Health Matters Podcast

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs through childhood and lasts into adulthood. Dr. Thad Ulzen, a practicing psychiatrist at University Medical Center, says the disorder occurs in about 75% of the population worldwide and can be passed down genetically. Ulzen also says the condition can cause an individual to have difficulty concentrating, especially when operating a motor vehicle.

Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that often interact with each other. Both disorders can affect a person’s mood and ability to perform daily life functions. Dr. James Reeves, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, recommends working with a therapist or psychiatrist to help improve anxiety and depression. He also said that exercise, healthy eating and getting enough sleep can help as well.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and has been observed in the United States since 1949. Mental health is a description of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and influences how we experience, think about and interact in our world. Dr. John Burkhardt, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, says meditating, journaling, and exercising are good ways to keep your mental health in balance.

Minority health brings awareness to health disparities that exist in racial and ethnic minority populations. These groups face higher rates of death and disease, including diabetes, hypertension, HIV and sickle cell disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, a preventive medicine physician and a professor in community medicine and population health with CCHS, said that the social determinants of health, such as lack of access to health care and health education, increase those disparities.

UMC-Carrollton provides comprehensive primary health care to rural Pickens County working to improve the lack of health care resources in the community. Services include family medicine, obstetrics, prenatal care, sports medicine and colonoscopy/endoscopy consultations. Dr. Jacob Guin, a family medicine physician at UMC-Carrollton, explains.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects about 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to the formation of cysts in the ovaries. Dr. John McDonald, an ob/gyn with University Medical Center, explains more about this condition.

UMC-Northport provides quality health care to the Northport community with services in family medicine, internal medicine, prenatal care, sports medicine, neurology and obstetrics. The clinic, located at 6205 Jemison Lane, also offers social work, nutrition, ultrasound, lab and x-ray services. Dr. Stacy Horsley, a family medicine physician at UMC-Northport, says new patients are welcome and appointments can be made by calling (205) 348-6700.

Measles cases are in the rise in the United States. Dr. Jane Weida, a family medicine physician with University Medical Center. Weida explains why in this Health Matters podcast.

In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance for COVID-19. The changes were made after health officials determined the current virus is milder, mostly because the vast majority of the U.S. population has been vaccinated against or has had COVID-19. Dr. Tom Weida, University Medical Center’s chief medical officer, talks about the changes in this Health Matters television segment podcast.

On Feb. 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process are considered children. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer at University Medical Center, explains more about the impact of this ruling. (Note: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law March 6 a bill intended to give legal protection to IVF clinics in the state.)

The Capstone Hospitalist Group, operated by University Medical Center, includes physicians and nurse practitioners who care for hospitalized patients at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa and Northport Medical Center. Dr. Lisa Gillespie, medical director of the Capstone Hospitalist Group, explains.

Since 2020, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the CDC. Dr. Lea Yerby, associate professor with CCHS who researches health disparities in children, describes ASD as a development condition that impacts how people learn, interact with others, and behave and communicate. In addition to her research, Yerby partners with Cynthia Ellis and Tammy Barkey from the UA Regional Autism Network, helping individuals with ASD and their families connect with resources and services.

As people age, their health needs change. For family members caring for an elderly loved one, coordinating a care plan with that person’s doctor can ensure they receive the health-care services and resources they need. Dr. Bob McKinney, director of the Department of Case Management and Social Services at University Medical Center, explains.

An estimated 37 million people in the U.S. have Chronic Kidney Disease, a condition that damages the kidneys and prevents the filtering of blood through the body, according to the CDC. Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, a preventive medicine physician and professor of community medicine and population health at UA's College of Community Health Sciences, studies Chronic Kidney Disease. She is currently working to develop an app, in collaboration with Drs. Felecia Wood and JoAnn Oliver, faculty with UA's Capstone College of Nursing, to help primary care physicians determine the stage of Chronic Kidney Disease in their patients.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults will experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives, and this disorder can even affect youth and adolescents. Dr. James Reeves, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, describes bipolar disorder and explains how the condition can best be treated.

Each year in the United States, 97% of children 5 years of age or younger are diagnosed with RSV, a respiratory virus that commonly affects young children, and about 300 die from the illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Shawn Cecil, a pediatrician at University Medical Center, discusses ways to detect and help protect children from RSV.

Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the risk of serious injuries and deaths can be reduced with car seats. Dr. Shawn Cecil, a pediatrician at University Medical Center, gives tips about how car seats should be used for children up to 11 years of age.

University Medical Center provides quality primary care from six locations in West Alabama—Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC, said improving health in Alabama communities, particularly its rural communities, is the College’s mission.

Obesity in adolescents has been on the rise for the past several decades. In the 1960s, only 5% of adolescents were obese. As of 2019, that number had risen to nearly 20%. Dr. Shawn Cecil is a pediatrician at University Medical Center. He encourages parents to focus on their adolescent’s overall health, including healthy eating options and exercise, and said that often small changes can be very helpful.

COVID-19 cases have ticked up recently. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer for University Medical Center, said this is likely the result of a new Omicron variant that, while not as severe as previous variants, is proving to be a bit more contagious. He recommends everyone six months of age and older get a COVID-19 vaccine as protection against the variant.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that affects both children and adults. But for the first time, there is an RSV vaccine available for those ages 65 and older. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer of University Medical Center and a family medicine physician, explains.

Flu season is here and the best time to get vaccinated is during September and October to help protect your body during most of flu season. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer of University Medical Center, said it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build the antibodies needed for protection against the flu.

Alzheimer’s is a common type of brain disorder, progressing from mild memory loss to possibly an inability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Dr. Anne Halli-Tierney, a geriatrician at University Medical Center, talks about a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved drug called Leqembi that can be used to slow down the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease.

Incorporating mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation could help improve a child’s social and emotional mindset. Dr. Caroline Boxmeyer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine and associate dean for academic affairs with UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, talks about a University of Alabama research prevention program called Mindful Coping Power that seeks to reduce mental health issues in children.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the United States and firearm-related fatalities reached a new peak of 45,222 in 2020, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster is a preventive medicine physician and professor of community medicine and population health at The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences. She explains that while gun violence is currently a public a health crisis, there are solutions.

HPV (human papilloma virus) is a common virus that approximately 90% of sexually active adults will deal with in their lifetimes. But there is an effective vaccine for nine different strains of HPV, including high-risk strains that can lead to cervical and other cancers. Dr. Mallory Scogin, an obstetrician-gynecologist at University Medical Center, explains.

The scorching summer heat has settled in Alabama but there are ways to protect yourself and keep cool. Dr. Anne-Laura Cook, an internal medicine physician with University Medical Center, said the best thing to do is prepare – stay well hydrated, avoid wearing heavy clothing and limit outdoor activities to early morning and late evening. She said if you experience cramps or exhaustion, move to a cool place and drink water. Seek medical help if you experience nausea and feel weak and lethargic.

Residents in rural communities often have limited access to health care. Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, a preventive medicine physician with UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, explains in a WVUA-23 Health Matters segment that a shortage of physicians and a lack of transportation are among the reasons why.

As people age and require more care, that work often falls to their loved ones. And that can be challenging, especially if caregivers are still working. Dr. Martha Crowther, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, encourages families to plan in advance – before care is even needed – and come up with a playbook for how to help handle their loved one’s health, finances, daily needs and other matters. Consider a geriatrician, whose medical practices are specifically designed to care for older adults. Crowther says it’s also important for caregivers to take care of their own health.

Mental health issues often aren’t talked about in minority communities, but the needs are there. Dr. Martha Crowther, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, said she sees a lot of depression and anxiety in her minority patients and that contributors can include a lack of income and other resources. She also said suicide rates among African Americans, and African American males in particular, are increasing.

COVID-19 was a major global crisis and concerns remain about its impact on mental health. Dr. John Burkhardt, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, said people who had COVID-19 continue to worry about the virus’s impact on memory and other cognitive functions. And while it is hard to explicitly quantify its effect on mental health, Burkhardt likens COVID-19 to a traumatic experience because it was a major pandemic that shut down the world.

Anxiety involves feelings of worry and fear that are not temporary, and it is probably the most common mental health disorder. But anxiety is treatable. Dr. Jamie Reeves, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, said medications and therapy can help, and he explains that there are things people can do on their own to help manage their anxiety – exercise, eat healthy and get enough sleep.

