Live Greater | A University of Maryland Medical System Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Welcome to the Live Greater Podcast Series. Information for a healthier you from the University of Maryland Medical System. Discover the latest health tips, treatments, and technology from our experts across the state.
Episodes
- How Technology Is Changing Diabetes Care
Caitlin Nass, CRNP, discusses how diabetes technology, including continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and apps, is transforming blood sugar monitoring, insulin delivery, and daily diabetes management. The episode also covers afforda…
- Could Endoscopic Spine Surgery Help Your Back Pain?
Endoscopic spine surgery is discussed as a treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent back pain, sciatica, or nerve symptoms. Spine surgeons explain the procedure, patient suitability, and expected recovery.
- How Exercise Can Help During and After Cancer Treatment
This episode of Live Greater discusses the benefits of exercise for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, including reducing fatigue and improving strength. It covers how to start exercising safely and the importance of collaborating wi…
- Migraine, PFO and Stroke: What Patients Should Know
This episode of Live Greater discusses the potential link between migraines, PFO (patent foramen ovale), and stroke. It details what a PFO is, reviews current research findings, and explains its significance for certain patients, especiall…
- Exercising Safely with Osteoporosis
This episode of Live Greater discusses safe exercises for individuals with osteoporosis, aiming to improve strength, stability, and confidence. Dr. Jennifer Baima, a physiatrist, shares insights on how to get started, protect bones, and mo…
- How Menopause Affects Your Bones—and What You Can Do About It
Menopause is a turning point—not a breaking point—for bone health. In this episode, Ben Diffenderfer, PA-C, MS, an expert in osteoporosis from UM Upper Chesapeake Health, discusses the connection between menopause and bone health, what put…
- Heart Health on a Budget
National data shows heart disease risks are rising, but protecting your heart doesn’t have to be expensive. Learn affordable habits, nutrition tips and preventive steps that can make a real difference for families watching their spending.…
- COPD Flare-Ups: What Triggers Them and What to Do
Don’t let COPD flare-ups catch you off guard! In this episode, Dr. Nariv Shah explains what causes COPD symptoms to worsen, how flare-ups are treated and what steps can help you breathe easier—especially during allergy season. Learn about…
- When Parenting Feels Hard
Stressful moments are a normal part of raising kids, and that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. In this podcast, explore how reframing common parenting challenges can help parents feel steadier, more patient and better equipped to han…
- Raising Resilient Little Humans
Growing up comes with stress, frustration and disappointment — and that’s okay. Discover how resilience skills emerge as kids learn to name feelings, solve problems and navigate challenges, and get guidance on how parents can support emoti…
- How Robotic Surgery Is Changing Lung Cancer Care
Early detection and advanced surgical care are changing the outlook for lung cancer. Discover how robotic technology is helping doctors treat lung cancer earlier, safer and with a faster recovery. Featuring thoracic surgeon Gavin Henry, MD…
- Is It Early Menopause? How to Recognize the Signs and Get Help
Hot flashes, irregular periods, mood changes—and you’re told you’re “too young” for menopause. In this episode, Dr, Carmen Farrior, an OB/GYN at UM St. Joseph Medical Group, explains what early onset menopause really is, how to recognize t…
- Perimenopause... What Now?!
