Podcasts about south carolina college

Ph.D. graduate Jill Found wrote a dissertation on the history of enslaved people at South Carolina College, which helped tell the story of some of the university's overshadowed people from the past. 

Human rabies cases are fortunately rare in the US. Access to pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and domestic animal vaccination programs, drive this public health success. This comes at a financial and human resources cost. Dr. Kyle Weant, clinical assistant professor and an emergency medical clinical pharmacy specialist at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Dr. Philippe Mentler, senior consulting director, join host Gretchen Brummel to discuss the use of rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine in patients who have been exposed and provide treatment pearls for frontline pharmacy practioners.   Guest speakers: Kyle Weant, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCP Clinical Assistant Professor and an Emergency Medical Clinical Pharmacy Specialist University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy   Philippe Mentler, PharmD, BCPS Senior Consulting Director Vizient   Host:  Gretchen Brummel, PharmD, BCPS   Show Notes:  [00:54-01:17] Kyle's background information  [01:18-03:31] Rabies as a disease [03:32-05:13] Public Awareness [05:14-07:06] Options right now for post-exposure prophylaxis [07:07-10:01] Thoughts on dose rounding [10:02-10:13] Is rabies immunoglobulin considered an essential medication that everyone should stock in their hospital pharmacy [10:14-11:30] Who should be administering these drugs? And who's ensuring follow up of these patients? [11:31-14:31] Potential pitfalls in patient management [14:32-18:12] What should our frontline pharmacy staff know about post-exposure prophylaxis   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Spotify Android RSS Feed

“M” is for Miles, William Porcher (1822-1899). Educator, congressman. In 1880 Miles was named president of the South Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanics (the former South Carolina College).

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 700 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls I am a 23 year educator: a former 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher and current school librarian.  I have a Masters +30, and I am a certified K-12 librarian, certified 1-8 elementary teacher, certified school administrator, and certified reading specialist.  I am the current President of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians and our library was the winner of the 2019 LLA James O Modisette Award for top middle school library programming in Louisiana. I am a 2021 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, the 2021 SLJ Librarian of the Year, the 2020 Louisiana School Librarian of the Year. In 2023, I was awarded the AASL Intellectual Freedom Award, ALA IFRT John Immroth Award, ACRL-LA Library Profressional Award, LLA Alex Allain Intellectual Freedom Award, and the ALA IFRT Paul Howard Award for Courage. I enjoy presenting at state, regional, national, and international conferences.  I am a former AASL Chapter Assembly Secretary and was the AASL23 National Conference Co-Chair. In 2021, I joined the Advisory Council of the University of Iowa's (formerly of South Carolina College of Information and Communication) Online Ready program for school librarians. I have been featured six times on the School Librarians United podcast, am the Louisiana Chapter Councilor to ALA, am a former AASL Knowledge Quest blogger, and have a book coming out in August of 2024.  I have the best job in the world, and I have enjoyed making our school​ library the heart of the school. Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of our vicious culture wars. One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss “book content,” she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing. Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns-funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians-in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn't give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance. Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers. The Stand Up Community Chat is always active with other Stand Up Subscribers on the Discord Platform.   Be sure to visit https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/membership and scroll down where you should see a "Connect to Discord" button. You can also look at https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212052266-How-do-I-get-my-Discord-Rewards- for more info. Join the SUPD Marketplace! Watch the video to learn how to post at StandUpWithPeteDominick.com/marketplace Join us Thursday's at 8EST for our Weekly Happy Hour Hangout!  Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing      

This week's GameChangers explores the transformative impact of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) on diabetes care. Discover the latest advancements in CGM technology, current ADA recommendations, and practical tips for patient education. The GameChangerCGM technology is constantly changing. The devices are smaller, more user-friendly, and easier to integrate into daily life, thereby improving patient adherence and outcomes. HostJen Moulton, BSPharmPresident, CEimpactGuestJennifer Clements, PharmD, FCCP, FADCES, BCPS, CDCES, BCACP, BC-ADMClinical Professor and Director of Pharmacy EducationUniversity of South Carolina College of PharmacyReferenceADA Info on CGMsAACE Guidelines Update on CGMs Pharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/CPE InformationLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Explain the principles and applications of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and summarize current recommendations for their use in diabetes management.2. Discuss how to educate patients on CGM use, including device placement, data interpretation, and troubleshooting common issues.0.05 CEU/0.5 HrUAN: 0107-0000-24-189-H01-PInitial release date: 06/10/2024Expiration date: 06/10/2025Additional CPE details can be found here.Interested in additional Diabetes and CGM pharmacy education?Guardian of the Glucose Galaxy: The Rise of CGMsDuring this 1-hour CE, we will cover hot topics such as:The evolution of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)The impact of CGMs in improving health, clinical outcomes, and quality of life for persons with diabetesThe use of CGMs to manage diabetes across patient populationsThe role of pharmacy teams in managing people with diabetesThe opportunity to integrate CGM devices into practicePharmacists Enroll HerePharmacy and Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The Sweetest Pairing [Pharmacist]This 6.5-hour advanced training includes six comprehensive modules designed to equip pharmacists with essential skills and knowledge to successfully integrate CGM services into their pharmacy. Content includes an in-depth understanding of CGM technology and its benefits, ways to tailor management of suitable candidates for CGM use, practical steps for integrating a CGM service into pharmacy practice, tools and techniques for managing CGM patients remotely, and how CGMs can monitor the impact of nutrition, weight management, physical activity, and wellness activities. Pharmacists will be empowered to develop a sustainable service to improve health outcomes for patients with and without diabetes. Pharmacists Enroll Here

This week's GameChangers explores the transformative impact of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) on diabetes care. Discover the latest advancements in CGM technology, current ADA recommendations, and practical tips for patient education. The GameChangerCGM technology is constantly changing. The devices are smaller, more user-friendly, and easier to integrate into daily life, thereby improving patient adherence and outcomes. GuestJennifer Clements, PharmD, FCCP, FADCES, BCPS, CDCES, BCACP, BC-ADMClinical Professor and Director of Pharmacy EducationUniversity of South Carolina College of Pharmacy ReferenceADA Info on CGMsAACE Guidelines Update on CGMs Interested in additional Diabetes and CGM pharmacy education?Save the date and join us – June 13 @ 7pmCT – registration details below!During this 1-hour Live CGM CE, we will cover hot topics such as:The evolution of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)The impact of CGMs in improving health, clinical outcomes, and quality of life for persons with diabetesThe use of CGMs to manage diabetes across patient populationsThe role of pharmacy teams in managing people with diabetesThe opportunity to integrate CGM devices into practiceExcited to see you next week!Pharmacists Enroll HereTechnicians Enroll HerePharmacist Members, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE! Not a member? Get a Pharmacist Membership & earn CE for GameChangers Podcast episodes! (30 mins/episode)CPE Information Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Explain the principles and applications of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and summarize current recommendations for their use in diabetes management.2. Discuss how to educate patients on CGM use, including device placement, data interpretation, and troubleshooting common issues.0.05 CEU/0.5 HrUAN: 0107-0000-24-189-H01-PInitial release date: 06/10/2024Expiration date: 06/10/2025Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

“R” is for Robertson, Thomas James (1823-1897). U.S. senator. A native of Winnsboro, Robertson graduated from the South Carolina College.

Special guest Jennifer N. Clements, PharmD, FCCP, FADCES, BCPS, CDCES, BCACP, BC-ADM,  Clinical Professor and Director of Pharmacy Education from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy joins us to talk about meds for obesity and weight loss.Listen in as they discuss management of overweight and obesity, including the role of newer injectable medications, oral options, and lifestyle changes.You'll also hear practical advice from panelists on TRC's Editorial Advisory Board:Stephen Carek, MD, CAQSM, DipABLM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Prisma Health/USC-SOMG Family Medicine Residency Program at the USC School of Medicine GreenvilleAndrea Darby Stewart, MD, Associate Director, Honor Health Family Medicine Residency Program and Clinical Professor of Family, Community & Occupational Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - PhoenixCraig D. Williams, PharmD, FNLA, BCPS, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Oregon Health and Science UniversityFor the purposes of disclosure, Dr. Clements reports relevant financial relationships [GLP-1 agonists] with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk (speakers bureau).TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast. Log in to your Pharmacist's Letter or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist's Letter and Prescriber Insights: Chart: Weight Loss ProductsToolbox: Weight Loss: Helping Your Overweight and Obese PatientsIf you're not yet a Pharmacist's Letter or Prescriber Insights subscriber, find out more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com. Follow or subscribe, rate, and review this show in your favorite podcast app. You can also reach out to provide feedback or make suggestions by emailing us at ContactUs@trchealthcare.com.

Cracked Racquets contributor Chris Halioris joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin to preview our College Tennis Preseason Men's Top 10. On today's show, the guys breakdown the roster strengths, ceiling and floor, and prospects of #6 South Carolina. Don't forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!! Episode Bookmarks: What's Was Most Right/Wrong About in 2023 - 5:46 2023 Recap: Overperform, Underperform, Just Right - 15:41 Returners/New Additions - 28:23 Breakout Summer/Fall + Current ITA Rankings - 48:44 Who's Their MVP - 55:13 Schedule Opportunities: Inflection Match - 1:01:28 Ceiling/Floor - 1:07:32 This episode brought to you by: Tennis Point Discounted Tennis Apparel, Tennis Racquets, Tennis Shoes & Equipment from Nike, adidas, Babolat, Wilson & More! Visit their store today and use the code "CR15" at checkout to save 15% off Sale items. Some Exclusions (MAP Exceptions) apply and code will not work on those items. This code will add 1 FREE CAN of WILSON Balls to the cart at checkout.  Tennis Channel Podcast Network Visit https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/podcasts/ to stay current on the latest tennis news and trends and enjoy in-depth analysis and dynamic debates. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Email Newsletter: https://crackedracquets.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today marks a particularly special episode where we get to introduce our newest host to our show, Sharlee R. Dixon, LMSW. At Behavioral Health Today, our commitment is to present a diverse range of perspectives and voices, both from our guests and our dedicated hosts. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor has the privilege to welcome Sharlee Dixon and give you our listeners a unique opportunity to discover more about her and welcome our new member to the BHT team. Sharlee Dixon is an accomplished social worker with extensive experience in the field. As a licensed LMSW, she currently serves as a school social worker at a North Carolina high school. Sharlee received her Masters of Social Work from The University of South Carolina, and her expertise has been recognized on a national level as she has been invited to present at the prestigious National School Social Work Conference on multiple occasions. She also earned a second Masters degree in Education with an emphasis on Trauma-Informed Care.  Sharlee has worked as an Adjunct Professor in the Education Department at Benedict College and also develops social work courses and study material for Triad as a Content Creator. Together Graham and Sharlee discuss the challenges facing communities and the unique qualifications of Social Workers to meet those needs and help their clients grow. Social Workers have a superpower of helping without necessarily you having to ask for that help.   For more information about Sharlee R. Dixon, connect on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharlee-dixon-lmsw-med-328748123 For more information about the University of South Carolina College of Social Work, please visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/socialwork/index.php

Chase Thomas is the Sports Renaissance Man, Atlanta Sports Guy & VFL. On today's program, Chase is joined by fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green to recap Week 5 of the college football season, how Georgia escaped Auburn with a victory, the Volunteers blowing out South Carolina, Kentucky and Ray Davis running all over Florida, Notre Dame coming back to beat Duke, Ole Miss doing it all to beat LSU, and Georgia Tech and Arkansas are in trouble.Host: Chase ThomasGuests: Matt GreenTo learn more about CT and the pod please go visit: https://chasethomaspodcast.comBy the way, this is a free, independent national sports podcast. To keep it that way, I'm going to need some help from you guys. If you're a fan of the pod and you haven't already, take a second right now and leave the show a 5-star rating and a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help, and it's so quick and easy to do. Thanks, y'all!Keep up with Chase on social media:Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodChaseThomasFollow me on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kFHPDnFollow me on TikTok: https://bit.ly/3JdZ3RF'Like' me on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ZmURo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk about a 'go-getter'!  Let's talk about AACD, residency, what it was like learning under Dr. Adamo Notrantonio, and her future in dentistry!Dr. Sara Kuckhoff is an avid learner with a passion for providing functionally beautiful dentistry to her patients. Her desire for excellence led her to pursue a residency with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Dr. Adamo Notarantonio. She is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine and earned her B.S. from Emory University. The blend of art and science in dentistry is one of her favorite aspects of the profession. She continues to seek opportunities for growth and is in the midst of the Kois curriculum.  

Joe DeLeone and Sean Anderson React to College Football Week 1, discussing: - Colorado vs TCU, Coach Prime, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders burst onto the scene - Florida vs Utah, Billy Napier Bumbles against the Utes without Cam Rising - South Carolina v UNC, Shane Beamer takes a hit against Drake Maye - Is Ohio State in trouble? Do they need to replace Kyle McCord? - Brent Key Causing Problems for Joe - And more

 "Making the home age- and dementia-friendly can make a difference and positively impact a person's independence and overall well-being."   —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FA       Did you know that making simple changes to a home can help people with dementia stay calm and thrive? Just as we childproof our homes, creating a dementia-friendly environment can make a real difference.   Welcome back to "This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World." I'm Dr Melissa Batchelor, a nurse/nurse practitioner. If you enjoy the podcast, the best way to support it is by liking, sharing, and reviewing it on your preferred platform. Your likes, shares, and reviews help spread this information to more people facing these challenges. Key points covered in this episode: Alzheimer's Care: 11 Tips for Creating a Dementia-Proof Home ✔️ Dementia's Impact on Daily Safety Dementia can compromise balance, depth perception, judgment, and problem-solving skills, elevating the risk of accidents during everyday activities.   ✔️ Creating a Supportive Home Environment Establishing a secure and familiar home setting is essential for preserving an individual's independence and well-being. ✔️ Professional Guidance Consider seeking expertise from an occupational therapist through a formal Home Safety Evaluation to ensure a safer living environment. ✔️ Tailored Modifications Customize home adjustments based on the person's specific behaviors and requirements. ✔️ Tips to Dementia-Proof Your Home   1. Optimize Lighting: Ensure well-lit areas, particularly around stairs and bathrooms to prevent glare and shadows.   2. Contrast Colors: Utilize high-contrast colors on surfaces to aid those with vision changes, distinguishing transitions between areas.   3. Clear Pathways: Eliminate trip hazards like throw rugs and cords, maintaining unobstructed walkways.   4. Bathroom Safety: Install shower chairs, grab bars, non-slip strips, and ensure non-plug-in appliances to create a secure bathroom environment.   5. Night Lights: Implement motion-sensor night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to aid navigation without disturbing sleep.   6. Labeling: Label drawers and closets to facilitate finding items and reduce frustration.   7. Declutter: Minimize clutter for easy item retrieval, simplifying organization and reducing stress.   8. Noise Reduction: Manage noise levels to prevent overstimulation, confusion, and agitation.   9. Burn Prevention: Adjust stove handles, food temperature, and water heater settings to prevent burns.   10. Secure Dangerous Items: Lock cabinets with harmful substances and take precautions with potentially hazardous tools.   11. Pool and Spa Safety: Install fences with locked gates and water sensors for swimming pools and hot tubs to prevent unauthorized access. ✔️  Taking Action for Support Thank you for joining this week's episode. If this content resonates with you and you seek assistance, know that I'm updating my website, melissabphd.com. By mid-to-late August, you'll be able to find details about personalized one-on-one consultation options or how to participate in a new caregiver support group that I'll be leading.   For now, you can explore my current website, subscribe to my newsletter, and connect on social media to stay updated on when the revamped site and new support services launch. Exciting times ahead!   Remember, your likes, shares, and podcast reviews spread valuable insights. Please help us reach more individuals who can benefit.    If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.    About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the Duke University School of Nursing faculty as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015, which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/