Changes in mental health and mental health care delivery changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Marisa Giggie, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, said mental health care providers saw considerably more patients struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction issues and suicidal thoughts and attempts during the pandemic. She also said a substantial amount of mental health care was provided via telehealth.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and encourages us to seek support and help when needed. Dr. John Burkhardt is a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center. In the first of a series of Health Matters to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, Burkhardt explains that mental health is a broad category, including depression, anxiety and trauma, as well as ADHD, autism and intellectual and cognitive disabilities.

Supplements are common these days and include vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Many people take supplements to ensure that they are getting enough nutrients to improve or maintain their health. Cherie Simpson, a registered dietitian with the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy, says supplements can cause side effects if taken at high doses. She also says supplements shouldn’t take the place of the variety of foods important to healthy eating.

Anyone who engages in unsafe sex could be exposed to HIV infection. Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, a preventive medicine physician with UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, says people concerned about possible exposure to HIV should get tested right away and, if positive, start taking HIV medicine. She says the medication reduces the body’s HIV viral load, which keeps the immune system working and prevents illness – and an undetectable viral load can prevent transmission of HIV to others.

Most cervical cancers are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Immunization with the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer and other cancers caused by the virus. Dr. Mallory Scogin, an obstetrician-gynecologist with University Medical Center, tells us what we need to know about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

University Medical Center provides primary care and other health care services from six locations in West Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Northport, Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC, said clinics in Demopolis, Fayette, Carrollton and Livingston were opened to provide needed health care to these rural communities.

Coroners in rural Alabama communities often lack the resources they need to conduct death investigations. The University of Alabama is working to help, with a new National Center on Forensics. Dr. John Higginbotham, a professor of community medicine and population health with UA’s College of Community Health Sciences and who is leading the center’s efforts, explains.

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and it can occur anywhere on the body. It isn’t life-threatening, but it can be very painful. Dr. Jane Weida, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center, says getting the shingles vaccine can help lower your risk of getting shingles.

Long-acting reversible contraception is an effective form of reversible birth control that can prevent pregnancy for several years, and that can be removed by a physician if you decide to become pregnant. Dr. Mallory Scogin, an obstetrician-gynecologist at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, said there are two types of LARCs – IUDs and implants – and she explains how they work. She also stresses the importance of getting vaccinated against HPV to help prevent cervical and other cancers caused by the human papillomavirus.

Fad diets are appealing because they promise quick weight loss and better health. But there is often a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. And because some fad diets cut out key foods and food groups, they can cause dehydration, weakness and fatigue, and nausea and headaches. Cherie Simpson, a registered dietitian at The University of Alabama Student Health Center and Pharmacy, explains.

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition. It is particularly troubling because those extra pounds can put children on a path to health problems once considered adult problems – diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr. Shawn Cecil, a pediatrician at University Medical Center, talks about childhood obesity and explains that treating and preventing this condition can help protect your child’s health now and in the future.

Social workers often practice in medical and other health-care facilities. University Medical Center has provided social work services to patients for more than two decades. Dr. Robert McKinney, assistant professor of social work and director of UMC’s Office of Case Management and Social Services, talks about the services that UMC social workers provide.

Athletes are often seen by the public as fierce competitors who push past adversity in the pursuit of victory. But they are also people and as such are not immune to the pressures and stresses of life. Dr. Ray Stewart, a sports medicine physician with University Medical Center and a team physician with The University of Alabama Athletic Department, talks about athletes and mental health.

Digital devices can help provide better care to patients because they monitor vital signs and other factors in real-time. These devices can help patients manage diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa has partnered with Ceras Health and will soon make digital devices available to patients recently released from the hospital. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, which operates University Medical Center, explains.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event, like an accident, crime or natural disaster. Initial reactions can include exhaustion, sadness and anxiety. Trauma can also make people more vulnerable to developing mental health problems. Dr. Jamie Reeves, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, explains more about trauma.

Sports medicine physicians provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams and active individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. University Medical Center provides sports medicine care at its Dr. Bill deShazo Sports Medicine Center in Tuscaloosa, and the physicians who practice there also care for University of Alabama athletes. Dr. Ray Stewart, director of the Sports Medicine Center, talks about the work of sports medicine physicians.

