On this Health Matters we continue to look at the health issue of childhood obesity, the causes, physical and emotional health risks, support for children and solutions. The CDC reports that from 2017 to 2020 nearly 20% of all U.S. children were in the category of being obese, meaning that their body mass index was at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. Dr. Anand Bhat will host this discussion on pediatric obesity and metabolic disorders with guests Dr. Monica Haynes, physician with Willis-Knighton Pediatric Healthcare Associates and co-director of the Wonder Kids–Pediatric Metabolic Program, and Dr. Margaret Crittell, physician with Willis-Knighton Pierremont Pediatrics.

Aug. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. On this episode of Health Matters, our host Dr. Anand Bhat is joined by family medicine physicians Dr. Ammar Husan and Dr. Kaitlyn Bland for a discussion on childhood nutrition, the importance of nutrition for children throughout the school year, and childhood obesity. Questions will be taken live at 1-800-552-8502.

Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. On This Episode of Health Matters, Host Dr. Randall Brewer welcomes Dr. Cynthia Noguera, an ophthalmologist and the only full-time oculoplastic surgeon serving the Shreveport area. Dr. Noguera, with LSU Health Shreveport, will share her unique journey into the specialized field of oculoplastic surgery. We learn about the wide range of conditions she treats—from cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructions following disease or trauma—and how her work plays a vital role in both vision and facial health.

Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. Host Jenny Gregorio talks with Trena Edwards and YiChing Trenkamp, counselors with Reef Wellness, about Cultural Cohesion. Cultural Cohesion is a psycho-therapy group providing a safe, inclusive and supportive space for people navigating cultural identity, discrimination and life transitions.

Feb. 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is a common health issue in the U.S., related to one in five deaths in 2022. On this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Randall Brewer will be joined by Dr. Pavan Katikaneni, cardiologist with Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists, and Dr. Karen Stokes, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Assistant Director of Scientific Excellence for the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences at LSU Health Shreveport. We will learn about tips for caring for our hearts, risk factors for heart disease and the latest in diagnostic testing and treatments. We'll also learn about cardiac research happening right here in our community and how it can advance cardiac care. Your heart health questions will be taken during the show at 1-800-552-8502.

Thu., Feb. 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. Vaccines have been a topic of recent discussions on the national stage, bird flu is being reported in poultry, cows, and humans, a measles outbreak is reported in West Texas, and flu season in general is ongoing. Pediatric infectious disease physician Dr. Joseph Bocchini joins Health Matters host Dr. Randall Brewer to help us learn more about infectious diseases including how vaccination has affected the prevalence of certain infectious diseases.

Jan. 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. On this Health Matters: Mental Health Edition, host Jenny Gregorio talks with Chris Felan, psychology technician and visual and performing artist, about the connection between art and mental health.

Thurs., January 23, 2025, at 6 p.m.Our host, Dr. Anand Bhat, talks with Dr. Ammar Husan about the current respiratory viruses circulating this winter including flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia and more.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. According to the CDC, the average number of adults getting enough sleep has stayed the same from 2013 to 2022. Anywhere from 30 to 46 percent of people in the U.S., depending on the region in which they live, report not getting enough sleep. What does quality sleep mean and how can it affect our health? How much sleep do we need for our age? Dr. Anand Bhat hosts this Health Matters with guest Dr. Sheila Asghar, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology and Sleep Medicine Fellowship Faculty at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr, Asghar will explain the role sleep plays in our health, provide tips on steps to take for better sleep, and take your sleep questions during the show at 1-800-552-8502.

Thursday, November 14, at 6 p.m. Host Jenny Gregorio is joined by Dr Lukas Wolf, Lecturer (assistant professor) in Social Psychology, University of Bath; and Paul Hanel, Senior Lecturer (associate professor) of Social Psychology at the University of Essex. They delve into post-election emotions and the professors’ research on how shared human values affect well-being.