Health Matters: Getting Real About Wellness

Organ donation can save lives, and it can also bring meaning and comfort in the midst of loss. Danielle Coleman, a mother of two organ donors, joins Health Matters to share about the heartbreaking loss of her sons, Lewis and Garrett, and the decision to say “yes” to donation both times. Jaclyn Manzanedo, Senior Director of Hospital Development at Donor Network West, joins the conversation to expla...

Since 1985, Enloe Health’s FlightCare air ambulance service has transported more than 25,000 patients, playing a vital role in emergency medical care across the North State.  In this episode of Health Matters, flight nurse Pete Davis joins the conversation to share insight about a significant enhancement: FlightCare now carries lifesaving blood on board its aircraft. This advancement enables careg...

Enloe Health’s popular Bittie Baby & Me class series is for mothers who have babies up to 3 months old. But it’s more than just a class. It’s also a nurturing environment that often blossoms into lifelong friendships. Enloe Health’s Mother & Baby Education Center has offered the Bittie Baby & Me class for decades, providing a supportive and safe space for mothers to connect while also...

April is National Donate Life month, a time to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as honor those who gave the gift of life. Claudette McCarthy became a donor mom in 2018 when she unexpectedly lost her daughter, Shannon. Claudette shares her story about how she became a Donate Life ambassador to heal and spread awareness about organ donation. Sarah Harris, Director of Do...

Chico Project SAVE, a nonprofit organization, provides a crucial service to patients locally and around the world. The organization accepts donated medical equipment and delivers the much-needed supplies to communities in countries where health care resources are limited. The partnership between Enloe Health and Chico Project SAVE has spanned many years and has made an impact far beyond the North...

Recuperative Care provides short-term residential care for patients experiencing homelessness who need time to heal. Through this free program, patients receive free temporary housing, medical care, meals and more, so they can continue getting well following their hospitalization at Enloe Health.  A partnership between Enloe Health, the Jesus Center, and Butte County’s Department of Employment and...

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors but beware of ticks. These tiny creatures can carry harmful diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.  Learn how to protect yourself and your family from tick bites from Enloe Health Prompt Care physician John Gunel, D.O., on this episode of Health Matters.

Food can be considered a universal language. Everyone enjoys food whether it’s a meal with close friends and family or enjoying your favorite comfort dish during a stressful time. It’s a big reason why food and health care can go hand-in-hand. Alison Patt, CEO of Thomas Cuisine, Enloe Health’s foodservice partner, and Ali Christensen, Enloe Health’s Director of Food & Nutrition Services, join...

Chronic wounds can be challenging to live with, but with the right knowledge and treatment, they can be effectively managed and cured.  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy uses pressurized oxygen to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, making it an effective option for chronic wounds and non-healing injuries.  Learn about how wounds develop and treatment options from Scott Zittel, D.O., Medical Di...

According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer yields a survival rate of 99 percent. Early detection is the best protection and that was the case for Jennifer Schwabauer. After going in for her first mammogram, she received the news she had breast cancer. Since it was detected early, she was able to undergo surgery and is now cancer free.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a is a hormonal disorder that can lead to numerous symptoms including irregular periods, weight gain, and excess body hair.  PCOS, is one of the main causes of infertility affecting as many as 5 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Learn about this condition and how it’s managed from...

 In honor of National Donate Life month, Kelly Wells shares her story on Health Matters.  Kelly’s son, Ethan, tragically lost his life in 2022 at the age of 19. But, Ethan gave the gift of life by being an organ donor to three recipients. Kelly shares her story about how the process of organ donation has helped her healing.

Frequent heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing could be signs you’re suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Learn about this common condition and how it’s managed from Enloe Health nurse practitioner, Michelle Brown, NP, on Health Matters. Watch on Enloe Health’s Facebook or listen at www.enloe.org/podcast .

Carotid artery disease occurs when the veins in our neck that carry blood from the heart to the brain get blocked by plaque. This condition can have very serious consequences like a stroke.  Transcarotid Artery Revascularization or TCAR is a minimally invasive surgery to treat blockages in the carotid artery, reducing the risk of stroke.  Listen to a Q&A discussion about Carotid Artery Disease...

February marks American Heart Month, a time to focus on our heart health and protect ourselves against heart disease.  Tami McIntyre, a former patient of Enloe Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, shares her experience with the program and how it helped her.  Diana Fairburn, an exercise physiologist within Enloe’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab program, also joins the conversation.

Lymphedema is a long-term condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling.  It affects millions of people around the world. It occurs frequently as a result of cancer treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from progressing.  Listen to a Q&A discussion about lymphedema with Karen Fleming, Enloe Health’s lead lymphedema specialist.

Fred Turner underwent bariatric surgery at Enloe Health in 2016. He shares his experience of losing more than 300 pounds and how the surgery completely transformed his life. Erik Simchuk, M.D., Medical Director of Enloe Health Bariatric & Metabolic Services, also joins the conversation to talk about the benefits of bariatric surgery. To learn more about Enloe Health Bariatric & Metabolic S...

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a serious infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties and even death in infants and certain adults. RSV season is in full swing.  To help protect your little one, hear Amy Dolinar, M.D., Enloe Health Pediatric Hospitalist, discuss what you can do to prevent the spread of RSV on the newest episode of Health Matters.

A new year often brings a clean slate -- a chance to start fresh. It’s why many people use this time of the year to make changes for a healthier lifestyle. Buck August, Enloe Health’s Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Specialist, shares some tips on how to make changes to our lifestyle and eating habits.

Midwifery is an important and integral part of the health care system. It involves understanding and caring for pregnant women and their families before, during, and after childbirth. Learn more about the type of care midwives provide from Liz Potter, a Certified Nurse Midwife at Enloe Health on the newest episode of Health Matters. 

Hypertension and preeclampsia are serious medical conditions that can have devastating effects on pregnant people and their babies.  Learn about the signs and symptoms of these conditions and how to take preventive measures from Registered Nurse, Jasey Kruger, of Enloe’s Nettleton Mother Baby Care Center on the newest episode of Enloe’s Health Matters.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer survivor Heather Wilhite was diagnosed in 2021 following a routine mammogram. She’s cancer free now but her journey towards recovery is ongoing. Dr. Nicole Whitlatch, Hematologist/Oncologist with Enloe’s Comprehensive Breast Care Program, and Maisie Rapp, an Enloe physical therapist, also join the conversation. Both Dr. Whitlatch and Maisi...

School is back in session! Learn about the best foods to sustain children throughout the day. Eating healthy meals during our development years is key for proper growth, preventing health conditions and having a successful school year.  Buck August, a registered dietitian and diabetes specialist at Enloe Medical Center, shares tips to improve healthy eating habits for children so parents can make...

There’s no stopping Charlie Locke. The retired Butte County Sheriff’s officer underwent total knee replacement through Enloe’s Joint Replacement Program.  Locke shares how the surgery helped him continue his active lifestyle and how he did at the recent World Police and Fire Games.  Brock Cummings, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Enloe’s Total Joint Replacement Program and Charlie’s doctor, joins t...

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended getting the flu vaccine yearly since 2010. September and October are the optimal months to get vaccinated to prevent getting infected once the flu season is in full swing. Learn the details about the vaccine and Enloe’s upcoming flu vaccination clinic from Margie Rackley, flu clinic vac...