LIFE Cast

LIFE Cast

By Infirmary HealthHealth & Fitness
Download on the App Store

LIFE Cast episodes

  • I Am Having Constant Headaches. Could They Be Migraines?

    Migraines are not just bad headaches. Migraines can cause disabling neurological conditions including pulsating pain, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting as well as visual disturbances. Around 39 million Americans, about 1 in 7 people, suffer from migraines. However, that number could be higher because many people struggle to know how to discuss their symptoms with their physician.

    Dr. Valerie Staples, a family medicine physician with Central Baldwin Physicians, is headache-certified by the National Headache Foundation. She joins us on this episode to discuss headaches, migraine symptoms, their causes and how to start the conversation with your physician to achieve appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

    14 min
  • I'm a Mom. How Can Breastfeeding Benefit My Baby?

    The national breastfeeding initiation rate is 84.1% and the state of Alabama breastfeeding initiation rate is 69.6% and the exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months is even lower at 21%. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for about six months with continued breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods for two years or beyond. Breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention strategy, protecting both infants and mothers from a host of chronic and acute diseases and conditions and building a foundation for life-long wellness. Breastfeeding provides a safe, reliable, and renewable food source, especially during natural disaster and emergency situations. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby and helps reduce illness and the risk of SIDS.

    At Infirmary Health, we use a multi-disciplinary approach to making your breastfeeding experience a success. Dr. Martha Ruzic, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Mobile Bay OB-GYN, works with Infirmary Health’s lactation consultants, nurses, and neonatologists to help support your initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. She joins us to discuss the importance of breastfeeding and how Infirmary Health supports breastfeeding moms.

    11 min
  • My Heart Rate Feels Irregular. What Could Be The Cause?

    Does your heart beat feel irregular? You could be experiencing a problem with your heart’s electrical system, which sends signals through your cells in order to regulate heart rate and rhythm. If not treated, these irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias, could lead to stroke and heart attack.

    Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize on the diagnosis and treatment of irregular heart rhythms. They use a highly specialized tests, devices and procedures to help your heart reach a healthy rhythm. Dr. Thomas Turnage, electrophysiologist with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, joins us to discuss common conditions that can cause irregular heart rhythms and how new advances are helping patients get back on their feet.

    12 min
  • Infirmary Foundations: What Do They Do and How Can I Help?

    It takes about $2 million a day for Infirmary Health to see patients and operate facilities. How does the system stay ahead in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art care? In part, it's the work and efforts made possible by three Infirmary Health Foundations, one for each acute care hospital on the Gulf Coast.

    13 min
  • Antibiotic-Resistant Infections Are On The Rise. What Do I Need To Know?

    "Superbugs" sounds like something from a movie but in reality, they pose a real-life health threat. In this episode of LIFE Cast, Chris Whitman, PharmD and Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Infirmary Health explains what stewardship means in relation to pharmaceuticals as well as "superbugs" and drug resistance.

    9 min
  • I’m a Smoker. Am I at Risk for Lung Cancer?
    Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In fact, cigarette smoke causes 80-90% of all lung cancer deaths in the United States. If you are a smoker it’s incredibly important for you to know the risk factors for lung cancer as well as the importance of regular screenings.

    However, only 16 percent of lung cancers are caught at an early stage. Early detection of lung cancer provides patients with more treatment options and a greater chance of survival. Dr. Adrian DiVittorio, pulmonologist with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, joins us to talk about risk factors, screening methods and how Infirmary Health is investing in the latest technology to detect lung cancer as early as possible.
    13 min
  • I Want to Work for Infirmary Health. Is There a Career For Me?
    In this episode, Ivy discusses the unique dynamics of working for the State of Alabama’s largest non-government, not-for-profit healthcare system, Infirmary Health. Recently named Alabama’s Best Healthcare System Employer by Forbes Magazine, Infirmary Health offers a supportive and professionally challenging work environment along with unparalleled benefits. 

    From nursing and residency programs, clinical and non-clinical management and support to information technology, pharmacy, advanced practice providers and more, Infirmary Health’s experienced and professional recruiting team works with applicants to discuss opportunities available within the system that will be the best fit.
    14 min
  • I'm a Female Experiencing Discomfort in My Pelvic Region. What Do I Need To Know?
    Pelvic floor disorders, which occur when the muscles or connective tissue in the pelvis do not work as they should, affect one in five women in the United States. Urogynecologists, like Dr. Jeff Fahy, are experts in the female pelvis organs and pelvic floor. He provides comprehensive care through preventive and corrective therapies as well as experienced diagnosis and treatment of related issues with minimally-invasive surgical and non-surgical interventions. He joins us today to discuss two of the most common pelvic floor disorders that many women face.
    9 min
  • Multiple Sclerosis: What It Is, and What It Isn’t
    Multiple sclerosis (MS) only affects at least 1,000,000 individuals nationwide. This disorder is highly variable from one individual to another, and impacts on the central nervous system can result in a broad range of symptoms and functional impairments. Confirming the diagnosis of MS can be complicated and challenging, as other disorders can have similar symptoms. That is why it is incredibly important to seek a physician who has a strong understanding of the diagnostic criteria for MS as there is no single test for the disease.

    Infirmary Health’s multidisciplinary Neuroscience Center of Excellence has decades of experience in helping properly diagnose individuals with MS. Dr. Elizabeth Minto, a neurologist with Coastal Medical Group, is a designated Partner in MS with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She joins us to discuss symptoms, guidance on obtaining a proper diagnosis and the importance of choosing a care provider with expertise in MS.
    16 min

About LIFE Cast

From the publisher's feed

At Infirmary Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Alabama, our mission is LIFE. This acronym embodies Infirmary Health’s mission of serving our community with a focus on…