If you’ve been told “it’s just stress” or “you’re getting older,” this episode is for you. Perimenopause is real—and help is available. In this episode, Dr. Carmen Farrior, an OB/GYN at UM St. Joseph Medical Group, shares how to recognize…
- Bariatric Surgery for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Fact, Fiction & Future
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, better known as PCOS, affects millions of women and often makes weight loss feel impossible, but with the support of bariatrics, it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Dr. Alexander Aurora, Director of Advance…
- Nutrition During Cancer Care: How to Fuel Your Fight
When you are battling cancer, what you eat is important. Sometimes the treatments can affect how food tastes, how hungry you feel, and what your body can tolerate. Learn how nutrition can help with side effects like nausea or taste changes…
- What’s Causing Your Back Pain—and What to Do
Back and neck pain can stop you in your tracks—but understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. In this episode Dr. Khalid Kurtom, a spine surgeon at the UM Shore Regional Health, explains the most common reasons for back and n…
- Surgical Menopause: Managing the Change Sooner Than You Planned
Menopause after surgery can feel sudden — but knowledge is power. Learn what’s happening inside your body and how to take charge of your health, hormones and happiness in this empowering Live Greater episode, featuring Dr. Erica Contreras,…
- Catching Lung Cancer Early: New Tools, Better Outcomes
Early detection saves lives. Learn how advanced screening programs and robotic technology are transforming the fight against lung cancer. In this episode, Dr. Peter Olivieri, III, a pulmonologist and critical care leader at UM Baltimore Wa…
- Pacemakers, Defibrillators and Beyond: Implantable Tech for Heart Failure
Technology is transforming heart failure care. From pacemakers to defibrillators and beyond, learn how implantable devices work, what to expect and how they’re changing lives for the better. Featuring Asghar Fakhri, MD, associate chair of…
- A Team Approach to Menopause Care
Menopause and perimenopause affect more than just hormones. From brain fog to bladder health, the symptoms impact the whole person. In this panel, experts from Capital Region Health share how primary care, GYNs, and urogynecologists work t…
- Beyond Kegels: Know Your Options for Bladder Leaks
Urinary incontinence isn’t “just part of getting older.” In this episode, Dr. Briana Walton, a urogynecologist at UM Capital Region Health, explains medical and surgical options to help, clears up myths, and shares why women don’t have to…
- Heart Failure Myths Busted: Finding Hope in the Truth
Heart failure is often misunderstood—but knowledge is power. Join us as we clear away the myths, uncover the facts and show how the right care and support can help patients not just survive, but thrive. Featuring Norma Velasco Flores, DNP,…
- Menopause Unplugged: Are Natural Fixes Fact or Fiction?
Menopause “cures” are everywhere, but not all are created equal. In this candid episode, Dr. Marie Nakhoul, a women’s health and integrative medicine expert at University of Maryland Medical Center, helps us decode natural remedies, lifest…
- Do I Have a Hernia? Signs, Treatment and Prevention
Not sure if that pain or bulge might be a hernia? Our expert surgeon answers the most common questions about symptoms, treatment, and prevention of hernias, so you know what to expect and how to protect your health. Featuring Erik DeAngeli…
- Who REALLY Needs a Flu Shot?
The flu vaccine saves lives—but myths and misinformation cause many to skip it. In this episode, Dr. Casey Holloway Mabry, a pediatrician and internal medicine physician at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Group in Glen Burnie, clears up co…
- New Joints, Faster Recovery
Hip and knee replacements used to mean days in the hospital and weeks in rehab. Not anymore. In this episode, an orthopedic surgeon explains how advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and recovery planning are helping many patients g…
- Men’s Mental Health: Signs, Support & Solutions
Learn the signs, break the stigma, and discover the support options men need to protect their mental health – and why it is important for all of us. In this episode, Ryan Barnes, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, nurse practitioner at University of Maryla…
- What Trauma Shows Don’t Tell You
TV shows love dramatic trauma scenes—but what’s real and what’s just Hollywood? In this episode, Christopher Michetti, MD, Chief of Trauma and Trauma Medical Director at UM Capital Region Medical Center, walks us through what actually happ…
- Game On: What to Know About Sports Physicals
Before the whistle blows, make sure your athlete is truly game-ready. In this episode, Dr. Scott Burger, CMO of UM Urgent Care, breaks down what happens at a sports physical, when to get one and how it helps kids stay safe and strong. For…
- Preventing Sports Injuries in Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
Is your young athlete ready for the season? In this episode, we cover how to avoid injuries in youth sports, the importance of pre-season physicals, safe training tips and how to spot when your athlete needs medical attention. Must-know ad…
- Colon Cancer 101: Tests, Truths and Timing
There’s more than one way to screen for colon cancer—do you know your options? In this episode, three medical experts from the University of Maryland Midtown Health Center will walk you through the latest in screening options—from colonosc…
