Healthy Matters - with Dr. David Hilden

04/14/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E11 - Keeping Up with PacemakersThe heart is pretty amazing.  In the orchestra the human body, the heart is the conductor, but sometimes, even the most skilled maestro needs a little backup.  Enter pacemakers, the tiny conductors that can help us keep the beat.  But when might you need one?  How are they implanted?  How long do they last?  And can I still use the microwave?Join us to learn about the world of pacemakers with our guest, Dr. Rehan Karim.  He's an electrophysiologist (fantastic scrabble word, btw...) and he'll walk us through some basics on the electrical system of our hearts, how pacemakers work, what the lived experience is like with one, and some of the latest developments for this amazing technology.  Did you know that the first pacemaker was made in MInnesota?  Find out more about these life-changing devices, on Episode 11!You can learn more about heart health issues and find helpful resources here.Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/31/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E10 - Getting a Better Understanding of ALSALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a rare but serious condition that affects around 5 people in every 100,000, but due to its devastating effects on both the patient and the caregivers, it's something that certainly merits a deeper conversation.  Lou Gehrig and Steven Hawking may be the two most well-known cases, but it seems once ALS is mentioned, many people are in one way or another connected to it.  But what's actually happening in the body?  What do we think causes it?  What is the progression of the illness like and what are the current treatments available?  There's still a lot out there that we don't know about the disease, but the medical community is making strides every day to help support those living with the condition to lead fulfilling lives. On Episode 10 of the podcast, we'll have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Sam Maiser, MD, Chair of Neurology at Hennepin Healthcare and an expert on ALS, to help us get a better understanding of the disease.  We'll explore what is known and still unknown, what the experience is like for the patient and caregivers, available treatments and resources, and what the future may hold for those living with this disease.  It's a thoughtful conversation with a dedicated specialist on one of medicine's most challenging topics.  We hope you'll join us.You can learn more about ALS and find helpful resources for patients and caregivers here.Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/17/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E09 - Cholesterol:  The Good, The Bad and the Triglycerides...Cholesterol can be a confusing subject for many of us.  And, as many of us can attest to, seeing the results from a lipid panel can be like reading a foreign language.  What's a safe range?  Does good cholesterol cancel out the bad?  And what is a lipid, anyway?  It turns out cholesterol is a necessary piece of the human puzzle, but like a lot things, too much of anything is likely not good.  But what can be done to help us in the battle for better numbers?  Thankfully on Episode 9 of the show, we'll have the help of Hennepin Healthcare cardiologist, Dr. Woubeshet Ayenew, MD, to break down some of the terms and concepts around cholesterol and get us a better feel for what we're up against.  He'll give insight on how to calculate risk of a heart attack (there's a cool online calculator here!), what we can do to keep our cholesterol in check, the role of statins, and more !  We've all got cholesterol, so there's something here for everyone - join us!Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

3/3/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E08 - Getting our Brains Around TBI and ConcussionsBrains!  We've all got 'em.  (Well, perhaps some of us more than others...)  But it's estimated that almost 50% (!) of all adults in the U.S. have experienced a concussive event or some sort of traumatic brain injury in their lifetime.  That's a staggering statistic, and on Episode 8 of the show, we'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Puderbaugh to help us define what a traumatic brain injury is, how to identify one, and what to do when we see one. Dr. Puderbaugh is an Air Force veteran and assists on the sidelines of the NFL, so it's safe to say he's seen a number of these over the years.  He'll help us wrap our brains around what's happening when concussive events occur, how they're treated, and the effect they can have on our emotional states.  After a concussive event:  Is it best to avoid light?  Do you have to stay awake?  How long does it take to recover?   Join us for the conversation and get answers to these questions and more, on Episode 8! If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury, be sure and check out the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance website for resources and support!Got a question for the doc or a comment on the show?Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

2/18/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E07 - The Bone Zone: Insights on Osteoporosis and Healthy BonesEver wonder why we shrink in old age?  Is it true that astronauts lose bone mass in space?  And does all milk have the same amount of calcium?  There are over 200 bones in the human body and it's safe to say each plays a pretty important role, so of course it's important to keep them healthy!  But what's the best way to go about that?  What are some of the things that can go wrong with them?  And what is a "T-score" anyway?Thankfully, on Episode 7 of the show, we'll be joined by Endocrinologist and author, Dr. Ann Kearns (MD, PhD), of Hennepin Healthcare to help get some information and advice on our precious frames.  We'll go over the best practices for keeping our bones healthy, the common causes when things go awry, and options available to us in the event that they do.  Doctor Kearns literally wrote the book on Osteoporosis, which you can find here!  We all have bones, and we all age, so there's a ton of essential information here for everyone.  We hope you'll join us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

