Medical Minutes with WISH-TV

Child health specialist gives tips to prepare kids for COVID-19 vaccine

While some kids may tolerate shots just fine, others will be anxious and fearful. So, what can parents do to ease the fear and anxiety? In this episode, I speak with Jenna Yarnell, certified child life specialist at IU Health. Yarnell provides four key tips to prepare your child for vaccination. She also explains why transparency is key.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana doctor talks importance of lung screenings

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The disease is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in the U.S.--more than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. In this episode I speak with an oncologist about the importance of lung screenings and why everyone should get a yearly exam Because whether you're a smoker, are chronically exposed to secondhand smoke or have never picked up a cigarette in your life this cancer spares no one.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...

If I've had COVID-19 do I still need the vaccine? Two studies differ

A new study by scientists out of Israel found natural immunity from a previous infection is 13 times more effective than the coronavirus vaccine. At the same time, the CDC came out with a study saying the vaccine is 5 times more effective than natural immunity. So, which one is it? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New COVID-19 variant in U.S. contains traces of delta

A new, possibly more dangerous COVID-19 variant has made its way to the United States and scientists say it may soon take hold and add to a surge in coronavirus cases.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Researcher explains rigorous FDA approval process

What does it take for a vaccine to get FDA approval? The undertaking--to put it mildly--is rigorous. In this episode of Medical Minutes, I speak with Dr. Aaron Lottes, a research professor at Purdue University, who explains the process.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

These 2 conditions may reduce the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines

The immunity as a result of vaccination may not be as strong for people suffering from anxiety and depression. This is according to a study out of The Ohio State University. I speak the lead study author about how vaccine effectiveness and the two conditions are linked. We also talk about what you can do to strengthen your immune response should you find yourself suffering from either (or both) conditions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic...

Child psychologist empowers kids to take a stand against mask bullying

Schools and parents are divided. While some kids may be required to wear masks in schools others may not have the option. This got one Indiana doctor concerned about mask bullying. Kids can be cruel and bullying has always been an issue. However, not if parents can empower their children to remember why they are wearing masks in the first place.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Schools Encourage Kids Have Individualized Health Plans for 2021-2022 School Year

There's so much unknowns going into the 2021-2022 school year. And we all want our kids to have the most enjoyable and safest year possible--especially considering the challenging and unpredictable events of last year. In this episode I speak with Brenda McCLean, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center's school counselor, about how to create what's called an 'Individualized Health Plan' for your child so they can stay engaged, have fun and stay protected. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...

Doctor Says to Think Twice Before Getting Your Child Vaccinated

One of the most influential doctors, Dr. Marty Makary, researcher at Johns Hopkins, has a message for parents: Think twice before getting your child vaccinated for COVID-19. We go into detail and also talk about the origins of the virus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana Facing Blood Shortage; Here's How You Can Help

Meet our new investigative reporter, Jasmine Minor

On this episode, we welcome a new face to WISH-TV, Jasmine Minor. She’ll be joining Richard Essex as part of News 8’s iTeam. We talk about her Indy roots, her career as a professional tennis player and her path to investigative reporting.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Centers for Disease Control Exaggerating Outdoor COVID-19 Transmission

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the risk of an outdoor COVID-19 infection could be as high as 10%. But reports are circulating the actual number is much lower. In fact, it could be as little as 0.1%. In this episode of Medical Minutes, I speak with Dr. Cole Beeler, infectious disease expert at IU Health. Beeler says the federal agency's estimation is grossly misleading and he's just not buying it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Thriving Post-Pandemic: Why One Psychiatrist Says You Will

We've heard of post-traumatic stress. But what about post-traumatic growth? It's a term used to describe feelings of joy, creativity and purpose people feel following a devastating event. On this episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis, D.Ed., speaks with Dr. Heather Fretwell, psychiatrist at Eskenazi Health, about why the psychological struggle resulting from the pandemic will helps us become better people moving forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca...

How to Keep Cool When You Feel You're About to Snap

Health experts have referred to this time as a 'nation on edge.' Everything from the pandemic to politics, the economy to climate change--not to mention everyday life--people seem to be losing their cool over what could be considered minor things. On this episode, I speak Vanessa Enos, mental health counselor at Community Health Network, to get her tips on how to stay calm when we feel we're about to explode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N...

