This episode explores how GLP-1s support weight loss, discusses the history of GLP-1 use, their benefits, side effects and more. 

Learn more about Jaya DeElena, ARNP 

This episode explores how constant digital stimulation can affect the brain, hormones, mental health and sleep quality. Natalie Hoyte, a family medicine physician assistant, provides practical guidance on setting healthy boundaries for all family members. 

Learn more about Natalie Hoyte, PA-C 

In this episode featuring Graham Meeks, ARNP, cardiology nurse practitioner at Skagit Regional Health, we cover CHF symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling, common causes such as coronary artery disease and hypertension, and modern heart failure treatment options that can stabilize or improve function. 

In this episode, Dermatologist Dr. Amy Hopkins breaks down what eczema really is, why it’s tied to dry, sensitive skin, how it differs from allergic rashes and why it affects so many people. 

Learn more about Dr. Amy Hopkins. 

This episode features OB/GYN Dr. Daniela Abreu breaking down what PMOS is, how common it is and the symptoms women should recognize, along with current treatment options. The conversation also explores the emotional impact of living with PMOS and offers clear guidance for listeners who have the condition. 

Learn more about Daniela Abreu, DO, MS 

In this episode Dr. Garduno discusses Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” and who’s most at risk for deficiency. He offers practical guidance on testing, supplementation and daily habits to stay healthy year‑round. 

Learn more about Luis Garduno, MD 

This episode breaks down newborn interventions, including vitamin K, hepatitis B vaccination and erythromycin eye ointment. Dr. Larson explains how these treatments prevent life‑threatening bleeding, blindness and infection while addressing common questions and hesitations from families. 

Learn more about Anika Larson, MD 

Explore how advanced technology is reshaping orthopedics and redefining what’s possible for patients. Orthopedic care is no longer just about fixing bones and joints, it’s becoming more personalized and far less invasive than ever before. 

Learn more about Camille Connelly, MD, FAAOS 

In this episode of Be Well with Skagit Regional Health, host Caitlin White speaks with Dr. Emily Chau, a wound care specialist, about the critical importance of diabetic foot care. Discover why prevention is key to avoiding complications and learn essential practices to maintain healthy feet. 

Learn more about Emily F. Chau, DPM, AACFAS 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Pope and Dr. Lissa Anderson shed light on the critical aspects of hospice care, explaining its significance and timing. Their expertise at Hospice of the Northwest provides valuable insights into end-of-life care, debunking myths that surround hospice services and offering support for families facing life's toughest moments. Tune in to understand how hospice care can change lives for the better.

For more information, visit https://www.skagitregionalhealth.org/programs-services/hospiceskagitregionalhealth.org. 

Learn more about Erika Pope, DO 

Learn more about Lissa Anderson, MD 

Rico Romano, MD discusses the role that family medical history plays in a person's health, including why its important to share family history with your provider and how it may impact recommended screenings or tests. 

Learn more about Rico Romano, MD 

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Dr. Devon Kienzle explains common symptoms of SAD, treatments and when to seek care.

Learn more about Devon Kienzle, DO

The fourth most common cancer among women is cervical cancer but it is treatable and even preventable. Angie Lewis, WHNP-BC, discusses the symptoms of cervical cancer, risk factors and the importance of screenings.

Learn more about Angie Lewis, WHNP-BC 

Colorectal cancer used to be a concern for older adults, but recent data shows a troubling shift. Dr. Unruh explores the reasons behind the rise in cases among young adults and what preventive measures can be taken. Listen in for insights that could change perceptions about this life-threatening disease.

Join us as Dr. Joshua Hawkins discusses the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. Discover how personalized care and innovative therapies are changing breast cancer care, offering hope and better outcomes for patients.

Understanding the preparation phase for surgery is crucial for a smooth experience. In this Be Well with Skagit Regional Health episode, Dr. Zeng shares expert insights on what patients can do physically and mentally before their surgery along with other helpful tips.

Misinformation can lead to severe public health consequences. In this insightful session, Dr. Castillo addresses vaccine hesitancy, particularly regarding measles, and provides evidence-based answers to common concerns. Empower yourself with facts so that you can make informed decisions for your family.

Explore common symptoms of irregular heartbeats and learn what to do if you experience them. Dr. Fima Macheret discusses the importance of timely evaluation and what steps to take for a better heart health journey. Tune in for vital information that could save your life!

