Baptist HealthTalk

Why would a neurologist recommend an infusion instead of a pill, and what should patients expect when they arrive for treatment? Neuro infusion therapy can be used for conditions including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease, but the process can feel unfamiliar or intimidating at first.In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez speaks with Janisse Marin and Leah Marcelin about how neurological infusion therapy works, why it may be recommended, and how care teams help patients through treatment. What neuro infusion therapy is and how it differs from chemotherapy  Why an infusion may be chosen instead of an oral medication  What happens before, during and after an infusion appointment  Common side effects and how patients are monitored for reactions  How infusion therapy is used for multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease  Why some treatments are designed to slow disease progression rather than immediately relieve symptoms  How education and a coordinated care team can make treatment less overwhelmingHost:Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist HospitalMedical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist HealthGuests:Janisse P. Marin RN, MSNChief Nursing Officer/Assistant Vice President Baptist Outpatient ServicesHalena Leah Marcelin, PharmDAssistant Vice President, Pharmacy Business Affairs & DevelopmentBaptist HealthIf you found this episode helpful, we recommend the following for additional information:Infusion Care for Osteoporosis: What Patients Should KnowThe Power of Infusion Therapy: What You Need to Know

After a breast cancer diagnosis, what happens first—seeing an oncologist, having surgery or starting chemotherapy? And how do doctors decide between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Mehran Habibi, Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery with Baptist Health Cancer Care, to answer common questions patients search online about breast cancer surgery and treatment.They discuss: The difference between a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist  Who patients typically see first after a breast cancer diagnosis  How doctors decide whether chemotherapy or surgery comes first  Why chemo first does not automatically mean the cancer is more aggressive  Whether chemotherapy can be shortened when a tumor responds well  Why second opinions and breast cancer specialists can matter  The truth about the myth that surgery or biopsy can make breast cancer spread  Why treatment may still be needed after a tumor is removed  How doctors and patients choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy  Why feeling fine is not a reason to delay recommended treatment  How lymph node involvement affects staging and treatment  Options for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction  How AI is beginning to support breast imaging, surgical planning and treatment decisions Subscribe to Baptist Health for more expert conversations on health, wellness, prevention and treatment.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuest:Mehran Habibi, M.D.Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery Baptist Health Cancer CareIf you found this episode helpful, we recommend these links for additional information:Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What's Next?Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screenings, and When to SpeakLife After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope

Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing repeatedly during the night — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times — without you realizing it. And while loud snoring is a common warning sign, it is not the only one.In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with sleep specialist Dr. Edward Mezerhane about how sleep apnea affects the body, the symptoms people often miss, and what can happen when the condition goes untreated.They also break down how sleep apnea is diagnosed, why weight and airway anatomy matter, what to do if CPAP is difficult to tolerate, and the other treatment options available. What sleep apnea is and how common it may be  Why people can stop breathing without realizing it  Common and overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea  The connection between sleep apnea, weight gain and heart health  Whether losing weight can improve sleep apnea  How sleep studies confirm a diagnosis  Ways to make CPAP easier to tolerate  Alternatives to CPAP, including oral appliances and surgical options Sleep apnea is highly treatable. If you regularly wake up exhausted, snore loudly, or a bed partner notices pauses in your breathing, getting evaluated may help improve both your sleep and your long-term health.For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News.Host:Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist HospitalMedical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist HealthGuest:Edward Mezerhane, M.D.Sleep Medicine PhysicianIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your SleepThis is What Lack of Sleep Does to your Brain and HeartPillow Talk: Uncovering the Sleep-Heart Link

