In this episode of the HealthTalks NOW podcast, Kendra and Kerri are joined for a phone conversation by Katelyn Arvin, the lead navigator of the Behavioral Health clinic at Baptist Health Richmond.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this conversation focuses on some ramifications of the situation.  Many parents have their hands full as they navigate work environments, finances, and health concerns, and it is easy to simply think of children as resilient and turn attention to other pressing issues.  However, this conversation presents an opportunity to pause and consider more deeply the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children.

As we prepare to welcome Hardin Memorial Hospital (HMH) to the Baptist Health family on September 1, we sat down with Dennis Johnson, President and CEO to learn about the Central Kentucky region.

For those who struggle with weight loss, surgery can offer a new, healthier lease on life. Whether you’re considering surgery or have recently recovered, you might be wondering — what’s next? Is it safe to exercise, or can I just watch what I eat? In this podcast, bariatric surgeon Anthony Davis, MD, tells you what you can expect after surgery. He gives listeners an idea of what an exercise plan can look like and discusses safe activities, those to avoid, and how often a post-op patient should work out. In addition, Dr. Davis breaks down the minimally invasive options for weight-loss surgery — gastric sleeve, lap-band, and gastric bypass. He explains how surgeons decide which is best for you, what makes you a good candidate, and how to prepare for surgery.

The COVID-19 global pandemic spurred rapid advancement for telemedicine, breaking down barriers both for healthcare providers and for patients. Since Baptist Health expanded its Virtual Care capabilities, providers have seen more than 125,000 patients remotely. In this “HealthTalks Now” episode, the team talks with Brett Oliver, MD, chief medical information officer, and a practicing primary care physician, and Nick Sarantis, director of Digital Health. They walk listeners through each Virtual Care option, including virtual visits, e-visits, and telephone conversations, and explain costs, insurance coverage, and access through the MyChart patient portal. In addition, they discuss the next steps for Virtual Care and other innovative digital tools Baptist Health is using to enhance patient care.

For new and expectant parents, pregnancy can feel like uncharted territory. Concerns about a healthy pregnancy can lead moms-to-be to wonder: Is it safe to get my hair colored, soak in a hot bath, or go for a run? Can my baby become addicted to caffeine? What foods should I avoid? In this episode, the “HealthTalks Now” team talks with Ian Holbrook, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN physician with three kids of his own. Dr. Holbrook helps separate fact from fiction, dissecting some of the most common pregnancy myths. He addresses the safety of everyday activities and concerns about fertility, miscarriage, morning sickness and labor.

How is taking care of your body like caring for your car? Michael Eli Pendleton, MD, explains in part 2 of a special “HealthTalks Now” podcast focused on men’s health.

Dr. Pendleton, a Louisville family physician, describes how “deferred maintenance” can cause health problems for men as they age. He tackles touchy topics, such as testosterone, fertility and prostate screenings, and outlines steps men can take to protect their health decade by decade.

“My job is to really try to help people live their best lives. It works best if I can help you get started early on and help establish some good habits,” he said.  

Statistics show that 60% of men don’t see a doctor regularly, with just 3 of 5 men getting an annual physical exam and 40% seeing a doctor only when they have a serious medical condition. During Men’s Health month, we caught up with Michael Eli Pendleton, MD, a family physician in Baptist Health Medical Group’s busy Deer Park practice in Louisville. In this two-part episode, Dr. Pendleton describes the relationship between alcohol, stress, “belly fat,” and a host of other diseases and conditions. He reveals reasons to “rethink that drink” and explains how you can have a problem with alcohol without realizing it. Listen as Dr. Pendleton dives deep into the hottest men’s health topics, answering the questions men are afraid to ask.  

Many people feel they don’t get enough ZZZs, but assume seeking help means a sleep study or surgery. While these are viable diagnosis and treatment tools, there are many other ways to help you get a better night’s sleep. In this informative episode, John White, MD, a pulmonologist with Baptist Health Lexington’s Sleep Center, explains how sleep deprivation can disrupt lives and have harmful health effects in people of all ages. He defines common types of sleep disorders, describes potential causes, and provides advice on how to sleep better — starting tonight. And if at-home techniques don’t help, it may be time to seek help. Dr. White outlines steps to a diagnosis and treatment, beginning with an in-office visit or virtual consultation.

Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer illness and deaths, and Indiana is not far behind. However, when discovered early, the disease is treatable, and patients have a much better prognosis.

In this episode, oncology nurse practitioner Tracy Hagan, APRN, stops by between seeing patients to shed light on lung cancer. She describes in detail the types of lung cancer, its stages, and typical treatment plans.

In addition, Hagan discusses the disease’s causes and risk factors such as smoking, the No. 1 cause of lung cancer deaths. 

Listen now to learn who is eligible for preventive lung CT screenings and what to expect after a diagnosis. 

Throughout the pandemic, Baptist Health has explored the healthcare industry’s response to COVID-19 in a special edition podcast. In this sixth and final installment, CEO Gerard Colman calls in to talk about the lessons leaders have learned and the path forward. He provides insight into operations over the past few months, including advancements in telehealth, the adoption of new safety protocols, and opportunities to build upon the processes Baptist Health already had in place. He also discusses expansion into Hardin County and how being a large, multi-faceted system helped Baptist Health secure adequate supplies and staffing. Listen to the end to learn how many cups of coffee it takes to keep a healthcare executive going each day.