Healthy Matters - with Dr. David Hilden

11/10/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E02 - Dr. Thomas Wyatt and the Hospital's Front Door (Open 24/7/365)

It can be said that the emergency department is the front door between a community and healthcare - that never closes.  Within it, there's an immense team of providers working together to attend to anyone and everyone who comes in through the door - every hour of every day.  Safe to say, it's an intensely busy place with no two days ever being the same.

Hennepin County Medical Center is a Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center and safety net hospital, which means it's equipped to tackle the full gamma of healthcare issues in our community - from earaches to heart attacks.  It's an intricate organization with a lot of moving pieces and a new, unique leader at the top, Dr. Thomas Wyatt (MD, FACEP).  Dr. Wyatt is one of the first tribally enrolled American Indians (Shawnee/Quapaw) to chair an academic emergency department in the United States and in Episode 2 he'll discuss the importance of this role, what life is like inside and outside of the emergency department, and the many challenges facing these departments across the country.  This is an excellent chance to get an inside view of an essential piece of the healthcare puzzle and to get to know a great figure in medicine.  We hope you'll join us.

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/27/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E01 - Elder Essentials: Keys to Aging Gracefully and Caring for Older Adults

Though some of us might not like to admit it, it's a fact that right now, we're all getting (at least a little) older.  But aging doesn't have to be scary, and there are certainly better practices to helping our loved ones - and ourselves - age in the best way possible.  But what does "healthy aging" really mean?  How do we distinguish a "senior moment" from something more serious?  When is the right time to talk to a geriatrician? 

On the next episode of the show we'll introduce the "5 M's" of geriatric care with geriatrician, Dr. Kerry Sheets (MD).  They are: Mind, Mobility, Multi-Complexity, Medications and Matters Most, and they help provide a framework for navigating the aging process.  She'll help us understand each of these and give us tips on healthy aging, and how to give the best possible care to our elders.  Aging is a part of life, and there's certainly a lot to know about it, so tune in and get senior savvy with us!

Resources mentioned in this show:
fivewishes.org
honoringchoices.org
The National Institute on Aging

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/13/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E24 - Insomnia... and How to Fix It.

I’m sure most of all of us would agree that sleep is precious…

But sooner or later we all run into issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.  Of course, missing out on quality sleep can have direct consequences on how well we function in our daily lives, but did you know it can have real consequences on your physical and mental health as well?  So, when is it actually insomnia versus just a restless night?  How many hours of sleep should I get each night?  How long does the average person need to fall asleep?  And maybe most importantly - what’s the ideal length of a nap?

On the final episode of Season 3 of our show, we’ll look into the world of restful sleep with sleep psychologist Dr. Mark Rosenblum.  Dr. Rosenblum is also a specialist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which has been proven to show even better results than most of the medications prescribed for this condition, and without the hefty side effects.  So tune in and find out what causes insomnia, when it’s time to get help, and what the best methods are to make sure you’re able to get a proper dose of restful, delicious sleep.  We hope you’ll join us, and as always, thanks for listening!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

09/29/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E23 - Measles!  They're baaaaaaack...

Measles!  There's been a bit of an outbreak recently across the planet which has raised significant public health concerns in many of our communities - including in Minnesota.  So, we thought it was time to get wise on the topic.  Many of us have gotten our MMR vaccines (and for good reason!), so does that mean we're safe?  What is Measles exactly?  How is it transmitted and why is the virus so contagious?  What are common symptoms and what treatments are available?

Join us on Episode 23 for an in-depth conversation with Sheyanga Beecher (CNP, MPH).  She's a nurse practitioner in the field of pediatrics and an expert on the virus and vaccines used to prevent the spread.  We'll take a look at the state of the outbreak, its origins, the virus itself, and the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.  As is true with much in the field, knowledge is sometimes the best medicine we have available, and there's plenty of it here.  We hope you'll join us!  

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

09/15/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E22 - Caring Beyond Cure - Exploring Hospice Care

A birth is something that is often prepared for and certainly talked about without reservation, but conversations about death and dying can be difficult and something many of us would like to avoid whenever possible.  Although that's understandable, these conversations around end-of-life are likely among the most important ones we can have with those we love and our healthcare providers.

Hospice might be one of the most misconceived subjects in modern healthcare, and is, in fact, something that can be a liberating and even joyful experience for the individual and their loved ones.  It not only involves the doctors and nurses who give the necessary medical treatments, but also social workers, spiritual caregivers, and complimentary therapists from various specialties including massage and music.  On the next episode of our show, we'll be joined by Dr. Mariam Anwar, MBBS, who will help us get a better understanding of hospice, what it entails, and the positive role it can play in end-of-life experiences for patients and their loved ones.  Death and dying is a weighty subject that all of us will need to address at some point in our lives, and we hope this episode sheds light on helpful ways this can be approached with grace, dignity, and compassion.  We hope you'll join us.

For further learning:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Ecumen Hospice
Mayo Clinic - Hospice Overview

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

09/01/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E21 - The Dizzying World of POTS

Lightheaded?  Short of breath?  Heart racing for no good reason?  POTS is one of the more mysterious subjects in medicine in recent years, and although it's been around for quite some time, it has really come to the fore since the COVID pandemic.  But what is it exactly?  What causes it?  How is it diagnosed, and more importantly, how is it treated? 

The multitude of symptoms around pots are enough to make your head spin (if it wasn't already) and it turns out that physical therapy(!), of all things is one of the more effective methods for treating this all-too-common condition.  We'll find out why on the next episode of the show, when we break down POTS with Dr. Miranda Langford, PT, DPT at Hennepin Healthcare.  She's an expert on POTS and we'll talk about who's at risk, how it's diagnosed, and how people living with POTS are finding effective treatments for this condition that seems more prevalent every day.  Join us!

If you, or someone you know might be suffering from POTS, or have these symptoms, have your primary care doctor refer you in for physical therapy at Hennepin Healthcare. To make an appointment, call 612-873-6963.

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

08/18/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E20 - From Hurt to Healing:  The Power of Being Trauma-Informed

Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial but often overlooked: adverse childhood events (ACEs), and trauma-informed care (TIC). According to the CDC, nearly two-thirds of all U.S. adults have experienced one or more ACEs. That’s how common they are, and the effects of these adverse events can add up over time. Many of us may not realize how deeply early experiences of stress, neglect, or trauma can shape not only our mental health but also our physical well-being. These early events leave a lasting imprint, whether through relationships, behaviors, or even how our bodies respond to stress. The good news? There's a growing movement toward trauma-informed care, which shifts the focus from asking 'What's wrong with you?' to 'What happened to you?' It's about creating a supportive environment that fosters healing and resilience.

On Episode 20, we’re talking about different types of traumas, and how trauma-informed care is a unique and very effective approach to help people get through the toughest times. Joining us is Dr. Mitch Radin, he’s a Clinical Psychologist and an expert on trauma-informed care at Hennepin Healthcare. We’ll cover the elements of TIC, how they work, and how this approach is making a difference not only with patients but also with healthcare professionals. Did you know you can control your heart through your lungs? Or have you ever heard the analogy that your brain is like a rider and a horse? We cover both of these things too! 

Please join us!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Email - [email protected]

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

08/04/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E19 - The A-Z on Abdominal Hernias

Hernias!  They're a lot more common than you think, and in fact over 20 million hernias are repaired every year!  All genders and ages - from babies to the elderly - can have a hernia, so it's high time we talked about them on the show.  They won't go away on their own, so it's good to know your options if you suspect you have one (or know you already do...).

On episode 19 we'll be joined by Dr. Rachel Payne, MD, a general surgeon and a specialist in hernia repair at Hennepin Healthcare.   She'll walk us through the definitions, diagnosis and treatment options for these pesky protrusions.  Learn about risk factors, what's happening in the body with a hernia, the different surgical approaches available (including a cool robot), and what the road to recovery is like once you're all patched up.  Join us!

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Email - [email protected]

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

07/21/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E18 - Face It, It Hurts...Understanding Orofacial Pain

Toothaches!  Neuralgias!  Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)!  Apart from these being great Scrabble words, they are also just a few things that fall under the category of Orofacial Pain.  Any one of these conditions can severely impact our daily lives, with wide-ranging effects that can extend well beyond pain.  They can affect the way we eat, speak, breathe, and even how we feel psychologically.  But like many things in healthcare, we're left with a few of the same questions when it comes to Orofacial Pain.  What causes these conditions?  How are they diagnosed?  And, what help is available for those suffering from them?  And does BOTOX really have a role in medicine?

On Episode 18 of our show, we'll be joined by Dr. Maram Taema, who will walk us through this relatively new focus in medicine and discuss approaches that can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Orofacial pain.  She's a Dentist, Oral Surgeon, and a specialist in these conditions and will provide practical tips for diagnosing and treating these conditions - both inside and outside the dentists' chair - including the magical relaxing power of the letter "N".  Suffer from headaches?  Grind your teeth?  Got a click in your jaw?  This one's for you.  Join us!

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Got a question for the doc or a comment about the show?

Email - [email protected]

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

07/07/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S03_E17 - Beyond Medication - Effective Strategies for Pain Management

On a scale of 0-10, where is your pain right now?  We've all been asked that question at one point or another, but really - think about where it is right now.  Most of us experience some level of pain throughout our daily lives that we manage in one way or another, and oftentimes we assume that the best tools for dealing with pain are medications.  But they've got their downsides, too, and more and more, we're finding out that medications are not the only or even the most effective, means of dealing with chronic pain.

Pain is individual, so there's not always a one-size-fits-all solution, and on Episode 17 we'll re-shape the conversation around pain with Dr. Catherine Justice, an Integrative Physical Therapist at Hennepin Healthcare.  We'll look at how our brains interpret pain, how our thresholds can shift throughout our lives, and explore effective pharmacy-free practices for dealing with pain like breathing techniques, mindfulness, and movement therapies.  Did you know that Yoga is the Sanskrit word for union?  Get wise with us on this episode of the Healthy Matters Podcast! 


Here are some resources mentioned in the episode:

Hennepin Healthcare Group Medical Visits
www.nopainmn.org
Project Echo
Season 1, Episode #16: Acupuncture (Guest: Licensed Acupuncturist Jess Brown)
Season 1, Episode #18: Chiropractic Care (Guest: Dr. Rick Printon)

Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?

Keep an eye out for upcoming shows on social media!

Email - [email protected]

Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Find out more at www.healthymatters.org