Join our certified experts as we discuss many topics to improve your health, wellness and overall well-being! Sure, we'll talk about health and fitness, but when it comes to "being well," nothing is off the table! Through the course of our series, we'll be joined by many experts from across the Me…
Join Laura Bowshier, MD, at MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine as she discusses all things insect bites and first aid. We'll delve into signs of an allergic reactions from bee stings, wasp stings and other insect bites, along with effective treatments. Discover the common symptoms of an allergic reaction and when to seek immediate medical attention. Find out about home remedies and first aid measures for relieving pain, itching and swelling caused by insect bites. Additionally, learn about Lyme disease, tick season's impact, preventive measures and other potential health risks associated with tick bites. Tune in for essential first aid guidelines for bug bites and how to recognize when medical help is necessary.
Join Adnan Qalbani, MD, from MercyOne Dakota Dunes Breast Care Center, as he explores the intricacies of breast pain. With insights and possible causes, Dr. Qalbani discusses: Range of breast pain symptoms. Relation to menstrual cycles and hormone levels. When to seek medical attention. Discover practical tips for managing breast pain, including lifestyle adjustments and self-exams. Gain a deeper understanding of this common symptom and empower yourself with knowledge for better breast health. Tune in to this informative episode for valuable insights on understanding and addressing breast pain.
Join Tiffany Torstenson, DO, breast surgeon at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, as she explores the intricacies surrounding BRCA gene mutations and the valuable insights testing can provide. Get an overview of the two BRCA genes, its prevalence and its impact on people's lives. Dr. T dives deep into the relation of BRCA gene mutations to breast cancer risk. Also, learn how Lindsey Behrends took control of her health after discovering she was a BRCA1 carrier. Tune in to gain valuable insights about BRCA and how it can impact your health!
Join Noor Subah, MD, cardiology fellow at MercyOne North Iowa Heart Center, as she explores the topic of heart failure, a condition that affects millions of Americans. Get an overview of heart failure, its prevalence and its impact on people's lives. Dr. Subah dives deep into the symptoms of heart failure and the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure. We also debunk some common misconceptions about this condition. We also cover: Congestive heart failure. Testing for heart failure. Treatment and medications. Reversing heart failure. Impact of heart failure on day-to-day life. Lowering your risk of heart failure. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how to manage and prevent heart failure!
Join Craig Mahoney, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Iowa Ortho and MercyOne Central Iowa Orthopedic Physician Lead, as he shares his expertise to understanding knee and hip pain. From common causes and symptoms of joint pain to the importance of exercise in maintaining healthy joints, Dr. Mahoney provides a comprehensive guide to managing and treating joint pain. We also cover: How sciatic nerve relates to knee pain. When to know your joint pain is serious. Nonsurgical treatments to joint pain. Benefits of total joint replacement. Tune in for valuable insight and tips for maintaining healthy joints!
In this episode, we're discussing preeclampsia and its risk factors. Preeclampsia impacts 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. according to the CDC. We're joined by Roberto Velez, MD, at MercyOne North Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecology to explore the various factors that can increase your risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy, including: Pregnancies with more than one baby. Kidney concerns. Diabetes. Pre-existing conditions. Obesity. Dr. Velez provides insights into a serious form of preeclampsia called HELLP syndrome. We'll also discuss what health care looks like after labor and delivery while managing risk factors to reduce the likelihood of preeclampsia and other complications in future pregnancies. Join us as we explore this important topic and provide valuable insights for pregnant people, their families and health care providers.
With only a 12% survival rate, widow maker heart attacks can be terrifying. Time is crucial, and ensuring you get medical attention immediately can be lifesaving. Brian Loc, DO, cardiologist for Medical Associates Clinic at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center and Ali Albaghdadi, MD, cardiologist at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center shares the role a bystander plays in the response rate and how early heart attack care saves lives. In this episode: -What is a widow maker heart attack? -Symptoms of a heart attack -Early heart attack care (EHAC) -Bystander's role -Steps to prevent heart attacks Discover more health and wellness tips at MercyOne.org
Nearly 10% of people over 65 will develop a heart rhythm disorder, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Troy Hounshell, DO, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center electrophysiologist, explains the connection of AFib to your risk of stroke and why a WATCHMAN device could be your best treatment option.
