LIFE Cast

Pre-eclampsia signals can be missed. It’s important to keep your regular OB appointments and communicate any issues you are having with your health care team so that they can thoroughly monitor you. Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition and has serious health ramifications.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of taking care of yourself and not just focusing on everyone else. We explore why prioritizing your physical and mental health is essential to showing up fully during the transition into parenthood. We also highlight the value of supporting fellow parents as you navigate the challenges and changes that come with becoming a parent.

The new year is approaching, and many people are setting goals for healthier eating. Dr. Alixandra Ryan, an internal medicine physician with Infirmary Health, shares tips to help you stay on track.

Dr. Verlisa Kennedy-Franklin, internal medicine physician with Infirmary Health, discusses the holiday blues. A term used to describe low feelings during the holiday season. Listen and learn more.

Join Dr. Derek Robinson, director of Mobile Infirmary’s General Surgery Residency, as he discusses this exciting new program along the Gulf Coast and shares his vision for its future. Learn more about Derek Robinson, MD

Laurie Repoll, physical therapist, explains the importance of pelvic floor therapy, common conditions it can help, and treatment options to restore strength, comfort, and confidence.

Dr. Megan Missanelli, Dr. Jessi Kirk, and Dr. Amanda Williams discuss common vaccine concerns among parents and expecting parents, and explain why immunizations are an important part of protecting both moms and babies.

Dr. Bryan Jordan, MD, discusses Infirmary Health’s comprehensive breast care, including imaging, 3D mammograms, breast MRI, ABUS, and high-risk programs. He explains screening importance, callback concerns, and answers key questions on breast health and diagnostic technologies.

Robert Nelson and Chuck Oates discuss the newest therapy offering from Infirmary Therapy Services, Therapy At Home. Patients can schedule appointments for physical therapy and receive care in person at a location and time that is convenient for them. With Infirmary Health's Therapy at Home, patients will receive treatment from the same therapist throughout their entire care journey, which can help to increase continuity of care.

Christopher Southwood, M.D. aims to clear up a common misconception that stroke only affects individuals over the age of 55. In reality, a stroke can happen to anyone, regardless of age. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Awareness of the risks, signs, and symptoms can help save lives.

A good night’s sleep is critical to your health and wellbeing. If you have challenges with feeling rested after sleeping, have issues with snoring or even stop breathing during the night, you might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can be indicators of larger health problems and it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your physician. Infirmary Health has sleep medicine specialists who are specially trained to diagnose, treat and manage issues relating to sleep disturbances, disorders and address different aspects of sleep health. Dr. Cynthia Crowder-Hicks joins us on this episode of LIFE Cast to discuss sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, and the treatment options available including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Sports specialization, or training in only one sport year-round, is becoming more common among young athletes. The popularity of travel leagues fuels this trend. More research shows that women athletes tend to experience more overuse injuries and severe injuries requiring surgery than their male counterparts. A recent study found a greater risk of concussions, stress fractures, and injuries among specialized athletes.

Sustaining an injury can be frustrating, especially when unsure which doctor to see. However, whether you're a college athlete hurt during a football game or an active individual injured while biking with your kids, it's good to know that sports medicine physicians can treat both types of injuries. So, the answer is yes, you can see the same doctor for both types of injuries.

Rehabilitation is that branch of medicine dedicated to restoring patients’ bodily functions and improve their quality of life as much as possible after suffering from a serious illness or injury. Rehabilitation is used to help those who have lost a bodily function due to disease.

Migraines are not just bad headaches. Migraines can cause disabling neurological conditions including pulsating pain, light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting as well as visual disturbances. Around 39 million Americans, about 1 in 7 people, suffer from migraines. However, that number could be higher because many people struggle to know how to discuss their symptoms with their physician. Dr. Valerie Staples, a family medicine physician with Central Baldwin Physicians, is headache-certified by the National Headache Foundation. She joins us on this episode to discuss headaches, migraine symptoms, their causes and how to start the conversation with your physician to achieve appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

The national breastfeeding initiation rate is 84.1% and the state of Alabama breastfeeding initiation rate is 69.6% and the exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months is even lower at 21%. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for about six months with continued breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods for two years or beyond. Breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention strategy, protecting both infants and mothers from a host of chronic and acute diseases and conditions and building a foundation for life-long wellness. Breastfeeding provides a safe, reliable, and renewable food source, especially during natural disaster and emergency situations. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby and helps reduce illness and the risk of SIDS. At Infirmary Health, we use a multi-disciplinary approach to making your breastfeeding experience a success. Dr. Martha Ruzic, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Mobile Bay OB-GYN, works with Infirmary Health’s lactation consultants, nurses, and neonatologists to help support your initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. She joins us to discuss the importance of breastfeeding and how Infirmary Health supports breastfeeding moms.

Does your heart beat feel irregular? You could be experiencing a problem with your heart’s electrical system, which sends signals through your cells in order to regulate heart rate and rhythm. If not treated, these irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias, could lead to stroke and heart attack. Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize on the diagnosis and treatment of irregular heart rhythms. They use a highly specialized tests, devices and procedures to help your heart reach a healthy rhythm. Dr. Thomas Turnage, electrophysiologist with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, joins us to discuss common conditions that can cause irregular heart rhythms and how new advances are helping patients get back on their feet.

It takes about $2 million a day for Infirmary Health to see patients and operate facilities. How does the system stay ahead in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art care? In part, it's the work and efforts made possible by three Infirmary Health Foundations, one for each acute care hospital on the Gulf Coast.

"Superbugs" sounds like something from a movie but in reality, they pose a real-life health threat. In this episode of LIFE Cast, Chris Whitman, PharmD and Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Infirmary Health explains what stewardship means in relation to pharmaceuticals as well as "superbugs" and drug resistance.

Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In fact, cigarette smoke causes 80-90% of all lung cancer deaths in the United States. If you are a smoker it’s incredibly important for you to know the risk factors for lung cancer as well as the importance of regular screenings. However, only 16 percent of lung cancers are caught at an early stage. Early detection of lung cancer provides patients with more treatment options and a greater chance of survival. Dr. Adrian DiVittorio, pulmonologist with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, joins us to talk about risk factors, screening methods and how Infirmary Health is investing in the latest technology to detect lung cancer as early as possible.