Health Matters

HEALTH MATTERS: ADOPTION, DEC. 10, 2017

By WVUA 23 Student Reporter Olivia Whitmire Dr. Brian Gannon, a pediatrician at University Medical Center, answered questions about how the adoption process works and the foster care system. “The thing to remember about foster children or children in foster care is that they are almost always there through no fault of their own. They’ve

HEALTH MATTERS: ENSURING HEALTHY PREGNANCIES

By WVUA 23 Web Writer Chandler Gory Dr. Cathy Skinner, a family physician obstetricians at the University Medical Center, said there are several steps a woman can take to recuperate and regain health after giving birth. During a pregnancy, a woman loses key vitamins that have to be replenished, Skinner said. Iron and folic acid

HEALTH MATTERS: HOLIDAY EATING, NOV. 22, 2017

Most people look forward to holiday meals (and desserts), but they dread the potential for gaining weight. But you don’t have to fear weight gain if you plan ahead. University Medical Center Registered Dietician Suzanne Henson said it’s important to hone in on those goodies that are really special, and leave the rest on

HEALTH MATTERS: GERIATRIC DEPRESSION, NOV. 16, 2017

By WVUA 23 Web Writer Emily Strickland Dr. John Burkhardt discussed geriatric depression on Health Matters Wednesday. Burkhardt said that general depression has increased 18 percent according to the World Health Organization. “As we age things change, and [the elderly]can be susceptible to depression even if they don’t have a history of depression,” Burkhardt said.

HEALTH MATTERS: DEALING WITH CHOLESTEROL, NOV. 8, 2017

Understanding what to do about cholesterol levels that may not be entirely normal can be confusing and complicated. It’s not just about what you eat: It may be about your genetics. Dr. Ed Geno, a family physician from University Medical Center, said it’s a complicated topic. “It used to be that we would treat just

HEALTH MATTERS: LONG-TERM BIRTH CONTROL OPTIONS, NOV. 1, 2017

By WVUA 23 Web Writer Jared Ferguson WVUA23’s “Health Matters” segment touched on the medical importance of considering birth control in relation to sexual activity. Health Matters hosted an interview with Dr. Kristy Graettinger on the new advances in birth control offered at University Medical Center. Graettinger highlighted the importance of the multiple forms of

HEALTH MATTERS: PRENATAL CARE VITAL TO HEALTH OF MOTHER, BABY

By WVUA 23 Web Writer Rebecca Griesbach The importance of prenatal care is something that not just the woman but the whole family needs to understand. Dr. Cathy Skinner is a family physician obstetrician at University Medical Center. Pregnant women, she said, should schedule appointments with their doctors as soon as possible, especially if they

HEALTH MATTERS: PRE-OPERATIVE CLEARANCE, OCT. 17, 2017

Carina Bannwart Dr. Rick Streiffer talks about pre-operative clearance on Health Matters this Thursday. “For most people who are facing the possibility of surgery it is important that they seek consultation with their generalist, the doctor who knows them well. Not to evaluate the need for their specific operation but to evaluate their risk in

HEALTH MATTERS: TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR, OCT. 11, 2017

Doctors are busy people, and sometimes they just don’t have enough time to see all the patients they need or take enough time to see you or a family member of your family. Dean of the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences Dr. Rick Streiffer says patients can help manage their doctors’ visits better

HEALTH MATTERS: MANAGING DOCTOR VISITS, AUG. 2, 2017

Doctors are busy, and sometimes they just don’t have enough time to see all their patients or get enough time with them. Here’s some tips on how you can help yourself and your doctor. Come prepared. Make a list of your questions and issues before you get to the office. Prioritize. There may be some

HEALTH MATTERS – MORE ON ALZHEIMER’S

Dr. Anne Halli-Tierney from the University Medical Center shares more about Alzheimer’s and what can be done to help people with the disease.

HEALTH MATTERS: SMOKING, JULY 19, 2017

Smoking is without a doubt one of the top risks for developing health problems and shortening your life, but there are plenty of folks who continue putting themselves at risk. Dr. Alan Blum with the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences has been studying smoking cessation for decades, and he’s responsible for UA’s

HEALTH MATTERS: PLANTAR FASCIITIS, JULY 5, 2017

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common, painful foot disorders that we see here in the United States. Pretty much everyone, sooner or later, is likely to have some degree of pain from this. One of the most important things to know about it though is that working with your doctor it’ll get better

HEALTH MATTERS: STRESS RELIEF, JUNE 28, 2017

In this day and age, we all get stressed, and we all try different techniques to alleviate that feeling. Dr. Nancy Rubin, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, offers several tips on relaxation.

HEALTH MATTERS: PNEUMONIA VACCINATIONS, JUNE 22, 2017

This week Dr. Rick Streiffer from Health Matters talked about pneumonia vaccinations for adults. Streiffer: “As we get older, one of the most common preventable infections that we all face the risk of is pneumonia. Pneumonia in the United States still kills or seriously cripples thousands of people every year, putting them in the hospital,

HEALTH MATTERS: ADHD, JUNE 6, 2017

Attention deficit disorders are often considered a children’s health issue, but did you know adults can suffer from the condition, too? Dr. Marisa Giggie, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, said many patients with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are dealing with other conditions that are exacerbated by their attention disorder. “Approximately 50 percent of people

HEALTH MATTERS: DEPRESSION, MAY 31, 2017

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week Health Matters is taking a look at depression. Depression and other mental illnesses aren’t more common than they were in the past, but they are more commonly diagnosed and treated thanks to an increased emphasis on getting help, said University Medical Center Clinical Psychologist Dr. John Burkhardt. “I

HEALTH MATTERS: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MAY 24, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week Health Matters is discussing substance abuse. “Heroin is something that has become a national epidemic,” said Dr. Thad Ulzen with University Medical Center. “It’s become much easier. It costs the people who make the drugs much less to make them, and so a very strong narcotic like

HEALTH MATTERS: DEALING WITH DEPRESSION, MAY 10, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this month Health Matters is focused on mental health issues. At some point, everyone feels down, sad or not as happy as they’d like to be, but sometimes it’s hard getting enough willpower to admit help is necessary. Dr. Caroline Boxmeyer, a clinical psychologist at University Medical

HEALTH MATTERS: ANXIETY, MAY 3, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week dean of the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Dr. Rick Streiffer is highlighting anxiety. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five people in the U.S. will develop some kind of temporary or permanent mental health condition in their lifetime.

HEALTH MATTERS: SUGAR-SWEETENED DRINKS, APRIL 26, 2017

In the South, we love our sweet tea. But as a whole, Americans are consuming too much sugar, and a good portion of that comes from beverages. A long-term sugar surplus leads to issues like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. University Medical Center Registered Dietician Diane Henson said down here, sugar is an epidemic. “It

HEALTH MATTERS: LOWER BACK PAIN, APRIL 19, 2017

Dr. Rick Streiffer with the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences said most people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Most times, it’s treatable without a doctor’s intervention — heat, over-the-counter medications and rest go a long way to helping a hurting back. “It is one of the most

HEALTH MATTERS: ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS, APRIL 12, 2017

Immunizations are often considered something just for children before they head to day care or school for the first time, but immunizations are important for adults, too. Dr. Jane Weida at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa says skipping your shots can result in some nasty consequences. Adults should be getting a tetanus and diphtheria shot every

HEALTH MATTERS: SINUSITUS, APRIL 5, 2017

Most people develop some sinus issue or other at least once in their life. When it strikes, it’s tempting to ask your doctor for some antibiotics, but that’s not always the correct course of action. Dr. Ricky Friend with the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences says even the worst sinus

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