BayCare HealthChat

Should I go to the bathroom just in case? What's the right amount of fiber and protein? In this episode, family medicine physician Dr. Mausam Mehta answers these and other frequently asked questions.To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org/Doctors 

Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized, prescribed plan following a cardiac event or surgery that's focused on physical activity, nutrition and stress management. Dr. Zara Babayan, board certified in cardiovascular disease, and Roxany Leon, cardiac rehab supervisor, discuss what patients can expect in cardiac rehab and the many benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks and improved overall wellbeing. Learn more about cardiac rehab at BayCare.

Proton and photon (X-ray) therapy are two treatments for cancer. In this episode, Dr. Greskovich, a radiation oncology specialist, explains the key differences, who benefits most from proton therapy, including patients with tumors near critical organs or those needing re-treatment after prior radiation, and how doctors determine the best approach for each individual.Learn more about Proton Therapy at BayCare. 

Properly wearing sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer and slow signs of aging. Understand the truth behind common sunscreen myths as Dermatologist Dr. Dahlia Osment debunks and shares tips on choosing and applying sunscreen. To find a primary care doctor at BayCare, go to BayCare.org/Doctors. 

Every parent and guardian wants to see their kid with a bright and healthy smile. Pediatric dentist Dr. Frank Sierra discussing the role of fluoride in water and children's dental health, its benefits, risks and guidelines for use and dental care for optimal oral health.To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org.

Florida has the most deaths from drowning in children ages one to four and ranks fourth in the nation for unintentional drowning deaths for all ages. Pediatric critical care physician Dr. Tara Smith discusses key prevention measures and water safety features to give parents knowledge and help save lives.To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org.

Gynecologic cancers are a top health condition affecting women; learn what to watch for. Dr. Logan Corey, gynecologic oncologist, covers key risks, symptoms, screening and evolving treatments.

Chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure are largely driven by lifestyle habits, including nutrition. Discover nutrition tips like the Mediterranean diet and how they can be easily incorporated. Dr. Charisse Huot discusses the diet’s health benefits and how to make delicious, nutritious meals using food as medicine. To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org/Doctors

When your child faces a medical emergency, specialized care can make all the difference. Pediatric emergency physician Dr. Juan Carlos Abanses explains what sets pediatric emergency care apart, including advanced training, child‑specific equipment and how pediatric ER teams support both children and families during stressful moments.Learn more about pediatric emergency rooms at BayCare.

Appendicitis is a common and treatable disorder, but the signs and symptoms shouldn't be ignored. In this episode, board certified general surgeon Dr. Eftechios P. Xanthoudakis dives into appendicitis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Exercise oncology brings structured, individualized exercise into cancer care. In this episode, surgical oncologist and medical director of BayCare Cancer Institute, Dr. Peter Blumencranz, and medical fitness supervisor and exercise oncology educator, Juan Torres, explain how physical activity helps cancer patients maintain strength, manage treatment side effects and improve survival outcomes.To learn more about the BayCare Cancer Institute, go to BayCare.org/Cancer 

Experiencing repeated pregnancy loss can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. In this episode, OBGYN Dr. Carlos Lamoutte shares insight into possible causes and treatment options, offering understanding, guidance and hope. To learn more, go to BayCare.org 

Sudden cardiac events in young athletes can occur without warning, raising urgent questions for families, coaches and anyone involved in youth sports. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Kelvin Lau explains what sudden cardiac arrest is, why student athletes may be more vulnerable and what steps like monitoring symptoms and incorporating routine EKGs that can help protect kids competing at any level. To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org.  To learn more about EKG screenings for student athletes, go to baycare.org/specialties-and-treatments/pediatric-services-at-baycare/pediatric-ekg-screenings.

Bullying and cyberbullying on social media and gaming platforms are very common nowadays. One fifth of kids are bullied and it happens every seven minutes. Pediatrician Dr. Jordan Coyner gives parents helpful advice on what to look for and how to empower and educate their child. To learn more about BayCare Kids On Our Sleeves, go to BayCareKidsOnOurSleeves.org. To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org.

BayCare HealthHubs® are transforming the way patients access care by offering multiple services under one roof. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli explains how BayCare HealthHubs are designed to streamline your health care journey, reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction.

Maintaining movement during desk jobs is crucial for reducing health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Cameron Miller, a certified athletic trainer, shares practical strategies to stay active and improve overall wellness at work.

Healthy stress management starts with listening to your body. BayCare psychotherapist Selma Bacevac discusses the difference between coping and managing stress, and why it matters for your long-term mental and physical health.  To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org/Doctors

Genetic testing can lead to early cancer diagnosis and save lives. Deena Wahba discusses genetic testing, BRCA mutations and how results can guide breast cancer screening and prevention. 

BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners shares BayCare’s bold vision to grow the region’s largest academic health system. She explains how BayCare’s partnership with Northwestern Medicine is transforming access to world-class care, expanding graduate medical education, advancing research, and training the next generation of health care providers—so no patient ever has to leave West Central Florida for care.Learn more about BayCare’s academic health system at BayCare.org/Academic

Good posture is key to having a healthy spine and reducing back pain. Orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Benjamin Streufert discusses the key to a healthy spine is to maintain good posture which builds a good foundation for your overall body.  To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org 

It's important to have strong healthy bones at every stage of one's life. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Mixa gives us tips on keeping our bones healthy. 

Part of our endocrine system, the thyroid is an important gland that produces hormones to regulate much of what we do. ENT and endocrine surgeon Dr. Dipan Desai joins us to explain what happens when the thyroid develops nodules and when it's under or overactive. 

Raising a teenager can be challenging as parents navigate this critical developmental stage. Pediatric nurse practitioner Danielle Lettieri shares valuable insights on how parents can strengthen their relationship with their teenagers. Learn more about BayCare Kids On Our Sleeves 

In this episode, seasoned lactation consultant Dawn Baltz discusses the important aspects of breastfeeding that every new mother should understand. Learn how to effectively support your baby during their first week of feeding with practical advice from a trusted healthcare professional.

Explore the reasons behind the high incidence of injuries in non-professional athletes. Dr. Vaswani will explain how conditioning, muscle pulls, and improper training contribute to the problem, offering advice to help minimize risks.

Uncover the reasons behind why certain children seem to catch every bug going around while others remain healthy. Dr. Espinosa dives into factors like nutrition, lifestyle, and vaccinations that contribute to immune system strength. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to boost their children's health and protect them from common illnesses.

Golfing is a popular sport in Florida, and injuries are common. Learn about these common injuries and how you can prevent them with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Bodine.

Treatment is available and recovery is possible for those struggling with addiction. In Part 2 of this two-part series, addiction psychiatrist Dr. Jason Fields shares the variety of treatment options available and how spirituality can help recovery.Listen to Part 1 of our addiction series on The Science Behind AddictionLearn more about behavioral health services at BayCareIf you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, get connected with a BayCare provider at (877) 850-9613 or call 211 for resources.

Addiction is a multifactorial disease process that affects far too many people. In Part 1 of this two-part series, addiction psychiatrist Dr. Jason Fields explains the science behind addiction, what it does to the brain and the history of the opioid crisis.Listen to Part 2 of our addiction series on Treatment and the Role of Spirituality in Recovery Learn more about behavioral health services at BayCareIf you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, get connected with a BayCare provider at (877) 850-9613 or call 211 for resources.

Discover the transformative role wearable technology, especially fitness watches, plays in our health today. Join Dr. Carl Von Harten IV as he delves into the latest trends, features, and the medical implications of these devices, empowering you to use them effectively and responsibly.