Weight loss medications can bring the number on the scale down quickly—but are you losing fat, muscle or both? And why do some people feel weaker or less healthy even while the pounds are coming off?In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with clinical pharmacy specialist Erin Dorval and physician assistant Lisa Davis about what GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are doing inside the body, why muscle preservation matters and how resistance training and nutrition support healthier, more sustainable results.They discuss: Why rapid weight loss can include significant muscle loss  How GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and quiet “food noise”  Why resistance training should begin at the start of treatment  What “Ozempic face” really is—and what causes it  How protein, hydration and smaller portions may help manage side effects  Why medication dosage does not always need to keep increasing  The risks of rapid weight loss and unmonitored compounded medications  How pharmacists, cardiology teams and other providers can work together  Practical ways to build healthier habits without trying to change everything at once The goal is not simply to lose weight. It is to improve strength, function, metabolic health and long-term quality of life.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuests:Erin Dorval, PharmD, CPhClinical Pharmacy SpecialistBaptist HealthLisa K. Davis, DMSc, PA-C, CLSPhysician AssistantBaptist Health Heart & Vascular CareIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Weight Loss MedicationsWeighing the Options: Diet, Exercise and MedicationWeight Loss Medication vs Surgery: What to Know

El síndrome de ovario poliquístico ahora se conoce como síndrome ovárico poliendo-metabólico, o PMOS, un nombre que refleja mejor cómo esta condición puede afectar mucho más que los ovarios y la fertilidad.En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles conversa con la endocrinóloga Dra. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil y la obstetra-ginecóloga Dra. Ingrid Paredes sobre el diagnóstico, los síntomas, los riesgos metabólicos y las opciones de tratamiento. Por qué el cambio de nombre ayuda a comprender mejor la condición  Síntomas como períodos irregulares, acné, crecimiento de vello y dificultad para perder peso  La relación entre PMOS, resistencia a la insulina, diabetes y salud cardiovascular  Cómo se diagnostica y por qué no todas las pacientes presentan los mismos signos  Opciones de tratamiento según los síntomas, el metabolismo y los planes de embarazo  Por qué un diagnóstico de PMOS no significa que una mujer no pueda quedar embarazada Con un diagnóstico temprano, cambios saludables en el estilo de vida y un tratamiento individualizado, el PMOS puede controlarse. Las especialistas también comparten un mensaje claro: hay opciones, tratamiento y esperanza.

Polycystic ovary syndrome has long been associated mainly with irregular periods, ovarian cysts and fertility concerns. But the condition can also affect insulin resistance, weight, heart health, diabetes risk and other systems throughout the body—one reason the new name PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is gaining attention.Host Sandra Peebles talks with Baptist Health endocrinologist Dr. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ingrid Paredes about what the name change means, how PMOS is diagnosed and why symptoms can look very different from one woman to another.In this episode: Why the condition is about much more than ovarian cysts  Common signs, including irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and hair loss  How doctors diagnose PMOS and rule out other hormonal conditions  What PMOS means for ovulation, fertility and unplanned pregnancy  The connection to insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular risk  Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone and GLP-1 medications  Why early diagnosis and coordinated care can improve long-term health PMOS is manageable, and a diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Early evaluation by an OB-GYN and an endocrinologist can help patients address both reproductive and metabolic health.Host:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuests:Ingrid Paredes, M.D. Obstetrician/GynecologistPriscilla Escalona Villasmil, M.D.Endocrinologist Baptist Health

Summer can wreck your sleep in ways you may not expect: hotter nights and longer daylight to travel, jet lag, alcohol, caffeine and changes in your daily routine can all play a role. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, sleep medicine physician Dr. Edward Mezerhane explains how these seasonal disruptions can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed. He also clears up common melatonin myths, including why taking more does not necessarily it'll work better, and why timing matters. You’ll learn practical ways to cool your bedroom, protect your sleep schedule and recognize when poor sleep may signal an underlying sleep disorder. Listen now to discover seven ways summer can wreck your sleep and what you can do to wake up feeling restored.Host:Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist HospitalMedical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist HealthGuest:Edward Mezerhane, M.D.Sleep Medicine PhysicianIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:This is What Lack of Sleep Does to Your Brain and HeartThe Science Behind Sleep and its Connection to our HealthHow Much Sleep Do Kids and Parents Really Need Each Night?

