Hello Healthy – a Dignity Health Podcast

Center of Excellence

In this episode, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Medical Center, Donald J. Wiley, discusses the hospital’s commitment to excellence. St. Joseph’s is recognized nationally for providing outstanding care across a wide variety of services.

Hip Fracture Prevention

Preventative actions people can take to avoid hip fractures.

Meniscus Tears – Surgical vs Non-Surgical

In this podcast, Dr. Friedman discusses the various types of meniscus tears and when it's appropriate to surgically intervene.

Understanding New Generation Weight Loss Medications

The FDA recently approved Wegovy, a weight loss injection medication that supports long-term weight loss. Dr. Anila Chadha, family medicine physician who specializes in obesity discusses the use and benefits of this new medical treatment for patients.

Why is Lung Cancer on the Rise Among Women?

In this episode, Dr. Eric Peck, Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Dignity Health Medical Group discusses recent research that explains a rise of lung cancer in women under 50 years of age and the surgical treatment options available for lung cancer patients.

The Opening of the OB Emergency Department

Mercy Medical Center in Merced is opening up an Obstetrics Emergency Department in the Family Birth Center. Learn the important benefits this addition will bring to the community and what it entails for expecting and postpartum mothers.  Learn more about Mercy's Family Birth Center 

Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program

Pancreatic Cancer often doesn't get detected until it's in Advanced stages. Dr. Constantine Melitas will talk about a new Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program that he is spearheading at Dignity Health's Mission Hope Cancer Center and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California and what this could mean for patients.

Bridging the Gap: A Door to Street Medicine

In this podcast episode, we delve into the introduction of Street Medicine to Merced, exploring the services it will provide and the composition of the Street/Mobile Care team. Join us as we discuss the critical role Street Medicine plays in advancing our medical community and the impact it will have on the targeted population in Merced, shedding light on the concept of reality-based healthcare.

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease and Venous Insufficiency

In this episode, learn the difference between the two common vascular diseases that affect millions of Americans - peripheral artery disease and venous insufficiency. Tune in to hear Dr. Hao Bui, Vascular Surgeon to discuss the common symptoms, treatment options, and management of these conditions.

When to Visit the OB ED

How do you know when it's time to visit the OB emergency department? Ashley Thomas, labor and delivery RN with a Master's Degree in Nursing Education, with St. Joseph's Medical Center breaks down when you should come to the hospital.

Memorial Hospital Receives Letter Grade “A” in Patient Safety from Leapfrog Group

In this episode, Ken Keller, President & CEO of Memorial Hospital, discusses patient safety and what it means to earn a letter "A" grade from the Leapfrog Group. Tune in and learn how patient safety and quality are delivered at Memorial Hospital and what it takes to lead staff to achieve this national distinction.

Robotic Surgery Milestone - 2000+ Procedures at Mercy Hospitals Bakersfield

In this episode, Dr. Malellari, Colorectal Surgeon and Medical Director of the S.A. Camp Companies Robotics Surgical Center, discusses a recent robotic surgery procedure he performed on his patient, Cherry Pancian, RN. Tune in to hear how robotic surgery saved his patient and understand the details of her recovery process after undergoing assisted robotic colorectal surgery.

Which is Right For You? Disc Replacement or Spinal Fusion?

In this Hello Healthy episode, Dr. Oluyede, MD, Spine Surgeon, discusses the difference between spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement surgery for patients suffering from back or neck pain caused by a variety of orthopedic issues. Listen in and learn the difference between these orthopedic surgeries and discover which one is the right choice for you if you are suffering from severe orthopedic issues.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. As summer arrives, people will gravitate to spend more time in the sun. Dr. Madhusudhan, MD, Family Medicine Physician with Dignity Health Medical Group - Bakersfield, discusses how to stay safe in the sun and prevent skin cancer this summer.

When To Be Concerned About Your Back Pain

Dr. Gary Alegre, a Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon and Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, discusses when you should be concerned about your back pain and when it's time to visit your doctor. 

Minimally Invasive Heart Mass Removal Surgery with Dr. Peck

Dr. Eric Peck discusses his latest heart mass removal surgery using the AlphaVac, an FDA approved mechanical aspiration device for the removal of thromboemboli from a patient's venous system. This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to avoid open-heart surgery and no disruption to their daily life.

Basics of Breast Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. French discusses breast cancer, screening, and treatment options.

Total Joint

Dr. Sidhu, a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and total joint replacements, shares specifics on how to know it might be time to consider a hip or knee replacement.

Ankle Arthritis/Total Ankle

In this podcast, Dr. Natsuhara addresses ankle arthritis, explains why it happens, how it is diagnosed, and various treatment options.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Dr. Kawaguchi (Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of the knee) talks about knee osteoarthritis.  He explains what is arthritis, the risk factors of getting arthritis, and treatments.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Dr. Basra (Cardiologist) talks about various strategies to prevent heart disease, with a special focus on the prevention of heart disease in women.

Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound

Dr. Bhogal (Interventional and General Gastroenterology) talks about therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. He explains what is an endoscopy, what conditions typically require one and what is a therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound procedure.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), an Exciting Treatment Option for People with Parkinson's Disease, ...

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), an exciting treatment option for people with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor and Dystonia. We are the only center in Ventura County, and one of the few in Southern California to offer this treatment. While the selection process is thorough, we encourage anyone with one of these conditions to come in and discuss this option. Boiled down, when taking more pills is not the answer, come in and learn more. We expect to improve a patient's symptoms while at the...