Heart disease and stroke claim the life of one woman every 80 seconds, but less than half of women recognize heart disease as their leading cause of death. Traditional risk factors impact both men and women, but women also face a unique set of risks. Dr. Denisa Hagau, cardiologist at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, discusses why heart health is different in women, what you can do to be proactive and why caring for yourself improves your family's health. “We always have time for someone else. We take care of our dog, child, spouse, colleagues, in-laws, I could go on and on,” she says. “But we forget ourselves. We need to change that mindset.”
The heart is the energy source of our entire body. It pumps blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to the rest of our body – to our brains, our hands and to all the vital organs. But if something happens to the heart, the rest of the body suffers. And when the heart breaks, it can be fatal. Gary Chan, DO, PhD, cardiologist at MercyOne Siouxland Heart and Vascular Center, helps explain symptoms of a broken heart and why time is critical.
Slips and falls can occur all year round, but you can be more prone to injury in the winter. Tulsi Sharma, MD, from MercyOne Waterloo Endocrinology Care shares her tips to keeping yourself and family upright and safe during the winter months.
When we think of lung cancer, we often think of people who smoke. But in the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, according to the CDC. In this episode, we're joined by Julie Paup, who despite never having smoked in her life, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2015. "My outlook was bleak." It's now been six years since the diagnosis and Julie is cancer free. Julie shares her story and why it's important to not ignore symptoms - it may save your life. You can help lower your risk of lung cancer by staying away from secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, and other air pollution. You should get your home tested for radon and take steps to lower the radon level if it is high. Today, Julie is a volunteer services manager at MercyOne. We also chat about the important roles volunteers serve within our hospitals. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic many people have had the opportunity to work remotely from the comfort of their home. This change offered a new insight to mental health awareness within the workforce and an opportunity to put mental health needs first. Employers have found the benefit that mental health days offer their employees like the chance to reset from a stressful week and return energetic and productive. In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Peterson, Director of House of Mercy, who says to make mental health a priority, you need self-awareness to communicate with your employer what you need. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
After losing their daughter and nearly losing their son to viral illnesses, parents Eric and Holly Sitzmann are working to help prevent other families from having to live the same nightmare. In this episode we're joined by Holly, who shares her family's experience and the importance of setting boundaries when you welcome a newborn into the world. Learn more about Holly and Eric's mission at www.dktb.org Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We know our smallest humans are also some of the most vulnerable, so there's some extra protection needed when it comes to illnesses that may be contagious to babies. In this episode, Dr. Haley Newbrough joins us to talk about some common illnesses she sees, and when they are the most prevalent. As a pediatric hospitalist at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Dr. Newbrough takes care of infants who are hospitalized. When we add to our family, we want to love and be close to the new addition but need to remember to be safe and sometimes that's keeping people away! Dr Newbrough has tips for big brothers and big sisters and how to interact when their new sibling in a safe manner that won't spread illnesses such as: Bronchiolitis Enterovirus Herpes simplex virus Influenza Parechovirus RSV Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We're celebrating 100 episodes of our MercyOne podcast! You can find all of our episodes at www.MercyOne.org/podcast or just search for "MercyOne" on your favorite podcast app. Living your best life means something different to everyone. That's because we all have different interests, different experiences, and different needs -- especially when it comes to health care. In this episode, we catch up with a number of different people across the state of Iowa to hear what living "your best life" means to them! Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear it -- it's easy and convenient, and you can win great prizes! Snap a picture and share a story of living your best life on social media using the hashtag #MercyOneLYBL and tag MercyOne. Make sure your privacy post settings are set to public so we can see your picture! Social media not your thing? No worries - upload your story and photo at MercyOne.org/bestlife Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode, we are once again joined by infectious disease specialist Dr. Ravi Vemuri to discuss monkeypox. We'll learn about its history, what it looks like, how it spreads and how to protect yourself. If you are interested to learn more about monkeypox and its current trends in the U.S., please follow the links below: About Monkeypox How it spreads Prevention Vaccines If you are sick Treatment U.S. Map and Case Counts Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
