04/13/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E13 - We Need to Talk (About Menopause)

If there was something that had profound effects on more than half the population for decades of their lives, well, that something would certainly be worth talking about!  Menopause is something that we've all heard about before, but very few women experiencing it say they were prepared for it.  So on Episode 13 of the show, we're diving into the often mysterious world of Menopause with 2 special guests from Hennepin Healthcare - Dr. Heather Legris, a pharmacist, and Dr. Lisa Legrand, a psychologist.  Both are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners, and both will bring unique perspectives to shed some light on this biological transition that affects every woman you know at some point in their lives.

Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, brain fog, mood swings - the list of symptoms goes on and on.  But is there anything that can be done to help?  How long do these symptoms last?  And what's actually going on in the body?  There's a lot to know about menopause, and we've got just the experts to walk us through this.  We've all got women in our lives, so this episode is literally for everyone.  We hope you'll join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/30/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E12 - Bipolar Disorder:  The Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens...

Bipolar disorder affects millions of people worldwide - and actually, a higher percentage of people in developed countries.  It can bring euphoric highs and depressive lows at any time, with no rhyme or reason, and understandably, can have a real impact on those living with the condition, as well as their loved ones.  But what is bipolar disorder, exactly?  What's the lived experience like?  And what are things to be aware of for those with the condition and the people in their lives?

This is a condition that's often misunderstood and might not be what you think, so on Episode 12 we'll be joined by psychiatrist Dr. Vanessa Stumpf, MD, to help get our brains around what's going on in the brain.  Whether you’ve been diagnosed, know someone who has, or just want to understand more, this episode aims to shed light on the emotional rollercoaster that is bipolar disorder—with empathy, insight, and a few moments of humor along the way.  We hope you'll join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Helpful mental health resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org)

988 Life Line

If you or a loved are seeking mental health care, help is available, simply dial 988 from anywhere in the U.S.

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/16/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E11 - Why Are Kids Always Sick?! Let's Talk About It.

If you have (or know) a kid, you've probably wondered: "How can such a tiny human catch so many illnesses?" And, "How is it humanly possible to create such an endless supply of snot?!"  Let's face it, kids are mini germ factories. From coughs to colds to ear infections, kids seem to pick up everything.  But which symptoms are just part of growing up, and which ones should actually worry you?

On Episode 11 of the show, we'll be joined by a repeat guest, pediatrician Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian, to break down the most common childhood illnesses.  He'll help us get an understanding of what's normal, what's not, and how to handle those inevitable ailments like a pro.  This episode will be guest hosted by Meghan McCoy who will share with us her POV and experiences as an Ear, Nose Throat specialist as well.  Kids will always keep us guessing, but you can count on finding at least a few answers here.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

03/02/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E10 - Controlled Chaos: A Day in the Life of an Emergency Nurse

There are a lot of important people in healthcare, but the medical system itself simply would not exist without one essential piece of the puzzle: NURSES.  It might be impossible to give them enough credit for the many important jobs they do - from the Emergency Department to the clinics.  They literally see it all, and regardless of how intense the situation might be, somehow always seem to keep their cool.

Emergency Department nurses are a special breed and the backbone of hospital emergency care, and in Episode 10, we'll be joined by one of these unsung heroes.  Kara Fussy (BAN-RN, CCRN) is a Critical Care and Emergency Medicine nurse, working in the Emergency Department of HCMC, a major Level I Trauma Center. In our conversation, we'll get insights and stories from what can be one of the most intense places in the hospital.  We'll learn about the personal and professional challenges of the job,  what it takes to thrive in this position, and also hear stories about a few of the more interesting patient cases she's seen over the past few decades.  It's safe to say this job is not for everyone, and this is an excellent chance to learn about the role and experience from someone who lives this job day in and day out.  We hope you'll join us.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

02/16/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E09 - Hypertension: Avoiding the Silent Killer

High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is often called The Silent Killer because it can wreak havoc on our bodies, oftentimes without us even knowing.  It's estimated that 85 million people in the U.S. alone have high blood pressure, which is an alarming stat, especially given that it can be a major contributor to a whole host of bad stuff - like stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease, to name just a few.  But what causes hypertension?  Why is it so damaging to our bodies?  Who's most at risk, and what can be done to keep it in check?

From Hypertension to Hypotension, on Episode 9 of our show, we're talking all things blood pressure with a repeat guest, Dr. Woubeshet Ayanew (MD).  Dr. Ayenew is a cardiologist at Hennepin Healtcare and currently holds the record for most downloads of a single episode of our show (S3: Episode 09 - "Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and the Triglycerides...)!  He'll break down the condition for us and explain the causes and effects of high blood pressure, best practices to stay ahead of it, the importance of home monitoring (and what those numbers actually mean), and what can be done for those looking to get things under control.  This is a great chance to learn all about hypertension and get some useful tips on how to manage your blood pressure from a true expert.  Join us!

