San Diego Health

Just about everybody gets a headache from time to time. But for the 45 million Americans who suffer from chronic headaches, it can seem like frequent pain is just a part of life. Having a headache seemingly all the time isn’t normal. Fortunately, treatment is within reach. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic neurologist Emily Rubenstein Engel, MD, discuss the different types of headaches, what causes them, and how they’re treated. Dr. Engel also outlines what happens during a doctor’s appointment for a chronic headache diagnosis and when further investigation is needed.

Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the body's central nervous system and causes a wide range of symptoms. Without treatment, MS can become worse over time. Fortunately, newer treatments have slowed the progression of the disease and improved quality of life for those living with it. In this podcast episode, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps neurologist Louis Goodrich, MD, about the causes, symptoms and treatment of MS.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and kills roughly 53,000 people each year. It’s understandably not something people like to talk about, but initiating the conversation with your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer could end up saving your life. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Walter Coyle, MD, he head of gastroenterology at Scripps Clinic, discuss the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, who’s at risk, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Coyle also touches on the environmental factors that could be behind an increase in colorectal cancers in younger people.  

For the roughly 40 million Americans living with diabetes, it’s critical to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Continuous blood sugar monitors may be able to help. The devices track blood sugar levels 24/7—no finger pricks required. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest, Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, a Scripps Clinic endocrinologist and corporate vice president of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, discuss the benefits of continuous glucose monitors for patients with diabetes. Dr. Tsimikas also explains how continuous glucose monitors can work in tandem with an insulin pump to automatically control blood sugar levels.   

  Years of exposure to the San Diego sunshine can lead to uneven skin tone, dark spots, and spider veins on the face. Fortunately, dermatologists have a variety of laser treatments at their disposal to safely reverse the damage and restore the look of healthy skin. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Edward Ross, MD, a Scripps Clinic dermatologist and director of the Scripps Clinic Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology Center, discuss how lasers work to rejuvenate skin and what conditions can be treated. Dr. Ross also explains how newer lasers can be used to effectively treat acne.  

More than 6.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The condition most often strikes those ages 65 and up, but can affect younger people as well. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can develop as early as age 40 to 50. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic neurologist Leonard Sokol, MD, discuss early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, how it’s diagnosed, who’s at risk, and treatment options. Dr. Sokol also explains how the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s may not always be what older people experience.

Coughs, colds, respiratory infections and other symptoms are concerning, but educating yourself about common infant illnesses and being prepared to care for your baby can make the experience less stressful for both of you. San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps pediatrician Henna Park, DO, about the most common health problems among babies and what to do if your little one isn’t feeling well.

So, you just found out you’re pregnant. Now what? The first couple weeks after making the big discovery can be exciting, but also overwhelming. There’s much to do to prepare for the birth of a baby, but your OB-GYN will be by your side to guide you throughout your pregnancy. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic OB-GYN Dina Fainman, MD, discuss the stages of pregnancy and steps moms-to-be can take to help ensure their pregnancy is healthy. Dr. Fainman also outlines what to avoid during pregnancy and red flags women should be on the lookout for before and after giving birth.

The lymphatic system has an important job: it helps the body fight off infection. But when the body’s lymph system is damaged or blocked, fluids can build up in the body’s soft tissues and cause swelling, typically in the extremities. The condition is called lymphedema. There’s no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed with help from your health care team. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guests Manish Champaneria, MD, a Scripps Clinic plastic surgeon who specializes in lymphedema surgery, and certified lymphedema therapist Maryam Rahnema discuss what causes lymphedema, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options. The experts also discuss what can happen if lymphedema is left untreated and why early intervention is optimal.

More than 40 percent of adults in America are considered obese, which comes with an increased risk for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It’s no surprise that the popularity of weight loss drugs that curb cravings and slow digestion is soaring, but are they for you? In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic endocrinologist Samantha Harris, MD, who specializes in weight management and diabetes care, discuss how weight loss drugs work, who is an ideal candidate, and potential side effects. Dr. Harris also explains why the new class of weight loss drugs may require a much longer commitment than you may think.