How do you make sure you have a healthy relationship with food? In this episode we're joined by registered dietitian Haley Strait to discuss: healthy weight loss body mass index (BMI) meal planning dietary supplements Meal prepping can be a game changer for your health if done properly. Strait says it can make your week easier if you are busy and also helps prevent you from buying fast food or convenience store choices which can be filled with sodium and saturated fats. “Meal prepping can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of different ways to do that. To start, find out what ingredients you have on hand already and think of some meals you can make before going to the store. It can help you from wasting food.” Strait says it's also important to remember not to restrict your food too much. Doing so can backfire, causing you to want more and binge when you finally get to eat it. “Food is to be enjoyed, not something to be obsessed over or worried about all the time. Having room for flexibility is important and necessary.” Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
COVID-19 vaccinations to protect children from six months through the age of 5 are now available. Experts say it is best to get your child vaccinated as soon as it's available. In this episode, we're joined by MercyOne pediatrician Dr. Mustafa Eldadah who says, “Every day a child is unvaccinated there is risk of them getting a COVID-19 infection. The vaccine is safe and getting it now can help put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children can be fully protected by the time school starts.” Vaccination will: • Help prevent the risk of serious illness like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) • Keep your child from missing sporting events or extracurricular activities after exposure • Reduce the need to quarantine if your child is exposed to COVID-19 at school or elsewhere • Help prevent long-term effects of COVID-19 • Reduce the risk of passing COVID-19 infection to family members and others at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 Scheduling a vaccination appointment for your child may vary depending on where you live. When ready, contact your pediatric or family medicine physician. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
At MercyOne, your best life is our one purpose - whether it's time with family and friends, your favorite hobby, a day on the golf course... or a combination of all three! With that in mind, we welcome a special guest Steve Husome of Adaptive Golf Iowa. Steve and friends were enjoying the nice weather on motorcycles when a semi pulled in front of him, forever changing the trajectory of his life's path. Battling multiple injuries, the worst damage to both of his legs, Steve had to make the difficult decision to amputate his right leg below the knee. Leading a very active lifestyle, Steve worried how this decision would affect his abilities and lifestyle. After nine surgeries, hundreds of hours of physical therapy, two different prosthetic legs and learning how to walk all over again - fast forward to now as Steve leads Adaptive Golf Iowa, bringing the healing power of golf to make sure every can live your best life. Adaptive Golf Iowa is the only golf clinic in Iowa whose mission is to spread joy through the game of golf to individuals living with disabilities. Adaptive Golf Iowa will offer instruction, organized events, and adaptive equipment to help make the game enjoyable for everyone. * * * * * * MercyOne is here for you and proud of the care we provide to get you living your best life, whatever milestone that may be, big or small. If MercyOne is a part of your journey – whether you're working hard to maintain good health and well-being, have recently overcome a health crisis or just started a family, we want to share the joy of your story. Head to MercyOne.org/bestlife to learn more about how you can share your experiences to win prizes for "best life" experiences. * * * * * * Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
The causes and treatment of Alzheimer's disease are not yet understood, but clinical researchers are committed to finding the answers. In this episode we're joined by Dr. Jim Hoehns, a clinical pharmacist and research director at MercyOne Northeast Iowa Family Medicine and Residency. Dr. Hoehns discusses the methods of this clinical research, the benefits for individuals who participate, and the groundbreaking work being done to unlock the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Hoehns' group is seeking participants who have early, symptomatic Alzheimer's disease to take part in a clinical trial of a new medication. To learn more about becoming a participant, contact Sarah Larson at 319-272-2530 or sarah.larson@mercyhealth.com; or Melissa Petersen at 319-272-2539 or melissa.petersen@mercyhealth.com. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
When it comes to health care, men tend to willfully endure their symptoms and pain. In a recent national survey, 65% of the male participants said they wait as long as possible before they see a doctor. “There are some illnesses and diseases that if you come in too late or when you finally are experiencing symptoms the treatment becomes very difficult,” says Dr. David Ensz, of MercyOne South Sioux City Family Medicine. Men – it's time to lead by example. In this episode, we're joined by to talk about some common health habits to fix. We'll cover: Reasons to develop a releationship with a primary care provider How erectile dysfunction can be an indicator for heart health Diabetes care Excessive drinking of alcohol Behavioral health Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
