Join us as we explore PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a powerful tool in preventing HIV infection. We'll cover its definition and remarkable effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.

In this episode, we explore the Rainbow Tour, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting education and awareness about the proper use of pronouns and understanding SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity). Visit summahealth.org/rainbow and fill out the form to get involved.

With summer in full swing, you may be looking for any reason to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Which includes exercising outside.

However, for older adults this comes with an added risk for heat related-illnesses. Individuals over the age of 60 have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature thus leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heat stroke. To limit your risk, keep your structured exercise inside during the summer…

Wellness has become a buzzword we hear a lot about, but maybe we don’t know precisely what it means. It can also mean different things to different people. Today’s guest, Ashley Krul, program coordinator of employee wellness at Summa Health, discusses the many dimensions of wellness and how they impact our lives. She also shares how Summa Health focuses on keeping employees well in the workplace. 

In this episode, Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Life Coach Shannon Speaks leads a discussion focusing on the practice of mindfulness, and the many health benefits of this practice.

Pain and symptoms from a spinal lumbar herniated disc can be easily mistaken by patients. Summa Health neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Hartzfeld answers some of the most commonly asked questions about treatment for lumbar herniated disc.

In this episode, we are celebrating women physicians. Dr. Cheryl Johnson and Dr. Jacqueline Tulodzieski-Ahlstrom lead an interactive discussion focusing on what brought them to their careers in medicine, and what they love about working at Summa Health.

In this episode, Dr. Deanna Nickerson leads a discussion about tinnitus and the treatment options available.

Dr. Kevin Spear leads a discussion on what you need to know about vasectomies, including the procedure itself and post-procedure care.

Violence is rising in the healthcare setting. According to the American Hospital Association, 44% of nurses reported experiencing physical violence, and 68% reported experiencing verbal abuse nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic as of June 2022.

Unfortunately, we know this reality to also be true at Summa Health. It is estimated that 3% of patients are considered violent on a daily basis. Violent situations make it more challenging for nurses and other staff to provide quality patient care, especially when they fear for their safety.

We have asked our nurses and frontline staff to share the stories of their experiences with patients being violent or abusive. Their stories deserve to be heard. The policy needs to change.

In this episode, we will hear from Joan Riemer, System Director of organizational development and training HR employee development. She will lead an in-depth discussion on what she believes are the skills, practices, and values that make a good leader.

In this episode, Michelle Bisson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, discusses the importance of having female leaders and shares her core values and practices.

Director of Obstetrics, Dr. Meghan Mehl discusses vaccinations for pregnant individuals and those planning to become pregnant.

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Yoder and palliative care social worker Ellen Saal-Patterson lead a comprehensive discussion on preparing for end-of-life care.

Shannon Blower, Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care Services, shares his personal experience with grief and provides tips and resources for anyone coping with grief.

Falls are an unfortunate, yet frequent complication for people with neurological disorders. From Parkinson’s disease and Diabetes Mellitus to neuromuscular disorders, and from brain tumors to multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders affect the brain and central nervous system. This can cause paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, pain and much more. 

Because of the mobility challenges, instability and other symptoms, people with…

Elizabeth Boes, D.O. provides an educational overview of erectile dysfunction. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.

Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi & Iriel Hopkins discuss Juneteenth and its importance. Listen and learn more in this episode of Healthy Vitals.

Dr. Dmitri Kolychev, a neurologist at Summa Health, discusses the influx of Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses in the United States. Learn about MS symptoms, treatment options, and more in this episode of Healthy Vitals.

Tiffany Collins discusses her journey and passion for nursing.

Do you often find yourself replying, “Say that again,” during a conversation? Do you have difficulty understanding words while in a crowded place? Does it seem as if your loved one is mumbling or talking quieter than usual? These could be signs of hearing loss.

As we age, hearing lossis a common problem. In fact, nearly 25 percent of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of…

While most people with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health within a few weeks, others have symptoms that linger for months after recovery. Even people who have had mild versions of the virus can experience persistent or late symptoms. These people are often referred to as "long haulers" and the condition has been termed post-COVID syndrome or "long COVID-19."

Dr. Cheryl Johnson leads a discussion focusing on empowerment in the African American community, especially maternal health.

Dr. Dankoff provides an overview of testicular cancer. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

Dr. Shanu Agarwal and resident Kortnie Broschinsky discuss their journey into healthcare.

Are you feeling the pressure to live a heart-healthy lifestyle? You’re not alone.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). What’s more, nearly half of all adults in this country are living with some type of cardiovascular disease.

The good news is you don’t have to be a statistic. While genetics do play a role in heart disease, there are several risk factors that can…

Craig Wood leads a discussion focusing on occupational therapy, its benefits, and why he got into the field.

Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt discuss ways in which Summa Health System contributes to a healthier community.

Karen Frantz DeSeptis and Ericka Malone lead a discussion on SIDS, and important information you need to know.

Natalie Hiltbrand, an Osteoporosis Specialist at Summa Health, leads a discussion on osteoporosis treatment, as well as prevention.

High blood sugar can cause gradual, unassuming symptoms that can sneak up on you. Frequent urination and excessive thirst — the telltale signs of type 2 diabetes — are often mild and can easily be attributed to other factors.

In fact, most people don’t even know they have high blood sugar until they’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetesis a chronic condition that causes glucose (or sugar) levels in the body to rise. The problem is ignoring or…

Dr. Megan Cesta and senior physical therapist Amy Senn discuss common pelvic health issues women may experience.

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

February is Black History Month, when we recognize African-Americans and those of color who have played major roles in shaping our present culture. February is also American Heart Health month – a time to raise awareness of heart disease. While these two events are different, they are linked in healthcare. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and African-Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

We do not…

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles.

In fact, the CDC states prostate…

Dr. James Bavis & Dr. Ketan Deoras explain sleep apnea as well as signs, symptoms, and what to expect.

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery.

A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain.

A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a…

Dr. Keristen Brantley & Dr. Victoria Van Fossen discuss Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Amanda Harvan sheds light on the symptoms, stages and support of Alzheimer's.

Dr. Kevin Spear discusses men's health and different risk factors and how to ensure optimal well-being.

Dr. Thomas File shares the latest updates on COVID-19.

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

Emily Hionides-Horner discusses 7 ways to overcome mental health stigma.

Dr. Peter Bittenbender shares his insight on the modern guide to heart health.

Dr. Cipriani discusses tips on maintaining physician health during the pandemic.

Dr. Leslie Zaynor discusses tips for managing anxiety.

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

As our loved ones get older, it’s normal for them to lose a little bit of their mental sharpness, and it’s easy to rationalize and gloss over strange behavior. After all – we all forget things once in a while. When memory and mental issues start affecting daily life, it could be a sign of something more serious. While a qualified physician is needed to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are some signs and symptoms that can suggest a…

Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

Palliative Care is specialized treatment tailored to those who are suffering from chronic or life limiting illnesses. Some of these illnesses may include cancer, kidney disease, heart failure, dementia, lung disease and many others. Palliative care is a specialized team of doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers and others who work together with a patient’s primary physician and care team. The goal of the team is to improve the quality of life for a patient (and sometimes their caregivers) who has a serious illness or disease. It is appropriate for all ages and stages in a patient’s severe illness.

Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

Did you know 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease? Every 65 seconds, someone in the US develops this disease. It is the most common form of dementia and affects women at almost double the rate of men. Dementia diseases relate to the brain’s ability to regulate memory and cognitive skills. Other forms of dementia include Parkinson’s and Huntington's disease and vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and mixed dementia.