Breast cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, including many who are not yet old enough for routine mammograms. What warning signs should women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s recognize, and what should they do when a concern is dismissed?Host Johanna Gomez, a breast cancer survivor, speaks with Dr. Starr Mautner, breast surgical oncologist, and Dr. Reshma Mahtani, chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. They explain why knowing what is normal for your body, understanding your personal risk and advocating for proper imaging or a biopsy can make a critical difference. Why breast cancer rates are increasing in younger women  Lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and other symptoms that should not be ignored  How lifestyle, alcohol use, genetics and family history may affect risk  When screening should begin and why dense breast tissue matters  Why an ultrasound does not replace a mammogram  When to push for a biopsy or seek a second opinion  Fertility preservation and coordinated care for younger patients  Practical steps women can take to protect their breast health Early detection matters. Know your body, understand your risk and do not ignore a change that does not feel normal for you.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuests:Starr Mautner, M.D.Breast Surgical OncologistBaptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer InstituteReshma Mahtani, D.O.Chief of Breast Medical OncologyBaptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer InstituteIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and HopeYoung Women and Breast CancerBreast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later

Osteoporosis can silently weaken bones long before a fracture happens. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez talks with April Tchumy, orthopedic nurse practitioner with the Bone Health and Fracture Prevention Program at Baptist Health, about how infusion care and injection therapies can help protect bone health and reduce fracture risk.Many people hear “infusion care” and think of cancer treatment, ports and hours in a chair. But for osteoporosis, infusion and injection treatments can look very different — and may be an important option for patients at higher risk of fractures.In this episode: • How osteoporosis is diagnosed through bone density screening • When screening may be needed before the standard age guidelines • The difference between oral medications, IV infusions and injections • Why some patients may need bone-building treatments first • Common side effects and what patients can expect • How calcium, vitamin D and strength training support bone health • Why preventing hip and spine fractures is such a major treatment goal • How treatment success is measured over timeListen to Baptist Health Talk for more conversations on prevention, wellness and the most searched health topics.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuest:April Tschumy, APRN, ONP-CMetabolic Bone SpecialistBaptist Health Orthopedic CareIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Osteoporosis Explained: Risks, Screenings, and Strength Training

Weekend warriors may love the competition, but going all out without the right preparation can lead to injuries, heart health concerns and setbacks that keep men from staying active long term.In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Steve Goldstein leads a special men’s health panel featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer Zach Thomas, Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo, Baptist Health Orthopedic Care sports medicine physician Dr. Luis Rodriguez and Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care cardiologist Dr. Sergiu Darbant.Together, they discuss how men can train smarter, recover better and build healthier habits that last.In this episode, you’ll hear about:• Why weekend warriors should avoid jumping straight into intense activity• Common injuries men experience as they age• How to tell the difference between soreness, pain and a warning sign• Why warmups, hydration, sleep and recovery matter• What athletes like Zach Thomas and Bam Adebayo still prioritize today• How walking, strength training and consistency can support heart health• Why mental health is part of overall wellness for menWhether you are getting back into fitness, staying active after 40 or trying to avoid injury while still competing, this conversation offers practical advice for building a healthier routine.Host:Steve "Goldie" GoldsteinNHL Panthers TV Play by PlayGuests:Bam AdebayoMiami HEAT All-Star & two-time Olympic gold medalistLuis Rodriguez, M.D.Primary Care Sports Medicine PhysicianBaptist Health Primary CareSergiu Darabant, M.D.CardiologistBaptist Health Heart & Vascular CareZach ThomasMiami Dolphins Alumni & Pro Football Hall of FamerIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Real Talk for Weekend Warriors: How to Stay in the GameHow Elite Hockey Players Recover: Matthew Tkachuk on Sleep, Health & PerformanceMen's Health Matters: Do It For Your Family

