HealthTalks NOW

Mental Health with Kyle Morton

We are continuing on with our mini-series Like A Pro. Today, we hear from Kyle Morton, goalkeeper for Louisville City FC.

To kick off the conversation, Kyle shares his experiences with mental health and advocates for prioritizing mental wellness. As a professional athlete, Kyle recognizes that pushing his body to the limit takes a toll on mental health. He gives some tips for prioritizing mental wellness, such as finding balance and relationships away from work.

Kyle shares how he has grown to recognize and respond to the warning signs of his mental health declining. He then goes on to talk about men’s mental health. Advocacy for men’s mental health is a fairly recent movement. He also talks about how to find balance while maintaining high-level professional performance, and he gives some valuable advice to up-and-coming athletes.

Finally, Kyle participates in a lightning question round. Hear about Kyle’s morning routine, his latest reading recommendation, and his favorite Louisville activity.

 

Key Takeaways:

[00:57] Introduction to the episode and today’s guest.

[02:11] Why mental health is important.

[03:42] Kyle’s tips for prioritizing mental wellness.

[06:55] Men’s mental health.

[07:47] Finding balance.

[10:03] Lightning round Q&A.

Prioritizing Self Care with Gemma Bonner

We are continuing with our mini-series Like A Pro. Today, we hear from Gemma Bonner, a defender for Racing Louisville FC. Gemma has learned firsthand the importance of self-care, recovery and rest. As a professional athlete, these things are critical to maintaining top performance—though they ring true for everyday life, as well. 

To kick off the conversation, Gemma shares that the older she gets, the more important a ritual of self-care has become in her life. She has learned that self-care can be beneficial in different ways, both mentally and physically. It’s so easy to get caught up in our external world and forget the simple task of looking after ourselves. It can be as simple as making sure you are getting enough sleep and putting good fuel into your body.

Gemma reveals her practical approaches to self-care. First and most importantly, she ensures that she gets enough sleep—at least 8 hours every night. To help with sleep and relaxation, she often turns to meditation. She also drinks plenty of water and stays hydrated to avoid fatigue and brain fog. She has recently taken up the commitment of yoga, which has helped her performance and mental health. She admits that she finds self-care easier to practice when she is on her training schedule in the U.S. compared to back home in England. For those struggling with time, she offers advice on getting started.

It’s important for Gemma to find a balance between her life, work and socializing. Our society reinforces the message of hustle culture, especially for women. Gemma has learned that she doesn’t necessarily have to push herself to the extreme in one area, when there are so many other areas she could improve in. This might include something as simple as reading a book to help mental toughness. If there is anyone listening who feels they need permission to give themselves a break, this is your sign. Pushing beyond your limits can actually be more harmful than good.

Finally, Gemma participates in a lightning question round so that listeners can get to know her a little better. Hear about her bedtime routine, mood boosting music and her favorite thing to do in Louisville.

Baptist Health’s services and expertise help keep Racing Louisville FC in top condition while they compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Eat to Win with Tyler Gibson

We’re kicking off a special mini-series of the show! Baptist Health serves as the team physicians for both the men’s and women's professional soccer teams here in Louisville, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville. We’ll team up with members of each team for this special series we’re calling Like A Pro. 

Today, we’re joined by Tyler Gibson. Tyler is a midfielder for Louisville City FC and is extremely passionate about nutrition and how it affects overall health and performance. To begin, he shares that nutrition has always been a huge part of his career. Little things like feeling sluggish, brain fog and acne led him to play around with his nutrition and eliminate different food groups as experimentation. Since he has made some big changes in the last two years, he has noticed a difference in how he feels and his overall energy levels.

Though he is on the smaller side, Tyler reveals that he actually eats more than anyone on the team. He is very habitual in the morning. First, he’ll have a glass of lemon water, then drink celery juice, then have a fruit smoothie. His favorite food is potatoes, and he shares that he eats them almost every day. He played around with being vegan, but now just tries to cut down on meat, dairy and gluten. He believes this has helped with his energy levels and not feeling tired after a meal. With carbs like potatoes, fruit and rice, he never feels sluggish on the field.

