KTBS: HealthLine 3

Irina Haas-Ghattas and Catherine Schaefer, PA-C, from Shed It Weight Loss and Wellness, share practical strategies for staying healthy during the holidays and carrying momentum into the new year. They discuss how weight-loss injections, realistic lifestyle changes, and ongoing support can help people reach and maintain their wellness goals.

Physiatrists Dr. Katharine Balbuena and Dr. Wade Wyckoff from the Willis-Knighton Rehabilitation Institute discuss the vital role of inpatient rehabilitation in helping patients regain independence. They break down what makes their program unique, how structured therapy accelerates recovery, and what families should know about healing after hip fractures and strokes.

Dr. James Barnes, bariatric surgeon at Highland Clinic, discusses the journey of medical and surgical weight loss—and how patients can stay on track during the holiday season. Dr. Barnes breaks down realistic expectations, mindful eating strategies, and the importance of emotional support after bariatric surgery. Whether you're considering weight-loss options or navigating life post-surgery, this episode offers practical, encouraging advice for long-term success.

Dr. Syed Mehmood of Red River Cardiovascular Surgery discusses the latest advances in minimally invasive heart repair, including innovative approaches to heart valve procedures, CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting), and other life-saving cardiac interventions. Dr. Mehmood explains how smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and leading-edge technologies are transforming patient outcomes and expanding options for those once considered too high-risk for traditional surgery.

Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, oncologist with Ghattas Oncology by Highland Clinic, shines light on Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Ghattas discusses the latest in screening, early detection, risk factors, and breakthroughs in treatment. He also shares practical guidance on prevention and how patients and families can navigate a lung cancer diagnosis with confidence and hope.

Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III, cataract surgeon at the Willis-Knighton Eye Institute, breaks down everything patients should know after cataract surgery. Dr. Coleman explains what to expect in the first hours and days post-procedure, how to care for your eyes, which symptoms require attention, and the steps that help ensure the best vision outcome.

Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Kelli Coleman, ophthalmologists specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Coleman, also a cornea specialist, shares insight into advanced treatments for corneal disease, including cornea transplants. Together, they discuss today’s most innovative surgical options, what patients can expect during recovery, and how modern eye surgery is helping people achieve clearer vision than ever before.

Join Dr. Karen Berken, OB-GYN with Willis-Knighton Women’s Health Associates, as she discusses innovations in women’s reproductive health. She explains hysteroscopic uterine surgery, cervical procedures, and the importance of HPV and Pap screenings for early detection and prevention. A must-listen for anyone interested in women’s health and wellness.

The holiday season can challenge even the best wellness intentions. Irina Haas Ghattas, CEO and Co-Owner of Shed It, and Catherine Schaefer, Physician Assistant with Shed It, discuss effective strategies for maintaining weight loss and wellness goals during the holidays. They also share a healthier pecan pie recipe, offering a balanced approach to enjoying seasonal traditions.

Join Jarrod Mitchell, Cardiac Rehab Coordinator with Willis Knighton, and Dr. Robert Martin, Cardiologist at Willis Knighton Health, as they discuss how cardiac rehab and tobacco treatment services help patients rebuild strength, protect their hearts, and live healthier, longer lives.

Bariatric surgeon Dr. James Barnes joins Healthline 3 to discuss today’s most effective weight loss options, from breakthrough medical injections to transformative surgeries like the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. He breaks down how these treatments work, who they help most, and how patients achieve lasting success.

Dr. Milan Mody, orthopedic spine surgeon with Willis Knighton Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Pierremont, shares tips to prevent holiday decorating injuries like lifting safely, using ladders properly, and knowing when to seek medical care.

Over 45 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with substance abuse in 2024. Megan Zarucha, a licensed clinical social worker with Brentwood Hospital, talks about substance abuse warning signs, how to recognize them in a loved one, when and how to intervene, and programs (inpatient and outpatient) offered at Brentwood to help people detox.

Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III is an eye doctor and cataract surgeon with Willis Knighton Eye Institute. He talks about cataract surgery aftercare — what does recovery look like, medications/eye drop schedule, symptoms to watch out for, and when you can expect to be back to 100% following surgery.

