As the number one killer of women, cardiovascular diseases, which include stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds, according to the American Heart Association's Valerie Stutler. In fact, today heart disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined. This forces us to consider that a woman we know and love may be affected at any age.

L-R: Health Matters hosts and pharmacists, Brad and Paul White with Valerie Stutler, social events coordinator for the Canton office of the American Heart Association.

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement and often includes tremors. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms which often start with a tremor in one hand. Other symptoms are slow movement, stiffness and loss of balance. There is good news - with proper treatment, most people with Parkinson's Disease can lead long, productive lives for many years after diagnosis. Several therapies are available that can help delay the disease, and we explore those a little more in depth with the Aultman Hospital's Delay the Disease therapists, Kari Lawson and Chrissy Foraker.

L-R: Pharmacists Brad and Paul White, Chrissy Foraker, occupational therapist and Kari Lawson, physical therapist.

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It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life. In fact, during this time, teens need adult guidance more than ever, according to Mental Health America. Today we talk  with Perry Local School District Clinical Counselor Margaret Delillo-Storey about signs and symptoms of teen stress, anxiety and depression and what parents and caregivers can do to help.

L-R: Pharmacists Brad and Paul White talk with Perry Local School District Clinical Counselor Margaret Delillo-Storey

Flu season typically begins in October and lasts through March, and now that we have arrived at week 11 of flu season, we are already seeing many cases in Stark County. The Ohio Department of Public Health upgraded its description of flu activity in the state to “widespread,” the highest geographic indicator. Prior to this, this status was graded “regional,” meaning influenza has already geographically spread to a level that Ohio didn’t hit last year until mid-January. Although flu season is already here, it’s not too late to protect yourself by getting a flu shot.  Today we talk with Canton City Public Health Department Epidemiologist Amber Archer. 

L-R: Pharmacists Brad and Paul White discuss the flu with Canton City Health Department's Amanda Archer, epidemiologist.

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(L-R) Health Matters Hosts Brad and Paul White with Dr. Steven Hirsch, interventional cardiologist with Mercy Cardiovascular Institute

Many medicines are prescribed for the treatment of heart disease, and keeping track can sometimes be overwhelming. Understanding what each medication does and its relevance in your health is important. Medications can reduce the risk of heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. They can also help manage symptoms by controlling high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and improve your quality of life. Today we talk about statins, beta blockers, blood thinners and more with Dr. Steven Hirsch, interventional cardiologist with Mercy Cardiovascular Institute.

Gastrointestinal cancers are usually found when a person goes to the doctor after experiencing signs or symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. These types of GI cancers can include liver, pancreas, colon and beyond. The process of detection typically begins with the doctor taking a history and examining the patient. If cancer is suspected, tests will then begin in order to confirm the diagnosis. However, as in most cancers, early detection is key. Our guests are Dr. David Litvak, surgical oncologist with Aultman Medical Group and Dr. Amar Podugu, gastroenterologist with Gastroenterology Specialists.

L-R Health Matters Hosts Brad and Paul White, Dr. Amar Podugu, gastroenterologist and Dr. David Litvak, surgical oncologist

Many patients find that actively participating in their own cardiovascular care ultimately enhances both their satisfaction with their healthcare and their outcomes. One great way to participate in your care is to learn more about cardiovascular health, tests, prevention strategies and treatment options. Today we talk about general cardiovascular care as well as Mercy’s Cardiovascular Institute and what it offers our community.

L-R: Pharmacists Brad and Paul White, Alexis Louive, RN, CPP and Heather Lee, PA

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals. These types of procedures are performed through tiny incisions instead of one large opening. Because the incisions are small, patients tend to have quicker recovery times and less discomfort than with conventional surgery — all with the same benefits. Today we will talk about more in-depth about minimally invasive surgery for the heart with Dr. Tawil, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon from Mercy Cardiovascular Institute at Mercy Medical Center.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. According to the American Heart Association, at least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib.  Some patients have described the feeling as if their heart is skipping a beat or flip flopping, while others report feeling nauseated or light headed. Then there are people who indicate they have had no symptoms and discovered they have AFib at a routine checkup with their physician. In today's segment we talk about AFib treatment options including pacemakers, drug therapy and the Watchman Device with Dr. Michael Markel, cardiologist from Stark Medical Specialties. 

L-R: Brad and Paul White, registered pharmacists and Dr. Michael Markel, Stark Medical Specialties

World Stroke Day, which was recognized last week, brought much needed attention to stroke risk factors and care. Much like heart disease, strokes can happen unexpectedly, but knowing the risk factors can often prevent strokes and aid in treatment. Some of these risk factors can include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, age and gender, race and ethnicity and more. Stroke treatment is relatively new in the medical world, and this program we dive into the topic of neurology treatment with the experts from Aultman Hospital and find out what proactive steps can be taken if a patient suspects a stroke.    

(L-R) Pharmacists Brad White and Paul White discuss stroke risks, treatment and Aultman Hospital's Interventional Neurology Program with Dr. Tanzila Kulman, cardiologist and Jennifer Brackmann, associate vice president of neurosciences.

About 33% of Americans over age 20 have high blood pressure and over 5 million Americans have heart failure.  Of those diagnosed with heart failure, roughly 70%  also have high blood pressure.  These conditions increase a patient’s risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.  Medication therapies continue to improve and manage the symptoms of these conditions – but there are many things we can do to control these diseases and improve our health.  This morning we will talk about risk factors, symptoms and treatment of these conditions – but also about the changes we can make in our lives to improve our health. Today, Dr. Simonette Jones, non-invasive cardiologist joins us from Mercy Cardiovascular Institute to talk about cardiovascular health issues. 

