Many people might assume they’re not eligible to be an organ donor, but organ donors can have all kinds of health backgrounds. Some organs, like the liver and kidneys, can come from living donors, giving one of the 100,000 Americans waiting for an organ transplant a second chance at life. As a transplant coordinator, Erica cares for transplant recipients pre- and post-op, and Dr. Matthew Wilkinson, a transplant surgeon, performs the procedure. They work together to create positive outcomes for recipients. Hear them discuss the importance of organ donation on Health News You Can Use. (fb)

Casey, a registered dietitian with Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss, helps patients improve eating habits, prepare for surgery, and stick to their goals post-op. He sees many patients struggle with hydration, but emphasizes that small changes can make a big impact. “You don’t have to carry around a gallon jug of water if that feels overwhelming,” Casey said. “Just make sure to have some sort of water bottle or cup with you at all times as a reminder to take sips throughout the day.” Casey shares that families and other support systems can also make a difference in a person’s weight-loss journey. “If you have small children at home they may not want the healthier options, and that can be a challenge,” Casey said. “I find it helpful to let my kids pick out whole food sources at the grocery store to get them excited about trying something new.” Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://heyor.ca/di61hr (fb)