Health for Life

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For Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Health for Life welcomes Dr. Wilbur Montana, a hematologist-oncologist at Kern Medical. He explains what sickle cell disease is, how it can affect daily life, and the treatment options available. Join us for a conversation about this lifelong condition and why awareness matters. 

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As kids head back to the classroom, getting into a healthy routine can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Kern Medical pediatrician Dr. Suzanne Espalin-Pardo to talk about simple ways families can start the school year on a healthy note.

We discuss how to create healthy screen time habits, why a consistent sleep routine is so important for growing children, and practical ways to help kids stay healthy as they return to school and are exposed to new germs.

Whether you’re adjusting bedtime after summer break, navigating screen time boundaries, or preparing for the inevitable back-to-school sniffles, Dr. Espalin-Pardo shares practical advice to help your family have a healthy and successful school year.

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E-bikes have exploded in popularity, offering a fun and convenient way to get around. But with more riders on the road comes a growing number of serious injuries, especially among children and teenagers.

In this episode of Health for Life, Dr. Joshua Tobias, a board-certified Emergency Physician at Kern Medical, tells us what he's seeing firsthand in the Emergency Department. From common injuries and the importance of helmets to what parents should know before buying an e-bike for their child, Dr. Tobias shares practical advice that could help prevent a trip to the ER.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why e-bike injuries are on the rise
• The most common (and most serious) injuries seen in the Emergency Department
• Why children and teens face unique risks
• How helmets and other safety gear can save lives
• What parents should know before buying an e-bike
• When to seek emergency medical care after a crash

Whether you're a parent, an e-bike rider, or simply sharing the road with them, this conversation offers valuable tips to help keep everyone safe.

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In this episode of Health for Life by Kern Medical, we’re talking about uterine cancer with Dr. Kate B. Furey, who specializes in Gynecologic Oncology at Kern Medical. We discuss what uterine cancer is, common symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, risk factors, how it is diagnosed, and the latest treatment options available. Dr. Furey also shares why early detection matters and what women should know about when to seek medical care. This informative conversation is designed to help listeners better understand uterine cancer and feel empowered to prioritize their health.

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In this episode of Health for Life by Kern Medical, we sit down with Dr. Soroush Bazargani, urologist at Kern Medical, to talk all about kidney stones—what they are, why they form, and why they can be so painful. 

Dr. Bazargani explains common risk factors, symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and the tests used to diagnose them. He also shares practical tips for prevention, including the important role hydration and diet can play in lowering your risk. Whether you’ve had a kidney stone before or simply want to protect your health, this episode offers valuable information for every listener.

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In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood medications in healthcare today: fentanyl.

Often associated with alarming headlines and the dangers of illicit drug use, fentanyl can sound intimidating to patients. But in a hospital setting, it plays a very different role; one that is carefully controlled, highly effective, and essential for managing pain in certain medical situations.

We are joined by Dr. Jeff Jolliff, the Director of Pharmacy Programs and Residency Program Director for the Department of Pharmacy at Kern Medical, to help separate fact from fiction. We discuss what fentanyl is, why it’s used in hospitals, how it’s safely administered, and what patients should know if it’s part of their care.

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Weight loss shots are everywhere right now — semaglutide, tirzepatide, peptides… but what’s actually safe and what should you avoid? 👀
In this episode of Health for Life, endocrinologist Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti explains how these medications work, who they’re for, and how they can even help conditions like PCOS. She also discusses side effects, why some patients regain weight after stopping the injections, what sustainable and realistic weight-loss goals actually look like, and the real risks of buying them online. Before you try one, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

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In this episode of Health for Life, we’re diving into all things thyroid with Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Dr. Chandra explains what the thyroid does, the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what symptoms can look like at different ages — from young adults to older patients.

We also discuss how thyroid conditions can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall hormonal balance, plus when it’s important to seek care. 

Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition, thinking about starting a family, or simply want to better understand how your hormones affect your overall health, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-understand insights.

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This month, we’re joined by Dr. Najib Ussef, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine and general orthopedics. With a deep understanding of joint health and injury prevention, Dr. Ussef works with patients of all ages to help them stay active, recover from injuries, and avoid common pitfalls that come with jumping back into fitness — especially at the start of a new year.

 Dr. Ussef shares his journey into orthopedic sports medicine and offers practical, evidence-based advice for anyone looking to build a sustainable, injury-free workout routine. We talk about the most common mistakes people make when returning to exercise, how to recognize early warning signs of overuse or strain, and how joint health evolves with age.

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In this December episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Ranjani Panithi, a highly experienced pediatrician at Kern Medical, to talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus — better known as RSV. As cases tend to spike in the winter months, Dr. Panithi helps us understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and which children are most at risk for severe illness.

We discuss the latest prevention tools, including new immunizations and maternal vaccines, how to care for children with RSV at home, and when it’s time to seek medical attention. Whether you're a new parent, caregiver, or just want to stay informed this cold and flu season, this episode offers expert insight to help keep your little ones safe and healthy.