MedLink Health Connections Podcast

Mental health can be easy to overlook as we age. Changes in mood, routines, relationships, or daily habits may seem like a normal part of getting older, but sometimes they can be signs that an older adult is struggling.

In this episode of MedLink Health Connections, we sit down with Marlynn Bohannon, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker at MedLink, to talk about the mental health challenges older adults and their caregivers may face.

We discuss common concerns like depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, and stress, as well as how major life changes and chronic health conditions can affect emotional well-being. Marlynn also shares what caregivers and family members can look for, including changes in appetite, routines, social activities, medication habits, and overall behavior.

And because asking for help can be difficult, especially for those who grew up when mental health was rarely discussed, we talk about simple ways to break down stigma and make mental wellness a normal part of everyday health care.

Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one from a distance, or simply want to better understand senior mental health, this conversation offers practical insight and resources for knowing when to check in, when to listen, and when to seek support.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

What if your body is feeling the stress before you even realize you’re stressed?

In this episode of the MedLink Health Connections Podcast, Tangela is joined by Kristen Maxwell from the MedLink Habersham office to explore how stress can show up physically, from headaches, muscle tension, and jaw pain to digestive issues, fatigue, sleep problems, and even heart and breathing symptoms.

Kristen explains why these symptoms happen and shares practical ways to help your body manage stress, including movement, breathing exercises, better sleep habits, daily pauses, connection, and healthy boundaries.

Your body isn't working against you. It may be trying to tell you something.

Tune in and learn how to recognize your body's signals, support your well-being, and know when it's time to seek professional help.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Weight loss medications have changed the conversation around obesity treatment, but what should patients really know before considering them?

In this episode of MedLink Health Connections, we sit down with Dr. Michael Roundtree, a family medicine physician with nearly 30 years of experience, for a candid conversation about prescription weight loss medications and the growing role of medical weight management.

We discuss traditional options like phentermine and phentermine/topiramate, as well as GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. Dr. Roundtree explains what patients can realistically expect from treatment, how nutrition and physical activity fit into the process, who may be a good candidate, and how BMI factors into the decision.

We also talk about why medical weight loss is about much more than appearance. For many patients, addressing obesity earlier can be an important part of reducing the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health complications.

And because treatment decisions aren't just about effectiveness, we cover the real-world considerations too, including common GLP-1 side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, practical ways to improve tolerability, and the cost of treatment. We also discuss potential savings and pharmacy support options for eligible patients.

If you've been considering weight loss medication or simply want to better understand how these treatments work, this episode is for you.

Listen, share it with someone who could benefit, and subscribe to MedLink Health Connections for more conversations about your health.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Autopilot can feel like productivity until you realize it’s also where stress quietly takes over. I’m joined by Jamie Allen, a licensed clinical social worker with MedLink, to make mindfulness practical, approachable, and useful for real life—even if you think you “can’t meditate.” We explore what mindfulness really is, common misconceptions, and how paying attention to the present moment without judgment can help you break free from automatic stress patterns.

Jamie explains how chronic stress affects the brain, why mindfulness creates space between what happens and how you respond, and how it helps you notice thoughts without being controlled by them. We also share simple techniques you can start today, including mindful breathing, body scans, grounding through the five senses, beginner’s mind, and creative practices like journaling, drawing, singing, or dancing.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

When a kid runs inside scratching like crazy, how do you know if a bug bite is normal, infected, or something more serious? In this episode, we talk with pediatrician Dr. Kathryn McCusker about bug bites in children and teens — what’s normal, why some reactions look worse than they are, and warning signs like trouble breathing, throat swelling, or vomiting that require urgent care.

We also discuss bug bite prevention, including the best insect repellents for kids, how to use them safely, and the truth about DEET percentages. Plus, Dr. McCusker shares simple treatment tips to stop itching, prevent infection, and keep kids comfortable all summer long.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Feeling healthy can be a little misleading. If nothing hurts, it’s easy to assume everything’s fine… but is it?

In this conversation, we sit down with Sarah Brock, a family nurse practitioner at Classic City Health Center, to unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes of your health and why those once-a-year check-ins might matter more than you think.

We explore what an annual visit actually looks like, what providers are quietly paying attention to, and how small, routine tests can reveal things long before symptoms ever show up. From subtle changes in your numbers to patterns you might not notice, it’s all about catching the quiet stuff early.

We also touch on the bigger picture, how mental health fits in, why having a baseline matters, and how preventive care is not just about today, but about where your health is headed.

And of course, we get into the real-life questions people have but don’t always ask, like time, cost, what’s covered, and how it all fits into a busy life.

If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your sign.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Your heart does not need a miracle diet. It needs steady habits that fit your life. We sat down with registered dietitian and certified diabetes counselor Jennifer Wright to focus on what actually works: simple food swaps, small upgrades, and easy rules of thumb that help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol.

We cover the core plate method, half fruits and vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and a quarter whole grains, and explain why unsaturated fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and salmon are better for heart health than saturated fats. Jennifer also clears up myths about coconut oil and “healthy” granola, and shares a simple way to use percent Daily Value on Nutrition Facts labels to quickly spot lower sodium and lower saturated fat options.

You will learn practical ways to cut sodium, make smarter restaurant choices, and add more fiber rich foods like beans. We also talk about the power of daily walking and why small, consistent changes matter most.

If this episode helps simplify heart health, follow, share, and leave a review. Your next heart healthy choice starts today.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Seasonal depression is more common than many people realize, especially during the fall and winter months. In this episode of the MedLink Health Connections Podcast, we sit down with a behavioral health therapist to talk about what seasonal depression is, why it happens, and how it can affect daily life.

Listeners will learn about common signs and symptoms, simple strategies to try at home, and when it may be time to reach out for professional support. We also discuss how primary care providers and behavioral health services can work together to support mental health.

If you or someone you love struggles with mood changes during certain seasons, this episode offers helpful guidance and reassurance that support is available. If you are ever in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Fifty years is more than a number. It represents thousands of patients cared for, challenges faced head-on, and communities supported along the way. In this episode, we sit down with MedLink Georgia CEO Dave Ward to talk about how MedLink grew from a single small clinic into a trusted healthcare network serving thousands of people, while always keeping patients first. 

Tune in for a meaningful look back and an exciting look ahead. If this mission matters to you, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review to help others find the show. 

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.

Many people still hold outdated beliefs about HIV, leading to fear, missed testing, and preventable infections. In this episode, Dr. Wagenbrenner, an internal medicine physician at MedLink, breaks down the essentials—how HIV affects the immune system, how it differs from AIDS, and why accurate information saves lives. We cover national and Georgia-specific stats, real transmission risks, and the common myths science has long disproven.

We also dive into today’s prevention tools: safer sex practices, PrEP options like Truvada, Descovy, Apretude, and the new six-month injectable, plus PEP and the crucial 72-hour window after possible exposure. Dr. Wagenbrenner explains who should get screened, how rapid and blood tests work, and why easy access to prevention and testing drives down transmission.

Treatment has advanced dramatically, too. Many patients now take one pill a day or receive periodic injections, experience fewer side effects, and reach undetectable viral loads that protect their health and their partners. Dr. Wagenbrenner shares how primary care normalizes these conversations and supports patients without judgment.

If you learned something new, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find trusted HIV prevention and care guidance.

Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to improve access to quality, compassionate care.

Follow us on social media to stay connected and see what’s happening across MedLink Georgia: https://linktr.ee/medlinkga?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9abf8b6b-20aa-4b26-912c-c59f243724be

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it and leave a review. Your support helps more people find the show and stay connected to our mission.