The Heart of Innovation with Kym McNicholas

The human body contains approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels. This September, during PAD Awareness Month, Dr. John Phillips and I are inviting people around the world to help us walk every one of them together. The Great Circulation Challenge is a free global walking challenge bringing together patients, physicians, clinicians, researchers, vascular industry teams, caregivers, families, and anyone who wants to improve their circulation. We will follow the journey of a drop of blood through the human superhighway, beginning in the left side of the heart and traveling through the aorta, brain, arms, hands, legs, feet, veins, lungs, and back home to the heart. Along the way, we will stop at the major milestones of the circulatory system and explain why every part matters, especially the arteries supplying the legs and feet. Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is poor circulation caused by plaque narrowing or blocking the arteries, most commonly in the legs. It is more prevalent and, when it reaches its advanced stages, can be deadlier than prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer combined. Yet millions of people do not know they have it. Leg cramping, aching, heaviness, fatigue, slowing down while walking, cold feet, discoloration, numbness, and wounds that do not heal should never simply be dismissed as normal aging. Walking is medicine. For people living with PAD, structured walking can help improve circulation, build endurance, increase walking distance, and encourage the development of natural collateral pathways around blocked arteries. Throughout September, every participant's steps will contribute to our shared 60,000-mile goal. After the global challenge is complete, participants will be invited to continue their own individual Circulation Journey until they personally reach 60,000 miles. REGISTER FOR THE GREAT CIRCULATION CHALLENGE THIS SEPTEMBER: https://padwalk.org/register.html Registration is free. You can join an existing team or create one for your family, physician, clinic, hospital, workplace, school, patient group, or community. NEED HELP WITH PAD? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 1-833-723-5347 Our team can help you better understand PAD, prepare questions for your doctor, explore walking resources, and connect with experienced vascular specialists when needed. FIND A WALKING PROGRAM Learn about supervised exercise therapy and structured walking programs for PAD: https://www.thewaytomyheart.org/pad-w... Subscribe to our channel and join us as we raise awareness, improve circulation, and work together to save life and limb. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #PADAwarenessMonth #GreatCirculationChallenge #WalkingIsMedicine #ImproveCirculation #CirculatorySystem #VascularHealth #HeartHealth #LegCirculation #Claudication #LimbSalvage #SaveLimbsSaveLives #CardiovascularHealth #SupervisedExerciseTherapy #StructuredWalking #WalkForHealth #GlobalPADAssociation #TheHeartOfInnovation #LegSaverHotlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a "pulled muscle"... constipation... loss of appetite... or back pain actually be the warning signs of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection? The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham has sparked an urgent national conversation about one of medicine's deadliest and most overlooked conditions. In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I am joined by my co-host, Dr. John Phillips, and renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Sungho Lim from Rush University Medical Center to answer the questions millions of Americans are now asking: • What exactly is an aortic aneurysm? • What is the difference between an aneurysm and an aortic dissection? • Why are so many people diagnosed only after a catastrophic emergency? • What symptoms should never be ignored? • Can back pain, abdominal pain, or chest pain be warning signs? • Should people with high blood pressure be screened? • Does family history matter? • Why does the United Kingdom have a national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program for certain men, while the United States takes a more limited approach? This conversation is deeply personal for me. My own mother died from an abdominal aortic dissection. Looking back, there were warning signs that seemed to fit other diagnoses. Her back pain was attributed to longstanding spine and sciatica problems. Her smaller meals and loss of appetite were thought to be related to Crohn's disease, even though it was in remission. She described what felt like a tearing sensation that was believed to be a pulled muscle. Like so many families, we were left wondering: Could this have been recognized sooner? If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, a history of smoking, vascular disease, connective tissue disorders, or a family history of aneurysm or dissection, this is a conversation you should not miss. Please remember: This program is for education only and should not replace medical advice. If you develop sudden severe chest, back, abdominal, or tearing pain, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. If this conversation helps even one family recognize the warning signs sooner, it will be worth it. Need help finding a vascular specialist or getting a second opinion? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347) Our patient navigators help connect patients with experienced vascular specialists across the United States. If you found this episode helpful: • Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart • Like this video • Share it with your family and friends—you never know whose life it could save. • Leave your questions in the comments. We may answer them in a future episode. #AorticAneurysm #AorticDissection #HighBloodPressure #HeartHealth #VascularSurgery #CardiovascularHealth #HeartDisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #RushUniversity #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #LindseyGraham #KnowTheSigns #SaveALife See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare workers spend their careers saving lives. But who is helping them before burnout costs them their own health, careers, and families? On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Chelsea Ulmer, an emergency department trauma nurse, former CrossFit Games athlete, fitness coach, and founder of CodeBrew, a new wellness platform designed specifically for healthcare professionals. After spending 13 years working in one of the most demanding environments in medicine, Chelsea realized traditional wellness advice simply doesn't work for people working overnight shifts, 12-hour schedules, chronic stress, and relentless emotional demands. Instead of another wellness program built around perfection, she created something different. We explore: • Why healthcare burnout has become a global crisis • The hidden physical toll of caring for others every day • Why most wellness programs fail healthcare workers • How realistic nutrition, movement, sleep, and nervous system regulation can fit into real clinical schedules • The surprising role community plays in preventing burnout • Why sustainable habits matter more than extreme fitness • How CodeBrew is helping healthcare professionals reclaim their health Whether you're a physician, nurse, EMT, respiratory therapist, technician, therapist, administrator, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about the future of healthcare, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on supporting the people we all depend on. If we want better patient care, we have to start by taking better care of the people providing it. Subscribe for more conversations featuring the innovators transforming medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWayToMyHeart Learn more about The Heart of Innovation: https://theheartofinnovation.org Know a healthcare worker who needs to hear this? Share this episode with them. Leave a comment: What is the biggest challenge facing healthcare workers today? #Healthcare #Nursing #Burnout #HealthcareBurnout #Wellness #EmergencyNurse #MentalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CodeBrew #PhysicianWellness #NurseLife #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #LifestyleMedicine #ResilienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 4th of July and Happy 250th Birthday, America! This special PADdy's Plate episode of The Heart of Innovation is one you don't want to miss. Chef Eric is BACK and this time, he's in the kitchen! You may remember Chef Eric from a recent episode where co-host Dr. John Phillips dramatically improved his leg blood flow using Reflow Medical's SPUR retractable stent technology. Today, he returns as Chef Eric to show us how to make a healthier 4th of July BBQ that's as good for your arteries as it is delicious, featuring broccoli slaw, grilled veggies, and portobello lettuce wrap burgers. Joining Chef Eric and your hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips is a special guest, Dr. Jean Chen, Diabetic Educator and retired podiatrist, who shares her top tips for a diabetes-friendly and artery-healthy Independence Day celebration. 🍽️ In this episode: Chef Eric's healthier 4th of July BBQ menu: Broccoli slaw, grilled veggies & portobello lettuce wrap burgers How Chef Eric went from PAD patient to cooking for your health Dr. Jean Chen's tips for keeping your 4th of July diabetes and artery friendly Why what you eat matters for your leg circulation and overall vascular health Whether you're living with PAD, diabetes, or just want to make smarter choices this holiday weekend... this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode of The Heart of Innovation, the #1 healthcare innovation radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area and the #1 Women in Innovation Podcast in the nation: 👉 youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart 📞 Need help with PAD? Call our Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS — free support for patients and caregivers 🌐 Learn more & get resources: padhelp.org - PAD patient support, education & the Leg Saver Hotline PADtrials.org - find the latest clinical trials for PAD treatment options padwalkingprogram.org - Supervised Exercise Therapy & Structured Walking Programs for PAD patients #HeartOfInnovation #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #HealthyBBQ #4thOfJuly #PADdysPlate #DiabetesTips #VascularHealth #LegHealth #LimbSalvage #HealthyEating #ArteriesHealth #PADawareness #America250See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Men are paying more attention to their health than ever before. From peptides and testosterone therapy to protein intake, metabolic health, and longevity, a growing number of men are looking for ways to stay healthier longer and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I explore some of the biggest trends shaping men's health today and what they could mean for heart health, vascular health, performance, and quality of life. As both an interventional cardiologist and owner of multiple Game Day Men's Health locations, Dr. Phillips shares what he's seeing firsthand from patients who are becoming increasingly proactive about prevention rather than waiting until problems develop. We discuss: • Why metabolic health has become a major focus for men • The growing interest in testosterone replacement therapy • What patients should know about peptides • The role of protein in maintaining muscle and long-term health • How these trends intersect with cardiovascular and vascular disease prevention • Common misconceptions surrounding men's health treatments • A new project Dr. Phillips is developing to help patients increase healthy protein intake Whether you're interested in longevity, performance, prevention, or simply living a healthier life, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring the future of medicine, cardiovascular innovation, vascular care, prevention, and emerging technologies. 