COVID-19: Berk and Cook

Is it allergies? Is it a cold or is it something else that's making us sneeze and cough? If you do find yourself with a runny nose or cough, is it better to stay home and eat chicken soup or to visit your primary care provider or even go to the emergency room? Our guest for this episode is Rafael Rosalez, M.D., a family medicine doctor with Texas Tech Physicians at the TTP Multispecialty Clinic in the UMC Health and Wellness Hospital. Dr. Rosalez goes over the different respiratory problems which could affect us any time of the year, what we can do to prevent getting sick or making other sick and what we can keep at home to make us feel better if we do feel sick.

Consider the largest organ in the body. Look after it and it'll take care of you. Our guest for this episode is Patti May, M.D., TTUHSC School of Medicine’s Family and Community Medicine Department and is with Texas Tech Physicians at UMC Health and Wellness Hospital.  Dr. May tells us that it’s never too early to pay attention to your skin for preventative measures. She also explains that there are differences when it comes to Botox treatment for men and women and how you can prepare before meeting with the doctor to embark on a journey to discover how embracing our unique beauty contributes to a healthier, happier life.

What does it mean to be jealous or envious in a relationship? What does it do to our mental and physical health? Our guest for this episode is Robert Ragland, licensed professional counselor in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Employee Assistance Program. He explains the differences between jealousy and envy and why we sometimes feel jealous or envious – whether it's in a romantic or platonic relationship or perhaps even at work or while on social media.

Advances in detection and treatment for prostate cancer has improved so much that it's possible that patients are left with less dramatic side effects than those of past years. The key to this is early detection. Pranav Sharma, M.D., division chief of urologic oncology and clinical medical director, tells us who should get tested and when, who is at greater risk for prostate cancer and he explains what treatment is available and why sometimes not treating it is an option.

Children eye diseases and conditions are common, but certain diseases can only be cured if caught before they turn two. Temiloluwa Abikoye, M.D., an ophthalmologist, specializing in pediatric ophthalmology at Texas Tech Physicians, describes and explains these conditions and diseases. Dr. Abikoye also tell us what physicians look out for and what parents should pay attention to in their children, especially infants. 

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and more prevalent among Black and Hispanic populations. Matt Porter, M.D., is an ophthalmologist in the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences. Dr. Porter explains the different types of glaucoma and treatments and how it affects our vision. He also demystifies the myth that only older adults get glaucoma and stresses why we should get checked for it.

Self-care isn't selfish. It's taking time to do the things that will help improve your physical and mental health. Poorvanshi Alag, M.D., assistant professor in the department of psychiatry, explains the different kinds of self-care and why it's important to practice, even small acts of self-care. 

One of the things our experts agree on for improving our health, in addition to quitting smoking, is getting daily exercise. Move that body. How do you start or how do you get back to exercising if it’s been a while? Here to tell us how to ease into it is Toby Brooks,  Ph.D., associate professor and program director of the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Master of Athletic Training. Brooks has worked as an athletic trainer and/or strength and conditioning coach with numerous professional, collegiate, and high school athletics programs.

Since the pandemic, many of us have seen an increase in the time we spend in front of screens – whether it’s placing an order for food or a delivery, scheduling an appointment, doing homework or chatting with friends or family. That additional time in front of screens could be harming our physical and mental health. Our guest for this episode is Logan Winkelman, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director for the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Dr. Winkelman tells why some of us can’t stop looking at our smartphones or tablets and what happens to our health when we spend too much time looking at our phones. She also has tips on how to limit screen time and reminds us to set our phones down and enjoy the moment – that is after you finish listening to this episode.

Spotify 2023 top episode with Winkelman: "Taking Care of Your Mental Health at Work"

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time dedicated to help the public understand the benefit of this type of serious-illness care and the importance of advance care planning. Our guest for this episode is Kelly Klein, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians Department of Family Medicine and associate professor in the TTUHSC School of Medicine. Dr. Klein explains the difference between hospice and palliative care, explains the process, and gives us suggestions on how we can approach this subject of advance care planning with family members.