Baptist HealthTalk

After more than a decade of living with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease, Ana found something that finally made a real difference. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, she shares with us how deep brain stimulation helped her regain movement, confidence and control over her daily life.

From not being able to brush her teeth to riding her bike and playing hours of pickleball, Ana’s story shows what’s possible with the right treatment — and the right mindset.

Ana sits down with Dr. Sporrer, the neurosurgeon who changed her life, to tell us more about this life-changing procedure and how it’s giving new hope to people living with Parkinson’s.

Host: 

Willard Shepard, Award-Winning Journalist

Guests:

Justin Sporrer, M.D., Neurosurgeon and Director of Functional Neurosurgery at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Ana Velasco, Parkinson’s Patient

This isn’t your father’s colonoscopy. Colorectal screening is entering a new era, with innovations that make the process easier, detection earlier and more accessible than ever. From a simple blood test that can detect signs of cancer to AI technology helping doctors catch polyps that might otherwise go unnoticed, today’s tools are transforming the screening experience. Whether you’re due for your first test or curious about your options, this conversation offers the insight you need to take charge of your colorectal health — with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Host:
Sandra Peebles
Award-Winning Journalist

Experts:
Victor Maciel, M.D., Colorectal Surgeon at Baptist Health

Ariel Sims, M.D., Gastroenterologist at Gastro Health

Cada año, miles de mujeres enfrentan el cáncer de mama, pero la información y la prevención pueden marcar la diferencia. En este espacio, exploramos los signos de advertencia, los factores de riesgo y las mejores estrategias para la detección temprana con la ayuda de expertos en salud. Nuestro objetivo es derribar mitos, empoderar a la comunidad hispana y brindar herramientas clave para el bienestar. Infórmate, actúa y comparte este conocimiento con quienes más quieres.

Presentadora:

Sandra Peebles, Periodista Galardonada 

Experta:

Experta:

Jane Mendez, M.D., Jefa de Cirugía del Seno, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

El cáncer colorrectal está en aumento, especialmente entre los jóvenes. Pero la buena noticia es que detectarlo a tiempo puede marcar la diferencia. En este episodio, hablamos sobre la detección temprana del cáncer colorrectal, incluyendo la colonoscopía y otras alternativas.

Descubre por qué la prevención es clave, cuándo es recomendable hacerse la prueba y cómo estos exámenes pueden salvar vidas. No dejes tu salud al azar. Infórmate, previene y actúa.

Presentadora:

Sandra Peebles, Periodista Galardonada

Experta:

Victor Maciel, M.D., Cirujano Colorrectal, Baptist Health 

With so many food trends and nutrition claims flooding the market, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s just clever marketing. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with registered dietitian Lucette Talamas to break down the truth about nutrition labels, diet fads and so-called “healthy” foods. Learn how to spot misleading claims, understand key ingredients like fiber and artificial additives and make informed choices that truly benefit your health. Whether you’re navigating the grocery store or scrolling through wellness trends online, this episode will give you the expert-backed tools to separate hype from healthy.

Host:
Johanna Gomez
Award-Winning Host & Journalist

Expert:
Lucette Talamas, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Baptist Health 

Groundbreaking advancements in heart surgery are transforming lives faster than ever. In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Tom Nguyen explores how AI, robotics and cutting-edge techniques are revolutionizing patient care to get patients back on their feet quickly. Learn how AI is helping surgeons make better decisions, the silent signs of a heart attack that could save your life and why innovation is pushing the boundaries of modern medicine. This is the future of heart health—you don’t want to miss it!

Host:

Willard Shepard, Award-Winning Journalist

Guest:

Tom Nguyen, M.D., Chief Medical Executive and Director of Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Heart disease affects minority communities more than others, but why? In this episode, we explore the social factors that contribute to heart health disparities, including access to healthy food and healthcare. We’ll explain why Black adults are at higher risk for heart disease and share the latest advancements in heart care that could make a difference.

Our experts offer practical tips for prevention, early detection, and breaking unhealthy patterns that can span generations. This isn’t just a health talk—it’s an invitation to take action and improve heart health for all.

Host:

Nicky Gelin

Guest:

Marcus St. John, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute

El corazón de la mujer late con fuerza, pero también enfrenta riesgos únicos. En este episodio, hablamos sobre las señales de alerta, la prevención y los hábitos clave para una salud cardiovascular óptima. Descubre cómo el estrés, la alimentación y el ejercicio influyen en tu corazón y qué cambios puedes hacer hoy para fortalecerlo. ¡Tu corazón es tu motor, cuídalo!

Presentadora: 

Sandra Peebles, Periodista Galardonada 

Experta: 

Sandra Chaparro, M.D., Cardióloga, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Did you know that how well you sleep can actually affect your heart? In today's episode, we’ll dive into how both the quantity of sleep and quality of sleep can make a difference for your health. Skimping on sleep—less than seven hours a night—can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, creating a cycle that’s tough to break. But, there’s hope! Small steps like sticking to regular sleep and wake times and watching out for conditions like sleep apnea, especially if you already have heart issues, can make a huge impact. 

It’s all about getting better rest to help your heart—and the rest of you—stay strong.

Host:

Neki Mohan, Award-Winning Journalist

Guest:

Dionne Morgan, M.D., Sleep Medicine Physician at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute