We Are Valley Podcast

Most of us know we're spending too much time on our devices. The harder question is: what do we do about it?

In part two of our Digital Overload series, we are joined again by Kathryn Murray, LICSW, and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, for a practical conversation aboutbreaking unhealthy screen habits, improving focus, protecting sleep, and creating healthier boundaries with technology.

From doomscrolling and notification overload to screen-free weekends, mindfulness, and "going old school," you'll learn simple, realistic strategies to help your brain reset and reclaim your attention. Whether you're trying to be more present with your family, improve your mental health, or just spend lesstime reaching for your phone, this episode offers actionable tips to help you find more balance in a constantly connected world.

Additional resources:

Learn more about Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic and find additional mental health resources: https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic

ADHD in Adults: https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq

Tips for How to Help Your Mood: https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo

In part one of our latest We Are Valley podcast, we take a closer look at something many of us feel but may not fully understand: digital overload. Joined by Kathryn Murray, LICSW, and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, we explore how constant screen time is shaping ourfocus, relationships, and overall well-being.

From the rise of telehealth and always-on connectivity tothe subtle ways our attention is being pulled in multiple directions, this conversation unpacks why so many people are feeling mentally stretched. Our clinicians share a balanced perspective, highlighting both the benefits oftechnology and the growing need to be more intentional about how we use it.

We also dive into how digital habits may be affectingexecutive functioning, sleep, and mental health, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or ADHD. And when it comes to social media, we discuss how curated “highlight reels” can contribute to loneliness, comparison, and a distorted sense of reality.

This episode sets the stage for part two, where we’ll shiftfrom understanding the problem to exploring practical ways to reset, reconnect, and regain control of our time and attention.

Additional resources:

Learn more about Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinicand find additional mental health resources: https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinic

Tedx Talk – The Battle for Your Time: Exposing the Costs ofSocial Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5U

ADHD in Adults: https://wkce.io/LumJrJUq

Tips for How to Help Your Mood: https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo

The Prep, The Procedure, and Prevention

Colon cancer screening saves lives—and starting at age 45,it’s more important than ever to get on the schedule. In this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we talk with Dr. Brandon Teng, gastroenterologist at Valley Medical Center, about why screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, how colonoscopies help detect and prevent colon cancer, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Dr. Teng also addresses common concerns about bowel prep, compares colonoscopies with at-home stool tests, and shares symptoms that may require screening before age 45. The conversation highlights the role of Valley’s GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center, including upper endoscopies, other digestive conditions, and Valley’s direct-access colonoscopy program designed to make preventive care as simple and seamless as possible.

Additional resources:

·        To learn more or schedule a colonoscopy at Valley Medical Center, visit valleymed.org/colonoscopy.

·        Learn more about digestive health and the role of a gastroenterologist: https://www.valleymed.org/gastroenterology

·        Learn about our guest, Dr. Brandon Teng: https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/t/brandon-j-teng

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, or MIGS, is an advanced approach in gynecologic procedures that uses smaller or in some cases, no incisions. The benefits of MIGS procedures are faster recovery time and less pain than traditional surgery.

Hear from gynecologic surgeons Olga Valieva, DO and Eric Schmidt, DO discussing:

• What does the term minimally invasive gynecologic surgery mean?
• Some reasons why you may consider getting a MIGS procedure.
• Things to ask about if you are having consultations with a surgeon about a MIGS procedure.
• What getting a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery looks like at Valley
• What is vNOTES?

Learn more about MIGS options offered at Valley- https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migsValley Women’s Healthcare Clinic - https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/obgyn-services

Our Guests:

• Olga Valieva, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valieva
• Eric Schmidt, DO

Valley Medical Center surgeons are experienced in minimally-invasive and robotic surgery approaches for a variety of conditions including:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Polyps

When every second counts, what happens behind the doors of Valley’s Emergency Department? In this episode, Emergency Medicine leaders Dr. Cameron Buck and Katherine Bendickson share what it means for Valley to be one of Washington’s busiest Level III Trauma Centers. They explain the triage process, the teamwork that makes rapid response possible, and why most trauma cases aren’t what you might expect.

Learn more about Valley’s Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center and find additional resources: https://www.valleymed.org/trauma

A disease of nerve damage, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms come from areas of the nervous system being damaged by the disease, so signs and symptoms vary. In honor of MS Awareness Month, we talk to Valley's MS specialist, Sargon Bet-Shlimon, MD, about the diagnosis of, and treatment for, multiple sclerosis. 

Learn about MS care at Valley.

Learn about the Neuroscience Institute.

Read more about MS on our blog.

Metabolic syndrome is not always formally diagnosed, but there are real ways to manage your risk. Amitoj Marwaha, MD, with Valley's Cardiology Clinic, sat down with the We Are Valley Podcast to discuss what patients should know about the conditions that lead to MetS, how to prevent MetS, and why managing MetS health factors is important for preventing additional health concerns.

In this episode we reflect on what Valley's new Cancer Center will mean, not only for Valley patients, but for the whole South King County community.

Listen to an in-depth discussion with Navanshu Arora, MD, Associate Medical Director of Cancer Services, and Chermaine Wulff, Manager of Medical Oncology and Infusion Center. You'll learn about cancer care at Valley, the amazing care team that makes it possible, and all the resources in our new Cancer Center.

Join us for the grand opening!

When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 4 - 8 PM

Where: Valley Medical Center East Pavilion, 4009 Talbot Rd. S, Renton - 3rd floor

Park in Garage C and cross the Bridge of Hope to the new Cancer Center

Learn more about our new Cancer Center:

valleymed.org/cancercenter

Learn more about cancer care at Valley:

valleymed.org/cancercare

Donate to help make Phase 1B and Phase 2 a reality:

valleymed.org/donate

Stress and food –  two things we all deal with, especially during the holiday season. On this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we’re exploring the connection between what we eat and how we feel. Valley psychotherapists Nancy Eveleth, LMHC, and Dani Dutro, LMHC, share insights on emotional eating, cravings, and simple, year-round strategies to build healthier habits.

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress or looking for tools to support your well-being any time of year, this conversation is packed

Mayo Clinic article on disordered eating

Digital shareables on eating disordered - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Books with further information:

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

The Self Healing Cookbook by Kristina Turner

 Books by Geneen Roth

Everybody eats. And patients, staff, and visitors at Valley are no exception. In celebration of the teams that make it all possible, we sat down with Jerry Roundy, Director Culinary and Nutrition Services to learn more about what happens behind the scenes to feed our hospital 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

In this episode you'll hear about:

And more!

Additional resources: