UMMC experts hold court on health during Medical Monday

At noon on the first and third Mondays of each month, viewers of WLBT-Channel 3 get handy and practical medical information - delivered by a University of Mississippi Medical Center expert.

As part of a new agreement with the station, the noon weekday Midday Mississippi program will include a new twice-monthly feature, Medical Monday. UMMC caregivers will be tapped to give timely information on topics that affect children, families and the general population.

“WLBT's Midday Mississippi show prides itself on being a voice for the community. Our viewers love to hear stories that provide useful tips,” said Kachelle Pratcher, the noon/Midday Mississippi producer for WLBT and its sister station, WDBD.

“The Medical Monday segment allows everyone to stay up to date with trending medical news,” Pratcher said. “Working with the University of Mississippi Medical Center is an honor and allows physicians an opportunity to keep viewers up to date with medical issues that affect their everyday lives.”

Kicking off Medical Monday on Nov. 21 was Josie Bidwell, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Her topic: How to keep from overindulging at the Thanksgiving feast, including its wake of leftovers and desserts. Bidwell even demonstrated how to make a healthier holiday dessert using goat cheese, yogurt, jam and a dusting of confectioner's sugar.

“I had the wonderful opportunity to share healthy holiday tips on the WLBT Midday Mississippi Medical Monday segment,” Bidwell said. “With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Mississippi, lifestyle modification is key to decreasing our risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

“Lifestyle modification doesn't have to be complicated. Being able to give viewers quick, practical tips during this holiday season is my way of helping to create a healthier Mississippi.”

Medical Monday guests for shows in December and January include Dr. Jason Parham, associate professor of infectious diseases, proper hand-washing tips, who appeared Dec. 5; Dr. Gailen Marshall, professor of allergy and immunology, keeping your immune system healthy during cold and flu season, Dec. 19; Dr. Sadhana Dharmapuri, assistant professor of adolescent medicine, eating disorders in adolescents, Jan. 2; and Dr. Whitney Herring, assistant professor of pediatrics, the challenges of pediatric obesity, Jan. 16.