"Dementia is a medical condition; it's not an identity." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FA Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide honest and clear information about the diagnosis of dementia particularly. About the person's current state and provide anticipatory guidance about what areas of loss and decline can be expected. But a diagnosis like this impacts everyone in the family. So how to you handle the next few weeks and months as you all make this transition will be important for getting off to a good start. This week, I will share  “4 Tips for Good Care at Home After an Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis". Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Tip # 1: See the Whole Person First off, remember that dementia is a medical condition – it's not who you are. Even though things might change, you're still you. When someone gets diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, it doesn't mean they suddenly become different. Sure, there might be some adjustments along the way, but not everything will change all at once. Most folks get diagnosed early, so there's still much life to enjoy. I encourage you to learn about the diagnosis – it's like gathering tools to make informed choices for today and tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, staying connected is important. Here's the scoop: you're still the same amazing person you were before. Alzheimer's might bring some changes, but it's not the boss of everything. You've got plenty of living to do. So, take it one step at a time, keep learning, stay connected, and most importantly, keep living life to the fullest.  ✔️ Tip #2: Encourage Connection  Receiving a diagnosis like Alzheimer's can be challenging, but it's important to remember that life doesn't stop here. You can take steps to encourage connection between you and your loved one.  Here are some tips to help you both continue living your lives to the fullest: Stay Engaged: Keep yourself mentally and physically active. Participate in activities you enjoy and find new interests if needed. Staying engaged helps maintain cognitive function. Stay Connected: Share the diagnosis with friends and family. They can provide the support and understanding you both need. Encourage your loved one to accept invitations and continue socializing. Support Groups: You're not alone in this journey. Joining a support group can provide a safe space to share experiences, advice, and emotional support. This connection can positively impact both of you. Volunteer and Join: Engage in activities that interest you. Volunteering, joining clubs, or taking classes provide a sense of purpose and social interaction. Maintain Routine: Having a routine can provide a sense of stability. Regularly connecting with loved ones, participating in church activities, or visiting family can create a comforting routine. ✔️ Tip #3: Focus on Strengths and Abilities  Every person with dementia experiences this disease differently. While there will be losses over time, there will also be remaining strengths and abilities at any given time.   Don't assume that just because the person was given this diagnosis that it automatically means they can't do things that they used to do, or they can't make decisions, or they're no longer able to learn new things.  To help both of you stay aware of this, you can make a list of the skills and abilities the person with dementia still has. Think of two activities that can help guide you: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): Using the phone Shopping Cooking Cleaning Doing laundry Driving Managing meds Handling money Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Bathing or showering Dressing Moving in and out of bed or a chair Walking Using the toilet Eating Look at these lists every 2-3 months to see which activities the person can still do independently. Write down their progress and share it with your healthcare provider.  Changes might appear first in IADLs before ADLs, and remember, involve the person with dementia in these discussions whenever possible. This way, you work together to understand and adapt to these changes. ✔️ Tip #4:Embrace Well-Being The concept of well-being encompasses various elements such as identity, connections, security, joy, and self-worth. Importantly, individuals with Alzheimer's can still experience a sense of well-being, with a shift towards prioritizing emotions over memories. To promote well-being, the key lies in concentrating on the individual's feelings rather than fixating on their recollections or current abilities. This approach involves dedicating more time to recognizing their emotional needs and optimizing their strengths and capabilities rather than dwelling on the aspects they may have lost. A helpful analogy for understanding well-being is to visualize a doughnut. Think of the doughnut's shape, which includes a central hole. Similarly, people sometimes get caught up focusing on the "hole," which signifies what's missing or what someone can no longer do.  Instead, the focus should be on the "doughnut," representing the strengths and abilities that are still present. This shift in perspective can greatly contribute to fostering a sense of well-being for individuals with Alzheimer's.  ✔️ Unlocking Support: Connect, Engage, and Empower! Thank you for listening! If you need support, visit my website MelissaBPhD.com for updates on working with me directly. Sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media for announcements. Like, share, and review to spread valuable information—your engagement matters. If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the Duke University School of Nursing faculty as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015, which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Robert G. Ritter D.M.D., has a practice that focuses on adhesive esthetic dentistry. He promotes esthetic dentistry as part of his mainstream dental care. He was raised in Palm Beach County and  resides in Palm Beach Gardens. Dr. Ritter received his dental degree from The Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 1994. He is Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, Dental Research Administration at Tufts School Of Dental Medicine. He is a Fellow of The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and a member of  The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. He is a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics and the American Society for Color and Appearance Dentistry. He is a member of  The American Dental Association. In addition he is a board member and Past President of The Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He was a member of the Seaside Study Club, a component of the Seattle Study Club. He is a member of the International Association of Dental Researchers. Dr. Ritter is both a Kois Center graduate and a Spear Education graduate. He and his partner are the directors of their own course, The Protocol, a live in person teaching curriculum.      Dr. Ritter is on the editorial board of Inside Dentistry and The Journal of The Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has published many articles on adhesive and cosmetic dentistry in several publications, including PPAD, Signature, Spectrum, Dentistry Today, DPR, Contemporary Esthetics, and Inside Dentistry. In addition, Dr. Ritter is an Editorial Board member of REALITY, a publication to keep dentists up-to-date with advances in the products, techniques and research of esthetic dentistry. He is also a product consultant to numerous dental manufacturers. He lectures over 30 times a year nationally as well as internationally on cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, materials, and social media as well as  digital technologies in and for the modern dental office.  Dr. Ritter and his wife Dr. Isabelle Ritter have a daughter Olivia and enjoy golf, tennis, the beach, movies and travel.  

“Motor scooters really can't make a major difference in the life of an older adult who might not otherwise be able to leave their home without one. This impacts their independence and as I found out, it actually impacts their care partners as well.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN Imagine not being able to leave your home and go out with your family and friends due to debilitating back pain. Walking just 15 feet becomes a challenge, and you rely on a cane or rolling walker for shorter distances. How do you cope with basic activities like shopping or going out for lunch? Get ready for a super informative episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World! I've got six essential things to share with you about buying a motor scooter for yourself or a loved one. Trust me, it took four generations of my family just to take my grandmother, Nonnie, out for a day of lunch and shopping! Tune in and get the inside scoop on age-friendly mobility options! Key points covered in this episode:   ✔️ Whizzing Along - A Look at Motor Scooters Discover the world of motor scooters – the ultimate assistive technology. These sleek, battery-operated vehicles are perfect for individuals who are capable of walking but may need a little extra help getting around. With their convenient seat and handlebar steering, motor scooters offer both comfort and control. Whether you're cruising on the pavement or hitting the road, these versatile scooters can take you anywhere you need to go. Equipped with essential features like speed control, a horn, and even storage options, motor scooters are designed with your convenience in mind. Safety is a priority too, as users must be able to turn their head to look behind them when backing up. However, it's important to note that, unlike wheelchairs, motor scooters are not guaranteed access to all buildings under the American Disabilities Act.   ✔️ Before You Buy: 6 Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Motor Scooter #1. Where Do You Want To Go? My mom brought Nonnie to town for a doctor's appointment on this particular morning. When it came to choosing a restaurant for lunch, our top priority was finding one that was fully accessible. We decided on the Oceanic, located by the beach, because they had a spacious ramp leading to the entrance. Although the ramp had a tight turn, Nonnie managed to navigate it and transfer to her chair. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn't crowded, so there was enough room for her scooter to be parked right by our table. #2. How Agile Is The Scooter In Tight Spaces? Nonnie effortlessly navigates a ramp and makes a sharp turn to enter a restaurant. Before we left, we made sure to stop by the bathroom to ensure the scooter could easily fit inside. Nonnie smoothly transferred onto the scooter, entered the stall, and then drove out. As we were leaving, Davis was incredibly helpful by opening the door for her. Nonnie skillfully maneuvered back down the ramp without any difficulties. Her scooter handled the transition from the boardwalk to the pavement flawlessly. #3. How Much Does The Scooter And The Battery Weigh? Discovering the weight range of scooters was quite surprising - they can weigh anywhere from 46 to 400 pounds, excluding the battery. My grandmother's scooter, ith its 25-pound battery, weighed well over 50 to 60 pounds. It was quite a challenge to lift it from my mom's car to the pavement and back. Thankfully, Davis was there to help us with this heavy task. However, my mom and aunt wouldn't be able to handle the weight on their own, making it impossible for them to take my grandmother anywhere with the scooter. We definitely need lighter scooters. #4. How Will You Get It To Another Location – Does It Fit Into The Back Of Your Vehicle? Transporting a scooter can be quite a challenge! Especially when it comes to fitting it in the back of your vehicle. Trust me, I've been there, done that. And let me tell you, it's not a pretty sight. However, picking up and disassembling the scooter can make the process a bit of a fiasco. My mom's car was no exception - it required some strategic planning and a bit of a game of Tetris to get the scooter securely in the back. But with a little patience and some creative thinking, we were able to make it work. So if you find yourself in a similar situation, don't stress - it may take a little extra effort, but it's definitely doable. #5. How Easy It Is To Disassemble And Reassemble? While Davis handled the heavy lifting, I was in charge of assembly. I must admit, our second stop at the shopping center was a bit challenging. We asked three people for assistance, but they were as clueless about the scooter as we were. However, after some trial and error, we were able to reassemble it successfully. It's worth noting that even the chair itself was bulky and difficult to align and fit onto the pedestal. Removing the seat to transport it from the restaurant to the shopping center added another complication. #6. How Far Will It Go On One Battery Charge? Scooters can travel varying distances on a single charge, ranging from 10 to 35 miles. Nonnie's scooter had a full battery so we went shopping for lunch using her scooter, successfully navigating sidewalks, curbs, and most aisles in the department store. Nonnie was able to complete her shopping independently, demonstrating impressive focus and determination to accomplish her goals.   ✔️ Don't Keep Those Scooter Stories To Yourself!Don't be shy, share your scooter stories with us! We want to hear all about your wild rides and smooth cruises. Drop a comment and make us laugh or gasp in amazement.   ✔️ Do You Have A Brilliant Idea For Making Scooters Easier To Transport? Got any secret tips or tricks up your sleeve when it comes to navigating those pesky scooter paths? We want to know! Help us avoid those nasty potholes and tricky corners by leaving a comment below. ✔️ Attention Scooter Companies If you're a scooter manufacturer looking to improve your products, Nonnie and I are ready to put them to the test! Drop us a line and let's collaborate on creating the ultimate lightweight, easy-to-assemble scooter. ✔️ Calling All Mobility Scooter Gurus! If you're in the industry and striving to make life easier for scooter enthusiasts all over the world, we want to hear from you. Reach out on our website and let's start a conversation about scooter design and innovation. Drop a comment or message me directly with your thoughts and ideas. Who knows - you could be the one to revolutionize the scooter industry! If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question. About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN:   I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

“Falling is the number one leading cause of fractures in the United States, and they're the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death globally.” — Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN In 2022, in the United States, of the top 5 leading causes of death, 3 are chronic conditions – 1. heart disease, 2. cancer, and 5. respiratory disease – coming in at #3 is COVID-19, but #4 may surprise you. It's accidents and unintentional injuries (and just in case you're wondering, Alzheimer's disease is in the #6 spot right now) As people age, the risk of falls and fall-related injuries increase. In fact, 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. The consequences of fall can be devastating – falls are the number one cause of fractures in the US and the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death globally. A geriatrician I once worked for told me that the most important muscles for preventing falls and reducing frailty were our quadriceps. Made sense to me. It's also a reason that I would NOT recommend one of those recliners that automatically lifts and propels an older adult out of it. While technology can be a good thing, don't compensate when you can get stronger. Use your own strength for as long as you can. Think about it – while it's important for being able to get out of the chair, it's really important for getting on and off the toilet, too! Improving your strength and balance are the keys to reducing your risk of falling. In our next episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I'll share Six Exercises To Reduce the Risk Of Falling. These low-impact exercises enhance your stability, strength, and balance, ultimately reducing the chances of a fall if you become unsteady on your feet for any reason and they can be easily tailored to your own abilities and overall health.   Get ready to step into a safer future! Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Exercise #1: Balancing on One Foot This exercise involves maintaining a single-foot stance, as the name suggests. If you find yourself lacking stability, it is advisable to grasp onto a wall or a reliable grab bar until your balance improves. Once you feel confident in your stability, this exercise can seamlessly incorporate into your routine whenever you find yourself standing in line, patiently awaiting an event or engagement.   ✔️ Exercise #2: Standing on Tip Toes This exercise also aligns with its name, as it involves transitioning from a flat-footed stance to standing on your toes. Similar to the previous exercise focusing on balance, it is recommended to maintain a firm grip on a wall or grab bar until you can perform this movement with stability. Engaging in this exercise also provides notable benefits for your calf muscles.   ✔️ Exercise #3: Sitting to Standing Without Using Your Hands This exercise involves the ability to transition from a seated position to standing without relying on the support of chair arms. Within the field of geriatrics, it is commonly included in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Testt The objective is to successfully rise from the chair, walk a distance of 10 feet, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down, completing the entire sequence within a timeframe of 12 seconds. It is crucial to note that the inability to perform this task indicates an increased risk of falling for older adults.   ✔️ Exercise# 4: Leg Extensions Leg extensions involve the action of lifting one leg at a time in front of you while maintaining a seated position. This exercise primarily targets your quadriceps, similar to the sitting-to-standing exercise. ✔️ Exercise # 5: Walking It's great to go for a walk, whether it's outside or simply walking around your house when going outdoors isn't an option. Active plays a crucial role in promoting our overall health and well-being, and it's particularly vital for minimizing the chances of falling. Plus, walking alongside a friend or family member adds an element of joy to the experience!   (I'm truly grateful that my youngest family member joined me on a walk while I was recording the demonstrations for this episode). ✔️ Exercise # 6: Gentle Stretches To enhance flexibility and alleviate discomfort in your hips and legs, it is recommended to engage in gentle stretches multiple times per day, a few times a week. Personally, I find lying down to be the most effective position for stretching my lower body and addressing hip pain, which has become more prominent due to extended periods of sitting during work, particularly since the onset of the COVID pandemic. I frequently require stretching exercises for my right hip. Gradually, you can aim to hold these stretches for a duration of 30 seconds: ● Knee-to-chest stretch: Begin by lying on your back with your legs extended. Lift the leg you intend to stretch and flex your knee. Employing your opposite hand, apply gentle pressure to draw your knee toward your chest.   ● Side stretch: Proceed by allowing your knee to naturally descend across your body in a twisting motion, as this action effectively accentuates the stretch in my hip and gluteal region.   ● Additionally, I engage in a Piriformis stretch by crossing my ankle over the opposite knee and maintaining this position for a period of time. Alternatively, I can grasp underneath my thigh and pull my knee closer to my chest. If you are new to stretching, it is important to refrain from performing any movements that cause pain or discomfort. ✔️ Feeling Unsteady? Don't Be A Bystander—Take Action! Make a beeline to your medical provider if balance or stretching is causing you trouble. They can usually provide you with a referral to physical therapy or PT if you ask them for one. These services can assist you in creating a customized home routine tailored to address your specific strength and balance needs. Furthermore, there are plenty of other measures you can take to minimize the risk of falling. Feel free to explore the links I've included below to gain more insight:  

We often hear the phrase "aging gracefully," but what exactly does that mean?  Many of us assume that our expected aging process is predetermined by genetics and family history, but that's not entirely true. While genetics play a role, our lifestyle choices and environmental factors also heavily impact our aging journey.  The good news is that we have the power to make choices that will benefit us in the long run. So, aging may not be set in stone, but rather a path we can steer with thoughtful decisions.  Dr. Mark Williams has dedicated his career to unlocking the secrets of aging and understanding how our environment shapes our longevity. In this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, he shares five insights essential for understanding the aging process—from how nutrition and exercise play a role in our health to the importance of having a safe place to rest at night. With these five secrets, you can work towards a healthier life as you age. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️Aging Gracefully: The 5 Secrets You Need to Know

Conversations about emergency or end-of-life care can be challenging, even for those confident in their preferences. Accepting our mortality can be difficult, and relying on someone else to make decisions during a crisis can be daunting. Nonetheless, these discussions are critical to ensure you receive appropriate care. As individuals who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming may need gender-affirming healthcare and often encounter discrimination when seeking care, creating advance healthcare plans is crucial. These plans can help ensure all healthcare needs are met, and barriers to care are addressed proactively. Having an advanced directive in place can also provide peace of mind knowing that both clients and advocates are prepared for various situations. Get ready to learn about Advance Directives for Transgender Folks on another episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World! Our amazing guest, Ames Simmons, Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, will shed light on why having one is crucial.  Trust us, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are respected, and their rights are protected. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Ames Simmons: Bridging the Gap between LGBTQ Health Policy and Community-Based Activism Meet Ames Simmons - a brilliant, queer, white, transgender man with a senior fellowship at Duke University School of Law. He's diving deeper into LGBT Health Policy & Practice by pursuing a graduate certificate at George Washington University.  As a champion for community-based anti-racism, anti-violence, and anti-poverty efforts, he's fighting for justice and collective liberation for transgender people. Ames is a seasoned policy director with impressive experience at the National Center for Transgender Equality and Equality North Carolina.  He spent seventeen years at a healthcare company, helping uninsured patients get on Medicaid. Ames earned his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University Law School after attending Agnes Scott College. Basically, he's a rock star. ✔️ Break the Taboo: Talking About Advance Directives As we consider the intersection of LGBTQ and trans/non-binary communities, it's vital to acknowledge and address our death-denying culture. Death is often taboo and feared, especially within families. We must prioritize advance care planning and initiating difficult conversations sooner to destigmatize this natural part of life. An advance directive, a.k.a a living will, often merges with the healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA) within a single document. This guide provides healthcare providers with specific instructions, ensuring patients' preferences are respected. ✔️ The Missing Piece in Transgender Healthcare: Advance Directives Hey, did you hear the stat? Only 10% of transgender folks have filled out advance directives. Can't blame them when you're more focused on finding your next meal or roof over your head. Plus, it's tough when you don't have a big support system to rely on for help with healthcare decisions. Let's spread the word and ensure everyone gets the care they need. ✔️ Don't Diminish Our Identity: Transgender Patients Face Unique Risks in Long-Term Care Sadly, transgender people are more likely to experience unsupportive families and discriminatory medical care. This is especially concerning when facing potential cognitive decline or entering long-term care facilities. We need to stay vigilant and advocate for patients of all identities! ✔️ Gender Affirmation, Even With Dementia: Care Options For Trans Folks Because your identity matters, today and always make your healthcare wishes crystal clear in a living will, and think about whether it's important to you to state your gender identity too.  Choose a trusted healthcare agent to protect you if you have non-affirming family members. You deserve the best care possible, so if you can and it feels safe enough, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself! ✔️ Don't Leave Your Healthcare Decisions Up In The Air! You've got style, you've got flair, and you deserve to have a say in your healthcare! Transgender folk, make sure you have a plan in place by discussing advance care options with your provider. And for all our older adults and people living with a disability, good news: Medicare's got your back and will cover those important conversations. Take charge of your health - you deserve it! ✔️ No One Has to Go Through This Alone: Help Is a Click Away Hey, healthcare pros and LGBTQ+ fam, if you're feeling lost on those advance directives, we got you! Check out these handy dandy resources: Medicare's got your back with reimbursement for 30-minute services on advance care planning (aka filling out those pesky forms). Let them pay you for your expertise! Transgender Law Center's life planning resources that break down advance directives and guide trans individuals to consider their values and gender identity.  Compassion and Choices also have your back with their LGBTQ engagement project, spreading the word about the significance of advance directives.  And for those in Chicago, The Care Plan is an organization that caters to LGBTQ individuals for end-of-life care and treatment decision-making.  Don't leave your future unplanned – take charge with these fantastic resources. ✔️ Want To Get In Touch With Ames?  Good news, darling - it couldn't be easier! Simply shoot an email to simmons@law.duke.edu. And if you want to stay in the loop and see what Ames is up to, check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or connect with him on LinkedIn. Stay fabulous! If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

While information on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment in transgender adults is lacking, research shows that they tend to face more health disparities that are known risk factors for dementia, such as depression, hearing loss, sleep disorders, high cholesterol, and alcohol use disorder.  Moreover, the social injustices encountered by transgender adults also correlate to higher chances of cognitive impairment. This highlights the need for increased attention to the unique health challenges faced by the transgender community.  Additionally, it is important to create policies that promote safer and more inclusive environments where transgender adults can access the quality healthcare they need. Get pumped to learn about Dementia in Transgender People on the latest episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World! Our incredible guest Ames Simmons, Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, is here to share some eye-opening insights that will make you think twice about aging and identity. Honestly, this chat is a game-changer for anyone who values having their voice heard and their freedoms safeguarded. You won't want to miss it! Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Bridging LGBTQ Health Policy and Activism: The Ames Simmons Way Get ready to meet Ames Simmons, the brilliant, queer, white, and transgender man teaching at Duke University School of Law. Not content with two degrees, he's pursuing a graduate certificate in LGBT Health Policy & Practice at George Washington University.  But that's just the beginning. Ames is dedicated to community-based anti-racism, anti-violence, and anti-poverty efforts to achieve justice and collective liberation for transgender people everywhere.  With years of experience as a policy director at the National Center for Transgender Equality and Equality North Carolina, he's a seasoned expert in enacting meaningful change. Plus, he's even helped uninsured patients access Medicaid during his time at a healthcare company. If you're not impressed yet, Ames also earned his Juris Doctor degree from Emory University Law School after attending Agnes Scott College. In short, this rockstar is an inspiration to us all! ✔️ Mind Matters: The Struggle with Cognitive Decline Among Transgender People Transgender folks are almost six times more likely to experience cognitive decline than their cisgender counterparts. And for those who are transgender and a person of color? The stress of multiple marginalized identities means they're dealing with an even greater chance of cognitive decline. It's time to acknowledge and address the mental health disparities facing the trans community. ✔️ The Double Whammy: How Aging and Transgender Identity Intersect Gender identity and dementia are two topics that don't often come up in the same conversation. But what happens when they do? Surprisingly little is known about how this neurological condition can affect someone's sense of self. It's possible that dementia could bring about a newfound gender fluidity or even cause someone to forget they've undergone gender-affirming procedures. It's a puzzling and sensitive issue that deserves more attention and understanding. ✔️ Forget-Me-Not: Memory Loss in the Transgender Community A report from the Pride Study found that older trans adults who had experienced transgender-related discrimination were seven and a half times more likely to report poor or fair memory. Also, 1 in 2 transgender people reports mistreatment by a healthcare provider, so fear and anxiety about losing their sense of agency due to dementia is high. ✔️ “Perceived Powerlessness Feedback Loop” Trans people fear being discriminated against and receiving worse treatment in long-term care due to past experiences with healthcare discrimination. It's a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. Let's ensure everyone, regardless of gender identity, receives the respect and care they deserve. ✔️ Beyond the Statistics: Transgender People Have Higher Suicide Risk The idea of going back to the sex that was assigned at birth is just so unthinkable for many trans people that some plan to die by suicide before dementia sets in or before they go into a long-term care setting. This fear is not unfounded; studies have shown that transgender people are more likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender peers. It's essential that we provide intensive mental health support to help these individuals thrive in a safer and affirming environment. We also need to recognize that long-term care for trans people requires person-centered care that considers the unique needs of transgender people.  ✔️ Dementia Doesn't Discriminate—and Neither Should We Let's raise awareness and support for Dementia in Transgender People because everyone deserves compassionate care and understanding. Remember, our identities may change, but our humanity remains the same. ✔️ Say Goodbye to Lone Battles: Get Help With One Click Howdy, healthcare heroes and fabulous LGBTQ+ folks! Don't fret if you're a bit confused about dementia and transgender topics. We've got your back with some mighty useful resources. Take a peek, and let us help you out! Trans Inclusivity in Alzheimer's Care with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)  Long-Term Care Equality Index Cicero, E.C., Lett, E., Flatt, J.D., Benson, G.P., & Epps, F. (2023). Transgender adults from minoritized ethnoracial groups in the U.S. report a greater subjective cognitive decline. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, gbad012. ✔️ Looking To Reach Out To Ames? Hey there, darling! Have no fear; the solution is easy peasy lemon squeezy. All you gotta do is fire off an email to simmons@law.duke.edu. If you want to stay in the know and sneak a peek at what Ames is up to, scope out his socials on Facebook, Twitter, and  Instagram. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn to keep the party going. Keep shining bright like a diamond! If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Evidence shows that music can be a powerful tool for increasing older adults' quality of life and health.  By providing access to music education programs, we can help older adults stay active, engaged, and connected with the world around them.   Get ready to meet the man behind the music masterpieces for the gray generation! We're excited to have Joshua Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, join us in this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World. Joshua will take us on a tour of his organization's amazing programs, providing older adults with a fresh zest for life through music, art, and movement.  Tune in to discover how Encore Creativity is helping older adults channel their inner rockstar! Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Encore Choral: The Melodious Journey of a Lifelong Passion Jeanne Kelly, the founder of Encore, was inspired by Dr. Gene Cohen's research on the positive effects of arts participation on the health and well-being of older individuals. Dr. Cohen was the founding director of The George Washington University's Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities, and his work lives on through Encore's mission. ✔️ Joshua Vickery Leading the Way for Senior Creatives Encore Creativity sings the praises of CEO Joshua Vickery as the mastermind behind the nation's most fabulous choral arts organization for older adults. Vickery's strategic vision rests on bolstering partnerships, fundraising, planning, and expanding its operations nationwide. His target? Establishing Encore as the nation's number-one thought leader on creative aging – he's hitting all the right notes! ✔️ Encore Creativity: The Power of Music in Later Life Joshua Vickery shares how music can be a powerful force for connection, creativity, and joy—all essential components of a full life at any age. Through Encore's supportive and nurturing environment, older adults develop meaningful relationships with one another while expressing their passion and joy through music. Encore's current programming includes: 1. Encore Chorales  Encore Chorales offers a diverse choral experience for individuals aged 55 and older without the need for auditions. The ensemble rehearses for 15 weeks, culminating in a comedic performance. The repertoire includes American Songbook, classical, jazz, and Broadway tunes, all led by exceptional conductors for a high-quality musical experience. 2. Encore Rocks  Encore Rocks is a choral ensemble that specializes in performing rock music from the 1960s to the present day. Accompanied by a rock band, the group maintains a contemporary aesthetic by wearing blue jeans and black shirts, exuding a modern and stylish vibe. 3. Sentimental Journey Singers  Sentimental Journey Singers, a charming part of Encore Creativity for older adults, is a choral program designed for individuals experiencing early memory loss or cognitive changes. Alongside their care partners, participants are warmly invited to weekly rehearsals.  4. Melody Makers  Encore recently initiated a pilot program, Melody Makers, in partnership with Goodwin House in Alexandria, Virginia. This program targets individuals in the mid-to-late stages of cognitive change, offering them a therapeutic music experience. 5. Encore University  Encore University, an online learning platform, emerged in response to COVID. This program is adapted by utilizing technology to continue providing programs to singers. Now, the platform offers classes, workshops, and recitals, accessible live or through recordings and led by exceptional educators. The advantage of the University is its global reach, connecting with people worldwide, even if in-person programming hasn't yet arrived in their area. ✔️ The Future of Encore: Bigger, Better, Brighter Encore can't wait to grow in Wilmington, NC, this spring and bring our brain health programs to even more communities! They're putting their heart into diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to truly represent the people we serve. Plus, they're looking forward to using technology to connect virtually and become a go-to source for future talents, conductors, and tech companies. ✔️ Sing With Us or Help Us There are several enjoyable ways you can support Encore:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 52% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly in primary care and rural settings, where many Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-PCNPs) work. Have you ever wondered about the magic behind AG-PCNPs and their amazing services? These licensed and certified professionals are out there making a difference in countless communities. But why should a nurse go the extra mile to become a nurse practitioner? Tune in to the latest episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World, where we'll welcome two nursing superstars in clinical care of older adults: Margaret Venzke and Laurie Wilson! These women know how to make our world a more welcoming and accommodating place for all ages. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Laurie Dodge Wilson: A Source of Experience and Guidance for Nursing Students Laurie Dodge Wilson, NP, has been practicing clinically since 1995. She joined the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing (SON) in December 2012. She brings her wealth of clinical experience into her teaching and competency development in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program. In 2020 and 2021, she advocated for older adults by serving on GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) COVID-19 task force, securing testing and immunizations. That same year, she earned her certification in clinical simulation. ✔️ A True DC Native: 28 Years of Teaching and Clinical Practice with Dr. Maggie Hadro Venzke  Dr. Maggie Hadro Venzke has held faculty appointments at multiple universities, teaching in graduate nurse practitioner programs for over 28 years. Her clinical/research interests include fall prevention in the elderly, immunizations, infectious disease prevention, and best teaching practices in virtual online graduate NP education. She earned her BSN from the University of Virginia, MSN from Virginia Commonwealth University, and DNP from The George Washington University School of Nursing. Dr. Venzke has been teaching full-time at GWU since 2017 and is Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program Director since 2019.  ✔️ Understanding the Integral Role of AG-PCNPs Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners are masters at caring for patients of all ages and stages! They go above and beyond to help patients achieve their best health, from teenagers all the way to the older members of our community. These healthcare providers partner with patients to promote wellness and provide top-notch care for acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and injuries. And it doesn't stop there! AGPCNPs may participate in research and advocate for quality healthcare. ✔️ Where Do Adult Care Nurses Hang Their Stethoscope? Who knew that practicing diverse settings could be so exciting? With our aging population, we need to meet people where they're at – from the hospital to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and home care.  Additionally, there's the growing trend of telehealth. The world of healthcare has plenty of options to offer. ✔️ How Much are AGPCNPs Paid? Are you a registered nurse with a passion for geriatric care? The field of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners has a plethora of exciting job opportunities waiting for you. According to Salary.com in Jan 2023, you can earn a salary that ranges from $120K to $140K. ✔️ Elevating Nurse Education at GWSON The AGPCNP program at GWSON isn't your typical online program - it's the perfect mix of both virtual and in-person learning. With standardized patients and advanced technology resources, students develop their advanced practice skills to the fullest. And to top it off, they also get access to GW Health Sciences library services and apps for on-the-go learning. And don't worry about being local to the Washington DC Metro area - you'll only need to come to campus 2-3 times during the program for hands-on skills workshops and simulations. And when it comes to clinical rotations, they don't just leave students to fend for themselves - Clinical Experience Faculty are on hand to provide personalized guidance and support. ✔️ GWU: The Choice That Makes Sense! For six years running, GW Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Program has secured a spot in the prestigious top ten of U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs ranking for 2023. Our MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is ranked #6 and the DNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program earning a respectable #10 ranking. Our small cohort sizes offer a supportive and cohesive learning environment perfect for advancing your education while working as a nurse. So why not consider joining us and becoming your patients' go-to primary care provider, from adolescents to older adults? ✔️ Tailor-made Programs for Your Success: Curriculum and Degree Options to Choose From You can fit advanced education into your busy schedule with online coursework and local clinical rotations under expert faculty guidance. With both full-time and part-time options, you can find with balance of work-life-school that works best for you. And when you're done, you'll be eligible to take on the national Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exams. Becoming a nursing pro takes a lot of dedication, and our programs have got you covered. Our MSN program will equip you with 48 credits and 600 hours of clinical practice. If you're up for the challenge, our BSN-DNP program comprises 70 credits and with 1000 clinical hours. And if you already have a masters in nursing, our post-Master's certificate is only 20 credits and 600 clinical hours. You'll be one step closer to your nursing dreams in no time! ✔️ Ready for a Bigger, Better Nursing Role? Elevate your nursing game and hop over to nursing.gwu.edu to start your next chapter in nursing excellence.  --------------- Curious about the ins and outs of our programs of study? You can email Dr. Venzke at mvenzke@gwu.edu or Laurie at ldwilson@gwu.edu – and get a quick response to all your burning questions. If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) provide care for the sickest of the sick in a variety of clinical care settings.  And in a world where the baby-boom generation is living longer and needing more health care, nurses with expertise in treating older adults in the acute care setting will be in high demand.  So, if you're looking for a career where you can make a real difference, you might consider becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. It's time for another riveting episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World.  We're excited to welcome two advanced practice nursing faculty join us: Linda Briggs, D.N.P, ACNP-BC, FAANP and Helen Brown, M.S., ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP.  Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ A Trailblazer in Nurse Education: Dr Linda A. Briggs' Legacy in the Field Linda A. Briggs has been a cardiovascular specialist for decades – so long that she's earned dual certification as an Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She received a Fulbright Specialist, and she was awarded the GW Bender Teaching Award in 2017, proving her commitment to educating future nurse practitioners.  ✔️ From ED to Classroom: Experienced AGACNP Nurse—Helen Ferguson Brown Helen Ferguson Brown has over 20 years of experience in Emergency Departments and a passion for quality patient care. She is an acute care nurse practitioner and an adjunct clinical instructor at GW University, where she's been teaching AGACNP students for 5 years. Her dedication to education has earned her national recognition, including the esteemed Circle of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. ✔️ Mastering the Art and Science of AGACNP: What They Do and Why It Matters? Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) are the superheroes who save lives in emergencies. These highly trained nurse practitioners take care of those who are the sickest of the sick, the physiologically unstable, technologically dependent and highly vulnerable patients, and they work their magic in all sorts of settings - not just hospitals.  They might be found saving lives in rehab centers, performing superhero feats in ambulatory surgical centers, or even flying high as flight nurses on helicopters. No matter where they're based, AGACNPs are ready to leap into action whenever their patients need them. ✔️ From Bedside to Boardroom: Where AGACNPs Make Their Mark The American Association of Critical Care Nurses wants to remind us that care isn't bound by location. AGACNPs, who traditionally work in hospitals, can also be found in other settings - outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, and even rehab and long-term care facilities. Their adult general background allows them to work in many different places. The possibilities are endless for these versatile healthcare professionals. Although they work with a team, they are more like independent providers, taking charge and making the tough calls. ✔️ AGACNP Salaries: How Much Can You Really Make? Are you ready to give your nursing career a boost? As an AGACNP, you have your pick of exciting job opportunities, especially in hospitals. And we're not just talking pocket change - according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Jan 2023 is a sweet $108,054. But wait, there's more! In Washington, DC, you can rake in a cool $115,659, as reported by Salary.com. Keep in mind, the numbers may vary depending on location and workplace. ✔️ AGACNP Training Using Simulate Simulation labs at GW are top-notch, allowing students to diagnose and assess critically-ill patients. From scenarios based on real-life experiences in the emergency department and ICUs, they have to diagnose various conditions, from septic shock to arrhythmias. Essentially, they're given a chance to practice their AGSCNP skills  without any real-life consequences, of course. ✔️ Mapping Out Your Nursing Degree Are you a nurse passionate about helping the most complex and critically ill patients? If you're a BSN-prepared nurse or certified nurse practitioner seeking to become an advanced practice nurse, look no further than GW's AG-ACNP program!  Our part-time MSN program spans 48 credits and 600 clinical hours, while our BSN-DNP program covers 70 credits and 1000 clinical hours. For those already holding a Master's degree, our post-Master's certificate might be right up your alley with 20 credits and 600 clinical hours. Don't wait; apply now to take your nursing career to the next level! ✔️ AGACNP Education at GW Want to dive into the world of adult gerontology acute care nursing? You can find out all the juicy details on Nursing.gwu.edu! Apply now ~ and if you need any help or have questions, you can call Dr. Linda Briggs, D.N.P., ACNP-BC, FAANP, at 202-994-6259.  If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Taking control of your lifestyle can profoundly affect your brain health. From diet to exercise and stress management - every choice we make affects our mental well-being. What decisions will you make?   In this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, we're graced by the spectacular Dr Mary T. Newport, armed with the lowdown on ketones, diet, and lifestyle to keep you in tip-top cognitive shape.  Eager to crack the code on healthy brain aging and Alzheimer's prevention? My guest today has a treasure trove of tips to transform you into an ageless wonder! Huzzah!  Key points covered in this episode:  ✔️ From Gray Matter to Great Matter: Dr Mary T. Newport's Expertise on Ketones' Role in Brain Longevity   Meet Dr Mary Newport who earned her degrees from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and practiced clinically in  pediatrics and neonatology. In 2008, she began combining coconut and MCT oil, unleashing its ketogenic powers to battle her husband Steve's early-onset Alzheimer's. Their brave fight resulted in an impressive four extra years of quality life.  But Mary didn't stop there. Unsatisfied with just one success story, she penned "Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention" to wield a whole food Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet and other clever lifestyle tricks to help more brains outsmart Alzheimer's and its dastardly dementia cronies.  ✔️ The Role of Choline  It's very important to try to get as many of your vitamins as much as possible from the foods that you eat. If you're on, say, a low carb diet and you make it a Mediterranean Diet, you'll get most of the vitamins that you need, but you might not get enough. And a lot of people do not get enough of certain nutrients like choline.  Most people may not have any idea what choline is, but choline is part of acetylcholine, it's a neurotransmitter that's important to learning and memory. It's also extremely important component of cell membranes throughout your body and especially abundant in the brain.  ✔️Get Your Vaccines  There are studies showing that vaccines recommended for adults 65 and older can reduce your risk of dementia. These include the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia - it covers the most common form of (bacterial) pneumonia.   There are people with COVID 19 that have neurological effects, effects on their nervous system and on their brain that have been have do go on to develop brain fog and dementia after having COVID; so stay current with the recommendations for this vaccine and any boosters.  ✔️Minimize your risk of head injuries  We want to avoid any head injuries -  and it's very common for people to fall. If you get a head injury, or a concussion, basically you lose consciousness or there's some bleeding in that area of the brain. Plaques and tangles will form in that injury, very similar to what happens to Alzheimer's disease.  ✔️ Where to learn more about Dr. Newport  Get in touch with Dr Mary Newport via email at ketones08@gmail.com or through social media at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You. Can also check out her website at https://coconutketones.com     If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.     About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN:    I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.                 

