Health Matters: Insights from WCH Medical Experts

Whether you're a student athlete, weekend warrior or simply dealing with lingering knee or ankle pain, knowing when to seek care can make all the difference. In this episode of Health Matters, Andrew Nowakowski, DO, Family & Sports Medicine Physician, Kyle McKray Smith, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatric Surgeon, and Patrick Siparsky, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon discuss how sports injuries are evaluated and treated at Wood County Hospital. Lear...

PCOS has long been used to describe a common hormonal condition affecting women, but you may start hearing a new term: PMOS (Polymetabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Why the change?

In this episode of Health Matters, OB/GYN Dr. Nitisha Mutgi explains why experts are moving beyond the name PCOS, how PMOS better reflects the condition's impact on overall health, and what women should know about metabolic health, heart disease risk and...

When abdominal pain strikes, it can be difficult to know whether it's a minor issue or a sign of something more serious. Dr. David Kim shares what patients should know about abdominal pain, including common causes, warning signs, when to visit the ER and how surgeons evaluate and treat conditions affecting the abdomen. Gain practical advice that could help you make informed decisions about your health. 

Learn more about David ...

Foot and ankle pain is often brushed off as a normal part of aging—but it’s frequently a sign of something more complex. In this episode, Dr. Kyle Smith, board‑certified in foot and ankle reconstruction, explains why accurate diagnosis matters, how biomechanics and instability contribute to pain, and when it’s time to see a specialist to protect long‑term mobility. 

Learn more about Kyle McKray Smith, DP...

We often receive messages that happiness and fulfillment come from being in a romantic relationship. Over time, those messages can shape how we view ourselves, our worth and our sense of connection.

In this episode, we explore how the brain responds to love and connection, why feelings of loneliness can occur even when life looks full and how to build a healthy relationship with yourself. We also discuss ways to navigate per...

When people hear “diabetes,” they often think it’s a simple pass‑or‑fail diagnosis—but the reality is much more complex. In this episode, we talk about the early and often overlooked signs of diabetes, how it affects the body long before diagnosis and why stigma and misconceptions delay care. You’ll also learn what “pre‑diabetes” really means, how small lifestyle changes can make a real dif...

Gallbladder pain isn’t always obvious — and it’s not always something you can wait out. In this episode, Dr. Peter Lalor talks through what the gallbladder actually does, why gallstones form and how symptoms can show up differently from person to person. He also explains when it’s time to call a doctor, what can happen if issues are ignored and how to tell when gallbladder pain becomes an emergency. 

Le...

Cold, flu, or something more? In this episode of From Sniffles to Serious: Urgent Care Insights, Falcon Health Center providers share what they’re seeing most this season, how to tell when it’s time to visit urgent care, and what you can do at home to feel better faster. Learn practical tips for managing lingering coughs, understanding when antibiotics really help and keeping your family healthy through cold and flu sea...

Facing a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode of Health Matters, we talk about how Wood County Hospital’s cancer navigation program helps patients and families every step of the way. From breaking down barriers to care, to providing personalized guidance, to offering support for caregivers, our navigators are here to make the journey clearer and less str...

In this episode with Dr. Purvi Saraiya, we break down how to tell the difference between common headaches and migraines, including key symptoms like aura, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. We also explore the most common migraine triggers — from stress and hormones to diet and weather — and share practical tips for identifying your own.

You'll learn how lifestyle changes can support migraine relief, wha...

In this episode of Health Matters, pediatrician Dr. Michael Lemon of Wood County Medical Associates talks through some of the most common conditions he sees in children—including ear infections, allergies, asthma, and eczema. He explains the key signs and symptoms parents should watch for and when it’s time to seek care.
Dr. Lemon also offers valuable insight on coordinating care when multiple specialists are involve...

In this episode of Health Matters, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carlos Gomez explains how anterior hip replacement is changing the game for patients of all ages dealing with hip pain. He breaks down the differences between traditional and anterior approaches, who makes a good candidate and why faster recovery and less pain make this option so appealing. Whether you're a former athlete, an active adult or just tired of joint pain holding ...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eric Baltrinic from the BGSU Counseling Center and Dr. Benjamin Forrester from Falcon Health Center to talk about the mental health support available to students and the greater Bowling Green community. They share what led them into the field, how each center serves different needs, and when students should seek care at one versus the other. We also dive into local mental health trends, signs s...

In this episode of Health Matters, Dr. Patrick Siparsky, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Wood County Advanced Orthopaedics, sat down to talk all things orthopedics and sports medicine—from the common injuries he treats to the latest advancements in ACL repair. A Northwest Ohio native, Dr. Siparsky is excited to return to the community, begin his new role at Wood County Hospital and share more about his background and pa...

In this episode of Health Matters: Insights from WCH Medical Experts, host Joey Wahler sits down with Dr. Gurpreet Nagra, a primary care physician at Wood County Hospital. Dr. Nagra shares the heartfelt story of what inspired her to pursue medicine, her journey from working behind the scenes in a doctor’s office to becoming a trusted physician and her experience practicing in both Canada and the U.S.

Tune in as she off...