HealthTalks NOW

COVID-19: Where Are We Now?

In the coming weeks, hospitals in Kentucky and Indiana expect to receive their first doses of a vaccination against COVID-19. While cases of the virus continue to rise, infectious disease specialist David Dougherty, MD, is hopeful the vaccine — combined with antibody treatments and continued precautionary measures — will set the community on a course to a pre-pandemic normal. In this podcast, he discusses vaccine trials at Baptist Health, the safety of the vaccine, and how it works to provide protection from the virus. He explains COVID-19 treatments and describes the long-term health issues he’s seeing in patients who have recovered from the virus. Dr. Dougherty also offers advice for staying safe this holiday season and predicts when we’ll see that return to normalcy.

Radical Acceptance: Youth and Mental Health in 2020

In this episode of the HealthTalks NOW podcast, Kendra and Kerri are joined for a phone conversation by Katelyn Arvin, the lead navigator of the Behavioral Health clinic at Baptist Health Richmond.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this conversation focuses on some ramifications of the situation.  Many parents have their hands full as they navigate work environments, finances, and health concerns, and it is easy to simply think of children as resilient and turn attention to other pressing issues.  However, this conversation presents an opportunity to pause and consider more deeply the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 6

Throughout the pandemic, Baptist Health has explored the healthcare industry’s response to COVID-19 in a special edition podcast. In this sixth and final installment, CEO Gerard Colman calls in to talk about the lessons leaders have learned and the path forward. He provides insight into operations over the past few months, including advancements in telehealth, the adoption of new safety protocols, and opportunities to build upon the processes Baptist Health already had in place. He also discusses expansion into Hardin County and how being a large, multi-faceted system helped Baptist Health secure adequate supplies and staffing. Listen to the end to learn how many cups of coffee it takes to keep a healthcare executive going each day.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 5

CEO Gerard Colman continues the conversation surrounding COVID-19 response and recovery. In this special edition podcast, he reflects on ways the community is supporting Baptist Health — and one other — during the pandemic. He describes the steps hospitals have taken to be prepared in case of a resurgence and explains why there won’t be a “ramp-down” of services if a surge occurs. Colman also discusses disruptions in the supply chain that caused shortages of personal protective equipment early in the response effort and the effects he expects COVID-19 to have on the future of healthcare.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 4

The COVID-19 crisis drew many healthcare services not focused on fighting the virus to a temporary halt. However, Baptist Health is seeing patients and anticipates a return to full operations by the end of June. In CEO Gerard Colman’s latest special edition podcast, he outlines specific measures the system has put into place to meet patients’ needs for safety and discusses the system’s financial outlook. Colman also explains how doctors are using innovative telehealth technology to monitor coronavirus patients. And on a lighter note, he shares some Netflix recommendations for those who have binge-watched their way through their quarantine watch lists.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 3

This week is National Hospital Week, and Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman takes time to recognize the healthcare heroes who have stepped up to fight COVID-19. From bedside caregivers to IT experts, he has been inspired by the ways healthcare professionals everywhere have pulled together to put the needs of their communities first. Colman discusses the innovative ways our health system is advancing healthcare during the pandemic, the extra precautions being taken to ensure safety, and what to expect when visiting your doctor, a clinic or the hospital right now. He also highlights the rewards of a healthcare career and provides the latest on Baptist Health’s investment in Hardin Memorial Health.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 2

A number of outpatient healthcare services have been approved to resume in the first phase of the re-opening process, allowing many people to get essential care they’ve had to delay. But re-opening isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman provides insight into the phased-in approach, explaining policies that must be in place to safeguard patients and staff. Colman discusses screening procedures, visitor restrictions, sanitation practices and supplies, such as protective masks and gowns. In addition, he sheds light on the availability and accuracy of COVID-19 tests and outlines plans to call back furloughed staff.

What Parents Need to Know about COVID-19: Advice from a Pediatrician

With schools closed for the rest of the school year, and sports, activities and playdates cancelled, children and teens are dealing with a great deal of disruption. In this podcast, Paducah pediatrician Jeffrey Mudd, MD, takes questions from a parent regarding some of the concerns she has about caring for her own kids right now. Dr. Mudd discusses ways to help children stay healthy both mentally and physically while stay-at-home orders are in place, weighing in on well-child visits and appropriate “screen time.” In addition, he offers tips on recognizing stress and helping children with the transition back to “normal” life.

HTN COVID-19: Baptist Health Responds - Episode 1

Safe Steps to Restart: How Baptist Health Is Ensuring Safety While Meeting Patient Needs for Healthcare

Predictive modeling shows Kentucky and Indiana may have reached an anticipated plateau in coronavirus cases. As a result, leaders have cleared the way for hospitals and outpatient facilities to begin to resume medical care that had been halted because of COVID-19. In this special edition of our podcast, Baptist Health CEO Gerard Colman outlines steps the health system is taking to ensure a safe return to full operations, including daily surveillance of PPE, capacity, and cases. He also discusses the advancement of new digital options for healthcare and explains an investigational treatment in which Baptist Health is using plasma to help critically ill patients recover from the virus.

Taking Care of Yourself During a Crisis

Coping with the upheaval of our daily routine can be stressful any time. Coupling this disruption with uncertainty about the coronavirus creates an even greater trial. Behavioral Health specialist Jacob Bishop, MD, and therapist Amber Coffey, with Baptist Health Corbin, connect with Kerri by phone to offer some tips for self-care during these unprecedented times. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a sense of perspective and describe ways to practice mindfulness, experience gratitude, and shift our outlook when we become anxious or fearful. In addition, they explain how to recognize red flags in ourselves, our children, and other loved ones — and advise where to find help when we need it.