Health for Life

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life by Kern Medical, we sit down with Dr. Soroush Bazargani, urologist at Kern Medical, to talk all about kidney stones—what they are, why they form, and why they can be so painful. Dr. Bazargani explains common risk factors, symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and the tests used to diagnose them. He also shares practical tips for prevention, including the important role hydration and diet can play in lowering your risk. Whether you’ve had a kidney stone before or simply want to protect your health, this episode offers valuable information for every listener.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood medications in healthcare today: fentanyl.Often associated with alarming headlines and the dangers of illicit drug use, fentanyl can sound intimidating to patients. But in a hospital setting, it plays a very different role; one that is carefully controlled, highly effective, and essential for managing pain in certain medical situations.We are joined by Dr. Jeff Jolliff, the Director of Pharmacy Programs and Residency Program Director for the Department of Pharmacy at Kern Medical, to help separate fact from fiction. We discuss what fentanyl is, why it’s used in hospitals, how it’s safely administered, and what patients should know if it’s part of their care.

Send us Fan MailWeight loss shots are everywhere right now — semaglutide, tirzepatide, peptides… but what’s actually safe and what should you avoid? 👀In this episode of Health for Life, endocrinologist Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti explains how these medications work, who they’re for, and how they can even help conditions like PCOS. She also discusses side effects, why some patients regain weight after stopping the injections, what sustainable and realistic weight-loss goals actually look like, and the real risks of buying them online. Before you try one, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we’re diving into all things thyroid with Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Dr. Chandra explains what the thyroid does, the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what symptoms can look like at different ages — from young adults to older patients.We also discuss how thyroid conditions can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall hormonal balance, plus when it’s important to seek care. Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition, thinking about starting a family, or simply want to better understand how your hormones affect your overall health, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-understand insights.

Send us Fan MailThis month, we’re joined by Dr. Najib Ussef, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine and general orthopedics. With a deep understanding of joint health and injury prevention, Dr. Ussef works with patients of all ages to help them stay active, recover from injuries, and avoid common pitfalls that come with jumping back into fitness — especially at the start of a new year. Dr. Ussef shares his journey into orthopedic sports medicine and offers practical, evidence-based advice for anyone looking to build a sustainable, injury-free workout routine. We talk about the most common mistakes people make when returning to exercise, how to recognize early warning signs of overuse or strain, and how joint health evolves with age.

Send us Fan MailIn this December episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Ranjani Panithi, a highly experienced pediatrician at Kern Medical, to talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus — better known as RSV. As cases tend to spike in the winter months, Dr. Panithi helps us understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and which children are most at risk for severe illness.We discuss the latest prevention tools, including new immunizations and maternal vaccines, how to care for children with RSV at home, and when it’s time to seek medical attention. Whether you're a new parent, caregiver, or just want to stay informed this cold and flu season, this episode offers expert insight to help keep your little ones safe and healthy.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by a pediatric endocrinologist to explore the fascinating world of hormones and how they impact children’s health. From growth and puberty to diabetes and gender-affirming care, the endocrine system plays a critical role in many aspects of childhood development.We’ll break down what endocrinology is, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how early signs of hormone imbalances can affect a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Our guest also sheds light on growth hormone therapy, and puberty challenges.Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about how hormones shape our health, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Tung Trang, Chief of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Oncology at Kern Medical. As the only head and neck cancer surgeon in Kern County and the physician behind the county’s first implantable hearing aid, Dr. Trang brings unmatched expertise to the table.We explore the growing concern of hearing loss in the age of earbuds and constant audio exposure — especially among younger populations. Dr. Trang breaks down how modern listening habits are impacting our ears, how to recognize early signs of damage, and what you can do to protect your hearing for the long haul.Plus, we dive into the do’s and don’ts of ear cleaning (spoiler: step away from the cotton swabs) and hear about some of the most unusual objects Dr. Trang has found lodged in patients’ ears — you won’t want to miss it!Whether you're a daily earbud user or just curious about your ear health, this episode is full of practical tips, surprising stories, and expert insight from one of the nation’s top ENT surgeons.