Kicking off April's celebration of National Minority Health Month, acute care nurse practitioner and University of South Carolina College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Dwayne Alleyne joins NP Pulse to share his experience surrounding health equity, minority health issues and inherent biases. Listen to this important conversation  for a fresh perspective on ways NPs can help effect the change needed to build a more inclusive and trusted health care system. Representation within the health care workforce saves lives! Get involved today! Members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) can partner with other NPs by joining the AANP Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community. AANP also offers a variety of resources, including articles on the AANP News Feed and continuing education activities in the AANP CE Center, which can help you more effectively address social determinants of health and improve health equity in your community. Be sure to register today for the 2023 AANP National Conference in New Orleans on June 20-25, where former NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham will inspire attendees to break through barriers and take their practices to new heights. Members get more, including a savings of at least $200 off nonmember registration rates for the in-person conference!

Taking proactive steps towards leading this kind of life could help reduce one's risk for developing dementia in their later years. Join us for an enlightening episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World, where renowned medical expert Dr. Mary T. Newport will share her wisdom on how you can keep your brain young and active!  With tips ranging from diet changes to lifestyle adjustments, she'll explain all the ways that Ketones, Diet & Lifestyle can help prevent Alzheimer's Disease. Don't miss this chance to join in our quest towards becoming truly age-friendly! Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ The Ketones Guru: Dr. Mary T. Newport and Her Passion for Brain Health After graduating from two esteemed universities and training in pediatrics and neonatology, Mary Newport M.D.'s career came full circle when she later specialized in hospice care.  ✔️ How Important Is Exercise For A Healthy Brain? Keeping your brain healthy as you age is no small feat, and exercise plays an integral role in that!  ✔️ Slumber Secrets: Getting The Ideal Amount Of Sleep And Quality Restful Nights New studies indicate that seven to eight hours of sleep a night is the optimal amount for proper functioning.  Also Sleep Hygiene has become increasingly important, as it refers to activities and habits surrounding sleep that may improve the overall quality of rest.  ✔️ Turning the Tables on Life's Risk Factors: You Have the Power to Change Them BP control, staying cognitively active, socially engaged, reducing stress if possible, correcting hearing and vision, and some obvious risk factors like smoking and overconsuming alcohol are all areas we can work on to help reduce our risk of Alzheimer's and dementia.  But even more importantly, it is essential to understand and address medications. Most of the approved medications for Alzheimer's try to increase acetylcholine. So if you're taking an anticholinergic medication at the same time that you're taking a medication to try to increase acetylcholine, you're doing yourself a big disservice. ✔️ The Mystery of Ketones Unveiled: Answers to Your Burning Questions Get the latest scoop on culinary medicine from its foremost expert, Dr. Mary Newport! Reach out to her over email at ketones08@gmail.com or follow and get involved in social media conversations about this exciting field - anywhere from Facebook to Instagram and Twitter! And you can visit Dr. Mary Newport's own Coconut Ketones site for additional information. ✔️ Take Your Education Into Your Own Hands: Learning About Health, Food, and Alzheimer's Get solid advice to help you make smarter food choices and protect your health in advance. If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/ 

“U” is for the University of South Carolina. The institution was originally chartered as South Carolina College in 1801 and opened in 1805. During Reconstruction, the college became a university and was the only Southern university to be integrated.

Ketones are naturally produced in the body and play an important role in brain health. When the body doesn't have enough carbohydrates to use for energy, it begins to break down stored fat cells into ketones which can be used as a source of fuel instead.  A diet that is high in fats and low in carbohydrates is referred to as a ketogenic diet and is associated with improved cognitive functioning and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. On another This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World episode, we welcome Mary T. Newport, M.D. to the show - she's bringing her medical expertise and experience on ketones, diet & lifestyle. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Dr. Mary T. Newport: The Expert on Ketones and Healthy Brain Aging Mary Newport, M.D. graduated from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She trained in pediatrics at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in neonatology at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. More recently, she practiced at the opposite end of the spectrum, providing hospice care and health-risk assessments.  In 2008, a ketogenic nutritional intervention with coconut and medium-chain triglyceride oil dramatically helped her husband Steve Newport, who had early-onset Alzheimer's disease, resulting in nearly four better quality years. Her book Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention focuses on a whole food ketogenic Mediterranean-style diet and other lifestyle modifications to help maintain brain health and prevent Alzheimer's and other dementias. ✔️ From Newborns to Old Age: Dr. Newport's Fascination With Ketones and Alzheimer's Prevention For 30 years, Dr Mary Newport practiced in Intensive Care. When her husband Steve  was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she became his caregiver. She cared for him through the late stages of his disease until he passed away.  During this time she began to investigate ways to improve his cognition and slow down progression of the disease. When Dr. Mary T. Newport first read a 2006 paper linking the Mediterranean diet to longer life expectancy for those with Alzheimer's, she was intrigued by the potential impact of nutrition on this condition and immediately invested in healthier eating habits based on that research. This experience sparked an interest in her to further explore ketones and lifestyle interventions related to brain health and Alzheimer's prevention.  She now shares her knowledge as an expert on this topic, in her book and through her work helping others understand the power of diet in maintaining brain health. ✔️ Alzheimer's Reversal: Is It Possible? Alzheimer's experts now say that 30-40% of Alzheimer's and dementia cases could be prevented by making lifestyle changes, and a healthy diet is at the top of that list. Moreover, prediabetes and diabetes are major risk factors for Alzheimer's. The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries that line the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and olive oil. It also includes moderate amounts of fish, dairy products (mostly yogurt or cheese), poultry and eggs. Eating a low-carb Mediterranean diet can help address the problems of poor glucose uptake, the brain-energy gap, and inflammation in the aging brain which are accelerated in Alzheimer's. A low-carb Mediterranean diet has the benefit of keeping blood sugar levels more stable over time and providing energy from fat to fuel our cells. The high intake of antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, is thought to help minimize inflammation in the brain which can contribute to Alzheimer's. ✔️ Keto-Boost Your Brain: The Key To Maintaining Cognitive Health Ketones come from fat when we are fasting, but also from eating a low-carb higher-fat ketogenic diet, which has been used to treat epilepsy for 100 years, but is used now for many other conditions, like controlling blood sugar in people with diabetes, which is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's, and that this diet shows promise in improving people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, etc. Some other ways to increase ketones are taking coconut oil, MCT oil, overnight fasting, exercise, and ketone supplements.   ✔️ Take Control Of Your Brain Health! The most important change a person can make to enjoy healthy aging is to steer away from sugary, starchy, and highly processed foods and eat a healthy whole-food diet. ------------ ✔️ Have Questions About The Science Behind Ketones?  Connect with Dr. Mary Newport, the authority on all things culinary medicine! Reach out to her over email at ketones08@gmail.com or follow and engage in Culinary Medicine social media conversation - anywhere from Facebook to Instagram and Twitter!  For more information, be sure to also check out the Culinary Medicine website and Dr. Mary Newport's website: https://coconutketones.com ✔️ Looking For The Perfect Manual To Help You Think More Clearly And Prevent Alzheimer's?  Dr. Mary Newport has got your back with Clearly Keto! This book is filled with all-natural tips, tricks, recipes & advice just waiting to be discovered - so don't miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime!   ✔️ Have You Ever Been Eager To Learn More About Health, Food, and Alzheimer's?  Spotlight Tim Harlin's podcast for some insight into the nutritional value of what we eat! Plus, listen in on the Top 10 Tips To Stay Ahead Of Alzheimer's Disease. And find out How Doctors Diagnose It Too - all without having to participate in any lab experiments or medical trials (unless you want a career change). If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ------------ About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

People over the age of 50 are not just taking care of themselves. They're taking care of their families. They're taking care of their communities. They want to be engaged. They want to give back. So there's a ripple effect in there which cuts across all generations.  Businesses need to have a longevity plan; if you're not thinking about the changing nature of your consumer base, the changing nature of your workforce and figuring out ways to leverage diversity of age as part of a strategy for economic growth, sustainability and viability - you really are at risk of becoming quite irrelevant moving forward.   Companies should focus on creating strategies for long-term success and relevance. This includes understanding the shifting demographics in the workforce, such as millennials and Gen Z, who will soon start turning 50. Companies should also be aware of the generational diversity in the workforce, as many are managing five generations at once. We are so excited to have Dr Jean Accius on this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World! Dr Accius will share his valuable expertise on how the aging population is having a positive impact on the global economy.  From the rise in life expectancies to the increase in the number of older workers, we are eager to hear about the opportunities available to this growing segment of the population and the need for age-friendly programs and policies.  Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Dr. Jean Accius: Transforming Lives for Aging Populations Worldwide Dr Jean Accius is a passionate, globally-recognized visionary who endeavors to improve life for aging populations by closing the opportunity gap, developing innovative and actionable solutions, and positioning AARP as a global thought leader.  He is lauded for his transformational leadership, business acumen and systems change approach, and is an acclaimed author and speaker who has appeared in various media outlets and facilitated sessions at the World Economic Forum in Davos.  His team's signature program, Growing with Age, was recently recognized by Fast Company as a 2021 Game-Changing Idea. Dr. Accius also holds numerous board and advisory positions and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. ✔️ Uncovering the Economic Impact of the Over-50s: A Look into the Global Longevity Economy Outlook The Global Longevity Economy Outlook—The Economic Contribution of People Age 50 and Older Report is an in-depth analysis of the economic impact of people over the age of 50.  It looks at how much this population contributes to the economy in terms of consumption, entrepreneurship, and investments, as well as the impact of policy changes, labor market transformations, and health and well-being.  The report also examines the impact of this population on economic inequality, and how global aging trends could influence economic growth and stability.  Ultimately, the report focuses on the need to create a global environment that is both age and health-friendly to ensure the longevity of the population and the stability of the global economy. ✔️ Exploring the Benefits of the AARP's Longevity Economy – Why It Matters Every day, the global population is aging rapidly, with 10,000 people in the U.S. alone turning 65 each day. In 2021, 25% of the world's population was 50 years and older, and this number is expected to rise to one in three by 2050. This aging trend offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions, insights, wisdom, and experience of older adults, as well as their economic contributions to GDP. Rather than seeing older adults as a liability, they should be seen as an asset that is not in decline. ✔️ Redefining Aging: How We're Failing Our Most Valuable Resource Companies should focus on creating strategies for long-term success and relevance. This includes understanding the shifting demographics in the workforce, such as millennials and Gen Z, who will soon start turning 50. Companies should also be aware of the generational diversity in the workforce, as many are managing five generations at once. To ensure longevity, companies should make sure their strategies are tailored to employees of different ages and backgrounds and strive to create an inclusive atmosphere. Dr Jean Accius emphasized that in 2020, the economic contributions, both direct and indirect, of people over the age of 50 around the world was $45 trillion—by 2050 it'll be over 118 trillion in economic activity.  More notably, this has a ripple effect because people over the age of 50 are not just taking care of themselves—they're taking care of their families and their communities. They want to be engaged, they want to give back. So for businesses, if you don't have a longevity plan, if you're not thinking about the changing nature of your consumer base, the changing nature of your workforce and figuring out ways in which you can leverage that diversity of age as part of a strategy for economic growth, sustainability and viability, then you really are at risk of becoming quite irrelevant moving forward. ✔️ Unlock the Power of the 50+: Leveraging the Global Senior Population to Drive Economic Growth, Innovation, and Value Creation We need to get beyond cutting confinements and trying to put older adults in a box because we're seeing that older adults there, they have been there, they have done that. They tend to be extremely resilient and extremely innovative. A global survey across 12 countries in a sample of 12,000 older workers aged 40 and above found 94% indicated that they had little to no difficulty managing technology during the pandemic. Looking at the opportunity around technology, the surveys are showing that older adults are nimble, they're flexible. --------------- How To Connect With Jean Accius, PhD: If you are looking to connect with Dr. Jean Accius, PhD, there are multiple ways you can do so. On Twitter, you can follow his handle @JeanAccius as well as @AARPIntl, @AARP and @WEF. On Instagram, you can follow him at @JeanAccius.  Finally, on LinkedIn, you can check out his profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/accius4/.  Connecting with Dr. Jean Accius is easy and will provide a great opportunity to learn from this amazing expert in his field! For more information about The Global Longevity Economy Outlook | The Economic Contribution of People Age 50 and Older, you can check out the full report on the AARP Global Longevity Economy Outlook. If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Who is Dr. Swathi Varanasi? Tune into the first episode of The Element Apothec Show to learn about the host–an integrative health pharmacist, wellness entrepreneur, speaker, author, and educator. Dr. Swathi Varanasi, better known as Dr. Swathi, was recently named one of The 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy. Dr. Swathi has paved the way for other healthcare professionals to pursue non-traditional career paths through creating postdoctoral training programs, industry internships, and online courses. She is a speaker, author, and co-founder of the international award-winning plant-based wellness and skincare brand, Element Apothec. As a healthcare disruptor, she looks for opportunities to break barriers and challenge her western-trained colleagues to think beyond the conventional scope of their practice. Through the many modalities of integrative medicine and patient-centered shared decision-making, she believes that health and wellness is achievable for everyone. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, Dr. Swathi is passionate about educating practitioners, students, patients, and consumers, and strives to empower everyone to be the best, most authentic version of themselves. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy (Charleston, SC) and her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Carleton College (Northfield, MN). She is certified in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Dr. Swathi serves adjunct faculty and has guest lectured at colleges, universities, and conference stages worldwide. She has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Yahoo, Well+Good, and mindbodygreen. Dr. Swathi lives in Los Angeles, CA, and Toronto, ON, Canada. In her free time, she can be found delving into personal development, spending time with her fiancée, learning about sustainable fashion, or planning her next trip (35 countries and counting!).

As the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals, people aged 60 and over will make a massive impact in just 35 years - from only 12% to 22%.  With so many countries having to face up to this colossal shift in their health services' longevity planning, they are turning tech-savvy. From AI robots that can interact more like humans than ever before, populations globally may find themselves facing far fewer issues associated with aging as healthcare gets smarter too! Prepare to get all the tech-know about Nurse Innovation, Robotics style! We've got Pamela Cacchione, PhD., RN., FAAN, with us on This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World - and she's ready to show you how healthcare can be taken up a notch. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Achieving Amazing Possibilities: Combining Hearing, Vision and Robotics     Pamela Cacchione, PhD, RN, FAAN, believes that improving vision and hearing directly impacts older adults' cognitive impairment and mortality risk. Sensory impairment has become a significant contributor to healthy aging.  Pam made connections with engineers at the University of Pennsylvania and has become a human factors researcher with the interaction of technology, robotics, older adults and how to design robots for older adults based on her expertise in sensory impairment.   ✔️ How Has It Been Working With Engineers? Get inspiration from Pam as she shares how working with the engineers has been a great experience. She said they managed to bridge the gap between clinical and mathematical equations on multiple occasions.  Moreover, despite their different areas of expertise, they have come together and created a shared understanding and language that helps them coordinate efficiently in solving problems.  ✔️ Robots, and How They Help Older Adults:

Heart failure affects 86 million Americans and by the time many people living  with heart failure realize they're in trouble, it's often too late— their symptoms are at a dangerous severe level for hospitalization. But thankfully, nurses are working with engineers to develop the technology to change this narrative; providing tools that enable those affected or their loved ones to recognize red flags before things become critical. Get ready to put your best foot forward! Today on This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, we're taking our knowledge up a notch with Pamela Cacchione, PhD, RN, FAAN – an expert in nurse innovation.  She's here to make sure you don't miss out on an emerging technology that can  help manage heart failure - Heart Failure Socks. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ What Are Heart Failure Socks? Heart failure monitoring socks are a revolutionary technology for heart failure patients. By tracking swelling of the feet and fatigue, these innovative socks can detect any changes in heart failure symptoms before they become dangerous--empowering patients to take greater control of their health and seek out medical advice as soon as possible.  In addition to providing patient-tailored data crucial for better treatment decisions by clinicians, the thought of having a ‘high-tech' solution for something so mundane can be incredibly encouraging for those coping with a chronic illness. Heart failure monitoring socks significantly reduce the risk of worsening symptoms due to the timely warnings they provide, ultimately making life considerably more manageable and less stressful. ✔️ How The Heart Failure Socks Came to Be Pamela's brother was 40 years old when he underwent open heart surgery, during which the doctor performed a mitral valve replacement. Unfortunately, this resulted in the development of heart failure. Since his brother resided in Maryland at the time and Pamela was located in Pennsylvania, she had to assist with managing her brother's condition remotely. Her brother refused to weigh himself despite his condition, leaving Pamela exasperated.  As an alternative way of assessing his weight gain due to fluid accumulation, Pamela suggested observing how deep the indentations were on his socks caused by their compression; they deduced that as they became more deeply impressed into his skin, it would indicate that he had accumulated more fluid than usual. To do so, they utilized FaceTime video chat to observe these indents and better understand how much fluid he had retained.  The lingering idea of developing heart failure monitoring socks for other people like her brother, Peter, who did not want to weigh themselves, was very percolated before Pam  finally started investigating and working on them. ✔️ Socking Away Heart Failure: Progress in a Pair of Socks  Pamela Cacchione, PhD, RN, FAAN and Heart Failure Socks has gone through an impressive journey to get to where it is now as a finalist in the J&J Quick Fire and ANA Awards.  Her unwavering persistence and endurance throughout the application process set her apart from other applicants.  She started her own company, Aging Sense, LLC, and went through an extensive process with her university's Penn Center for Innovation to make it happen. The school-owned center assists in furthering the dreams of those with innovative ideas, which helped Pamela meet all the criteria needed for her to be considered for such a prestigious Innovation Award and internal funding. ✔️ Next Steps For The Heart Failure Monitoring Socks When asked about her plans for the Heart Failure Monitoring Socks, Pam answered, “After extensive research, I have decided that my next step is to pilot test a small project involving participants in a nursing home.” “After collecting data from this test, I plan to submit an STTR - a business-style grant. This would be organized to obtain funding and resources for the project to increase its reach and expand any benefits it might bring about.”  “By taking these steps, I hope to ensure the success of this project and allow it to have an even greater impact than originally expected.”    ---------------------------- How To Connect With Pam: Connecting with Pam is easier than ever! For those in the nursing profession, the University of Pennsylvania Penn Nursing website is a valuable resource to view her work and learn more about her expertise in aging.  Additionally, you can reach out to Pam via email at pamelaca@nursing.upenn.edu or follow her on Twitter @agingsense1 for valuable insights not available elsewhere. With so many options available to make contact and stay connected, introducing yourself to Pam is just one click away! If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ---------------------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

America is getting older, and as people age, their bodies change. They're likely to have multiple chronic illnesses, and when they come into hospital care—that can be a vulnerable time.  Considering that almost 60% of hospital beds are occupied by adults aged 65 and over, receiving specialized geriatric care in the healthcare system is critical. Learn with us today on This Is Getting Old as we explore how to make the world more age-friendly. Mattia Gilmartin, PhD, RN, is joining us. She will share her insights into NICHE—an incredible program that equips nurses and caregivers with the skills necessary to provide superior care for older adults.  Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ What is the NICHE Program? Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is on a mission to revolutionize nursing care for elderly patients, bringing positive change and patient-oriented practices into the capabilities of healthcare facilities.  NICHE's ultimate goal is to ensure that all seniors age 65+ receive top-notch medical attention - because everyone deserves to be treated with respect as they age. NICHE focuses on the risks older adults might face when they come to a hospital. The program helps nurses be on the lookout for those risk factors and ensure that older adults do not experience those risks during their hospital stay. For example, laying in a hospital bed for five days is dangerous because an older adults function will go down. So in a NICHE hospital, nurses ensure that older adults are out of bed and moving around. ✔️ The Nuts And Bolts Of The Niche Program The NICHE Program offers the guidelines, materials, and resources needed to encourage a change in healthcare organizations' organizational cultures and provide patient-centered care for older adults. It has several advantages for institutions and is cost-effective and comprehensive: better clinical results favorable financial results improved nursing capabilities community acceptance increased satisfaction of the staff, family, and patients NICHE gives hospitals access to: Modern resources, including an interactive 24/7 E-learning center, tools, and training Support and coaching for NICHE-based hospital initiatives in project management Clinical procedures supported by evidence that address "never occurrences," Joint Commission compliance, and other legal requirements Instrument for Geriatric Institutional Assessment (GIAP) Information, knowledge, and skill sharing ✔️ How To Join The NICHE Program? NICHE work with hospitals—mostly.  We have about 20 nursing homes that also participate in the program, and the team at NYU works with nurse leaders at the member sites to help them implement our model of care. However, NICHE has been thinking about transitions of care that go smoothly and anticipate people's needs. We also work with family caregivers so that loved ones who might be caring for older adults also know what to do and feel confident in their role and what the health system asks them to do.  You can check out the NICHE membership page if you're interested in joining.  ✔️ What Are NICHE's Benchmarking Procedures? By leveraging the knowledge in our university, community and small hospitals network, we provide specialized support for local leaders striving to improve care for older adults.  Additionally, through a recognition program based on excellence and achievement achieved by implementing models provided by us. We reward members across three levels - general membership level (base-level), senior-friendly level or exemplary performance with awards given accordingly.  ✔️ NICHE and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Payments There's lot of innovation in healthcare, but payment is one of the biggest barriers. There's also the issue of hospitals being willing to invest in making changes in care and putting in change to improve the quality of care. More hospitals see the value of geriatric-specific services, so they are getting pressure to improve care, be more efficient with their resources, and have a better patient experience. For most older adults, when receiving NICHE services, the Medicare program is paying for that. Medicare has started thinking more about the value and wants more quality for the beneficiaries.   ✔️ How To Find NICHE Members Or Units?  NICHE is a voluntary program, and only some hospitals are doing this, even though it should be the standard of care. For consumers, here are some of the places where you can look: NICHE has a marketing kit that the members use. So you might look on the hospital website, usually where they have nursing awards, If the hospital offers geriatric services, you can check what they're participating in Sometimes there are announcements in the newspaper If a hospital has a newsletter, they might have some announcements and publications that they're recognized as NICHE members. NICHE also have a certificate. So another place to look is in the hospital, where they might display their awards.  You can ask when you're being admitted to the hospital, if the hospital's participating in a NICHE, or if they have units specifically designed for older adults.  You can also check the NICHE website. Down on the bottom, you can click and find the location to see the list of current members.  Sometimes NICHE nurses have a role called the geriatric resource nurse. The nurses wear pins on their badges that show they are a member. ✔️ Are You Up For The NICHE Challenge? Hospital care shouldn't end upon discharge. There should be a follow-up where someone calls it, checking to ensure that home health shows up. But the ball gets dropped, so care ends the minute they roll you out the front door. The NICHE program helps people who don't have this background or the vision that care should continue at the door. It must carry over to the home to ensure people fully recover and do not have negative outcomes.  If you say YES to specialized geriatrics care and want to learn more about bringing that to their hospital, or even as a consumer who has consumer-driven care—check out the NICHE website and connect with their representative.  --------------------- Helpful Links To Connect With NICHE: Websites: Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) NYU, Roy Myers College of Nursing Phone: 212-998-5445 Fax: 914-612-9168 Post: 380 2nd Ave. Suite 306 New York, NY 10010 Email: support@nicheprogram.org Facebook: Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) LinkedIn: Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) ✔️ Register For The 2023 NICHE Conference In New Orleans The two-and-a-half-day NICHE Conference in 2023 will focus on clinical advancements and fresh research in the treatment of older adults. This year's conference theme is "The Changing Face of Elder Care". We will look at issues such as evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, care coordination, and management as they pertain to the NICHE practice paradigm. Come share, learn, and celebrate geriatric nursing excellence. If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Crooks exploit these vulnerabilities but make no mistake: All of us — young and old — are susceptible to the bad actors who show up uninvited in calls, emails, mail, texts and social media accounts. Some are so bold as to knock on our front doors. Everyone wants to protect their loved ones, and Cameron Huddleston offers the perfect solution—a journey into This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World. So tune in now for all those practical tips you need as I talk with my guest, Cameron Huddleston. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ How To Recognize A Scam? Scams tend to have certain red flags, and whatever the story might be, they usually come back to a one thing— an urgent request for money. Use the Scam RED Flags to learn more about the  telltale signs of scams. ✔️ What Are the Most Common Forms of Payment Requested Gift Cards Peer-to-Peer payments (eg. Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, etc.) ✔️ What Are the Different Types of Scams In 2021, scammers stole over $6 billion from Americans—this is happening all the time. If you're over the age of 80, the number one way they will get in touch with you is through your landline. The second contact method is through social media, and if you're between 60 and 69, it's highly likely that you're going to be contacted through social media. Any time somebody asks you for money—that's a red flag. Common types of scams among older adults are:      Government Imposter Scams     Identity Theft     Business Impersonation & Shopping Scams     Robocalls/ Unsolicited Calls     Health Care & Health Insurance Scams     Sweepstake & Lottery Scams     Tech Support & Computer Scams     Romance Scams     Financial Services Impersonation & Fraud   Grandparents Scams/ Person-in-Need ✔️ How to Protect Yourself From Scams? Don't trust people who were not involved in your life and now are suddenly there. Now that you are older and perhaps need care, make sure you've already named that financial power of attorney to ensure your bank and other financial institutions know who that person is.  Also, it would be best to observe the following; Don't answer a call from an unknown number; if you do, hang up immediately. Be aware that your Caller ID showing up as a local number doesn't necessarily mean it's a local caller. Do not respond to any questions asked by a stranger on a call If you answer the phone and the automatic message wants you to press a button to stop getting the calls, just hang up. Scammers often use this to identify potential targets. Do not respond to any requests via social media  ✔️ Helpful Resources The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources for protecting older adults against fraud and a guide called Money Smart for Older Adults Help your senior loved one get on the national “Do Not Call” registry Reporting fraud against you or anyone you know that has been a victim of fraud by calling the US Senate Special Committee on Aging's Fraud Hotline Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm EST at 1-855-303-9470; or email them at https://www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline Learn more by accessing the 2021 Top Scams Report If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Taking care of legal matters before a crisis helps ensure that you, not lawyers or courts, remain in control – it may even save countless disagreements further down the line. Make sure these essential legal documents don't cause wrinkles in your plans by tuning into This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World and my guest this week, Cameron Huddleston. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️Estate Planning, Advance Care, and End-of-Life Planning—It's  Not Just Something For The Rich When people hear the term estate planning or end-of-life planning, legal documents, people often think, well, this is something that rich people do. I don't need to worry about an estate plan because I don't have an estate. An estate is really just a fancy word of saying your property, your belongings, and your assets. If you die without a will, state law will determine who gets your assets. That means your things might go to someone you don't want to receive those things, or it also might mean that your property needs to be divided up – and it may not be divided in the way you wanted it to be.  ✔️ Understanding Power of Attorney  You want to get the Power of Attorney (POA) document right because this gives someone permission to manage your finances. You want to make sure you're giving them the right permissions. You want to have an attorney sit down and discuss what powers you want to give that person and make sure it complies with your state law. There are different types of power of attorney—you can have general or limited durable or springing power of attorney.  General or Limited Durable POA General or Limited Durable POA might be, for example, you're going out of the country, and you need someone to sign some real estate papers for you so you can designate someone as your limited power of attorney who can only sign documents related to real estate for you,  Springing POA Springing means that power of attorney will spring into effect when certain conditions are met. Typically people will say this will spring into effect if I am deemed mentally incompetent through a diagnosis of dementia or stroke.  But most estate planning attorneys and other law attorneys will discourage people from getting that springing power of attorney because it makes it much more difficult for that person you named as your agent to step in and help you. ✔️When and How to Access the Documents Copy for Medical Record Medical documents, including your Health Care Power of Attorney, your Living Will, and Advance Directives (including a Do Not Resuscitate document, if you have one) should be shared with all of your medical providers. You want your providers to have copies of those documents in your . medical chartThey're going to put it in your patient portal online so that if you are in the hospital and you don't want to be resuscitated, there is that documentation there that they can refer to and say, this patient doesn't want to be resuscitated, this patient doesn't want to be on life support, this patient has named their child as their health care proxy.  Original Copy for Executor (may need to be notarized) Giving the executor of your estate an original copy of your will is also a good idea.  Financial institutions will accept copies, but typically they want it to be a notarized copy. Or you could take the original to the bank. They will make a copy of it and keep it in the files. But if you're even if you trust your power of attorney 100%, you're still feeling a little anxious about handing over that power. Hang onto the document yourself and put it someplace safe in a home safe.  Remove all documents from the home if an outside caregiver comes into the home A word of caution here to family caregivers—if you're caring for an aging parent and you're putting outside caregivers in that home with that person, you need to be aware that you need to remove all financial paperwork so that fraud or elder financial abuse doesn't happen. ✔️ Authorizations When it comes to government agencies, a POA is not enough. Several of them have their own paperwork that has to be filled out.  Medicare Representative Designee/ POA If you are caring for an aging parent and have to help manage their Medicare benefit, to get on the phone and talk to someone within the Medicare agency, you're going to have to be designated as your parent's Medicare representative. Go online and get the form, and if you have already been named power of attorney, then you can fill out that form and sign it as your parent's power of attorney. Social Security Administration  If you have to manage a parent's Social Security benefits, you must be designated as your parent's Social Security representative payee. This would be best to go to your local Social Security Administration office and sit down with someone there and go through the process of filling out the paperwork, showing that power of attorney document. Other responsibilities come with that, so you have to file an annual report with the Social Security Administration detailing how you manage your parent's benefits and how you spent those benefits for your parent. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to sign tax returns IRS has a form you must fill out to be designated as your parent's agent. You need to read the instructions carefully, and you will also submit that power of attorney document when you send in the tax return and the additional IRS form.  Name a Trusted Contact with financial institutions It's also good to name a trusted contact with your financial institutions. Some will ask for it, and some won't. Still, you can go ahead and say, “Hey, can I name a trusted contact? This is someone your financial institution can reach out to if you can't reach me or if it suspects that financial exploitation is going on.” It's just another way to protect yourself financially.  If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.  