NBA legend and Miami Heat icon Alonzo Mourning joins Baptist Health primary care physician Dr. Daniel Ramon for a powerful conversation about men’s health, preventive screenings and why feeling fine does not always mean being healthy.During this special Men’s Health Month discussion, Mourning opens up about his kidney transplant, prostate cancer diagnosis and heart procedures — including the routine checkup that led doctors to discover a serious heart rhythm issue even though he felt completely fine.Together, Mourning and Dr. Ramon encourage men to take charge of their health, schedule regular checkups, ask questions, know their family history and stop waiting until something hurts before seeing a doctor.Because as Mourning says: “If you don’t go, you don’t know.”For more health and wellness resources, visit Baptist Health South Florida’s Resource Blog: https://baptisthealth.net/newsGuests:Alonzo MourningMiami HEAT Alumni, NBA Hall of FamerProstate Cancer SurvivorDaniel Ramon, M.D.Family Medicine PhysicianBaptist Health Primary CareIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:The Screening That Changed Everything for Alonzo MourningChampioning Men's Health: A Conversation with Alonzo MourningThe Conversation Men Need to Have and Why It Starts Now

How is 3D printing changing orthopedic surgery and patient care?In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles explores how 3D printing is being used in orthopedic care, from surgical planning to improving accuracy in the operating room. Guests Dr. Frantz Lerebours, orthopedic surgeon at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, and Dr. Tyler Goodwin, FIU Baptist Health Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellow, explain how patient-specific 3D printed guides can help surgeons plan procedures before entering the OR.They discuss:• How 3D printing is used in shoulder replacement surgery • Why patient-specific guides can improve surgical precision • How this technology may reduce time in the operating room • The difference between 3D printed guides and implants • How 3D printing is helping with deformity correction • What the future may hold for robotics, implants and orthopedic innovationTechnology is helping surgeons better visualize anatomy, plan procedures more precisely and improve the overall patient experience.For more health and wellness information, visit: https://baptisthealth.net/newsSubscribe to Baptist Health Talk for more conversations with medical experts from Baptist Health South Florida.Host:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuests:Frantz Lerebours, M.D.Orthopedic Surgeon Baptist Health Orthopedic CareTyler Goodwin, M.D.FIU/Baptist Health Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellow

Migraines are often dismissed as “just a bad headache,” but they can be much more serious and disruptive. So what actually causes migraines, and when should someone stop trying to push through the pain?In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Maria Vera Silva, neurologist at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, and Dr. Andrew Forster, internal medicine physician at Baptist Health Primary Care, about what migraines are, how they affect the brain, and why treatment is not one size fits all.In this conversation, they discuss: Why migraines are considered a neurologic disease  How migraines differ from regular headaches  Common triggers, including stress, hormones, sleep changes, foods and weather  The connection between migraines and mental health  Treatment options, including anti inflammatories, triptans, CGRP inhibitors and Botox  What to know about viral migraine “hacks” on social media  When migraine symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor Migraines can interfere with work, school, family life and everyday activities. Understanding the signs, triggers and treatment options can help patients get the right care sooner.For more health and wellness information, visit Baptist Health South Florida’s resource blog: baptisthealth.net/newsHost:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuest:Maria Andreina Vera Silva, M.D. NeurologistBaptist Health Miami Neuroscience InstituteAndrew Forster, M.D. Internal Medicine Physician Baptist Health Primary CareIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:A 'Heads Up' on Migraine & Headache Disorders

What happens after breast cancer treatment ends? For many survivors, finishing treatment is a major milestone, but it does not always mean life immediately goes back to “normal.”In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez, a breast cancer survivor,  speaks with breast cancer survivors Andrea de Armas and Nancy Antoine, both treated at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, talk about diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and the emotional journey that continues long after active care ends.They discuss:• Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age • The importance of self advocacy and getting checked • The physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy • Fear of recurrence and scan anxiety • Fertility, hormone therapy and long term care • Body image, reconstruction and restorative tattooing • The importance of mental health and survivor community • How survivors can move from surviving to thrivingBreast cancer survivorship can bring new challenges, but it can also bring strength, purpose, community and hope.For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News.Breast Cancer Survivor & Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuests:Andrea de ArmasBreast Cancer Survivor Nancy AntoineBreast Cancer SurvivorIf you found this episode helpful, you may also like:Young Women and Breast CancerDiagnosed with Breast Cancer: What's Next?Breast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later

Los derrames cerebrales no solo afectan a personas mayores. Cada vez se están viendo más casos de stroke en adultos jóvenes, incluso en personas menores de 55 años. ¿Por qué está pasando esto? ¿Qué factores de riesgo pueden estar detrás? ¿Y cómo reconocer las señales a tiempo?En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles conversa con el Dr. Felipe De Los Ríos La Rosa, neurólogo cerebrovascular y director del programa de stroke en Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, sobre lo que todos debemos saber para prevenir y actuar rápidamente ante un derrame cerebral.En esta conversación aprenderás:• Por qué los derrames cerebrales están aumentando en adultos jóvenes • Cuáles son los principales factores de riesgo • Cómo sustancias recreativas como cocaína, estimulantes y marihuana pueden influir en el riesgo cardiovascular • Qué síntomas pueden confundirse con intoxicación o cansancio • La diferencia entre un mini stroke y un AIT • Por qué llamar al 911 puede marcar la diferencia • Qué hábitos pueden ayudar a reducir el riesgo de strokeAunque el riesgo nunca es cero, muchos factores relacionados con los derrames cerebrales pueden modificarse con prevención, chequeos médicos, alimentación balanceada, ejercicio, buen descanso y manejo del estrés.Para más información sobre salud y bienestar, visita: https://baptisthealthtalk.buzzsprout.comPresentadora:Sandra PeeblesPeriodista GalardonadaExperto: Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D.Neurólogo CerebrovascularDirector del Programa de StrokeBaptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Stroke is often thought of as something that happens later in life — but more young adults are experiencing strokes, and many don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late.In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, cerebrovascular neurologist and director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, about why stroke risk is rising among younger adults and what people can do to protect themselves.You’ll learn:• Why strokes are becoming more common in adults under 55 • How recreational drug use, alcohol, vaping and marijuana may affect stroke risk • Why being young, active or healthy does not make you immune • The FAST warning signs everyone should know • What a TIA or “mini stroke” really means • Why calling 911 quickly can make a major difference • Practical steps that may help lower your stroke riskDr. De Los Rios also explains why stroke symptoms can be missed in younger people, how sudden changes in speech, vision, balance or strength should never be ignored, and why prevention should start earlier than many people think.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Baptist Health experts on health, wellness and prevention.For more health and wellness resources, visit: https://baptisthealth.net/newsHost:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuest:Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D.Cerebrovascular NeurologistDirector of Stroke CareBaptist Health Miami Neuroscience InstituteIf you found this episode helpful you may also enjoy:Stroke Awareness: Act FASTYoung People and Strokes: A Troubling TrendStroke: Every Minute Counts

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because many people do not know they have it until they suffer a fracture. But when should you start paying attention to your bone health — and what can you do now to protect yourself?In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with Dr. Maria Kyriacou, primary care sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, about osteoporosis, bone density, menopause, weight loss medications, strength training and prevention.In this episode, you’ll learn: What osteoporosis is and why it matters  Why bone loss can begin earlier than many people think  How menopause affects bone density  What a DEXA scan measures  Why strength training is key for stronger bones  How nutrition, calcium, vitamin D and protein support bone health  Whether Pilates, yoga and weightlifting are safe  How weight loss medications may affect nutrition and bone density  Why men also need to pay attention to osteoporosis  How AI may help patients access better resources and information If this conversation was helpful, subscribe for more trusted health guidance from Baptist Health experts.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuest:Maria Kyriacou, M.D.Primary Care Sports Medicine PhysicianBaptist Health Orthopedic Care