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what it really takes to become a doctor? In this episode of Health for Life, we sit down with Dr. Amir Berjis to break down the journey to becoming a physician—from the first spark of interest in high school to medical school, residency, and beyond. Whether you're a student considering a career in medicine or just curious about the process, Dr. Berjis offers insight into every stage, including how to prepare, what challenges to expect, and how to stay motivated.We also dive into the unique opportunities available at Kern Medical, including our robust residency and fellowship programs that are shaping the next generation of physicians right here in the Central Valley.Read more: https://www.kernmedical.com/academics/medical-student-education/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we're talking about a skill that can truly save lives—how to Stop the Bleed. Guests Allison Osvog, Clinical Manager of Trauma Medicine, and George Bratton, Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator, break down the national Stop the Bleed initiative, how to control severe bleeding in an emergency, and what to do even if you don’t have a kit.Plus, hear powerful real-life stories where these simple actions made all the difference.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amin Ramzan from Kern Medical's Obstetrics and Gynecology department specializing in Gynecologic Oncology, to break down everything you need to know about cervical cancer—from prevention to screening and treatment.We dive into:How cervical cancer is detected and tested forThe role of HPV in cervical cancer and why the HPV vaccine matters for both girls and boysCommon myths and misconceptions—busted with factsWhat every parent, patient, and provider should knowWhether you're looking to better understand your health or advocate for someone else’s, this episode is packed with insight and practical takeaways.

Send us Fan MailIn this explosive episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. David Bowen, a board-certified hand and plastic surgeon at Kern Medical, to talk about a topic that lights up every summer—fireworks injuries.With the Fourth of July around the corner, Dr. Bowen shares what he sees every year in the ER, how he compares these traumatic injuries to some of the worst in his field, and the lifelong consequences that a few seconds of celebration can cause. We’ll also cover practical tips to stay safe, what to do in case of an accident, and how to enjoy the holiday responsibly.

Send us Fan MailOn this month's episode of Health for Life, we are joined by Dr. Soorena Fatehchehr to dive deep into endometriosis — a condition that’s often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and minimized. We’re talking real symptoms, common misconceptions, the impact of medical gaslighting, and most importantly, the treatment options that do exist. If you or someone you love is navigating this journey, this one’s a must-listen. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we dive into the world of Bariatric Surgery—what it is, who qualifies, the risks and benefits, and the long-term lifestyle changes required for success. We're joined by Dr. Sbeih, a Board-Certified General Surgeon who specializes in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Bariatric Surgery. As the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Kern Medical, Dr. Sbeih brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a compassionate, culturally informed approach to patient care.With experience practicing across the country—from New York to Kentucky to Pennsylvania—Dr. Sbeih shares valuable insights into the evolving field of weight-loss surgery. Whether you're considering bariatric surgery or simply curious about how it works, this episode offers expert answers, helpful guidance, and a deeper understanding of how surgical weight loss can transform lives.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alex Elias, Kern County’s only board-certified female colorectal surgeon, to talk all things colorectal health. From why screenings aren’t as scary as you think to when you should get one, Dr. Elias breaks down the facts and clears up common misconceptions. We also tackle the stigma around discussing digestive and colorectal issues—because there’s no reason to be embarrassed about your butt! Plus, we dive into the rising rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups and what you can do to stay proactive about your health.Tune in for an informative and candid conversation that might just save your life!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Health for Life, we're diving deep into Valley Fever with infectious disease specialist Dr. Royce Johnson, who has spent decades studying this fungal infection. We cover everything from symptoms and treatment to how it impacts both humans and animals. Dr. Johnson also shares insights into where Valley Fever was first discovered, the latest research advancements, and what he believes the community needs to know about prevention and early detection.If you live in an area where Valley Fever is common—or just want to stay informed—this episode is a must-listen!

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the debut episode of Health for Life, a podcast dedicated to exploring the topics that impact our well-being and shape our world. In this first episode, we're diving into a crucial and timely issue—addiction medicine. Dr. Sarah Gonzalez is an emergency medicine physician with specialized expertise in addiction and its treatment. Together, we'll unpack the science behind addiction, share inspiring stories of hope and recovery, and discuss how we can all play a part in breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. Whether you're personally affected, a healthcare professional, or just interested in learning more, this conversation is an essential starting point in understanding and addressing one of today’s most pressing health challenges.