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Healthcasts

Yale University’s free healthcasts can be found at iTunesU in the iTunes Store.
Click on “Yale University” to find topics related to Yale Health. Click on Yale Health, “Yale Health and Medicine” and the “Yale Healthcasts” tab.

michelle brei

Getting to Know...Michelle Brei, D.N.P.

MIchelle Breai, D.N.P., pediatric provider, has been at Yale Health since 2005. Hear her story in her own words.

pia_hurst

When Should You Get a Mammogram?

Dr. Pia Hurst, gynecologist in Yale Health’s Obsetrics & Gynecology Department discusses when women should get a mammogram, how often, and when they can consider stopping.

gordon_streeter

What Should I Know About My Child's Cold?

Gordon Streeter, M.D., pediatrician at Yale Health discusses what to expect when your shild has a cold, how long it might last, when to call the office, and indications that it might be the flu.

patrick_roberts

Why Might My Prescription Not Be Covered?

Patrick Roberts, RPh, pharmacist at Yale Health discusses what might be the cause when your prescription is not covered.

davidsmith

Getting to Know...Dr. David Smith

Dr. David Smith has been a Yale Health clinician since 1993. Hear his story in his own words.

julie_rosenbaum

What Is Bone Density?

Dr. Julie Rosenbaum, Yale Health’s chief of Internal Medicine, explains why bone density is important, how it is measured, risk factors, screening, and what we can do to keep our bones healthy.

lisa_kimmel

Why Is Sleep Important?

Lisa Kimmel, Yale Health’s Director of Wellness and Health Education, discusses the importance of sleep, what happens if you don’t get enough sleep, how much sleep you need and offers helpful tips on getting a better night’s rest.

roma-chowdhury

What Is a Medical Assistant?

Roma Chowdhury, medical assistant at Yale Health, discusses what medical assistants do before, during and after your visit.

alisa-scherban

Does an Apple a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

Alisa Scherban, registered dietitian, discusses specific nutrients that can help to boost your immune system.

michelle brei

How Much Sugar Is Too Much Sugar?

Pediatrician Michelle Brei, DNP discusses why you should limit sugar intake in your diet, where sugars are hiding, and strategies to cut back on your sugar intake.

carolyn_marks

Yale Health’s Patient & Family Council: One Member’s Experience

Carolyn Marks describes her experience being a part of Yale Health’s Patient & Family Council, what she learned and what she gave back.

alisa-scherban

I Have Prediabetes, What Can I Do?

Do you have prediabetes? Did you know that there are actions you can take now so you are less likely to develop diabetes? Alisa Scherban, registered dietitian and certified diabetic educator, discusses lifestyle changes you can make to cut your risk of developing diabetes by almost 60%.

jen_brackett

Blood Pressure

What is blood pressure? How can I manage my blood pressure? Jennifer Brackett, nurse practitioner in Care Management, answers thes questions and more.

slawek

What is an Advance Directive?

Dr. Slawomir Mehjnartowicz, internist and geriatric specialist at Yale Health, discusses the importance of having an advnace directive and assigning a healthcare representative.

gillian_ralls

How Can I Protect Myself from HIV?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate there are at least one million people with active HIV living in the U.S., with about 40,000 new cases every year. Gillian Ralls, physician associate in Student Health discusses the importance of screening and preventive measures includeing PrEP (pre-exposure prohylaxis).

amir-masoud

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

Dr. Amir Masoud, gastroenterologist and assistant professor of Internal Medicine (Digestive Diseases) at Yale School of Medicine discusses when you should get a coloscopy and the importance of the “prep” beforehand.

alisa-scherban

What is Satiety and How Can You Control It?

Satiety is the feeling of feeling full or satisfied after eating which is a crucial component to maintain your weight or to lose weight. Alisa Scherban, MPH, RD, CDE discusses all the things that affect how your body responds to hunger.

davidsmith

Toe Nail Fungus

Dr. David Smith, internist and chief of clinical measures and education at Yale Health and associate clinical professor of internal medicine at Yale Schoool of Medicine discusses toe nail fungus  – what it is and how to treat it.

davidsmith

Treating Pre-Diabetes

Dr. David Smith, provider in the Internal Medicine Department, discusses how to treat pre-diabetes and prevent it from progressing to diabetes.

cris_donovan

Car Seat Safety

Cris Donovan, RN, IBCLC, lead nurse at Yale Health’s Department of Pediatrics discusses car seat safety and the new CT state laws.