2/4/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E06 - Let's Talk IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)It's not uncommon that the terms IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) get confused.  Both have to do with your guts, both have impacted the lives of many in today's society and both could probably be explained a bit more.   We plan on getting to both of them, but for starters, in Episode 6 of the show, we're going to take a better look into IBD with the help of Hennepin Healthcare Gastroenterologist, Dr. Jake Matlock!Dr. Matlock has helped us break down many other GI issues on our show and this time around he'll help us better understand the origins, diagnosis, and treatments of both Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.  How common are they?  Are they hereditary?  How do they differ from IBS?  What can be done to treat them?  And what is "The Pill Cam"?  When it comes to our guts, there's a lot to know, so come get wise with us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

1/21/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E05 - Listen up!  We're talking to an Audiologist...The Stapes!  Tinnitus!  Ear Wax!Approximately 20% of the worldwide population suffers from hearing loss (and around 100% suffer from ear wax... Eeeew).  But what can be done to protect our hearing?  Is hearing loss permanent?  What's that ringing in my ears?  And why do we have earwax to begin with?    When it comes to your ears and your hearing, there's a lot to know, so we thought it'd be a good idea to have an in-depth conversation with Hennepin Healthcare Audiologist, Dr. Janet Hansen.  She's an expert in the field of hearing and will help us get a better understanding of our ears, our hearing, and what can be done when things go awry.  Join us and learn about the bummer that is tinnitus, our hearing thresholds, and a common New York Times Crossword Puzzle clue that stumps so many of us...  Check it out!Here are some helpful resources that we discussed in the episode if you want to learn more: - American Academy of Audiology- ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationGot a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  We're all ears...Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

1/7/2024The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E04 - The Fentanyl Addiction ExperienceHappy New Year to all, and best wishes for sticking with those resolutions!Although a new year gives us a fresh start for many things, regrettably, that doesn't apply to everything.  Some issues in our communities know no bounds, transcending ages and communities and affecting all walks of life.  Perhaps one of the bigger concerns in this category is the Fentanyl crisis.  Fentanyl addiction is something that many people in our communities are struggling with, and something that we as a society must continue to confront.  And one of the keys to solving any problem is understanding it, and in Episode 4 we'll be joined by Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr. Lauren Graber (MD, MPH), to give us insight into the crisis and the drug, and details of the experience for the individual.  What's it like to be addicted?   What's it like to go through withdrawal?  How long does it last?  And how do doctors actually help get people clean?  This episode is a great chance to better understand the particulars of dealing with both the drug and the crisis, and it's packed with essential information for all of us.  Please join us.Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

12/24/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E03 - "Knock Knock, Hi!" with THIS Guy!The end of the year is here, so we thought we'd wrap it up with a fun one for Episode 3.   Recently, Dr. Hilden was the featured guest on the "Knock Knock, Hi!" podcast with none other than internet sensations Dr. and Lady Glaucomflecken!   So we're re-airing that episode here for all to enjoy!  Get all the details about the life of an internal medicine doctor in the Midwest, a bird's-eye view of a busy safety net hospital, Dr. Hilden's rankings for 10 of your organs, and more!  There's plenty of laughs and stories here, but before we get to the humor, Dr. Hilden answers a listener's question about something we all love - but likely get waaay too much of - Salt.  Join us!From all of us here at The Healthy Matters Podcast, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.  Much more to come in '24!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

12/10/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E02 - The Mighty Liver...In Greek mythology, Prometheus' punishment for stealing fire from Zeus was to be chained to a rock where every day an eagle would come and eat part of his liver (harsh!).  And since the liver is the only solid organ in the human body that grows back, that eagle must have been pretty well-fed.  But why do we even need a liver?  What happens to us when something goes wrong with it?  And what can we do to take care of it? On Episode 2 of this season, we'll have an in-depth conversation about this unsung hero of the human body with Dr. José Debes (MD, MS, PhD), gastroenterologist at Hennepin Healthcare, and associate professor and researcher at the University of Minnesota.   This episode is loaded with interesting facts about the liver, explanations of the different ailments associated with it, ways we can limit the stress we put on it, and the role coffee plays.  Yep, coffee...  Join us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

