MedLink Health Connections Podcast

When a kid runs inside scratching like crazy, how do you know if a bug bite is normal, infected, or something more serious? In this episode, we talk with pediatrician Dr. Kathryn McCusker about bug bites in children and teens — what’s normal, why some reactions look worse than they are, and warning signs like trouble breathing, throat swelling, or vomiting that require urgent care. We also discuss...

Feeling healthy can be a little misleading. If nothing hurts, it’s easy to assume everything’s fine… but is it? In this conversation, we sit down with Sarah Brock, a family nurse practitioner at Classic City Health Center, to unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes of your health and why those once-a-year check-ins might matter more than you think. We explore what an annual visit actually...

Your heart does not need a miracle diet. It needs steady habits that fit your life. We sat down with registered dietitian and certified diabetes counselor Jennifer Wright to focus on what actually works: simple food swaps, small upgrades, and easy rules of thumb that help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol. We cover the core plate method, half fruits and vegetables, a quarter lean protei...

Seasonal depression is more common than many people realize, especially during the fall and winter months. In this episode of the MedLink Health Connections Podcast, we sit down with a behavioral health therapist to talk about what seasonal depression is, why it happens, and how it can affect daily life. Listeners will learn about common signs and symptoms, simple strategies to try at home, and wh...

Fifty years is more than a number. It represents thousands of patients cared for, challenges faced head-on, and communities supported along the way. In this episode, we sit down with MedLink Georgia CEO Dave Ward to talk about how MedLink grew from a single small clinic into a trusted healthcare network serving thousands of people, while always keeping patients first.  Tune in for a meaningful loo...

Many people still hold outdated beliefs about HIV, leading to fear, missed testing, and preventable infections. In this episode, Dr. Wagenbrenner, an internal medicine physician at MedLink, breaks down the essentials—how HIV affects the immune system, how it differs from AIDS, and why accurate information saves lives. We cover national and Georgia-specific stats, real transmission risks, and the c...

 Cold and flu season is here, and we’re breaking it all down with Dr. Teresa Jacobs, Clinical Director at the Georgia Primary Care Association. In this episode, Dr. Jacobs explains the key differences between a cold and the flu, what symptoms matter most, and how to know when a fever or body aches signal something more serious. We also cover simple, effective ways to protect yourself—like handwash...

Diabetes can feel overwhelming until the pieces click. In this episode, Registered Dietitian Jennifer Wright joins us to break down what diabetes is, how blood sugar and insulin work, and what those numbers like A1C and fasting glucose really mean. We cover early warning signs, simple lifestyle changes that make a big impact, and how stress, sleep, and even caffeine can affect your blood sugar. Je...

Many parents have questions about childhood vaccines and how the recommended schedule helps protect their children’s health. In this episode, pediatric experts Jennifer Rubner and Dr. Elizabeth Reece discuss how vaccines work, why timing matters, and what parents can expect at each stage of the schedule. They explain how vaccines help prevent illnesses such as pertussis, polio, pneumococcus, and r...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re sitting down with Dona Miller, a mammogram technologist at MedLink Georgia, to talk about the importance of mammograms, what to expect during the process, and how early detection can save lives. Dona helps clear up common myths, explains when to start screenings, and shares tips to make the experience more comfortable. Whether it’s your first mam...

Have you ever noticed your shoulders tensing up during a stressful moment? Or felt your heart racing before a big presentation? These aren't coincidences—they're powerful examples of the mind-body connection at work in your daily life. In this enlightening conversation with Jordan Hoffman, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Medlink, we uncover the science behind how our physical a...

Ever felt like you're the only one overthinking every social interaction while everyone else navigates life effortlessly? Our conversation with Patricia Watley, a licensed clinical social worker at MedLink, reveals the truth: we're all just trying to keep our heads above water. Patricia breaks down anxiety with refreshing clarity, describing it as "an unhealthy hyper-awareness"...

Ever wondered why bedtime turns your sweet child into a professional negotiator? Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation of your child’s growth, learning, and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Montgomery , pediatrician at MedLink Georgia, explains how sleep fuels physical health, sharpens memory and learning, and helps regulate mood and behavior. She also reveals how lack of sleep...

Summer brings outdoor fun—and serious risks for young riders. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner from MedLink share essential safety tips to help families avoid ER visits. They go beyond basic helmet advice, explaining why fit matters, hand-me-downs don’t cut it, and why even short rides need protection. The episode also tackles ATV and dirt bike safe...

Summer fun comes with hidden risks—but pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner are here to help. In this episode, they share expert tips on sun protection, trampoline safety, and insect bite prevention every parent should know. Learn why sunscreen matters even on cloudy days, how to apply it effectively, and what to do for babies under six months. Discover...

Summertime in Georgia means fun in the water—but it also brings serious safety concerns. Pediatric experts Dr. Elizabeth Reece and Jennifer Rubner, PNP, share life-saving insights on how to keep kids safe around pools, lakes, and boats. Drowning is often silent, not dramatic. That’s why constant, undistracted supervision is critical—even for strong swimmers. The conversation covers surprising stat...

Diabetes can silently damage your eyes long before you notice any vision changes. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Evans explains how high blood sugar affects the tiny vessels in your retina—and how early detection can help prevent permanent vision loss. With clear analogies and expert insight, Dr. Evans walks us through the stages of diabetic eye disease, why the brain might hide signs of vis...

What if healthcare came to where students already are? At the Hawks Health Center in Hall County, that's exactly what's happening. Located on the Chicopee Woods Campus, this full-service clinic removes barriers to care by offering checkups, vaccinations, chronic condition management, and behavioral health support—right on campus. By reducing missed school, minimizing parents' time a...

Feeling constantly on edge, like you're waiting for the next shoe to drop? You're not alone. Stress affects everyone—but understanding it and learning to manage it can make a big difference. Licensed clinical social worker Savannah Smith explains stress as a natural response and how to recognize it through signs like irritability, fatigue, and overwhelm. Awareness, she says, is the cruci...

Struggling with intense emotions or relationship challenges? You’re not alone — and there’s help. In this episode, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Caroline Broom from MedLink Georgia walks us through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a powerful approach that blends validation with meaningful change. Caroline breaks down practical DBT tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regula...

What happens when patients can finally afford the medication they truly need instead of settling for what they can pay for? The answer is transformative healthcare. Pharmacy Director Dennis Kimbrell shares a surprising revelation from his experience with the 340B drug pricing program at MedLink. When he first joined the organization, he expected to help patients save money on their existing medica...

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers if left undetected. Dr. Nicole Powell, DNP, a family nurse practitioner at MedLink Winder, shares key facts about this common condition. She explains how colorectal cancer develops from small polyps that can become cancerous and highlights a critical update: screening now starts at age 45 instead of 50 due to rising cases in young...

Is your child struggling with eczema and allergies? Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reese and nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner share practical tips to help. Discover gentle soap alternatives, the best post-bath routine, and when to seek medical help for infections. Learn about the link between eczema and allergies, the impact of pets, and the benefits of consistent allergy medication. Get expert advi...

This episode delves into heart disease prevention and the simple lifestyle changes that can lead to significant improvements in heart health. Dr. Teresa Jacobs from the Georgia Primary Care Association shares valuable insights, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive strategies to combat heart disease. • Understanding heart disease, its symptoms, and associated risk factors  • Proac...

The podcast discusses the 340B Drug Pricing Program, emphasizing its role in providing affordable medications to underserved communities through healthcare facilities. We explore eligibility criteria, the program's impact on patient access, and the positive changes it fosters in local healthcare systems. • Overview of the 340B Drug Pricing Program  • Explanation of eligible covered entities ...