Health Talks with HRH

Dr. Mirza Baig, a nephrologist with Hendricks Regional Health explains kidney-friendly nutrition and the many benefits modifications can have for patients.

Glenda Spaulding shares what a respiratory therapist is, what are some common respiratory conditions respiratory therapists treat, what symptoms people should look out for that would indicate they may need to see a doctor for respiratory therapy treatment, and types of treatments respiratory therapists provide.

Sharon Monahan, RN, CCST explains the pros and cons of different car seats, safety tips for installation including the use of coats and blankets, and how long your baby should stay rear-facing.

Tammy Navarro discusses feeding and swallowing difficulties in babies and small children, what parents need to watch out for and the treatment options available for this concerning disorder.

Palliative Care is often confused with Hospice. Dr. Elaina DiOrio explains the difference between the two, the types of services palliative care provide and the types of patients who may benefit from palliative care.

Whether you're enjoying a day on the beach or sweating it out at a summer sports camp, proper hydration can make the difference between a good day and a day that ends in the hospital. Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Mark Tompkins, discusses proper hydration and warning signs for dehydration.

The CDC recently released safety tips for interacting with animals at state fairs, zoos, aquariums and in the home. Sandy Benson, an Infection Preventionist at Hendricks Regional Health, discusses these tips and offers advice on how to keep your family's next animal adventure a healthy one.

Many families plan get-togethers during the summer – but if you are not careful, these celebrations of summer fun and sun can end up making everyone sick. Sandy Benson, an Infection Preventionist at Hendricks Regional Health, is here to tell us how four simple steps (clean, separate, cook, chill) can protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

Patients who visit the emergency department often return to the ED within 24 to 48 hours. Readmission occurs when patients still have concerns about their condition or medication. Hendricks Regional Health’s new Emergency Department Discharge Clinic provides follow-up care after emergency visits. Amy Wilson, RN, discusses the importance of follow-up care, checking patient progress, and more details on the new clinic.

When the weather warms up, people engage in a number of activities that make them vulnerable to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes. According to the CDC, there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of vectorborne diseases over the last couple of years. There are preventative actions people can take to prevent exposure. Sandy Benson, BSN, RN, discusses the ways in which you can prevent vecterborne diseases and to improve awareness so that people know how to protect themselves and their communities from mosquitoes, ticks, bugs, flies and other vectors.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox and it can cause a painful rash and many other uncomfortable symptoms. The only way to prevent and protect yourself from shingles is by getting vaccinated. Elizabeth Wright, MD, discusses the new two-dose shingles vaccine, Shingrix and why it might be a more effective vaccine.

The peak of flu season may be winding down, but it’s still a great time to discuss infectious disease prevention. Sandy Benson, RN, discusses the difference between viruses and bacteria, including colds, pneumonia, and strep throat, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick.

Although the concept of self-care is simple in theory, it is not easy to carry out consistently. Good self-care is key to better health, improved mood, reduced anxiety, good relationships with oneself and others and so much more. Awareness of how you are doing physically, emotionally and spiritually requires practice and constant attention. Too many of us wait until we are in crisis before we take the time to care for ourselves. Joining the show to discuss the importance of self-care is April Johnson, MD. She is a pediatrician with Hendricks Regional Health.

If you are someone who is in need of health insurance, or you pay medical bills, you might have noticed the terminology can be a little confusing. When you get bills for medical expenses, do you understand what a copay is, or what it means when they say you have to meet your deductible, or out of pocket max? Understanding some of the more important terms can go a long way to helping you get the insurance that will work for you and to help you figure out exactly how much a treatment will cost. It can be tricky to navigate health insurance and healthcare in general. Marisa Price is a Patient Financial Advocate at Hendricks Regional Health, and she is here to help clear up the confusion and sort through some of the terminology that accompanies health insurance.

Most people think of physical therapy as exercises to regain mobility after surgery and recover from orthopedic and sports injuries. However, physical therapists can also help patients find relief from cancer related issues and other health concerns in the pelvic area. Joining the show to tell us more about the role physical therapy can play in cancer care and pelvic health is Christy Wilson. She is a physical therapist with Hendricks Regional Health.

When your child needs surgery it is bound to cause some anxiety, for both of you. Your job as a parent is to help make the process as easy as possible for your child. But that can be hard to do when you are experiencing your own worries and concerns. Research shows that kids feel better faster and heal more quickly when they are prepared for their surgery. Here to speak with us today about steps the hospital takes to get children (and their parents) comfortable for an upcoming pediatric surgery, is Marie Frazier, RN, BSN. She is the Clinical Manager at Hibbeln Surgery Center at Hendricks Regional Health.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually happen together. However, one may happen without the other(s). In this information packed segment, pediatrician Ruth McCluskey, MD., joins the show to discuss raising a child with ADHD and treatment options available at Hendricks Regional Health.

Headaches are something many people experience. If your headache symptoms are severe enough, your primary care doctor may refer you to a neurologist. The neurodiagnostic services offered at Hendricks Regional Health assist physicians in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders and diseases. Neurologists are medical specialists that focus on diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. Some of the common conditions they treat include headaches or migraines, stroke, dementia, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. They help manage chronic pain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep disorders. In this segment, Joseph Herr, MD., joins the show to discuss at what point someone suffering from headaches should seek out a visit with a neurologist and what other roles a neurologist plays as part of your health care team.

The Care Act enacted January 2016 in Indiana has impacted who can make a decision concerning a patient's health care choices. And many patients are easily confused by the number of Patient Designees they may be asked to designate to make health care choices for them should they become incapacitated or unable to communicate wishes. Rhonda Conrad, Director of Transitions of Care at Hendricks Regional Health, has information that is important for anyone who may need to stay in the hospital or designate a care giver.

When you first start a relationship it can seem like everything is new and exciting. However, to have a successful long-term relationship, effort is needed by both parties to ensure the relationship is healthy and that it lasts. How do you build a healthy, long lasting relationship? Dr. Tanya Farman, with Hendricks Regional Health, joins us today to explain the basic characteristics of a healthy relationship and to provide guidance on when a person may want to seek professional assistance.