#osujameshospital

On this episode (recorded in September 2019), I sat down with special guest, Dr. Robert Merritt.  Dr. Merritt is the Director of Thoracic Surgery at the Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.  He’s the epitome of excellence: a thoroughly-educated, family man, an utmost professional to both his patients and colleagues, and can still talk football and not mention that team up north!

Once get into our discussion on first responder health, we dig deeper on:

• Effects of vaping,
• Telltale signs that 'something is wrong', and
• How prevention is the best tool we have in health- how relevant is that right now?

I need to give a special shout out to our family friend, Amy Ware, for setting up this interview.  Thanks Amy!

Without further ado, please enjoy this enlightening discussion with Dr. Merritt from whatever device you’re tuning in from…. and let’s get 'Outside The Bay'!

To get a hold of Dr. Merritt, please follow this link:
https://cancer.osu.edu/find-a-doctor/search-physician-directory/robert-e-merritt

On this 2nd episode discussing mental health, I sit down with special guest, Dr. Kenneth Yeager.  Dr. Yeager is the Director of the STAR program, short for Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.  He has also contributed to the OAPFF Behavioral Health program and Peer Group Support training.  Dr. Yeager is uniquely dedicated to the mental well-being of first responders having both a son as a police officer and nephew as a Fire Captain.

Throughout our discussion on first responder mental health, we dig deeper on:

1. How to spot mental illness amongst peers and how to offer help,
2. Asking the question: ‘how has your work changed you?’ Fact: 1 in 4 Americans has a mental health issue at some point in life.
3. What to expect in a counseling session. 
4. And the fascinating life-story of Winston Churchill.  

If Dr. Yeager has struck a chord with you and would like to connect with the STAR program, they can be reached at: 

 614-293-7827 (STAR)
 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 am – 5 pm

And additionally, the OAPFF Peer Support can be found www.firefightermentalhealth.org/   The page has a full list of peers by district with their direct phone number.  If you, or someone you know, needs, or just wants to talk with a trained PEER in absolute confidentiality, please look them up.