Texas Tech Health Check

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Violent and horrific images of events and even descriptions of these incidents in the media seem frequent and unavoidable, especially recently. This can have a significant impact on your mental health. Natalie Scanlon, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in the TTUHSC School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, explains what impact these images can have on our mental health and on young, developing brains. She recommends setting boundaries and taking a break from the media and other sources of news and gives us tips on how to talk to children about these events.

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Breathe easier as you listen to this podcast about lung health and learn about keeping your lungs healthy. Anuhya Alapati, M.D., pulmonologist in the Department of Internal Medicine, is our expert for this episode. Dr. Alapati tell us  about how to keep our lungs healthy by explaining what symptoms to watch out for, precautions we should take, how exercise helps with lung health and debunks some common myths about lung health. 

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Many of us are aware of our thyroids, but how many of us know what it does or what happens when there’s a problem with our thyroid. Mohammad Sidani, M.D., guest for this episode, tells us all about the thyroid, including the origin of its name, and why if you’re on thyroid medication you should take it exactly as prescribed. Dr. Sidani is a Texas Tech Physicians surgeon and with the TTP Multispecialty Clinic in the UMC Health and Wellness Hospital. Although Dr. Sidani specializes in endocrine surgery, he explains that there are tailored treatments which don’t necessarily involve surgery and if they do, they don’t involve removing the entire thyroid. If surgery is necessary, because of the possible complications, he recommends patients talk to a high-volume thyroid surgeon about treatment.

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Mental disorders affect men and women, but men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Men are also more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What does it mean when men bottle up their emotions? How can we encourage them to seek help? Taylor Johnston, LPC is a licensed professional counselor associate in the Department of Psychiatry’s Counseling Center where he sees patients through our employee assistance program and program of assistance for students. Taylor stresses the importance of a support system, self-care and mindfulness, plus counseling, help lead to better mental health.

The Counseling Center at TTUHSC
Call 806-743-1327 or 800-327-0328

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988

If you are in crisis and one of the following applies to you:

• You feel you are in immediate danger of harming yourself.
• You feel you are in immediate danger of harming someone else.
• You have recently been assaulted or had a traumatic experience.

Please do one of the following:

• Call 911 – you will be connected with the police who can help you get emergency services.
• Call the StarCare Crisis Team  806-740-1414.
• Go to your local emergency room.

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If you or a loved one have food allergies, make sure you check those epinephrine injectors before you hit the road to either drop off a kiddo at camp, take a family vacation or join your friends or family for a meal. Also make sure that you and your loved ones know how to use it properly. That’s the advice from James Tarbox, M.D., an allergist with Texas Tech Physicians. 

Dr. Tarbox tells us what happens to someone when they’re triggered by a food allergy, explains the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, and why we should be prepared if you or a loved one has food allergies. He also shares some upcoming good news for those who do not like needles but have allergies. 

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Be mindful of your feet as you step into the heat this summer. Our expert for this episode is Jerry Grimes, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Grimes reminds us to keep our feet safe by wearing footwear that's appropriate for the occasion, applying sunscreen on our feet if they’re exposed to the sun and if you can’t feel your feet or have diabetes, making sure to check your feet daily. 

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Women are the most common caregivers, but they must remember to prioritize their physical health too. Jennifer Ward, M.D., assistant professor for the School of Medicine's Family and Community Medicine, explains why having annual checkups and screenings is important, but so is knowing one's family medical history. Dr. Ward tells us some common health issues among middle age and older women, debunks some myth's about women's health and reminds patients to advocate for themselves. 

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We’re highlighting women’s health this month and would like to encourage women and girls to prioritize their health. One of the ways to do that is by becoming physically active. Toby Brooks, Ph.D., is program director for the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Master of Athletic Training. Brooks also has worked as an athletic trainer and/or strength and conditioning coach with numerous professional, collegiate, and high school athletics programs. He shares with us what women can do to ease into or step up their exercise routines, and why we should think of it as a long term investment and gift to ourselves and our families. 

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There are more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year, making skin cancer America’s most common cancer. It’s also one of the most preventable ones. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Meredith Pham, M.D., with the department of dermatology at Texas Tech Physicians shares with us facts about early detection and sun protection. Also make a note that the Texas Tech Physicians department of dermatology will be hosting a free skin cancer screening Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UMC Cancer Center at 602 Indiana. No appointment is necessary.

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It’s been 70 years since the first bariatric surgery, and weight loss continues to dominate headlines. As you’ve heard our experts stress before, effective weight loss strategies emphasize changes in habits for long-term weight loss and overall health. Sima Shahbandar, M.D., an internal medicine doctor with Texas Tech Physicians at the TTP Multispecialty Clinic in the UMC Health and Wellness Hospital, talks to us about bariatric surgery and how small, consistent changes can lead to significant weight loss and improved overall health.