In part one of our latest We Are Valley podcast, we take a closer look at something many of us feel but may not fully understand: digital overload. Joined by Kathryn Murray, LICSW, and Rebekah Strong, DNP, PMHNP-BC, mental health practitioners from Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic, we explore how constant screen time is shaping ourfocus, relationships, and overall well-being.From the rise of telehealth and always-on connectivity tothe subtle ways our attention is being pulled in multiple directions, this conversation unpacks why so many people are feeling mentally stretched. Our clinicians share a balanced perspective, highlighting both the benefits oftechnology and the growing need to be more intentional about how we use it. We also dive into how digital habits may be affectingexecutive functioning, sleep, and mental health, especially for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or ADHD. And when it comes to social media, we discuss how curated “highlight reels” can contribute to loneliness, comparison, and a distorted sense of reality.This episode sets the stage for part two, where we’ll shiftfrom understanding the problem to exploring practical ways to reset, reconnect, and regain control of our time and attention.Additional resources: Learn more about Valley’s Psychiatry and Counseling Clinicand find additional mental health resources: https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/psychiatry-and-counseling-clinicTedx Talk – The Battle for Your Time: Exposing the Costs ofSocial Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5UADHD in Adults: https://wkce.io/LumJrJUqTips for How to Help Your Mood: https://wkce.io/RIc0z4uo

The Prep, The Procedure, and PreventionColon cancer screening saves lives—and starting at age 45,it’s more important than ever to get on the schedule. In this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we talk with Dr. Brandon Teng, gastroenterologist at Valley Medical Center, about why screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, how colonoscopies help detect and prevent colon cancer, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.Dr. Teng also addresses common concerns about bowel prep, compares colonoscopies with at-home stool tests, and shares symptoms that may require screening before age 45. The conversation highlights the role of Valley’s GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center, including upper endoscopies, other digestive conditions, and Valley’s direct-access colonoscopy program designed to make preventive care as simple and seamless as possible.Additional resources: ·        To learn more or schedule a colonoscopy at Valley Medical Center, visit valleymed.org/colonoscopy.·        Learn more about digestive health and the role of a gastroenterologist: https://www.valleymed.org/gastroenterology·        Learn about our guest, Dr. Brandon Teng: https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/t/brandon-j-teng

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, or MIGS, is an advanced approach in gynecologic procedures that uses smaller or in some cases, no incisions. The benefits of MIGS procedures are faster recovery time and less pain than traditional surgery. Hear from gynecologic surgeons Olga Valieva, DO and Eric Schmidt, DO discussing:What does the term minimally invasive gynecologic surgery mean?Some reasons why you may consider getting a MIGS procedure.Things to ask about if you are having consultations with a surgeon about a MIGS procedure.What getting a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery looks like at ValleyWhat is vNOTES?Learn more about MIGS options offered at Valley- https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migsValley Women’s Healthcare Clinic - https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/obgyn-servicesOur Guests:Olga Valieva, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valievaEric Schmidt, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/eric-j-schmitValley Medical Center surgeons are experienced in minimally-invasive and robotic surgery approaches for a variety of conditions including:EndometriosisUterine fibroidsOvarian cystsPolyps

When every second counts, what happens behind the doors of Valley’s Emergency Department? In this episode, Emergency Medicine leaders Dr. Cameron Buck and Katherine Bendickson share what it means for Valley to be one of Washington’s busiest Level III Trauma Centers. They explain the triage process, the teamwork that makes rapid response possible, and why most trauma cases aren’t what you might expect.Learn more about Valley’s Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center and find additional resources: https://www.valleymed.org/trauma 

A disease of nerve damage, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms come from areas of the nervous system being damaged by the disease, so signs and symptoms vary. In honor of MS Awareness Month, we talk to Valley's MS specialist, Sargon Bet-Shlimon, MD, about the diagnosis of, and treatment for, multiple sclerosis. Learn about MS care at Valley.Learn about the Neuroscience Institute.Read more about MS on our blog.

Do you know your risk for metabolic syndrome? Sometimes written as MetS, metabolic syndrome is a common health condition that puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is not always formally diagnosed, but there are real ways to manage your risk. Amitoj Marwaha, MD, with Valley's Cardiology Clinic, sat down with the We Are Valley Podcast to discuss what patients should know about the conditions that lead to MetS, how to prevent MetS, and why managing MetS health factors is important for preventing additional health concerns.

In this episode we reflect on what Valley's new Cancer Center will mean, not only for Valley patients, but for the whole South King County community. Listen to an in-depth discussion with Navanshu Arora, MD, Associate Medical Director of Cancer Services, and Chermaine Wulff, Manager of Medical Oncology and Infusion Center. You'll learn about cancer care at Valley, the amazing care team that makes it possible, and all the resources in our new Cancer Center. Join us for the grand opening! When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 4 - 8 PM Where: Valley Medical Center East Pavilion, 4009 Talbot Rd. S, Renton - 3rd floor Park in Garage C and cross the Bridge of Hope to the new Cancer Center Learn more about our new Cancer Center: valleymed.org/cancercenter Learn more about cancer care at Valley: valleymed.org/cancercare Donate to help make Phase 1B and Phase 2 a reality: valleymed.org/donate

Day-to-day lifestyle components like movement and food are important for preventing injury and illness, but knowing how to start can be overwhelming. We sat down with Thomas Hammett, DPT, Director of Operations for Valley's Lifestyle Medicine & Fitness clinics to talk about the Lifestyle Medicine approach. This episode covers: What is Lifestyle Medicine What services does Valley offer through our Lifestyle Medicine clinics and why it's unique Reasons to consider making Lifestyle Medicine services part of your health plan How to get started accessing services Ready to learn ways to incorporate Lifestyle Medicine into your routine? Join us for an upcoming HealthyCares session. Learn more about services and see contact information for our Lifestyle Medicine & Fitness locations by visiting our services page and locations page.

Hernias don't have to be mysterious or scary, in this episode we sit down with Dr. Wayne Lau to review: what a hernia is, how to know if you have one, and what your options are for treatment. Whether you may know someone who has had a hernia, or suspect you might have one yourself, this conversation is for you! Additional resources related to hernia and surgery: https://www.valleymed.org/surgical-services https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-location/g/general-surgical-specialists-clinic https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/robotic-surgery

Preventive healthcare is all about catching things early before they become concerning. For this episode, we talked with Dr. Kial Wiley about how you can partner with your primary care provider to monitor your health at regular intervals and make sure your health factors are on the right track. ⁠Learn more about preventive health⁠ Find a primary care provider near you For more Valley Medical Center content: ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on our ⁠blog⁠, ⁠Facebook, ⁠⁠Youtube⁠, or ⁠Instagram⁠. --- We Are Valley is a production of Valley Medical Center, in Renton, WA. This podcast is dedicated to providing you bite-sized advice to improve your health and well-being and keep you updated on the latest medical guidance. Our content is for informational purposes only and isn’t intended to be taken as medical advice, so please talk to your provider before making changes that will affect your health.