San Diego Health

A leaky tricuspid valve can cause blood to flow backward in the heart, leading to symptoms like fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath and even heart failure. But new minimally invasive procedures are changing how this condition is treated. Devices like the TriClip repair system and tricuspid valve replacement offer safer options than open heart surgery. Matthew Price, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Scripps Clinic, explains how these treatments are helping people return to active, healthy lives. 

Tired of glasses or contact lenses? LASIK eye surgery could be the answer. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps ophthalmologist Peter Krall, MD about how LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, who’s a good candidate and what to expect during recovery. Learn if this quick, outpatient procedure could help you see clearly — without the hassle of glasses or contacts. 

Hannah Wangberg, MD, allergist and immunologist, Scripps Clinic Food allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Learn how to recognize these reactions and manage them effectively with expert guidance from Hannah Wangberg, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Scripps Clinic. Learn the difference between food allergy and food intolerance and when to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Is hip pain keeping you from sports or staying active? In this video, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Cinque explains how minimally invasive hip arthroscopy can relieve pain and restore mobility — especially for younger patients with hip impingement. Learn how it works, who it's for and what recovery looks like.

Your gut does more than digest food —I t impacts your overall health, energy and even mood. In this video, Susan Taylor sits down with Katherine Urbina, DO to discuss how the gut works, what foods help or harm it and what you can do to support a healthier gut long term. 

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body — and often goes undiagnosed. 🧬 Usman Ajaz, MD, Rheumatologist with Scripps Coastal Medical Group, breaks down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options to help patients take control of their health. Listen to the full interview now. 

#LupusAwareness #AutoimmuneHealth #ScrippsHealth

Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation that just won’t go away? You could be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this episode , host Susan Taylor sits down with gastroenterologist Chiara Maruggi, MD, to talk about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for IBS.

Dr. Maruggi explains the common signs to watch for, why IBS can be tricky to diagnose, and how factors like stress, diet, and gut health all play a role. Learn about the FODMAP diet, how lifestyle changes can help, and why managing IBS is all about creating a long-term partnership with your he...

Living Organ Donation- Living Kidney Donation: What You Need to Know
Did you know you can live a healthy life with just one kidney—and potentially save someone else's life in the process? In this episode, Scripps transplant surgeon Dr. Jenny Lam explains how living kidney donation works, the benefits of donating while alive, and what to expect before, during, and after transplant surgery.

Learn about the causes of kidney failure, treatment options like dialysis, and why a transplant from a living donor can offer better outcomes.

🎧 Tune in to discover how one generous act c...

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Over the past few decades, Type 2 diabetes has become extremely common both in the United States and worldwide. Moreover, people are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at increasingly younger ages. What is causing the rise in this illness—and can Type 2 diabetes be reversed? 

In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps endocrinologist Gabriela Jordan, MD, about what causes Type 2 diabetes and recommendations for preventing or even reversing the disease.

Atrial fibrillation happens when the heart beats at a very fast rate—typically more than 100 beats per minute. Commonly called AFib, atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. AFib causes various symptoms and can be very serious. New technology can treat Afib using faster, more effective methods than in the past. In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Doug Gibson, MD, a Scripps cardiac electrophysiologist and director of cardiac electrophysiology at the Scripps Prebys Cardiovascular Institute.

Finding out a pregnancy is high-risk can understandably bring a mix of emotions. But a highly skilled perinatology team can ensure that high-risk moms-to-be receive the very best care and have the healthiest pregnancy possible. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Sean Daneshmand, MD, medical director of the department of maternal-fetal health at Scripps Clinic, and Scripps prenatal genetic counselor Caitlin Grandfield, discuss what constitutes a high-risk pregnancy and how physicians care for high-risk moms-to-be. Dr. Daneshmand also explains what prospective parents can do to lower their risk even before getting pregnant. 

In this podcast, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor speaks with Dr. David Hermel of Scripps Cancer Center about immunotherapy, a groundbreaking approach to fighting cancer. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which affect both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy precisely targets cancer cells by modifying the immune system. Immunotherapy is particularly effective for cancers like melanoma and may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation. Side effects are generally mild, resembling cold-like symptoms. At Scripps Cancer Center, multidisciplinary teams personalize treatments for optimal results.

An estimated one in eight men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. For the roughly 300,000 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, early detection and treatment can help ensure to a successful outcome. And as prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, regular screenings are key to early diagnosis. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic urologist Ramsey Chichakli, MD, discuss prostate cancer, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Chichakli also explains how surgery for prostate cancer has advanced over the years to beco...

Choosing a pediatrician for your new bundle of joy is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child—one you’ll make even before you give birth. Your pediatrician is a critical partner in your baby’s health and will likely care for them from birth through their teenage years. But how do you pick the one who’s right for your family? In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps pediatrician Dania Lindenberg, MD, discuss what to consider in your search for a pediatrician. Dr. Lindenberg also outlines some specific questions pare...