On this Healthline, KTBS 3 News Anchor Shannon Brinias was joined by oncology expert Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, MD, with offices in Shreveport and Monroe. Dr. Ghattas discussed the advancements in breast cancer treatment, diagnostic techniques and drug research. The doctor fielded questions from viewers, including whether breastfeeding is effective as a preventive measure against breast cancer. (It is.) Dr. Ghattas can be reached at his offices at 2806 Mark Drive in Monroe and at 1453 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Suite L. The office phone number is: (318) 813-2528

Dr. James Howell, general surgeon at Willis-Knighton, explains when abdominal pain signals a serious issue, and when surgery is needed for hernias, appendicitis, or gallbladder problems.

On this episode of Healthline 3, we’re joined by Irina Haas Ghattas, owner of Shed It Weight Loss & Wellness in Bossier City, physician assistant Catherine Schaefer, and former radio personality Erin Woods—known on-air as Bristol. Erin shares her inspiring 100-pound weight loss journey with the help of Shed It and weight loss injections. Tune in for real talk on medical weight loss, patient support, and reclaiming your health.

Join us as Dr. John Winterton, cardiologist at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Cardiology, explains valvular heart disease, from symptoms and risks to diagnosis and treatment. A clear, expert look at how to keep your heart valves, and your health, in check.

Dr. Barnes discusses the latest advances in bariatric surgery, including faster recovery times and new techniques, along with non-surgical options like weight loss injections. Hear real patient success stories, tips on insurance coverage, and what to expect when starting your weight loss journey, whether through surgery, medication, or both.

Dr. Chris Caldwell is an Orthopedic surgeon with Willis Knighton Pierremont Orthopaedics in Shreveport. He discusses the non-operative treatments for osteoarthritis (the most common reason for joint replacement surgery), as well as, when it's time to consider joint replacement surgery to increase quality of life. Additionally, he talks about the robotic techniques he uses in his practice, how the surgery has advanced over the years, and the recovery process.

The Cataract Surgeons, Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche Coleman III, talk about symptoms associated with cataracts and when a patient should consider having surgery if it's interfering with their quality of life.

Dr. Tharwat Ghattas with Ghattas Oncology at Highland Clinic talks about the risk factors, treatment options, and screening tools for prostate cancer.

Join Dr. John Patrick Lavo, head and neck surgeon with Willis-Knighton ENT & Allergy, as he dives into common pediatric ENT issues like ear tubes, tonsil extractions, sleep apnea, and other surgical interventions.

Shed It! Weight Loss and Wellness is a dedicated wellness center offering weight loss support through GLP-1 medications and other services. Irina Haas-Ghattas (co-owner) and Catherine Schaefer (physician assistant) talk about ways people can reset and refocus for the fall and establish healthy habits before the holiday season.

Dr. Jagan Beedupalli is an interventional cardiologist with Willis Knighton Cardiology and he discusses in detail the lifestyle factors that improve and worsen your risk for heart disease, and why it's important to make changes sooner than later.

Ophthalmologists Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III from Willis-Knighton Eye Institute shed light on today’s most common eye concerns and the innovative treatments available to improve vision and quality of life. From cataract surgery to LASIK, implantable contact lenses, and the latest in dry eye therapy with IPL. They also cover essential tips for proper contact lens hygiene to help protect your sight for years to come.

Dr. Kyle Planchard is an orthopedic surgeon with Willis Knighton Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Pierremont. He talks about a common injury that plagues many athletes -- ACL tears. Planchard discusses the many ways to prevent ACL injuries, surgical and therapeutic options, and what to expect for recovery.

Dr. Kathryn Kennedy is a psychiatrist specializing in older adults at Brentwood Hospital talks about the signs and symptoms of depression in the older adult population, which differs widely from the symptoms in younger adults. She also discusses common risk factors and treatment options available.

Dr. James Barnes, bariatric surgeon at the Highland Clinic, discusses revisional bariatric surgery—why patients with older procedures like Lap-Band or stomach stapling may benefit from updated options or revisional surgeries to convert to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, oncologist and hematologist with the Highland Clinic, debunks common myths associated with cancer. Many of these myths are questions he receives every day from cancer patients.

Dr. James Burke with Willis Knighton Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery North discusses the advances of robotic surgery over the last several years and how this technique has improved patient outcomes, recovery times, and decreased hospital stay.