Too often, health care is one size fits all. But treatments for the “average” patient may not work well for individuals. Dr. John C. Higginbotham, professor of community medicine and population health with the UA College of Community Health Sciences and director of UA’s Institute for Rural Health Research, says the national All of Us Research project is working to change that. He explains that All of Us is collecting health information from one million people across the U.S. to build a diverse database and create opportunities to learn which treatments work best for people of different backgrounds.

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, body weights and racial and ethnic backgrounds. They are serious and can sometimes be fatal. Researchers are finding that eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of biological, behavioral and social factors. Cherie Simpson, a registered dietitian who cares for patients at The University of Alabama Student Health Center and Pharmacy, explains.

Hospitalists are doctors who practice in hospitals, providing comprehensive medical care to hospitalized patients. University Medical Center operates Capstone Hospitalist Group, whose physicians care for patients at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa and Northport Medical Center. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC, talks about the work hospitalists do and how they can improve care for hospitalized patients.

More than 6 million adults in the United States suffer from Alzeheimer’s disease. Dr. John Burkhardt, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, talks about some of the early symptoms.

University Medical Center has relocated and expanded its Northport clinic. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC, says the larger clinic will provide more health-care services and access to residents of Northport and neighboring communities.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Too much glucose in your bloodstream can damage your body’s tissues and organs and can be life-threatening over time. Suzanne Henson, a registered dietitian who cares for patients at University Medical Center, talks about ways to recognize – and mitigate – diabetes.

Until recently, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original COVID-19 strain, but the relatively new bivalent vaccine provides protection against both the original strain and the newer Omicron. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer of University Medical Center, explains.

The holiday season is filled with images of people being with family and friends and having fun at parties and celebrations. But for some, holidays can bring depression. Dr. John Burkhardt, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, explains that disagreements with family members, or missing a deceased loved one, are common themes among patients he treats for depression during the holidays.

The College of Community Health Sciences celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. CCHS operates University Medical Center, which opened just a few years after the College’s founding. Dr. Richard Friend, dean of CCHS, says UMC has grown to six locations in West Alabama and more than 150,000 annual patient visits.

Flu cases are high in Alabama, but there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family. Dr. Tom Weida, a family medicine physician at University Medical Center and UMC’s chief medical officer, explains.

Rural hospitals provide essential health care to rural communities. When they close, residents have to travel farther for health care. Dr. Catherine Lavender is a family medicine physician and obstetrician at University Medical Center who also cares for patients at the center’s new clinic in Carrollton, Alabama. She explains why this access to care is so important.

Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. get sick with the flu. But flu is not just a bad cold; it can be deadly. Dr. Tom Weida, chief medical officer of University Medical Center, says now is the time to get a flu shot.

Prenatal care is important for expectant mothers, but in some rural communities, that care can be hard to find. University Medical Center opened a clinic in Fayette, Alabama, to bring more prenatal care service to patients there.

Stress. Boredom. Loneliness. These emotions can sometimes cause people to eat, even when they’re not hungry. They’re called food triggers. Suzanne Henson, a registered dietitian at University Medical Center, talks about food triggers and ways to overcome them.

At the beginning of COVID-19, one-third of U.S. adults reported that the pandemic was impacting their mental health. By the end of 2020, more than 50% did. Contracting COVID, fear of family members getting sick and home schooling children topped the list. Increased rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness were also factors. Dr. Marisa Giggie, a psychiatrist at University Medical Center, talks about the impact COVID has had on adult mental health.

One of the groups suffering most from the COVID pandemic is millennials. Many were just coming of age when the 2008 Great Recession hit, entering a tight job market and burdened with student debt. Now, COVID is proving to be another setback. Studies show millennials are anxious about jobs, paying the rent and their future, and they miss social interactions. Dr. James Reeves, a psychiatrist at University Medical Center, talks about the tough spot millennials are in.

COVID has certainly had an impact on children’s mental health. Predictability is a stabilizing force for children, but that’s been disrupted during the pandemic. Dr. Marisa Giggie, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at University Medical Center, explains that the isolation and uncertainty caused by COVID has left children with a tough time coping emotionally.