Listen Now

While most people can agree that healthcare in the United States is ailing, what they can't agree on is the cure. Can our current system be fixed, or does something else need to take its place? Is "Medicare for All" the answer? But what is it? How would it work? On this episode of The Best of Health, we talk with two medical experts to ask them about possible solutions to our national healthcare crisis.Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

When it comes to healthcare in the United States, we have an ailing patient — and that patient is the entire system itself. From the high cost of care, to complicated insurance plans, to political infighting, our country's healthcare is struggling. On this episode of The Best of Health, we talk with two medical experts about these issues and try to answer the question: is American healthcare simply sick, or is it completely broken?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

"Dr. Google" -- no, it's not an M.D. It's the name many people jokingly use when doing Google searches for medical diagnoses, information and advice. Does it help? Does it hurt? On this episode of The Best of Health, we talk with two medical experts about the risks and benefits of going online before going to your doctor.Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

While the physical toll of COVID-19 dominates the headlines, there are side effects that often go unnoticed or undiscussed: stress, worry, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. In this episode of "The Best of Health," we talk with two medical experts who have firsthand experience treating people who have suffered in silence from the hidden side of COVID-19.Dealing with COVID-19 is a unique situation because it can affect everyone -- not just certain groups of people or certain geographical locations.People are feeling isolated and disconnected, which has taken a toll on their mental health.There has been a rise in anxiety and depression among healthcare workers, who are worried about bringing the virus home and infecting their families.We can't move past all of this because the virus is still ongoing, is still affecting us, and there are many unknowns about what the future will look like in the United States.People are experiencing COVID stress in different ways, and it has resulted in more irritability, anger and depression in our society.Other effects of the virus across our nation include increased substance abuse, people not taking their regular medications, and people not seeking proper medical attention for their other healthcare needs.There are different ways to cope with all of this new stress, but which coping strategies are the best?What are some trusted resources to turn to for helpful, factual information about the virus?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

For the fortunate recipients, donated organs are literally a gift of life. However, many Americans are hesitant to sign up as organ donors because of myths, misunderstandings or fears. In this episode of "The Best of Health," we talk with two medical experts with firsthand knowledge of the organ donation process and procedures to learn what's true and what's fake news.Which organs are needed the most in the United States?How many lives are saved each year in the U.S. thanks to donated organs?Do hospitals try to pull the plug on coma patients in order to harvest their organs?Can you still have an open casket funeral for a deceased loved one who was an organ donor?How do you register to become an organ donor?If you decide to become an organ donor, what should you tell your family or loved ones?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

While the symptoms and risk factors for heart attacks are widely known, many people are unfamiliar with the signs of brain attacks – also known as strokes. In this episode of "The Best of Health," our guest is Kelly Condefer, MD – a neurologist at Confluence Health – who discusses the symptoms, treatments and risk factors for brain attacks.What exactly is a stroke?Are there different types of stroke?What are the signs/symptoms of a stroke?What should you do if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke?Can strokes be treated with medicine?How can you decrease your risk of stroke?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

For many people the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but for others it can be a time of stress and anxiety. In this episode of "The Best of Health," we learn about the sources of holiday stress and the best ways to survive the holidays (relatively) unscathed.Our guest is Patrick Carrillo, PhD -- the outpatient clinical director of behavioral health at Confluence Health -- who answers questions about holiday headaches.What causes holiday stress and anxiety?Which holiday activities are typically the most stressful?How can you manage expectations (yours and others’) during the holidays?How can you reduce holiday stress?How do you deal with family disagreements, conflicts and political differences?How does holiday stress affect children differently than adults?How can you help children have a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence

In the emergency room, healthcare providers expect the unexpected ... everything from a broken toe to a sudden life-and-death crisis. In this episode of "The Best of Health," we go behind the scenes of the ER to find out what this challenging, fast-paced environment is really like.Our guest is Vanessa Cameron -- a nursing professional development specialist at Confluence Health -- who answers several questions about the inner workings of the ER.What is a typical day like for healthcare providers in the ER?Which personality traits actually help ER workers thrive under stress?How do ER workers determine the level of care to give a patient?Who cares for the caregivers?How do ER workers cope with their stress?When considering sympathy vs. empathy, how do ER workers control their emotions in order to make sound medical decisions and provide the best possible care?Follow us:Website: confluencehealth.orgFacebook: @confluencehealthTwitter: @WeAreConfluence