Join Dr. Eugene De Guzman as he unpacks the essential functions of your kidneys and why maintaining their health is critical for your overall wellness. Dive deep into the often-overlooked roles of these vital organs and learn proactive steps you can take at every stage of life.

Are you unsure if your anxiety symptoms are normal or something more? Dr. Mowery provides insights on recognizing the signs of anxiety that require attention. He discusses the impact of untreated anxiety on daily life and relationships, paving the way for listeners to make informed decisions about their mental health.

Lung cancer continues to be a serious health threat but early detection can significantly improve outcomes. In this episode, learn from Dr. Richard Leone about the risk factors, screening options and advancements in treatments available at Skagit Regional Health. Your health matters, stay informed!

To learn more about Dr. Leone 

Confused between a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and an annual physical? Dr. Alexa Celerian clarifies the differences in this insightful episode. Understand which tests are covered under each type of appointment and how to choose what is right for you. Get informed so you can make the best healthcare decisions tailored to your needs!

Over time there's wear and stress on your joints and whether it's a result of injury or age, knee pain can be debilitating. Dr. Smith Meads discusses robotic orthopedic surgery, when it may fit the treatment plan and more.

In today's episode, Dr. Rosalynn Nguyen discusses all things hemorrhoids: common causes and risk factors, treatment options and more.

It can be difficult to tell if your infant or toddler is sick or not and if it requires medical attention. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Emily Bianconi discusses the common signs to look out for if your child is sick and needs to see a pediatrician and more.

Fentanyl is in so many street drugs these days and is taking lives unexpectedly all over the country. Dr. Connie Davis, Dr. Krishnaraj Jayarama, and Dr. Michael Thompson discuss fentanyl, the difference between exposure and overdose, some protective factors that parents can take and more.

It's always a good idea to have your wishes and documents in order and one document to consider before it's needed is an advance directive. Dr. Catherine Bree Johnston discusses advance directives, why they're important, the different types of directives and more.

A key challenge for some patients these days is how to successfully balance the demands of health, work and family. Nurse Practitioner Courtney Robbins discusses the work/health/life balance, patient trends, what a healthy balance can look like and more.

It's estimated that more than 11% of women here in the United States between the ages of 15-44 have endometriosis. Dr. Carlyn King discusses common symptoms and risk factors, treatment options, lifestyle changes you can make to accommodate and more.

Orthopedic implants are utilized for all sorts of replacement surgeries. Dr. Lance Ho discusses these implants and answers some of the most pressing questions that patients may have about them.

Prostate surgery isn't something that any man looks forward to but advances in medicine can alleviate and assuage many concerns. Dr. Kyle Schuyler discusses prostate cancer statistics from the National Cancer Institute, the benefits of robotic surgery, what Skagit has to offer in the way of robotic surgery and more.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, with 1 out of 5 Americans developing it by the age of 70. Dr. Michael Marchetti discusses the main types of skin cancer, potential risk factors and prevention, how to get diagnosed and more.

Sleep disorders are something that can adversely impact a child's health and quality of life. Dr. Allan Damian discusses the most common sleep disorders in children, symptoms, the treatment options that are available and more.

Menopause can be a dreaded topic but the more you know, the better you can plan and know what to expect. Donna Lee, ARNP discusses the stages of menopause, symptoms and treatments, who may be a good candidate for menopause hormone therapy and more.

Sleep is crucial to all of us but what about when it's interrupted by obstuctive sleep apnea? Dr. Nikhil Samtani discusses the latest treatment options, common symptoms and causes as well as the Inspire Therapy program.

Outpatient surgery is more common than ever. According to the CDC, nearly two-thirds of all operations are performed in an outpatient facility. Dr. Christopher Sheu discusses the benefits of an outpatient surgery center, the types of procedures they perform and more.

What is a podiatrist and do your feet really need their own doctor? Dr. Eric Powell discusses the conditions podiatrists treat, what a patient can expect during a visit to the podiatrist and more.

Have you ever worked out, been injured, and then had to deal with tight muscles and how can you get past that so that you can get back to playing? Dr. Jared Anderson discusses tight muscles, why they happen, how to treat them and more.

Dupuytren's Disease is a condition of the hand that can be very debilitating. Dr. Jimmy Dang discusses this disease, symptoms to look out for, possible treatment options and more.

