Texas Tech Health Check

Send us Fan Mail

Children eye diseases and conditions are common, but certain diseases can only be cured if caught before they turn two. Temiloluwa Abikoye, M.D., an ophthalmologist, specializing in pediatric ophthalmology at Texas Tech Physicians, describes and explains these conditions and diseases. Dr. Abikoye also tell us what physicians look out for and what parents should pay attention to in their children, especially infants. 

Send us Fan Mail

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and more prevalent among Black and Hispanic populations. Matt Porter, M.D., is an ophthalmologist in the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences. Dr. Porter explains the different types of glaucoma and treatments and how it affects our vision. He also demystifies the myth that only older adults get glaucoma and stresses why we should get checked for it.

Send us Fan Mail

Self-care isn't selfish. It's taking time to do the things that will help improve your physical and mental health. Poorvanshi Alag, M.D., assistant professor in the department of psychiatry, explains the different kinds of self-care and why it's important to practice, even small acts of self-care. 

Send us Fan Mail

One of the things our experts agree on for improving our health, in addition to quitting smoking, is getting daily exercise. Move that body. How do you start or how do you get back to exercising if it’s been a while? Here to tell us how to ease into it is Toby Brooks,  Ph.D., associate professor and program director of the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Master of Athletic Training. Brooks has worked as an athletic trainer and/or strength and conditioning coach with numerous professional, collegiate, and high school athletics programs.

Send us Fan Mail

Since the pandemic, many of us have seen an increase in the time we spend in front of screens – whether it’s placing an order for food or a delivery, scheduling an appointment, doing homework or chatting with friends or family. That additional time in front of screens could be harming our physical and mental health. Our guest for this episode is Logan Winkelman, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director for the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Dr. Winkelman tells why some of us can’t stop looking at our smartphones or tablets and what happens to our health when we spend too much time looking at our phones. She also has tips on how to limit screen time and reminds us to set our phones down and enjoy the moment – that is after you finish listening to this episode.

Spotify 2023 top episode with Winkelman: "Taking Care of Your Mental Health at Work"

Send us Fan Mail

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time dedicated to help the public understand the benefit of this type of serious-illness care and the importance of advance care planning. Our guest for this episode is Kelly Klein, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians Department of Family Medicine and associate professor in the TTUHSC School of Medicine. Dr. Klein explains the difference between hospice and palliative care, explains the process, and gives us suggestions on how we can approach this subject of advance care planning with family members.

Send us Fan Mail

It's the season to say "thanks," but expressing your gratitude daily could help improve your health. Our guest for this episode is Natalie Scanlon, Ph.D. She graciously accepted our invitation to come back and tell us the benefits of gratitude on our mental and physical health. Dr. Scanlon encourages us to practice gratitude and mindfulness and see if you start to notice any difference. Dr. Scanlon, is a clinical psychologist in the department of psychiatry at TTUHSC. 

Send us Fan Mail

Many of us celebrate Halloween,  Dia de los muertos, and even All Saints Day and All Souls Day -- the time of year when we remember loved ones who have passed away. These holidays also give us an opportunity to think about loved ones we lost and how we grieve. However, some people, regardless of age, can become overwhelmed by their grief. Prolonged grief disorder is when the feeling of intense grief persists and prevents someone from continuing on with their life. Our guest for this episode is Natalie Scanlon, Ph.D., clinical psychologist in the department of psychiatry. Dr. Scanlon explains what prolonged grief disorder is, how they diagnose and treat it and what we can do for our family, friends or coworkers who are grieving.

Send us Fan Mail

Eating disorders can cause a lot of harm to children and adolescents, but treatment is available. Our guest for this episode is Rosa Gomez de Jesus, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians pediatrician. Dr. Gomez explains the different types of eating disorders, warning signs, treatment and advice for parents and caregivers to help their children.

Send us Fan Mail

It’s the time of year when we go over the list of things we need to do to prepare for the fall and winter – take warmer clothes out of storage, get our cars serviced, prepare our lawns and gardens for the upcoming harsh weather and get vaccinated against flu, COVID and RSV. Our guest for this episode is Fiona Prabhu, M.D., School of Medicine Professor, Director of Community Engagement in the Department of Family Medicine and The Free Clinic Medical Director. She tells us what vaccines are available for us and how they work to protect us and others and what else we can do to prepare for the rest of the fall and winter so we can stay healthy and enjoy our time with our friends and family.