MedSoup Podcast

High-Tech and Child-Centered Care at Merhoff Pediatric Dentistry

Two of the top pediatric dentists in the Triad of North Carolina discuss how they apply the highest cosmetic dental technology for young patients. Pediatrics dentists Dr. Tina Merhoff and Dr. Melissa Blake discuss how they approach restoring children's smiles at Merhoff Pediatric Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC. They detail how they focus on making children feel at ease while receiving the highest-quality care. The pediatric dentists and the entire team at their practice understand that restoring a child's smile is more than just a dental procedure—it’s about building confidence and supporting overall well-being. Using advanced materials like zirconia and Bioflex crowns, they can offer children beautiful, functional smiles that can last until their permanent teeth come in. This, combined with their emphasis on preventive care and education, ensures families can count on long-term dental health. Tune in to find out more about restorative care, tooth restoration, why a child would need cosmetic dentistry, and some of the types of pediatric dental crowns, including:

The practice offers several types of crowns, each suited to different needs and preferences.

• Stainless Steel Crowns: These have been a durable and widely used option in pediatric dentistry for decades. While they don't blend with other natural teeth, they are highly effective for molars and non-visible teeth.
• Zirconia Crowns: A more aesthetic option, zirconia crowns blend seamlessly with a child’s natural teeth. These white crowns are a great choice for front teeth, offering strength and durability without compromising appearance.
• Bioflex Crowns: A newer, hybrid option that balances the aesthetic benefits of zirconia crowns and the durability of stainless steel. These crowns require less preparation and are faster to place, making them an efficient choice for patients and practitioners.

Are you, or someone you know, currently experiencing symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, or nausea? Not sure how to get the right help? Then you do not want to miss out on this episode! Our guest today, Caitlin Bennett, is a physical therapist who specializes in the niche area of vestibular and neurological physical therapy. We’ve had Caitlin on the show before to talk about vestibular disorders. However, we take a closer look and discuss them in more depth today. We talk about three specific disorders she commonly sees and the ones people often have the most questions about. We dive into what these three disorders are, how they are diagnosed, treated, and the prognosis associated with each. Caitlin is incredibly knowledgeable about all types of vestibular disorders and does a fantastic job explaining more about them and bringing awareness because, as she passionately says, you do not have to live like that! Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode, so tune in now!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to our topic today.
• Caitlin tells us about Benign Proximal Positional Vertigo or BPPV.
• The definition of vertigo: a symptom associated with BPPV.
• She talks about the cause of BPPV and the inner ear's anatomy.
• How vertigo differs from lightheadedness or general disequilibrium.
• She expands on the frequency, duration, and recurrence of BPPV.
• How BPPV is diagnosed and treated and the prognosis associated with it. 
• More about the recurrence of BPPV.
• Unilateral hypofunction or unilateral vestibular hypofunction, and what it entails.
• The most common causes of unilateral hypofunction.
• How vestibular rehab can improve equilibrium, balance, and overall movement confidence.
• The importance of strength training in vestibular rehab for unilateral hypofunction.
• Caitlin explains the process of habituation. 
• The difference between vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis.
• How to diagnose unilateral hypofunction, either with an ENT or physical therapist.
• Caitlin shares the prognoses of treatment for unilateral [vestibular] hypofunction.
• The next vestibular disorder: Cervicogenic dizziness.
• What characterizes cervicogenic dizziness in the clinical syndrome.
• How it’s diagnosed as a diagnosis of exclusion (and what that means).
• Caitlin explains what happens with cervicogenic dizziness.
• More on the process of diagnosing cervicogenic dizziness.
• The treatment related to cervicogenic dizziness and what to look for when planning treatment.
• Why this disorder often doesn’t happen by itself (but can be accompanied by BPPV or unilateral hypofunction).
• The importance of getting the help you need, you don’t have to live with these symptoms.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

CarolinaRehab.com

Dr. Caitlin Bennett PT, DPT on Instagram

Call the office: +1 704 - 881 - 0088

Today we are at Carolina Specialty Care medical center speaking to their Infusion Services Manager, Nurse Cynthia Rosenbalm. Cynthia explains the differences between infusion/IV therapy and injections, what the infusion therapy process looks like and the pain levels that can be expected, the conditions that the therapy commonly treats, and other medications that are usually prescribed alongside IV therapy. Our guest gives us a breakdown of biologic medications, their common side effects, whether these medications are covered by insurance, how Carolina Specialty Care health practitioners assess their client’s health before, during, and after treatment, and why the clinic prioritizes patient care and comfortability. To learn more about receiving infusion therapy for yourself and your loved ones, tune in now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Nurse Cynthia Rosenbalm explains what her role at Carolina Specialty Care entails.
• The difference between infusion/IV therapy and an injection. 
• Taking a look at the infusion process and the pain levels that can be expected. 
• What infusion therapy is used for; the medical conditions that it treats. 
• How Carolina Specialty Care helps referred patients from other practices. 
• Assessing what determines the length of an infusion therapy treatment. 
• Other medication that could be prescribed alongside infusion therapy. 
• Cynthia explains what biologic medications are and how to avoid their common side effects. 
• Why she and her staff assess each patient’s health before and during therapy sessions. 
• The research that goes into biologics and whether these medicines are covered by insurance.
• Why the fact that Carolina Specialty Care is independently owned is beneficial for patients. 
• The emphasis that the clinic places on individual care and making patients comfortable.
• Where to start if you’re interested in receiving biologic treatments. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Cynthia Rosenbalm on LinkedIn

