Dr. Dipen Maun shares the basics of colorectal cancer, what happens while you’re sedated during a colonoscopy, and colorectal cancer treatment options.

Dr. Kevin Bree breaks down everything you need to know to be prepared for a colonoscopy – why it’s needed beginning at age 45, how the prep has changed over the years and what it looks like today, what happens during the procedure, and about the colon cancer it could help prevent.

What should women look out for to know if they have AFib.

Menopause can change how your body handles blood sugar, energy, weight an overall health – and for women living with diabetes or other chronic conditions, it can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode we break down what’s really happening in the body during menopause, how hormonal shifts affect diabetes management and what women can do to feel better and stay in control. From symptoms you shouldn’t ignore to practical tips for everyday life, this conversation is design to education, empower, and remind you that you are not alone. Living well is possible – at every stage.

The truth about hormone replacement therapy, birth control, and cardiovascular risk.

Learn how hormonal changes shape cardiovascular health through the decades.

Dr. Schatmeyer will share the most common spinal conditions people experience, and how surgeons determine whether or not a patient is surgical or non-surgical case.

Why women’s heart attacks often go unrecognized and how subtle symptoms can signal serious issues.

How race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence women’s cardiovascular outcomes.

Dr. Cook will explain what pregnancy complications can reveal about long-term heart and vascular risk.

A closer look at women’s outcomes in cardiac and thoracic surgery — and what’s improving.

Board-certified orthopedics and sports medicine provider, Dr. NIKHIL PANDHI, will discuss causes of hip pain and complications if it is left untreated.

A wrap-up focused on prevention, empowerment, and small habits that make a big difference. 

Why women’s metabolism and inflammation patterns impact heart and vascular disease risk.

Dr. Faisal Khan talks about how treatment of Asthma and COPD has evolved and new options to help patients with ongoing management of their condition.

Explore how your heart, metabolism, and lifestyle are deeply connected—and what you can do to take control of your health. From blood pressure and cholesterol to insulin resistance and weight management. Dr. Bashall and Dr. Lockard are passionate about the topic and provide a lively discussion on the issues.

Today we are joined by general surgeon, Dr. Kirpal Singh with Franciscan Health. Dr. Singh gives us an overview of reflux and how it may present in adults. He further discusses treatment options, including how robotic surgery is used in the treatment of reflux.

Dr. Mary Maish discusses how a spontaneous pneumothorax or collapsed lung occurs, as well as risk factors and the latest treatment options.

Dr. Mary Maish shares the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer and the latest on surgery and treatment options available.

Today we are joined by physical therapist Patrick Yoder with Franciscan Health. Patrick is here today to talk about the importance our hips have for our everyday life as well as options for treating hip pain, including physical therapy.

Dr. Faisal Khan explains what screening is available for lung cancer, who qualifies for a screening, and how often lung screening appointments should be made.

Dr. Constanze Rayhrer, breast surgeon with Franciscan Health, discusses accessory breast tissue, how and why it affects some patients and not others.

Dr. Wanko discusses the differences between GLP-1 medications for weight loss and bariatric surgery. Including how they work together and why weight loss specialists may recommend one or both of these options.

Board-certified Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Fabrowicz, will discuss the power of protein in our diets and the benefit for our overall health.

Megan Henderson, NP, with Franciscan Health, will explain how diabetes affects your blood pressure and kidneys. She will also share the early signs or symptoms that someone with diabetes might be experiencing kidney issues, even subtle ones.

Board-certified physician, Tapan Desai, will discuss health benefits of better sleep. 

Dr. Mira Slizovsky will discuss the most common reasons parents consider giving supplements to their children and advice on when they might be needed.

Dr. Derek Bast, is a board-certified family medicine physician with a passion for helping people who battle substance use disorders.

Dr. Joshua Kays, is a board-certified surgeon with additional training in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of liver, pancreas and bile duct disease.

Board-certified Interventional Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Physician, Dr. Mohammad Arfeen, will discuss Gastroparesis and the G-POEM treatment option.
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in the stomach don't move food as they should for it to be digested. The stomach's movement, called motility, slows or doesn't work at all, leading to poor emptying of the stomach and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach pain. 

