Weekly Dose of Wellness

It may not be dinner table conversation yet, but we need to get more comfortable talking about our rear ends. Colorectal cancer has risen drastically among younger people, and now we’re seeing another concerning trend with anal cancer. For both men and women, high risk HPV has been linked to increased rates of anal cancer, and the best way to screen is through a test called an anal Pap smear. Many women find the test more comfortable than a vaginal Pap smear, and it can conveniently be done during the same visit. Although the topic can feel uncomfortable, awareness and early detection are critical. In this episode, Dr. Ketan Thanki takes the mystery (and stress) out of this important screening and explains how HPV prevention, including expanded vaccine eligibility for adults ages 26–45, can help lower cancer risk. Learn more about Ketan Thanki, MD

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Join Dr. Hanna as we unpack why back pain is everywhere—from bad posture to aging—and how the Back & Neck Health Center at Long Beach Medical Center is flipping the script with non-surgical, personalized care. Whether you're desk-bound or just tired of hurting, this episode shows how integrated spine care can help you move better and feel stronger, without the need for surgery.

This episode explores the emotional challenges children and teens face as they transition back to school. Dr. Amy Morse, a board-certified psychologist in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, shares expert insights and practical strategies for parents and caregivers to help ease anxiety, build resilience, and foster a confident start to the school year. Learn more about Amy Morse, PsyD, ABPP

In this episode, Dr. Bhattacharya sheds light on the often-overlooked condition of sleep apnea—its warning signs, health risks, and the life-changing impact of early detection. Joined by a sleep specialist, the conversation dives into how to recognize potential symptoms in yourself or loved ones and explores the latest in diagnostic tools and treatment options. From simple lifestyle adjustments to advanced therapies like CPAP and the Inspire device, discover how innovation is reshaping the future of sleep health.

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, not unexpected trips to the emergency room. Unfortunately, pediatric emergency departments often experience a 10% to 20% increase in visits during the weeks leading up to and following the holidays. In this podcast, Jen Rodriguez, injury prevention coordinator, will share valuable insight on how to ensure a safer holiday season when selecting gifts for children.

This podcast episode will explain the science and safety of childhood vaccines, highlighting how they prevent serious illnesses and protect individual children and the broader community. It will emphasize why timely vaccination is crucial for public health.

As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, emergency departments across the country brace for one of their busiest times of the year. In this episode, Tassia Trink, Trauma Service PI Coordinator at Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, will talk about firework safety and the very real risks families face when fireworks are handled at home. From sparklers to backyard fireworks shows, no firework is truly safe, and the consequences can be life-changing. Tassia will break down the most common injuries seen in the ER and trauma department, safer alternatives for family celebrations, and what every parent should know before handing a child a sparkler.

In this episode, Dr. Ioana Pal, adolescent psychologist at the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, will explore the emotional and psychological toll school shootings have on children and teens. Whether they’ve experienced a shooting directly or are affected by the constant coverage, kids today are growing up in a world where safety at school is no longer guaranteed. Dr. Pal will discuss how exposure to violence impacts mental health, what signs of trauma parents and educators should look for, and how to help children process fear and anxiety in healthy ways.