11/26/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS03_E01 - Real Talk with An Emergency Medicine DoctorThere are seemingly as many careers in medicine as there are lakes in Minnesota (and we're talking well over 10,000 of those...), but many of the most intense jobs in the field are found in the Emergency Department.  It takes a certain kind of person to want to become a physician, and on another level to want to practice Emergency Medicine in a Level I Trauma Center!  Thankfully, there are doctors like this, and for our first episode of Season 3, we'll be joined by Emergency Medicine Physician and Toxicologist, Dr. John Cole to help us get a glimpse into this highest-of-stakes and stressful environment. What's life like there?  What are the biggest challenges healthcare professionals in the ED face?  And how does one cope with the stresses of such place?   Join us for a conversation addressing these questions, plus a few of Jon's most memorable cases and the debut of an all-new segment for Season 3 - Magic Wand!  Tune in!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

11/12/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E24 - Let's Talk Kidneys!Kidneys.  They made Dr. Hilden's top 3 favorite organ list in a recent poll - but why?  What do they actually do?  What are kidney stones (and better yet, how can one best avoid them)?  And if we really only need one, why do we have two? Join us for the final episode of Season 2, as Dr. Hilden and Hennepin Healthcare Neprhologist (that's a fancy word for Kidney Doctor) Dr. Jennifer Wu explore the wide world of kidneys!  Turns out, they're an essential piece of our biological puzzle.  But what happens when things go wrong?   What are some of the common issues with them?  And what can be done to help keep our kidneys healthy?  Tune in and find out!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/29/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E23 - 10 Tips for Reducing Pain at Work!There's no doubt about it, Monday mornings can be painful.  And for many of us, the pain doesn't stop there!  Work is a part of life, and there's nothing we can really do to speed up the day or make your boss a little less nagging, but in this episode we'll explore 10 tips for reducing the other pains we can experience at work, with Hennepin Healthcare's Catherine Justice (PT, DPT, CST, C-IAYT, E-RYT).Catherine is an Integrative Physical Therapist and the Program Manager for Integrative Health at Hennepin Healthcare and she'll walk us through 10 essentials for making work, and life in general, a little less painful.  From the importance of hydrating and fidgeting (!)- to the benefits of active and passive rejuvenation and improving your ergonomics, this episode has lots of great tips to help get you through the day with less pain.  Join us!If you live in, or near Minnesota, here's a great link to non-opioid, non-pharmacological pain treatment methods, options, and providers across the state:  nopainmn.orgGot a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/15/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E22 - All About Eyes!Got eyes?  Many of us do.  Got issues with your eyes?  Turns out many of us have that as well!  From dry eyes to floaters, to reduced sharpness in our vision - or worse, glaucoma and cataracts - we're all likely to experience some of the more common issues with our eyes over the course of our lives.  But what are these conditions and how can we best care for our eyesight?  On Episode 22 of the podcast, we'll be joined by the Department Chair of Ophthalmology at Hennepin Healthcare, Dr. Kevin Engel (MD, PhD).  He'll help us break down the most common eye conditions, provide useful tips on how to keep your eyes healthy and dispel some of the myths around eyes and eyesight.  He'll also make sure we know the golden rule regarding the "keeps the red out" eyedrops (don't use them!) and explain once and for all, what the difference is between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist!  Join us! Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

