Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts

It's gift-giving season, and some of those electronics use button batteries - the little coin-sized batteries. Button battery ingestion is on the rise and can lead to serious complications and even death. Listen to learn what to do if a child swallows one.

Difficult times makes the good times more enjoyable. Whether it's depression, stress, anxiety or a combination of each - you can find help. There are healthy amounts of each in everyone's life, but if it becomes too much, do not deny it's impact.

In most cases, the "blues" are triggered by situations like stress, conflict or unmet expectations which can make someone feel down. However, depression is present when the the situations are absent and someone feels down. Learn more about the differences and solutions to both.

There are many ways to help reduce stress during the holidays - including delegation, changing expectations and making time for yourself. Listen in to find out where these stresses come from and a few more tips.

Visiting & celebrating is on the menu for many people at this time of year - but what if you aren't in the spirit of he holidays? Maybe you are feeling blue - or depressed? Listen in.

Learn what to look for in inpatient stroke rehab, what can be expected & what the latest advancements in stroke rehab are in this recorded "Ask An Expert" Q&A.

Red Tide is a big topic right now, especially in Southwest Florida. But what exactly are red tide's health effects? Should we skip the beach during red-tide blooms? SMH Pulmonary Disease specialist Dr. Kirk Voelker explains.

In a nutshell, a healthy lifestyle. But in reality, they all add into the formula. Eating well, which provides nutrients for bone health; regular exercise to reduce the weight stress on the joints; and not smoking (yes - that affects your bones!). Listen & learn more.

Indirect Posterior Spinal Decompression, a new procedure performed by Sarasota Memorial's Dr. Eugene Pereira, may help you. Once a detailed discussion & review of your specific situation is done, you may be a candidate. One of the benefits? It's covered by Medicare. Listen for more benefits.

The procedure, called Indirect Posterior Spinal Decompression, can help alleviate insufficient blood flow that starts in the lower back. The minimally-invasive (small incision) procedure is done in one appointment... and can provide immediate relief. Listen & learn more!

Back pain is the number 1 reason why people go to a pain specialist. Ailments like spinal slippage or curvature are treated with certain procedures. In the case of spinal compression, a new treatment called indirect posterior spinal decompression. Listen & learn more!

When we get older, our vision deteriorate, joints get stiffer and reaction time is reduced. When it comes to driving, these can negatively affect one's ability to drive. SMH offers a driver assessment and re-education program that helps people remain independent, but keep others safe.

With the many types dementia - such as early dementia, Alzheimer's dementia & Parkinson's dementia - it can be hard to know if you or a loved one is affected. There are early warning signs like confusion, getting lost in familiar places or difficulty following instructions. Listen for more signs, and some tips to keep the brain healthy and perhaps keep dementia at bay.

There are many therapies that can help with the treatment of osteoarthritis, but a pill isn't the be all and end all. Aside from steroid injections, physical therapy can be prescribed that can include stretching, water programs and even weight loss. Listen to find out how to help prevent osteoarthritis.

When visiting a Pain Management Doctor, a medical history and imaging will become part of the story that will help diagnose the best treatment for pain. In the case of Osteoarthritis, non-prescription solutions like losing weight, diet change and exercise can help relieve pain before any medication enters the equation.

Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing away of the cartilage between the joints. From the back, to the hips & knees, to the foot; arthritis affects the joints in different ways. Learn more!

There are several types of arthritis , which is inflammation of the joints. The most common, osteoarthritis, which afflicts 1 in 4 people in the US, is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints. Learn more about the new  studies that offer information on the causes of arthritis.

When a clot forms in the body, whether in the lower extremities or in the brain, medications available at an anticoagulation clinic are often prescribed. Learn more through a detailed discussion on types & symptoms, and how the care is individualized for each person.

Blood thinners – or anticoagulants – are medications that help keep blood flowing properly for people who’ve had strokes or blood clotting issues . SMH has 7 conveniently located anticoagulation clinics to help patients manage these medications.

People who are immobile for long periods of time, victims of a stroke or cancer patients are some of the more typical people who would use an anticoagulation clinic. Listen to find out some symptoms of these conditions, what medications options are available and what you can do to help.

When administering anticaogulants like Wafarin, it is critical that they are kept within the correct therapeutic range. Clinics like SMH’s are staffed by experts that can help patients monitor the doses.

Whether you are in your third trimester or you have just moved into the area, meeting a pediatrician is always recommended. It also gives you an opportunity to get to know them,  and how they will become part of your family.

Congestion that comes with a cold can sometimes lead to a sinus infection. Is it a viral or bacterial infection? How you can tell the difference and how you can help.

The flu vaccine is so important – especially for kids. Will you get the flu if you take the vaccine? Is the vaccine live flu? Is it the flu or a cold? Listen to Dr. Tavarez, Pediatrician, clear up some of the confusion.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Dr. Tavarez will replace the longtime Sarasota – and retiring – Dr. Bob Shamsy. He offers all of the same, high-caliber and attentive care in pediatrics. He also speaks Spanish. Find out more about him!