- Keeping Your Heart Healthy Without Surgery
Learn how non-invasive cardiology can help diagnose and manage heart disease without surgery or major medical procedures from Dipesh M. Ludhwani, MD, medical director of non-invasive cardiology at UM Shore Regional Medical Group – Cardiolo…
- Hope in Every Drop: Teaming Up to Fight Sickle Cell Disease
From breakthrough treatments to life-saving transfusions, hope is no longer just a dream for people with sickle cell disease. Discover how the University of Maryland Medical System and the American Red Cross are working side-by-side to fig…
- Weight Loss Medications vs. Surgery
Can medications, like shots or pills, help with weight loss, or is surgery the best option? Bariatric surgeons, Erik DeAngelis, MD, and Eleisha Flanagan, MD, from UM Charles Regional Medical Center, explain the pros and cons of both approa…
- Obesity, Stigma and the Science of Weight
Society often blames individuals for obesity, but science tells a different story. Two bariatric surgeons discuss the medical complexities of weight and how stigma affects health outcomes. Join us as we talk to Erik DeAngelis, MD, and Elei…
- Pelvic Floor Health for Women at Every Age
No matter your age, knowing how to keep your pelvic floor healthy is essential. In this podcast, Fay Wilson, PT, DPT, CLT, a physical therapist at University of Maryland Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Services who specializes in…
- Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Let’s face it – losing weight can be hard. And when it comes to obesity, many complex factors can cause excess weight gain and complicate a person’s ability to lose it. When traditional weight loss methods haven’t worked, it might be time…
- The Human Side of Cancer: Finding Support Beyond Treatment
Beyond the doctor’s office, cancer presents emotional and social challenges that can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the human side of cancer with Patsy Astarita, LCSW-C, OSW-C, APHSW-C, director of oncology integrated healt…
- Adult Vaccines Explained: Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about adult vaccines. Join us as we discuss with Dr. Wendie Grader-Beck, a primary care physician at UM St. Joseph Medical Group Primary Care, which vaccines are critical for a…
- Caring for Children with Scoliosis: Expert Insights for Families
Learn how scoliosis is diagnosed in children, the treatment options available, and what parents can do to support their child through this journey from Dr. Julio J. Jauregui, a Spine Surgeon at University of Maryland Medical System and R A…
- Understanding Recovery After Spine Surgery
Learn about recovery timelines, tips, and what to expect after spine surgery from Robin Fencel, PA-C, Orthopedic Physician Assistant at University of Maryland Medical Center, and Wendy Towers, MSN, a nurse practitioner at UM Shore Medical…
- Preventing Back Pain: Expert Tips for a Strong, Healthy Spine
Learn expert tips to prevent back pain, injuries, and surgery through exercise, posture, and lifestyle from Dr. Justin Tortolani, spine surgeon and director of the Spine Institute at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and mem…
- Pneumonia: Triggers, Treatments and Prevention
Pneumonia is a common diagnosis in the fall and winter, but it can be extremely serious, even deadly, for some individuals. Learn from Dr. Jeffrey Marshall, a critical care physician and pulmonologist at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Cen…
- Living Well with Diabetes
Learn how to develop healthy habits that support blood sugar control, reduce stress and fit into a busy lifestyle. Teri White, BS, RN, CDCES, a transitional nurse navigator and diabetes educator at UM Charles Regional Medical Center, share…
- The Future of Prostate Cancer Care
Explore the latest in prostate cancer care, from cutting-edge treatments to early detection technology, with the expertise of Dr. Marc H. Siegelbaum, Chief of Urology and Director of Urologic Oncology at UM St. Joseph Medical Center.
- Cardiac Calcium Scoring: Predicting Heart Risks
Did you know that cardiac calcium scoring can help predict heart health? In this podcast, Dr. Abid Fakhri, a cardiologist at UM Baltimore Washington Heart Associates, talks about how it works, what tests are like and when you should get th…
- Sepsis: Understanding the Silent Killer
Join us as we dive deep into the world of sepsis with Dr. Jon Baghdadi, infectious disease physician and health services researcher at University of Maryland Medical Center – Midtown Campus, who explains how this life-threatening condition…
- Understanding Frozen Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
In this episode, we unravel the mysteries behind frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injuries. Learn about the symptoms, frequent causes, and how these conditions differ from each other. Dr. Michael Livesey , an orthopedic surgeon at UM Upper…
- Curb Your Chronic Back Pain
If you have chronic back pain, lifestyle modifications could help you feel better. Learn tricks and tips to curb your back pain from Robin Fencel, Orthopedic Physician Assistant at University of Maryland Medical Center and member of the UM…
- I’m High-Risk for Breast Cancer: Now What?
Explore proactive measures, screenings, lifestyle choices and practical steps for those facing a high risk of breast cancer with Dr. Ethan Rogers, a breast surgeon at the Breast Health Center at UM St. Joseph Medical Center.