(L-R) Brad White, R. Ph., Paul White, R. Ph. and Dr. Simonette Jones

Voting day is just a couple weeks away, and there is a lot of chatter about Issue 2, which has been dubbed the “deceptive Rx issue”. Will you vote NO or yes? To help you get a better understanding of what is at stake, today we will talk about what Issue 2 is, how it will affect individuals and families and find out how the actual ballot language reads, as well as dig into what it all means. Antonio Ciaccia, Director of Government and Public Affairs for the Ohio Pharmacists Association joins us to discuss the facts.

(L-R) Brad White, R. Ph., Paul White, R. Ph., WHBC producer Steve Potter and Antonio Ciaccia, Director of Government & Public Affairs for Ohio Pharmacists Association

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (after skin cancer). The American Cancer Society estimates this year about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and 40,610 will die from this disease. This morning we talk with Dr. Russell Ramey, general surgeon from Mercy Medical Center and Dr. Noman Rafique, oncologist and hematologist from Tri-County Hematology & Oncology about breast cancer screening options and breast cancer treatment.

L-R: Health Matters Hosts Brad White, R. Ph, Paul White, R. Ph, Dr. Russell Ramey, general surgeon from Mercy Medical Center and Dr. Noman Rafique, oncologist and hematologist from Tri-County Hematology & Oncology prepare for the Health Matters program at WHBC-AM1480.

Most people recognize podiatry as the treatment of feet, although it’s a diverse specialty and covers many aspects. In addition to general podiatric care, the Aultman Medical Group Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle trauma, reconstruction, sports medicine and wound care. Dr. Natalie LaScola joins us today to talk about diabetes-related foot care, treatments, conditions and why the feet are vulnerable.

Dr. Natalie LaScola

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer). Overall, the lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is: about 1 in 7. The American Cancer Society estimates this year about 161,000 people will be newly diagnosed and 26,730 will die from this disease. This morning we talk with Dr. Steven Ochs and Dr. Edward Walsh from Mercy Medical Center about prostate screening options, prostate cancer treatment and robotic prostate surgery.

Years ago celiac disease was believed to be a very rare occurrence; the statistics indicate 1 in 12,000 people was diagnosed with celiac disease. Fast forward to 2017, and current research reveals that today 1 in 100 people deal with this auto immune disease that is treated without medication or therapy. There is more gluten in the average American diet today than ever before. Bobbie Randall is in the studio with us to talk about why there is an increase in gluten allergies and celiac disease as well as give us some guidance on how to identify foods that cause allergies and replace them with foods that are healthy and tasty. 

Today our guests, Bobbie Randall and Alyssa Diamint, registered dietitians join us from Aultman-Orrville to talk about the history of celiac, the differences between gluten sensitive and gluten intolerant, how we arrived at the dietary health issue today and how we can maintain a healthy diet. 

Making a guest appearance is Catherine Sackett, owner of Four Kids Coffee, with tasty gluten-free treats from her gluten-free bakery.

All of today's guests will join us at the Canton Medicine Center Pharmacy, Tuesday, October 3 for a Gluten-Free Living Health Fair.

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is held September 18-22, and during this time healthcare professionals focus on raising awareness of Rehab treatment, explaining what Rehab is, how it benefits patients and why it is vital in the recovery process of many patients. Dr. William Washington is part of NeuroCare Center, one of our program sponsors, and he is the Medical Director of Mercy’s Regional Rehabilitation Center. He brings 26 years of experience in his field and gives great insight into Rehab and the many forms it takes supporting patients.

Integrative medicine is an approach to health care that puts the patient at the center. It focuses on overall health including physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental influences. Our topic today focuses on integrative and functional health, ranging from perimenopause and bio-identical hormones to gut dysfunction and probiotics.

Dr. Scott is a Fellow of American College of OB/GYN; Advanced Fellow and certified in Anti-aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine; Board Certified, American Board of Integrative Medicine, Certified Menopause Practitioner through the North American Menopause Society; Clinical Associate Professor of OB/GYN at Northeast Ohio Medical University; Chief Medical Officer, Revitalize Medical Group, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at Summa Health Systems.

We hope you enjoy the discussion.

Have you ever wondered what a Physician Assistant is?  Maybe you have been seen by a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner and wondered about the difference in their degrees or the services they can provide.  Our guest today, Sarah Casper, physician Assistant from Jackson Family Practice answers those questions and talk to us about the importance of immunizations, back to school sports physicals and the important of annual wellness visits. 

When we think of heart disease and cardiovascular issues, we often think of adults later in age. However, approximately 40,000 children are born with a heart defect each year. And, at least eight of every 1,000 infants born each year have a heart defect. Thank goodness for organizations like the American Heart Association and volunteers across America who get involved not only to raise funds for research but also raise awareness of heart disease. Next month the Stark and Wayne County Healthy For Good Heart Walks will take place, with the Wayne County Walk, Saturday, September 16 at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster. The Stark County Walk will be held Saturday, September 30 at Kent State University-Stark. This walk is the Association’s premier event for raising funds to save lives from this country’s Number 1 and Number 5 killers – heart disease and stroke. 

Jack Ford, senior vice president of Beaver Excavating and chair of the American Heart Association’s Stark and Wayne County Healthy For Good Heart Walks and Dr. Brandon Smith, pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center join us today.  

Brad White, R. Ph. and Paul White, R. Ph. are joined by Jack Ford, senior vice president of Beaver Excavating and Brad's son Reagan in the WHBC studio.