Wound care is essential to healthy living. Most of us have experienced scratches or scrapes that healed naturally, but sometimes there are wounds that just will not heal. Other health issues—diabetes, circulation problems, radiation and many more can complicate the healing process, and turn the simplest wounds into complex, non-healing health issues that can cause big problems. Thanks to science, we know wounds need oxygen to heal properly, and when the body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs, there are other steps that can be taken to impact the healing process. In this segment, we discuss treatment options with Mercy Wound and Hyperbaric Center's Kim Landsberger, registered nurse and program director.

Pharmacists and Health Matters hosts Brad and Paul White discuss wound care with Kim Landsberger, RN.

Vision therapy is a specialized program, which helps correct visual, developmental and perceptual problems that are not helped through glasses or contacts. Think of vision therapy as physical therapy for the eyes and brain. If you or someone you know has vision problems, behavioral problems or learning problems, vision therapy might help. Today we will talk about optometric vision therapy with Dr. Drusilla Grant and learn more about the types of issues it addresses.

L-R: Melissa Overly, R. Ph., Dr. Drusilla Grant, Paul White, Melissa Moreno, vision therapist and Nathan Overly discuss optometric vision therapy.

February is American Heart Health Month, and this month we are focusing on heart health for both men and women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The good news? It is also one of the most preventable. Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart disease, having regular check-ups and working with your physician to manage your health are all integral aspects of saving lives from this often, silent killer. Today we will talk about women and heart disease, heart failure as well as the link between diabetes and heart disease with Mercy Medical Heart Center experts Michelle Amos, RN, MSN and Kim Swast, RN.

L-R: Brad White, R. Ph. and Paul White, R. Ph. discuss women's heart health with Mercy Heart Center's Kim Swast, RN and Michelle Amos, RN, MSN.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability and refers to a group of symptoms, which results in difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading as well as spelling, writing and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, the impact can change throughout various stages in life. According to the International Dyslexia Association, it is considered a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment. Also,  in its more severe forms, dyslexia can qualify a student for special education, special accommodations or extra support services. Today we talk with Jim Fidler, vice chairman of the Children's Dyslexia Center of Canton.

L-R: Health Matters program hosts Brad and Paul White, pharmacists talk with Jim Fidler, vice chairman of the board of governors for the Children's Dyslexia Center of Canton.

Hearing loss affects people of all ages in varying degrees. Whether mild, moderate or severe, hearing loss impacts 48 million people in the United States, according to the Center for Hearing Communication. Hearing loss can begin at birth or develop at any stage. Technology has provided many advances in treatment, and today we talk with Dr. Denise Testa, audiologist from Aultman Medical Group about causes, various types of hearing loss, aids and more.   

L-R: Health Matters Hosts and Pharmacists Brad and Paul White with Dr. Denise Testa, Audiologist

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.