As a podcast guest, Dr. Swathi checks all the boxes.  My guests use their voices to advocate for something, educate in some way, or entertain.  Dr. Swathi does all three! ✅ She's an advocate for integrative health, preventative health, patient-centered shared decision-making, cannabis science and therapeutics, her beauty and wellness brand Elēment Apothēc, networking, entrepreneurship, personal development podcasts, and more. ✅  As an educator, she has created 3 online courses:  Integrative Health 101, Cannabis Science & Therapeutics for Pharmacists, and CBD for Health & Wellness (available from Elēment Apothēc in early 2023).  Plus, she has experience speaking at conferences.   ✅  As an entertainer, she has appeared on several podcasts and YouTube channels and authored a book.   Listen to this episode, and you will be inspired by the many ways in which Dr. Swathi uses her voice.   Connect with Dr. Swathi on LinkedIn.  Thank you for listening to episode 195 of The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast! To read the full show notes, visit https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com.  Click on the podcast tab, and search for episode 195. Subscribe to or Follow The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast! Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Amazon/Audible Bio– Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a bilingual pharmacist specializing in integrative and preventative health. Dr. Swathi has paved the way for other healthcare professionals to pursue non-traditional career paths through creating postdoctoral residency training programs, industry internships, and online courses (Integrative Health 101 and Cannabis Science & Therapeutics for Pharmacists). She co-founded and serves as Chief Scientific Officer of the international award-winning clean beauty and wellness brand, Elēment Apothēc. As a healthcare disruptor, she looks for opportunities to break barriers and challenge her western-trained colleagues to think beyond the conventional scope of their practice. Through the many modalities of integrative medicine and patient-centered shared decision-making, she believes that health and wellness is achievable for everyone. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, Dr. Swathi is passionate about educating practitioners, students, patients, and consumers, and strives to empower everyone to be the best, most authentic version of themselves. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy (Charleston, SC) and her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Carleton College (Northfield, MN). She is certified in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Dr. Swathi serves adjunct faculty and has lectured at colleges, universities, and conference stages worldwide. She has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Yahoo, Well+Good, and mindbodygreen. In her free time, she can be found listening to personal development podcasts, styling sustainable fashion pieces, taking long walks, paging through Architectural Digest, or planning her next trip (35 countries and counting!). Links from this episode Element Apothec's Webiste | www.elementapothec.com Element Apothec's YouTube channel Element Apothec's IG | @elementapothec Personal website for Swathi Varanasi, PharmD www.doctorswathi.com Personal Instagram for Swathi Varanasi, PharmD @doctorswathi Dr. Swathi Varanasi on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/swathi-varanasi  Integrative Health 101 | integrativehealth101.teachable.com Lsteners can use the code VOICE for 20% off. (Code is valid until 4/30/23) Cannabis Science & Therapeutics for Pharmacists | https://medicalcannabismentor.thinkific.com/courses/copy-of-cannabis-science-and-therapeutics-for-pharmacists-1?ref=fa803a This is the first-ever online course specifically written for pharmacists by a pharmacist on cannabis science and medicine. CBD for Health & Wellness (online course) will be available from Element Apothec in 2023. HARO https://www.helpareporter.com/  The Sacred Feminine by Swathi Varanasi et al Student National Pharmaceutical Association SNPhA https://snpha.org/  Carleton College  Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy The University of Toledo's Cosmetic Science & Formulation Design Program 

As we age, we may need help managing our finances for a myriad of reasons – including cognitive decline. How to start that conversation with an adult child may be challenging for both parties, but it's a critical conversation to have to prevent costly errors or even losses along the way. Ready to tackle the difficult conversations about money with your adult children? This episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World will help smooth out any wrinkles in those talks, thanks to Cameron Huddleston's sage advice. Get ready for an enlightening chat - and a sigh of relief. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ When To Have The Conversation? Cameron Huddleston, author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk” and award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience writing about personal finance, suggests that the best time to have this financial management conversation is when you are healthy and relatively young. “Having this conversation in your fifties with your 20-something or early 30-something children is a great idea,” Cameron said. ✔️ What Information To Share? If you have named one of your children as your Power of Attorney—meaning they have the right to make financial decisions in transactions for you once you're no longer able to - that person needs to have a good idea about the details of your finances. Your child needs to know: -Where you bank -Be able to access those bank account(s) to pay the bills.  -How they must pay for care if you need long-term care. -If there is still a mortgage or other types of debt. -Your account numbers, usernames, and passwords—they need it all. ✔️ Completing the In Case of Emergency Organizer In Case of Emergency Organizer is a valuable tool that compiles all that information, including Social Security and Medicare numbers, health insurance policy number, life insurance; all of your financial accounts, the usernames, the passwords ✔️ Think Of It As A Gift Think of it as a gift to the people you are leaving behind—to have this information organized so that they don't have to play detective, and it won't be even more difficult for them. ✔️ Creating And Coordinating Your Circle Identify those trusted family members early on. If you don't have children you trust, identify someone else. Maybe it's a niece or a nephew, or a family friend. You've got to have someone you trust who can be there for you if you need help with finances as you get older. If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  --------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Money's a taboo topic that no one wants to touch, but when it comes to our aging parents – let's face it – we all have to tiptoe around the bank account. Ignoring those chatty conversations about financial security with Mom and Dad could put us in an awkward spot down the line if they need assistance managing their money or require help making decisions.  If you're looking for the scoop on your parents' finances, pick out a box of icebreakers with extra care! Your intention to gain insight may be sincere, but without a tactful approach, it could quickly come off as greedy or intrusive. Don't break the conversational barrier only to have them freeze up - otherwise, future discussions might suffer from permanent frostbite. Money talk doesn't have to be scary—it can actually become part of your routine. If you're looking for the perfect conversation starter, consider the following tips from the author, speaker and award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience writing about personal finance, Cameron Huddleston Tune in to this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, and with Cameron Huddleston's advice, you and your aging parents will feel more secure every time money's brought up. So take a deep breath…and get talking. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Signs That Parents Need More Help With Finances Cameron Huddleston, author of “Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk”, shared her personal experience of how she had plenty of opportunities to have financial conversations but never realized it was a conversation she needed to have with her mom until she saw that she needed help with her finances. “It was initially pretty easy to ignore the signs that she was experiencing memory loss because she had hearing loss. When she would ask a question, and I would answer her, and she would ask it again, I would tell myself, Oh, it's because she didn't hear my response.” Cameron shared.  “That went on for several months, maybe even a year. But it was when I was visiting her one evening, and she asked me if I wanted to go see a bench that she had bought for her back patio. So we went, looked at the bench, and came back inside, and a few minutes later, she asked me again, "Do you want to see the new bench I just bought?” continued Cameron. At that very moment, her heart sank because she knew what happened was not a hearing issue. Her mom had forgotten they had just gone outside and looked at her bench. That's the time Cameron knew that there was something clearly wrong.  ✔️ Do's And Don't During Money Talks What you don't want to do is put your parent on the defensive, “Hey, mom, you're forgetting things, so that means I need to be managing your finances for you.”   She still remembers many things, so if you tell her that she cannot handle her finances, you will likely put her on the defensive. She's going to shut down. She's going to push you away—you have offended her.  Instead, you will want to look for tasks that your parent needs the most help with. It will most likely be avoiding scams because if they're experiencing memory loss, their financial decision-making ability is impacted. They're at a much greater risk of being scammed.  Also, paying bills because if there is memory loss, they're probably having trouble staying on top of their finances and making bill payments on time, or maybe they're paying the bills twice.  It's as simple as saying to them, “Hey, you know, I have found that a great timesaver for me having my bills set up to be paid automatically. Would you like me to help you do that?”  So then you're going to sit down with them at a computer, and you're going to log into those accounts.  ✔️ With Many People Reluctant To Talk About Money - How To Start The Conversation? Getting that third party involved is essential if you have a parent reluctant to let you get involved. Maybe it's the doctor, a lawyer, or a financial adviser. So maybe you notice that your parent is experiencing memory loss, and you go with your parent to a doctor's visit where your parent is examined. There are tests that are done, and there comes back a diagnosis of some form of dementia. If you're there in the doctor's office with your parent, ask a question that you want to ask. “Okay. Mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Does that mean she will need help with money matters now?” “What sort of assistance is she going to need?”  Ask those questions to the doctor so that the doctor—the third party—tells the parent, “Because you have dementia now, your financial decision-making ability is impacted.”  ✔️ Tips On How To Start It Right When Having Financial Conversations Ideally, you should have a financial conversation before there are any health issues— before there's an emergency because banks and other financial institutions, even though they're not supposed to, can make it difficult for caregivers to get involved with their loved ones finances, even if they had that legal document. There are a variety of ways that you can bring it up:  You can simply ask about what-if scenarios, what if something were to happen? What if you were in the hospital, and I needed to make sure your bills were getting paid? How would I do that? Are your bills being paid automatically, or are you writing checks every month? That's really a simple way to start the conversation.  Or maybe you tell your parents, “Look, I just, you know, I just got a new life insurance policy”, or “Hey, I found this really awesome retirement savings calculator online, and I realized it wasn't saving enough for retirement.” And so the conversation starts by asking them about their retirement. You know, how did you plan for your retirement? Did you have a retirement savings account, or are you getting a pension? Is it just Social Security, or if they haven't retired yet, what are your plans for retirement? You can ease your way into the conversation.  You can share a story about someone you know who had to get involved with their parent's care, maybe someone who lost a parent. They didn't have a will, which created all sorts of headaches for the family members who were left behind. And on top of that grief, they're dealing with the fallout from the parent's lack of financial planning. You can also start by warning them about scams, “Hey, I just got a phone call from someone claiming to be at the IRS, and they told me that I had to pay back taxes, I had to get a gift card to make this payment. I just want you to know that this is a common scam.” So you're going to share scam red flags with them. You share articles with them, and then you encourage them to set up some account monitoring on their account.   ✔️ What Lesson Did Cameron Learn From All This?— You Don't Have To Play Detective Cameron's mom had this one investment account and was already in a memory care facility.  So her mail was coming to Cameron, and she got a notice from this company saying that her account was going to be turned over to the state for lack of activity, and there was $50,000 in this account that she never knew even existed. If she had sat down with her mom while she was healthy to get a list of her accounts,  Cameron wouldn't have almost lost $50,000 of her mom's money. “The biggest lesson I learned is that I should have had conversations with her while she was still healthy because I had to play detective. I had to figure out what accounts she had—and it was difficult,” Cameron shared.  If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  -------------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

