Truman Veterans' Hospital

Truman Veterans' Hospital nephrologist DR. SMRITA DORAIRAJAN has some new information about vitamin D, a.k.a. the sunshine vitamin. For instance, she says, "higher levels of vitamin D are helping prevent certain cancers." So how much sunlight do we need in order to see these 'new' benefits? Find out on today's show! September 21, 2023

"We thought talking about pulmonary rehabilitation would be good for patients with chronic lung conditions who are symptomatic because this is a form of treatment that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life." -- DR. SATISH KALANJERI, Truman Veterans' Hospital (Additional guest: DR. JEREMY JOHNSON) September 14, 2023

"When we measure blood pressure sitting, it's okay; when people stand up (about 5% of the time), the number drops 20-30 points. It's called orthostatic hypotension." -- DR. ANAND CHOCKALINGAM, Truman Veterans' Hospital cardiologist August 18, 2023

"Half a million people in the United States die each year due to smoking-related causes." So why do people do it and, more importantly, how do people quit? DRS. JEREMY JOHNSON and SATISH KALANJERI have an answer to both, telling us that the path to quitting can start with a simple phone call to Truman Veterans' Hospital. August 8, 2023

"Nearly 66% of the U.S. adult population - which is 131 million people - are on chronic prescription medication... but ...only 50% are taking it as prescribed." -- DR. SMRITA DORAIRAJAN, nephrology specialist, Truman Veterans' Hospital, on an issue not often discussed: "medication compliance" July 28, 2023

Longtime guest and Truman VA cardiologist, DR. ANAND CHOCKALINGAM, is here with his father (all the way from India!), DR. V. CHOCKALINGAM, to tell us about an upcoming trip they're taking to Toronto later this month to present at the World Non-Communicable Diseases Congress (WNCD 2023). June 6, 2023

Today's show is for the smoker out there who doesn't like to be told not to smoke. DRS. SATISH KALANJERI and JEREMY JOHNSON, Truman Veterans' Hospital, hear you: "of course we don't want to harp on people" but..."having this conversation where our viewers know that cigarettes contain all these toxins might get them to think that maybe it's about time we think about stopping smoking." May 10, 2023

Truman VA cardiologist DR. ANAND CHOCKALINGAM is having a moment. That’s because he’s “cured heart failure,” a disease that affects 6.2 million adults in the U.S., according to the CDC. 64-year-old KARLA McNEW, RN, can attest to this as she, too, became one of those 6.2 million after being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, leg edema, and yes, heart failure. But not anymore! Hear her story of fear and then hope after meeting with Dr. Chockalingam. May 2, 2023

Looking to make a change in your diet for the betterment of your kidneys? DR. SMRITA DORAIRAJAN, nephrology specialist at Truman Veterans' Hospital, suggests looking into a plant-based diet for the following reasons (among others): it helps to maintain ideal body weight, and it helps to reduce high blood pressure; in turn, it reduces heart trouble and progression of kidney disease. March 13, 2023

The best way to know if you have sleep apnea? Get tested! Truman Veterans' Hospital chief of pulmonology, DR. JEREMY JOHNSON, takes us through the now at-home process you can do yourself (yes, from the comfort of your own bed). February 24, 2023