Dr. Shivani Parikshak, is a board-certified pediatrician and mother. She combines her medical training and practical experience to offer parents insights on preparing your children for the return to a school time schedule.

Fecal incontinence is more common than people realize, but patients are often embarrassed to discuss with their doctor. Dr. Reidy discusses causes, diagnosis and treatment options.

Today we are joined by sports medicine specialist, Dr. Blake Averill with Franciscan Health. Dr. Averill highlights the most common signs and symptoms of concussion, as well as a few surprising symptoms. He walks us through how a suspected concussion is evaluated and confirmed. Dr. Averill wraps up the episode by giving an overview of what concussion recovery may look like.

Board-certified in Family Medicine, Dr. James Carlson, will discuss details about the Ketogenic (Keto) Diet.

Dr. Johnson will explain Spondylitis which is an umbrella term for a group of chronic arthritis - type diseases affecting the joints of the spine and sacroiliac region. All types of spondylitis involve inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Board-certified interventional cardiologist, Tansel Turgut MD, will discuss the top 10 myths about cardiovascular disease.

Matthew Rachwalski, DO, board certified in Sports Medicine at Franciscan Health, will discuss what frozen shoulder entails and how patients can recover from this painful setback.

Eric Steinberg, MD, board certified in Gastroenterology at Franciscan Health, will discuss what is Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What’s the Difference? IBD and IBS are not the same, although they do share some symptoms. Dr. Steinberg will share more about these conditions, how they affect your body and available treatments.

Nurse practitioner Holly Myles has a background and passion in fitness. She gives an inside look at the most recent fitness trends and how they impact overall health.

Board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Marcia Johnson, will explain the connection between lupus and heart disease, and the specific types of lupus that put patients at a higher risk for heart problems.

Managing stress is more than about being emotionally balanced. Stress, our reaction to that “fight or flight” instinct, can also affect our physical health. Meera Moran from Franciscan Health will talk to us today how she and other health experts understand how unmanaged stress in our lives can impact our heart health. Meera has a doctor of nursing practice degree and specializes in cardiac care.

Dr. Joshua Kays, is a board-certified surgeon with additional training in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of liver, pancreas and bile duct disease.

Syncope (SINK-a-pee) is a clinical word for fainting or passing out. Many people may faint or feel faint once or twice in their lives, and there are several minor triggers for it. But in some cases, it’s a sign of a heart issue, such as an abnormal heart rhythm or heart valve issue.

Electrophysiologist Dr. Manoj Duggal (MAHN-oage DOO-gle) will discuss what happens when a person experiences syncope, what may be causing it, and why it’s important to identify the cause.

We are joined by Annare Loubser, physical therapist with Franciscan Health. She’s here to discuss surprising reasons for low back pain and when it would be appropriate and beneficial to seek out therapy.

Dr. Constanze Rayhrer, breast surgeon with Franciscan Health, discusses breast cancer surgery options such as lumpectomy and mastectomy, and explains why a patient might consider each.

Dr. Shivani Parikshak, is a board-certified pediatrician and mother of a young child. She combines her medical training and practical experience to offer parents insights on using cough medications with their kids.

Thomas Schmittdiel, MD, board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine at Franciscan Health will discuss what a rotator cuff injury entails and how patients can recover from this painful setback.

Board-certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, nurse practitioner, Arshia Mohiuddin will discuss how health screenings can help keep children and adults stay healthy during their lifetime.

Thomas Schmittdiel, MD, board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine at Franciscan Health will discuss what a rotator cuff injury entails and how patients can recover from this painful setback.

Board-certified as a Physician Assistant, Carlyn Stone will discuss thyroid disease and disorders.

Dr. Manoj Duggal will discuss heart implant devices and how they help patients live with heart conditions.

Whether you're expecting your first child or adding another little one to your family, fatherhood promises a variety of ups and downs. Jason Hojnacki, an EAP therapist and licensed clinical social worker, offers practical tips on preparing for the big day, dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of parenting and supporting a partner who may suffer from post-partum depression.

