Planning a vacation, wedding, or big life event and worried about getting sick? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Ryan Manno sits down with infectious disease expert Dr. Susan S. Huang, Medical Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention at UCI Health, to break down how to avoid colds, flu, and other viruses—especially while traveling.

Dr. Huang shares practical, science‑backed strategies to stay healthy before flights, during airport travel, on airplanes, in hotels, and even on cruise ships. From mask‑smart moments to hand hygiene, high‑touch surfaces, immunity myths, zinc vs. vitamin C, and why antibiotics don’t work for colds—this conversation covers what actually works.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back pain affects nearly everyone at some point—and for many, it can be life-changing. In this in-depth conversation, spine surgeon Dr. Michael Y. Oh, Director of the Comprehensive Spine Center at UCI Health, joins Ryan Manno from iHeartRadio to break down what you really need to know about spine health.

They explore why 9 out of 10 back pain cases don’t require surgery, how early non-invasive treatment can prevent long-term disability, and what red flags should never be ignored. Dr. Oh explains common spine conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, scoliosis, and spondylolisthesis—using language anyone can understand.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is essential tremor, how common is it, and what can be done when medications no longer work? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, radio host Gina Grad sits down with Dr. Ann N. Ly, board‑certified neurologist at UCI Health, to break down one of the most common — and misunderstood — movement disorders. Dr. Ly explains:

• What essential tremor is (and how it’s different from Parkinson’s)
• Why tremors affect hands, voice, head, and even handwriting
• First‑line treatments like medications and occupational therapy
• Cutting‑edge MRI‑guided focused ultrasound, a non‑invasive treatment that can dramatically reduce tremors in real time
• How focused ultrasound compares to deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Who is (and isn’t) a candidate for advanced therapies
• How this technology is expanding to Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, Tourette’s, and more

You’ll also hear powerful patient stories, including real‑time tremor improvement during treatment, and learn how UCI Health’s multidisciplinary movement disorders team is changing lives. 📌 If you or a loved one struggles with shaking hands, tremors, or movement disorders, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real options.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the connection between acid reflux (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer — and when should you get checked? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, radio host Lisa Foxx sits down with two leading experts from UCI Health.

• Dr. Jason Samarasena, Interventional Gastroenterologist & Chief of Gastroenterology
• Dr. Brian Smith, Gastrointestinal Surgeon

Together, they break down how chronic heartburn can silently damage the esophagus, why symptoms aren’t always reliable, and how early detection can prevent cancer. You’ll learn:

• The step‑by‑step progression from GERD → Barrett’s → esophageal cancer
• Why men over 50 are at higher risk
• Common and silent symptoms most people miss
• How endoscopy and new non‑invasive screening tools detect Barrett’s earlier
• Breakthrough minimally invasive treatments that can reverse damage
• When surgery is needed — and how UCI Health preserves quality of life

This conversation empowers patients with knowledge and hope, showing how modern medicine can stop esophageal cancer before it starts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn everything you need to know about colorectal cancer, early symptoms, colonoscopy prep, screening options, and advanced robotic surgery in this in‑depth conversation with UCI Health gastroenterologist Dr. Jaehyun Kim and colorectal surgeon Dr. Catherine Zhu.

Hosted by Gina Grad (ALT 98.7 / iHeartRadio), this episode of “Live Well with UCI Health” breaks down the myths, fears, and lifesaving facts surrounding colon health — including why cases are rising in younger people, what “leaky gut” really means, how food and lifestyle impact your risk, and the most up‑to‑date treatment options available today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When should you go to urgent care and when is the emergency room the right choice? UCI Health’s Dr. Graham Stephenson, Board‑Certified Emergency Physician and Medical Director of Urgent Care, joins Ryan Manno (iHeart / KOST 103.5) to break down the differences — and help you make the right call when it matters most. In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Dr. Stephenson covers:

• The biggest misconceptions around urgent care vs. ER
• What symptoms should always be treated as emergencies
• How urgent care can handle stitches, X‑rays, injuries, and more
• How insurance impacts your care options
• What to bring if you expect a long wait
• UCI Health’s growing network of emergency departments

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who simply wants to be prepared, this conversation offers practical, actionable advice to help you navigate stressful medical situations with confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover a groundbreaking approach to cancer care with Dr. Gary Deng, Director of the Integrative Oncology Program at UCI Health. In this in‑depth conversation with host Ryan Manno, Dr. Deng breaks down how lifestyle, environment, stress, sleep, diet, exercise, and even joy play powerful roles in cancer treatment and survivorship. Rather than focusing only on the tumor, integrative oncology supports the whole person—mind, body, and environment—helping patients tolerate treatment better, reduce stress, improve immune function, and even boost therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Deng discusses the six pillars of whole-person health, the science behind circadian rhythm, fascinating research on exercise and longevity, and how UCI Health is transforming the future of cancer care. If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn life‑saving mountain safety and wilderness survival tips from Dr. Robert Katzer, UCI Health Emergency Medicine Physician and Wilderness Medicine expert. In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, we discuss the real dangers hikers face, especially on popular Southern California mountains like Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and other high‑risk winter trails. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, host Ryan Manno sits down with Dr. Annie Wang, a board‑certified UCI Health general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. Together, they unpack one of the most talked‑about health topics today: obesity, modern weight‑loss options, and the rise of GLP‑1 medications.

Dr. Wang explains:

• Why obesity is now understood as a chronic disease
• The differences between sleeve gastrectomy (“the banana”) and gastric bypass (“the egg”)
• How bariatric surgery compares to newer medications like GLP‑1s
• The real, measurable benefits of weight‑loss surgery — from improved mobility to better heart health
• What recovery truly looks like
• Fertility changes, long‑term follow‑up, misconceptions, risks, and who qualifies Whether you're considering medication, surgery, lifestyle change, or just curious about how these approaches work, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and science‑driven guidance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the U.S.—and every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack. In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5 and iHeart Radio sits down with Dr. Ailin Barseghian, a board-certified cardiologist at UCI Health, to uncover the truth about heart health. Learn the warning signs of a heart attack, why symptoms differ for women, how menopause impacts risk, and what you can do to prevent cardiovascular disease. Dr. Barseghian also shares insights on advanced testing, microvascular disease, and practical lifestyle tips to protect your heart.

✅ Topics Covered:

• Heart attack symptoms for men vs. women
• Why estrogen matters for heart health
• Key questions to ask your doctor
• Risk factors and prevention strategies
• Cutting-edge care at UCI Health

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.