McLaren Health Care’s In Good Health

Timothy Logan, DO, discusses the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

In the episode, Dr. Logan answers the following:

1) What is TAVR? Can you describe the procedure?

2) Is this a common procedure? Do all hospitals offer this procedure?

3) Which patients may benefit from this procedure?

4) Can you describe the recovery process after TAVR? When can patients return to normal activity?

5) As Macomb County’s first comprehensive cardiovascular program, what other advanced procedures does McLaren Macomb offer?

Amy O'Neil, DO, discusses who is most at risk for heart disease, signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and how these symptoms might differ in women and men. She also shares some of the advancements in cardiac care.

In the interview, Dr. O'Neil answers the following:

1) Heart disease has a major impact on our country, and in most communities it’s still the number one killer of adults. Who’s at greatest risk for heart disease?
2) What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
3) Are those symptoms different in women?
4) The American Heart Association says heart disease may be preventable. Can you talk about the impact of heredity and lifestyle as they relate to heart disease?
5) Compared to 20 years ago, there are many new treatments and procedures to improve quality of life--or save the life--of someone living with heart disease. Can you talk about a few of the advancements in cardiology care?

Alex Steinbock, DO, discusses the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as well as who is most at risk and what treatment options are available. He also shares what daily life is like for people living with MS.

In the interview, Dr. Steinbock answers the following:

1) What is multiple sclerosis and what causes it?
2) What are the signs and symptoms?
3) Who is most at risk for MS?
4) Is there a cure? If not, what is the treatment?
5) Can people live normal, full lives with MS?

Sometimes going to a new pediatrician can be a bit overwhelming, especially with a sick child. Alice Madani, MD, FAAP, discusses tips for parents when choosing a new pediatrician. She also shares information on the obesity epidemic and ways parents can minimize the likelihood their children will become obese. In this episode, Dr. Madani addresses the following questions: 1) How often should children visit the doctor in general? 2) Some children may be a bit anxious during physician visits. How do you put them at ease during the visit? 3) What are some of the most frequent childhood conditions or illnesses you see in your practice? 4) We hear a lot about childhood obesity in America. Can you describe the potential health impact of childhood obesity and discuss ways parents can minimize the likelihood for their children? 5) There may be times when pediatric patients are ill or injured and need to see a physician right away. How do we know when we need to come in the the doctor’s office, versus going to an urgent care or emergency room? 6) Can you share a few suggestions for parents who are looking for a pediatrician? What characteristics or experience should our listeners be considering in a pediatrician? 7) Sometimes going to a new pediatrician can be a bit overwhelming, especially with a sick child. It’s important that parents are prepared with questions to ask at that first appointment, maybe even in a written list. What questions do you suggest parents ask a new pediatrician on their first visit?

Michael Wagner, DO, discusses breakthrough advancements in joint replacement surgery, including robotics-assisted surgery.

In the interview, Dr. Wagner answers the following:

1. What are the main reasons patients consider joint replacement? What are they typically experiencing in their daily lives, prior to the procedure?
2. Are patients typically of a certain age, or are you seeing younger patients in need of joint replacement?
3. There are various procedures used for joint replacement. You seem to be an advocate for robotics-assisted joint replacement procedures. “Robotics-assisted surgery” may be a new term for some of our listeners. What does that mean?
4. What advantages have you seen with this added technology?
5. With robotics-assisted joint replacement, what’s the recovery like? How does it compare to traditional joint replacement?
6.When you think about the future of joint replacement surgery, do you envision more patients opting for procedures with enhanced technology?

Victor Gordon, MD, discusses why lung screenings are important, who represents a good candidate for screening, and what treatment options are considered should the screening detect something concerning. In the interview, Dr. Gordon answers the following: 1. As a pulmonologist, you see a wide range of lung diseases and conditions. What are some of the conditions you see most often in your practice? 2. One of the most frightening diagnoses for patients is cancer. Obviously, smoking is a key risk factor. Is a lung cancer diagnosis always a result of cigarette smoking, or could there be other causes for the disease? 3. Thirty years ago, a diagnosis of lung cancer was often considered a death sentence. However, that’s not always the case any longer. Can you tell our listeners how evolving technology in detection and treatment of the disease has improved outcomes for those diagnosed with lung cancer? 4. Lung screening in its current form may be new to some of our listeners. Can you describe the process? 5. Who’s the best candidate for lung screening? Are there specific criteria or risk factors that make some individuals a more likely screening candidate? 6. What about individuals who have already quit smoking, maybe for several years? Should they consider lung screening? 7. If the screening is positive, what are the treatment options?