Links:

American Heart Association

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

02/02/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E08 - The MS Journey: From Symptoms to Solutions

Did you know that 1,000,000 people in the U.S. alone are living with Multiple Sclerosis?  We've all likely heard of MS before, and many of us may even know someone with the condition, but there are always a lot of questions when it comes to these types of diseases.  Like, what's actually happening in the body?  What are typical symptoms?  And what help is there available to those living with it?

Thankfully, we've got experts on hand to guide us through the basics.  On Episode 8, we'll be joined by Dr. Ali AlMoamen (MB, BCh, BAO), a board-certified neurologist at Hennepin Healthcare and a specialist in autoimmune conditions like MS.  He's helped many patients and their loved ones navigate this perplexing, and oftentimes scary condition, and has assisted them on their way to continuing to live a fulfilling life.  On this show, we'll take a look at the root causes of the condition, the challenges in diagnosing it, the current and forthcoming treatment options, and how we all can help anyone living with MS.  Please join us.

Additional resources and information can be found on the National MS Society website.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

01/19/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E07 - Let's Learn About Lupus!

Did you know that in 2024, over 200,000 people in the U.S. alone had Lupus?  It's a condition that many of us have likely heard of, but it's one that often presents with a lot of questions - like where does it come from?  Who is most likely to get Lupus?  Is it a life-long condition?  And what help is available for those living with it?

On the next episode of the show, we'll be joined by Rheumatologist, Dr. Rawad Nasr, and he'll help us get our brains around Lupus, as well as the basics of autoimmune diseases at large.  This is one condition that has seen a lot of progress in terms of treatments and medications over the past decade (finally!), so this is a great chance to get some up-to-date knowledge from an expert in the field.  He'll discuss the origins of the condition (and the name!), who's at risk, what help is available from the medical community, and ways we all can support those living with it.  Come get wise with us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

01/05/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E06 - How to Live to be 100 (or Die Trying...)

When it comes to our longevity, there's certainly no shortage of advice out there. We'll often get an earful about the superfood du jour, fad diets, or trendy exercise routines - but what's the word from an actual MD on the subject?  Are there really keys to living a longer, healthier life?  And can I still eat bacon?

Well, on Episode 6 of our show, we'll be joined by an extra special guest - Dr. David Hilden!  He'll share with us his learnings from over 25 years in the field and help us develop strategies for how to live healthy, and ideally, long lives.  From what we can do for ourselves, to what the medical community can do for us, there's a good bit of wisdom here for all of us humans.  He'll also tell us what "ditzel" is...  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/22/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E05 - A is for Alcohol. A Primer.

Are you doing a "Dry January"?  Do your family gatherings get a little more colorful when the wine starts flowing?  Like it or not, alcohol plays a role in many of our lives, both directly and indirectly.  It lives deep within the fabric of our society (and it has since ancient times!) but there've been quite a few changes to how the medical community has viewed it in the past decade.  But is it all bad?  How much is too much for us?  And, maybe most importantly, how can I avoid a hangover?!

We've all likely developed our own relationship with alcohol, and it's safe to say it's a personal matter and one that can benefit from a fresh look every now and then.  In Episode 5 we'll talk with an addiction medicine specialist Dr. Charlie Reznikoff, who himself enjoys good cider on occasion!  He's an expert on the subject of substances and addictions and in our conversation we'll go over the physical effect alcohol has on the body, the current medical guidelines, how to assess your own consumption, and the options available for those looking to get things back under control.  And yes, we'll discuss hangovers as well...  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/08/24

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E04 - Decoding Food Labels

Our diets are a major contributor to our overall health, so of course it's important to know what's in the food we eat.  And what better way would there be to find out what's in our food than to read its label?  But let's face it, oftentimes food labels can be confusing, and sometimes even a little misleading.  So how do you interpret what's on a food label?  What does each of the items mean for our diets?  And what is Riboflavin, anyway?

To help us get a better understanding of these cryptic contents, we'll be joined once again by Dr. Iesha Galloway-Gilliam (MD).  She chairs the Department of Weight Management at Hennepin Healthcare and she'll help us get our heads around the contents of a food label, the real meanings behind buzzwords like "natural", "fresh" and "organic", and the role macronutrients play in our diets.  We all gotta eat, so there's something here for everyone.  Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - [email protected]
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.