San Diego Health

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are widely used for shedding pounds. But what do they mean for your skin and hair? In this episode, host Susan Taylor speaks with Rawaa Almukhtar, MD, a dermatologist at Scripps Clinic, about concerns like "Ozempic face," where rapid weight loss can lead to facial volume loss, sagging skin and a more aged appearance. They also explore hair shedding during weight loss — why it happens, who's most at risk and why it's usually temporary. Plus, simple steps you can take to protect your skin and support healthy hair while on GLP-1 medications.    

Most people love sunny days, and San Diego has plenty of them. However, all that sunshine can increase the risk of skin cancer. The most common type of cancer, skin cancer affects up to 1 in 5 people in the United States, and that number is even higher in areas that get a lot of sunshine. Fortunately, skin cancer can often be detected early when it is most treatable and, with the correct treatment, survival rates can exceed 90%. In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps Cancer Center dermatologist Benjamin Kelley, MD, about skin cancer risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.  

Pelvic floor disorders are common, but many people hesitate to talk about symptoms like leakage, pressure or prolapse. The pelvic floor supports key organs, and when it weakens, problems can develop. In this episode, Varuna Raizada, MD, a urogynecologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what the pelvic floor does, common disorders and who's at risk. Dr. Raizada discusses diagnosis, treatment options — including physical therapy, estrogen cream and surgery — plus lifestyle changes, at-home exercises and when it's time to see a doctor.

A mini-stroke — also called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA — can feel like a stroke, but symptoms often fade within minutes. That can make it easy to brush off, but a TIA is a serious warning sign of a possible major stroke. In this episode, Mary Kalafut, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic, explains what a mini-stroke is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated and what to do right away — plus steps you can take to lower your risk.

Glomerular disease affects the kidney's filtering units and can lead to inflammation or scarring that makes it harder to remove waste and excess fluid. Zhabiz Solhjou, MD, a nephrologist at Scripps Clinic, breaks down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Solhjou also explains who's most at risk, the difference between primary and secondary glomerular disease and how the Scripps glomerular disease clinic helps protect kidney function.

Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that affects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood the way it should. Rajeev Mohan, MD, a cardiologist specializing in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology at Scripps Clinic, explains the different types of cardiomyopathy — including stress-induced "broken heart syndrome" — and what symptoms to watch for. Dr. Mohan also walks through how cardiomyopathy is diagnosed, the latest treatment options (from medications to implanted devices and surgery) and when it's time to see a doctor.

Hormones affect so many aspects of our health, including our moods, hunger, sleep, energy and much more. For women, fluctuating hormone levels can cause headaches that range from annoying to debilitating. Why do hormone headaches happen and how can women find relief? In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks about hormone headaches with Scripps neurologist and headache specialist Emily Engel, MD, director of the Dalessio Headache Center at Scripps Clinic. 

Robotic spine surgery is changing the way back conditions are treated. With greater precision and less recovery time, it can be a game changer for the right patients. Stephen Stephan, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon at Scripps Clinic, answers common questions and explains how it works.

In this podcast, Dr. Kalafut answers common questions about strokes including symptoms, risk factors and treatment. She also explains why time is critical, what BE FAST stands for and how to lower your risk.

Curious about plant-based eating? Tina Tran, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center San Marcos, discusses the health benefits of plant-based diets and offers tips for getting started. Learn how to get enough protein, avoid nutrient gaps and build meals you'll enjoy. Explore options like vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian and macrobiotic diets to help find what works for you.

A leaky tricuspid valve can cause blood to flow backward in the heart, leading to symptoms like fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath and even heart failure. But new minimally invasive procedures are changing how this condition is treated. Devices like the TriClip repair system and tricuspid valve replacement offer safer options than open heart surgery. Matthew Price, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Scripps Clinic, explains how these treatments are helping people return to active, healthy lives. 

Tired of glasses or contact lenses? LASIK eye surgery could be the answer. In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor talks with Scripps ophthalmologist Peter Krall, MD about how LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, who’s a good candidate and what to expect during recovery. Learn if this quick, outpatient procedure could help you see clearly — without the hassle of glasses or contacts. 

Hannah Wangberg, MD, allergist and immunologist, Scripps Clinic Food allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, triggering symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. Learn how to recognize these reactions and manage them effectively with expert guidance from Hannah Wangberg, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Scripps Clinic. Learn the difference between food allergy and food intolerance and when to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Your gut does more than digest food —I t impacts your overall health, energy and even mood. In this video, Susan Taylor sits down with Katherine Urbina, DO to discuss how the gut works, what foods help or harm it and what you can do to support a healthier gut long term. 

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body — and often goes undiagnosed.