Weekly Dose of Wellness

Tingling hands, numb feet, unexplained weakness—are your nerves trying to tell you something? In this episode, we explore nerve conduction studies and how this simple test can uncover hidden nerve damage and help get you back on the path to feeling like yourself again.

It may not be dinner table conversation yet, but we need to get more comfortable talking about our rear ends. Colorectal cancer has risen drastically among younger people, and now we’re seeing another concerning trend with anal cancer. For both men and women, high risk HPV has been linked to increased rates of anal cancer, and the best way to screen is through a test called an anal Pap smear. Many women find the test more comfortable than a vaginal Pap smear, and it can conveniently be done during the same visit. Although the topic can feel uncomfortable, awareness and early detection are critical. In this episode, Dr. Ketan Thanki takes the mystery (and stress) out of this important screening and explains how HPV prevention, including expanded vaccine eligibility for adults ages 26–45, can help lower cancer risk. 

Learn more about Ketan Thanki, MD 

If you’ve ever felt electric shock-like pain in your jaw, cheek, or teeth — and your dentist says everything looks fine — you’re not alone. In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Sheri Palejwala explains how these mysterious symptoms could point to trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder that’s often misdiagnosed. Learn how to spot the signs, what questions to ask your doctor, and how new treatments are helping patients finally find relief.

Why does it seem like your child is always sick once winter rolls around? In this episode, we tackle the questions every parent asks: Does cold weather really make kids sick? How do you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? And when should you worry that it’s something more serious? We’ll share practical tips to boost your child’s immunity, explain why back-to-back illnesses happen, and give you expert advice on when to call a doctor—or use MemorialCare’s 24/7 virtual urgent care for peace of mind. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Is this normal?’—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Lower back pain is more than just an annoyance—it can impact your sleep, mood, and daily life. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Huo breaks down what really causes lower back pain, how to prevent it, and what treatments actually work. From posture tips to advanced pain management, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for feeling better and moving freely.

Open Enrollment is here, and yes, it can be confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. From October 7 to December 15, you’ve got a window to make smart choices about Medicare coverage for yourself or loved ones. In this episode, Jose Juarez cuts through the jargon and lays out what you really need to know—so you can feel confident, not overwhelmed.

The majority of congenital heart defects are detected before birth or shortly after—but not always. In this episode, we explore how some heart conditions can go unnoticed until a child faints during sports, struggles to breathe while crawling, or simply seems more tired than usual. Though these cases are less common, they highlight the importance of recognizing subtle signs. With real-life examples, including Bronny James’ cardiac arrest during practice, we speak with a pediatric heart expert from Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital about what parents should be aware of, how these conditions are diagnosed, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right. It’s a conversation that empowers families with knowledge and awareness.

Join Dr. Hanna as we unpack why back pain is everywhere—from bad posture to aging—and how the Back & Neck Health Center at Long Beach Medical Center is flipping the script with non-surgical, personalized care. Whether you're desk-bound or just tired of hurting, this episode shows how integrated spine care can help you move better and feel stronger, without the need for surgery.