🎙️ ABOUT THE HEART OF INNOVATION The Heart of Innovation is hosted by Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips and features conversations with physicians, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and patients working to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. 📞 NEED HELP WITH PAD OR VASCULAR DISEASE? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347) 🌐 Learn More: https://padhelp.org 🌐 Clinical Trials: https://padtrials.org 🌐 The Way To My Heart: https://thewaytomyheart.org 👥 Join Our Patient Community: https://padsupportgroup.org 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation: • Like the video • Subscribe to the channel • Share with a friend or family member • Leave your questions in the comments for future episodes #MensHealth #MetabolicHealth #Testosterone #Peptides #Longevity #HeartHealth #CardiovascularHealth #Protein #Prevention #TheHeartOfInnovation #JohnPhillipsMD #KymMcNicholas #VascularHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MensWellnessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if a doctor tells you there is nothing more they can do to fix your heart blockages, and you've run out of options? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips introduce you to EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)—a powerful, non-invasive "Hail Mary" technology that has been saving cardiac patients for decades but remains drastically underutilized in mainstream medicine. In this deep-dive discussion, the team is joined by world-renowned cardiologist Dr. Richard Brown (consultant for Flow Therapy and former head of Johnson & Johnson's Save Legs, Change Lives program) and Jack Clifford, a cardiovascular patient and advocate who famously refused bypass surgery and used EECP to get back to running marathons. 🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss: What is EECP? A complete breakdown of how this therapy uses synchronized pneumatic cuffs on your calves, thighs, and hips to act as a "passive exercise" pump for your heart. The Mechanism of Action: How inflating during diastole (heart resting) pushes blood back up to the coronary arteries, and deflating during systole (heart pumping) creates a vacuum that reduces the heart's workload. The Cellular Benefits: Why high-velocity blood flow triggers shear stress, stimulating endothelial cells to produce blood-vessel-dilating nitric oxide while reducing vessel-constricting endothelin-1. Advanced Cardiac Applications: Why EECP isn't just for epicardial blockages, but is a proven therapy for microvascular disease, improving ejection fraction, and reversing severe heart failure symptoms. Reimbursement & Controversy: The strict 2026 reality of Medicare coverage (restricted to Class 3 & 4 angina not amenable to further revascularization) and why many hospitals abandoned their EECP beds. The Amazon Warning: A crucial distinction explaining why over-the-counter compression sleeves or Normatec pants cannot replicate gated, medical-grade EECP therapy. 🌐 Resource Section & Links 🩺 Cardiovascular & EECP Resources: Find an EECP Center Near You: eecplocator.com Jack Clifford's Patient Journey & Book: eecpbook.com Explore Flow Therapy Centers (Dr. Brown): flowtherapy.com Subscribe to The Way to My Heart: youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart 🩸 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Resources: Global PAD Association Help Hotline: If you suffer from leg pain, leg cramps, neuropathy, or can no longer walk as far as you used to due to "old age," it could be poor circulation from Peripheral Artery Disease. Call the LegSaver hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347). PAD Educational Resources: Learn more about leg circulation and get help at padhelp.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the warning signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and how is medical innovation changing how we treat blood clots today? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kim McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips sit down with Richard Davis, an engineer and medical developer whose life was completely rewritten after being hit by a truck at 23 years old. Richard shares his gripping story of survival—from being pinned inside a vehicle to developing life-threatening blood clots, surviving severe pulmonary embolisms, and ultimately transitioning his expertise into creating vascular medical devices that save lives. Discover how modern medical advancements are moving beyond standard medical therapy to actively remove clots and restore blood flow safely. TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS 0:00 - The Accident That Changed Everything 2:15 - Living with an Undiagnosed Clotting Disorder 4:40 - Facing a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism 7:10 - Moving Beyond Medication: Advanced Clot Removal 9:35 - How Patient Participation Drives Medical Innovation 12:00 - The Next Generation of Vascular Care GET FREE MEDICAL SUPPORT & ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES If you or someone you know is dealing with deep vein thrombosis, severe leg pain, swelling, or vascular complications, find absolute support with our completely free community connections: Free Vascular Resources & Specialist Connections: https://www.padhelp.org Learn More About Enrolling in Clinical Trials: https://www.padtrials.org Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347) Join the Private Facebook Support Group: http://www.PADsupportGroup.org Stream Live Radio Every Saturday Morning on AM 1220 KDOW or visit: https://www.theheartofinnovation.org #PulmonaryEmbolism #VascularHealth #BloodClotSurvival #MedicalInnovation #TheHeartOfInnovation #PatientAdvocacy #DVTPrevention See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to go from helping millions of people breathe easier to helping patients keep their legs?   Join The Heart of Innovation as Kym McNicholas talks with Sarvajna Dwivedi, Ph.D., entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of AngioSafe, whose career has spanned some of the most challenging problems in medicine.   Sarvajna co-founded Pearl Therapeutics, a company focused on breakthrough respiratory therapies that was ultimately acquired by AstraZeneca for $1.15 billion. Along the way, he helped develop inhaled therapies and drug-device combinations designed to improve the lives of patients with asthma and COPD. (AngioSafe United States)   Today, his focus has shifted from the lungs to the arteries.   As CEO and co-founder of AngioSafe, Sarvajna is leading the development of the Santreva-ATK Endovascular Revascularization Catheter, a novel device designed to restore blood flow through some of the most challenging chronic total occlusions (CTOs) physicians encounter in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The technology is designed to cross completely blocked arteries, compress plaque, create a new channel, and restore blood flow without relying on a guidewire or external power source. (Medical Economics)   In this episode, we discuss:   • How a pharmaceutical scientist became a medical device innovator   • The story behind Pearl Therapeutics and its $1.15 billion acquisition   • Why chronic total occlusions remain one of the biggest challenges in PAD treatment   • How AngioSafe's Santreva-ATK technology works   • What it means to restore blood flow through arteries that are 100% blocked   • The future of cardiovascular and vascular innovation   If you or someone you love has peripheral artery disease, diabetes, leg pain while walking, non-healing wounds, or has been told an artery is completely blocked, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.   📞 Need help navigating PAD care? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS   🌐 Learn more: PADHelp.org   ▶ Subscribe: @TheWayToMyHeart   👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help us spread awareness of PAD, a disease that is more prevalent and deadlier than many cancers combined, yet remains dramatically underdiagnosed.   #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #SarvajnaDwivedi #AngioSafe #SantrevaATK #HeartOfInnovation #VascularDisease #CardiovascularInnovation #MedTech #LimbSalvage #CTO #Endovascular #AstraZeneca #Asthma #MedicalInnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could artificial intelligence identify Peripheral Artery Disease before patients face limb loss? Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a machine-learning model that analyzes a simple light-based signal from the toe to detect PAD with remarkable accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to make PAD screening faster, more accessible, and eventually available on your smartphone. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with vascular surgeon Dr. Elsie Ross, cardiologist Dr. Mattheus Ramsis, and engineering PhD student Ava Faccetti to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming vascular health and what this could mean for millions living with undiagnosed disease. FULL RESEARCH DISCUSSION: Altmetric: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-026-02655-w/metrics DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-026-02655-w People who think they have PAD can call the Global PAD Associaton's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS to learn more and get assistance finding a testing site or treatment.#peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #legpain #legcramps #ABItest #vasculardiseasediagnosis #paddiagnosis #ucsandiego #newpadresearch #globalpadassociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can staying active really help reverse Type 2 diabetes? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with multi-Emmy Award-winning CBS San Francisco Bay Area sports anchor Vern Glenn to talk about his personal journey reversing Type 2 diabetes — and why golf became far more than just a game. For Vern, the golf course became part of a larger commitment to movement, consistency, fitness, and long-term health. Walking the course, staying active, and building daily habits around exercise helped him take control of his blood sugar and inspire others to rethink what healthy living can look like. That mission is also what inspired the Vern Glenn Invitational Celebrity Golf Tournament. The event brings together former and current stars from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and beyond — many of whom continue participating in events like this not just for competition, but to stay active, connected, and healthy long after their professional playing careers end. Vern believes seeing athletes continue to prioritize fitness sends an important message: movement matters at every age. Whether it's walking 18 holes, staying social, or simply finding activities that keep you moving, the goal is building habits that support heart health, circulation, weight management, and better metabolic health over time. We also discuss the growing connection between exercise, obesity, cardiovascular disease, circulation, and diabetes prevention and reversal. ⛳ SIGN UP FOR THE VERN GLENN INVITATIONAL: https://www.vernglenninvitational.net/ 👇 TELL US IN THE COMMENTS 👇 Has walking, golf, or exercise helped improve your health, blood sugar, or circulation? 👍 LIKE THIS VIDEO 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on innovation, heart health, PAD, diabetes, longevity, and lifestyle medicine 📢 SHARE this episode with someone who needs motivation to get moving again 📞 Need help navigating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), diabetes-related circulation issues, or limb salvage options? Visit: PADHelp.org ☎️ Call the PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS #Diabetes #Type2Diabetes #Golf #VernGlenn #DiabetesReversal #Fitness #HeartHealth #Walking #LifestyleMedicine #Longevity #PAD #Exercise #TheHeartOfInnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She lost her leg in a traumatic accident… and turned it into a mission to help others find strength, identity, and purpose again. This is the story behind Less Leg More Heart — and why it matters for every patient facing limb loss or PAD. I'm talking with Tina Godfrey Hurley, founder of Less Leg More Heart, alongside Dr. John Phillips, about what happens after amputation — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and how patients rebuild their lives in ways most people never see. Tina's journey started with a devastating accident that led to limb loss at a young age. Today, she's helping others navigate trauma, identity, mental health, and recovery through her nonprofit and advocacy work. We're getting into: • What patients really experience after limb loss • The emotional side of recovery doctors don't always see • How identity, confidence, and purpose evolve after trauma • Why community and support systems change outcomes • What PAD patients can learn from the amputee community If you've ever thought, "no one understands what this feels like," this conversation will hit home. 🎥 SUBSCRIBE for real conversations that go beyond medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart 🆘 NEED HELP NOW? 📞 PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 TRUSTED RESOURCES https://padhelp.org https://padsupportgroup.org #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #Amputation #LimbLoss #VascularHealth #PatientStories #TheHeartOfInnovation #PADAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #LessLegMoreHeartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A silent killer hiding in plain sight — and you may not know you're at risk. I talk with a CEO living with this genetic heart condition and what it means for you. Dr. John Phillips and I talk to one of the most respected minds in tech, Phil McKinney, former CTO of Hewlett Packard and now CEO of CableLabs, to talk about something far more personal than innovation: A genetic heart condition he didn't know he had. It's called apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where the heart muscle thickens, particularly at the tip of the heart. That thickening can interfere with blood flow and increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms. And here's what you need to know: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about 1 in 500 people...many of whom don't even know they have it. For some, the first sign is a life-threatening event. Phil was fortunate. His condition was caught early. Not everyone gets that chance. We break down what this condition actually is, why it's often missed, and how something as simple as knowing your family history could change your outcome. If there's heart disease in your family, or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, those are not things to brush off. This is about awareness. It's about asking better questions. And it's about catching something early enough to do something about it. 🔔 CALL TO ACTION (your ecosystem) 👉 If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Start by learning more: PADhelp.org 👉 Talk to a patient navigator: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 👉 Join our community: padsupportgroup.org 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations that could help you protect your health — or someone you love #HeartHealth #SilentKiller #GeneticRisk #HCM #HypertrophicCardiomyopathy #KnowYourRisk #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #PADAwareness #VascularHealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are going to be talking about the extent to which doctors save legs. Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas talk about the latest advances in limb saving care. We will share real stories from the front lines of fighting for life and limb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the pain you're told is "just a muscle cramp" is actually a life-altering vascular emergency? In this high-impact episode of The Heart of Innovation, Kym McNicholas sits down with interventional cardiologist Dr. Hady Lichaa and his patient, Camille, to discuss a Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) diagnosis that was almost missed until it was too late. Camille was a mom just trying to walk to her car after her son's baseball game, but the claudication pain was so severe it brought her to tears. Despite visiting the Emergency Room twice, she was sent home with muscle relaxers while her leg was actively dying. In this episode, we unpack: The ER Red Flags: Why leg pain is often misdiagnosed as muscle cramps or venous clots. Arterial vs. Venous: The critical question a Nurse Practitioner asked that saved Camille's leg. The Reality of Bypass Surgery: The complex journey of multiple surgeries and complications. Smoking & Vascular Health: The honest truth about the role of smoking and the "Aha!" moment that led Camille to quit for good. Limb Salvage: How to find the right specialist when you are weeks away from an amputation. This is more than a patient story; it's a manual for self-advocacy. If you have leg cramping while walking, heavy legs, or non-healing wounds, do not wait. RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH: 🚶 FREE WALKING PROGRAM: https://padhelp.org 📞 LEG SAVER HOTLINE: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (Speak to someone who understands) 👥 WARRIOR COMMUNITY: PADsupportGroup.org (12,000+ members) 📧 RESULTS REVIEW: Email your ABI or Ultrasound results to [email protected] for educational insight. Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. We do not diagnose; we help you understand terminology to have better conversations with your doctor. #PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #MedicalMisdiagnosis #LimbSalvage #VascularHealth #SaveMyPiggies #KymMcNicholas #DrHadyLichaaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could we one day bypass heart blockages without ever opening the chest? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Kym McNicholas and Dr. James Joye, who invented PTAB (minimally invasive leg bypass device) sit down with Dr. Chris Bruce, the lead author of a groundbreaking NIH and Emory study that has achieved a world first: a fully percutaneous (catheter-based) coronary bypass. Known as the VECTOR procedure, this technique was recently used to save a patient whose anatomy made a traditional heart valve replacement life-threatening. By building an "extra-anatomic" bypass from the aorta to the coronary artery—all through a small puncture in the leg—Dr. Bruce and his team have opened a new frontier in cardiac care. We discuss how they "poked a hole" through the heart to save a life and whether this technology could eventually replace traditional bypass surgery for common blockages. #heartvalve #coronarybypass #heartbypass #heartsurgery #globalpadassociation #heartdiseaseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many, amputation is seen as the final step to end the agony of PAD and CLTI. But what happens when you make that heartbreaking choice, and the pain stays behind? It's Limb Loss Awareness Month—a time for honoring those who have faced limb loss, but also for addressing the hard, silent realities of life after amputation. In this special episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips tackle Phantom Limb Pain, the "ghost signal" that tortures millions. We are joined by Dr. John Eidt, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Baylor Heart & Vascular, and David Veino, CEO of Neuros Medical, to reveal a medical breakthrough—a tiny implantable device specifically designed to "turn off" that phantom pain for good. In this episode, we unpack: ✔️Why amputation isn't always the end of the pain journey. ✔️The science of damaged nerves and phantom sensations. ✔️A new hope: How Neuros Medical's bioelectronic medicine is changing lives. ✔️Essential questions to ask your surgeon before a limb is lost. RESOURCES & SUPPORT: 📞 Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (723-5347) 👥 Join the Community: PADSupportGroup.org (12,000+ members) 📧 Results Review: Email [email protected] for terminology help with your ABI or CTA. Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. We help you understand terminology to advocate for yourself. #LimbLossAwarenessMonth #PhantomPain #Amputation #NeurosMedical #VascularSurgery #TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #CLTISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is everything you know about obesity and diabetes wrong? Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips on The Heart of Innovation as they sit down with world-renowned endocrinologist Dr. Anastasios Manessis. In this episode, we dive deep into the rapidly accelerating world of metabolic health to separate fact from fiction. What We Cover: GLP-1 Breakthroughs: We go beyond the headlines to discuss the real-world impact of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in managing chronic disease and cardiovascular health. The New Bag Gastric Balloon: Kym and Dr. Phillips explore the latest non-surgical innovations, including the recently FDA-cleared Allurion Gastric Balloon System. This swallowable technology—often referred to as a pill-sized bag—occupies gastric volume to support weight management without the need for surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia. Myth-Busting Obesity Care: Dr. Manessis addresses common misconceptions about weight loss medications and the shifting clinical standards for 2026. A Holistic Approach: Learn how endocrinology-driven strategies combine nutrition, exercise, and medicine for long-term health optimization. About Our Guest: Dr. Anastasios Manessis, MD, FACE, ECNU, ABOM, is a double board-certified endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, metabolism, and obesity medicine. As the lead at Endocrine Associates of West Village PC, he is at the forefront of innovative, patient-focused metabolic care. Don't miss this essential guide to the new hope—and new meds—changing lives in 2026. Subscribe to our channel for more life-saving breakthroughs! SHAREABLE LINK TO WATCH: https://youtube.com/live/dAJZsb8WQJ0?feature=share #ObesityTreatment #DiabetesCare #GLP1 #WeightLossInnovation #GastricBalloon #HeartOfInnovation #MedicalAdvances #DrAnastasiosManessis #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a powerful PAD Awareness Day conversation with Michael Lepp, a globally respected human performance and cardiovascular physiology expert whose work spans elite athletics, endurance cycling, and high-pressure team dynamics. Michael has spent over 40 years coaching, consulting, and advising athletes and teams — from world-class endurance cyclists and cycling culture discussions to training pit crews for NASCAR Cup winners and serving as senior athletic advisor to Joe Gibbs Racing. His perspective blends physiology, performance science, and real-world human resilience. In this discussion, we explore: How elite performance principles from cycling and high-stress teams can inform PAD recovery and mobility Lessons from cardiovascular training and heart health in endurance athletes Practical movement, rehabilitation, and resilience strategies for people living with PAD Michael's experience shaping early PAD and cardiac rehab approaches in Charlotte, NC Whether you're living with PAD, caring for someone who is, or interested in human performance across sport and health, this interview delivers evidence-based insight rooted in decades of experience. 👉 Don't miss this unique blend of sports science, heart health expertise, and real-world PAD awareness work. #PADAwareness #PeripheralArteryDisease #MichaelLepp #HumanPerformance #Cycling #NASCAR #CardioRehabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🔴 TUNE IN SATURDAY | 11:06 AM PT | 2:06 PM ETThe Heart of Innovation — Live on the #1 Healthcare Radio Show in the SF Bay Area 🏆 Named by Feedspot 2025: #1 Women in Innovation Podcast in the NationNearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure and only 1 in 4 have it under control. For millions, the pills aren't working. But there's a procedure most doctors AND patients have never heard of. And it's been FDA-approved. This Saturday, host Kym McNicholas, CEO of the Global PAD Association, and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips sit down with two of the people who refused to give up on it: 👩‍🔬 Julie Trudel, PhD: Senior Director, R&D, Coronary & Renal Denervation, Medtronic 🧬 Jason Fontana, PhD: VP of Global Marketing & Renal Denervation General Manager, MedtronicRenal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets overactive nerves near the kidneys, nerves that can silently drive blood pressure up no matter how many medications you take. It's not a pill. It's not surgery. It's a one-time catheter-based procedure that disrupts the signals causing the problem at the source. The road to get here? Anything but smooth. Early trials failed. The medical community walked away. Other companies exited the space entirely. But Medtronic kept going, redesigning the technology, running new trials, and fighting for FDA approval that finally came in 2023. Medicare coverage followed in late 2025.So why don't more patients know about it? Why aren't more physicians offering it?That's exactly what we're asking this Saturday.If you or someone you love has been told their blood pressure is "uncontrollable, " this episode is for you. 📻 Watch live via the link in our stream. Set your reminder now. If you have questions about circulation issues in your legs, which is typical for patients with long time high blood pressure, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org #HeartOfInnovation #RenalDenervation #Hypertension #UncontrolledBloodPressure #WomenInInnovation #CardiovascularHealth #Medtronic #PatientAdvocacy #HeartHealth #BloodPressure #GlobalPADAssociation #MedTech #InnovationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are leg arteries ever "too small to treat"? Around the world, many patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), especially those with below-the-knee and small vessel disease, are told their arteries are "too small" or "too distal" for intervention. In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Dr. Naoki Hayakawa, Chief and Director of Endovascular Therapy at Asahi General Hospital in Japan.Dr. Hayakawa is internationally recognized for tackling the most complex chronic total occlusions (CTOs), including small-caliber below-the-knee vessels that others may consider untreatable. He has served as a live demonstration operator at major international meetings including JET, CCT Peripheral, Kokura Live, and Peripheral CTO Seminars, and has published extensively on: • IVUS-guided wiring techniques • Below-the-knee chronic total occlusions • Drug-coated balloon therapy • Transradial approaches for complex PAD • Advanced re-entry and retrograde access techniques His work challenges outdated assumptions about what is and isn't possible in limb salvage.In this conversation, Dr. Hayakawa sets the record straight on: • What can truly be treated in small vessel PAD • When vessels are actually too small • The importance of imaging and IVUS guidance • Why patients must seek experienced operators for complex disease • What global standards of care should look like If you or someone you love has been told "nothing more can be done," this episode is essential viewing. - Concerned about leg circulation or told your vessels are too small?Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGSBecause "too small to treat" should never be the final answer without expert evaluation. Subscribe to The Heart of Innovation for global leaders in vascular innovation, limb salvage, and PAD care. #PeripheralArteryDisease#PAD#LimbSalvage#BelowTheKnee#ChronicTotalOcclusion#EndovascularTherapy#IVUS#CriticalLimbIschemiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sleep isn't just about feeling rested. It's about your heart. To close out American Heart Month, we're diving into one of the most overlooked drivers of cardiovascular disease: poor sleep. On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips explore: • Why sleep deprivation increases your risk of heart attack and stroke • The connection between sleep, vascular inflammation, and blood pressure • How disrupted sleep affects circulation and long-term cardiovascular health And then we introduce you to one of the most fascinating innovators in health tech today. Meredith Perry, Founder & CEO of Elemind, has developed a groundbreaking, non-pharmaceutical approach designed to help you fall asleep faster by interacting directly with brainwave activity. Instead of pills, sedation, or habit-forming medications, her technology aims to gently guide your brain into sleep. She's even tested it publicly through her bold "Sleeping with the CEO" campaign — putting strangers to sleep on the streets of New York, on trains, and even on planes. This isn't a gimmick. It's a conversation about the future of sleep, brain science, and cardiovascular prevention. If you struggle with: • Insomnia • Racing thoughts at night • High blood pressure • Stress-related sleep issues • Cardiovascular risk factors This episode is for you. Because heart health doesn't start in the cath lab. It starts at night. Subscribe to our channel for conversations at the intersection of innovation and cardiovascular care. Have questions about vascular or cardiovascular health? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS. Early detection saves lives. And limbs. Let's rethink sleep. Let's rethink heart health. Let's innovate. #SleepScience #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #CardiovascularHealth #InsomniaSolutions #MedTechInnovation #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularHealth #Elemind #BrainHealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peripheral Artery Disease is more prevalent than most cancers — and often deadlier when missed. Yet it is still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and too often treated in silos. On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist, sit down with Dr. David Dexter, Vascular Surgeon at Sentara Health, who was named the Global PAD Association's Multidisciplinary Team Leader of the Year through the Global PAD Impact Awards. This PAD Awareness Day — observed the third Saturday of every February during American Heart Month — we are talking about why leg health is heart health. PAD is not just a leg problem. Blocked leg arteries are a warning sign for heart attack and stroke. And patients deserve a coordinated vascular care team — not fragmented care. In this conversation, we break down: • Why PAD is more common than many cancers — yet still diagnosed too late • The danger of treating patients in silos • What a true multidisciplinary vascular care team looks like • How cardiology, vascular surgery, podiatry, wound care, and primary care must work together • Why "Sock It to PAD" and Red Sock Day matter during American Heart Month • What patients should demand from their care teams Too many amputations are preventable. Too many heart attacks have warning signs in the legs first. It is time to connect the dots. If you or someone you love has leg pain when walking, numbness, wounds that won't heal, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of smoking — this conversation could save a limb and a life. 📞 Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline with questions about PAD.1-833-PAD-LEGS 🔔 Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations that challenge the status quo in cardiovascular care. 👍 Like, comment, and share to raise awareness this PAD Awareness Day. Because saving legs saves lives. #PADAwarenessDay #SockItToPAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularCare #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #PreventAmputation #LegHealthIsHeartHealth #PADSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peripheral Artery Disease impacts 10M+ Americans — and nearly 70% don't know they have it. Congress has relaunched the PAD Caucus to address preventable amputations and gaps in screening and care. On The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I debrief with Dr. Bob Tahara, Dr. Andrew Klein, Dr. David Alper, patient advocate Dawn-Marie Hernandez, and Harlem Globetrotter Larry "Shorty" Coleman, who lost a leg to PAD. PAD is the leading cause of preventable limb loss and a major predictor of heart attack and stroke. Early detection saves limbs — and lives. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #AmputationPrevention #HealthPolicy #HeartHealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips feature multiple patients courageously sharing their lived experiences with Peripheral Artery Disease, including rare and often misunderstood cases that challenge what patients are told is "possible." Pamela's story highlights a critical gap in PAD care. After being told by a large hospital system that amputation was inevitable, she reached out to the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline. Through patient advocacy and care coordination, the underlying contributors to her disease were identified, including the role climate played in worsening her symptoms. Her decision to relocate to a warmer environment helped stabilize her condition and avoid limb loss, proving that earlier intervention and individualized care matter. Francine's journey offers another rare perspective. Diagnosed at just 48 despite being a runner, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, she was found to have a full occlusion in her left leg and intermittent blockages in her right. After undergoing a femoral-popliteal bypass, multiple stents, and angioplasty procedures, Francine transformed her lifestyle through the Dean Ornish program and a low-fat vegan diet. She has since completed four half marathons and continues teaching group fitness, yoga, and Reiki. Theresa's story exposes how often PAD is dismissed, even when the warning signs are clear. With a family history of PAD, Theresa recognized the symptoms early. At 46, she sought help after developing walking pain, only to be told repeatedly that it was a back problem and that she was "too young" to have PAD. A Doppler study was performed but interpreted as normal. For five years, as her symptoms worsened and her walking distance shrank to less than ten metres, she continued to advocate for herself before finally insisting on a vascular referral. Within minutes of meeting a vascular consultant, Theresa was diagnosed with severe PAD. Imaging revealed a 100 percent blockage in her right leg and 80 percent in her left. Angioplasty provided temporary relief, but restenosis occurred quickly. A second procedure resulted in arterial injury, requiring placement of a 30-centimetre stent in her right thigh. Despite ongoing pain, Theresa developed remarkable collateral circulation, so robust that it complicated intervention attempts. Today, she remains closely monitored by a responsive vascular specialist and manages her condition with vigilance, pacing, and rest. She also notes a meaningful improvement in walking pain after starting Wegovy, an observation she continues to discuss with her care team. Equally important, Theresa speaks candidly about the emotional toll of PAD. A special education teacher who loves to travel, she feared the disease would take away the life she loved, as it had for her father. After a period of isolation, she made a conscious decision that PAD would be part of her story, but not the author of it. She now works full time, travels when she can, adapts when needed, and lives by a powerful truth: she controls PAD, not the other way around. Together, these stories reinforce a message too many patients never hear in time: Leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking are not normal aging. They are warnings. 👉 Tune in to hear these powerful patient stories and learn why early diagnosis, self-advocacy, and conservative options like structured walking can change outcomes and save lives.Calls to Action 📞 In the U.S.? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS to talk with someone about possible circulation issues in your legs. 🌐 Learn more about PAD and conservative treatment options Visit padhelp.org to understand PAD, early symptoms, and access our free proprietary structured walking program, available to everyone. 👥 Join our PAD Facebook Support Community Connect with patients and caregivers at padsupportgroup.org. 👍 Support the show Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications at youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart so you never miss an episode. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADawareness #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #LegPainIsNotNormal #CirculationMatters #VascularHealth #StructuredWalking #PatientStories #PreventAmputation #StrokePrevention #HeartDiseaseAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #TheWayToMyHeartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major Medicare billing issue is emerging across 24 states, and vascular specialists are warning it could delay—or deny—time-sensitive, limb-saving care for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are joined by two leading voices on the front lines: 🔹 Dr. Elliot Adams, Vascular Surgeon, whose office-based lab (OBL) is directly impacted by the denials 🔹 Dr. Bob Tahara, Vascular Surgeon and Past President of the OEIS (Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society) Physicians are reporting that new Medicare CPT codes for modern PAD revascularization procedures—codes that replaced deleted legacy codes—are being denied by Medicare contractors Noridian and Novitas, despite being billed correctly. These denials affect procedures that often mean the difference between saving a leg or losing it. If not clarified and corrected quickly, this issue could: • Block reimbursement for limb-salvage procedures in office-based labs • Delay urgent care for PAD patients • Increase preventable amputations and suffering At the same time, patients are already calling our Leg Saver Hotline nightly due to delays and denials through Medicare Advantage plans—often in severe pain, afraid they're running out of time. This Medicare CPT issue risks compounding that crisis. 🚨 We need clinicians and patients to hear this—and to speak up. 👉 If you are a physician, clinician, or billing professional seeing these denials 👉 If you are a patient who has received a Medicare denial or delay for PAD care 👉 If you've been told a limb-saving procedure won't be covered Please tune in. Your experience matters. You can also email [email protected] for info on joining the LIVE in studio discussion! 📞 NEED HELP OR SUPPORT? Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS If you've received a denial letter or are facing delays, call us. You are not alone. #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #medicare #medicaredbilling #medicaredenialsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hemorrhoids are far more common than most people realize — affecting more than half of adults at some point in their lives — yet many suffer in silence or believe surgery is their only option. In today's LIVE episode, we bring together gastroenterology and interventional radiology to discuss the newest minimally invasive treatment: hemorrhoidal artery embolization. Today's Experts • Misha Ginsburg — Interventional Radiologist • Zuhair Yaseen 🎙️ Hosted by Kymberlie McNicholas ⚕️ Co-host John Phillips is off today — on call saving legs and lives. What We're Discussing LIVE • How common hemorrhoids really are — and why they're under-reported • When hemorrhoids move from inconvenient to clinically significant • What hemorrhoidal artery embolization is and how it works • Indications for embolization vs. traditional treatments • How GI physicians and interventional radiologists collaborate to improve outcomes This is an honest, stigma-free conversation focused on education, options, and empowering patients to ask better questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we sit down with Dr. Jean Chen, a diabetes educator and retired podiatrist whose lifelong commitment to medicine was shaped by service, resilience, and lived experience. Dr. Chen knew she wanted to be a doctor by the age of five. Raised in Taiwan by a pediatrician father and a nurse mother who often cared for patients unable to pay, she learned early that medicine was about people first. After immigrating to the United States, growing up in Ohio, and studying at Cornell, her career took her through oncology before she found her calling in limb preservation through podiatry. Then her own path changed. Following a serious car accident, spinal cord injury, and surgical delays during COVID, Dr. Chen was left partially paralyzed, bringing her career as a practicing podiatrist to an unexpected end. At the same time, she was navigating her own journey with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a heart catheterization. Rather than stepping away from care, Dr. Chen changed how she serves. With the encouragement of her endocrinologist, Dr. Manasses, she retrained as a certified diabetes educator, bringing together clinical training and lived experience to help patients better understand how daily choices impact circulation, wound healing, and long-term health. Today, Dr. Chen works with people living with diabetes and peripheral artery disease, and she also contributes to national efforts through the American Heart Association PAD Collaborative, supporting initiatives to improve PAD awareness, diagnosis, and care across the country. This conversation explores what happens when medicine becomes personal, how purpose can evolve without being lost, and why early recognition of PAD and diabetes complications is critical to preventing limb loss. If you or someone you love has diabetes, leg pain, wounds, or trouble walking, don't wait. PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS Learn more: https://www.PADhelp.org Join the PAD Facebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peripheralarterydisease Early action saves limbs and lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the most powerful New Year's resolution for your heart and leg health wasn't extreme—just consistent? On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips and Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas talk about simple, realistic daily habits that can add up to meaningful improvements in circulation, vascular health, and quality of life, especially for people living with or at risk for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and heart disease. We focus on habits that are accessible, repeatable, and evidence-informed—not perfection. In this conversation, we discuss: Setting aside 30 minutes a day for walking—even if it's broken into three 10-minute sessions, and why gently pushing through leg discomfort can help improve circulation over time Easy dietary additions like chia seeds soaked overnight, fermented foods, and fiber support such as psyllium husk The role of plant sterols and gut health in overall cardiovascular wellness How 10 minutes of guided self-hypnosis or positive self-affirmations can help reinforce consistency and mindset Why patients should feel empowered to ask their primary care doctors to help raise awareness about PAD—because early recognition saves limbs and lives This episode is about progress, not pressure. Small daily actions—done consistently—can create real change in vascular and heart health. 📞 PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Patient education & support: https://www.PADhelp.org 🌐 Nonprofit advocacy & resources: https://www.TheWayToMyHeart.