With the holiday season upon us, many may be looking forward to traditions that will bring joy and warmth - but if your family member is living with Alzheimer's or related dementia, this time can become overwhelming. If you are a caregiver, take care of yourself and allow yourself to maintain the traditions you can and not feel bad if you can't do everything you usually would. 'Tis the season for creating new memories and cherishing old ones! We can all be part of a treasured tradition: togetherness. Time spent with friends and family can become even more meaningful when modified to accommodate a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Whether it be adapting existing holiday traditions or starting from scratch - just remember that joy is still possible during those special moments no matter what stage of the disease they are in. In today's episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World,  I'll share three tips for enjoying all the festive moments while being mindful of our loved ones with Alzheimer's disease.  So take a moment away from wrapping gifts and baking pies (or whatever it is you're doing) to refresh yourself on how the best caregivers, like yourselves, should manage things so that everyone in your household gets what they need! Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Tip #1: Visits or Family Gatherings—Find the Right Balance  When planning holidays around those living with Alzheimer's disease, work around the person living with dementia's schedule and adjust expectations Think about the best time of day to do your gathering, the number of people to invite and think about the person living with Alzheimer's disease. Are they still comfortable socializing, or do a lot of people and increased noise just increase their anxiety or agitation?  That happens to any of us. If you're used to living in a very quiet environment, you're put into one with a lot of noise and activity. It can make anyone anxious. So just keep that in mind.  More importantly, think about location, like should you have this event in your own home or go to where that person lives? If they're in the facility or nursing home and then be sure that you communicate with your family and friends about the expectations, the person's preferences and abilities at this time.  ✔️ Tip #2: Plan Activities Based On The Person Living With Dementia's Current Ability Making Sweet Memories: Cookies, Dementia and Tree Decorations! If you have a tradition of baking cookies, involve that person at the level they can participate. At each step in the process, give the person a role – such as stirring the cookie mix, adding ingredients, rolling the dough or decorating. If tree decorating is a tradition, depending on if the person can stand or not, give them an area of the tree to decorate – and don't get hung up on it being perfect. Their participation and inclusion should be the focus. ✔️ Tip #3: Gifts: For The Person Living With Alzheimer's Disease For giving gifts, they may need help with shopping and picking out gifts. But it's always important when you go to any type of event, and people are exchanging presents that we're all part of that and we have something to give.  When receiving gifts, be sure to communicate with family and friends about what the person can currently do, what they're currently interested in, and things that they need. So some ideas could be giving hand lotion, maybe giving them a family photo album. This labeled with names and dates and even little stories, or using technology to create a playlist of their favorite music.  So there are a lot of different gifts or different ways that you can handle the gift-giving and the gift-receiving that allows that person to be included. ✔️ Useful Resources You Can Check The Alzheimer's Association website offers tips and strategies to help with the holidays, both for a person living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.    If you have questions or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ------------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Many things count as grief and loss – from the actual death of a loved one to the loss of a significant relationship. As cliché as it may sound, there's not one way to deal with grief and loss during the holidays. We've all just lived through a pandemic that took a lot of lives and loved ones away from us. As the holidays approach, it may be more challenging to deal with the celebrations—decorating, maintaining or foregoing family traditions, getting your shopping done, and deciding what holiday events you can handle. And it doesn't matter if this is your first holiday without a loved one or the 20th.  For caregivers, they face the double loss of the person they cared for and their role as a caregiver. They may need to talk about their losses, and these feelings may be positive or negative. I've heard grief described as being like the ocean with its waves that ebb and flow. Sometimes the water is calm, sometimes, it's overwhelming. And the healthiest response is going to be to learn to swim – rather than avoiding the water.  In today's episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I'll share four tips to help you learn to swim if you are experiencing feelings of grief and loss this holiday season. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Tip #1: Take Good Care of You—Self-Care Is Not Selfish Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to not do things that you don't feel like you can handle. Be in tune with your emotions and how you're feeling in the moment—be okay with it Make sure that you're planning healthy meals and eating good food that's healthy for you. See to it  that you're getting plenty of exercises, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol— that's going to make you sadder. Don't miss getting enough sleep. ✔️ Tip #2: Get Support—Cry, Laugh, or Get Mad—It's OK to Feel It All There may be different triggers to grief and loss, and you shouldn't feel like you have to stifle your emotions.  Set aside time to experience the range of emotions you may experience – from anger to sadness. You should be truthful about your feelings when asked, but be sure that you don't hurt the person doing the asking.  More importantly, release your emotions by watching a tear-jerker of a holiday movie – or one that makes you belly laugh. Both are fine and healthy ways to release normal feelings. ✔️Tip #3: Acknowledge and Honor The Loved One That You've Lost Create new traditions in memory of your loved one. You can donate to a cause they are passionate about, volunteer and donate your time, or plant a tree. Talking with close family and friends to reminisce and remember the person and good times with them can be helpful. You can also look at family photos, watch old movies and share stories of past holidays. ✔️Tip #4:Focus on What You Can Control—It's All About the Present None of us really can control when someone else dies or if they leave a relationship, or maybe we end the relationship. Stay focused in the moment and not get too caught up in the past and not worry too much about the future because that's why it's called the present. You can cook your favorite meals, eat your favorite foods, and then even journal about your thoughts and feelings might help you to ease out what's within your control and what's not. ✔️A Thing To Remember: There's No Right Or Wrong Way To Process Your Emotions Be sure that if you are grieving and need help, you find family and friends that you can turn to. But also realize that many people feel awkward if you try to share your feelings. It would be best to decide if that's a person that you can trust to handle your own emotions.  Furthermore, you can draw comfort from your own faith. You might need to try to find a support group or talk to a therapist or a grief counselor.    If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ------------------------------------ About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

For adult children who do not live close to their aging parents, the holidays can be a good time to visit to make sure things are good as they seem. In addition to staying connected throughout the year by phone or Zoom calls, a personal visit may give you more information that things are ok – or  confirm any suspicions you may have had that there is truly a problem. Many of these suspicions may be around whether or not your parent – or parents – are becoming more forgetful or if they are becoming more frail and unable to keep up with everything independently.  Some parents will ask for help if they recognize they are starting to struggle, but many aging parents will not want anyone to know because it means a potential threat to their independence and/or autonomy. The holidays create a time to get together, and it's an excellent opportunity for adult children to check in and see how their aging parents are really doing. In this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World, I'll share with you four things to look for during your holiday visits this year that may be warning signs that you need to dig deeper to find out what's going on.  I will list them in order of least invasive to most invasive…and keep in mind that you do want to respect the dignity, privacy, and autonomy of your loved one – and these need to be investigated from a place of concern – not to undermine your parents. It's a thin line, so listen to your intuition if you suspect a problem and engage your loved one in the process as much as possible.  Open communication is always the best approach, and you are looking for differences from the last time you saw them. Key points covered in this episode: ✔️ Tip #1: Give Them a Hug Clues that things are changing aren't always visible from a distance, so a hug may tell you more without setting off any alarms that you're concerned about. ✔️ Tip #2: What's the Kitchen Look Like?  My Mom has always told me that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Think about what the kitchen has always looked like and compare any differences you see.  ✔️ Tip #3: Ask About Their Social Life If your parent - or - parents were always socially active – has that changed? And if it has, ask them why?  ✔️ Tip #4: Look For Any Visible Mail The mail may offer clues about how your parents are managing their bills or if they are being/ have been scammed.  ✔️ How To Catch More Flies With Honey? These four tips are a starting point for a conversation about how things are going at home – how they are really going.  Create a safe space to discuss what's concerning you and listen to the answers. One other thing my Mom taught me is that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar…so be kind, observant and listen. Also talk to other people close to them – friends, neighbors or other families who visit regularly. These signs could indicate a bigger problem, but get others involved to learn more about anything that concerns you before making an assumption that there is a memory or thinking problem.   ✔️ Additional Resources You can check out some of these related episodes: How To Talk To Someone You Think May Have A Memory Problem: https://melissabphd.com/ep-18-six-tips-for-talking-to-someone-you-think-has-a-memory-problem/ 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease: https://melissabphd.com/ep-17-ten-signs-of-alzheimers-disease/ How Alzheimer's is Diagnosed?: https://melissabphd.com/ep-19-how-is-alzheimers-diagnosed/ If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton engaged in an infamous duel in 1804, and a number of South Carolina College students nearly got tangled up in duels in the years before the Civil War. History records only one duel  involving South Carolina College students that ended in fatality — and this is the strange story of that tragedy. 

Over the past five years, more than 20 million Americans aged 65 and over had elective surgery. This number is expected to grow to more than 27 million by 2030. While elective surgery can be life-changing and even life-saving, it's not without its risks. There are many things to consider before elective surgery – from the cost of the procedure to who will provide caregiving afterwards during recovery. In addition to the normal conversations, exams, and tests that will be run to clear an older adult for surgery, there are ten additional things older adults and their families should know before heading into the Operating Room. Most surgical offices will require thorough lab work, along with heart, lung, and kidney function tests; but if you are over 65 years old or the loved one of someone who's going to have the elective surgery, be sure you—and those the surgical team — know the following because many of these have been linked to a higher risk of death or complications after an older adult has surgery. These recommendations are based on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the American Geriatrics Society Developed Best Practice Guidelines recommend the following: Key points covered in this episode:  ✔️ #1: Know The Person's Pre-Surgery Cognitive Ability Though you may be an older adult, have been feeling great recently, and even played golf the day before surgery, things can take a turn for the worse post-operation. You can end up looking pretty sick to providers who don't know you—and due to pervasive ageism, health care professionals can unfortunately make an assumption that you have a cognitive impairment (when you don't!) You want to be sure that your surgical team knows what the person's cognitive ability was before the surgery ~ because you should return to baseline with your thinking.  ✔️ #2: Depressed Or Not? Depression has been associated with a higher likelihood of dying after surgery and more days in the hospital after surgery. It is essential that the surgical team understands what the person's emotional state was before surgery. Older adults may not want to talk about it, but if a loved one is going in for surgery, please ask: “Have you been feeling down or depressed lately?” ✔️ #3: Any Alcohol Or Substance Abuse/ Dependence Issues? While a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game may be part of your routine, there may also be some signs that alcohol use is more along the lines of alcohol dependency or abuse.  There are four questions that are asked, and we call it the CAGE questionnaire: C: Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on your drinking? A: Have you ever felt Annoyed by people criticizing your drinking? G: Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking? E: Have you ever had an Eye-opener (a drink first thing in the morning) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? Substance abuse isn't only about alcohol. It can includes taking other drugs. In either case, alcohol and substance misuse also puts the person at a higher risk for complications after surgery ✔️ #4: Know Your Risk Of Post-Surgery Delirium And How To Recognize It In A Loved One Delirium is a change in mental status, and people can fluctuate in and out of it. They may be confused at times and then clearheaded at other times in the same day. Being 70 or older and taking multiple medications increase a person's risk for delirium.  Before elective surgery, it is essential to let your loved one's surgical team know about any medications they are taking and if they have had issues with delirium in the past. The bottom line after surgery: If you have any feeling that your loved one “just isn't right”, mention it to their medical team because it needs to be investigated. ✔️ #5: Know Functional Status And History/ Risk Of Falls Can the person get dressed? Take a bath? Get out of a chair or the bed by themselves? Prepare own meals and/or do their own shopping ? Have you fallen in the past year? The answers to these questions give the surgical team a good idea of what level of care the person was prior to surgery and can discuss self-care goals post-surgery. The risk of falling also needs to be discussed. A history of falls or any current balance issues puts someone at a higher risk for complications after surgery. The surgical team can also administer the Timed Get UP and Go Test (TUG): This is when the older adult is asked to stand up from a chair, walk 5 or 6 feet, turn around and walk back to the chair, and sit down. Taking longer than 15 seconds to do this indicates an increased risk of falls. ✔️ #6: Is The Person Malnourished? Older adults can lose weight for many reasons: changes in taste, dentition issues, and inability to cook for themselves. But whatever the reason, malnutrition puts someone at a higher risk for complications after surgery. The best way to assess this is by asking if they had an unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds last year. A laboratory test of albumin and pre-albumin levels or calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI) based on Height and weight. It determines if a person is overweight or underweight, which can result in negative surgical outcomes.  ✔️ #7: What Is The Person's Frailty Score? One indicator of frailty is an unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds in the past year.  Another frailty indicator is decreased grip strength, which is the inability to open a jar of peanut butter or hold a cooking utensil.  Slow gait speed (walking) is another indicator. Self-reported poor energy or low endurance may also be seen. Or you may notice that they don't expend much energy during the week. So this is someone who may be doing a lot of sitting, and if they are up and walking, it will be slow. ✔️ #8: Take A Medication List With Diagnoses I recommend the Brown Bag Approach: bringing all medications in a brown paper bag to each appointment. This allows the clinician or surgical team to go through everything and ensure that each one is still indicated.  Put all ALL medications - vitamins, over-the-counter, and prescriptions -into a ‘Brown Bag' and take them all in to be reviewed with your provider. You should know the reason for taking each medication - the diagnosis it is treating. This allows the clinician to understand what other health problems the person may have and if any of those could interact with surgery or anesthesia.  Talk with your provider because any nonessential medications should be discontinued before surgery; know what medications can be taken on the day of surgery or be continued after surgery. It would also be best to review your medication list against the Beers Criteria and be sure every medication has a supporting diagnosis. Otherwise, work with your provider to discontinue it.  The bottom line: The more information the surgical team has, the better they can assess and plan for the surgery ✔️ #9: Treatment Goals And Expectations If a person thinks they will have a surgery to cure their pain and they don't get that result—that will be disappointing. So it's essential to manage expectations by getting a clear explanation of the goal(s) of surgery. The goal may be to decrease the pain but not necessarily get rid of it. It's also important to set realistic goals for post-operative function Be sure to have a discussion about the patient's preferences and expectations – and if there will be a need for rehabilitation after surgery, where is the preferred facility for that to take place, or can it be done at home? ✔️ #10: Take Paperwork: Who Will Be Involved In Care Take copies of any and all legal paperwork that you may need – this includes the person's advanced directive (code status: full code vs. no code) and who their designated decision-makers are in case they are needed – such as their healthcare power of attorney. Copies of these should also be in the person's medical record. If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

Around 10,000 boomers today are turning 65; by 2029, all boomers will be 65 or older - that milestone's seven years away.  Historically, the boomers have always been the largest generation in the US. That changed two years ago when the Millennials became the largest generation. Marketers need to be aware of this demographic shift because there are now more adults over 40 than children under 18 for the first time in human history - older adults are the New Consumer Majority.  Also, adults aged 50 and over control 70% of America's household disposable income, spending $0.51 on every dollar. But by 2050, they will be spending $0.61 per dollar.  In total, this group is projected to spend 84 billion annually just on tech products by 2030, and they are projected to contribute over 26 trillion to the US economy by 2050.  These statistics speak to the spending power that marketers may not be fully tapping into. Business as usual will need to change - which is a good thing if you want to stand out in today's crowded marketplace and a shifting media environment. What do you need to know about this demographic shift? Tune in to This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World to learn more. Key points covered in this episode:  ✔️ Older Adult's Spending Power  Adults aged 50 and over control 70% of America's household disposable income, spending $0.51 on every dollar. But by 2050, they will be spending $0.61 per dollar.  ✔️ Why Ageism Awareness Matters in Marketing Baby Boomers are leading the way in reinventing the concept of older age - they aren't accepting what has generally been a negative connotation about aging . Marketers who learn how to translate the new concept of older age have the opportunity to develop actionable advertising, promotion, public relations, and social media strategies that will have profitable results. ✔️ What's The Problem With Current Marketing Strategies? The problem is that most current media marketing strategies aren't keeping up with most portrayals of this group. Either their images aren't included, or the messages are not around healthy aging or aging well - which most Americans over 40 are doing.  ✔️ But Wait, There's More - IMPLICIT BIAS + PERSONAL BELIEFS ABOUT AGING AGEISM is stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) about aging. This can be institutional, interpersonal, or self-directed. ✔️ What Should We Change?  All industries need to pay attention to the 40-plus if they want to maximize revenue. However, as a marketing team, your messaging matters. Being aware of ageism will help you develop a marketing campaign for the new consumer majority effectively.  ✔️ How To Make Age-Friendly Marketing Campaigns -Older Adults Should Not Be Treated As Or Viewed As A Specific Demographic -Correct Myths And Misconceptions About Older Adults  -Avoid Marketing That Misses The Bullseye -Use Titles That Reflect Older Adults' Life Role -Make Sure That Your Images Are Intergenerational And Focus On Experiences  -Invest In - And Market To - The Grandparent Economy -Understand Generational Buying Criteria -Design Personalized Consumer Interactions That Are Easy For The Customer -Prioritize Customer Service -Use Multi-Channel Marketing -Use Relatable Language ✔️ What Age-Friendly Marketing Should Be?