What are brain tumors, who is at risk, and what symptoms should you never ignore? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, we break down the most searched questions about brain tumors, including common warning signs, treatment options, myths about cell phones, and why there is more hope today than ever before.Host Johanna Gomez is joined by Dr. Rupesh Kotecha, Chief of Radiosurgery at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, and Dr. Evan Bander, neurosurgeon and co-director of the Pituitary Tumor Program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What brain tumors are and how common they are • The difference between benign and malignant brain tumors • Whether cell phones or AirPods increase brain tumor risk • Symptoms such as persistent headaches, nausea, vision changes and seizures • When surgery, radiation, CyberKnife or other treatments may be used • Why multidisciplinary care matters for brain tumor patients • What glioblastoma is and why it receives so much attention • How palliative care supports quality of life • Where doctors see hope in newer treatment approachesSubscribe for more expert conversations on health, prevention and wellness from Baptist Health South Florida.Host:Johanna GomezAward-Winning Host & JournalistGuests:Rupesh Kotecha, M.DChief of Radiosurgery & Director of Central Nervous System MetastasisBaptist Health Miami Cancer InstituteEvan Bander, M.D.Neurosurgeon & Co-Director of the Pituitary Tumor ProgramBaptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Brain Tumors: Myths vs. FactsBrain AneurysmCaregiver 101: How to Support a Loved One with Brain Cancer

Can you reverse heart aging—or at least slow it down?In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles is joined by Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, Chief Medical Executive of Integrated Services and Precision Care at Baptist Health, for a fascinating conversation about heart aging, longevity, inflammation, and the everyday habits that have the biggest impact on cardiovascular health.Together, they break down the science behind aging hearts, explain the growing research surrounding the extracellular matrix (ECM), and separate real prevention strategies from social media wellness hype.You’ll learn:• What “heart age” actually means—and how it’s measured • Why exercise is still the most powerful thing you can do for your heart • How sleep affects inflammation, heart health, and aging • What happens to the heart and blood vessels as we get older • The truth about biohacking, cold plunges, and red light therapy • Whether supplements and stem cell therapies really help • Why chronic disease impacts the heart, brain, and kidneys together • If heart aging can actually be reversed after age 50 • The truth about red wine and heart health • How lifestyle habits influence long-term cardiovascular riskWhether you’re focused on prevention, healthy aging, or simply trying to understand what really matters for heart health, this episode offers practical, science-backed guidance you can actually use.Host:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuest:Jonathan Fialkow, M.D.,Cardiologist, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care  Chief Medical Executive of Integrated Services & Precision CareBaptist HealthIf you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy:Heart Disease in Young Adults: Why It's Rising (and What to Watch Out ForWhat You Can do to Prevent a Heart Attack TodayFather-Son Cardiac Experts Debunk Top Heart Myths

Pensar en una cirugía puede causar miedo… pero hoy en día, la realidad es muy diferente.En este episodio de Baptist Health Talk, el Dr. Juan Carlos Verdeja explica qué hacen los cirujanos generales, desde tratar hernias hasta problemas de la vesícula, y cómo es realmente la recuperación con técnicas modernas.Gracias a la cirugía laparoscópica y robótica, los procedimientos son menos invasivos, la recuperación es más rápida y los pacientes vuelven a su vida normal mucho antes.En este episodio hablamos de: Qué trata un cirujano general  Hernias y problemas de la vesícula  Cuándo buscar atención médica  Cómo es la recuperación  Mitos comunes sobre la cirugía 🎧 Infórmate, prepárate y toma decisiones con confianza.Presentadora:Sandra PeeblesPeriodista GalardonadaExperto:Juan Carlos Verdeja, M.D.Jefe de la División de Cirugía GeneralBaptist Health Medical Group

Thinking about surgery can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, Dr. Juan Carlos Verdeja, Chief of General Surgery, breaks down what general surgeons actually do—from treating hernias to removing gallbladders—and what recovery really looks like today.Thanks to modern techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgery, procedures are less invasive, recovery is faster, and patients are back to their normal lives sooner than ever.We cover: What general surgeons treat  Common conditions like hernias and gallstones  When to seek medical care  What recovery really feels like  Debunking common myths about surgery 🎧 Listen and feel more informed, prepared, and confident about your care.Host:Sandra PeeblesAward-Winning JournalistGuest:Juan Carlos Verdeja, M.D.Chief of the General Surgery Division Baptist Health Medical GroupAffiliate Dean, Professor of Surgery & Director of Laparoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery,FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine