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Baptist HealthTalk

Baptist Health South Florida

Expert advice, real stories, better health. The Baptist HealthTalk podcast connects you with top doctors and specialists from Baptist Health South Florida, delivering the latest medical insights and wellness tips straight to you. But we don’t stop at the facts—you’ll also hear heartfelt testimonials from patients who’ve experienced life-changing care. Get informed, be inspired, and take control of your health with Baptist HealthTalk!

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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 25 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Monday · 15 min

    Endometrial Cancer Is Rising: Warning Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore

    Endometrial cancer cases are rising — and abnormal bleeding is the warning sign women should never ignore. Who is most at risk, why are more women being diagnosed, and what symptoms should prompt a call to your doctor? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. John Diaz, gynecological oncologist at the Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, about what women need to know about endometrial cancer, from early warning signs and risk factors to diagnosis, treatment and fertility-preserving options. Why endometrial cancer cases are increasing in the U.S. and around the world How obesity and prolonged estrogen exposure can raise risk The abnormal bleeding patterns women should report — including after menopause Other warning signs such as pelvic pain, bloating and abnormal discharge Why endometrial cancer can also affect younger women How doctors diagnose endometrial cancer and why there is no routine screening test Treatment options for early and advanced disease, including immunotherapy When fertility-sparing treatment may be possible How family history and Lynch syndrome can affect risk Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guest: John P. Diaz, M.D. Chief of Gynecologic Oncology Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology, FIU If you found this episode helpful, we also recommend the following: Can Cervical Cancer Be Cured? A Gynecologic Oncologist Answers Eradicating Cervical Cancer: Possible or Impractical?

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  • August 24 · 14 min

    Infusion Care for Neurology: What Patients Should Know

    Why would a neurologist recommend an infusion instead of a pill, and what should patients expect when they arrive for treatment? Neuro infusion therapy can be used for conditions including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease, but the process can feel unfamiliar or intimidating at first. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez speaks with Janisse Marin and Leah Marcelin about how neurological infusion therapy works, why it may be recommended, and how care teams help patients through treatment. What neuro infusion therapy is and how it differs from chemotherapy Why an infusion may be chosen instead of an oral medication What happens before, during and after an infusion appointment Common side effects and how patients are monitored for reactions How infusion therapy is used for multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease Why some treatments are designed to slow disease progression rather than immediately relieve symptoms How education and a coordinated care team can make treatment less overwhelming Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guests: Janisse P. Marin RN, MSN Chief Nursing Officer/Assistant Vice President Baptist Outpatient Services Halena Leah Marcelin, PharmD Assistant Vice President, Pharmacy Business Affairs & Development Baptist Health If you found this episode helpful, we recommend the following for additional information: Infusion Care for Osteoporosis: What Patients Should Know The Power of Infusion Therapy: What You Need to Know

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  • August 17 · 28 min

    Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Who Do You See First and What Comes Next?

    After a breast cancer diagnosis, what happens first—seeing an oncologist, having surgery or starting chemotherapy? And how do doctors decide between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Mehran Habibi, Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery with Baptist Health Cancer Care, to answer common questions patients search online about breast cancer surgery and treatment. They discuss: The difference between a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist Who patients typically see first after a breast cancer diagnosis How doctors decide whether chemotherapy or surgery comes first Why chemo first does not automatically mean the cancer is more aggressive Whether chemotherapy can be shortened when a tumor responds well Why second opinions and breast cancer specialists can matter The truth about the myth that surgery or biopsy can make breast cancer spread Why treatment may still be needed after a tumor is removed How doctors and patients choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy Why feeling fine is not a reason to delay recommended treatment How lymph node involvement affects staging and treatment Options for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction How AI is beginning to support breast imaging, surgical planning and treatment decisions Subscribe to Baptist Health for more expert conversations on health, wellness, prevention and treatment. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Mehran Habibi, M.D. Deputy Chief of Breast Surgery Baptist Health Cancer Care If you found this episode helpful, we recommend these links for additional information: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: What's Next? Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screenings, and When to Speak Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope

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  • August 10 · 21 min

    Could You Have Sleep Apnea? Symptoms, Risks and CPAP Alternatives

    Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing repeatedly during the night — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times — without you realizing it. And while loud snoring is a common warning sign, it is not the only one. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Dr. Anthony Gonzalez talks with sleep specialist Dr. Edward Mezerhane about how sleep apnea affects the body, the symptoms people often miss, and what can happen when the condition goes untreated. They also break down how sleep apnea is diagnosed, why weight and airway anatomy matter, what to do if CPAP is difficult to tolerate, and the other treatment options available. What sleep apnea is and how common it may be Why people can stop breathing without realizing it Common and overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea The connection between sleep apnea, weight gain and heart health Whether losing weight can improve sleep apnea How sleep studies confirm a diagnosis Ways to make CPAP easier to tolerate Alternatives to CPAP, including oral appliances and surgical options Sleep apnea is highly treatable. If you regularly wake up exhausted, snore loudly, or a bed partner notices pauses in your breathing, getting evaluated may help improve both your sleep and your long-term health. For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Edward Mezerhane, M.D. Sleep Medicine Physician If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: 7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your Sleep This is What Lack of Sleep Does to your Brain and Heart Pillow Talk: Uncovering the Sleep-Heart Link

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  • August 3 · 29 min

    Weight Loss Medications and Muscle Loss: What You Need to Know

    Weight loss medications can bring the number on the scale down quickly—but are you losing fat, muscle or both? And why do some people feel weaker or less healthy even while the pounds are coming off? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with clinical pharmacy specialist Erin Dorval and physician assistant Lisa Davis about what GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are doing inside the body, why muscle preservation matters and how resistance training and nutrition support healthier, more sustainable results. They discuss: Why rapid weight loss can include significant muscle loss How GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and quiet “food noise” Why resistance training should begin at the start of treatment What “Ozempic face” really is—and what causes it How protein, hydration and smaller portions may help manage side effects Why medication dosage does not always need to keep increasing The risks of rapid weight loss and unmonitored compounded medications How pharmacists, cardiology teams and other providers can work together Practical ways to build healthier habits without trying to change everything at once The goal is not simply to lose weight. It is to improve strength, function, metabolic health and long-term quality of life. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Erin Dorval, PharmD, CPh Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Baptist Health Lisa K. Davis, DMSc, PA-C, CLS Physician Assistant Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Weight Loss Medications Weighing the Options: Diet, Exercise and Medication Weight Loss Medication vs Surgery: What to Know

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  • July 29 · 22 min

    PMOS: El Nuevo Nombre del SOP

    El síndrome de ovario poliquístico ahora se conoce como síndrome ovárico poliendo-metabólico, o PMOS, un nombre que refleja mejor cómo esta condición puede afectar mucho más que los ovarios y la fertilidad. En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles conversa con la endocrinóloga Dra. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil y la obstetra-ginecóloga Dra. Ingrid Paredes sobre el diagnóstico, los síntomas, los riesgos metabólicos y las opciones de tratamiento. Por qué el cambio de nombre ayuda a comprender mejor la condición Síntomas como períodos irregulares, acné, crecimiento de vello y dificultad para perder peso La relación entre PMOS, resistencia a la insulina, diabetes y salud cardiovascular Cómo se diagnostica y por qué no todas las pacientes presentan los mismos signos Opciones de tratamiento según los síntomas, el metabolismo y los planes de embarazo Por qué un diagnóstico de PMOS no significa que una mujer no pueda quedar embarazada Con un diagnóstico temprano, cambios saludables en el estilo de vida y un tratamiento individualizado, el PMOS puede controlarse. Las especialistas también comparten un mensaje claro: hay opciones, tratamiento y esperanza.

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  • July 29 · 25 min

    The PCOS Name Change: Why PMOS Better Reflects the Whole-Body Condition

    Polycystic ovary syndrome has long been associated mainly with irregular periods, ovarian cysts and fertility concerns. But the condition can also affect insulin resistance, weight, heart health, diabetes risk and other systems throughout the body—one reason the new name PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is gaining attention. Host Sandra Peebles talks with Baptist Health endocrinologist Dr. Priscilla Escalona Villasmil and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Ingrid Paredes about what the name change means, how PMOS is diagnosed and why symptoms can look very different from one woman to another. In this episode: Why the condition is about much more than ovarian cysts Common signs, including irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and hair loss How doctors diagnose PMOS and rule out other hormonal conditions What PMOS means for ovulation, fertility and unplanned pregnancy The connection to insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular risk Treatment options, including lifestyle changes, birth control pills, metformin, spironolactone and GLP-1 medications Why early diagnosis and coordinated care can improve long-term health PMOS is manageable, and a diagnosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Early evaluation by an OB-GYN and an endocrinologist can help patients address both reproductive and metabolic health. Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guests: Ingrid Paredes, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist Priscilla Escalona Villasmil, M.D. Endocrinologist Baptist Health

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  • July 22 · 19 min

    7 Ways Summer Can Wreck Your Sleep

    Summer can wreck your sleep in ways you may not expect: hotter nights and longer daylight to travel, jet lag, alcohol, caffeine and changes in your daily routine can all play a role. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, sleep medicine physician Dr. Edward Mezerhane explains how these seasonal disruptions can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed. He also clears up common melatonin myths, including why taking more does not necessarily it'll work better, and why timing matters. You’ll learn practical ways to cool your bedroom, protect your sleep schedule and recognize when poor sleep may signal an underlying sleep disorder. Listen now to discover seven ways summer can wreck your sleep and what you can do to wake up feeling restored. Host: Anthony Gonzalez, M.D. Chief of Surgery, Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Baptist Health Guest: Edward Mezerhane, M.D. Sleep Medicine Physician If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: This is What Lack of Sleep Does to Your Brain and Heart The Science Behind Sleep and its Connection to our Health How Much Sleep Do Kids and Parents Really Need Each Night?

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  • July 15 · 26 min

    Breast Cancer in Young Women: Signs, Screening and When to Speak Up

    Breast cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, including many who are not yet old enough for routine mammograms. What warning signs should women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s recognize, and what should they do when a concern is dismissed? Host Johanna Gomez, a breast cancer survivor, speaks with Dr. Starr Mautner, breast surgical oncologist, and Dr. Reshma Mahtani, chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. They explain why knowing what is normal for your body, understanding your personal risk and advocating for proper imaging or a biopsy can make a critical difference. Why breast cancer rates are increasing in younger women Lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and other symptoms that should not be ignored How lifestyle, alcohol use, genetics and family history may affect risk When screening should begin and why dense breast tissue matters Why an ultrasound does not replace a mammogram When to push for a biopsy or seek a second opinion Fertility preservation and coordinated care for younger patients Practical steps women can take to protect their breast health Early detection matters. Know your body, understand your risk and do not ignore a change that does not feel normal for you. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Starr Mautner, M.D. Breast Surgical Oncologist Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Reshma Mahtani, D.O. Chief of Breast Medical Oncology Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope Young Women and Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later

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  • July 8 · 24 min

    Infusion Care for Osteoporosis: What Patients Should Know

    Osteoporosis can silently weaken bones long before a fracture happens. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez talks with April Tchumy, orthopedic nurse practitioner with the Bone Health and Fracture Prevention Program at Baptist Health, about how infusion care and injection therapies can help protect bone health and reduce fracture risk. Many people hear “infusion care” and think of cancer treatment, ports and hours in a chair. But for osteoporosis, infusion and injection treatments can look very different — and may be an important option for patients at higher risk of fractures. In this episode: • How osteoporosis is diagnosed through bone density screening • When screening may be needed before the standard age guidelines • The difference between oral medications, IV infusions and injections • Why some patients may need bone-building treatments first • Common side effects and what patients can expect • How calcium, vitamin D and strength training support bone health • Why preventing hip and spine fractures is such a major treatment goal • How treatment success is measured over time Listen to Baptist Health Talk for more conversations on prevention, wellness and the most searched health topics. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: April Tschumy, APRN, ONP-C Metabolic Bone Specialist Baptist Health Orthopedic Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Osteoporosis Explained: Risks, Screenings, and Strength Training

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  • July 1 · 30 min

    Train Smarter: Zach Thomas, Bam Adebayo & Top Doctors

    Weekend warriors may love the competition, but going all out without the right preparation can lead to injuries, heart health concerns and setbacks that keep men from staying active long term. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Steve Goldstein leads a special men’s health panel featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer Zach Thomas, Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo, Baptist Health Orthopedic Care sports medicine physician Dr. Luis Rodriguez and Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care cardiologist Dr. Sergiu Darbant. Together, they discuss how men can train smarter, recover better and build healthier habits that last. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Why weekend warriors should avoid jumping straight into intense activity • Common injuries men experience as they age • How to tell the difference between soreness, pain and a warning sign • Why warmups, hydration, sleep and recovery matter • What athletes like Zach Thomas and Bam Adebayo still prioritize today • How walking, strength training and consistency can support heart health • Why mental health is part of overall wellness for men Whether you are getting back into fitness, staying active after 40 or trying to avoid injury while still competing, this conversation offers practical advice for building a healthier routine. Host: Steve "Goldie" Goldstein NHL Panthers TV Play by Play Guests: Bam Adebayo Miami HEAT All-Star & two-time Olympic gold medalist Luis Rodriguez, M.D. Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Baptist Health Primary Care Sergiu Darabant, M.D. Cardiologist Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care Zach Thomas Miami Dolphins Alumni & Pro Football Hall of Famer If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Real Talk for Weekend Warriors: How to Stay in the Game How Elite Hockey Players Recover: Matthew Tkachuk on Sleep, Health & Performance Men's Health Matters: Do It For Your Family

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  • June 24 · 55 min

    Alonzo Mourning Opens Up About Cancer, Kidney Disease & Heart Health

    NBA legend and Miami Heat icon Alonzo Mourning joins Baptist Health primary care physician Dr. Daniel Ramon for a powerful conversation about men’s health, preventive screenings and why feeling fine does not always mean being healthy. During this special Men’s Health Month discussion, Mourning opens up about his kidney transplant, prostate cancer diagnosis and heart procedures — including the routine checkup that led doctors to discover a serious heart rhythm issue even though he felt completely fine. Together, Mourning and Dr. Ramon encourage men to take charge of their health, schedule regular checkups, ask questions, know their family history and stop waiting until something hurts before seeing a doctor. Because as Mourning says: “If you don’t go, you don’t know.” For more health and wellness resources, visit Baptist Health South Florida’s Resource Blog: https://baptisthealth.net/news Guests: Alonzo Mourning Miami HEAT Alumni, NBA Hall of Famer Prostate Cancer Survivor Daniel Ramon, M.D. Family Medicine Physician Baptist Health Primary Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: The Screening That Changed Everything for Alonzo Mourning Championing Men's Health: A Conversation with Alonzo Mourning The Conversation Men Need to Have and Why It Starts Now

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  • June 17 · 19 min

    How 3D Printing Is Changing Orthopedic Surgery

    How is 3D printing changing orthopedic surgery and patient care? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles explores how 3D printing is being used in orthopedic care, from surgical planning to improving accuracy in the operating room. Guests Dr. Frantz Lerebours, orthopedic surgeon at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, and Dr. Tyler Goodwin, FIU Baptist Health Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellow, explain how patient-specific 3D printed guides can help surgeons plan procedures before entering the OR. They discuss: • How 3D printing is used in shoulder replacement surgery • Why patient-specific guides can improve surgical precision • How this technology may reduce time in the operating room • The difference between 3D printed guides and implants • How 3D printing is helping with deformity correction • What the future may hold for robotics, implants and orthopedic innovation Technology is helping surgeons better visualize anatomy, plan procedures more precisely and improve the overall patient experience. For more health and wellness information, visit: https://baptisthealth.net/news Subscribe to Baptist Health Talk for more conversations with medical experts from Baptist Health South Florida. Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guests: Frantz Lerebours, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon Baptist Health Orthopedic Care Tyler Goodwin, M.D. FIU/Baptist Health Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellow

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  • June 10 · 14 min

    Migraine Relief: What Helps, What Doesn’t and What’s New

    Migraines are often dismissed as “just a bad headache,” but they can be much more serious and disruptive. So what actually causes migraines, and when should someone stop trying to push through the pain? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Maria Vera Silva, neurologist at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, and Dr. Andrew Forster, internal medicine physician at Baptist Health Primary Care, about what migraines are, how they affect the brain, and why treatment is not one size fits all. In this conversation, they discuss: Why migraines are considered a neurologic disease How migraines differ from regular headaches Common triggers, including stress, hormones, sleep changes, foods and weather The connection between migraines and mental health Treatment options, including anti inflammatories, triptans, CGRP inhibitors and Botox What to know about viral migraine “hacks” on social media When migraine symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor Migraines can interfere with work, school, family life and everyday activities. Understanding the signs, triggers and treatment options can help patients get the right care sooner. For more health and wellness information, visit Baptist Health South Florida’s resource blog: baptisthealth.net/news Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guest: Maria Andreina Vera Silva, M.D. Neurologist Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute Andrew Forster, M.D. Internal Medicine Physician Baptist Health Primary Care If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: A 'Heads Up' on Migraine & Headache Disorders

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  • June 3 · 42 min

    Life After Breast Cancer: Fear, Healing, and Hope

    What happens after breast cancer treatment ends? For many survivors, finishing treatment is a major milestone, but it does not always mean life immediately goes back to “normal.” In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez, a breast cancer survivor, speaks with breast cancer survivors Andrea de Armas and Nancy Antoine, both treated at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, talk about diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and the emotional journey that continues long after active care ends. They discuss: • Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age • The importance of self advocacy and getting checked • The physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy • Fear of recurrence and scan anxiety • Fertility, hormone therapy and long term care • Body image, reconstruction and restorative tattooing • The importance of mental health and survivor community • How survivors can move from surviving to thriving Breast cancer survivorship can bring new challenges, but it can also bring strength, purpose, community and hope. For more health and wellness information, visit BaptistHealth.net/News. Breast Cancer Survivor & Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Andrea de Armas Breast Cancer Survivor Nancy Antoine Breast Cancer Survivor If you found this episode helpful, you may also like: Young Women and Breast Cancer Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: What's Next? Breast Cancer Survivorship: 10-Years Later

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  • May 27 · 19 min

    Por qué más jóvenes están sufriendo derrames cerebrales

    Los derrames cerebrales no solo afectan a personas mayores. Cada vez se están viendo más casos de stroke en adultos jóvenes, incluso en personas menores de 55 años. ¿Por qué está pasando esto? ¿Qué factores de riesgo pueden estar detrás? ¿Y cómo reconocer las señales a tiempo? En este episodio de Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles conversa con el Dr. Felipe De Los Ríos La Rosa, neurólogo cerebrovascular y director del programa de stroke en Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, sobre lo que todos debemos saber para prevenir y actuar rápidamente ante un derrame cerebral. En esta conversación aprenderás: • Por qué los derrames cerebrales están aumentando en adultos jóvenes • Cuáles son los principales factores de riesgo • Cómo sustancias recreativas como cocaína, estimulantes y marihuana pueden influir en el riesgo cardiovascular • Qué síntomas pueden confundirse con intoxicación o cansancio • La diferencia entre un mini stroke y un AIT • Por qué llamar al 911 puede marcar la diferencia • Qué hábitos pueden ayudar a reducir el riesgo de stroke Aunque el riesgo nunca es cero, muchos factores relacionados con los derrames cerebrales pueden modificarse con prevención, chequeos médicos, alimentación balanceada, ejercicio, buen descanso y manejo del estrés. Para más información sobre salud y bienestar, visita: https://baptisthealthtalk.buzzsprout.com Presentadora: Sandra Peebles Periodista Galardonada Experto: Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D. Neurólogo Cerebrovascular Director del Programa de Stroke Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

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  • May 27 · 21 min

    Stroke Symptoms at Any Age: What You Need to Know

    Stroke is often thought of as something that happens later in life — but more young adults are experiencing strokes, and many don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, cerebrovascular neurologist and director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, about why stroke risk is rising among younger adults and what people can do to protect themselves. You’ll learn: • Why strokes are becoming more common in adults under 55 • How recreational drug use, alcohol, vaping and marijuana may affect stroke risk • Why being young, active or healthy does not make you immune • The FAST warning signs everyone should know • What a TIA or “mini stroke” really means • Why calling 911 quickly can make a major difference • Practical steps that may help lower your stroke risk Dr. De Los Rios also explains why stroke symptoms can be missed in younger people, how sudden changes in speech, vision, balance or strength should never be ignored, and why prevention should start earlier than many people think. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Baptist Health experts on health, wellness and prevention. For more health and wellness resources, visit: https://baptisthealth.net/news Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guest: Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D. Cerebrovascular Neurologist Director of Stroke Care Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute If you found this episode helpful you may also enjoy: Stroke Awareness: Act FAST Young People and Strokes: A Troubling Trend Stroke: Every Minute Counts

