San Diego Health

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects millions — often without symptoms. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor speaks with Scripps Clinic nephrologist Kimberly Harper, MD, about what PKD is, how it develops and why early detection matters. They cover genetic risks, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment and key lifestyle steps to help slow progression and protect kidney h...

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. In this episode, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor discusses this condition and other placental complications with Dr. Daniela Gomez, an OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Scripps Clinic. They cover symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and when to seek urgent...

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are widely used for shedding pounds. But what do they mean for your skin and hair? In this episode, host Susan Taylor speaks with Rawaa Almukhtar, MD, a dermatologist at Scripps Clinic, about concerns like "Ozempic face," where rapid weight loss can lead to facial volume loss, sagging skin and a more aged appearance. They also explore hair sheddi...

Most people love sunny days, and San Diego has plenty of them. However, all that sunshine can increase the risk of skin cancer. The most common type of cancer, skin cancer affects up to 1 in 5 people in the United States, and that number is even higher in areas that get a lot of sunshine. Fortunately, skin cancer can often be detected early when it is most treatable and, with the correct treatment...

Pelvic floor disorders are common, but many people hesitate to talk about symptoms like leakage, pressure or prolapse. The pelvic floor supports key organs, and when it weakens, problems can develop. In this episode, Varuna Raizada, MD, a urogynecologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what the pelvic floor does, common disorders and who's at risk. Dr. Raizada discusses diagnosis, treatment options —...

A mini-stroke — also called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA — can feel like a stroke, but symptoms often fade within minutes. That can make it easy to brush off, but a TIA is a serious warning sign of a possible major stroke. In this episode, Mary Kalafut, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what a mini-stroke is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated and what to do right aw...

Glomerular disease affects the kidney's filtering units and can lead to inflammation or scarring that makes it harder to remove waste and excess fluid. Zhabiz Solhjou, MD, a nephrologist at Scripps Clinic, breaks down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Solhjou also explains who's most at risk, the difference between primary and secondary glomerular disease and how the Scripps glome...

Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that affects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood the way it should. Rajeev Mohan, MD, a cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at Scripps Clinic, explains the different types of cardiomyopathy — including stress-induced "broken heart syndrome" — and what symptoms to watch for. Dr. Mohan also wal...

San Diego Heath Podcast: Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy   Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with joy, and understandably, caution. For women with diabetes, there comes an added layer of concern. Managing diabetes during pregnancy takes extra steps, your medical care team can help both mom and baby thrive.   In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic OB-GYN Dan...

Hormones affect so many aspects of our health, including our moods, hunger, sleep, energy and much more. For women, fluctuating hormone levels can cause headaches that range from annoying to debilitating. Why do hormone headaches happen and how can women find relief? In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks about hormone headaches with Scripps neurologist and headache specialist Emi...

San Diego Health Podcast: Theranostics The field of cancer care is constantly advancing. Until recently, treating many types of cancer involved surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, a promising new therapy, called theranostics, is providing precision treatment to patients with advanced pancreatic and prostate cancers.   In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Ca...

Robotic spine surgery is changing the way back conditions are treated. With greater precision and less recovery time, it can be a game changer for the right patients. Stephen Stephan, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon at Scripps Clinic, answers common questions and explains how it works.

As the old adage goes: You are what you eat. That rings especially true for kids. Children benefit significantly from healthy eating. Healthy eating habits help keep weight under control, support brain development and strong bones, and even boost immunity. But it can be difficult to keep kids on track—or change unhealthy habits that have already developed. In this episode of San Diego Health, host...

In this podcast, Mary Kalafut, MD, neurologist at Scripps Clinic John R. Anderson V Medical Pavilion, answers common questions about strokes including symptoms, risk factors and treatment. She also explains why time is critical, what BEFAST stands for and how to lower your risk. Listen to the full Q&A to learn more about strokes and how Scripps is nationally recognized for stroke care. 

Curious about plant-based eating? Tina Tran, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center San Marcos, discusses the health benefits of plant-based diets and offers tips for getting started. Learn how to get enough protein, avoid nutrient gaps and build meals you'll enjoy. Explore options like vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian and macrobiotic diets to help find what works for y...

A leaky tricuspid valve can cause blood to flow backward in the heart, leading to symptoms like fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath and even heart failure. But new minimally invasive procedures are changing how this condition is treated. Devices like the TriClip repair system and tricuspid valve replacement offer safer options than open heart surgery. Matthew Price, MD, an interventional ca...

Tired of glasses or contact lenses? LASIK eye surgery could be the answer. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps ophthalmologist Peter Krall, MD about how LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, who's a good candidate and what to expect during recovery. Learn if this quick, outpatient procedure could help you see clearly — without the hassle of glasses or...

Hannah Wangberg, MD, allergist and immunologist, Scripps Clinic Food allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Learn how to recognize these reactions and manage them effectively with expert guidance from Hannah Wangberg, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Scripps Clinic. Learn the difference between food...

Your gut does more than digest food —I t impacts your overall health, energy and even mood. In this video, Susan Taylor sits down with Katherine Urbina, DO to discuss how the gut works, what foods help or harm it and what you can do to support a healthier gut long term. 

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body — and often goes undiagnosed. 🧬 Usman Ajaz, MD, Rheumatologist with Scripps Coastal Medical Group, breaks down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help patients take control of their health. Listen to the full interview now.  #LupusAwareness #AutoimmuneHealth #ScrippsHealth

Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation that just won't go away? You could be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this episode , host Susan Taylor sits down with gastroenterologist Chiara Maruggi, MD, to talk about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for IBS. Dr. Maruggi explains the common signs to watch for, why IBS can be tricky to diagnose, and how factors like s...

Living Organ Donation - Living Kidney Donation: What You Need to Know Did you know you can live a healthy life with just one kidney—and potentially save someone else's life in the process? In this episode, Scripps transplant surgeon Dr. Jenny Lam explains how living kidney donation works, the benefits of donating while alive, and what to expect before, during, and after transplant surgery. Learn a...