Most of us think heart health is all about diet, exercise, and genetics. But what if your relationships, stress levels, and emotional connections are playing a much bigger role than you realize?

In this powerful episode of Healthy YOU, Frankye Myers sits down with Dr. Britany Thompson, vascular surgeon with Riverside Vascular Specialists, to explore the hidden connection between emotional well-being and cardiovascular health. From chronic stress and loneliness to supportive relationships and strong social bonds, they unpack how the body responds physically to what we often label as “just stress.”

Hernias affect millions of people, yet many are unsure what they are, what causes them, or when to seek care.

In this episode of Healthy YOU, host Frankye Myers speaks with Dr. Mark Moniz, board-certified general surgeon with Riverside Surgical Specialists, to discuss what hernias are, common signs and symptoms, and the risk factors that contribute to them. They also share insights on when evaluation is needed, today’s treatment options, and what recovery can look like.

Looking to make lasting changes to your health? In this episode of Healthy YOU, host Frankye Myers is joined by Tearra Arrington, Exercise Specialist at Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center, to discuss how to set health and wellness goals that are realistic, achievable, and sustainable.

Tearra shares expert insight on building routines that fit your lifestyle, staying motivated when life gets busy, and avoiding the overwhelm that often comes with starting a new wellness journey. Listeners will gain practical tools to create a personalized health plan designed for long-term success.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to reset your approach, this episode offers simple, empowering strategies to help you stay consistent and confident on your wellness journey.

We’re pressing pause for the holidays!

The Riverside Healthy You Podcast will return on January 12, 2026 with fresh episodes focused on helping you live your healthiest life.

Thanks for listening, and happy holidays from all of us at Riverside!

Epilepsy affects millions of Americans, yet misconceptions and uncertainty about the condition remain. Understanding the condition, its management, and how to support those living with it can make a real difference.

In this episode of Healthy YOU, host Frankye Myers, Chief Nurse Executive, sits down with Dr. Elsie Achieng, a board-certified neurologist with expertise in epilepsy and sleep medicine. They discuss the causes and risk factors of epilepsy, strategies for managing seizures, lifestyle considerations, and how patients and caregivers can navigate daily life with confidence.

Tune in to gain practical insights, empower your understanding, and learn how modern care helps patients live full, active lives despite epilepsy.

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious cancers in the U.S., but there’s hope. Advancements in screening and treatment are helping patients detect disease earlier and improve outcomes.

Breast cancer is a serious topic—but learning about it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of Healthy YOU, host Frankye Myers chats with Aaron D. Bleznak, M.D., a board-certified surgical oncologist with Riverside Surgical Specialists, about what really influences breast cancer risk. Together, they break down common risk factors and why some women may need to begin screening earlier than they may realize. Dr. Bleznak shares everyday lifestyle steps you can take to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. It’s an empowering, easy-to-follow conversation designed to give you knowledge, confidence, and practical tools for protecting your health.

Resources:

• Breast Program
• Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection
• Riverside’s High Risk Breast Clinic
• Cancer Prevention

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis leads to a life-affirming calling?

In this deeply moving episode of Healthy YOU, host Frankye Myers sits down with Melissa Backus, wife, mother, Riverside nurse and breast cancer survivor— to share her extraordinary story of resilience, purpose, and full-circle healing. Melissa’s story reminds us that your cancer journey doesn’t end with treatment, and sometimes, the toughest experiences lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

• Breast Program
• Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection
• Riverside Cancer Care