Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health

About Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health

Patricia Raskin, host, interviews medical professionals from Southcoast Health and patients with firsthand accounts. The goal is to help and inspire listeners to navigate their health journey with knowledge, comfort and ease. The Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health podcast helps listeners to manage their health to live a longer and healthier life.

Publisher

Southcoast Health

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Jun 2023

Latest episode

13 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

39 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Sept 2026

   Primary Care 101: Choosing the Right Provider for You and Your Family with Dr. John Podkowa, Executive Chief of Primary Care - at Southcoast Health

   Dr. John Podkowa is the Executive Chief of Primary Care at Southcoast Health. He began this role in 2026 and has served as a Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider since 2009. Today, he is responsible for leading Southcoast Health's Primary Care Practice in delivering exceptional patient care, ensuring excellent quality outcomes, and improving access to primary care services. Together with the primary care team, he focuses on partnering with numerous specialties across the Southcoast Health System to strengthen patient care and better serve our community. During his tenure at Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa has served as the Medical Director for the Southcoast Health Network, a Regional Chief of Primary Care, and Chief Medical Information Officer and Senior Vice President. His leadership has always been rooted in improving how care is delivered and experienced. Dr. Podkowa is board-certified in Internal Medicine and continues to see patients in Dartmouth. His commitment to compassion extends far beyond his clinical role, and he has partnered with Southcoast Health to establish the Nicole Podkowa Patient & Caregiver Fund, which provides support to Southcoast Health Cancer Care patients in need. Before joining Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa earned his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as Chief Resident. He was also a National Health Corps scholar and a member of the Osteopathic Honors Fraternity at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Podkowa dicusses: His role as the Executive Chief of Primary Care What "primary care" really means and why it's such a critical part of overall health 3     How  the primary care setting is personal, accessible and proactive at Southcoast Health 4     How  having a strong relationship with a primary care provider impacts long-term health outcomes The key differences between Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics How a patient determines whether they should see a family physician versus an internal medicine provider What types of patients or conditions are best suited for Internal Medicine How Family Medicine differs in its approach, especially when caring for patients across all age group When a patient should  transition from a pediatrician to an adult primary care provider The situations where multiple primary care specialties collaborate to support a patient's care What role the Nurse Practitioner plays within a primary care practice How the care from a Nurse Practitioner differs from — or complement — that of a physician In what situations a patient might choose to see a Nurse Practitioner instead of a doctor Why routine check-ups, physical exams, and preventive screenings are so important — even for people who feel healthy How primary care helps patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease over time How often a patinet should schedule a physical exam or annual visit What patients should bring or prepare before their primary care appointment When someone should contact their primary care provider versus going to urgent care or the emergency room

2. 

   21 Aug 2026

   Pelvic Health Matters: Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery for All with Laura Tenekjian and Sara Knight - at Southcoast Health

   Laura Tenekjian, DPT PRPC is a Board-Certified Physical Therapist at Southcoast Health who specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Sara Knight, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist at Southcoast Health. specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation In this interview, Laura Tenekjian and Sara Knight discusss: What pelvic health rehabilitation is and who it's for 4 Why  Pelvic Health such an important, but often overlooked, part of overall wellness 5 Common symptoms that might indicate someone could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy 6 Types of conditions or life stages often lead people to seek pelvic health rehab (such as postpartum, menopause, or surgery recovery) 7. How pelvic floor dysfunction impacts daily life if left untreated 8 When someone should talk to their doctor about getting a referral for pelvic health rehab What can be expected during the first pelvic health evaluation 1  What types of assessments or evaluations therapists use to understand a patient's needs 1  How they ensure patient comfort when nervous about internal assessmen Once a diagnosis is made, the treatment options that are typically available 1  How rehabilitation programs are personalized for each patient 1  The role that strengthening, coordination, and relaxation exercises play in recovery 1  How pelvic floor therapy help with issues like back, hip, or abdominal pain 1  How pelvic health therapy supports bladder, bowel, and sexual function How the physical therapists  at Southcoast Health collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care Common misconceptions about pelvic floor therapy 1. Preventative steps people can take to maintain or improve pelvic health How long it typically takes for patients to see improvement with treatment 2  Advice to someone who feels embarrassed or hesitant to seek help 2. How members of our community access pelvic health rehabilitation services at Southcoast Health

3. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained: When Joint Pain Is More Than Wear and Tear with Dr. Suzelle Luc, Chief of Rheumatology - at Southcoast Health

   Dr. Suzelle Luc, MD. MPH, is the Chief of Rheumatology at Southcoast Health. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tufts University in Medford, MA. Dr. Luc then furthered her medical expertise, first earning her Master of Public Health degree and finally her Doctor of Medicine degree from Tufts University. After completing her education through Tufts, Dr. Luc became an intern, resident, and clinical fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She then completed her residency in the primary care program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center before completing her second year Rheumatology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Luc is board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Luc's clinical interests are in Rheumatoid Arthritis, gout, Osteoporosis and Lupus. Her personal philosophy of care is focused on putting the patient first and treating everyone she sees with dignity and respect to provide the most positive outcome. Dr. Luc's interest in Biology in high school helped inspired her to become a physician. In this episode, Dr. Luc discusses: her role as Chief of Rheumatology at Southcoast Health and what led her to specialize in rheumatology. what  rheumatology is, and what types of conditions do rheumatologists treat. how to explain RA to someone who has just been diagnosed — or is worried they might have it What the key differences are between rheumatoid arthritis with osteoarthritis and how are they treated why is early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is so important in preventing long‑term joint damage and disabilit the most common early signs and symptoms  of rheumatoid arthritis that people tend to overlook how morning stiffness is a hallmark of RA and why stiffness lasting 45 minutes or longer such an important warning sign how RA may impact other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, or skin, besides the joints when someone with persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or fatigue should consider seeing a rheumatologist what the Rheumatoid Factor test is and its role in diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis what the Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide antibody test is, what this test identifies and how it play a role in diagnosis other tools rheumatologists use to accurately diagnose RA, such as physical exams, imaging, and patient history treatment options advances for rheumatoid arthritis today and what the treatment approach looks like, from early intervention to long‑term management how treatment plans  are personalized based on disease severity, lifestyle, and a patient's goals the role that newer medications play in controlling inflammation and reducing the risk of complications like heart disease how lifestyle factors such as exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and oral health affect RA outcomes how to help patients stay empowered and engaged in their care of rheumatoid arthritis advice to patients who are newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed about the future

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.