10/01/23The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E21 - COVID-19 - It's Been a Minute...Remember COVID-19?  Of course, we all do (it was a global pandemic), but what's the latest on it?  It seems like it's been a bit absent from the conversation lately, especially in the media.  But is it still a major public health concern?  What have we learned and what still remains a mystery?On Episode 21, we thought it would be a good idea to dive back into the topic and check on the current status of the disease from a trusted source - Dr. Hilden!  From the initial suspicions to the latest vaccines and treatments, we've learned a lot by rolling with the punches over the past few years.  On this episode, we'll explore where we've been and where we may be headed, as well as the best practices for living with a virus that's likely to be a part of our experience going forward.  Join us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E20 - Mental Health Stressors...and Strategies!Be it social media, the change of the seasons, the holidays, or just the everyday stresses of life; one thing is for certain - they all can take a toll on our mental health.  The good news is, these days we're talking about it more than ever.  And the more we talk about it, the more normal the conversation becomes and the more we can do to help ourselves and others.  On Episode 20 we'll have a conversation with Hennepin Healthcare Psychiatrist Dr. Katie Thorsness, to give us a more detailed picture of the stressors that hinder, and strategies that can improve mental health.  This is a very important conversation that pertains to [literally] everyone.  Learn about tips for keeping our brains healthy and how to notice issues and support, not only yourself but others who may be going through a tough time.  It's an essential topic that needs all the attention we can give it these days.  Join us and let's show these brains some love!Check out the NAMI website here!If you or a loved one is having a mental health crisis, please dial 988, to get connected confidentially with a mental health professional.Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E19 - Feeling the Burn. Talking Upper GI Health with Dr. Jake Matlock.BBQ!  Hot salsa!  Gas station sushi!  What do they have in common?  Well, they're not exactly health foods.  But that doesn't mean we don't (or won't) eat them when we crave them.  And, as we all know, sometimes they punch back...  On Episode 19, we're joined once again by Hennepin Healthcare's Dr. Jake Matlock to break down the causes and effects of heartburn, acid reflux (or GERD), ulcers, and the like.  These are conditions that we all fall victim to every once in a while, and for many of us, they can have a very large impact on our day-to-day.   We'll go over the origins, diagnoses, and treatment options, as well as the best bets for maintaining a healthy gut.  Join us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E18 - Shoulders, Elbows, Knees, and the "Funny Bone"...Tennis elbow!  Golfer's elbow!  Rotator cuff, trigger finger, and ACL injuries!  We've all at least heard of them, and many of us have actually suffered through them.  But what's the scoop?  What is actually happening and what can be done to help?  And what the heck is the (not so) "funny bone", anyway? It's a fact that being active is good medicine, but of course, it can open us up to the possibility of injury, too.  In Episode 18, we'll break down the most common conditions associated with Summer activities with two of Hennepin Healthcare's orthopedic surgeons - Dr. Jackie Geissler and Dr. Nancy Luger.   These top docs will go over the most effective treatment options (not always surgery!) and the best preventative strategies to help keep us in the game.  Join us!Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Find out more at www.healthymatters.org

The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E17 - Arthritis - It's a Pain in the Joint!Arthritis.  It's a huge topic. But what is it exactly?  Well, it turns out that's kind of a loaded question and it's pretty complicated when you get into it.   Thankfully, on Episode 17 of the podcast, we've got an expert, Dr. Rawad Nasr, the Director of Rheumatology at Hennepin Healthcare to help us get a handle on it. In this episode, we'll explain the 2 types of arthritis, the root causes of each type, when to be seen, current available treatments, and possible preventive measures.   Around 80% of us are likely to experience just one of the types of arthritis at some point in our lives, so it's definitely worth getting the basics down.   Join us!  Oh, yeah.  And the plural of arthritis is arthritides...Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Twitter - @drdavidhildenFind out more at www.healthymatters.org

The Healthy Matters PodcastS02_E16 - Dementia and Alzheimer's DiseaseDementia, and more particularly, Alzheimer's Disease is a condition that affects many people and their loved ones the world over.  But what is it exactly?  How is it detected and diagnosed?  Is there anything that can be done to reduce the risk?  And are there effective treatments for it? There are a lot of questions when it comes to the topic of Dementia, and many we still don't have exact answers for.  But as with anything in medicine - the more general awareness and knowledge we have around the subject, the better for all of us.  In Episode 16 of The Healthy Matters Podcast, we'll be joined by a world-renowned expert on the subject, Dr. Anne Murray of Hennepin Healthcare, to help shed some light on this very important topic.  She's a geriatrician and a researcher in the field of dementia, and will help guide us through the basics of the condition, what is known to be helpful and harmful to us as we age, and what the future looks like for those affected by this condition.  Please join us.To learn more about Alzheimer's Disease, or to find helpful resources, visit:The Alzheimer's AssociationLearn more about  Healthy Aging through the Senior Years (HATS) Got a question for the doc?  Or an idea for a show?  Contact us!Email - healthymatters@hcmed.orgCall - 612-873-TALK (8255)Twitter - @drdavidhildenFind out more at www.healthymatters.org