When you look at the etymology of the word midwife it literally means “with woman.” In this episode, we're joined by Whitney Suckstorf, MSN, ARNP, CNM to learn that midwives go far beyond just maternity care. They are with women through all stages in their lives: whether it's helping a young adolescent with period problems, a woman's yearly pap smear, postpartum or through the transition of menopause. "The unique role of a midwife is to be a chameleon for our patients," says Whitney. Whether you are going through puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, a woman's health has complex needs that a midwife can help navigate and manage. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
If you've ever been pregnant or had an annual well-woman exam, you're probably familiar with visiting an OB/GYN provider for certain care needs. However, your OB/GYN can do much more. In this episode, Dr. Ryan Beardsley joins us to talk about how this type of doctor can be your partner in women's health throughout every stage of life. What is an OB/GYN? Treating adolescents and young adults Prenatal care Transition to menopause Dr. Beardsley cares for patients at MercyOne Waterloo OB/GYN. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is the first step to keeping you well - and not only when you are sick! Your relationship with a primary care provider can last a lifetime, throughout all stages of your life. Maintaining a regular checkup with your primary care provider will keep you and your family healthy! In this episode we explore some similarities and differences among primary care providers. We're joined by: Dr. Patrick Courtney, from MercyOne North Iowa Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Courtney pursued a career in medicine because he liked using skills and knowledge to help patients understand and manage their health concerns. Dr. Sara Schutte, a pediatrician at MercyOne Ankeny Pediatrics Care. Dr. Schutte enjoys helping families grow and develop with their children. Dr. Lazaro Rabang, an internal medicine physician at MercyOne Urbandale Internal Medicine. Dr. Rabang says internal medicine providers are like the Sherlock Holmes of medicine - always working to find out more clues about what is ailing you! If you don't have a primary care provider, MercyOne makes it easy to find someone you trust! Use our Patient Provider Matching Tool to find your health personality, and we'll show you providers just right for you! Just take our quiz, see your matches, and schedule an appointment! Take the quiz here. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Learning your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can be an overwhelming time for families. When you are looking after a child with autism, there's some important information you need to know right off the bat. In this episode we're joined by Dr. Sasha Khosravi for a breakdown of everything to help your family thrive after an autism diagnosis. Dr. Khosravi is the Chief Medical Officer at MercyOne Clive Behavioral Health and Program Director at MercyOne Psychiatry Residency program. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode we meet Mary Van Heukelom, program director of the nonprofit organization Above + Beyond Cancer. As part of this work, Mary helps cancer survivors find and achieve a quality of life well beyond their cancer diagnosis. She considered herself to have a top bill of health when a colonoscopy screening showed a mass in her colon. Because it was detected early, surgery was able to remove her cancer and she has not needed radiation treatments or chemo therapy. She shares her story with us and why it's important to make time for preventative screenings. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Stoecken returns to the podcast to talk about special needs parenting and the importance of being inclusive. Dr. Stoecken is a pediatrician at MercyOne Grimes Pediatric Care, and is an advocate and guide for children with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Her daughter Josie was born with Down syndrome in December 2019. "I have been especially fortunate in that I have been able to take many of the tools I have learned to support my own child's development back to my daily practice to support the development of each of my patients. One of the greatest gifts I have been given is that of empathy," she says. In society, Dr. Stoecken says there are important things each of us can recognize and strive to improve: Encourage person first language Encourage inclusion Recognize ableism and prejudices and stereotypes we each may carry Be sure to check out our other episode with Dr. Stoecken, where we learn more about Down syndrome and her daughter Josie. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Many people "spring forward" this week and turn our clocks ahead one hour to begin daylight saving time. Some of us need a couple days to adjust when it seems the alarm clock goes off a little earlier than usual! In this episode, sleep expert Dr. Stephen Grant joins us to talk about the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and the numerous ways your sleep impacts your health, such as: Mood, behavioral health Diet and weight loss Cognitive function Heart health Diabetes You can find Dr. Grant at MercyOne Clive Sleep Center. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Colon cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Colonoscopy screenings are the best preventive action you can take to protect yourself from colon cancer, but the myths surrounding colonoscopies can make you feel uncomfortable with screening. In this episode we're joined by Dr. Mayin Lin at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center to help debunk the myths!! Myth: I don't have symptoms, so I don't need a screening Myth: I'm a woman and less likely to get cancer Myth: I don't have family history so I'm not at risk Myth: The prep is horrible! Myth: A colonoscopy is painful Myth: Colonoscopies are dangerous Myth: It's too embarrassing and uncomfortable Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode we're talking about heart health with Dr. Ramanujam Ramabadran, a cardiologist with Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque. In addition to some overall heart healthy tips, we learn about transcatheric aortic valve replacement, also called TAVR. TAVR is a less-invasive approach to aortic valve replacement than open heart surgery. With the TAVR procedure, the physician will make a small incision, usually in your groin. TAVR is typically associated with a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay than open heart surgery. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic moves at a rapid pace and Dr. Ravi Vemuri joins the podcast once again to help keep us up to speed. In this episode: What have we learned from the Omicron variant? Why is getting a vaccine booster shot important? Studying what's known as "long covid" When will we get back to normal? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
A week before Christmas in 2019, life-long health care practitioner Maria Steele was introduced to the presence of radon in Iowa. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is tasteless, odorless and colorless. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and national health organizations rank radon as the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. More than 71% of Iowa homes are above EPA exposure guidelines, according to the Iowa Radon Survey. Maria had no family history of cancer in her family and never smoked. However, a heavy feeling in her chest had her concerned. After heart disease was ruled out, chest imaging detected a mass in her lung later confirmed as lung cancer. Maria is also sharing her journey on her blog. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Este episodio está grabado en español para nuestros amigos de la comunidad Latinx, para hablar sobre la importancia de la atención médica de rutina y su bienestar físico. Nuestro invitado es el Dr. Carlos Alarcon-Schroder de MercyOne Urbandale Family Medicine. Discutimos: Por qué es importante realizar chequeos anuales. ¿Qué es un médico de cabecera y por qué alguien debería establecer una relación con uno. ¿Existe algún problema de salud que afecte a los miembros de la comunidad Latinx? La pandemia del coronavirus y la importancia de estar vacunado. Envíenos sus comentarios enviando un correo electrónico a podcast@mercyhealth.com, o complete el formulario de envío en MercyOne.org/podcast. Tu mejor vida: impulsado por MercyOne
We're off into another new year! You're ready to live your best life and you've made the first step – recognizing your health needs. So what comes next? We caught up with Dr. David Ensz from MercyOne South Sioux City Family Medicine for some expert tips to make sure you're setting attainable goals. Focus on your mental health Make sleep a priority Exercise regularly and eat healthy Build your relationship with your primary care provider Want to hear more? Check out our past episode "New Year New You" for even more tips from the pros on living Your Best Life! Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We commonly associate PTSD with military veterans. But who else can be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder? What are the signs and symptoms? What are the options for help? Thomas Ottavi, PhD, has spent 23 years a licensed psychologist doing youth and adult work consulting with schools and agencies where trauma effects and PTSD were significant and common issues. Dr. Ottavi cares for patients in Dubuque at Medical Associates Clinic and is also a behavioral health officer in the Iowa Army National Guard. He is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma, including PTSD. We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. Resources mentioned in this podcast include: National Institute of Mental Health Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD PTSD Coach Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Daniel DiMeo to tell us all about EndoFLIP. MercyOne Children's Hospital is the first hospital in the state of Iowa to use this unique technology. When patients have trouble swallowing, there are problems getting food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach. When kids have this condition, EndoFLIP can make it much easier to diagnose disorders! Learn more about EndoFLIP in this blog post and on our website. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We're headed into influenza season, and are still navigating our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Infectious disease expert Dr. Ravi Vemuri returns to the podcast to explain what we should expect: What's the outlook for influenza? Can you get a flu shot and COVID shot at the same time? Third doses of coronavirus vaccine for immunocompromised individuals and booster shots for others Young and healthy age groups and whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine (yes) What factors go into determine hospital capacity? Requirements to attend events in the community Using monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID+ patients What's the deal with ivermectin? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
