BayCare HealthChat

BayCare St. Joseph's Children's Hospital is a level I Children's Surgical Center, accredited by the American College of Surgeons. In this episode, pediatric surgeon Dr. Sarah Jones Sapienza explains the differences of surgical care for children and adults and how the Children's Surgical Verification Program improves access and quality of care for patients. Learn more about children’s surgery at Ba...

Should I go to the bathroom just in case? What's the right amount of fiber and protein? In this episode, family medicine physician Dr. Mausam Mehta answers these and other frequently asked questions. To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org/Doctors  

Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized, prescribed plan following a cardiac event or surgery that's focused on physical activity, nutrition and stress management. Dr. Zara Babayan, board certified in cardiovascular disease, and Roxany Leon, cardiac rehab supervisor, discuss what patients can expect in cardiac rehab and the many benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks and improved overal...

Proton and photon (X-ray) therapy are two treatments for cancer. In this episode, Dr. Greskovich, a radiation oncology specialist, explains the key differences, who benefits most from proton therapy, including patients with tumors near critical organs or those needing re-treatment after prior radiation, and how doctors determine the best approach for each individual. Learn more about Proton Therap...

Properly wearing sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer and slow signs of aging. Understand the truth behind common sunscreen myths as Dermatologist Dr. Dahlia Osment debunks and shares tips on choosing and applying sunscreen. To find a primary care doctor at BayCare, go to BayCare.org/Doctors . 

Every parent and guardian wants to see their kid with a bright and healthy smile. Pediatric dentist Dr. Frank Sierra discussing the role of fluoride in water and children's dental health, its benefits, risks and guidelines for use and dental care for optimal oral health. To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org .

Florida has the most deaths from drowning in children ages one to four and ranks fourth in the nation for unintentional drowning deaths for all ages. Pediatric critical care physician Dr. Tara Smith discusses key prevention measures and water safety features to give parents knowledge and help save lives. To learn more about pediatric services at BayCare, go to BayCareKids.org .

Gynecologic cancers are a top health condition affecting women; learn what to watch for. Dr. Logan Corey, gynecologic oncologist, covers key risks, symptoms, screening and evolving treatments.

Chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure are largely driven by lifestyle habits, including nutrition. Discover nutrition tips like the Mediterranean diet and how they can be easily incorporated. Dr. Charisse Huot discusses the diet’s health benefits and how to make delicious, nutritious meals using food as medicine.

When your child faces a medical emergency, specialized care can make all the difference. Pediatric emergency physician Dr. Juan Carlos Abanses explains what sets pediatric emergency care apart, including advanced training, child‑specific equipment and how pediatric ER teams support both children and families during stressful moments. Learn more about pediatric emergency rooms at BayCare .

Appendicitis is a common and treatable disorder, but the signs and symptoms shouldn't be ignored. In this episode, board certified general surgeon Dr. Eftechios P. Xanthoudakis dives into appendicitis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Exercise oncology brings structured, individualized exercise into cancer care. In this episode, surgical oncologist and medical director of BayCare Cancer Institute, Dr. Peter Blumencranz, and medical fitness supervisor and exercise oncology educator, Juan Torres, explain how physical activity helps cancer patients maintain strength, manage treatment side effects and improve survival outcomes. To...

Experiencing repeated pregnancy loss can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. In this episode, OBGYN Dr. Carlos Lamoutte shares insight into possible causes and treatment options, offering understanding, guidance and hope. To learn more, go to BayCare.org  

Sudden cardiac events in young athletes can occur without warning, raising urgent questions for families, coaches and anyone involved in youth sports. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Kelvin Lau explains what sudden cardiac arrest is, why student athletes may be more vulnerable and what steps like monitoring symptoms and incorporating routine EKGs that can help protect kids competing at any level. To le...

Bullying and cyberbullying on social media and gaming platforms are very common nowadays. One fifth of kids are bullied and it happens every seven minutes. Pediatrician Dr. Jordan Coyner gives parents helpful advice on what to look for and how to empower and educate their child. To learn more about BayCare Kids On Our Sleeves, go to  BayCareKidsOnOurSleeves.org . To learn more about pediatric serv...

BayCare HealthHubs® are transforming the way patients access care by offering multiple services under one roof. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli explains how BayCare HealthHubs are designed to streamline your health care journey, reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction.

Maintaining movement during desk jobs is crucial for reducing health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Cameron Miller, a certified athletic trainer, shares practical strategies to stay active and improve overall wellness at work.

Healthy stress management starts with listening to your body. BayCare psychotherapist Selma Bacevac discusses the difference between coping and managing stress, and why it matters for your long-term mental and physical health.  To find a BayCare doctor, visit  BayCare.org/Doctors

Genetic testing can lead to early cancer diagnosis and save lives. Deena Wahba discusses genetic testing, BRCA mutations and how results can guide breast cancer screening and prevention. 

BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners shares BayCare’s bold vision to grow the region’s largest academic health system. She explains how BayCare’s partnership with Northwestern Medicine is transforming access to world-class care, expanding graduate medical education, advancing research, and training the next generation of health care providers—so no patient ever has to leave West Central Flo...

Good posture is key to having a healthy spine and reducing back pain. Orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Benjamin Streufert discusses the key to a healthy spine is to maintain good posture which builds a good foundation for your overall body.  To find a BayCare doctor, visit BayCare.org  

It's important to have strong healthy bones at every stage of one's life. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick Mixa gives us tips on keeping our bones healthy. 

Part of our endocrine system, the thyroid is an important gland that produces hormones to regulate much of what we do. ENT and endocrine surgeon Dr. Dipan Desai joins us to explain what happens when the thyroid develops nodules and when it's under or overactive. 

Raising a teenager can be challenging as parents navigate this critical developmental stage. Pediatric nurse practitioner Danielle Lettieri shares valuable insights on how parents can strengthen their relationship with their teenagers. Learn more about BayCare Kids On Our Sleeves  

In this episode, seasoned lactation consultant Dawn Baltz discusses the important aspects of breastfeeding that every new mother should understand. Learn how to effectively support your baby during their first week of feeding with practical advice from a trusted healthcare professional.