Health Conversations with Anna Smith

Anna S. Smith

About

How do I understand research studies that I see in the media and whether it is sensational or crucial? How do I process the enormous amount of social media healthcare information and apply the essentials to my life? What are practical ways to live my life and protect myself and/or family during COVID-19? How do I start health conversations that are healthy with those around me while maintaining friendships and relationships? Most importantly, what are takeaways that I can apply every episode to my daily life each week courageously and generously?

If you have ever asked yourself these questions, know that you are not alone. This is the show for you.

Welcome to Health Conversations with Anna Smith. A safe place to honestly walk through these questions and more each week. We will talk with experts who are working daily in the trenches to figure out complex issues. Join our conversations weekly while you commute to work, work out, do the dishes, or mow the yard. Welcome!

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29 episodes

Science Deniers impact on healthcare

Have you wondered where the world is coming to with individuals who seem to be more and more denying science? Maybe its your relative who keeps posting things on social media such as “question everything” or perhaps a co worker who is fascinated with the latest conspiracy theory. Join our podcast today with Dr. Lee McIntyre as he talks about his new book How to Talk to a Science Denier. We will dive into the hard questions and help empower you to be a better health information consumer.  Join our community at:  www.annassmith.com https://www.annassmith.com/forum Instagram (@HEALTHCONVAS), Twitter (@HEALTHCONVAS)  Facebook page (HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HEALTHCONVAS).

1h 5m
Aug 19, 2021
Bonus and Season 1 finale

On this short episode, join me as I talk about the future of the podcast, when season 2 will begin and some personal information. 

4m
Apr 01, 2021
When Ebola comes to town

In 2014 many individuals in West Africa found themselves at the center of an ebola outbreak. They watched in some cases nine out of ten individuals who got ebola die. The CDC and other public health organizations sent out emergency teams to help these countries contain the outbreaks and begin vaccine trials. Join us this week as we dive in with Dr. Jane Seward into the world of infections diseases and particularly the ebola outbreaks. Just a few months ago we are hearing about another outbreak happening in many of these countries again. Dr. Seward will provide us with insight into how the previous outbreaks are impacting the current outbreak.    Dr Seward graduated with a medical degree from the University of Western Australia, did her training in clinical pediatrics at Tulane University in New Orleans and obtained her MPH in epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta.  Her background includes experience in maternal and child health, global public health and viral diseases with a focus on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine policy and evaluation.  She worked for UN agencies while she and her family resided in China for 5 years in the 1990s.  After returning to Atlanta in 1996, she joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where her work was primarily related to varicella, measles, mumps and other vaccine preventable diseases.  She has considerable experience in other viral diseases and in infectious disease outbreak control and emergency response.  During the 2014-2016 West Africa ebola epidemic, she worked on the CDC-sponsored Ebola vaccine trial in Sierra Leone spending 8-9 months in the country leading the CDC vaccine field team work and otherwise working on the trial from CDC headquarters in Atlanta.  After retiring from CDC in late 2016, she worked at the Task Force for Global Health for several years on global influenza including vaccine policy and pandemic preparedness.  She is now a guest researcher at CDC.  

1h 2m
Mar 25, 2021
Indian Health Service

In 2019, 6.9 million individuals in the United States identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. Many of these individuals are part of sovereign nations inside the United States' boundaries but governed by their tribal groups. Indian health service has been in the news these past few months for their work regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and the impact the disease has had on these sovereign nations. Today's podcast is with CAPT Thomas Weiser, MD, MPH, and Jillian Doss-Walker, MPH from the department. Join us as we explore deeper into Indian Health Service and its impact on sovereign nations. We also explore how these sovereign nations are taking it upon themselves to improve their own people groups' healthcare. At the end of the podcast, we provide practical ways for individuals, medical and non-medical, to become involved. Global health is at our doorsteps.   All referenced material can be found at www.annassmith.com/forum

46m
Mar 18, 2021
When Malaria strikes!