No one knows your body better than you. Your body is constantly giving you feedback on your daily activities. Sometimes that feedback gets your attention in the form of pain. In this episode we're joined by Dr. Daniel Moyse to talk through the treatment available fo individuals you live with chronic pain. If you've been experiencing chronic or unmanageable pain, find a pain care specialist and get back to living your best life. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode, meet breast cancer survivor Deann Cook. Her yearly mammogram caught a breast tumor very early, and very treatable! But as she started sharing the news of her diagnosis she learned many women had been skipping their annual screening due to the pandemic. So she took it upon herself to hold others accountable to schedule that important checkup. In her case, she says it saved her life. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode Kimberly Ellington, LMHC joins us to talk about suicide prevention. Kimberly is a licensed mental health counselor at MercyOne. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, but it is preventable! What are signs that someone is in crisis? What resources are available if you or someone you know are at risk? The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In August 2021 the CDC strengthened its recommendation for women to receive COVID-19 during pregnancy. In this episode we're joined by Sarah Massey, DO and Neil Mandsager, MD to discuss making the best vaccine decision for you and your family. Dr. Massey is a physician at MercyOne West Des Moines OBGYN Associates. Dr. Mandsager primarily works to provide personalized care to expecting mothers with high-risk pregnancy at MercyOne Perinatal Center. Read more - MercyOne maternity experts support COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy According to a new study pregnant women with a COVID-19 infection are: 22 times more likely to have a premature birth 14 times more likely to require intubation 15 times more likely to die in hospital The study involved 869, 079 adult women, including 18,715 women with COVID-19, who underwent childbirth at 499 US medical centers between March 1, 2020- Feb. 28, 2021 Find a MercyOne vaccine location by visiting MercyOne.org/covid19vaccine What questions do you have about the COVID-19 vaccine? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Eric Reynolds to talk about concussions. As we head into fall sports, most people think of football - but concussions don't just happen in contact sports. They can also happen in activities like cheerleading or even gym class. Dr. Reynolds specializes in pediatrics at MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care in Des Moines. You can also find him at MercyOne Clive Sports Medicine. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
MercyOne encourages everyone who is eligible and able to receive a vaccination to protect yourself from COVID-19. Unvaccinated people are more susceptible to the virus and its variants, and people who are not vaccinated make up most COVID-19 hospitalizations today. Many individuals could avoid the hospital entirely if they had been vaccinated. Still, there are many eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated, citing a number of reasons or concerns. In this episode, we bring those concerns to infectious disease expert Aneesa Afroze, MD, to provide additional context and even dispel some myths. Claim: The vaccine is experimental and not safe. Fact: The vaccine has Emergency Use Authorization and with more than 350 million doses administered in the U.S. the vaccine has received the most intense safety monitoring of any vaccine in history. Note: The Pfizer vaccine received FDA approval on August 23, 2021. Claim: The vaccine may cause infertility or impact pregnancy. Fact: There is nothing to indicate the vaccines impact the ability to conceive a child. There were no significant safety concerns observed during clinical trials. The vaccine when given in the third trimester of pregnancy will allow your baby to obtain some protection through antibodies, and antibodies can be passed through breastmilk. Read more: MercyOne maternity experts support COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy Claim: Young and healthy people don't need to worry about COVID-19. Fact: While it's true that most people experience mild symptoms and recover, the virus can cause severe health risks and some people still have symptoms for months after they are infected. Individuals requiring hospitalizations today include increasing numbers of individuals ages 40 and up. Nationally, COVID-19 deaths have included people from all age groups. Read more COVID-19 vaccine facts here. Crowded hospitals can strain available resources and impact other people who need care, unrelated to COVID-19. This is why it is important to protect yourself and do your part so everyone can receive the care they need. Find a MercyOne vaccine location by visiting MercyOne.org/covid19vaccine What questions do you have about the COVID-19 vaccine? Do you have questions about the variants of the virus? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Many of us experience feelings of worry, fear or anxiety. But when is it time to seek professional help? Dr. Tyler Van Milligen returns to the podcast to break down the differences between common anxiety disorders and how to determine if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life. Dr. Tyler cares for patients in the MercyOne Psychiatric Residency Program in Des Moines, Iowa. We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