joe_serio

Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Remedies

Joseph Serio, RPh, Yale Health pharmacist, reviews different over-th-counter cough and cold medicines. He clarifies which medicines work for which symptoms and identifies people who should avoid certain ones.

alisa-scherban

What You Can Do to Help Your Digestive Issues

Yale Health dietitian Alisa Scherban, MPH, RD, CDE discusses ways that you can create the right balance of good bacteria in your gut. This will help you avoid digestive issues that affect 60-70 million Americans.

alisa-scherban

What You Can Do to Help Your Digestive Issues

Yale Health dietitian Alisa Scherban, MPH, RD, CDE discusses ways that you can create the right balance of good bacteria in your gut. This will help you avoid digestive issues that affect 60-70 million Americans.

nicole_lloyd

What Happens When I Call the Internal Medicine Department?

When you call Internal Medicine there is a team of professionals who help you get the treatment that you need. Nicole Lloyd, RN in Internal Medicine discusses the process including who you speak to and what happens.

margot_ebling

What Are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?

Margot Ebling, PA-C in Internal Medicine at Yale Health, discusses what a stroke looks like and gives advice on the steps you should take if you or someone you know is having a stroke.

Andrea Jacobs-Stannard

What Do I Need to Know About Sunscreen?

Andrea Jacobs-Stannard, PA-C in Dermatology at Yale Health, discusses sunscreen, how to use it and other ways to protect your skin from the sun.

robert-messina

What Are the Different Types of Radiological Exams?

Robert Messina, MD, Chief, Diagnostic Imaging at Yale Health discusses the different types of radiological exams, what they are used for and how you might need to prepare for one.

joannburger

How Can I Prepare My Older Child for a New Sibling?

Joanne Burger, MD, pediatrician at Yale Health, discusses preparing your child for a new sibling.

alisa-scherban

How Can I keep My New Year's Resolution?

Alisa Scherban, RD helps you approach your resolution from a different perspective by setting SMART goals.

jin_xu

What Do My Cholesterol Numbers Mean?

Jin Xu, MD, internist at Yale Health explains total cholesterol, LDL and HDL and gives advice on what lifestyle choices you can make to get your numbers down or keep them down.

bryan-cretella

How is the Pharmacy working to improve my experience?

Bryan Cretella, PharmD discusses improvements at the Yale Health Center Pharmacy and some tips to get the best service.

andrew_gotlin

What is Meningitis?

Andrew Gotlin, MD, Chief of Student Health and Athletic Medicine at Yale Health discusses viral and bacterial meningitis, the symptoms, how they are spread and what you con do for prevention.

joannburger

How Do I Know When My Child is Ready for Toilet Training?

Joanne Burger, MD, pediatrician at Yale Health, discusses preparing your child for toilet training and how to go about it.

roland_jermyn

When Should I Come to Acute Care?

Roland Jermyn, MD, Acute Care Team Chief at Yale Health explains when a patient should utilize Acute Care, an appointment with their primary care clinician or go directly to the emergency department.

borislav_meandzija

What is Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Borislav Meandzija, MD, chief of Behavioral Health at Yale Health, discusses web-based cognitive behavioral therapy, who might benefit from it and explains the process.

james-porzio

What is a Pharmacy Formulary?

James Porzio, RPh, MPharm explains what a pharmacy formulary is and how drugs are categorized into the different tiers.

tom-brady

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?

Tom Brady, PA-C, Specialty Services, Yale Health, discusses the benefits of different types of phyical therapy and when a patient might need it.

lesliewhite

Do Women Need to Have an Annual Gynecological Exam?

Leslie White, APRN, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale Health, dicsusses women’s preventive health and the need for periodic gynecological examinations.

marybeth-massaro

What is a referral?

MaryBeth Massaro, account assistant, Referrals Department at Yale Health discusses the Yale Health referral process.

douglasidelson

Childhood Immunizations

Childhood vaccinations one of the most successful public health achievements in modern history. Dr. Douglas Idelson discusses the importance of these vaccinations and risks unvaccinated children pose to the community. 

matt_lynch

Why is Physical Activity Important?

Dr. Matt Lynch discusses the benefits of physical activity and ways to fit activity into your lifestyle.

john-toth

Refill or Renewal - What's the Difference?

John Toth, pharmacist, discusses the difference between a prescription refill and a prescription renewal and how a Yale Health member should get these filled.

davidsmith

Are You Ready to Shovel Snow?