Board-certified in Orthopedics and advanced training in spine and orthopedic surgery, Wajeeh Bakhsh, MD will discuss the Advancements in the Care of Spinal Stenosis

Board-certified in Orthopedics and advanced training in both spine and orthopedic surgery, Wajeeh Bakhsh, MD will discuss the Advancements in the Care of Scoliosis.

Dr. Vincent, gastroenterologist, discusses fatty liver disease – now called metabolic associated steatotic liver disease or metabolic associated stethohepatitis.

Board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Roberson will discuss how vaccines can help keep children and adults healthy during their lifetime.

Board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Roberson will discuss how early literacy can help in children’s development.

Board-certified nurse practitioner Heather Gengnagel (GAIN-nuh-gull) will discuss how nutrition impacts patients with heart failure.

Sandra Ndiaye, DO, IBCLC, FAAP, a Pediatric Hospitalist at Franciscan Health will discuss what a pediatric hospitalist means to pediatric medicine for patients and families.

We are joined by Kendall Seiler, pelvic health physical therapist with Franciscan Health. She’s here to educate us on the signs and symptoms that indicate a child may need a pelvic floor evaluation. Kendall will also discuss the benefits pelvic floor physical therapy can provide to these patients.

Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are quite common in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 7 women experiencing postpartum depression each year. With approximately 4 million live births annually, this means around 600,000 women are affected. Kellie Nichelson, EAP therapist at Franciscan Health, discusses ways you can help get a handle on the baby blues.

We are joined by Franciscan Health’s Dr. Andrew Hills, sports medicine specialist, and Dr. Binnan Ong, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. They are here to talk about adaptive sports, how they differ from traditional sports and how each of their specialties collaborate with the other to care for the athletes who participate in adaptive sports leagues.

Dr. Prabhakar will discuss signs, symptoms and solutions for shingles

Dr. Brittany Dixon discusses how wearing a fitness tracker or apple watch for patients who suffer from heart conditions can be beneficial for updating your provider on information regarding your heart overtime.

Dr. Brittany Dixon discusses the benefits of rehab for patients that have suffered a heart attack. She’ll share best practices and treatment plans for a speedy and healthy recovery.

Dr. Prabhakar will discuss best defenses against colon cancer

Bashar Chihada Alharir M.D discusses the importance of lung care during the winter months especially for those with chronic lung diseases or for those who have had complications from COVID.

Board-certified in endocrinology, Dr. Gupta will discuss advancements in diabetes treatment.

With social media, a youth mental health crisis and an epidemic of loneliness, parents face new stressors, not experienced by previous generations. Dr. Anderson discusses how parents can help their children navigate these turbulent times while coping with the stress they themselves are feeling?

Dr. Valentin, radiologist, discusses liver cancer and how the therapy of the TheraSphere Y-90 Glass Microspheres works to help treat cancer in the liver. He will cover how your liver functions, types of liver cancer and the latest treatment options for liver cancer.

Nurse practitioner Samantha Feltner gives an inside look at holistic heart disease prevention. She answers questions in detail about how to be proactive about heart health.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. Learning how to cope with a diagnosis and having good mental health is critical for cancer patients. On this episode, we’ll share some important skills to help work through the emotions and anxiety that a cancer diagnosis can cause, as well as share resources available to help patients on their cancer journey.

We are joined by Drew Haverstock, pediatric physical therapist with Franciscan Health. He’s here to educate us on toddler development and when it would be appropriate and beneficial to seek out therapy to assist with any developmental delays.

We are joined by Kate Myers, pelvic health physical therapist with Franciscan Health. She’s here to educate us on pelvic floor changes during pregnancy and delivery, and how PT can benefit during both pregnancy and postpartum.

We are joined by Dr. Andrew Hills, sports medicine specialist with Franciscan Health who is board certified in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He’s here to educate us on musculoskeletal ultrasound, what it’s used for, what conditions it helps diagnose/rehabilitate, it’s benefits and much more.

Lois Felton is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She explains her role as a specialist and how she can help patients manage their diabetes.

Dr. Dickover discusses the common reasons why patients get sleep studies? (Sleep apnea symptoms, insomnia symptoms, restless leg syndrome) AND what are some common symptoms that patients may experience that could be reason to undergo sleep testing?