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise so if you're diagnosed with it, how do you manage it? Dr. Matthew Rosner discusses what you need to know about type 2 diabetes including the signs, symptoms, and risk factors, what advice he has for families to prevent your children from developing it and more.

Arthritis is a common and often very debilitating condition among adults. Laura Grantham, a physician assistant in rheumatology, discusses arthritis, possible risk factors, how it's treated and more.

Our digestive health affects our immune system, our nervous system and even our mental health. Dr. S. Suresh Alagugurusamy discusses the best foods for GI health and the role your digestive system plays in your overall well-being.

In today's episode, Dr. Alexander Willis discusses what you need to know about total joint replacement surgery, how to prepare for it, and what to expect during the recovery process.

Back pain is a very common source of discomfort for many people. Dr. R. Dylan Morris discusses back pain, possible treatment methods, and more.

Young women considering their first gynecological appointment will more than likely have lots of questions. Dr. Grace Bay discusses everything you need to know about what to expect during your appointment, common questions you may have, how to prepare for the exam, and more.

Each fall or winter, there's a lot of talk around the flu and flu shots. Family Medicine provider Jaya DeElena discusses the facts that you should know when preparing for flu season.

Did you know that your heart can affect your mind and vice versa? Dr. Bhrigu Parmar discusses the mind-heart connection, how nutrition can affect the two, ways to improve that connection, and more.

If you haven't been exercising, you'll want to go about it the right way to maximize your efforts and avoid injury. Orthopaedic physician assistant Jon Ruff discusses the healthiest ways that you can prepare your body for a workout.

Skagit Regional Health is committed to excellence in training the next generation of physicians. Dr. Julie Merriam provides a closer look at their residency program and why it may be a good fit for you.

Mammogram screenings can help reduce the death rate from breast cancer among women. Dr. Michal Whiton and Dr. Aaron Yu discuss who is most at risk for breast cancer, the benefits of 3D mammography, and more.

When you need medical attention, there are a plethora of options available to you like ERs, an appointment with your PCP, urgent care facilities, and now virtual e-clinics but how do you know which one you need? Dr. Aaron Arnold discusses the different levels of care in medicine, why it's important to seek the correct level of care, and more.

Taking a fall can cause serious injury but the risks can be reduced. Trauma Program Manager Paul Ross discusses fall prevention, who is most at risk for falling, the long term effects of a fall, and more.

Time is of the essence if you or a loved one has a stroke but what should you do if you have one and are there ways to prevent them from happening at all? Dr. Jay Biessel and Dr. Patti Brettell discuss strokes, the signs and symptoms, what you should do if one happens, and more.

With proper screening, you can stop colon cancer early or maybe even before it starts. Dr. Samit Datta discusses colon cancer screenings, common signs and symptoms of colon cancer to look out for, who should be screened, the possible risks and benefits, and more.

There are a lot of questions to ask when you go to the dermatologist for the first time but what if your child needs to see one? Dr. Michael Barton discusses pediatric dermatology, when to take your child for treatment, what to expect during the visit, and more.

Do you get enough sleep at night? If not, it may be affecting your health. Dr. Nikhil Samtani discusses the benefits of a good night's sleep, tips on how to get better quality sleep and more.

As the years go by, many of us notice that we're not hearing as well as we used to. Hannah Carlson, Au.D. discusses different ways that we can help our hearing stay as healthy as possible.

Chest pain, bloating, and burping can all be signs of a hiatal hernia but what exactly is that? Dr. Allison Porter discusses hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the possible treatment options for both.

Food: do we eat to live or do we live to eat? Today, Dr. Jammie Menetrey will discuss how to best feed your heart and keep it healthy.

According to the CDC, Autism affects 1 in 44 children in the United States today and there is so much to know about this complex condition. Ashleigh Adkins discusses Autism, the importance of early diagnosis, what screening can be done and the breakthrough program at Skagit Regional Health to help children with Autism.

When it comes to having a joint replaced, hips and knees are the most common while ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists may also need to be replaced at some point. Dr. Christopher Sheu explores what all is involved when you get a joint replacement.

Having a baby can be such an exciting time but it can also be filled with new worries and anxieties and as happy as new parents can be, it can also feel like a lot. Dr. Devon Kienzle discusses how you can safeguard your mental health as a new parent.

Rotator cuff injuries and tears are common - especially as we get older. Dr. Ryan Vellinga discusses the rotator cuff, signs and symptoms of a tear, and how Skagit Regional Health can partner with you in the event of an injury.