Health Matters: Vaping dangers, a poly-pill, dispelling a myth about women and heart attack symptoms

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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — The most recent edition of Health Matters Presented by SSM Health provides KMOX listeners with an in-depth look at several hot button medical issues. 

One of the big topics discussed in this week's show is vaping dangers for young people.  The CDC reports many more cases of people being hospitalized with severe lung infections after smoking.  And in Illinois, the first fatal case of a death linked to vaping. Pulmonologist Dr. Mohsin Ehsan at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles tells us what we need to know about safety concerns and vaping.

Related: Illinois patient's death may be first in US tied to vaping

We also talk about a new study that finds a plant-based diet can lower our risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Pediatrician Dr. Lori Hugg with the SSM Health Medical Group tells us about the benefits of a plant-based diet and how it is good not just for adults, but kids too.  

Plus, we talk with a breast surgeon for SSM Health Medical Group — Dr. Stephanie Schnepp — about three new breast care treatments now being offered at SSM Health St. Louis — Magseeds, Magtrace and Hidden Scar.

And our co-host SSM Health family medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Wessels tells us about a new study that finds women have the same traditional heart attack symptoms as men, as well as some more subtle symptoms.

Related: MYTHBUSTER: Study shows women have same risks for heart attacks as men

Listen to this weekend's show here:

Here is the complete rundown for this weekend's show:

Health Matters Presented by SSM Health — aired on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at 4 p.m. on KMOX
  1. Dr. JENNIFER WESSELS, VP of Medical Affairs for the SSM Health Medical Group and a family medicine physician.  Dr. Wessels talks about a new "poly-pill" — a single pill that's inexpensive and capable of cutting the risk — even preventing — heart attacks and strokes. How does it work? Who should get it? A new study dispels a common myth about women and heart disease. It found women suffer the same major symptoms as men when having a heart attack. Plus some more subtle symptoms. What are the major symptoms — and the lesser ones?  Norwegian researchers say even a little exercise means a lot for extending your life span. What should we be doing and why?  Scientists say eating apples and drinking tea can help keep us healthy. Why? It's the flavonoids. What are flavonoids? Should we be worried about radiation from using our cell phones so often? A new report from the Chicago Tribune says we should.  Should we?  Plus — how can we discern which studies should change our way of life — and which ones deserve more research before we take any action? 
  2. Dr. MOHSIN EHSAN, a pulmonologist with SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles and SSM Health Medical Group. The CDC says it is getting more reports of teens with severe lung illnesses after vaping. What's going on? Does vaping cause lung disease? What's the latest research show? Is vaping an appropriate way to help foster smoking cessation? Why is vaping so popular among teens? Is vaping here to stay? What advice does he have for parents when it comes to their kids vaping? What are the signs your child is vaping? What are the signs the vaping could be leading to a lung illness?  
  3.  Dr. STEPHANIE SCHNEPP, breast surgeon for SSM Health Medical Group.  A new trifecta of breast care advancements is now being offered patients at SSM Health St. Louis. The first is called Magseed. What is it? Who needs it and what is the benefit? The second is Magtrace. What is that and who needs it? What are the benefits? How do the two treatments differ? The third advancement in care is called Hidden Scar. What is that and how does it work? Who can get it? What is the psychological impact of breast cancer surgery on women? How welcome are these advancements? 
  4.  Dr. LORI HUGG, a pediatrician with the SSM Health Medical Group. A new study finds eating a plant-based diet might help prevent Type 2 diabetes. How? What is plant-based nutrition? What are the short term and long term health benefits of a plant-based diet? Is it good for children as well as adults? How does a plant-based diet differ for kids — when compared to adults? Tips to get started with a plant-based diet? PLUS our health tip of the week from co-host Dr. JENNIFER WESSELS, SSM Health VP of Medical Affairs and a family medicine physician. Today, Dr. Wessels has some thoughts on how to talk with our kids about bullying at school. She says to look for any changes in mood or behavior. And listen to what they are saying. How should you talk to your child about possible bullying at school?

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