In this episode we are joined by Andrea Haynes, Lab Director at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center to talk about what happens when you donate blood. Nationally, there is a severe shortage of blood due to the pandemic's effect on donations. We will learn: How are blood cells, platelets and plasma used in a hospital? What types of procedures need the most blood on hand? How does donating blood directly help your local community? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We are a week away from RAGBRAI and we have another bike-themed podcast for you. Dr. Richard Deming has been a guest on the podcast before - and in this episode you'll hear a story that only he can tell: his journey after a training ride ended with a severe crash, sending him to intensive care. Dr. Deming first told this story on stage at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next: Filling in the blanks after a story ends." The Des Moines Storytellers Project is a series of storytelling events in which community members work with Des Moines Register journalists to tell true, first-person stories live on stage. Read his story and watch a video of his speech here. (Republished here with permission.) Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
We welcome the return of RAGBRAI! Bicyclists will spend hours at a time in the July heat. Health experts from MercyOne have a few tips for your best ride, or if you find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors during the summer: 1. Water, water, water This is your number one choice to get and stay hydrated. Beverages with caffeine or alcohol are dehydrating. You can consume water through your food too! Eat foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers or celery. 2. Alcohol Alcohol increases excretion of water and salt from your body and increases internal body temperature. If you're planning to consume alcohol, try to switch between water and your beverage of choice every other drink. 3. Food for fuel When you've got an 80-mile bike ride ahead of you, it's important to eat foods to give you the energy you need to make it to the finish. If you're aiming for high performance, eat easy-to-digest carbohydrates like a banana or a bagel before you hit the road. Once you've finished, add in foods that have protein and fat, like chocolate milk or pizza. 4.Sunscreen You're going to be in the sun for many hours each day. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and make sure you hit your ears, the tip of your nose, your forehead, and hairline. Reapply every two to three hours. 5. Hygiene Germs are everywhere! Washing with soap and water isalwaysbestif available. Hand sanitizers can quickly reduce germs on hands, but they don'teliminate alltypes of germs, so it's still important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you're able. 6. Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke Two common heat-illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While heat exhaustion leads to heat stroke, they need tobe treated very differently.Learn the symptoms and what to do if your friends or family are experiencing a heat-related illness. Accidents do happen and if you experience a minor injury, MercyOne Urgent Care locations provide walk-in care for any bumps, bruises, burns, sprains and stitches. Enjoy RAGBRAI XLVIII and everything Iowa has to offer along the route! Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
This episode is all about protecting your skin and Stephanie Walker, PA-C joins us with expert information why this is important. Practicing sun safety daily helps protect your skin from damage. Why do I need to wear sunscreen? The sun emits a wide spectrum of light including ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B). These are the two most common types of UV rays that contribute to skin cancer. They damage the skin on a DNA level that can eventually lead to skin cancer. Studies have shown that sunburns, especially blistering sunburns during childhood, can dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. It's important that everyone in your family wears sunscreen to block out these harmful rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer. What type of sunscreen do I need? While The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher for everyday use, we advise sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher to provide stronger protection. Remember, both UV-A and UV-B can cause skin cancer, so choose sunscreen that protects against both. This will be labeled as protecting against a “broad spectrum” of rays. What should I look for during a self-examination of my skin? There are three things to look for when examining your moles and skin: symmetry, borders and color. If you notice any changing moles that appear asymmetrical, have irregular borders or multiple colors, please contact a health care professional to evaluate the lesion. Any sore that hasn't healed or is a painful lesion should be evaluated as well. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Summertime means warmer days, sunshine and spending time outdoors. With more activities and more time out and about there are an increased risk of injury and emergency. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Steven Warrington to explain why summer is known as trauma season. Burns, dehydration and heat illnesses are just a few common conditions needing emergency care. Serious injuries or severe illness that may require hospitalization should be directed to your local emergency room. Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
Men are more likely to delay or skip health appointments - often waiting until the last minute, or trying to just tough it out. But men need regular checkups to screen for potential health risks and stay on track for a healthy future. MercyOne urologist Christopher Adams, MD joins us to talk about the importance for men to keep track of their health, and some of the regular screenings you will need. Some of the top risks for men include: heart health respiratory disease alcohol diabetes behavioral health accidents and injuries Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
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