Health for Life

Send us Fan Mail

For Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Health for Life welcomes Dr. Wilbur Montana, a hematologist-oncologist at Kern Medical. He explains what sickle cell disease is, how it can affect daily life, and the treatment options available. Join us for a conversation about this lifelong condition and why awareness matters. 

Send us Fan Mail

As kids head back to the classroom, getting into a healthy routine can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Kern Medical pediatrician Dr. Suzanne Espalin-Pardo to talk about simple ways families can start the school year on a healthy note.

We discuss how to create healthy screen time habits, why a consistent sleep routine is so important for growing children, and practical ways to help kids stay healthy as they return to school and are exposed to new germs.

Whether you’re adjusting bedtime afte...

Send us Fan Mail

E-bikes have exploded in popularity, offering a fun and convenient way to get around. But with more riders on the road comes a growing number of serious injuries, especially among children and teenagers.

In this episode of Health for Life, Dr. Joshua Tobias, a board-certified Emergency Physician at Kern Medical, tells us what he's seeing firsthand in the Emergency Department. From common injuries and the importance of helmets to what parents should know before buying an e-bike for their child, Dr. Tobias shares practical advice that could help prevent a trip...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life by Kern Medical, we’re talking about uterine cancer with Dr. Kate B. Furey, who specializes in Gynecologic Oncology at Kern Medical. We discuss what uterine cancer is, common symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, risk factors, how it is diagnosed, and the latest treatment options available. Dr. Furey also shares why early detection matters and what women should know about when to seek medical care. This informative conversation is designed to help listeners better understand uterine cancer and feel empowered to prioritize their health.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life by Kern Medical, we sit down with Dr. Soroush Bazargani, urologist at Kern Medical, to talk all about kidney stones—what they are, why they form, and why they can be so painful. 

Dr. Bazargani explains common risk factors, symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and the tests used to diagnose them. He also shares practical tips for prevention, including the important role hydration and diet can play in lowering your risk. Whether you’ve had a kidney stone before or simply want to prote...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood medications in healthcare today: fentanyl.

Often associated with alarming headlines and the dangers of illicit drug use, fentanyl can sound intimidating to patients. But in a hospital setting, it plays a very different role; one that is carefully controlled, highly effective, and essential for managing pain in certain medical situations.

We are joined by Dr. Jeff Jolliff, the Director of Pharmacy Programs and Residency Program Director for the Department of Pharmacy at Kern Medical, to help separate fac...

Send us Fan Mail

Weight loss shots are everywhere right now — semaglutide, tirzepatide, peptides… but what’s actually safe and what should you avoid? 👀
In this episode of Health for Life, endocrinologist Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti explains how these medications work, who they’re for, and how they can even help conditions like PCOS. She also discusses side effects, why some patients regain weight after stopping the injections, what sustainable and realistic weight-loss goals actually look like, and the real risks of buying them online. Before you try one, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life, we’re diving into all things thyroid with Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Dr. Chandra explains what the thyroid does, the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what symptoms can look like at different ages — from young adults to older patients.

We also discuss how thyroid conditions can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall hormonal balance, plus when it’s important to seek care. 

Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition, thinking about starting a family, o...

Send us Fan Mail

This month, we’re joined by Dr. Najib Ussef, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine and general orthopedics. With a deep understanding of joint health and injury prevention, Dr. Ussef works with patients of all ages to help them stay active, recover from injuries, and avoid common pitfalls that come with jumping back into fitness — especially at the start of a new year.

 Dr. Ussef shares his journey into orthopedic sports medicine and offers practical, evidence-based advice for anyone looking to build a sustainable, injury-free workout routine. We talk...

Send us Fan Mail

In this December episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Ranjani Panithi, a highly experienced pediatrician at Kern Medical, to talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus — better known as RSV. As cases tend to spike in the winter months, Dr. Panithi helps us understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and which children are most at risk for severe illness.

We discuss the latest prevention tools, including new immunizations and maternal vaccines, how to care for children with RSV at home, and when it’s time to seek medical attent...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by a pediatric endocrinologist to explore the fascinating world of hormones and how they impact children’s health. From growth and puberty to diabetes and gender-affirming care, the endocrine system plays a critical role in many aspects of childhood development.

We’ll break down what endocrinology is, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how early signs of hormone imbalances can affect a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Our guest also sheds light on growth hormone therapy, and puberty challeng...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Tung Trang, Chief of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Oncology at Kern Medical. As the only head and neck cancer surgeon in Kern County and the physician behind the county’s first implantable hearing aid, Dr. Trang brings unmatched expertise to the table.

We explore the growing concern of hearing loss in the age of earbuds and constant audio exposure — especially among younger populations. Dr. Trang breaks down how modern listening habits are impacting our ears, how to recognize early...

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become a doctor? In this episode of Health for Life, we sit down with Dr. Amir Berjis to break down the journey to becoming a physician—from the first spark of interest in high school to medical school, residency, and beyond. Whether you're a student considering a career in medicine or just curious about the process, Dr. Berjis offers insight into every stage, including how to prepare, what challenges to expect, and how to stay motivated.

We also dive into the unique op...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Health for Life, we're talking about a skill that can truly save lives—how to Stop the Bleed. 

Guests Allison Osvog, Clinical Manager of Trauma Medicine, and George Bratton, Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator, break down the national Stop the Bleed initiative, how to control severe bleeding in an emergency, and what to do even if you don’t have a kit.

Plus, hear powerful real-life stories where these simple actions made all the difference.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amin Ramzan from Kern Medical's Obstetrics and Gynecology department specializing in Gynecologic Oncology, to break down everything you need to know about cervical cancer—from prevention to screening and treatment.

We dive into:

Send us Fan Mail

In this explosive episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. David Bowen, a board-certified hand and plastic surgeon at Kern Medical, to talk about a topic that lights up every summer—fireworks injuries.

With the Fourth of July around the corner, Dr. Bowen shares what he sees every year in the ER, how he compares these traumatic injuries to some of the worst in his field, and the lifelong consequences that a few seconds of celebration can cause. We’ll also cover practical tips t...