Many parents around the world face the devastating effects that Malaria has on their children sometimes more than five times before the child turns 5 years old. Dr. Chandy John shares about his labs collaboration and work to reduce the burden that malaria can have on these families. We explore about sickle cells disease and traits specifically how they impact malaria. On a large scale we talk about how everyday individuals can help to improve the lives of those suffering through malaria and the prevention. We dive into the link between malaria and the CDC as well as so many other topics. This podcast helps broaden our horizons in global health and to hear about the work that everyday heroes are doing.  All podcast links can be found at https://www.annassmith.com/forum Chandy C. John, M.D., M.S., holds the Ryan White Endowed Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and is director of the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health at Indiana University. Dr. John’s research focuses on malaria pathogenesis, immunology and epidemiology and infections in children with sickle cell disease. Key discoveries of his collaborative research team include: 1) the first prospective studies to establish that severe malaria is associated with long-term cognitive impairment in children, 2) identification of immunologic factors that increase risk of severe malaria and cognitive impairment after severe malaria; 3) determination of geographic and immunologic factors that affect risk of malaria in areas of unstable malaria transmission; and 4) pioneering studies on the efficacy, safety and optimal dosing of hydroxyurea for treatment of children with sickle cell anemia in malaria endemic areas. Dr. John conducts research and training programs in Kenya in collaboration with colleagues at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, and in Uganda in collaboration with colleagues at Makerere University. He is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and 30 book chapters. Dr. John is co-chair of the Thrasher Research Fund Scientific Advisory Committee, a member of the NIH Fogarty International Center Advisory Board, and has served on or chaired numerous NIH and national and international study sections and review boards. Dr. John’s awards include the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Young Investigator Award (2004), and the Bailey K. Ashford Medal from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene for contributions to tropical medicine research (2011). Dr. John is an active clinician, specializing in pediatric infectious diseases at Riley Hospital for Children. As an educator, Dr. John was director of global health residency tracks in pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Minnesota. Dr. John served as president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 2019.  

48m
Mar 12, 2021
Infectious Diseases and pregnancy

Everyday pregnant women struggle around the world with infectious diseases. Many of these diseases leave long term impacts on the baby and sometimes result in death for mother or baby or both. Maternal and fetal health are an important part of global health. Understanding how global health works outside of the United States is important to caring for our neighbors. When we learn how other families and communities have handled infectious diseases it connects us to others struggling through out the world. Come explore this week the depth of international health specifically Zika, Group B streptococcus and COVID-19. We will explore the lab of Dr. Kristina Adams Waldorf, MD. She will give us a front row seat to what its like to be an infectious disease researcher. Hint: it can involve not sleeping much for months on end. Are you ready for the challenge of entering this lab and learning how each of us can play a part in bettering global health?  How to donate to Dr. Adams Waldorf's lab: https://online.gifts.washington.edu/peer2peer/Campaign/protecting-maternal-fetal-health SOCIAL MEDIA  Instagram @healthconvaspod Twitter @HealthconvAS  FB https://www.facebook.com/healthconvas Website: https://www.annassmith.com All referenced materials can be found at: https://www.annassmith.com/forum

46m
Mar 04, 2021
When faith and medicine Intersect

Has there been a time in your life when you feel like spiritually and healthcare don’t or shouldn’t mix? Its not a feeling that you should feel alone about. This podcast dives deep with Dr. Kristin Collier, MD into the questions of whether they should mix? If they do mix what does that look like? Also we talk about a spiritual crisis and what that practically looks like in a patient. As with each podcast we provide practical tips on how to apply this immediately into your daily life.  SOCIAL MEDIA PLACES TO ENGAGE IN THE PODCAST FURTHER Instagram @healthconvaspod Twitter @HealthconvAS  FB https://www.facebook.com/healthconvas Website: https://www.annassmith.com WHERE TO FOLLOW DR. COLLIER Dr. Kristin Collier Twitter

1h 2m
Feb 27, 2021
Preventative medicine the evidence based way

Are you struggling this beginning of the year to figure out how to improve your preventative health goals? You are not alone. In this episode we have three overarching health goals that anyone can work on. We also talk about practical ways to begin to work on these goals. Dr. Ryan Fowler is on the podcast to talk further about how to know when a health trend is a fad or evidence based. In this episode friend you can go from frustrated and overwhelmed to having the tools you need to continue or start your health journey.  Instagram (@healthconvas) Twitter (@HealthconvAS)  Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/healthconvas) Website https://www.annassmith.com/forum

43m
Feb 11, 2021
Virologist and vaccines

Virologist are an important part of understanding the role of viruses in our daily lives. On this episode we will be talking about the role of virologist with Jillian Carmichael,PhD and I will be going through at the end about how to get the COVID-19 vaccines. Being able to filter through the news and media around the new variants of the virus are important. Also having a way to find where to get the vaccine will be discussed as well. Reminder that all the referenced materials of this podcast can be found at  https://www.annassmith.com/forum.

