Sickle cell disease is a blood disease that can affect every organ in the body. It's an inherited and incurable condition, but it can be treated and managed. Sickle cell patients, like 12-year-old Justin Ruiz of Hilton Head Island, also have an increased risk of stroke. Justin needs annual tests to assess his stroke risk. However, one of his parents had to miss a full day of work, and he would miss a full day of school and soccer practice, to get the test done in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). 

Mosquitos are among nature’s biggest pests.  Their bites itch, they’re annoying and they can carry diseases.  But surprisingly, says Clemson professor Peter Adler, of the approximately 60 mosquito species that inhabit South Carolina, two-thirds of them DON’T bite humans.  Some are adapted to reptiles, others to birds, and some don’t feed on blood at all.  Of those that do, different things about people attract them:  size, the amount of carbon dioxide they produce, even blood type!  (Type A, you’re lucky.  You’re their least favorite.  Type O, sorry about that.  They love you.)

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Charlie Strange about the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary emphysema.  Dr. Strange is a Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at MUSC.

Specialist doctors are scarce in parts of rural South Carolina. For kids in need of a specialist appointment, it can be even more difficult.

This flu season has been more aggressive than usual. DHEC says more than 3,400 people have been hospitalized with the flu so far this season, and at least 128 people in South Carolina have died, including a child. Health officials are urging everyone older than 6 months to get vaccinated if they haven’t done so, and to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Alyssa Rheingold about Mindfulness—an approach to improve psychological wellbeing and reduce stress.  Dr. Rheingold is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Associate Director of the Sleep and Anxiety Program at MUSC.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Lynn Schnapp about signs, symptoms and treatment of pneumonia.  Dr. Schnapp is a Professor and Director of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine at MUSC.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Christine Holmstedt about the signs and symptoms of stroke and why prompt treatment is essential. Dr. Holmstedt is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Emergency Medicine and the Medical Director of the Tele-Neuroscience at MUSC. 

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. John Freedy about including mental health and behavioral health issues during a primary care visit.  Dr. Freedy is a Professor of Family Medicine and Director of the Behavioral Science Curriculum for the Family Medicine Residency Program at MUSC.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Andrea Rinn about the latest understanding of sleep, and why it is so essential for good health.  Dr. Rinn is a physician in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and the Medical Director of the Sleep Lab at MUSC.