Talking to Kids About Tragedy

Active shooter situations are difficult for everyone, particularly children. With 24/7 news coverage and social media, it's nearly impossible to protect them from hearing about tragedies like the mass shooting at FedEx in Indianapolis last week. News 8 spoke with Jenny Volker, licensed clinical social worker at Community Health Network, about how to talk to little ones about tragedy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

What does the future hold for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Both the CDC and the FDA have advised states to temporarily suspend administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine because of a rare, but potentially deadly side effect. Indiana is one of them. But why such a rush to press pause? And what does this mean for vaccination roll outs moving forward? On this episode, we spoke with Dr. Christopher Doehring, vice president of medical affairs at Franciscan health, to explain.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

Vaccines & Menstruation

Some women are reporting unusual side effect after getting their COVID-19 shot. These women are getting their period soon after vaccination. They are also experiencing much heavier menstruation. So, why is this happening? And what might the long-term effects be? In this episode, we asked  Dr. Camueal Wright, an O-B-G-Y-N at CareSource to answer these questions...and more.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

Infection after COVID-19 vaccination is possible, here's why

Can you get infected with COVID-19 even after being vaccinated? The answer is yes. Health experts are referring to these patients as "breakthrough" cases. So, why is this happening? In this episode we spoke with Dr. Paul Driscoll, medical director for Franciscan Physician Network to get some answers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where exactly did COVID-19 come from?

Coronavirus origins have remained a mystery to scientists. According to the World Health Organization it came from animals. But others aren't as convinced insisting it was released from a lab in Wuhan to wreak havoc on the world... In this week's episode we spoke with Dr. Ana Bento, infectious disease specialist at IU School of Public Health. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why returning to normal may be as stressful as the pandemic itself

While some of us might be thrilled to unmask and not have to socially distance, others are not so sure they want to take that next step forward...figuratively and literally. In this week's episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis, D.Ed., speaks with Dr. Jay Hamm, Ph.D., clinical psychologist at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center about what some are referring to as "post-pandemic anxiety." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...

Flu numbers are low, but doctors warn it will be back

Influenza cases are at an all-time low this season in Indiana. It's almost as if the virus has disappeared. Doctors say this was expected because of the mild season in the southern hemisphere. However, they also say we can't forget about it. In this week's episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis, D.Ed., speaks with Dr. Amy Beth Kressel, infectious disease specialist at Eskenazi Health, about why we can't discount the flu and what we need to know how to prepare for next year.  S...

March Madness, aka The Season of Vasectomies

The NCAA tournament is in full swing and it’s a great time of year to sit back, relax and watch the games. But March Madness also happens to coincide with a certain medical procedure. In this week’s episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis, D.Ed. speaks Dr. Ryan Berglund, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, who’s been studying the link between what some call the “swish and snip” for almost a decade.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice ...

Preparing for Change in 2021

It's been a year of changes and if 2021 is going to be anything like 2020, we know there's much to come. In this episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis, D.Ed., discusses how to prepare for the unknown as well as the importance of acknowledging and labeling our emotions. This, she says, will help us better respond to what's to come. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Embracing Winter Exercise

Let's face it: winter is here and it's not going anywhere any time soon. When we're tempted to cuddle up with a good book and a cup of tea...we have to remember: health is a year-round commitment not just when the sun is shining. Dr. Mary Gillis, D Ed. talks about how to embrace exercise in the cold weather by making each workout feel like an adventure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. ...

Happy New Year and You're Fabulous

The new year brings a new start and with 2020 behind us, we're all revved up and ready to roll with resolutions. On this week's episode of Medical Minutes, Dr. Mary Gillis talks about why it's important to celebrate last year's wins while working towards new ones and how--with a simple shift in thinking--you can look at every day as if it were New Year's Day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-i...

Medical Minutes Trailer

HI, I’M WISH-TV MEDICAL REPORTER, DR. MARY GILLIS. JOIN ME EVERY WEEK FOR THE PODCAST, MEDICAL MINUTES, HERE ON THE ALL INDIANA PODCAST NETWORK. WE’LL DISCUSS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE LATEST MEDICAL NEWS, GENERAL HEALTH AND MEDICINE, BEST PRACTICES, TRENDING ISSUES, LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND MORE … PLUS, I’LL INTRODUCE YOU TO MEDICAL EXPERTS AND ADVISORS IN THE HOOSIER STATE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND DISCUSS EVEN MORE! … I’M WISH-TV’S MEDICAL REPORTER, INVITING YO...