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Southcoast Health is working to safely reopen medical services and facilities that were closed during the height of the pandemic. Two leaders involved in the process join us for this episode. Primary care physician Dr. John Podkowa serves as Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Information Officer, and Tonya Johnson serves as Southcoast Health’s Vice President of Operations for the Southcoast Hospitals Group and the Site Administrator for Tobey Hospital. Together, they help us understand the work and planning that is going into making sure patients are safe when they come in for medical services. As COVID-19 will be with us until a vaccine is available, the plans being developed now are expected to be in place for many months. As services and locations reopen for patients, the Southcoast.org website and social media sites will be updated. We hope you’ll take away three things from this episode. First, that safe care is being provided at Southcoast Health while we are continuing to treat COVID-19. Second, that the virus is going to be with us for some time until a vaccine is available. Third, that all of us working together can help ensure the health and safety of the South Coast region through masking, social distancing, washing hands and more. We can all make a difference in the health of our community.

With the pandemic causing many of us to stay at home for an extended period, we may be exercising much less than usual. But the warm weather is a great reason to find ways to get and up move! In this episode, Sean Conlon, a Team Leader in Southcoast Health’s Rehab Services shows us that there are all kinds of ways to exercise, many without any cost. In addition, he recommends a wide range of online resources for different ages, health levels, and exercise history. The list of resources includes: American Heart Association, Diabetes.org, ChoosePT.com, National Institute on Aging, YMCA360.org, Johnson & Johnson "7 Minute Workout". As always, be sure to contact your physician before beginning a new exercise routine. In addition, if you're in public areas (streets, parks, etc.) be sure to social distance and wear a mask.

How can you help increase your immunity or stay calm during this pandemic? In this episode of Southcoast Health’s “More Than Medicine” podcast, we asked cardiologist Dr. Ashwini Sahni for help. Dr. Sahni integrates a holistic approach to medicine in his practice, including the use of exercise, yoga, diet, meditation and mindfulness. To help us during the COVID-19 home quarantine, he recommends specific steps you can take during this time to improve your overall well-being. He also discusses the use of online resources including Headspace for meditation and Inner Engineering for Yoga. For up to date information regarding COVID-19 please visit Southcoast.org.

With families staying home during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we asked two experienced moms for help with school lessons and fun activities. Alison Van Keuren is the owner of SensoryExplore.com located here on the South Coast, and Marisa LaScala is the Parenting & Relationships Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com. They offer great ideas for activities for kids, how to structure a home schooling day, and tips for surviving an extended time at home with family during the Caronavirus public health crisis.

In this episode, we focus on COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Southcoast Health recently hosted an online panel regarding the coronavirus for the community. It was held on Thursday, March 5th. The event covered preparations around the virus at Southcoast Health and in the community. It also offers advice about what you should know, and what steps to take to protect yourself. This episode is a recording of that event, and continually updated information is available at CDC.gov. For more information, please visit Southcoast.org.

It's estimated that one in four kids in middle and high school have tried e-cigarettes and vaping, which can quickly become addicting. In addition, a more ominous trend is "dabbing", where concentrated THC is placed into the vaping device. Southcoast Health's Katie Collins, DNP helps us understand these trends, the signs to look for around usage, and who to turn to for advice and help.

In this episode, we meet with Southcoast Health's Dr. Ray Kruger, Physician-In-Chief, Surgery Care Center. He helps us understand why weight loss surgery is safe and minimally invasive with positive outcomes for patients. In addition, he explains Southcoast Health's Medical Weight Loss program, and who would be candidates for one of the programs. If you'd like to learn more about Southcoast Health, please visit us at Southcoast.org.

In this episode, we meet with Emily Tessier, a registered dietician with Southcoast Health's Outpatient Nutrition Services. We learn how to avoid unhealthy convenience foods, and how to shop at the grocery store in a way that is both healthy and affordable. If you'd like to learn more about Southcoast Health, please visit us at Southcoast.org.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the silent dangers of heart disease. Dr. Nosheen Javed, a Southcoast Health cardiac interventionalist, engages in discussion on why women have different symptoms than men when it comes to heart attacks and what the every day person can do to prevent heart disease. If you'd like to learn more about Southcoast Health, please visit us at Southcoast.org.

Welcome to Southcoast Health's More Than Medicine podcast, which focuses on health and wellness featuring clinicians, personnel, patients, and community members. From eating well to reducing your risk of heart disease, we'll give good you good ideas to help you stay healthy.