Tyler says that hydration is a key element for promoting recovery before and after a game. He finds that drinks like coconut water help him stay hydrated more than just drinking water. He finds it’s also important to replace the carbohydrates you have depleted. When he is hydrated and nourished, Tyler is less likely to cramp and notices he has much more energy to give to games and training.

Finally, Tyler participates in a lightning question round so that listeners can get to know him a little better. Hear about his guilty pleasure meal, which position he would most like to play, his favorite restaurant in Louisville and more!

Key Takeaways:

[0:49] Introduction to today’s guest, Tyler Gibson.

 

[1:30] Tyler’s personal approach to nutrition.

 

[3:33] Tyler’s nutritional habits

 

[6:03] Tyler’s thoughts surrounding carbs

 

[8:07] Tyler’s go-to snacks to boost recovery

 

[10:20] Difference in athletic ability depending on his nutrition

 

[12:21] Lightning round of questions

 

Learn more about Louisville City FC.

 

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Digital Health: Making Care Convenient

On today’s episode, we hear from Nick Sarantis, the Director of Digital Health Services for Baptist Health, about the developments in digital health in the eighteen months since he last joined the show. We’ll also hear about what’s still to come as a new normal of hybrid and accessible healthcare options continues to develop!

As the conversation gets underway, Nick shares an update on how the digital health space has changed in the last year and a half.  The focus of Baptist Health, he says, has been on enhancements and optimization; while some digital options existed pre-Covid-19, now all providers are able to offer digital care and access patient records, and options are available to patients 24/7.  These changes have represented a huge jump in accessibility, and combined with Baptist Health’s robust patient history questionnaire, have only increased in their ability to provide streamlined care. 

To optimize this questionnaire, Baptist Health partnered with platform provider Bright.md.  Bright.md has also helped with the development of Care Finder, a new Baptist Health tool for getting patients the right kind of care and helping them to find available options at any given time.  Care Finder is part of a larger effort to strategize how to best integrate different points of care, from the emergency room to a digital visit.  Hybrid, Nick explains, is the ideal now, and it helps both maximize the resources of different points of care and best help patients with their unique needs.

As the conversation moves toward a close, Nick answers Q&A questions, commenting on what different terms related to digital health mean, the technological requirements for video care, common conditions treated virtually, the process of receiving a diagnosis and prescription virtually, and the cost of virtual care.

Key Takeaways:

[0:20] Introduction to the episode and today’s guest.

[1:51] Nick offers an update on digital health.

[11:28]  How did Baptist Health respond to the sudden need to move digital?

[19:12] On how different points of care can work together. 

[25:35] Nick shares about the new Care Finder tool.

[37:25] Nick fields Q&A questions.

 

Learn more about Bright.md and Care Finder.

To access Baptist Health virtual care, click here or get started in MyChart!

 

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Robotic Spine Surgery with John Serak, MD

We are so excited to be back for the third season of the show. Today, we hear from an expert who studies and treats one of the most important structures in the human body: the spine. Neurosurgeon Dr. John Serak provides comprehensive care, diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine and nerves. He treats all adult spinal disorders and brain pathology.

To begin, Dr. Serak highlights common conditions he sees which classify as chronic back pain. Back pain can originate anywhere from the spine or by the muscles which surround it. When issues or degeneration of the spine are noticed, it becomes a more serious problem. Robotic spine surgery is relatively new and allows for a much more accurate and efficient surgery. Similarly, it makes very complex procedures less complex and gives the surgeon more confidence. Minimally invasive spine surgery seeks to minimize the amount of destruction to normal structures in the body. It preserves muscles and other normalities in the spine. This typically decreases a patient’s hospital visit compared to a more traditional procedure.

Robotic surgery is not laparoscopic surgery, though it is a type of minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Serak explains, utilizes cameras to look inside of the stomach to fix problems without opening it up completely. Minimally invasive spine surgery works though similar smaller incisions. At Baptist Health, Dr. Serak uses the state of the art Globus ExcelsiusGPS robot to conduct his robotic surgeries. Its neuronavigation system is used to place screws and rods and special minimally invasive retractors in the patient. He specifies who may benefit from this robotic spine surgery.

Then, Dr. Serat explains failed back syndrome, an issue of degeneration of the spine after a span of at least several years. Robotic surgery is a good option for those dealing with this condition. It is Dr. Serak’s goal is to get his patients back to doing what they want to do after surgery as quickly as possible. He encourages listeners not to be discouraged if they have not yet found a treatment option which works for them.