Chronic back pain can make everyday activities difficult. Exercise, putting away groceries, or simply twisting or turning can cause muscle and spinal pain. Back pain affects eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives, and for many, it goes away on its own. But for those with lasting or recurring back problems, minimally invasive surgery may be the solution that stops their pain for good. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic orthopedic surgeon Robert Eastlack, MD, discuss common causes of back pain and how minimally invasive back surgery works to bring patients relief, often with less downtime than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Eastlack also shares tips to protect your back.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be tough on your heart. Your heart is working overtime to support you and your baby, and it’s surprisingly common for women to develop some type of heart problem during pregnancy or exacerbate an existing condition, such as hypertension or high blood pressure. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Scripps Clinic cardiologist Poulina Uddin, MD, and Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic OB-GYN and medical director of the Scripps perinatology program. They discuss how being pregnant can affect the heart, common heart problems that can develop in pregnancy, and how those conditions may affect the baby. They also explain how doctors can treat heart conditions while protecting the pregnancy.

Red, itchy, watery eyes are a common occurence, but may also be a sign of a serious health concern. Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks the tissue around the both the thyroid gland and the eyes. It most commonly presents in people in their 40s, but can affect almost any age group, though there are factors that can raise a person’s risk. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Omar Ozgur, MD, an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, discuss the causes of thyroid eye disease, how its diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Ozgur also outlines the lifestyle changes that can help thyroid eye disease patients get relief.

More and more women are waiting until their mid- to late 30s to have children. Advanced maternal age pregnancies come with higher risks, but health care providers are prepared. Scripps has expert perinatologists and support staff who specialize in high-risk pregnancy care. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Daniela Gomez, MD, a Scripps Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) specializing in maternal and fetal medicine, and Alex Fite, a prenatal genetic counselor at Scripps Clinic. They discuss the factors that may make it harder to conceive as a woman gets older, conditions that occur more often in babies born to moms over 35, and what health care providers can do to help ensure babies are born healthy.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and its symptoms in its early stages can be easy to miss. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 60,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—and 50,000 people die from it—each year. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Jonathan Fisher, MD, a surgeon at Scripps Green Hospital, discuss the types of pancreatic cancer, how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Fisher also shares some of the biggest risk factors for pancreatic cancer and how local biotech companies are helping screen people for the disease.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but early diagnosis can lead to a better outcome. Fortunately, technological advances are making it possible for doctors to spot lung cancer earlier than ever. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Samir Makani, MD, director of interventional pulmonary medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and director of Scripps’ lung cancer screening program. They discuss the causes of lung cancer, who’s most at risk, and the symptoms. Dr. Makani also outlines the link between early intervention and a dramatic jump in survival rates, the technology making it possible to diagnose lung cancer in its earliest stages, and how the lung cancer is treated.

Sun, stress, and gravity take a toll on our appearance as we age. But there are ways to reverse the visible signs of aging and get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin. A mini facelift could help turn back the hands of time and restore a more youthful appearance. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Salvatore Pacella, MD, Division Head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Scripps Clinic & Scripps Green Hospital, discuss how a mini facelift is performed, how it differs from a traditional facelift, and who’s a candidate. Dr. Pacella also covers the risks and recovery time.

Your relationship with your primary care doctor is one of the most important you’ll develop in your health care journey. Millions of people visit their primary care doctor each year for preventive care, routine screenings, referrals to specialists, and more. Often referred to as the quarterback of the health care team, a primary care doctor plays a pivotal role in coordinating your care. So, how do you find the right primary care doctor for you? In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Kosha Nathwani, MD, a Scripps Clinic family medicine physician, discuss the role of a primary care doctor and the different types, what you should take into consideration when choosing a doctor, and the questions you should ask a potential pick. Dr. Nathwani also runs through the pros and cons of having the same doctor as your spouse or family.

Breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer impacting women in the United States, only surpassed by skin cancer. Data from the American Cancer Society reveals that one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. However, the silver lining lies in the power of early detection and the leaps forward in treatment approaches, which have enabled more women to triumph over the disease. In this episode of San Diego Health, our host Susan Taylor and guest Farah Nasraty, MD, focus on demystifying breast cancer and shedding light on the most recent advances in treatment.

Acne is the most common skin condition and affects up to 50 million Americans every year. Though acne is commonly associated with the teenage years, it’s a problem that can continue to rear its ugly head well into adulthood. While acne can be troublesome and can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem, dermatologists say it’s a treatable condition. It just takes time and consistency. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Sophia Akhiyat, MD, a Scripps Clinic dermatologist, discuss the different types of acne and their causes. Dr. Akhiyat also outlines different acne treatment options, ranging from over-the-counter topical creams to prescription medication to dermatologist-provided chemical peels and laser therapy.