Tag: Health Matters

Combating Cardiac Arrest

What kills more people than AIDS, breast cancer, and lung cancer combined? Cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is the heart’s inability to contract properly which causes the blood to stop circulating. When this occurs, the brain doesn’t receive oxygen which can lead to death in a matter of minutes. Cardiac arrest kills an average of 1,000 people every day.

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. David Granet and his guest, Dr. Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, introduce the newest device called an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator that could help save lives.

Watch “Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and Sudden Cardiac Death” to discover how it works in conjunction with the heart’s electrical system and learn tips for lowering your risk of cardiac arrest.

Check out other programs about cardiology on UCSD-TV.

Fighting Food Allergies in Children

Every three minutes some one goes to the emergency room because of an allergy-related event.

When you have an allergic reaction to something you eat, your body recognizes a protein in the food and reacts against it. There are many different responses that can happen-rashes, hives, diarrhea-but, the most dangerous occurrence is when there is potential for anaphylaxis, which can cause death.

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. David Granet talks with UC San Diego’s Dr. Stephanie Leonard who is the director of the Food Allergy Center at Rady Children’s Hospital here in San Diego.

More than 3 million people under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with food allergies, but Dr. Leonard says that number is on the rise. In a ten year period, she says, there has been an 18% increase in the diagnosis of food allergies in children.

Watch “Children’s Food Allergies- Health Matters” to hear the various theories behind why that number is increasing.

For more on food allergies, check out Food Allergies: Past, Present and Future.

Traveling Abroad? Then This 'Health Matters' Matters To You

A trip abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime but it can also wreak havoc on your immune system. How can travelers minimize health risks before heading out to the airport? If you do return home sick, how can you be sure to get an accurate diagnosis?

On the latest edition of “Health Matters,” travel medicine specialist Dr. Joseph Vinetz joins host Dr. David Granet to discuss the health needs of every traveler. Also, Dr. Sharon Reed takes us on a tour of the Microbiology and Virology Laboratories at UC San Diego, where diseases contracted both at home and abroad are diagnosed.

Watch “Travel Medicine — Health Matters,” premiering tonight (March 21) at 8pm and online now.

Don't Let a Shoulder Injury Get You Down

Ouch!

No injury is good, but a tweaked shoulder can be especially inconvenient and downright uncomfortable.

A complex and unstable joint like the shoulder is often prone to injury. Luckily, there are many options for treatment.

On the latest edition of “Health Matters,” host David Granet welcomes Dr. Matthew Meunier, clinical professor at UC San Diego, to discuss treatments that may return patients to full function – whether that means a casual round of golf or competitive swimming.

Watch “Shoulder Injury — Health Matters,” tonight at 8 on UCSD-TV, and online now.

The Latest on ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Tune in tonight at 8pm (or watch it online now) when “Health Matters” host Dr. David Granet welcomes UC San Diego neurologist Dr. Geoffrey Sheean to explore ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). They’ll discuss ways patients can manage symptoms to help maintain as much independence as possible and prolong survival.

Watch ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) – Health Matters.