Live Greater | A University of Maryland Medical System Podcast

Society often blames individuals for obesity, but science tells a different story. Two bariatric surgeons discuss the medical complexities of weight and how stigma affects health outcomes. Join us as we talk to Erik DeAngelis, MD, and Eleisha Flanagan, MD, bariatric surgeons at UM Charles Regional Medical Center.

No matter your age, knowing how to keep your pelvic floor healthy is essential. In this podcast, Fay Wilson, PT, DPT, CLT, a physical therapist at University of Maryland Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Services who specializes in pelvic floor therapy, shares insights on daily habits that affect pelvic floor health, how pelvic health changes over time, and when it is time to seek help from a specialist.

Let’s face it – losing weight can be hard. And when it comes to obesity, many complex factors can cause excess weight gain and complicate a person’s ability to lose it. When traditional weight loss methods haven’t worked, it might be time to consider a new approach that marries bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes. In this episode, Alexander Aurora, MD, Director of Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery and Bariatrics at UM Upper Chesapeake Health, describes good candidates for this program, what lifestyle changes are involved and what it takes to make the weight loss stick.

Beyond the doctor’s office, cancer presents emotional and social challenges that can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the human side of cancer with Patsy Astarita, LCSW-C, OSW-C, APHSW-C, director of oncology integrated health at UM Upper Chesapeake Health, who shares insights on managing stress, building support systems, and finding hope throughout the journey.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about adult vaccines. Join us as we discuss with Dr. Wendie Grader-Beck, a primary care physician at UM St. Joseph Medical Group Primary Care, which vaccines are critical for adults, why they matter and how to make sure you’re covered even if insurance falls short.

For more information, Dr. Grader-Beck's recommends these resources:
- American College of Physicians - https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-3269
- American Academy of Pediatrics - https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/
- CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/downloads/adults-schedule-easy-read.pdf

Learn how scoliosis is diagnosed in children, the treatment options available, and what parents can do to support their child through this journey from Dr. Julio J. Jauregui, a Spine Surgeon at University of Maryland Medical System and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and an assistant professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery at University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Learn about recovery timelines, tips, and what to expect after spine surgery from Robin Fencel, PA-C, Orthopedic Physician Assistant at University of Maryland Medical Center, and Wendy Towers, MSN, a nurse practitioner at UM Shore Medical Group – Neurosurgery in Easton, MD.

Learn expert tips to prevent back pain, injuries, and surgery through exercise, posture, and lifestyle from Dr. Justin Tortolani, spine surgeon and director of the Spine Institute at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and member of the UM Spine Network.

Pneumonia is a common diagnosis in the fall and winter, but it can be extremely serious, even deadly, for some individuals. Learn from Dr. Jeffrey Marshall, a critical care physician and pulmonologist at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, the causes, treatments and how to prevent getting this uncomfortable disease.

Learn how to develop healthy habits that support blood sugar control, reduce stress and fit into a busy lifestyle. Teri White, BS, RN, CDCES, a transitional nurse navigator and diabetes educator at UM Charles Regional Medical Center, shares her top strategies for sustainable diabetes care.