Weekly Dose of Wellness

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.

As we celebrate Spanish Heritage Month this September, we recognize how cherished traditions—like family gatherings and passed-down recipes—shape our heart health. Dr. Christina Rodriguez shares how Hispanic families can protect their hearts from disease, especially when high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease are part of the picture, all while preserving the culture that unites them. Learn more about Christina Rodriguez Ruiz, M.D.

Ready to delve into the critical intersection of cardiology and oncology? In this episode, Dr. Fernando Mendoza and Dr. Peyman Kabolizadeh unravel the intricacies of heart health during cancer treatment. Discover the potential heart complications that may arise from radiation therapy and the innovative technologies at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute designed to mitigate these risks. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or health care enthusiast, this insightful discussion promises to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of cancer treatment while safeguarding heart health.

This episode dives into the importance of nutritious, balanced lunches for children and teens as they head back to school. Corcoran Downey, a clinical dietitian at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, shares practical tips for parents and caregivers on how to pack meals that fuel learning, boost energy, and support overall well-being—without adding stress to busy mornings.

Join Dr. Kevin Shah as he delves into the alarming rise of heart disease within the South Asian population. In this eye-opening podcast, Dr. Shah explores the genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits that contribute to this pressing issue. Discover the preventive measures and tailored healthcare approaches that can make a difference in managing heart disease in this community. Tune in for expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable advice that could save lives. Learn more about Kevin Shah, M.D.

Join us for a conversation with Rita Goshert, director of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, as she delves into the transformative impact of medical play on children's healing journeys. In this episode, Rita shares her expertise and experiences, highlighting how medical play can alleviate anxiety, foster understanding, and empower young patients facing medical challenges. Learn more about Rita Goshert, MA, CCLS

This episode focuses on the formation of body image in teenagers and the impact of peer pressure and social media. Dr. Amy Morse, a board-certified psychologist in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, shares valuable tips for parents and caregivers on how to support teens in developing a healthy self-esteem. Tune in to learn how to counteract the negative influences and promote a positive body image. Learn more about Amy Morse, PsyD, ABPP

This episode explores the emotional challenges children and teens face as they transition back to school. Dr. Amy Morse, a board-certified psychologist in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, shares expert insights and practical strategies for parents and caregivers to help ease anxiety, build resilience, and foster a confident start to the school year. Learn more about Amy Morse, PsyD, ABPP

In this episode, Dr. Bhattacharya sheds light on the often-overlooked condition of sleep apnea—its warning signs, health risks, and the life-changing impact of early detection. Joined by a sleep specialist, the conversation dives into how to recognize potential symptoms in yourself or loved ones and explores the latest in diagnostic tools and treatment options. From simple lifestyle adjustments to advanced therapies like CPAP and the Inspire device, discover how innovation is reshaping the future of sleep health.

As summer approaches, kids are spending more time outside—riding bikes, climbing on playgrounds, and walking through their neighborhoods. It’s a season full of adventure and fresh air, but it also brings a higher risk of injuries. That’s why we’re turning to Jennifer Rodriguez from Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Injury Prevention Program. In this episode, she shares practical safety tips every parent and caregiver should know. From pedestrian safety to preventing playground injuries and making sure helmets are worn correctly, Jennifer covers the essentials to help keep kids safe while they enjoy the sunshine. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or just someone who cares about the well-being of kids in your community, this is a conversation worth tuning into.

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, not unexpected trips to the emergency room. Unfortunately, pediatric emergency departments often experience a 10% to 20% increase in visits during the weeks leading up to and following the holidays. In this podcast, Jen Rodriguez, injury prevention coordinator, will share valuable insight on how to ensure a safer holiday season when selecting gifts for children.

This podcast episode will explain the science and safety of childhood vaccines, highlighting how they prevent serious illnesses and protect individual children and the broader community. It will emphasize why timely vaccination is crucial for public health.

Leslie Young M.D. discusses when parents should take their kids to the emergency room vs. urgent care. He shares the services urgent care can provide before going directly to the emergency room. He also shares how accessible urgent care is and the ability to get in line from your phone - as well as receive virtual urgent care. He does mention immediate alarming signs for when a child should go into the emergency room.

In this episode, Phillip Yuan, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, discusses how MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is revolutionizing spine surgery with the Stryker Q Spine Guidance 5 System with Copilot. He explains how this advanced technology enhances surgical precision, improves patient outcomes, and streamlines procedures, making spine surgery safer and more efficient than ever before.

In this episode, Dr. Ioana Pal, adolescent psychologist at the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, will explore the emotional and psychological toll school shootings have on children and teens. Whether they’ve experienced a shooting directly or are affected by the constant coverage, kids today are growing up in a world where safety at school is no longer guaranteed. Dr. Pal will discuss how exposure to violence impacts mental health, what signs of trauma parents and educators should look for, and how to help children process fear and anxiety in healthy ways.