Texas Tech Health Check

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity is a serious problem in the U.S. and puts children and adolescents at risk for poor physical and psychological health. How can parents and caregivers help their children manage their weight? That’s what Amanda Masters, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians pediatrician and associate professor in the School of Medicine, answers for us. Dr. Masters also explains how obesity is measured and helps us debunk myths with the truth about childhood obesity. 

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Our guest for this episode, Christina Sanders, D.O., associate professor in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Department of Neurology and a pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) and brain injury medicine (BIM) physician, goes over different types of brain injuries, symptoms, treatments and long-term effects of letting it go untreated. Dr. Sanders also gives us the basics on what we can do if someone hurts their head or if we suspect someone might have an injury.

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There are few more painful or confusing experiences than a gallbladder attack. This episode's guest, Justin Vaughan, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians surgeon, explains what a gallbladder does and how gallstones are formed, what triggers an attack and the risks associated with not getting treatment. 

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The annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America on Oct. 14 and it will be visible in parts of the U.S., with the greatest path visibility in Texas. Everyone should know by now not to stare directly at an eclipse but may not know why. Our guest, Kelly Mitchell, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians ophthalmologist, explains why we shouldn’t look directly at the eclipse and describes the damage it can do to our eyes. Dr. Mitchell also warns us about using our smart phones to look at the eclipse and gives us tips at how to enjoy the eclipse without harming our eyes.

Pinhole projection
ISO 12312-2 Standard for Solar Viewers 

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There are nearly  6 million children in the U.S. with asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What can you do if your child has asthma and how can you encourage them to be active without triggering an asthma attack? Our guest for this episode is Adaobi Kanu, M.D., is a pediatric pulmonologist for Texas Tech Physicians. She explains what asthma is, what causes it, what triggers attacks, what treatments are available and what parents and caregivers can do to keep their kiddos safe. 

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Plastic surgery is more than just improving someone's appearance. It involves much more, including procedures such as repairing complex wounds. For a variety of reasons, some people choose to get plastic surgery abroad, but they might come home with more complications. Guests for this episode, Bryce Stash, M.D., and Deepak Bharadia, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians surgeons, explain what plastic surgery is and how to choose a surgeon. 

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Alcohol use tends to be higher among college students compared to non-college youth. Frequent heavy drinking (binge drinking) can greatly increase one's chances of developing an alcohol use disorder, which can cause serious physical and emotional damage. This episode's guest explains the dangers of college binge drinking and alcohol abuse and provides strategies for students who would rather not drink. Christopher Townsend, Ph.D., is director for the School of Health Professions Your Life Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic and a licensed clinical addiction specialist.

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How can parents and guardians and college students themselves make sure their first year of higher education is a fun yet safe and productive experience? Our guest for this episode is David Edwards, M.D., medical director for TTUHSC's Student Health Services,  and associate professor of Sports Medicine in the School of Medicine. Dr. Edwards talks to us about physical and mental changes experienced by typical college students as well as how substances such as caffeine, alcohol and drugs affect development. He also gives us advice on managing stress, getting enough sleep and how to recognize when a student needs help. 

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Synthetic opioids like fentanyl, are oftentimes mixed with other illicit drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin and marijuana, leaving many users unaware they were taking fentanyl. What does this mean for someone who is mentally ill or is taking other prescription medications? Our guest for this episode is Poorvanshi Alag, M.D., assistant professor in the School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and an addiction psychiatrist. She explains the problems that could arise from someone unknowingly taking fentanyl and also why even though marijuana is legal for recreational use in some states, patients should still talk to their doctor before indulging. 

This is our last episode for the 2022-2023 season. We will return Aug. 22, 2023.

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More than 25 million adult Americans experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence. It can happen at any age too. For women, what are the causes and treatments? Guests for this episode are Melissa Sanford, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians urologist, and Kristen Sharma, Texas Tech Physicians urology family nurse practitioner. They answer our questions and explain what happens during a new patient visit because women don’t have to suffer in silence or shame. There is help.