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when living with chronic disease leads you to an unexpected calling? On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with Rob, founder of PAD Life Outdoors, who shares his powerful and deeply human journey of living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — a condition caused by poor circulation in the legs — while also navigating life after aortic stenting for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Along the way, Rob discovered something surprising. As his beard grew, a pair of spectacles appeared, and strangers began calling him Santa — he realized that spreading joy, hope, and holiday cheer gave him something medicine alone never could. This spring, Rob is taking that calling one step further by enrolling in Santa Claus School to become fully certified. In this heartfelt conversation, Rob opens up about: Living with the physical and emotional weight of PAD Recovering from major vascular disease and intervention How purpose and joy can help quiet the daily burden of chronic illness Why becoming Santa has helped him focus on what he can do — not what PAD has taken away This episode is a reminder that even in the face of debilitating disease, meaning, connection, and joy still matter — and they can be powerful medicine. 📞 Need support or guidance right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Trusted patient resources: https://padhelp.org https://thewaytomyheart.org 👥 Join our patient community: https://padsupportgroup.org (Facebook Support Group) Hashtags (search-optimized): #TheHeartOfInnovation #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #PADLife #VascularHealth #ChronicIllness #PatientStories #SantaClaus #HolidayJoy #FindingPurpose #AorticAneurysm #HeartHealth #LivingWithPAD #PatientAdvocacy #HealthPodcast #HopeAndHealingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel should be memorable for the right reasons — not stressful health surprises. In this upcoming episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips dive into why planning ahead is critical when you're traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, mobility challenges, or strict dietary needs. 📍 Broadcasting live from a Princess Cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kym shares firsthand how Princess Cruises goes above and beyond to accommodate her and her father's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-salt, low-sugar diet, while still making it possible to stay active and keep daily steps moving — even at sea. Dr. Phillips breaks down essential medical travel prep, including: How to organize and pack medications properly Why you should identify pharmacies and urgent care locations before you arrive The importance of carrying physician documentation and imaging CDs What to have ready in case of a medical emergency away from home Whether you love cruising, traveling internationally, or just planning a weekend getaway, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you travel smarter, safer, and with confidence. 📞 Need help right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Trusted resources: https://padhelp.org https://padsupportgroup.org (Facebook Support Group) Plan ahead. Protect your legs. And don't let PAD stop you from seeing the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎶 What happens when a vascular surgeon decides to walk away from practice… to pursue music? This week on The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I sit down with a surgeon whose passion for rhythm has always been intertwined with healing — and now he's daring to follow that rhythm into a whole new career. Our guest is not just a gifted clinician. He's a songwriter, producer, and vascular surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, currently earning his Master's in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. And yes — he's officially taking the leap into music full-time. Why now? What did he discover in the OR, at the bedside, and in his own creative process that made this moment the right one? He shares: 🎵 How music unexpectedly deepened his relationships with patients 🎵 Why rhythm matters more in vascular care than you might think 🎵 The parallels between restoring blood flow… and writing a song that moves people 🎵 What he's learned about courage, identity, and choosing a path that truly aligns with your purpose This episode is heartfelt, surprising, and full of wisdom for anyone standing at a crossroads — in medicine, in creativity, or in life. 👉 Don't miss this one. It's a rare look at what it really means to heal… and be human. Listen on KDOW, our podcast platforms, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Leg Saver Hotline: 1-877-FIX-LEGZ Learn more: PADHelp.org | TheWayToMyHeart.org #TheHeartOfInnovation #VascularSurgery #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #MusicHeals #Songwriting #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #CareerJourney #PhysicianStories #HealingThroughMusic #InnovationInMedicine #LegSaverHotline #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down for a powerful, patient-driven holiday special—one that reveals what people living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) truly wish for this season. PAD is more common than prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined, yet still misunderstood. Our in-studio audience opened up about the physical and emotional toll of this disease—leg pain, cramps, burning, neuropathy, and wounds that won't heal—and the everyday battles most people never see. Their holiday wish list was honest, raw, and deeply human: More doctors trained in advanced limb-saving tools and techniques Fewer preventable amputations related to PAD and diabetes A world where fewer people smoke or vape, as nicotine and cannabis use fuel earlier, more aggressive PAD And a collective wish for patients themselves to enter the new year committed to realistic goals, healthier habits, and becoming active partners in their own care This conversation is heartfelt, unfiltered, and filled with the courage of people who refuse to give up hope. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, you won't want to miss this episode. To learn more about PAD and advanced limb saving treatment options, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #LimbSalvage #AmputationPrevention #VascularHealth #PatientStories #ChronicPainCommunity #HolidayHealth #CirculationMatters #PADWarriors #DiabeticFoot #NeuropathySupport #StopSmokingSaveLimbs #HealthEquity See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every leg saved has a story behind it — and this week on The Heart of Innovation, you'll meet the nurse practitioners who live those stories every day. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips chat with four remarkable OhioHealth NPs — Chelsea Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Brittany Byce, and Rebecca Lawler — to share what it's really like to help patients fight peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia inside a large hospital system. They open up about: The split-second decisions that can mean the difference between amputation and recovery The emotional moments that stay with them long after a shift ends The gaps in care they're constantly trying to close for PAD patients And yes… the hilarious "Nonsense Board" where they log the wild moments that keep them sane It's raw. It's real. It's the life of a limb-saving NP — equal parts heart, grit, urgency, and humor. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, struggling to navigate the system, or wondering what limb-saving care actually looks like behind the scenes, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a whole new appreciation for the clinicians fighting for patients every single day. #TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #LimbSavingCare #PeripheralArteryDisease #NursePractitioner #OhioHealth #VascularHealth #AmputationPrevention #LifeAndLimb #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicDiseaseCare #FrontlineMedicine #HealthcareHeroes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Heart of Innovation, we bring you a true story of grit, muscle, and unwavering determination. Meet Deputy John Dent—20 years on the road in West Virginia law enforcement, a body built for durability, and a diagnosis that threatened it all: peripheral artery disease (PAD). He was the guy who'd outrun everyone in the academy at 275 lbs. He was the guy strides ahead of his peers. Then one day his leg seized up in the cruiser. What seemed like a cramp became a blood-clot. A fasciotomy followed. Then the vascular surgeon told him they might have to amputate. "I said, my leg don't need to be cut off," John says. Instead, he dug in. He changed his life. He stayed active. For over a decade, no further surgery. Just gym work, collateral circulation, and refusal to back down. And here's a twist you'll love: during our conversation, John mentions his work intersecting with a West Virginia documentary spotlighting Appalachian realities. (Think Netflix-style rural exposure.) It's a moment where his law-enforcement role met a culture-industry moment—and you'll hear how he processed it. Host Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips walk John through his story—how PAD could've ended his career, his identity, his leg. Instead, it became a mission. Tune in. It's not just a "Save My Piggies" special—it's a "Save My Career, Save My Life" special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're featuring someone whose impact on veterans' health spans nearly two decades — John Wordin, a visionary who has transformed how our nation supports wounded warriors, trauma survivors, and veterans living with diabetes, PTSD, and mobility challenges. Wordin's work has been nothing short of groundbreaking. He created Ride 2 Recovery (now Project Hero), helped build more than 300 custom adaptive bikes for injured servicemembers, designed the DoD's Warrior Games, and has personally supported tens of thousands of veterans in their journeys toward physical and emotional recovery. His programs have consistently shown something too often overlooked in traditional care: movement, community, and purpose can change the trajectory of chronic disease, including diabetes — with many veterans reducing or even coming off insulin through structured support and lifestyle change. Recently recognized with the American Exceptionalism Award, Wordin brings a rare combination of innovation, grit, and humanity that has shaped national conversation around veteran wellness. Hosted by Emmy Award–winning journalist and Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips, this episode dives into the real stories behind Wordin's work — from the creation of the Warrior Games to the mental-health breakthroughs emerging from his long-running programs. If you care about veterans, chronic disease reversal, or the power of community-driven health transformation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padgroup #VeteransHealth #JohnWordin #Ride2Recovery #ProjectHero #NoVetAlone #DiabetesReversal #InsulinReduction #PTSDRecovery #WarriorGames #AdaptiveCycling #VeteranResilience #ChronicDiseaseReversal #LifestyleMedicine #VeteranMentalHealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist present Jimontanae "Jae" McBride with the Global PAD Association's PAD Family Advocate of the Year Award through the Global PAD Impact Awards. This award recognizes Jae's exceptional advocacy journey that began with saving her mother's limbs from amputation. When faced with limited options for her mother's PAD wound care, Jae didn't just accept the status quo—she invented a solution to fill the critical gap in care that threatened her mother's limbs. Her determination led her to contact the Leg Saver Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS), pursue multiple medical opinions, and navigate complex healthcare systems with remarkable persistence. Jae's self-education about PAD treatment options enabled her to become an informed, effective advocate who could communicate confidently with healthcare providers. What truly distinguishes Jae is how she transformed her personal experience into a mission to help others. She now shares her knowledge with families facing similar challenges, teaching them how to advocate effectively and navigate the healthcare system to prevent unnecessary amputations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this episode, The Global PAD Association recognizes Spectrum Antimicrobials as the recipient of the 2025-26 Breakthrough in CLI Wound Care Award! Their stabilized HOCl-based formula has proven transformative for patients with critical limb ischemia whose wounds refused to heal—even after blood flow was restored. Through science grounded in compassion, Spectrum Antimicrobials has demonstrated how targeted wound chemistry can help patients move from limb threat to limb salvage. Join us for this episode of The Heart of Innovation for a live virtual presentation and interview with CEO Hoji Alimi and Co-founder Bill Watson as we explore the patient stories, the science, and the hope driving this breakthrough in wound care. This innovation is redefining what's possible when vascular and wound care work together. #CLI #WoundCare #PAD #LimbSalvage #HOCl #SpectrumAntimicrobials #BreakthroughAward #GlobalPAD #PatientImpact #peripheralarterydiseaes #criticallimbischemia #woundcare #globalpadassociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, host Kym McNicholas sits down with Dr. Sid Rao, one of the nation’s pioneers in transarterial embolization (TAE) — a minimally invasive procedure offering new hope for patients with osteoarthritis. Dr. Rao explains how TAE targets abnormal blood vessels that drive chronic inflammation in the joints, sparing healthy tissue while reducing pain and improving mobility. The discussion explores the procedure’s evolution from treating knee arthritis to now addressing hand osteoarthritis, with early data showing up to 70% of patients achieving complete pain relief within six months. Kym also shares her father’s experience undergoing the procedure at Vascular Solutions of North Carolina, highlighting the real-world impact of restored function, better sleep, and renewed independence. Together, they discuss patient selection, long-term outcomes, and the growing need for physician training to expand access to this innovative therapy. Keywords: transarterial embolization, osteoarthritis treatment, knee pain relief, hand arthritis, minimally invasive procedure, inflammation, Dr. Sid Rao, Vascular Solutions of North Carolina, The Heart of Innovation Podcast, Kym McNicholas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, left a recent Colorado game in pain from another blood clot, headlines focused on his toes and his comeback. But few understood what his story actually exposes: the difference between arterial and venous clots — and why that distinction can mean the difference between life, limb, and legacy. On this week’s Heart of Innovation, I sat down with Dr. Esteban Henao of Albuquerque, NM, and Dr. John Phillips, interventional cardiologist and co-host, to unpack the science, the stories, and the stakes behind blood clots — timed to World Thrombosis Day. We discuss: – Why Deion’s “perfect storm” of diabetes, aneurysmal disease, and hereditary hypercoagulability makes his case so complex – How arterial clots (often linked to PAD and plaque buildup) differ from venous clots that can cause deadly pulmonary embolisms – What warning signs too many patients and clinicians still miss – Why who you are can determine how quickly you’re treated — and how equity in vascular care could save thousands of limbs As Dr. Henao said on the show: “If Deion wasn’t Deion, there’s a good chance he would have lost his leg.” And that’s exactly why these conversations matter. Listen to the full show! If you have additional questions about blood clots, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to PADhelp.org #deionsanders #coachprime #bloodclots #arteryclot #DVT #peripheralarterydisease #legsaverhotline #globalpadassociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Heart of Innovation, our Save My Piggies series features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and cutting-edge care. Meet Benny, a Dallas patient who nearly lost his leg to advanced Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — and the physician who helped him reclaim his life. Dr. Marc Salhanick, a vascular specialist in Dallas, shares how a minimally invasive procedure using a new, retractable stent helped restore blood flow in the small vessels below the knee, giving Benny a second chance to walk and to live without fear of amputation. Benny opens up about the emotional toll of PAD, the frustration of delayed diagnosis, and the moment he finally found a care team that listened and acted. His journey highlights both the devastating gaps in PAD care and the hope that exists when awareness and access come together. 🎧 Don’t miss this moving journey from pain to possibility — and learn how early detection, innovative treatments, and patient advocacy can save limbs and lives. 📞 Questions about PAD? Call the Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Visit PADhelp.org for free education and support. This episode was made possible through a sponsorship by Reflow Medical. The patient was compensated for sharing their personal experience. Reflow Medical did not participate in the selection of the physician or patient and had no influence over the content or discussion. #HeartOfInnovation #SaveMyPiggies #PADAwareness #AmputationPrevention #LimbSalvage #VascularHealth #PatientStories #LegSaverHotlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they go LIVE from Vascular Solutions of North Carolina's 1st Annual Multidisciplinary Conference with Patient Pro Marketing CEO Justin Lesh. Discover how interventional specialists and orthopedic doctors are collaborating to offer groundbreaking minimally invasive treatments for knee, foot, hand, and shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about new pain relief options for patients who aren't candidates for surgery but deserve life-changing care. Don't miss this inside look at the future of osteoarthritis treatment and how Patient Pro Marketing is helping connect patients with these innovative solutions. #OsteoarthritisInnovation #PatientCare #MinimallyInvasiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us THIS SATURDAY, September 27th, on "The Heart of Innovation" as we honor Dr. Sara Rose-Sauld, DPM, of MGH, Boston, MA with our U.S. PAD Podiatrist of the Year Award! Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with special guest world-renowned Podiatrist Dr. David Alper, will interview Dr. Rose-Sauld about her extraordinary contributions to PAD care. Selected by patients themselves, Dr. Rose-Sauld has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of those with Peripheral Artery Disease. Patients consistently praise her ability to explain complex PAD issues in understandable terms while providing compassionate care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. What truly sets Dr. Rose-Sauld apart is her remarkable success in healing complex wounds and preventing amputations, all while ensuring patients feel respected, heard, and empowered throughout their treatment journey. Don't miss this special episode showcasing a healthcare provider who's saving limbs and changing lives! Watch live at: https://youtube.com/live/3wFPXVWl-Dk?feature=share #PADImpactAwards #LimbPreservation #SaveLimbs #PADawareness #peripheralarterydisease #HeartOfInnovation #podiatrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congratulations to the exceptional Kaiser Permanente vascular research team in Northern California led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma and Dr. Robert Chang for receiving this prestigious honor as “Walking As Therapy Research Team of the Year” through the Global PAD Impact Awards, presented by the Global PAD Association! Walking As Therapy Research Team members Dr. Robert Chang, Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Dr. Joy Garg, Crystal Short, Noelle Blick, and Hanan Krayem are transforming PAD management and proving that sometimes the most powerful medicine is simply putting one foot in front of the other. This innovative team is pioneering groundbreaking research on remote Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) for Walking, using a novel app with a “Peloton Style” experience designed specifically for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). What also sets their program apart is the comprehensive follow-up support that extends beyond the initial three-month, 36-session program. This extended care significantly improves patient compliance with “walking as medicine,” helping patients grow their own natural bypasses around leg artery blockages. Join our upcoming interview to learn more about this remarkable program and meet the dedicated research team behind it! You’ll also gain valuable insights into the science of how walking actually improves circulation in the legs. Are you experiencing leg pain, leg cramps, neuropathy, fatigue, foot burning, or tingling? For questions about the walking program or PAD symptoms, call the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS. You can also connect with others on a similar journey by joining our online walking patient peer support group at WalkingSupportGroup.com. Global PAD Impact Awards - Important Disclaimer Award Clarification and Patient Guidance The Global PAD Impact Awards are not an endorsement of any award recipient’s medical practice, research, or clinical services. These awards are: Based on specific, carefully evaluated criteria Nominated by patients who have experienced care Selected by a diverse panel including patients, physicians, and clinical experts Important Patient Guidance Receiving this award does not guarantee that a particular healthcare provider is the right fit for every patient’s unique medical needs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complex condition that requires personalized medical attention. Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider If you need assistance in selecting a healthcare provider for PAD: Contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS Speak with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process of finding the most appropriate doctor for your specific presentation of the disease Remember: Every patient’s medical journey is unique. Professional consultation is crucial in making informed healthcare decisions. #WalkingTherapy #PADResearch #KaiserPermanente #InnovationInHealthcare #globalpadimpactawards #walkingismedicine #peripheralarterydisease #padwalk #padwalkingprogram #padwalkinggroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an interview with Dr. Grigorios Korosoglou, our 2025 Global PAD Interventional Angiologist of the Year, on the Heart of Innovation Radio Show! 📆 Date: Saturday, September 13th 🕚 Times: 11:00 AM Pacific Time 2:00 PM Eastern Time 8:00 PM Central European Time Hosted by: Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips Discover: -Dr. Korosoglou’s approaches to PAD treatment -Research in vascular interventions -The impact of PAD care strategies -Techniques that improve patient outcomes and limb preservation Learn how Dr. Korosoglou is advancing peripheral artery disease treatment—from Germany to the world! 🔬 Insights into: -Precise interventional techniques -Comprehensive vascular care strategies -Research driving improvements in PAD treatment PAD Patients: This is your chance to hear directly from a leader in vascular medicine who is making a meaningful difference! 📞 Questions? Call our Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Join our support community: padsupportgroup.org Global PAD Impact Awards - Important Disclaimer Award Clarification and Patient Guidance The Global PAD Impact Awards are not an endorsement of any award recipient’s medical practice, research, or clinical services. These awards are: •    Based on specific, carefully evaluated criteria •    Nominated by patients who have experienced care •    Selected by a diverse panel including patients, physicians, and clinical experts Important Patient Guidance Receiving this award does not guarantee that a particular healthcare provider is the right fit for every patient’s unique medical needs. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a complex condition that requires personalized medical attention. Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider If you need assistance in selecting a healthcare provider for PAD: •    Contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS and speak with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process of finding the most appropriate doctor for your specific presentation of the disease Remember: Every patient’s medical journey is unique. Professional consultation is crucial in making informed healthcare decisions. #PADAwareness #MedicalInnovation #VascularCare #GlobalPADImpactAwards #HeartOfInnovation #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padgroup #padsupportgroup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are continuing we are joining the Global PAD Association in honoring a pioneer in treatment for a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. It's Peripheral Artery Disease, poor circulation in the legs that if left undiagnosed and untreated early can lead to amputation.  We are presenting the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in PAD care to Dr. Marco Manzi, the pioneering interventional radiologist from Padua, Italy, whose groundbreaking techniques have revolutionized limb salvage worldwide! For over two decades, Dr. Manzi has been at the forefront of developing and teaching distal revascularization techniques that have transformed “amputation cases” into limb salvage success stories. His work at Policlinico Abano Terme has become a global beacon for physicians seeking to master advanced endovascular techniques. What truly distinguishes Dr. Manzi is his unwavering philosophy: “Why not try?” When others see amputation as inevitable, he sees an opportunity to innovate. This approach has not only saved countless limbs but has inspired a generation of interventionalists worldwide. The impact of his teaching extends far beyond his own patients. Through the CLI-Courses (CLI-C) he founded in 2017, his live demonstrations at major conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and the more than 50 publications he’s authored, Dr. Manzi has created a global community dedicated to advancing limb salvage techniques. As many of the world’s most accomplished limb salvage specialists will attest, time spent learning in Dr. Manzi’s lab has been transformative for their practice. His willingness to share his innovative tools and techniques has elevated the entire field of interventional limb salvage. Join us on September 6th for an in-depth interview with Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips with Dr. Manzi on The Heart of Innovation to explore how his pioneering work continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in limb preservation! #PADImpactAwards #LifetimeAchievement #LimbSalvage #EndovascularPioneer #PADawareness #peripheralarterydisease #CLItreatment #padgroup #padsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation with hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, we are kicking off PAD Awareness Month to raise awareness of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. Leg pain, leg cramps, and neuropathy are all indications of poor circulation that could signal PAD. We begin our celebration with the first of 40 Global PAD Impact Awards, honoring the most impactful contributors in the space. The Global PAD Association proudly recognizes “Amputation Nation” by Even Keel Productions with this year’s Best PAD Awareness Video Award! Producers Chris Wooley and Wayne Dickmann have created a powerful visual narrative that exposes the hidden epidemic of preventable amputations in America. Through compelling storytelling and expert testimonials, their documentary shines a crucial light on peripheral artery disease and its devastating consequences when left undiagnosed or undertreated. “Amputation Nation” stands out for its emotional impact, educational clarity, and exceptional production quality—inspiring viewers to recognize symptoms early and seek proper vascular evaluation before amputation becomes the only option. To watch this episode later, and actually see the award-winning video, go to YouTube.com/TheWayToMyHeart. If you think you have symptoms of PAD and need to talk to someone and/or find advanced care in your area, call the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver’s Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or go to padsupportgroup.org. #PADImpactAwards #AmputationNation #PADawareness #PreventableAmputations #padsupport #padgroup #peripheralarterydisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #PADAwarenessMonth #padsupportgroup #padgroup #bestpadvideoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't miss this week's "Heart of Innovation" podcast as hosts Kym McNicholas (Global PAD Association CEO) and Dr. John Phillips (Interventional Cardiologist) welcome an extraordinary guest - Dr. Kevin Morgan (PhD)! At 82, Dr. Morgan isn't just surviving with Peripheral Artery Disease—he's THRIVING as a competitive triathlete, recently placing 3rd in his age group at the 2023 World Ironman Championships! His new book "Peripheral Artery Disease Training Plan For PAD Heroes: From Amputees to Athletes" reveals the 14-week training program that's kept him competing despite 100% blockage in his right popliteal artery. 🔹 Learn about his evidence-based approach featuring 33 instructional videos 🔹 Discover why grieving your diagnosis is the crucial first step to recovery 🔹 Get details about our exciting "30 Days to 5K Challenge" launching this September for PAD Awareness Month! Walking is truly medicine for PAD, creating natural bypasses around blockages. Dr. Morgan will show you how to make this medicine work better with proper techniques and motivation. Join us live and bring your questions! Then sign up for our challenge at padwalkinggroup.org (with your doctor's approval). #PADAwareness #HeartOfInnovation #CollateralNation #WalkingIsMedicine #peripheralarterydisease #peripheralarterydiseasegroup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Kym McNicholas and guest co-host Dr. Michael "Misha" Ginsburg" entertain a discussion on innovative treatments for hand and wrist osteoarthritis, featuring both embolization and orthopedic perspectives. Dr. Yuji Okuno, founder of the Okuno Clinic and pioneer of the “Okuno Method,” will share insights on his groundbreaking approach to treating osteoarthritis pain. Since first reporting his technique in 2012, Dr. Okuno has transformed arthritis management by targeting abnormal blood vessels in pain-producing tissues rather than using conventional approaches. The Okuno Method stands out for its ability to address the root cause of osteoarthritis pain with minimal recurrence, normal tissue repair, and no restrictions on daily activities post-procedure. Dr. Assaf Kadar brings the orthopedic surgeon’s perspective to the conversation. As a clinical and academic leader in hand and wrist biomechanics at the HULC bioengineering lab, Dr. Kadar specializes in developing new suspensionplasty hand and digit devices. He’ll provide an overview of the orthopedic approach to hand osteoarthritis and discuss the potential role of hand embolization in the treatment spectrum.  This episode offers a rare opportunity to explore both interventional and surgical approaches to hand osteoarthritis treatment. #TheHeartOfInnovation #Embolization #OsteoarthritisTreatment #HandPain #OrthopedicInnovation #globalpadassociation #padhelp #osteoarthritis #okunomethodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blood Work Decoded: Understanding the "Why" Behind Heart Disease and PAD Saturday LIVE on "The Heart of Innovation," Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips welcome vascular surgeon Dr. Lily Johnston from Scripps La Jolla in California to discuss the root causes of peripheral artery disease and heart conditions. Dr. Johnston brings her extensive background (Princeton, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins) to explore how advanced blood work can reveal underlying issues that traditional approaches might miss. She'll decode: • What your lipid panel actually means for your vascular health • Key blood cell markers everyone should understand • Why anemia frequently accompanies cardiovascular conditions • Which specialized tests to discuss with your doctor As founder of the Vascular Health Institute, Dr. Johnston takes a metabolic approach to vascular disease, focusing on prevention and addressing underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms. Have questions about PAD diagnosis, treatment options, or prevention strategies? Drop them below or bring them to our live conversation. #peripheralarterydisease #vascularmedicine #preventivehealth #cardiovascularhealth #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #heartdiseaseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.