Key Takeaways:

[0:49] Introduction to today’s guest, Dr. John Serak.

 

[1:10] - What elements make back pain chronic?

 

[4:08] - Explaining robotic spine surgery.

 

[10:37] - Laparoscopic vs. robotic surgeries.

 

[13:11] - The tool Dr. Serak utilizes for his robotic surgery.

 

[18:34] - Who would be a good candidate for robotic spine surgery?

 

[21:44] - Failed back syndrome and its treatment options.

 

[26:28] - How does life post-spine surgery look for most patients?

 

[32:12] - Closing words.

 

Learn more about Baptist Health’s surgical services.

 

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Bonus Content | Mind Unwind: Sleep Meditation

The meditation is perfect to prepare your body for restful, restorative sleep. You'll focus on breathing techniques to sync your mind and body and relax as you drift off to sleep.

 

We believe in healthcare for the whole person. At Baptist Health, we focus on the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Some people simply find it difficult to relax after a hard day at work or at home, while others struggle to understand why they can't fall asleep.

Many of these same people suffer from common problems known as sleep disorders. Learn more about how to tell if you have a sleeping disorder, how to improve your sleep conditions, and general information about sleep disorders in adults.

Preparing for Your Mammogram Appointment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is estimated that in 2021, approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancer. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every 2 minutes, and there are an estimated 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

We know that mammograms save lives and are the most accurate method of breast cancer detection, with the ability to detect breast cancer before a lump can even be felt. We probably all know someone who has been personally affected by breast cancer, which is why today’s episode is so important. We're talking with Baptist Health OBGYN, Jean Nusz, MD, about breast health and the importance of mammogram screenings. We're asking all the questions on your mind as you prepare for that first appointment. 

 

Learn more about Women's Services and breast health and Baptist Health, or take our free online assessment to learn your 5-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. 

COVID-19 Boosters vs. Third Dose: What‘s the Difference?

The language surrounding additional COVID-19 vaccine doses is important. While a booster dose and a third dose sound similar, and are sometimes being used interchangeably, they actually refer to two very different things. 

In this episode, we're talking with Amy Fabian, clinical pharmacy specialist in infectious diseases at Baptist Health Louisville. Amy explains the difference between a booster dose and a third dose, and answers common questions about the most recent recommendations and guidance.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To receive either your initial vaccination series, a third shot if you are immunocompromised and meet the medical criteria, or if you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster,  go to ScheduleYourVaccine.com to register to make an appointment.  

Several pharmacies in the community are also offering vaccinations. Check availability at vaccine.ky.gov for Kentucky or OurShot.in.gov for Indiana. 

Again, recommendations are evolving as more data becomes available, so stay-up-to-date with the latest news and recommendations on our website.

You can also read more about COVID-19 and other health topics on our blog.

Planning for the Future: Conversations that Matter

Advance Care Planning is for all adults, regardless of their medical condition. This type of planning prepares you and your loved ones for any future healthcare needs such as an unexpected emergency or accident. So much of life is unpredictable, but one thing we can do is plan ahead to make what is undoubtedly a really challenging time a little bit easier. 

In this episode we're joined by Rev. Alice Tremaine, Advance Care Planning Coordinator for Baptist Health, to discuss the importance of planning for the future and how to get started. Sign up for a virtual advanced care planning class to take the first step.

Back-to-School Health Tips

With back-to-school routines — and quarantines — in full swing, we connected with Kelcie Cobb, PA-C, a primary care provider and mom of two to discuss many of the concerns hesitant parents have about sending their child to school during a pandemic. 

She outlines ways parents can protect young students from the virus, how to help them cope with mental health issues, and signs they might be struggling. She also covers other contagious conditions parents should watch for as students return to the classroom, such as lice, pink eye, strep throat, and hand, foot and mouth disease. Finally, to ensure a healthy foundation, Cobb addresses the challenge of encouraging children to eat well, practice healthy sleep habits, be physically active, and cut down on screen time.

 

Episode Links: 

Episode Webpage
Find a Primary Care Provider
CDC Activity Booklet
Create a Family Media Plan
HealthyChildren.org