Dr. David Smith discusses the health risks and ways to avoid them when shoveling snow.

lisa_kimmel

Nutrition Starts at the Grocery Store

Lisa Kimmel, registered dietician and certified nutrition discusses one of the first stops to eating a healthy diet, planning meals and filling your house with healthy food choices.

ellen_jenkin-cappiello

What has Yale Health done to prepare for Ebola?

Ellen Jenkin-Cappiello, registered nurse and health educator discusses how Yale Health has worked with partners throughout the University to prepare for Ebola.

douglasidelson

What Should I Do If My Child Has a Stomach Bug?

Dr. Douglas Idelson discusses “stomach bug” symptoms and treatments for children of all ages.

martha_asarisi

How Can I Remember to Take My Medications?

Martha Asarisi, pharmacist discusses hints and helpful tips for remembering to take your medicine and what to do if you forget to take it or can’t remember if you took it or not.

vanessa_jefferson

What Should I Know About Foot Care?

Vanessa Jefferson, APRN and certified diabetic educator, discusses the importance of proper foot care. Daily inspection, cleaning and care of any cuts are important steps in the care of your feet.

aaron_clark

When and How Should I Stretch?

Listen and learn about the basics of stretching, when, how and why you should stretch.

alcantara-cadillo

How Can I Avoid Dehydration?

Dr. Delly Alcantara discusses how to avoid dehydration, the symptoms of dehydration, and how much water you should drink daily.

michael_goulet

How Are Lab Services Provided at Yale Health?

As medicine advanced and more lab tests were being ordered, Yale Health decided to partner with Quest Diagnostics in 2006. Michael Goulet, PT, MHP, CRA, manager of the laboratory at the Yale Health Center, discusses how lab services are now provided to Yale Health patients.

lesliewhite

I'm Planning on Getting Pregnant, What Should I Do to Prepare?

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, there are several things you should consider when trying to conceive. Leslie White, APRN, Obstetrics & Gynecology, gives advice how to prepare for becoming pregnant.

jonathanweber

Why Would I be Admitted to Inpatient Care?

Learn the criteria for admission into Inpatient Care at the Yale Health Center along with information on the staff that cares for patients in the unit. Jonathan Weber, PA-C, discusses the benefits as you transition home. 

susan_forster

What is Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Dr. Susan Forster discusses the details of a comprehensive eye exam including when you should schedule an appointment to have your eyes examined.

ann_marie_cirkot

How Do I Know if it's the Flu?

The cold and flu are both caused by respiratory viruses, but the flu can have more serious complications. Ann Marie Cirkot, RN, Health Education and Staff Promotion, describes flu symptoms and treatment options.

christopherdesanto

What is Pink Eye and How Can I Treat it?

Christopher DeSanto, MD, Pediatrics, explains the different types of pink eye and gives advice on how to treat it.

joannknudson

When Should I Get a Pap Test?

Joanne Knudson, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, talks about the guidelines for Pap testing as well next steps if your tests come back abnormal.

ann_marie_cirkot

Why Should I Get a Flu Shot?

Flu season comes every year and you need to protect yourself against the influenza virus. Ann Marie Cirkot, RN, Health Education and Staff Promotion, discusses the importance of getting a flu shot.

joe_serio

How Do I Properly Dispose of My Unwanted Medications?

Do you have unused or expired medications?  Joseph Serio, PharmD, Pharmacy, gives advice on how to dispose of these medications properly.

laurie_bridger

What Can I Do to Manage My Allergy Symptoms?

Dr. Laurie Bridger, Internal Medicine, offers some tips about how to reduce your exposure to allergens as well as medications available to help you deal with your symptoms.

michael_goulet

What is the Difference Between a Radiologist and a Technologist?

Michael Goulet, PT, MHP, CRA, Manager, Diagnostic Imaging, explains the difference between a radiologist and technologist including who will give you the results of your images.

christopher_bunick

How Can I Prevent and Treat Dry Skin?

Dr. Christopher Bunick, Dermatology, discusses a three-step approach to preventing dry skin as well as tips to treat dry skin.

lisa_kimmel

How Can I be Successful Managing My Weight?

Lisa Kimmel, RD, Being Well at Yale, discusses strategies for successful weight management through sustainable lifestyle changes.

davidsmith

What is White Coat Hypertension?

Dr. David Smith, Internal Medicine, discusses the phenomenon known as “white coat hypertension” as well as ways to be sure you are getting accurate blood pressure readings.

michelle brei

Childhood Obesity

Michelle Brei, APRN, Pediatrics, discusses the growing problem of childhood obesity in America.  She shares some of the lifestyle factors that can lead to childhood obesity as well as some tips to help prevent it.

helendzunjna

How Can I Clear Sinus Congestion?

Helen Dzujna, PA-C, Internal Medicine, shares at-home remedies for clearing sinus congestion including nasal sprays, neti pots and decongestants.

franbatesole_healthcast

What Immunizations Should I Have as an Adult?

Fran Batesole, RN, Preventive Health, discusses which immunizations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend for various adult age groups.

tom-brady

How Can I Treat a Sprained Ankle?

Learn some simple techniques to treat a sprained ankle at home as well as how long ankle sprains last.  Tom Brady, PA-C, also discusses treatment options if you have had multiple ankle sprains.

hannah_mark

How Can I Keep My Kids Safe During the Summer?

Hannah Deck, APRN, offers some summer safety tips to help make sure you and your children have a fun and safe summer.

peter steere square crop

What Are Generic Medications?

Peter Steere, RPh, MBA, discusses how medications become generic as well as how the Yale Health Pharmacy moves the medication along with its brand name to the appropriate tiers when a generic becomes available.

nockels-fabbri

How Can I Prevent Tick Bites and Lyme Disease?

Christiane Nockels-Fabbri, PA-C, shares some tips for preventing tick bites and explains what to do if you find a tick on you.

jameslaspino

How to Read Your Prescription Label?

James Laspino, RPh, describes the information on your prescription label including the prescription number, medical record number and any warnings or directions for taking the medication.

maddie wilson crop

Patient-Centered Medical Home

Dr. Madeline Wilson discusses what it means for Yale Health to be recognized as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and how a patient-centered medical home operates.

michael_rigsby crop

What is Yale Health?

Dr. Michael Rigsby gives an overview of Yale Health, not-for-profit, physician-led health plan that operates a medical center on the Yale campus.

cheryl_doebrick

Quitting Drinking Safely and Effectively

Cheryl Doebrick, PhD, shares advice on how to quit drinking, the withdrawal symptoms that may come along with quitting and the resources available to the Yale community.

slawek

How to Prevent Falls Among the Elderly?

Learn some simple tips that can help you prevent falls as you or your family members age.  Dr. Slawomir Mejnartowicz offers several inexpensive measures that you can take to remain safe.

michelle brei

How Can I Keep My Kids Fit in the Winter?

Michelle Brei, APRN, talks about how to keep your children active during the cold winter months.  She also talks about expert recommendations regarding television, computer and video game usage.

maddie wilson crop

How Does Acute Care Work?

Dr. Madeline Wilson describes Yale Health’s Acute Care Department including the services offered and how patients should utilize its services.

jamesperlotto

Sexually Transmitted Infections - Herpes

Dr. James Perlotto discusses one of the most common STIs including different types of herpes and how they are contracted.

paul_genecin

What is a Complete Physical Exam?

Dr. Paul Genecin describes a typical physical exam, guidelines for when you should get an exam as well as follow up exams or tests that may be needed.

douglasidelson

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Dr. Douglas Idelson gives advice about when you should call your child’s pediatrician based on parental instinct, your child’s age and issues that require more prompt response.

david_roth

Your First Gynecological Exam

Dr. David Roth discusses when women should schedule their first gynecological exam, why the exams are important and what women should expect during the exam.

jamesperlotto

Sexually Transmitted Infections - Syphilis

Dr. James Perlotto gives a brief history of syphilis, the stages of the disease and how it is transmitted.

annross

Understanding Perimenopause

Dr. Ann Ross discusses the signs and symptoms of perimenopause.

jamesperlotto

Sexually Transmitted Infections - Overview

Dr. James Perlotto gives an overview of sexually transmitted infections including prevention tips and treatment options.

david_roth

What is a Pap Smear?

Dr. David Roth describes how a pap smear is done, who should get a pap smear and possible outcomes of a pap smear test.

jamesperlotto

Sexually Transmitted Infections - Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Dr. James Perlotto talks about two of the most common sexually transmitted infections included the symptoms if left untreated as well as testing and treatment options.

paul_genecin

How to Prepare for a Complete Physical Exam

Dr. Paul Genecin discusses what you should do prior to your appointment for a physical exam.