Jean Miller, nurse practitioner with Franciscan Health, will share some background on what is perimenopause. She will describe the emotional aspects of perimenopause and the common physical symptoms a patient might experience.

Dr. Dennis Rademaker shares facts on what are season allergies and what are the symptoms. He explains the type of testing needed to diagnose what type allergies a patient might have and what products can help relieve the symptoms.

Physician Assistant Alexandra Smith discusses how iron impacts the body, what are symptoms of low iron levels, why are younger women more likely to experience low iron levels.

Learn the most common hand conditions and disorders and how they are treated.

Learn about the outpatient day rehab program where patients who need all types of therapies, PT, OT, Speech, can get all of them on the same day.

Many women believe that the greatest threat to their health is breast cancer. But the truth is that heart disease, in the form of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, is the leading cause of death in both women and men.

Understanding neuropathy and the importance of proper foot care and what are the causes.

In this episode, Dr. Catherine Reese leads a discussion sharing exercise and lifestyle tips to help you to progress from a half marathon to a full marathon.

Learn how to navigate the challenges of plantar fasciitis. How to treat this condition, and learn how to take care of your feet.

Dr. Ramchandani will explain why you might have Leg Pain due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) and learn what you can do to Say Goodbye To Leg Pain.

Learn about home health services and what type of patients are qualified candidates.
What options are available to cover costs of home health options.

Learn the symptoms of depression in teens and how is it different from occasional sadness. Also learn the causes of depression and other mental health disorders for teens.

What is PACE? It is a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly. It is a comprehensive medical and social program for individuals 55 and older. The services are coordinated and provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals in a community-based center and in their homes.

Understand the importance of proper footcare and how to treat bunions.

What is sleep apnea and how do I know if I have it? What are the treatment options if diagnosed with sleep apnea?

Learn training for a half marathon what is appropriate amount of training time to allow prior to race day. Know the importance of cross training and dedicated exercises to incorporate in a training program.

Why do you need an otolaryngologist also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor?
Do you have sleep apnea? Do you have chronic ear infections? Learn more about treatments and surgery options.

Mammograms are a breast cancer screening that all women need to know about. But when it comes to 2D or 3D mammograms, dense breasts, breast ultrasound or breast MRI, these are terms women may not be as familiar with. Dr. Jamie Murphy with Franciscan Physician Network shares what women need to know about mammograms – and beyond.

Learn more about womens irregular periods and polycystic ovary syndrome, minimally invasive surgery, and women’s preventative healthcare.

Learn about our occupational therapy program for hand conditions.
For more information regarding occupational therapy services at Franciscan Health go to FranciscanHealth.org and search occupational therapy.

What is a urogynecologist is a pelvic surgeon who specializes in complex female pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary retention, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and constipation. What are surgical options?

Learn what runners can do to prevent specific types of injuries and Which injuries can be treated at home before seeing a medical professional and what would that home treatment plan look like?
Which injuries should be seen by a medical professional.
Hear additional advice for runners on how to stay healthy.

If you or a family member needed heart care today, you would probably be amazed by the number of treatment options available. For instance, several devices can now be implanted without major surgery to correct heart defects, to actually change and improve the structure of the heart. One implant developed in just the past 10 years can help reduce the chances of a person with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, of having a stroke. What’s more, it can be placed with a minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Saifullah Siddiqui, a cardiologist at Franciscan Health, is here today to talk about how an implant in the heart can not only protect AFib patients but also reduce their need take certain medications.

Many times, we make New Year’s Resolutions and go ALL IN for a few weeks – very committed and diligent but then we find ourselves losing drive and momentum. Today, lets discuss a different mindset and approach for the New Year. How can we set achievable and rewarding New Year’s resolutions?

Learn what is Inpatient Rehabilitation AND What types of patients qualify to receive care from an inpatient rehabilitation program? Also learn about the best opportunities for recovery when needing inpatient rehabilitation.

Learn the main limitations that a stroke survivor will have when returning home. Learn how family and caregivers of the stroke survivors can best prepare the home for a successful transition.