Carolina Specialty Care 

Carolina Specialty Care on LinkedIn
Carolina Specialty Care on Instagram

Carolina Specialty Care on Facebook

Carolina Specialty Care | Infusion Therapy 

Carolina Specialty Care | Request an Appointment 

Dr. Robert Wodecki

Pregnancy is an exciting time, filled with the anticipation of the arrival of your new baby. However, pregnancy is often accompanied by discomfort or pain, and it is not talked about enough. Once you’ve given birth, there are a whole host of new issues that can arise, from urine leakage, pain during intercourse, and other pelvic-floor-related symptoms. Our guest today is Liz Annas, a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic-floor physical therapy at Caroline Rehab in Statesville. During our conversation today, Liz introduces us to the world of pelvic-floor physical therapy including common issues that arise both during pregnancy and post-partum, and she takes us through what a pelvic-floor treatment session entails. If you want to find out more about whether pelvic-floor therapy is for you and how you can gain access to a pelvic-floor therapist, then do not miss out on this episode of the MedSoup Podcast. Join us now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Liz introduces the focus of today’s talk: pelvic floor physical therapy.
• The prevalence of these pregnancy-related issues and how patients end up with Liz.
• Factors that can increase your post-partum symptoms. 
• Liz shares more specifically about what a pelvic-floor treatment session entails.
• Other symptoms to look for that relate to pelvic-floor issues.
• Treatment options for pregnant women.
• Liz shares her personal experience with pelvic-floor rehab.
• Where you can find a pelvic-floor therapist.
• What sparked Liz’s interest in pelvic-floor therapy.
• How she prepares to provide this type of treatment/ training to her patients.
• It’s not just for women, there’s a whole world of male pelvic-floor physical therapy. 
• Her thoughts on the effectiveness of pelvic-floor physical therapy treatment. 
• Why doing your homework is the ticket to success.
• When referrals are necessary for pelvic-floor therapy.
• Waiting list process and how long it takes to get in and see Liz.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Liz Annas on LinkedIn

Carolina Rehab

Carolina Rehab Phone Number: +1 704 881 0088

Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

If you’re dealing with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and nausea, then you have an idea of just how debilitating and isolating an experience it can be. Because while you may look fine on the outside, on the inside, you’re likely struggling just to get through the day. Finding the source of these symptoms isn’t always straightforward — since any number of factors can cause it. And while vestibular disorders have been shown to respond very well to treatment, it can often take months of dizziness and discomfort before a patient is diagnosed and can get the help they need. Our guest today, Caitlin Bennett, is a physical therapist specializing in vestibular and neurological physical therapy. In our conversation, Caitlin shares her insights on the vestibular system, how it helps us maintain our equilibrium, and how physical therapy treats these disorders. We also discuss the importance of educating the public on vestibular disorders and how she has seen her tight-knit community spread the word and help people find treatment. We loved having Caitlin on the show, and her compassion for those suffering from vestibular disorders is apparent in everything she does to treat and support them. Tune in as we talk with her about the benefits of physical therapy, how to spot the signs of a vestibular disorder, and much more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know today’s guest, Caitlin Bennett.
• Why a vestibular disorder often causes dizziness.
• How the vestibular system functions to support your equilibrium and sense of balance.
• The ways physical therapy is used to treat vestibular disorders.
• How Caitlin tailors each session according to the individual’s needs.
• Why dizziness and vestibular disorders can be so debilitating and isolating.
• The differences between chronic and acute vestibular disorders.
• An outline of the neurological conditions and associated symptoms that Caitlin treats.
• The important role that mindset plays in recovery and treatment.
• Why having loving support at home is so important for recovering from vestibular disorders.
• Discover the surprising place where Caitlin has gotten many of her referrals from.
• Progress is being made in educating doctors and others on recognizing the signs of a vestibular disorder and how to find help.
• Medications that are typically prescribed for dizziness and why it’s not a long-term solution.
• The high rates of recovery that Caitlin sees among her patients.
• Why following your rehab exercises at home is crucial.
• How Caitlin treats patients who are dealing with post-concussion syndrome.
• Find out how you can get an evaluation at Carolina Rehab.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