Heart failure is a life-threatening condition that affects more than five million people in the U.S. each year. However, the “failure” part can be a little misleading. It doesn’t mean that the heart has ceased to function; it means that, while the heart is still pumping, it can no longer effectively pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Rola Khedraki, MD, a heart failure and transplant cardiologist at Scripps Clinic, discuss the causes of heart failure, its symptoms, treatment options, and who’s at risk. Dr...

Bike riding is a great way to get around and get some exercise—if you do it carefully. There has been a sharp increase in bike- and e-bike-related injuries and deaths in older riders. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over the age of 55 have the highest incidence of bicycle-related deaths. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor discusses bicycle safety with Walter Biffl, MD, medical director of trauma and acute care surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and Paige Colburn-Hargis, trauma injury prevention coordinator for Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla...

Just about everybody gets a headache from time to time. But for the 45 million Americans who suffer from chronic headaches, it can seem like frequent pain is just a part of life. Having a headache seemingly all the time isn’t normal. Fortunately, treatment is within reach. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic neurologist Emily Rubenstein Engel, MD, discuss the different types of headaches, what causes them, and how they’re treated. Dr. Engel also outlines what happens during a doctor’s appointment for a chronic headache diagnosis and when further investigation is needed.

Multiple sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease that
attacks the body's central nervous system and causes a wide range of symptoms. Without treatment, MS can become worse over time. Fortunately, newer treatments have slowed the progression of the disease and improved quality of life for those living with it. In this podcast episode, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps neurologist Louis Goodrich, MD, about the causes, symptoms and treatment of MS.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and kills roughly 53,000 people each year. It’s understandably not something people like to talk about, but initiating the conversation with your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer could end up saving your life. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Walter Coyle, MD, he head of gastroenterology at Scripps Clinic, discuss the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, who’s at risk, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Coyle also touches on the environmental factors that could be behi...

For the roughly 40 million Americans living with diabetes, it’s critical to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Continuous blood sugar monitors may be able to help. The devices track blood sugar levels 24/7—no finger pricks required. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest, Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, a Scripps Clinic endocrinologist and corporate vice president of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, discuss the benefits of continuous glucose monitors for patients with diabetes. Dr. Tsimikas also explains how continuous glucose monitors can work in tandem with an insulin pump to automatically control blood sugar levels.   

Years of exposure to the San Diego sunshine can lead to uneven skin tone, dark spots, and spider veins on the face. Fortunately, dermatologists have a variety of laser treatments at their disposal to safely reverse the damage and restore the look of healthy skin. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Edward Ross, MD, a Scripps Clinic dermatologist and director of the Scripps Clinic Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology Center, discuss how lasers work to rejuvenate skin and what conditions can be treated. Dr. Ross also explains how newer lasers can be used to effectively treat a...

More than 6.7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The condition most often strikes those ages 65 and up, but can affect younger people as well. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can develop as early as age 40 to 50. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic neurologist Leonard Sokol, MD, discuss early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, how it’s diagnosed, who’s at risk, and treatment options. Dr. Sokol also explains how the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s may not always be what older people experience.

Coughs, colds, respiratory infections and other symptoms are concerning, but educating yourself about common infant illnesses and being prepared to care for your baby can make the experience less stressful for both of you. San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps pediatrician Henna Park, DO, about the most common health problems among babies and what to do if your little one isn’t feeling well.

So, you just found out you’re pregnant. Now what? The first couple weeks after making the big discovery can be exciting, but also overwhelming. There’s much to do to prepare for the birth of
a baby, but your OB-GYN will be by your side to guide you throughout your pregnancy. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic OB-GYN Dina Fainman, MD, discuss the stages of pregnancy and steps moms-to-be can take to help ensure their pregnancy is healthy. Dr. Fainman also outlines what to avoid during pregnancy and red flags women sho...

The lymphatic system has an important job: it helps the body fight off infection. But when the body’s lymph system is damaged or blocked, fluids can build up in the body’s soft tissues and cause swelling, typically in the extremities. The condition is called lymphedema. There’s no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed with help from your health care team. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guests Manish Champaneria, MD, a Scripps Clinic plastic surgeon who specializes in lymphedema surgery, and certified lymphedema therapist Maryam Rahnema discuss what causes lymphedema...

More than 40 percent of adults in America are considered obese, which comes with an increased risk for conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It’s no surprise that the popularity of weight loss drugs that curb cravings and slow digestion is soaring, but are they for you? In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic endocrinologist Samantha Harris, MD, who specializes in weight management and diabetes care, discuss how weight loss drugs work, who is an ideal candidate, and potential side effects. Dr. Harris also explains why the new class of weight loss drug...

Chronic back pain can make everyday activities difficult. Exercise, putting away groceries, or simply twisting or turning can cause muscle and spinal pain. Back pain affects eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives, and for many, it goes away on its own. But for those with lasting or recurring back problems, minimally invasive surgery may be the solution that stops their pain for good. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Scripps Clinic orthopedic surgeon Robert Eastlack, MD, discuss common causes of back pain and how minimally invasive back
surgery works to b...

