Baptist HealthTalk

Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm. AFib affects more than 2.7 million yearly. Left unattended, it can lead to strokes or even heart failure. So, what causes AFib and what can be done to avoid or even correct it before it does damage?   Host:   Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. , Chief of Cardiology at Baptist...

February is American Heart Month. Despite overall increased awareness over the years, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to public health officials. The good news: You can do a lot to protect your heart and stay healthy.  Understanding your risk factors for heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risks -- and ultimately save your...

With the start of Heart Month, it’s important to review some of the tools that are readily available to save someone’s life. What if that “someone” is somebody close to you? Are you prepared to jump to their rescue? Tools such as AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save lives. Unfortunately, not many people know how to put them to use. Here’s what y...

Proper nutrition is vital for healthy living. It’s important to be mindful of what we put in our bodies to manage weight and prevent chronic diseases. In terms of your health, the expression -- “You are what you eat.” – should be taken seriously.     Host:   Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. , chief of cardiology at Baptist Hospital and Chief Population Health Officer at Baptist Health .    Guests:   Amy Kim...

A burning sensation when urinating can spell trouble -- UTI (urinary tract infection) to be specific. It happens to more than 3 million people a year in the United States. Women suffer UTIs the most, but it can also strike men. Symptoms include fever, pelvic and urination pain, and abdominal pain. Let untreated, UTIs can spread from the bladder to the kidney, causing a cascading event of health is...

Menopause is a natural occurrence in the cycle of a woman’s health, marking the end of the reproductive stage. While some women complete this stage free of symptom, most experience hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, pain during sex and/or depression. There are temporary solutions for these symptoms caused by an hormonal imbalance, but not all are effective or equal.     Listen as our experts...

We now have 60 years of studies to show which of the more than 5,000 chemicals inhaled by tobacco smokers can impact their health. But we’re only just beginning to see the damage caused by vaping, the cigarette alternative. Diacetyl, formaldehyde and acrolein, a weed killer, are just a few of the chemicals found in vape pens, and ER cases and hospital stays are on the rise from vaping. Baptist Hea...

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death worldwide among children under five, and even adults can experience bouts from time to time. Experts at Baptist Health discuss the different types of diarrhea – yes, there are more than one – and their causes. They also share tips on how you can self-treat diarrhea at home and when you...

It’s here again, that season of celebrations. Put on a sweater and a smile and pray that nobody sees the stress you’re hiding inside.  38 percent of us describe the holiday season as a stress-inducing event. Whether it’s holiday parties, children’s holiday shows, cooking, shopping, and even shopping online, take…a…deep…breath. The reason for the season is to celebrate family and friends and that’s...

Antibiotics have long been used as a powerful tool for fighting infections caused by bacteria. However, improper use can actually be detrimental to your health, defeating their life-saving, healing characteristics.  The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading contributors to antibiotic resistance, a problem the World Health Organization has said is one of the biggest threats to global health...

1 in 3 Americans are literally losing years off their lives every night by not getting enough sleep, are you one of them?  For years the American Heart Association has provided guidance on 7-simple steps to good health. They included features such as managing weight, increased physical activity, nicotine exposure, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and blood pressure, and eating better....

Acne, also known as pimples, or the proverbial zits, takes many forms and usually plagues teens and young adults, but can also affect people of all ages. There are effective treatments, but for some, acne can be persistent. Where one goes away others can pop-up creating embarrassment at times. Depending on its severity, the emotional stress and scarring left behind, can be socially stigmatizing. Q...

We are deep into our new school year, and it is the first truly complete year since the pandemic. The pandemic created unforeseen challenges for students back at school, and our older children are no exception to that. Between the pressure of social media and trying to figure out life in college, it can be a stressful time for kids as well as parents. With the constant headlines about concerns for...

Pre-diabetes is a diagnosis where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. There are a lot of misconceptions and a general lack of concern around this condition because most people think they're not really diabetic.   Just because you may not be considered diabetic, yet, there are reasons as to why you need to pay attention and take action...

The package inserts on medications these days read like a laundry list of potential side effects. How do we know which would be more common than others? Which should cause more of a concern?   Navigating the novel size medication labels can cause a headache in itself, but did you know there are resources available?    Guests: Lijo Jose, M.D. - Family Medicine Physician, Baptist Health Primary Care...

For decades public health experts have warned us about the negative consequences of the obesity epidemic. However, the numbers continue to rise with no signs of slowing down, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 70% of adults over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese. The consequences of obesity are well established and include functional concerns such...

Heat and humidity are facts of life during South Florida summers, as is the danger of heat-related illnesses. Don't take the risk lightly. Learn what you should do to prepare for outdoor activities including sports, workouts and yard work.  Michael Swartzon, M.D ., a sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care , joins host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. with expert advice on proper...

Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually robs people of the ability to do even the simplest tasks. Loved ones and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients face many challenges, but help is available. Becoming knowledgeable about the disease is the first step.  A panel of experts joins host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. , to discuss what is kno...

In general, men are less healthy than women. They have more heart disease, chronic liver disease, alcoholism, kidney stones, bladder cancer and other chronic illnesses. And their life expectancy is shorter.   Each year in June we observe Men’s Health Month to raise awareness about mens’ health issues – and to encourage men to make take their health seriously  In this episode, host, Jonathan Fialko...

Strokes can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Knowing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention are the keys to saving lives and minimizing stroke-related disability. A panel of Baptist Health experts joined host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., to discuss stroke prevention and treatment during national Stroke Awareness Month. Guests: Brian Snelling, M.D. , director of the stroke...

There’s a phrase we use to describe the determination it takes to get through an illness or other challenge: ‘it’s a question of mind over matter .’ That’s more than just a saying. Widespread medical evidence has demonstrated the power of the mind to affect our physical state.  Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D ., explores the phenomena of the placebo and nocebo effects with Baptist Health clinical phar...

More than 20% of American adults suffer from chronic pain, defined as persistent pain that lasts at least six months.  Back pain, arthritis, nerve pain and headaches are common causes. What can be done when long-term pain is ruining your quality of life? Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. , explored this complex and frustrating syndrome with a panel of experts in a recent episode of Baptist Health'...

Aphasia is an acquired condition that affects a person's ability to speak, write and understand language. The condition has been in the news ever since it was cited as the reason for Bruce Willis' recent retirement from acting. What do we know about aphasia; its causes, symptoms and what can be done to help those who are affected by it? A recent episode of Baptist Health's Resource...

After a brief hiatus, the Baptist HealthTalk podcast is back with a special edition to mark a milestone: our 100th episode. Join us as we turn the tables on host  Jonathan Fialkow , M.D., to get his unique perspective on the podcast's evolution during two of the most tumultuous years in modern medicine.  Originally intended to cover common healthcare concerns like backaches and vaping, Baptis...

There are more than 200 joints in the human body, but chances are you take them for granted until you experience swelling, stiffness or pain. Joint pain is very common, especially as we age.  But is it inevitable?  What can we do to keep our joints as healthy as possible for as long as possible?   Host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D. , welcomes Charles Lawrie, M.D. ,  an orthopedic surgeon with Baptist He...