CEO Gerard Colman continues the conversation surrounding COVID-19 response and recovery. In this special edition podcast, he reflects on ways the community is supporting Baptist Health — and one other — during the pandemic. He describes the steps hospitals have taken to be prepared in case of a resurgence and explains why there won’t be a “ramp-down” of services if a surge occurs. Colman also discusses disruptions in the supply chain that caused shortages of personal protective equipment early in the response effort and the effects he expects COVID-19 to have on the future of healthcare.

According to the CDC, Kentucky ranks among the top 10 in the nation for the highest rates of obesity, and Indiana follows closely behind. This week, Richmond cardiologist Bryon Scott Cook, MD, helps listeners unpack the question, “Does obesity cause heart disease?” He discusses how being overweight can affect your heart by leading to harmful cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, clogged arteries, and increased risk for diabetes. In addition, Dr. Cook lists steps you can take today to address obesity and lessen your risk for heart disease.

The COVID-19 crisis drew many healthcare services not focused on fighting the virus to a temporary halt. However, Baptist Health is seeing patients and anticipates a return to full operations by the end of June. In CEO Gerard Colman’s latest special edition podcast, he outlines specific measures the system has put into place to meet patients’ needs for safety and discusses the system’s financial outlook. Colman also explains how doctors are using innovative telehealth technology to monitor coronavirus patients. And on a lighter note, he shares some Netflix recommendations for those who have binge-watched their way through their quarantine watch lists.

This week is National Hospital Week, and Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman takes time to recognize the healthcare heroes who have stepped up to fight COVID-19. From bedside caregivers to IT experts, he has been inspired by the ways healthcare professionals everywhere have pulled together to put the needs of their communities first. Colman discusses the innovative ways our health system is advancing healthcare during the pandemic, the extra precautions being taken to ensure safety, and what to expect when visiting your doctor, a clinic or the hospital right now. He also highlights the rewards of a healthcare career and provides the latest on Baptist Health’s investment in Hardin Memorial Health.

A number of outpatient healthcare services have been approved to resume in the first phase of the re-opening process, allowing many people to get essential care they’ve had to delay. But re-opening isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman provides insight into the phased-in approach, explaining policies that must be in place to safeguard patients and staff. Colman discusses screening procedures, visitor restrictions, sanitation practices and supplies, such as protective masks and gowns. In addition, he sheds light on the availability and accuracy of COVID-19 tests and outlines plans to call back furloughed staff.

With schools closed for the rest of the school year, and sports, activities and playdates cancelled, children and teens are dealing with a great deal of disruption. In this podcast, Paducah pediatrician Jeffrey Mudd, MD, takes questions from a parent regarding some of the concerns she has about caring for her own kids right now. Dr. Mudd discusses ways to help children stay healthy both mentally and physically while stay-at-home orders are in place, weighing in on well-child visits and appropriate “screen time.” In addition, he offers tips on recognizing stress and helping children with the transition back to “normal” life.

Safe Steps to Restart: How Baptist Health Is Ensuring Safety While Meeting Patient Needs for Healthcare

Predictive modeling shows Kentucky and Indiana may have reached an anticipated plateau in coronavirus cases. As a result, leaders have cleared the way for hospitals and outpatient facilities to begin to resume medical care that had been halted because of COVID-19. In this special edition of our podcast, Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman outlines steps the health system is taking to ensure a safe return to full operations, including daily surveillance of PPE, capacity, and cases. He also discusses the advancement of new digital options for healthcare and explains an investigational treatment in which Baptist Health is using plasma to help critically ill patients recover from the virus.

With stay-at-home orders in place across much of the U.S., families, couples and individuals are learning to live a new normal. In a best-case scenario, this means coping with the challenges of remote working, home schooling, and early morning grocery runs. For others, dealing with COVID-19 includes worries about health conditions, loneliness, and making ends meet. For this podcast, we host a telephone discussion with three mental health professionals from Baptist Health Madisonville. Psychiatrist Shabeer Abubuker, MD, explains the important distinction between “physical” distancing and intentional social connection. The trio offers ways to maintain intimacy in your marriage, create stability for your children, balance work/home, and improve communication.

Baptist Health Floyd’s Chief Medical Officer, Jayakrishnakamal “Krishna” Konijeti, MD, issued a public service announcement this week. His message was clear: Stay home, southern Indiana.