Breathe in. Breathe out. You might take the simple act of breathing for granted, but for those struggling with COPD or emphysema filling the lungs with oxygen can – literally – take their breath away. But now AtlantiCare offers hope in the form of the Zephyr valve. Interventional Pulmonologist Amit Borah, MD, returns to Spreading the Health to discuss this new technology and how it’s revolutionizing quality of life for eligible patients. Keywords: Amit Borah, COPD, emphysema, breathing, Zephyr valve, interventional pulmonology

What is small, shaped like a butterfly and has an outsized impact on how your body functions? Say hello to the thyroid, the gland in your neck that serves as the body’s HVAC system, regulating how the body operates and stays comfortable. Magesh Sundaram, MD, stops by Spreading the Health to discuss exactly how that happens, and also what happens when the thyroid doesn’t work the way it should. Keywords: Thyroid, Cancer, AtlantiCare, Magesh Sundaram, Neck

Urination. We all do it, but sometimes it gives us trouble. Because it is a sensitive subject, we aren’t always comfortable speaking up about our discomfort. But in this episode of Spreading the Health, Brian Steixner, MD, stops by to dispel some common misconceptions and destigmatize issues like these as well as others related to urologic health. Keywords: Urology, AtlantiCare, Brian Steixner, Misconceptions, Stigma

Behavioral Health issues have leapt into the mainstream in recent years, propelled by greater awareness and acceptance of their prevalence amongst our friends, neighbors and loved ones. In this episode of Spreading the Health, Corporate Director of Clinical Behavioral Health Gloria-Ann Seel stops by to discuss AtlantiCare’s work in this area. In the first half, she explores the organization’s work in behavioral health. Then, we shift gears to talk more about substance use disorder and AtlantiCare’s efforts in that area.Keywords: AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, substance use, support, resources

Take a deep breath as Spreading the Health prepares to dive into chest health. You may not think much about your lungs beyond breathing in and out, but multiple conditions can impact how efficiently your chest operates. From COPD and emphysema to cancer, AtlantiCare is prepared to care for you. Interventional Pulmonologist Amit Borah, MD, joins Laura and Kevin to discuss all aspects of chest health. Keywords – Chest Health, Amit Borah, Lungs, Interventional Pulmonology

We’ve all felt a flutter in our heart at some point in our lives. Sometimes, it’s from nerves. Other times, from love. In this episode, Haitham Dib, MD, joins Laura and Kevin to talk about atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It’s the kind of flutter you don’t want to have. Luckily, there are many things you can do to treat AFib and keep your heart healthy and strong, and Dr. Dib is here to tell us how.Keywords: Haitham Dib, Heart, Atrial Fibrillation, AFib

In Part I, Alvaro Galvez, MD, discussed surgical weight loss solutions. But surgery is not for everyone. In Part II, Laura and Kevin are joined by Mariah Sykes, a physician assistant with the AtlantiCare Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness. Weight loss does not occur overnight, and Mariah discusses the medical management programs at AtlantiCare that are helping people take control of their weight and health. She shares important information about the process, the bumps you might encounter along the way and the strength patients can gain from each other.Keywords: AtlantiCare, Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness, Weight Management, Strength, Health

Few health conditions are as misunderstood as obesity. While some might think people struggling with their weight lack the will to be healthier, the fact is obesity is a disease with no one-size-fits-all solution. In Part I of this episode of Spreading the Health, Laura and Kevin learn about surgical solutions for weight loss from Alvaro Galvez, MD, from the AtlantiCare Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness. He explains the evolution of surgical options, outlines what new patients can expect and shares how losing excess weight can impact your life.

We’ve all heard the advice: Drink your milk for healthy bones. Well, sure, getting enough calcium in your diet can help keep osteoporosis at bay, but it’s not the only solution. In this episode, Kevin and Laura dive into the world of osteoporosis. AtlantiCare rheumatologists Zain Abideen, MD, and Susan Ward, MD, join Spreading the Health to share their expertise, dispel a few myths and introduce AtlantiCare’s new Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Program.

When a loved one nears the end of their life, it is an emotional time, and figuring out how they want to be cared for in their final days can be difficult, if not impossible. In this episode, Laura and Kevin talk to Christopher Bolich, MD, about Advanced Care Planning and the importance of proactively discussing your wishes with loved ones and your providers before it’s too late. They also talk about palliative care vs. hospice care, and get a few tips on how to have these difficult conversations.Keywords: Advanced Care Planning, Living Will, Christopher Bolich, MD, Palliative Care, Hospice