Death, dying and the funeral business are all inevitable parts of life that we will all deal with at some point - either for ourselves or someone we love.  I had a fascinating conversation a few months ago with someone who had been training to become a mortician. As someone who has helped families navigate end-of-life care for nearly my entire career, I hadn't really ever thought about what happened when my job ended. Much of what this person shared with me bothered me but was also eye-opening – so I wanted to share some of that information with you. Thousands of people have dealt with funeral costs in light of the pandemic, and today I'll share some things I learned about the funeral industry in this week's episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World. Key points covered in this episode:  ✔️ The Funeral Industry Pulls In Big Bucks The costs for burial and cremation are skyrocketing. Most funeral homes are privately owned, but large corporations are starting to own more and more funeral homes.   Here's a fun fact…funeral homes pull in $20 billion dollars a year in the United States.  Yes, BILLION.   The largest death-care corporation in the country, Service Corporation International, has nearly 2,000 locations. In 2018 alone, they brought in $3B in revenue. The second largest funeral company, StoneMor Partners, pulled in $316M in the same year.   We also have a growing monopoly on our hands due to fewer large, corporate parent companies. These large corporations have bought up the trusted, well-known family-owned businesses. They typically keep the name of the original business but bring in new staff and salespeople, and often increase prices. These large corporations can do this because there isn't a lot of competition. This means fewer wealthy and powerful corporations manage this industry.   ✔️ The Funeral Industry Is Poorly Regulated This big, wealthy industry has been largely left to regulate itself. Businesses in the industry have a history of committing widespread deceptive practices that limit a consumers' ability to make informed decisions   Some attempts have been made to fix this, starting in 1984 when the Funeral Rule was introduced. The Federal Trade Commission established this rule to protect vulnerable families from exploitation by licensed funeral homes. Funeral homes can be fined up to $40K each if they violate this rule.   The problem is there's a loophole. Suppose a funeral home is found to be in violation of the Funeral Rule. In that case, they can opt into the Funeral Rule Offenders Program – a training program run by the industry's largest trade association and lobbying group – the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). This organization then is responsible for “policing” and penalizing offending businesses and is ultimately able to conceal violations from public knowledge.    ✔️ Profit-Seeking + Poor Regulation = Predatory Practices Since 1970, we have known that funeral homes have used predatory practices to increase profits. When you need a funeral home, the consumer is often not in the right frame of mind to handle the logistics of a funeral, burial, or cremation. Funeral homes have been known to prey on the emotionality of bereaved family members making funeral decisions by offering “up charges" for products or services that give the appearance of a higher quality funeral or burial.  When we as individuals do this type of planning for our families in advance, we are giving them a huge blessing when we die. Leaving your funeral planning to loved ones can evoke a lot of intense emotions; and the multiple decisions that have to be made may have conflicting answers within a family that causes unnecessary stress during an already stressful time.  ✔️ Historically, Price Transparency Non-Existent In The Funeral Industry   One thing that isn't transparent is the price tag associated with funeral and burial or cremation – the price for the same service can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand. The Funeral Rule doesn't require funeral homes to provide prices upfront or online, which means the general public has a hard time protecting itself from predatory pricing practices.   NFDA disclosed in 2021 that the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial is nearly $8,000, while a funeral with cremation costs only about $1,000 less. However, these costs don't include costs associated with the cemetery, monument, marker, or other miscellaneous costs, such as flowers. These added expenses often increase the cost of full funeral services by $2,000 or $3,000.   And this really shocked me!  Caskets are often marked up 300 to 500%!  Caskets from a wholesaler cost about $325, but a funeral home sells it to you for about $1300!! Other markups are crazy and predatory – for example, selling people a premium sealed casket for $800 when it only means adding an $8 rubber seal to the lid (I mean, why does a casket need a seal anyways?!).  And here's a fun fact – the Funeral Rule allows YOU to provide your casket for a funeral – and the funeral home is  not allowed to charge an extra fee if you do! You can literally buy your casket from a wholesaler or make your own. (Talk about a DIY project I've never heard of before!)   ✔️ Funerals Are Bad for The Environment This information was also interesting. Some in the funeral industry are “going green”. Why? Because according to National Geographic, funerals put over 800K gallons of formaldehyde into the earth – equivalent to one and a quarter Olympic-sized swimming pools yearly. And cremation, while touted as being the “greener” alternative to burial, generates an estimated 534.6 pounds of carbon dioxide – per person. There was a lot more information online about planning a “green funeral” that I didn't go into in this episode. It has given me reason to pause and reconsider my own advance directive about wanting to be cremated. If you have already explored this option, drop a comment below or on social media. I'm interested in learning more!   ✔️ Where To Find Help With Your Funeral Option?  Funeralocity is a platform to find and compare all funeral homes and cremation services near you. AARP names the service provider as its latest funeral planning recommendation. If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  ----------------------------------------------------------------- About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

A lot of people don't want to talk about death and dying. Yet, talking about death doesn't mean it's going to happen, and it's usually better to talk about it before it happens – for everyone involved. Death and dying are something that a lot of people don't have a lot of experience dealing with. That's because, over the past several decades, as a society, we have moved death out of the home and into institutions.  For some, the information I share in this podcast may be an intellectual conversation/ information) – for others, it may hit the heart.  It's one thing to listen to information about death and dying when you're not right in the middle of it; compared to being in the middle of it and trying to learn more. Listening to and learning about death and dying can be harder when your heart is hurting.  Many of the most important things tend to range from education around what to expect, preparing by getting their finances straight, and getting advanced directives in order. There are many things to think about when preparing for the end of life— if you're lucky enough to have time to do so. In my experience, some people have the luxury of this time, and some don't. Those whose loved one dies unexpectantly are upset because they didn't have time to resolve unfinished business or get to a place of acceptance ~ compared to those families whose loved ones take months to weeks to ultimately die being upset that it's taking so long for death to come, because it's emotionally exhausting.  In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World,  we will discuss end-of-life care— two different types of care; as well as the providers involved and the type of care provided.    Key points covered in this episode:  ✔️ What is the difference between End-Of-Life Care, Palliative Care, and Hospice Care? It can be very stressful when you or someone you love is diagnosed with a life-threatening, serious illness. For most people who go through this experience, it is helpful to understand what type of care and resources are available.  This information will help you navigate the system to get answers to the questions you have – or will have - and help you manage the uncertainty of what to expect next.  End-of-Life Care  End-of-life care is an umbrella term that refers to the process of addressing all the issues that come into play from medical care, social and emotional support, and the spiritual care that you may need either as the person dying or as a family member. Palliative Care  Palliative care begins early during the course of treatment for a life-threatening, serious illness, and it can be delivered at several points of care across the continuum of healthcare settings. This type of end-of-life care includes institutional long-term care settings (nursing homes and assisted living); home health, acute care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Palliative care has limited funding, and most palliative care programs need alternative funding.  Hospice Care Hospice care is comfort care when you reach the point in the disease trajectory where aggressive care or therapies are no longer a viable option. It's a service delivery system that provides interdisciplinary care for people with limited life expectancy—typically when you're given six months or less to live.  Hospice care also includes comprehensive biomedical, psychosocial and spiritual support as you enter the terminal phase of an illness or condition. Hospice care also supports you, your family member(s) understand what to expect as death nears. Luckily for people 65 and over or those with a disability,  Hospice care is funded by Medicare's Hospice Benefit.  ✔️  What Type of Healthcare Providers Provide Palliative Care?   Basic Palliative Care Basic palliative care is delivered by health care professionals who are not palliative care specialists—they are not “certified” in palliative care by a credentialing organization. Basic palliative care providers can be primary care providers and disease-oriented specialists, such as cardiologists or oncologists;  nurses; social workers; chaplains; and other providers (such as physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists).  Specialty Palliative Care Specialty palliative care providers are all those same provider types (interdisciplinary team), except they are certified in palliative care by a credentialing organization.  I look back on my career, Hospice was certainly part of the standard of care when I graduated as a nurse practitioner in 2000; but Palliative care was just coming into practice at that time in my area. I was lucky enough to work with a geriatrician who trained us to provide high-quality palliative care. Technically, that made me a basic palliative care provider because I didn't have a certification in that specialty.  ✔️  What Type of Care Does Palliative Care Provide? Physical: Physical care has to do with your physical symptoms of either respiratory distress, pain, difficulty breathing, or anything physically that occurs along the disease trajectory and/ or at the end of life. Psychological and Psychiatric: Psychological or psychiatric aspects are the emotional support helping you deal with the reality of the situation and any other psychiatric things that might come into play—if you have a longstanding psychiatric illness and/or end up experiencing delirium. Spiritual, Religious, and Existential: Everyone has a different way that they connect to their spirituality. The hospice and palliative care team is there to help ensure that all of those needs are met for you. Cultural: Many cultural things come into death and dying from needing to open a window at the moment of death, mourning family and friends around, compared to not wanting anyone to see you. The person dying and their family need to communicate these cultural customs to the team, so they can ensure those needs are met. Ethical and Legal: These ranges from advance care planning, deciding on a surrogate decision maker, to making sure that all advance care planning wishes are in writing. If ethical issues come up along the way, the patient and the family's autonomy is supported.  Care of the Imminently Dying: This care involves making sure that all symptoms are managed when death is imminent. This includes making sure the person is pain-free, doing what we can do to help with breathing, and talking to the family about what to expect and what changes to anticipate during the final days and weeks of life.  Bereavement: Bereavement happens after death. This service is to support your family member(s) in dealing with the different complex consequences that a death in the family can cause; and helping support you duing the process of grief and grieving for up to one year after the person dies. ✔️ Help Is Always Available If you or someone you love are going through end-of-life experiences—help is always available.  How to find a hospice and palliative care provider? National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a national organization that can connect you to palliative care providers. You can visit their website, enter your zip code or the type of provider that you're looking for, and you can connect with healthcare providers in your area. Medicare.gov   Check out the Medicare website and in the Provider Type section, select “Hospice Care”. Enter your zip code, and then it will tell you what providers are available in your area.      If you have questions, comments, or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.  About Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing ('96) and Master of Science in Nursing ('00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I genuinely enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home, and office visits), then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer. I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-master's Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing ('11). I then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 which led to me joining the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing faculty in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor. I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities. Please find out more about her work at https://melissabphd.com/.

 Alan is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He earned a B.S. in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, a J.D. and a M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. in Pharmacy Administration from the University of Mississippi.   Previously, Alan served as Director of Development for Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a pharmaceutical manufacturer and 503(b) outsourcing facility located in West Columbia, South Carolina.   During his nearly 15 years in higher education, Alan served as Professor and Kennedy Chair of the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Previously, Alan served as an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Leadership Degree Option Program at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, receiving their Teacher of the Year Award in 2011. Furthermore, Alan has taught courses at both the professional and graduate levels, specializing in the areas of leadership, law, ethics, human resources management, marketing and entrepreneurship.   Alan is also a graduate of the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching Certificate Program and licensed as a professional certified coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation. Prior to starting Summit Partner Services, a company dedicated to helping individuals, teams and communities flourish and thrive, Alan served as a Senior Consultant with GiANT Worldwide, a company dedicated to multiplying and cultivating engaged leaders. Alan also served as Chief Operating Officer of SALLT, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving leaders from the public, private and social sectors by helping them leverage their passion, skills and influence for the common good of the city.    Alan and his wife Laurie live in Edmond, Oklahoma, where they love to hike (especially in Montana) and eat ice cream (not necessarily in that order) with their 7-year old golden doodle Sully and 1-year old mini golden doodle Roz. Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3) CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release date Contact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Traditional approaches to teaching and learning are rapidly becoming outdated. Past teaching methods do not take into account the range of expertise, different schedules, and continual advances made in medicine resulting in students feeling less equipped in real-world scenarios. In today's show, we delve into a progressive alternative to teaching and learning in the realm of dental medicine with pioneer Dr. Martin Steed, Associate Professor and Chair of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steed found a passion for oral maxillofacial surgery early in his career and strives to continually improve his field within the academic domain. In this episode, we learn more about Dr. Steed and the SCORE curriculum, a curriculum designed to improve the education of surgical trainees through a standardized, peer-reviewed curriculum. In our conversation, we learn about Dr. Steed's professional background and why he chose the academic career path. We also dive deep into what the SCORE curriculum is, how it first came about, what the benefits are to both students and teachers, how the program can be customized, what the main aims and goals of SCORE are, the assessment criteria, other ways it can help students, ways in which it is continually improving, and much more. Be sure not to miss out on the next step in learning and teaching with Dr. Martin Steed. Key Points From This Episode:Brief background about Dr. Steed's training and current practice setup.Reasons behind his decision to choose an academic career path.Details about the current school curriculum and the opportunities it provides.What the ultimate goals, focus, and benefits of SCORE curriculum are.Dr. Steed shares examples of the approach and lesson plans used.Examples of the extra modules that Dr. Steed has added to the program.Outline of other benefits to residences, such as preparing for the board exam.He explains where the program has the potential to grow.Breakdown of the support that Dr. Steed has received for the SCORE curriculum.The structure of assessments is explained briefly. Whether the SCORE curriculum is being adopted at other Universities.Who acts as sources of new information for the SCORE curriculum.Dr. Steed shares some advice for people wanting to access the program.We end the show with our usual rapid-fire questions for Dr. Steed.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Dr. Martin Steed on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-steed-05253036/Dr. Martin Steed Phone — 843-876-7645Medical University of South Carolina — https://web.musc.edu/Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine — https://dentistry.musc.eduAAOMS — https://www.aaoms.org/SCORE for OMS — https://www.aaoms.org/education-research/oms-faculty/score-for-omsEveryday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Dental Marketing with Legwork Meetdandy.com/Melissa Podcast Website Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Follow Dr. Rob Ritter @drrobritter on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin Dental Digest Podcast Facebook Dr. Ritter bio: "I have had the opportunity to research, write, and publish several articles on adhesive and cosmetic dentistry in several professional publications, including Practical Periodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry (PPAD), Signature, Spectrum, Dentistry Today, DPR, Contemporary Esthetics, and I am on the editorial board of PPAD, as well as Spectrum, The Journal of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and The Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. In addition, I am an editorial board member of REALITY, a publication to keep dentists up-to-date with advances in the products, techniques and research of esthetic dentistry. I am a product consultant to numerous dental manufacturers, and I have lectured nationally as well as internationally on cosmetic dentistry, adhesive dentistry, porcelain veneers, and restorative implant dentistry. Before becoming a dentist, I spent my childhood growing up in Palm Beach County. I attended the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, where I received my dental degree in 1994. I served as the program leader of PowerPAC for the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (PAC-Live) a live patient program for Porcelain Veneers. I have been speaking nationally and internationally for over 18 years all over the United States on Technology-Social Media for the modern dental office.  To contact me about speaking engagements visit DrRobRitter.com Continuing education is an important part of my job as your dentist. I participate in continuing education every year, logging over 200 hours, in order to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry. I am a member of several prestigious dental organizations, including the: American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry American Academy of Restorative Dentistry American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry American Dental Association Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (past president) Seaside Study Club Seattle Study Club National Speaker Kois Center Graduate"