CarolinaRehab.com

Dr. Caitlin Bennett, PT, DPT 

Call the office: 704-881-0088

The opioid crisis has been wreaking havoc on our society for many years now. Whether prescribed as pain management for chronic pain or post-surgery maintenance, or other gateway drugs, the impact can be seen across the country. On our show today we have guests Amy Heusinger, a nurse practitioner working in interventional plan management and addiction, and Physician Assistant, William "Norm" Carlson, who also works in pain management and addiction, both at Carolina Specialty Care. We hear from them about the addiction program at Carolina Specialty Care, the prevalence of drug addiction, and how pain management can sometimes lead to addiction problems. They talk to listeners about the demographic they see, how they transition patients from overusing their opioids, and how motivation plays a big role in treatment success. For all this, and much more, don’t miss out on this episode, so tune in now. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• They tell listeners about the addiction program at Carolina Specialty Care.
• More about medication-assisted treatment. 
• How they control the environment surrounding addiction treatment. 
• We talk about the prevalence of [drug] addiction.
• Steps you can take to assist someone who may be worried about asking for help with their addiction.
• How initial pain management can lead someone down the drug addiction road.
• The patient demographic they see at the drug addiction program. 
• How they transition chronic pain patients from overusing their opioids.
• The role that motivation plays in weaning off of pain medications.
• How addictive characteristics, genetics, and family traits play a role in addictions.
• They talk about the different intervention techniques available at Carolina Specialty Care.
• We talk about Suboxone and how it works. 
• What patients are doing outside of the clinic to help lead a healthier life.
• We talk about insurance and whether treatment at the clinic is covered.
• More about the in-patient treatment.
• How to get into the clinic for treatment and how quickly patients can get in. 
• Where to get more information about the treatments available at Carolina Specialty Care.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Amy Heusinger

William Carlson

CarolinaSpecialtyCare.com

Call the office: 704-872-8711

BBL (Broad Band Light,) is there anything it cannot treat? Despite seeming purely cosmetic, there is a world of medical benefits too. Susan Stevens, a nurse and expert in all things laser is here to discuss different treatments Eterna Aesthetics provides, how to decide on the right treatment for you, and what to expect before, during, and after. Susan discusses the different types of treatment, from BBL to IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and photo facials, the effects BBL has on different skin tones, and how to be conscious of picking the right time to start your treatment. There are more treatments than you think, BBL can help with acne, rosacea, warts, sunspots, and more. Tune in to hear Susan’s expert advice on it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why BBL is a workhorse at Eterna Aesthetics. 
• The effects of seasons on BBL.
• When the right time to get BBL is.
• The areas of the body where you can get BBL.
• What is BBL HERO?
• The importance of choosing laser filters.
• How to manage treatments with darker skin tones.
• How to prepare for BBL treatment.
• How Eterna Aesthetics prepares and consults patients for treatments. 
• A Scion study on anti-aging treatments.
• Treatments for sun damage and sunspots.
• What pain to expect when having BBL treatment. 
• Recommended age groups for BBL.
• How the Scion Joule laser can treat toenail fungus, rosacea, and acne.
• How to contact Eterna Aesthetics.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scion and Stanford University Anti-Aging Study

Sciton

Sylfirm X

Susan Stevens

Eterna Aesthetics

Eterna Aesthetics on YouTube

Eterna Aesthetics on Instagram

Eterna Aesthetics on Facebook

Call the office: 704-402-1072

As we age, we start noticing little lines here, loss of volume there, and small facial changes that didn’t exist when we were in our 20s. Today, we hear from Heather Hollandsworth, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Dermatology at Mooresville Dermatology Center and Eterna, as she shares some valuable insight into some of the different treatment options that can help smooth away those unwanted facial lines! Heather talks to us about skin health, Eterna’s prescreening process, and the different types of treatments available. Concerned about whether the treatment is safe? In need of some skincare routine tips? Tune in today to hear more about skincare and skin health from Heather!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Heather’s role at Mooresville Dermatology Center and Eterna.
• Why it’s important to check skin for health prior to laser treatments.
• The reason for injectables; fillers, botox, etcetera. 
• The two different mechanisms used by the team to treat unwanted facial lines.
• Heather discusses whether this type of treatment is safe. 
• A description of the experience of injectables. 
• How Mooresville customizes your treatment plan.
• Results: what to expect and how often one needs to receive treatment.
• How Heather handles the discomfort of injections.
• Why going to an experienced injector is important (for safety reasons and more). 
• Contraindications for these types of treatments to be aware of. 
• Heather shares simple tips for a healthy skincare routine. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Heather Hollandsworth

Heather Hollandsworth on LinkedIn

Heather Hollandsworth on Instagram

Eterna Aesthetics

Mooresville Dermatology Center

Sylfirm X

Susan Stevens

Eterna Aesthetics

Call the Office: 704-402-1072

We are joined with Dr. Robert Wilson, II, the founder of Piedmont Interventional Pain Care. For over 15 years, he has proudly served patients in Salisbury and greater Rowan County region. We are defining interventional pain practice and what all entails in a practice like his. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Wilson, II, and his practice by visiting https://piedmontpaincare.com/.