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be tough on your heart. Your heart is working overtime to support you and your baby, and it’s surprisingly common for women to develop
some type of heart problem during pregnancy or exacerbate an existing condition, such as hypertension or high blood pressure.
In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Scripps Clinic cardiologist Poulina Uddin, MD, and Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic OB-GYN and medical director of the Scripps perinatology program. They discuss how being pregnant can affect the heart, common heart problem...

Red, itchy, watery eyes are a common occurence, but may also be a sign of a serious health concern. Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks
the tissue around the both the thyroid gland and the eyes. It most commonly presents in people in their 40s, but can affect almost any age group, though there are factors that can raise a
person’s risk. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Omar Ozgur, MD, an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, discuss the causes of thyroid eye disease, how i...

More and more women are waiting until their mid- to late 30s to have children. Advanced maternal age pregnancies come with higher risks, but health care providers are prepared. Scripps has expert perinatologists and support staff who specialize in high-risk pregnancy care. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Daniela Gomez, MD, a Scripps Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN) specializing in maternal and fetal medicine, and Alex Fite, a prenatal genetic counselor at Scripps Clinic. They discuss the factors that may make it harder to conceive as a woman gets older, conditions that occur more oft...

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and its symptoms in its early stages can be easy to miss. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 60,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—and 50,000 people die from it—each year. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Jonathan Fisher, MD, a surgeon at Scripps Green Hospital, discuss the types of pancreatic cancer, how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, and treatment options. Dr. Fisher also shares some of the biggest risk factors for pancreatic cancer and how local biotech companies are helping screen people for the di

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but early diagnosis can lead to a better outcome. Fortunately, technological advances are making it possible for doctors to spot lung cancer earlier than ever. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor interviews Samir Makani, MD, director of interventional pulmonary medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and director of Scripps’ lung cancer screening program. They discuss the causes of lung cancer, who’s most at risk, and the symptoms. Dr. Makani also outlines the link between early intervention and a dramatic jump in survival r...

Sun, stress, and gravity take a toll on our appearance as we age. But there are ways to reverse the visible signs of aging and get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin. A mini facelift could help turn back the hands of time and restore a more youthful appearance. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Salvatore Pacella, MD, Division Head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Scripps Clinic & Scripps Green Hospital, discuss how a mini facelift is performed, how it differs from a traditional facelift, and who’s a candidate. Dr. Pacella also covers the risk...

Your relationship with your primary care doctor is one of the most important you’ll develop in your health care journey. Millions of people visit their primary care doctor each year for preventive care, routine screenings, referrals to specialists, and more. Often referred to as the quarterback of the health care team, a primary care doctor plays a pivotal role in coordinating your care. So, how do you find the right primary care doctor for you? In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Kosha Nathwani, MD, a Scripps Clinic family medicine physician, discuss the role of...

Breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer impacting women in the United States, only surpassed by skin cancer. Data from the American Cancer Society reveals that one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. However, the silver lining lies in the power of early detection and the leaps forward in treatment approaches, which have enabled more women to triumph over the disease. In this episode of San Diego Health, our host Susan Taylor and guest Farah Nasraty, MD, focus on demystifying breast cancer and shedding light on the most recent advances in treatm...

Acne is the most common skin condition and affects up to 50 million Americans every year. Though acne is commonly associated with the teenage years, it’s a problem that can continue to rear its ugly head well into adulthood. While acne can be troublesome and can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem, dermatologists say it’s a treatable condition. It just takes time and consistency. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Sophia Akhiyat, MD, a Scripps Clinic dermatologist, discuss the different types of acne and their causes. Dr. Akhiyat also outlines different acn...

Sun, stress, and gravity take a toll on our appearance as we age. But there are ways to reverse the visible signs of aging and get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin. A mini facelift could help turn back the hands of time and restore a more youthful appearance. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Victor Ross, MD, discuss how a mini facelift is performed, how it differs from a traditional facelift, and who’s a candidate. Dr. Ross also covers the risks and recovery time.

Guns are the leading cause of death for children in the US. A startling stat: On average, 13 kids die each day due to gun violence. It’s important to take steps to keep your child as safe as can be in the face of this disheartening epidemic. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Walter Biffl, MD, medical director of trauma and acute care surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, discuss ways to protect your kids from gun violence. Dr. Biffl outlines how to properly store guns and why it should be a pa...

One pill can kill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 150 deaths per day are caused by synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 stronger than morphine, is fueling the opioid crisis and in just the past year alone, more than 110,000 people in the US have died from synthetic opioid overdoses. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and Roneet Lev, MD, an emergency medicine physician and the director of the emergency department at Scripps Mercy Hospital, talk about ways to protect your loved ones from a potentially deadly fentanyl...