HealthTalks NOW

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.

 

Finding a New Normal During the Pandemic

With stay-at-home orders in place across much of the U.S., families, couples and individuals are learning to live a new normal. In a best-case scenario, this means coping with the challenges of remote working, home schooling, and early morning grocery runs. For others, dealing with COVID-19 includes worries about health conditions, loneliness, and making ends meet. For this podcast, we host a telephone discussion with three mental health professionals from Baptist Health Madisonville. Psychiatrist Shabeer Abubuker, MD, explains the important distinction between “physical” distancing and intentional social connection. The trio offers ways to maintain intimacy in your marriage, create stability for your children, balance work/home, and improve communication.

COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Baptist Health Floyd’s Chief Medical Officer, Jayakrishnakamal “Krishna” Konijeti, MD, issued a public service announcement this week. His message was clear: Stay home, southern Indiana.

Speaking by phone for this podcast, Dr. Konijeti expands upon this plea to those in the community where he lives and practices medicine. He explains what it means to “stay at home” and how doing so can help his hospital and others control the anticipated peak of COVID-19 cases. He speaks frankly about the pandemic, including current case numbers, the need for widespread testing, and the steps Baptist Health has taken to prepare and protect both patients and staff.

Listen now to learn what you need to know to keep your family safe.

What Even is a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed in the U.S. But what does the surgery entail, and is it a safe and effective tool for losing weight?

In the second episode of Baptist Health’s inaugural podcast, bariatric surgeon John Oldham Jr., MD, stops by to answer the question “What even is a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?” He explains the role metabolism plays in weight loss and why it can be so difficult to lose weight.

Describing the procedure in detail, Dr. Oldham outlines factors that determine if you’re a good candidate, the benefits of doing it laparoscopically, and how your life changes afterward.

Vision 2020

We introduce our new podcast by sitting down with Chief Executive Officer Gerard Colman and Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Jody Prather, MD. The leaders reflect on the past year and reveal expansion plans for 2020 and beyond.