaymed⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠ConwayMed⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@conwaymedicalcenter⁠⁠

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. 

Harley Shelley with the CMC Foundation is back on the podcast today to give us the 411 on what the foundation has planned for the next few months!

Want to win an amazon gift card & support heart care in our community? Enter our Heart Month Challenge by doing any of the following tasks before March 1st:

1. Donate $5 or more to the CMC Cardiac Care Fund

2. Snap a pic with your Bo-Berry Biscuit, share on social media and tag us & @BoFlavor

3. Post a photo doing something heart-healthy & tag us

Winners will be announced early March.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @conwaymed

X (Twitter): conwaymed

Facebook: ConwayMed

TikTok: @conwaymedicalcenter

This podcast is brought to you by the CMC Foundation. For more information, click here.

We're thrilled to welcome CMC Marketing Project Coordinator and the next host of Happier Healthier, Claire Purnell to the podcast!

Claire shares her path to working in healthcare, her passion for wellness, and the full-circle journey that led her to hosting this show.

To learn more about our sponsor, the CMC Foundation, visit www.cmcfoundationsc.com

We're thrilled to welcome Julia Billington, CMC Marketing Specialist to the podcast! Julia shares her experience at Conway Medical Center, her path to healthcare marketing, and her passion for outstanding patient care.

To learn more about our sponsor, the CMC Foundation, visit www.cmcfoundations.com