Irina Haas-Ghattas, co-owner of Shed It Weight Loss and Wellness, and Physician Assistant Catherine Schaefer talk about how GLP weight loss injections are transforming health—supporting weight loss, lowering inflammation, managing chronic disease, and reducing medication use. Learn about their back-to-school specials, cancer blood testing, and how Shed It Weight Loss and Wellness is helping patients take control of their health.

Dr. Jeff White, cardiologist with Willis Knighton Cardiology - South, explains the causes of hypertension, how to combat high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, and what medications help manage blood pressure.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kamala Glenn-Taylor, Director of Clinical Services at Brentwood Hospital, and Jason Baldwin, Care Coordinator and Military Liaison, to explore two programs designed to care for our heroes. The Patriot Support Program addresses the mental health needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, while the STAR Program provides specialized behavioral health care for first responders and their loved ones. Discover how these unique initiatives provide support, healing, and hope to those who serve on the front lines—at home and abroad.

Dr. James Barnes, bariatric surgeon at the Highland Clinic, discusses revisional bariatric surgery—why patients with older procedures like Lap-Band or stomach stapling may benefit from updated options or revisional surgeries to convert to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Dr. Mark Callanan, attending orthopedic surgeon and director of spots medicine with Willis Knighton Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Pierremont, talks about treating youth sports injuries leading up to the back to school season and how to prevent them.

Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, an oncologist with Highland Clinic in Shreveport and Monroe, shares how he approaches one of the most pivotal moments in a patient’s life: hearing the words "you have cancer." In this episode, Dr. Ghattas discusses the power of the first conversation after diagnosis, the importance of listening to a patient’s fears and emotions, and how collaborative goal-setting lays the foundation for compassionate, personalized care. By centering the patient’s voice from day one, he helps transform fear into clarity—and a plan for moving forward.

Dr. Julie Cupp, breast surgeon with Willis Knighton Breast Health & Surgical Specialists, talks about breast health, screenings, and when to seek a specialist.

Tess Lopez with Prep Cakes joins us on today's episode to talk about her bakery, which provides healthy foods, baked goods, and desserts to customers in the Ark-La-Tex. Tess and her bakery have partnered with Shed It! Weight Loss and Wellness in Bossier City, which provides the weight loss injections and other forms of support for patients wanting to lose weight.

Dr. Britton Eaves with Willis Knighton Bossier Cardiology talks about peripheral vascular disease—the signs and symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent it.

June is men's health month, and Chase Ebarb with Brentwood Hospital, a license master social worker and clinician, talks about how men can take care of their mental health.

Dr. James Barnes is a bariatric surgeon with Highland Clinic in Shreveport. He talks about gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy procedures, the pros and cons of the surgeries, and who is a candidate for each.

Shed It Weight Loss and Wellness representatives, Irina Haas-Ghattas (co-owner) and Catherine Rogers Schaefer (physician assistant), talk about the GLP-1 class of medications and how they are helping patients like Krystal "Chica" Montez towards their weight loss goals.

Dr. Milan Mody with The Orthopaedic Clinic in Shreveport is a spinal surgeon. He talks about neck and shoulder pain from poor posture related to tech, electronic, and smartphone use. Slack back pain is caused by an increased sedentary lifestyle resulting in lower back pain.

Dr. Tharwat Ghattas is an oncologist with the Highland Clinic and he highlights national cancer survivorship month and new advancements he's seen in his treatment for cancer.

Dr. Ashish Sonig, director of the Willis Knighton Neurovascular Institute, neurovascular neurosurgeon and skull-base neurosurgeon, talks about brain aneurysm: the symptoms and advancements in treatment. He also discusses the different types of brain tumors and treatment options.

June is cataract awareness month, and Dr. Wyche Coleman, ophthalmologist with WK Eye Institute talks about cataract surgery, screening, lens replacement, and prep work for the surgery.

In this episode, Dr. David Hamm, heart surgeon with WK Red River Cardiovascular Surgery, shares the remarkable advances he’s witnessed in cardiac care throughout his career. He also breaks down the different surgeries he performs to help patients feel better and live healthier lives.

Dr. Miles Sugar, a vascular surgeon with WK Vascular Surgery talks about the advancements in vascular surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms, how to catch it early, and risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing an aneurysm.