As screens become increasingly more abundant in our lives, it can be challenging to balance children's screen time. Pediatric resident Dr. Giulia Izzo Castellano explains the developmental, mental and physical effects of screen time and how you can have conversations about it with your kids.

Cognitive decline is normal as we age, but there are things we can do to improve our brain health. Neurologist Dr. Sanjiv Sahoo discusses effective lifestyle changes that can naturally enhance brain function and cognitive performance.

Fever in babies is a common concern for parents, but understanding the signs and proper care can make all the difference. Tune in as Pediatrician, Dr. Abanses shares his expertise on the best methods for taking your baby's temperature. Learn the critical signs that should prompt a visit to the emergency room and understand how to interpret those temperature readings with confidence.

Recognizing early signs like chest pressure or leg swelling can help you take proactive steps toward better heart health. Join Dr. Louis, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, as he breaks down the key signs and symptoms that indicate when it's time to see a cardiac specialist, offering expert advice on how to take charge of your heart health.

Every parent's biggest hope and dream is for their child to grow up and be healthy. Well child and sports physicals help to make sure kids do just that. Pediatric resident Dr. Kiara Hodge explains the differences and similarities between these two types of physicals and why both are necessary.

When babies are born, they often have flat spots, which typically round out within the first couple months of life. However, when this doesn't happen, it can lead to flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly. Dr. Pat Ricalde, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, joins us to explore what causes this condition and how it can be prevented.

Doctors and hospitals can be scary experiences for children, but health care designed specifically for kids can help reduce their fear. Erin Frost, a Child Life Specialist, discusses the impact of kid-friendly environments and how her role helps children and their families cope in health care settings.

During the pandemic, social distancing reduced our exposure to germs, which led to weakened immune systems. In this episode, Pediatrician Dr. Monica Kharbanda discusses how this and other factors are leading to children getting sicker from common illnesses like the flu.

Puberty is a phase of physical and emotional development that often brings challenges for both children and their parents. Pediatrician Dr. Kristen Lagor joins us to offer tips on how to stay physically and mentally healthy during this time.

Whether you're expecting a newborn or looking for a pediatrician for your child or teenager, choosing the right provider for your family can feel overwhelming. Pediatric resident Dr. Jordan Coyner shares key factors to consider, from practical logistics to building a personal connection.

Did you know that one in five Americans are unaware that they have diabetes? Join Dr. Dhriti Das, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and endocrinology, as she discusses the various types of diabetes, testing methods, prevention strategies and key risk factors.

Swimming and other water activities are a fun way for kids to stay active, but safety is key at every age. Camille Yodzis, wellness and safety educator, discusses safety tips from infants to adults in all bodies of water.

Playing sports offers many benefits for keeping your child healthy, but it's important to be mindful of potential injuries. Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tracey DeLucia, discusses common injuries in children and teens, and how to prevent them with proper equipment and physicals.

When you or someone you know gets a diagnosis of lung cancer, all kinds of questions rush through your mind. Dr. Kamran Darabi, Internal Medicine, Hematology-Oncology, discusses what you need to know from screenings to treatments and everything in between. 

Listen to Dr. Dhriti Das, board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology discuss what cortisol is and tips to manage our levels.

There are at least 70 known cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke. Listen to Dr. Germanuel Landfair, an orthopedic surgeon with BayCare discuss the chemicals in smoking and how it impacts our health.

Dr. Germanuel Landfair discusses part two of the Smoking and Your Health discussion where he covers how the chemicals in smoking affect the wound healing and surgery process.

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Dr. Christopher Donaldson discusses symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Gallstones are common and treatable, but there are times when removal of the gallbladder is the right option. General Surgeon, Ryan Enders discusses gallstones, the treatment options and when surgery is the best option.

When it comes to menopause, sometimes the stages can be confusing. Obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Irene Wahba explains what perimenopause is, signs and symptoms, perimenopause transition and stages and testing. To listen to part two of our perimenopause series on Treatments and Hormone Replacement Therapy, click here.