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  • May 20 · 24 min

    Osteoporosis Explained: Risks, Screenings and Strength Training

    Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because many people do not know they have it until they suffer a fracture. But when should you start paying attention to your bone health — and what can you do now to protect yourself? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Johanna Gomez speaks with Dr. Maria Kyriacou, primary care sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, about osteoporosis, bone density, menopause, weight loss medications, strength training and prevention. In this episode, you’ll learn: What osteoporosis is and why it matters Why bone loss can begin earlier than many people think How menopause affects bone density What a DEXA scan measures Why strength training is key for stronger bones How nutrition, calcium, vitamin D and protein support bone health Whether Pilates, yoga and weightlifting are safe How weight loss medications may affect nutrition and bone density Why men also need to pay attention to osteoporosis How AI may help patients access better resources and information If this conversation was helpful, subscribe for more trusted health guidance from Baptist Health experts. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guest: Maria Kyriacou, M.D. Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

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  • May 13 · 30 min

    Brain Tumors: What to Watch For and When to Get Help

    What are brain tumors, who is at risk, and what symptoms should you never ignore? In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, we break down the most searched questions about brain tumors, including common warning signs, treatment options, myths about cell phones, and why there is more hope today than ever before. Host Johanna Gomez is joined by Dr. Rupesh Kotecha, Chief of Radiosurgery at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, and Dr. Evan Bander, neurosurgeon and co-director of the Pituitary Tumor Program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What brain tumors are and how common they are • The difference between benign and malignant brain tumors • Whether cell phones or AirPods increase brain tumor risk • Symptoms such as persistent headaches, nausea, vision changes and seizures • When surgery, radiation, CyberKnife or other treatments may be used • Why multidisciplinary care matters for brain tumor patients • What glioblastoma is and why it receives so much attention • How palliative care supports quality of life • Where doctors see hope in newer treatment approaches Subscribe for more expert conversations on health, prevention and wellness from Baptist Health South Florida. Host: Johanna Gomez Award-Winning Host & Journalist Guests: Rupesh Kotecha, M.D Chief of Radiosurgery & Director of Central Nervous System Metastasis Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute Evan Bander, M.D. Neurosurgeon & Co-Director of the Pituitary Tumor Program Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Brain Tumors: Myths vs. Facts Brain Aneurysm Caregiver 101: How to Support a Loved One with Brain Cancer

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  • May 6 · 29 min

    Reverse Heart Aging? Exercise, Sleep, Diet and the Truth About Heart Health

    Can you reverse heart aging—or at least slow it down? In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, Sandra Peebles is joined by Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, Chief Medical Executive of Integrated Services and Precision Care at Baptist Health, for a fascinating conversation about heart aging, longevity, inflammation, and the everyday habits that have the biggest impact on cardiovascular health. Together, they break down the science behind aging hearts, explain the growing research surrounding the extracellular matrix (ECM), and separate real prevention strategies from social media wellness hype. You’ll learn: • What “heart age” actually means—and how it’s measured • Why exercise is still the most powerful thing you can do for your heart • How sleep affects inflammation, heart health, and aging • What happens to the heart and blood vessels as we get older • The truth about biohacking, cold plunges, and red light therapy • Whether supplements and stem cell therapies really help • Why chronic disease impacts the heart, brain, and kidneys together • If heart aging can actually be reversed after age 50 • The truth about red wine and heart health • How lifestyle habits influence long-term cardiovascular risk Whether you’re focused on prevention, healthy aging, or simply trying to understand what really matters for heart health, this episode offers practical, science-backed guidance you can actually use. Host: Sandra Peebles Award-Winning Journalist Guest: Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., Cardiologist, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care Chief Medical Executive of Integrated Services & Precision Care Baptist Health If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy: Heart Disease in Young Adults: Why It's Rising (and What to Watch Out For What You Can do to Prevent a Heart Attack Today Father-Son Cardiac Experts Debunk Top Heart Myths

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