FirstHealth & Wellness Podcast

Gut health affects far more than digestion — it influences mood, immunity, energy and everyday well‑being. In this episode, FirstHealth functional medicine specialist Dr. Scott Jamison breaks down what “gut health” really means, the subtle symptoms people shouldn’t ignore and the simple steps anyone can take today to feel better from the inside out.  Learn more about Scott Jamison, M.D. 

When weight‑loss surgery doesn’t deliver the results you hoped for, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. This series breaks down what bariatric revision surgery is, why someone might need it, and what to expect along the way.  Learn more about Raymond Washington, MD   Learn more about David Grantham, MD 

Today, we are diving into something that we all do - but maybe not enough of: sleep. Sleep is much more than downtime. It’s when your body repairs itself, your brain processes memories and your mind resets for the next day. In today’s culture, sleep is often sacrificed for any number of other things. In this episode, we will explore how you can make sleep your ultimate superpower and how focusing on good sleep improves your health.  Learn more about Suzanne Wilson, M.D. 

Pelvic floor health can be a taboo subject, but it doesn't need to be. Women's Health Nurse Practitioner talks about common pelvic floor issues, breaks down some myths and discusses surgical and non-surgical treatment options.  Learn more about Shannon Smith, WHNP 

Urogynecologist Dr. G. Will Stone unpacks the prevalence of urinary incontinence among women. Discover the complex interplay of anatomy, pregnancy, and menopause that contributes to this common condition. Learn how open dialogue can help de-stigmatize the conversation around women's health and empower those affected to seek solutions. Learn more about George Stone, M.D.

Lung cancer causes about 160,000 U.S. deaths a year, which is greater than the toll of the next three most common cancers—colon, breast and prostate—combined. Yet only about 30% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed early, when better treatment plans are available. Pulmonologist Bradley Icard, D.O., medical director of FirstHealth's Lung Screening Program, discusses how FirstHealth is providing more access to key scans that can catch lung cancer early.

You're pregnant: congratulations! Now what? We know you likely have questions about your first pregnancy, and we have answers. Dr. Kendall Zmiewsky, an OB/GYN with Southern Pines Women's Health Center, helps you get ready to become a parent with answers to some key pregnancy questions.

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is excited to announce the introduction of a new obstetrics (OB) hospitalist program designed to enhance the care and support provided to laboring moms at Moore Regional Hospital. The OB/GYN hospitalists will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning March 1, 2024

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is committed to fighting human trafficking. Crystal Alam, BSN, R.N., serves at the FirstHealth Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Coordinator at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Hear how she and others serve patients and the community.

FirstHealth of the Carolinas has launched a new Integrative Oncology & Survivorship Program, which provides evidence-informed integrative therapies to support patients' cancer treatment. Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, who leads the program, describes how it will support patients and be a game-changer for patients at the FirstHealth Cancer Center.

Hospice provider Dr. Timothy Beittel and director Tina Gibbs break down some common misconceptions about Hospice care.

There can often be confusion about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer's. Neuropsychologist Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, discusses how caregivers can advocate for older family members who begin suffering from cognitive issues.

If you often feel tired or cranky, or have trouble concentrating, it could be because you aren’t getting enough good, sound sleep. Some people function well on as little as six hours of sleep at night, while others require nine or 10 hours. But most people need about eight hours of sleep to stay healthy and be at their best, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Autumn Grimm, a family nurse practitioner at Sandhills Neurologists, joins the FirstHealth and Wellness Podcast to discuss the most frequent sleep issues and what you can do about them.

Wanting to get fit but not sure where to start? Certified personal trainer Mark Landry highlights the important steps to take as you make health and wellness part of your routine.

Navigating the grocery store can be difficult, especially if you are trying to make healthy choices and avoid processed foods and drinks. Registered dietitian Michelle Cole, the program manager of FirstHealth's Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center, joins the FirstHealth and Wellness Podcast to discuss how better shopping techniques can go a long way to living a healthier lifestyle.

Cardio-oncology is a relatively new field, and it is changing how cancer patients and survivors receive their treatments. At FirstHealth, Roy Shammas, M.D., is helping patients understand unique cardiac side effects of chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiation to treat cancer as well as assessing patients who have known heart disease or other risk factors.

FirstHealth's Travel Medicine Clinic provides immunizations and advice for travelers as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Whether traveling for pleasure or work or embarking on a humanitarian mission, it is vital to make an appointment with a FirstHealth infectious diseases expert prior to leaving. Paul Jawanda, M.D., an infectious diseases physician at FirstHealth, discusses how the clinic works with travelers to create a seamless experience before they ever leave the Sandhills.

There are five main types of gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Each comes with different signs and symptoms, risk factors and different prevention strategies. Gynecologic Oncologist Michael Sundborg, M.D., joins the FirstHealth and Wellness Podcast to discuss key symptoms and risk factors, along with how risk changes with age. Dr. Sundborg also discusses the latest advances in treatment that is delivered at FirstHealth's Cancer Center in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Many people think about pregnancy and babies when thinking about their OB/GYN, but there are plenty of other questions you should be asking yours.

Cardiac rehabilitation can be critically important if you have experienced heart attack, heart failure, angiolplasty or heart surgery, but what exactly doe the program entail? Melissa Stewart, R.N., CCRP, clinical director of FirstHealth's Cardiac Rehabilitation program, chats about the team approach at FirstHealth and how the program can help participants make better lifestyle choices and maintain a healthy heart.

Worried about getting your first mammogram? You aren't alone. Tina LaForge, the mammography supervisor at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, talks about what to expect and how to prepare for your first mammogram.

Genetic counseling is changing the way people make health care decisions, allowing them to be more informed as they work with their providers. FirstHealth Oncology Genetic Counselor Harleigh Quick, MMSc, joins the FirstHealth & Wellness Podcast to discuss how genetic counseling improves patient care and helps FirstHealth deliver on its core purpose - To Care for People.

Mental Health Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year, FirstHealth joins the national movement to raise awareness and connect people to resources. Dr. Jason Jerry, a board-certified psychiatrist with FirstHealth, discusses the ways the system treats patients, provides support and fights stigma surrounding mental health.

New research is changing the way surgeons treat patients with lung cancer. Peter Ellman, M.D., a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, details how a procedure called a segmentectomy can help save important lung tissues and improve quality of life for patients.

Structural cardiology has changed dramatically in recent years as technological advancements have given patients many more options for symptom reversal and improved quality of life. Dr. Sun Moon Kim, structural cardiologist at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, discusses how the field has changed.

Breast cancer screening guidelines are ever-changing, so how should an average woman make sense of them?