Episodes
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4 days ago
4 days ago
When it comes to improving heart health, there are simple, science-backed ways to strengthen your heart right from home, according to Dr. Matthew Delfiner, a cardiologist who specializes in advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, and pulmonary hypertension at Jefferson Health.
In this episode, learn about why being sedentary is so bad for your health, how small changes, like standing more and moving throughout the day, can make a big impact and the recommended "dose" of exercise for heart health. Plus, Dr. Delfiner discusses the number one lifestyle change that can have the greatest impact on your heart health.
Resources:
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Thursday Dec 19, 2024
The Truth About About Weight Loss Medications
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
In this episode of the podcast, Janine Kyrillos, the director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Weight Management Program, explains why weight loss is so complex, detailing how factors like evolution, genetics and modern lifestyle challenges contribute to the struggle many people face. She also provides a comprehensive breakdown of weight loss medications, including who qualifies for these medications, what role lifestyle changes play in achieving sustainable weight loss and how to manage potential side effects.
Resources:

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Why Bariatric Surgery Might Be the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Dr. Dallal is an expert in bariatric surgery and the enterprise physician lead for bariatric surgery at Jefferson. In this episode, he shares his insights on why losing weight is so difficult for many people, the science behind obesity, and how bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for those struggling with weight loss. Dr. Dallal explains the physiological and environmental factors that make weight management challenging and discusses how surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy help people regain control over their health and wellbeing.
Dr. Dallal also debunks common myths surrounding obesity and weight loss, sheds light on the importance of treating obesity as a disease rather than a personal failure. Tune in to learn about the different types of bariatric surgeries, recovery expectations, and how these procedures can improve quality of life, prevent serious health conditions, and even extend life expectancy.
Resources:

Thursday Oct 10, 2024
What Happens After a Cancer Diagnosis
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
What is this type of cancer? Will I be in pain? How is that pain going to be managed? Will I need help at home? Can I still work while being treated? What is the survival rate?
These are just a few of the questions most people have after being diagnosed with cancer. Getting this diagnosis is extremely difficult, for both the person with cancer and their family and friends. Staying informed and supportive through this medical journey is critical.
Where you decide to receive treatment is just as critical. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Chapman, the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and a practicing geriatric oncologist, about comprehensive cancer centers and how advanced, multidisciplinary care leads to better patient outcomes.
We also connected with nurse practitioner Tintu George about a new program at Jefferson called Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care, which allows recently diagnosed patients to connect with oncology clinicians via telehealth in 48 hours or less. She discusses top questions/concerns newly diagnosed cancer patients typically ask and the variety of sources of support patients should consider, from financial counseling to support groups.
Resources:

Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Next COVID Booster
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
In this episode, infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo returns to the podcast to provide essential updates on the latest COVID-19 booster. As we move into the fall season, Dr. Zurlo shares crucial information about whether you should consider getting the updated COVID booster and how to time your flu shot this year for maximum protection.
Dr. Zurlo also offers a reminder on what to do if you test positive for COVID, including common symptoms and treatment options. Plus, he provides an update on long COVID, including what symptoms to look out for and how to best advocate for yourself if you think you might have it.
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Thursday Jun 27, 2024
How to Navigate Menopause: Expert Insights with Dr. Robyn Faye
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one million women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in the United States experience menopause each year. Yet, understanding its symptoms and treatment pathways remains a mystery for many.
“For every woman, it's an individual journey,” explains Dr. Robyn Faye, a gynecologist and a certified menopause practitioner through the Menopause Society. “I think some women think that their journey is going to be really easy and they're shocked at how difficult it can be. For some women, it's only going to be some hot flashes and some night sweats. For some women, it's just going to be the period is going to change and it's going to stop. And for some women, it's going to be over a hundred different symptoms.”
Dr. Faye joins the podcast to provide a comprehensive overview of menopause. She discusses the different stages, symptoms, and treatment options, emphasizing the unique experiences of each woman. Dr. Faye also highlights the importance of open communication and finding support during this transitional period.
Resources:
- Jefferson Health Wellness Webinar: Let’s Talk About Menopause
- Women’s Health Initiative Study: The Women’s Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Trials: Update and Overview of Health Outcomes During the Intervention and Post-Stopping Phases
- Additional Reading: The Truth About Menopause: Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Thursday May 30, 2024
Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Gut Health Episode (3/3)
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Our miniseries on how stress affects the body concludes with a focus on gut health. In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Cuckoo Choudhary shares the ways stress shapes our digestive system and how it can affect gastrointestinal motility, sensitivity, gut microbiome and more.
Dr. Choudhary also discusses symptoms of stress-related GI issues and shares how some chronic GI disorders can be triggered or aggravated by stress in genetically predisposed individuals. We also talk about ways to maintain a healthy gut, including diet tips and stress techniques.
Resources:
- Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Heart Episode (1/3)
- Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Nervous System Episode (2/3)
- Making Healthy Food Choices: How to Read the Nutrition Facts Label
- How to Recognize the Signs of and Prevent Burnout
- Podcast: Dietitian Reviews TikTok Nutrition Trends, Diets and More
- Podcast: Gastroenterologist Takes on Questions About Gut Health, Celiac Disease, Colonoscopies and More
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Friday Apr 19, 2024
Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Nervous System Episode (2/3)
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Welcome to part two of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Zhikui Wei discusses how stress specifically impacts how the nervous system functions, including the brain.
Dr. Wei explains the distinction between acute and chronic stress responses, delving into how both types of stress affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, tissue remodeling in the brain, and overall mental health. He also offers insights on recognizing symptoms of stress and shares tips for managing stress, including the mindfulness practice he uses to reduce stress in his life.
Resources:
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Heart Episode (1/3)
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Welcome to part one of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, interventional cardiologist Dr. David Fischman discusses how stress specifically impacts heart health.
Dr. Fischman discusses the differences between acute and chronic stress on the heart and why taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Learn about broken heart syndrome and the symptoms of heart disease, plus, his tips on stress management.
Resources:
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Dietitian Reviews TikTok Nutrition Trends, Diets, and More
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Navigating the world of diets and nutrition is no easy task, especially as new diets and trends fight for your attention on social media channels like TikTok and Instagram.
If you’ve ever wondered if the Keto Diet might be for you, if intermittent fasting could bring you to your weight loss goals, if juicing could help boost your nutritional intake and detox your body, or what exactly “girl dinner” means and how to make one, this episode featuring registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist Sara Hoffman is for you.
Sara breaks down diets and trends into three categories: trends to leave behind in 2023, those to approach with caution, and those that get a gold-star from Sara. Here are the trends and the minute-mark in which they are discussed:
Trends to leave behind in 2023:
- Keto Diet: 2:05
- Juicing: 8:25
- Metabolism boosters: 12:00
Trends to approach with caution:
- Meal replacement shakes/shake-based diets: 15:45
- Plant-based diet: 18:25
- Protein-packed foods and snacks: 23:05
- Hydration boosters/WaterTok: 25:50
- Weight loss medications: 28:10
- Intermittent fasting: 33:35
Dietitian-approved trends:
- “Girl Dinner”: 39:44
- Adult Snack Box: 42:43
- Mediterranean Diet: 44:35
Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.