How Worried Should You Be if You See Blood in Your Stool?
Seeing blood in your stool can be stressful. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Gastroenterologist Dr. Lucy Joo joins the podcast to explain the possible causes of bloody stool, from hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Dr. Joo breaks down how lifestyle habits, such as prolonged phone use in the bathroom, can impact gut health and contribute to issues like hemorrhoids. Dr. Joo also shares her expert tips for improving gut health, including the importance of fiber, hydration and stress management.
Resources:
Bloody Stool: Is It Colon Cancer or Is It Something Else?
Trust Your Gut: How Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Cancer Risk
Prebiotics versus Probiotics for Gut Health: What’s the Difference?
How Stress Is Affecting Your Gut Health—and What You Can Do to Manage It
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Two Things You Can Do to Improve Your Heart Health From Home
When it comes to improving heart health, there are simple, science-backed ways to strengthen your heart right from home, according to Dr. Matthew Delfiner, a cardiologist who specializes in advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, and pulmonary hypertension at Jefferson Health.
In this episode, learn about why being sedentary is so bad for your health, how small changes, like standing more and moving throughout the day, can make a big impact and the recommended "dose" of exercise for heart health. Plus, Dr. Delfiner discusses the number one lifestyle change that can have the greatest impact on your heart health.
Resources:
American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8
How Stress Affects the Heart + Why You Should Never Shovel Snow If You’re Over 45 Years Old
Cardiologist Discusses Unassuming Warning Signals From Your Heart, Heart Disease and Preventative Medicine
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The Truth About About Weight Loss Medications
In this episode of the podcast, Janine Kyrillos, the director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Weight Management Program, explains why weight loss is so complex, detailing how factors like evolution, genetics and modern lifestyle challenges contribute to the struggle many people face. She also provides a comprehensive breakdown of weight loss medications, including who qualifies for these medications, what role lifestyle changes play in achieving sustainable weight loss and how to manage potential side effects.
Resources:
Podcast episode: Why Bariatric Surgery Might Be the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss
Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You?
Intermittent Fasting Can Lead to Muscle Loss, But It Doesn’t Have to – Here’s Why
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Why Bariatric Surgery Might Be the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss
Dr. Dallal is an expert in bariatric surgery and the enterprise physician lead for bariatric surgery at Jefferson. In this episode, he shares his insights on why losing weight is so difficult for many people, the science behind obesity, and how bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for those struggling with weight loss. Dr. Dallal explains the physiological and environmental factors that make weight management challenging and discusses how surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy help people regain control over their health and wellbeing.
Dr. Dallal also debunks common myths surrounding obesity and weight loss, sheds light on the importance of treating obesity as a disease rather than a personal failure. Tune in to learn about the different types of bariatric surgeries, recovery expectations, and how these procedures can improve quality of life, prevent serious health conditions, and even extend life expectancy.
Resources:
‘I Wish I Had Done This Years Ago’: Lauren’s Transformative Journey With Gastric Sleeve Surgery
'I Feel Like I Have My Life Back': One Patient's Journey to Reclaiming Her Health and Happiness Through Bariatric Surgery
Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You?
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What Happens After a Cancer Diagnosis
What is this type of cancer? Will I be in pain? How is that pain going to be managed? Will I need help at home? Can I still work while being treated? What is the survival rate?
These are just a few of the questions most people have after being diagnosed with cancer. Getting this diagnosis is extremely difficult, for both the person with cancer and their family and friends. Staying informed and supportive through this medical journey is critical.
Where you decide to receive treatment is just as critical. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Chapman, the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and a practicing geriatric oncologist, about comprehensive cancer centers and how advanced, multidisciplinary care leads to better patient outcomes.
We also connected with nurse practitioner Tintu George about a new program at Jefferson called Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care, which allows recently diagnosed patients to connect with oncology clinicians via telehealth in 48 hours or less. She discusses top questions/concerns newly diagnosed cancer patients typically ask and the variety of sources of support patients should consider, from financial counseling to support groups.
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Resources:
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care
Empowering through Experience: A Breast Cancer Patient’s Path from Diagnosis to Advocacy
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