Stem Cell Transplants Explained: How They Save Lives, Fight Cancer & Treat Autoimmune Diseases

Stem Cell Transplants Explained: How They Save Lives, Fight Cancer & Treat Autoimmune Diseases

What exactly are stem cells, and how are they used to save lives? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, host Ryan Manno sits down with Dr. Stefan O. Ciurea, Director of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at UCI Health, to explore the science behind stem cell transplantation and cutting-edge cellular therapies. Learn how stem cell transplants help patients with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other serious blood disorders. Dr. Ciurea breaks down the differences between autologous and allogeneic transplants, how donor matching works, the role of chemotherapy, and the exciting future of CAR-T cell therapy and immune-based treatments. The conversation also covers emerging applications of stem cell therapies for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, myasthenia gravis, and more. Plus, discover the truth about unproven stem cell treatments often marketed for sports injuries and joint pain. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about medical breakthroughs, this episode offers an accessible and fascinating look at one of the most promising areas in modern medicine. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Chronic Pain Explained: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain & Boost Healthspan | Dr. Shalini Shah

What if pain isn’t just something you “live with” as you age—but something you can actually manage, reduce, and even prevent? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Ryan Manno sits down with Dr. Shalini Shah—Vice Chair of Anesthesiology and Director of Pain Services at UCI Health—to break down the truth about chronic pain, aging, and what really works to improve your healthspan. You’ll learn: * The difference between lifespan vs. healthspan—and why it matters * The biggest causes of chronic pain (and how to prevent it) * Why muscle mass is critical as you age * How mental health impacts pain (more than you think) * The truth about opioids and modern pain management * New cutting-edge treatments that are changing pain care * Simple habits you can start today to stay pain-free longer Whether you're dealing with back pain, joint pain, or just want to stay healthy as you age, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can start using right now. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer: Breakthrough Treatments Explained

Pancreatic cancer has long been one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat—but new breakthrough therapies are changing the outlook. In this powerful conversation, host Gina Grad sits down with board-certified oncologist Dr. Jennifer Valerin from UCI Health to explore why pancreatic cancer is so deadly, how it’s often missed in early stages, and what cutting-edge treatments are offering new hope to patients. Dr. Valerin also shares her deeply personal story of how losing a loved one inspired her career—and how that mission drives innovation today. Whether you’re seeking answers, supporting someone, or just want to stay informed, this conversation delivers clarity, compassion, and hope. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Burn Surgeon on Fireworks Injuries, Grilling Accidents & Burn Treatment

What really happens when someone suffers a serious burn—and how can you stay safe? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, host Ryan Manno sits down with Dr. Syed F. Saquib, an acute care surgeon and Burn Medical Director at UCI Health, to break down everything you need to know about burn injuries, emergency care, fireworks accidents, grilling mishaps, and cutting‑edge burn treatments. Dr. Saquib explains: * What burn surgeons do day‑to‑day * The most common causes of burn injuries in adults and children * Fireworks, grilling, and summer safety risks * What happens in the first critical minutes after a severe burn * When a burn becomes a medical emergency * Groundbreaking advances like spray‑on skin cell therapy and laser scar treatment * How to treat minor burns at home—and when to go to the ER Whether it’s a kitchen accident, a Fourth of July injury, or a serious trauma, this conversation offers life‑saving information straight from the front lines of burn care. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling | Doctor‑Approved Cold & Flu Prevention Tips

Planning a vacation, wedding, or big life event and worried about getting sick? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, Ryan Manno sits down with infectious disease expert Dr. Susan S. Huang, Medical Director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention at UCI Health, to break down how to avoid colds, flu, and other viruses—especially while traveling. Dr. Huang shares practical, science‑backed strategies to stay healthy before flights, during airport travel, on airplanes, in hotels, and even on cruise ships. From mask‑smart moments to hand hygiene, high‑touch surfaces, immunity myths, zinc vs. vitamin C, and why antibiotics don’t work for colds—this conversation covers what actually works. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.