Premier Health Now On-Air: COVID-19 Edition

With the news about COVID-19 evolving daily, get insights from Premier Health specialists who help to make sense of the latest developments. In this podcast, host Mary Werden asks the questions that are probably on your mind, too. Our specialists offer a trusted local perspective to help us all understand, combat, and live with the coronavirus here in Southwest Ohio.

Episode #17 - Week of 5-3-2021

If you upped your intake of vitamin D or alcohol to cope with the pandemic, Dr. Roberto Colón has some advice for you. Listen in as he talks with host Mary Werden about how COVID-19 vaccines are exceeding expectations, the quest to determine if we'll need a booster shot, the safety of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and whether the vaccine can affect a woman's menstrual cycle.

Episode #16 - Week of 4-26-2021

To help us understand all the COVID-19 vaccine news, Dr. Marc Belcastro explains what's happening now with the UK variant, what herd immunity really means, the importance of dose #2, vaccine trials for kids, how “long COVID” may be affected by the vaccine, and more. Listen in as host Mary Werden asks the important questions that are on your mind.

Episode #15 - Week of 4-19-2021

With no COVID-19 playbook to guide them, Premier Health physician leaders leaned on each other and the rapidly evolving science as they set the course for patient care and employee safety. A year later, listen in as they reflect with host Mary Werden on the power of leading by example, their pandemic highs and lows, and how this experience made them stronger.

Episode #14 - Week of 3-22-2021

With information changing by the minute at the pandemic's outset, Premier Health nurses rose to the challenge of doing their best for patients every day — even when resources were scarce, fear was rising, and exhaustion set in. A year later, listen as nurse leaders share their best and worst moments, key learnings, and pride in their colleagues with host Mary Werden.

Episode #13 - Week of 3-15-2021

“I'm beginning to believe that we'll get back to the life we had before,” says Premier Health's Randy Marriott, MD. Listen in as he talks the latest COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and variants with host Mary Werden — and reflects on COVID-19's effects on his patients and colleagues, our hospitals, and his own life. And learn what happened to the flu this year.

Episode #12 - Week of 3-1-2021

While hopes are rising in the fight against COVID-19 in Southwest Ohio, Premier Health's Roberto Colón, MD, cautions against dropping our guard too soon — especially with variants spreading and spring break ahead. He discusses with host Mary Werden how vaccines are “an absolute game changer,” the strengths of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, how to manage “COVID arm,” ways to boost your mental health, and more.

Episode #11 - Week of 2-15-2021

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you're pregnant or breastfeeding? What if you're being treated for cancer or are immunocompromised? Premier Health's Marc Belcastro, DO, says “yes.” He explains herd immunity and why pain relievers before vaccination may not be advisable. On a personal note, he shares his cancer journey during the pandemic with host Mary Werden and urges us to stay the course in the fight against COVID-19.

Episode #10 - Week of 2-1-2021

You have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines — and Premier Health's Steven Burdette, MD, has answers. Listen in as he debunks common vaccine myths with host Mary Werden. Learn more about what to expect when you get the second vaccine dose, whether vaccines protect against COVID-19 variants, when the vaccine supply will increase, fan safety at the Super Bowl, and why he's hopeful that a return to normal is in our future.

Episode #9 - Week of 1-11-2021

If you're recovering from COVID-19 at home, what tools should be in your “get well” kit? And if you're awaiting the vaccine, what should you know? Premier Health's Randy Marriott, MD, helps you sort through the facts and myths. Listen in as he and host Mary Werden discuss vaccine safety, side effects vs. allergic reactions, who should not get the vaccine, the skyrocketing numbers of COVID patients at Premier Health hospitals, and more.

Episode #8 - Week of 12-14-2020

The all-time peak for U.S. COVID-19 cases looms in early January. Premier Health's Roberto Colón, MD, says universal masking could lower the curve — and case numbers. Listen in as he and host Mary Werden discuss the new vaccines that cannot cause COVID; if HEPA filters help prevent COVID-19 at home; disinfecting wipes vs. antibacterial wipes vs. essential oils; and why being careful with this holiday will give us many more holidays ahead.

Episode #7 - Week of 11-16-2020

With COVID-19 vaccines on the way, what do you need to know? Premier Health's Steven Burdette, MD, explains the known, the unknown, and the encouraging news. Listen in as he and host Mary Werden discuss the very real post-COVID syndrome, how masks can help preserve “normal” life and protect our mental health, and why you should wait at least three months before retesting after a positive COVID diagnosis. 

Episode #6 - Week of 11-2-2020

Confused about isolation, quarantine, and retesting after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis? Get the facts on current guidelines from Premier Health's Randy Marriott, MD. Listen in as he and host Mary Werden discuss how hospitals are handling the new surge in cases, immunity and the risk for reinfection, secondary pneumonia after COVID, the impact on Ohio's correctional facilities, and why a mask is still the best way to stop COVID's spread. 

Episode #5 - Week of 10-19-2020

Yes, we're making progress against COVID-19, says Premier Health's Roberto Colón, MD. In fact, Miami Valley Hospital is the only Ohio hospital enrolling outpatients and inpatients in a clinical trial for the investigational antibody treatment, Regeneron. Learn more as he updates host Mary Werden on treatments and vaccines, post-COVID syndrome, studies on surfaces and blood types, talking to your college student, and how to stay safe at the polls. 

Episode #4 - Week of 10-5-2020

Can we celebrate the upcoming holidays and stay safe? Premier Health's Marc Belcastro, DO, believes you can have a fun Halloween and welcome your college students home safely by following common-sense guidelines. Listen in as he talks with host Mary Werden about visiting loved ones in nursing homes, proven ways to boost your immunity, why respect and kindness are essential now, and how to interpret the news by “listening to the science.” 

Episode #3 – Week of 9-21-2020

Ready for COVID-19 to be over? Premier Health’s Steven Burdette, MD, cautions: “We have to keep our guard up, we have to keep social distancing, we have to wear our masks. And it does work, it's just that it's really hard as a human being to do that seven days a week.” Listen in as he talks frankly with host Mary Werden about the most effective masks, the virus’ unpredictability, advice for the upcoming flu season, and the value of telemedicine.

Episode #2 – Week of 9-7-2020

Rethinking our routines and protecting our health during this prolonged pandemic is taking a toll. Premier Health’s Randy Marriott, MD, and host Mary Werden discuss why physical activity matters more than ever, guidance for attending weddings now, advances in vaccine technology, the pros and cons of asymptomatic testing and rapid tests, and why a flu shot is essential this year. Listen in!

Episode #1 – Week of 8-24-2020

As we continue to live with COVID-19 in Southwest Ohio, Premier Health’s Roberto Colón, MD, and host Mary Werden take us inside the fight to understand, combat, and live with the coronavirus. Dr. Colón discusses current COVID-19 data trends, recovering from the virus, antigen and PCR tests, why getting a flu shot is essential this year, and why adapting is a better response than fear. Join us!

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Roberto Colón, MD

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William Marriott, MD

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Steven Burdette, MD

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