Healthy Rounds

Healthy Rounds 5-3-25

05/03/2025

Dr. Alessi discusses headaches with Dr. Tanya Bilchik, a neurologist and headache specialist at Yale Hospital. They explore the evolving field of headache treatments, focusing on migraines, available therapies, and devices designed to alleviate pain. Dr. Alessi also addresses the rise in influenza related deaths among children, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. Additionally, he talks about the National Institutes of Health (NIH), its origins, and shares his experience with the rigorous process of securing an NIH grant, highlighting the institute's important commitment to good science and health practices.

Healthy Rounds 4-26-25

04/26/2025

Dr. Alessi discusses infectious diseases with Dr. Michael Rajkumar. Dr. Rajkumar, a specialist at Hartford Healthcare, explains the science behind infectious diseases, their impact on our daily life, and ways to stay safe and healthy. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of student visas for those studying medicine abroad and expresses concern over the VA being asked to report anti Christian bias, warning it could hinder research in areas like ALS and women's health. He also stresses the need for mindful health policies and, recognizing that April is Autism Awareness Month, shares his thoughts on a proposed database to track...

Healthy Rounds 4-19-25

04/19/2025

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Jonathan Lis, a Primary Care Physician at Active Health, for a discussion on preventive medicine and its role in helping people live longer, healthier lives. They explore the definition of primary care, what’s happening in the field, and ways to improve the healthcare system. Dr. Alessi also emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination as a solution to a preventable health issue. Additionally, he shares his perspective on gun control as a mental health matter and reflects on individuals with intellectual differences, including those with autism.

Healthy Rounds 4-12-25

04/12/2025

Dr. Alessi discusses epilepsy with Dr. Lisa Knopf, Associate Director of Epilepsy Surgery at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute at Hartford HealthCare. They talk about the history of epilepsy, current treatments, and the role of surgery in managing the condition. Dr. Alessi also addresses the recent measles outbreak, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and how quickly viruses can spread when not taken seriously.

Healthy Rounds 2-22-25

02/22/2025

Dr. Alessi discusses LDL cholesterol, its risks, and ways to lower it, highlighting advancements in Electron Microscopy, specifically Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which helps track cholesterol formation and deposition. He also revisits last week’s topic on global threats, including pandemics like bird flu, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and societal awareness. Additionally, he shares general health tips and explores recent findings in neurology regarding the impact of microplastics. He welcomes Dr. Rachel Scott, a colorectal surgeon with Trinity Health of New England, to discuss advancements in colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as updated guidelines on when to ge...

Healthy Rounds 2-15-25

02/15/2025

Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr David Banach to discuss infectious diseases including bird flu.

Healthy Rounds 2-8-25

02/08/2025

Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Joy Antonelle de Marcaida about a new treatment for tremor

Healthy Rounds 2-1-25

02/01/2025

Dr. Alessi highlights February as Heart Healthy Month, discussing the history of antibiotics, a University of Michigan study on exercise and cancer treatment, and the importance of physical activity for better health outcomes. He also addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical research. Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a cardiac surgeon at Trinity Health of New England, joins to discuss heart function, valve repair, cardiovascular disease risks, and diagnostic tests like CT scans, calcium scores, and CT angiograms. They explore cardiac valvular disease, its symptoms, treatment options, and the differences between bypass surgery and angioplasty.

Healthy Rounds 1-18-25

01/18/2025

Dr. Alessi begins by expressing gratitude to his listeners and discussing topics such as the history of forensic medicine, the impact of Polio, and the development of its vaccine. He welcomes Dr. Charles Cavo, Chief Medical Officer at Pounds Transformation in West Hartford, to discuss health and nutrition, including healthy eating habits, the evolution of diets, weight loss strategies, and the use of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. They also explore staying committed to New Year’s resolutions, understanding biomarkers like insulin and their role in diet regulation, the impact of processed and ultra-processed foods, and the importance of fat me...

Healthy Rounds 12-28-24

12/28/2024

Dr. Alessi discusses X-rays and their medical applications, reflects on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and addresses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He welcomes Dr. Dina Al Rameni, a cardiac surgeon at Hartford Healthcare, who performed Connecticut's first beating heart transplant. Together, they explore her career journey, the history and intricacies of heart transplantation, the complexity of the procedure, and the significance of organ donation.

Healthy Rounds 12-21-24

12/21/2024

Dr. Alessi delves into a range of health topics, stressing the importance of addressing cardiac conditions and the growing concern over rising medication costs in the United States, particularly for treatments like those for multiple sclerosis. He advocates for better management of medication affordability. Additionally, he discusses peripheral neuropathy, focusing on its symptoms, treatment options, and ways to alleviate the condition, as well as sciatica, exploring its causes, prevention methods, and treatment strategies. Dr. Alessi chats with Dr. Katherine Coyner, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Connecticut, to discuss the Women’s Center for Motion and Pe...

Healthy Rounds 12-14-24

12/14/2024

Dr. Alessi discusses men's health and the impact of noisy work environments on hearing, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating hearing loss, including the use of hearing aids and proactive measures. He also interviews Father Rick Frechette, a West Hartford native and Catholic priest who has been living and working in Haiti since 1987, highlighting his humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Dr. Alessi speaks with Dr. Gabe D’Amato, a urologist at the Men’s Health Institute at Trinity Health of New England, about men’s health topics such as urinary tract issues, prostate cancer, urinary frequency in both men and women, kidney...

Healthy Rounds 12-7-24

12/07/2024

Dr. Alessi discusses cancer blood tests, with a focus on the Galleri test and its procedure. He also addresses the recent controversy surrounding Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policies on anesthesia coverage for patients in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Additionally, Dr. Alessi is joined by Dr. Cherish Smith, director of The Memory Care Center at Hartford Healthcare, to talk about memory loss. Their conversation highlights the center’s work, the causes of memory loss, prevention strategies, and insights into Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Healthy Rounds 11-23-24

11/23/2024

Dr. Alessi shares highlights from his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, offering insights into their healthcare system. He also welcomes Dr. Mary Gina Ratchford from The Ratchford Eye Center for a discussion on eye health, including common conditions affecting the elderly, as well as floaters and strabismus.

Healthy Rounds 11-9-24

11/09/2024

Dr. Alessi discusses a variety of topics, including how elections influence public health, the science behind behavior change, and practical health tips, such as the FDA’s guidance on expired COVID tests. He also examines the recent update allowing Apple AirPods to function as hearing aids and shares some intriguing facts about Ozempic. Additionally, he speaks with Dr. Michael Stevens, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at Hartford Healthcare, about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), its history, treatment options, and the social stigma associated with it.

Healthy Rounds 11-2-24

11/02/2024

Dr. Alessi discusses Daylight Savings Time and argues for its elimination due to its negative health effects. He also addresses Medicare Open Enrollment, outlining its benefits and providing recommendations for selecting the best plan for your needs. Additionally, he speaks with Dr. Michael E. Joyce, President and CEO of the Lighthouse Surgery Center at St. Francis Hospital. As one of the original sponsors of Healthy Rounds, Dr. Joyce was instrumental in the show’s creation. During their conversation, they reminisce about their shared history and reflect on the center's unique contributions to orthopedic and spine surgery practices.

Healthy Rounds 10-26-24

10/26/2024

Dr. Alessi covers several important health and safety topics, including the E. coli outbreak at McDonald's, emphasizing the need for food safety inspections. He also discusses varying helmet laws across states and addresses the implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements for student athletes, particularly regarding health products that may not be effective for concussion prevention, raising safety concerns for amateur athletes. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Alessi also has a conversation with Dr. Kathryn Capasso from St. Francis Hospital, discussing the comprehensive care provided by the breast cancer center, including statistics, treatment options, and vital...

Healthy Rounds 10-12-24

10/12/2024

Dr. Alessi reflects on his 15th anniversary of hosting Healthy Rounds on WTIC 1080, sharing insights into the origins of the show and how it came to be. He also speaks with Dr. Kapil Meleveedu, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Blood and Marrow Transplantation at UConn Health Center, about the intricacies of bone marrow transplants and the associated procedures.