The Unexpected Correlation Between Metabolic Disease and Shoulder Pain

Frozen shoulder is a common and debilitating shoulder condition. Research has uncovered some of the metabolic disease associated with this conditions Treatment. Protocols currently focus on treatment of both the shoulder and underlying metabolic disease.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), an Exciting Treatment Option for People with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor and Dystonia

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), an exciting treatment option for people with Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor and Dystonia. We are the only center in Ventura County, and one of the few in Southern California to offer this treatment. While the selection process is thorough, we encourage anyone with one of these conditions to come in and discuss this option. Boiled down, when taking more pills is not the answer, come in and learn more. We expect to improve a patient's symptoms while at the...

Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Support Group

Benefits to joining a support group and supportive services available at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center in Merced.

What Makes a Well Woman? Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

What makes a Well Woman? Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine Dr. Anne Kennard is an OB/GYN and nutrition activity avoidance of risky substances social connection sleep stress management.  We will talk about each of these subheadings in some detail with a few thoughts and actionable items that are globally applicable and will not be construed as medical advice

Obesity Management

Dr. Chadha (Family Practice Physician, Obesity Medicine Clinician) talks about Obesity Management. Dr. Chadha explains what is obesity, the health complications that come with it, and why is managing your weight important.

Stroke: The Golden Hour(s)

With Dr. Bowles coming from an emergency medicine background, his experience with stroke care is primarily within the first few hours (hopefully) after onset -- the first hour in the emergency department is sometimes referred to as the 'golden hour,' when almost all important tests and decisions should be completed. This episode emphasizes the importance of early stroke recognition, things to do and things not to do at home once it has been recognized, and what to expect after arrival to the ...

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Dr. Salvo (Electrophysiologist / Director of Electrophysiology lab at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital) talks about Sudden Cardiac Arrest).  Dr. Salvo explains what is sudden cardiac arrest, the signs and symptoms, and the potential risk factors.

What First Responders Want You to Know About Calling 9-1-1

In this panel interview Ms. Hall (Director of Emergency Services at Mercy Medical Center in Merced), Ms. Luce (Merced City Fire Battalion Chief), and Ms. Alley (Executive Director Riggs Ambulance Service) discuss when to call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and what to expect - from the ambulance ride to arrival at the hospital.

Caring for a Stroke Survivor

Dr. Shah and Ms. Rojas talk about caring for a stroke survivor.  Ms. Ramos talks about her experience as a caregiver.

What is Aphasia and What Do You Need to Know

In this episode, Jill Busby-Avila, a Speech Language Pathologist and Hospital Rehabilitation Manager at Dignity Health, leads a discussion focusing on aphasia, and important things to know if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aphasia.

Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults

Dr. Lorenc Malellari leads an interactive discussion with a former patient, with Angie Gentry, on the treatment she received after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Learn more about Dr. Malellari

GERD Treatment

Dr. Alfred Johnson leads a discussion of the TIF procedure for the treatment of GERD. He is joined by 2 of his former patients, who share how this treatment has helped them lead more comfortable lives. Learn more about Dr. Johnson

Breast Cancer in the Age of COVID

Dr. Nicole Gordon discusses breast cancer. Learn more about Dr. Gordon

Understanding Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Michael Cluck leads a discussion on minimally invasive surgery, and how the techniques have evolved over the years. Learn more about Dr. Cluck

Safe Sleep for Infants

Bettina Kindsman RNC,  discusses Memorial Hospitals Safe Sleep Certification, what safe sleep is, and how to keep your baby safe.

Treatment Options for Knee and Hip Pain

Dr. Naseem Beauchman discusses treatment options for knee and hip pain and discomfort.

Skin Cancer

Dr. Vip Dev leads an in-depth discussion on the topic of skin cancer, including the different types of skin cancer, the screening process, and treatment options. Learn more about Dr. Dev

What You Need to Know When It Comes To COVID-19, Pregnancy, And The Vaccine

Dr. Karen Tammela discusses the COVID-19 vaccine, and what pregnant women should know about being safe, breastfeeding, and getting vaccinated.

One Patients Journey with Colorectal Cancer

Limb Salvage: Management Of The Limb At Risk

Dr. Niren Angle discusses peripheral arterial disease and the treatment options that are available.

How to Treat Text Neck & Computer Spine

Dr. Nickul Jain discusses "text neck" and computer spine", how it has increased due to COVID-19, as well as how to treat and prevent these conditions.

COVID-19 Vaccine Myth Busters

Demand for Covid-19 vaccines is increasing but many remain vaccine hesitant. What are some common myths about the vaccines, and how can we work to address these misconceptions? Dr. Joerg Schuller, Chief Medical Officer for Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced debunk ten myths to help ease concerns and spread accurate information about the Covid-19 vaccines.

Overview of Lung Cancer

Dr. Murali Dharan discusses the importance of lung cancer screenings, as well the benefits, risks, and the symptoms to look out for.

Hernia Repair Performed Laparoscopically

Dr. Hormuz Irani leads an informative discussion on the different types of hernias, as well as the non invasive surgery options.

Epilepsy Patient Testimony

Megyn Ashley, an epilepsy survivor, and her father, James Ashley, share her story and how Dr. Hari Kunhi Veedu has helped her manage epilepsy.

How Hip Arthroscopy Can Help With Your Pain

Jarrad Merriman, MD, MPH, an Orthopedic Surgeon of Sports Medicine, explains how hip arthroscopy treatment can help those with hip pain.

Center of Excellence - Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery

Dr. Justin Lee discusses minimally invasive gynecology surgery.