57m
Feb 06, 2021
Diet Culture Exposed

Are you working to figure out how not to lose at your New Years resolution to eat better? You are not alone friend! We have all been there and struggled with that.This week we dive into how we view food and eating can directly impact our health. This podcast will help to increase our awareness on how the psychology of eating behaviors, weight management and wellness are intertwined. Today we are exploring practical ways that today we can let go of previous mindsets that hold us back and transform our minds into desiring healthy habits more. If you would like to explore more the books Dr. Hondorp talks about or further resources head over to the forum area and join the online discussion, keep track of all the topics you are interested in. It's FREE so head over today. Click Here

46m
Jan 28, 2021
Impacts of compassion in healthcare

Have you ever thought that compassion is just a nice thing in medicine but not necessary? What if I told you that compassion in healthcare has evidence-based backing and can change healthcare outcomes with patients? Today’s guest, Dr. Stephen Trzeciak, is the co-author of Compassionomics. This book provides evidence-based research to show that compassion is more than just a good feeling or ethical thing to do. All referenced materials can be found at: https://www.annassmith.com/forum

54m
Jan 19, 2021
Exploring Sexual Health

As we enter this new year, I wanted to have podcast this month that focus more on the lighter side of healthcare. I realize that for a lot of people out there talking about sexuality can be uncomfortable. However, sexuality and the health of it can impact our lives. Join the conversation this week as we tackle topics such as how to spice up your relationship, what is consensual sex in relationships, and a host of other topics to hopefully spark a conversation in your life as to what good sex means to you. All referenced materials can be found at https://www.annassmith.com/forum

40m
Jan 11, 2021
Practicing the Scientific Attitude

Join my conversation with Dr. Lee McIntyre, Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and a Lecturer in Ethics at Harvard Extension School. We talk about his book The Scientific Attitude from MIT Press 2019. We will be addressing howANYONE can adopt a scientific attitude and carry that into their healthcare views or work in healthcare. All referenced material can be found at https://www.annassmith.com/forum

57m
Dec 20, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing Explained

I hope this podcast provides you with valuable information as you decide whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We are on the adventure of a lifetime with COVID-19. With that comes risk and new technology. It is exciting and also scary as any new adventure. Today, join the podcast as Dr. Thomas Friedrich serves as our pilot as we explore beyond hashtags and headlines topics related to COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Get in the backseat and buckle up on this ride. All reference materials can be found FREE at https://www.annassmith.com/forum

1h 8m
Dec 17, 2020
Changing Public Health one Social Media Post at a Time

Many times we believe that one person can't make a difference! Today's podcast is with a medical student who was sidelined by the  pandemic and along with other medical students got creative and are impacting public health even behind a computer screen. I hope that this podcast inspired others who may feel sidelines this year with the hope that they can impact the world around them even if it seems like a small change. Join me today as I interview one fo the founders of @covidup2date Neha Anand. 

26m
Dec 11, 2020
COVID-19 EMPLOYEE Health Prevention

Remember a few months ago when we were all struggling with the fact that COVID-19 outbreaks were impacting meat manufacturing plants? It was so strange to go into a grocery store and see that meat was unavailable or prices were high. Perhaps even worse, you have been going into a current job where you cannot work remotely and fear every day getting COVID-19.  Friend, you are not alone. Globally we are watching employees report increased mental and behavioral health issues. Employers and employees around the globe are trying to navigate this new territory. We have Mark Gera, H.BA, MPH from Toronto, Canada, and a partner at ETIO on this podcast. He provides practical ways that employer and employees can decrease their exposure to COVID-19 AND how Canada’s public health system is handling COVID-19. Remember that you can get more content including all references direct contact for ETIO, and join in conversations at https://www.annassmith.com/forum   

53m
Dec 03, 2020
Not Picture Perfect Holidays!

Do you have people in your life who seem to set on making decisions that don’t make sense to you? You know the ones who believe COVID-19 isn’t a big deal or the ones who wear a mask in their house when no one is home? If so, you’re not alone, friend! Dr. Stafford helps us explore this content more including the firing of neurons when we are stressed. Don't forget to check out the Exclusive Content including all the references at https://www.annassmith.com/forum

44m
Nov 20, 2020
Healthy Minds in Little Bodies

Are you concerned about your children’s reaction towards life? You know, the times when they seem to be struggling with big emotions and can’t seem to calm down?  If so, you’re not alone, friend. So while you may not be able to figure out all the ins and outs of your child’s brain, there are solutions to navigating those challenging situations.  In this episode, Kelcey Chilcott PNP,  dives into pediatric mental health and tangible actions for situations. Exclusive content which includes the references used on this podcast can be found at https://www.annassmith.com

55m
Nov 17, 2020
Merging of mRNA Vaccines and Genetic Counseling

Todays podcast is full of information on the mRNA vaccine from Pfizer announced this week as well as how genetic counselors are an important part of healthcare. Join Sandra San Miguel and myself in this episode. Due to the large amount of sources for this podcast I will be providing it as part of exclusive content later on this week. Check out https://www.annassmith.com and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthconvwithannasmith/ For the announcement of this additional content. 