What is pelvic health and why do I need physical therapy? How do I get an evaluation to get started with physical therapy?

What does a typical day for a stroke patient on the inpatient rehab unit look like?

Learn why is it important for stroke patients to receive treatment on a quality inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Are bronchitis and pneumonia the same thing? Learn what causes bronchitis and pneumonia and how they are treated.

Learn what causes asthma and how to control it to have better quality of life.

Learn about the preventative approaches to avoid or slow down the progression of memory loss and genetic links or hereditary conditions associated with memory loss.

Also learn what diseases affect memory and what can be done to prevent disease and disorders associated with memory loss.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Kaufman West leads a discussion focusing on COVID-19 updates and new variants, what to expect this fall and winter, and how you and your family can try to stay healthy.

Learn how the pituitary gland works and how it affects the entire body. If you need to find an endocrinologist please visit FranciscanHealth.org and click on FIND A DOCTOR. Search the specialty endocrinology and schedule an appointment.

Learn what is Crohn's Disease, who is most likely to develop it, what are the symptoms, how is it treated?

The diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumor can be very complex, and many patients are overwhelmed when first diagnosed. Learn from a neurosurgeon about different types of brain tumors, signs and symptoms to watch for, and treatment options available at Franciscan Health.

If you have a close family member who has had a heart attack or heart disease, you probably know that your chance of having the same is high. But there’s another condition that has many of the same risk factors of heart disease, including family history. Abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called “triple A,” is caused by a weakness in the body’s largest artery, the aortic, which runs from the heart to the lower abdomen. When pressure from the body’s circulation hits that weakened area, the artery stretches and balloons. Without timely intervention, this aneurysm can rupture, and, when that happens it usually leads to death or long-term disability.
But when caught early and monitored by a physician, a triple A can be repaired. Dr. Michael Tuchek, a cardiac and vascular surgeon working in Crown Point, will talk to us today about abdominal aortic aneurysms and how current treatment options can save lives.

In today’s news we hear more and more about the damaging impact advanced screen time has on the emotional and behavioral health of children. Please share evidence and research about this and explain what our children are facing today that we did not encounter 5, 10 or 20 years ago. In general, what is being seen regarding emotional, social and behavioral issues with our children.

For most people, the word “stroke” is scary, maybe even a little mysterious. It’s a condition that lives up to its name, striking patients hard and changing their lives forever.
But strokes can be prevented, and many Franciscan Health patients who have had carotid artery surgery or a carotid stent placed can attest to that. Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Michael Tuchek will talk to us today about how surgical advances can target where the risk of stroke may dwell—in the carotid arteries. He’ll also explain what a TIA, or “mini stroke” is, and why it’s important to pay attention to symptoms.

Hear from our team of rehabilitation experts as they discuss how physical, occupation and speech therapy play a role in concussion rehabilitation.

In this episode, certified nurse midwife Shannon Markle leads a discussion focusing on what certified nurse midwives do and how they help women and couples plan for and navigate pregnancies.

In this episode, Dr. Chad Glazer will lead a discussion focusing on sinus surgery, functional nasal surgery, and septoplasty.

Learn more about the younger patients you are seeing who experiencing heart disease; What types of heart disease specifically we are seeing in this generation; Learn the signs and symptoms they are experiencing.

Dr. Destiny Harrell-Washington Discusses newborn care especially with first-time parents. She also shares the most common discussions you she has with parents regarding caring for their newborn and then specifically NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) graduates. 

• What medical conditions cause a newborn to stay the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Why is a patient’s family medicine provider a good start for mental health issues.

Pregnancy is a happy time for many women, but it’s also a time when the body is undergoing unprecedented stress, especially related to the heart health of mothers. Most women with a heart condition can safely become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby, but cardiovascular disease does complicate about four out of 100 pregnancies. It also is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.

If you have lingering knee pain that doesn’t resolve with rest, reach out to Franciscan Health’s team of orthopedic specialists. We can help determine a course of care that will get you back to enjoying the activities you love. 

For more information or to request an appointment

In this episode, listen as Dr. Michael Hancock will discuss thyroid cancer, how it differs from other types of cancers, and some of the early signs you should look for.