1h 15m
Nov 12, 2020
Hospice Austin

Todays guest are from Hospice Austin. They talk about what services hospice and palliative care can offer patients and their families. Join me for a topic that is hard to navigate but this organization does it well.  DONATE to Hospice Austin and learn more about them.  Recommended viewing Being Mortal https://youtu.be/lQhI3Jb7vMg PBS and Frontline movie

44m
Nov 04, 2020
Hospital Chaplains Changing Healthcare

Have you ever wondered what would happen to a loved one if they got COVID and weren't able to receive the last rites? Are you a medical professional trying to figure out how to utilize chaplain services at your hospital better? Join us this week as we talk to Chaplain Joe Perez, the current President of the Association of Professional Chaplains. We talk about his daily role at Valley Baptist Health System in South Texas and Chaplains' role throughout the world. Reference: https://www.texmed.org/TexasProblem/

47m
Oct 28, 2020
Surviving Breast Cancer Part 2 of 2

Today’s episode has a diversity of guests who talk about their journeys through Breast Cancer and survivorship. I am proud to have partnered with Breast Friends Forever Breast Cancer Support Group and our special guest Sandra L. San Miguel from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) . Don’t forget to join our community on Instagram. Subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episode. For thoughts or comments go to Instagram @healthconvwithAnnasmith and message me.  Below are all the referenced materials: Breast Cancer Research: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research 1-800-4 Cancer: Contact NCI for any question: https://www.cancer.gov/contact National Community Health Educators https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/crchd/inp/non Clinical Trials https://clinicaltrials.gov Statistics https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html Genetics and Breast cancer https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/

44m
Oct 23, 2020
What does Women's health look like in 2020?

In this episode Dr. Robert Cowan discusses women’s health with 25 years of medical experience. We talk about miscarriages, stillbirths, when to start seeing an OBGYN and what this speciality offers patients during menopause. Join us for this episode.  https://www.aaobgyn.com RESEARCH STUDY DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:  https://www.statnews.com/2020/09/18/how-the-cdc-and-others-are-failing-black-women-during-childbirth/

31m
Oct 15, 2020
Surviving Breast Cancer Part 1 of 2

Today’s episode has a diversity of guests who talk about their journeys through Breast Cancer and survivorship. I am proud to have partnered with Breast Friends Forever Breast Cancer Support Group and our special guest Sandra L. San Miguel from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) . Don’t forget to join our community on Instagram. Subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episode. For thoughts or comments go to Instagram and message me. #healthconversationswithAnnaSmith   Below are all the referenced materials: Breast Cancer Research: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research 1-800-4 Cancer: Contact NCI for any question: https://www.cancer.gov/contact National Community Health Educators https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/crchd/inp/non Clinical Trials https://clinicaltrials.gov Statistics https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html Genetics and Breast cancer https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/

31m
Oct 08, 2020
American Public Health Association

Dr Georges Benjamin joins us on the podcast today to talk about APHA and the daily work they support each day. For more information on APHA click here https://apha.org%20. Connect to our community on Instagram healthconvwithannasmith

38m
Sep 30, 2020
Staying sane in COVID

Referenced Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7440121/ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/415378

51m
Sep 26, 2020
Wise Health Information Consumers

Today I will be talking about how to be a wise health consumer of information. There are practical tips on how to process health related news articles that come up in your daily life.  Pediatric SARS-CoV-2: Clinical Presentation, Infectivity, and Immune Response (August 2020).  Evidence grows that children may play a larger role in transmission than previously believed: Latest study is small but shows that kids’ rates of infection and viral loads may make them silent spreaders. (August 2020). 

17m
Sep 10, 2020
Health Disparities

Today we will be talking about health disparities in the United States and how you can be a part of changing the status quo. Join me as we dive into what health disparities are and practical solutions you can implement in your community and household.   References from Podcast: STAT August 14,2020 Covid-19 clinical trials are failing to enroll diverse populations, despite awareness efforts Genetics Home Reference https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/CYP2C19 NIH CYP2C19 gene American Family Physician https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0601/p1553.html Genetic Factors in Drug Metabolism (2008)  American’s Health Rankings United Health Foundation Annual Report

26m
Sep 04, 2020
Introducing Health Conversations with Anna Smith

Welcome to Health Conversations with Anna Smith. A safe place to honestly walk through these questions and more each week. We will talk with experts who are working daily in the trenches to figure out complex issues. Join our conversations weekly while you commute to work, work out, do the dishes, or mow the yard. Welcome!

1m
Aug 31, 2020