Your Best Life

Researching treatment for Alzheimer’s disease - Dr. Jim Hoehns

The causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet understood, but clinical researchers are committed to finding the answers.
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Jim Hoehns, a clinical pharmacist and research director at MercyOne Northeast Iowa Family Medicine and Residency.
Dr. Hoehns discusses the methods of this clinical research, the benefits for individuals who participate, and the groundbreaking work being done to unlock the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease. 
Dr. Hoehns' group is seeking participants who have early, symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease to take part in a clinical trial of a new medication. To learn more about becoming a participant, contact Sarah Larson at 319-272-2530 or sarah.larson@mercyhealth.com; or Melissa Petersen at 319-272-2539 or melissa.petersen@mercyhealth.com.
 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne

This one is for the fellas - Dr. David Ensz

When it comes to health care, men tend to willfully endure their symptoms and pain. In a recent national survey, 65% of the male participants said they wait as long as possible before they see a doctor.
“There are some illnesses and diseases that if you come in too late or when you finally are experiencing symptoms the treatment becomes very difficult,” says Dr. David Ensz, of MercyOne South Sioux City Family Medicine.
Men – it’s time to lead by example. In this episode, we're joined by to talk about some common health habits to fix. We'll cover:
Reasons to develop a releationship with a primary care provider
How erectile dysfunction can be an indicator for heart health
Diabetes care
Excessive drinking of alcohol
Behavioral health
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne

Midwives in your health care - Whitney Suckstorf, MSN, ARNP, CNM

When you look at the etymology of the word midwife it literally means “with woman.”
In this episode, we're joined by Whitney Suckstorf, MSN, ARNP, CNM to learn that midwives go far beyond just maternity care. They are with women through all stages in their lives: whether it’s helping a young adolescent with period problems, a woman’s yearly pap smear, postpartum or through the transition of menopause.
"The unique role of a midwife is to be a chameleon for our patients," says Whitney.
Whether you are going through puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, a woman’s health has complex needs that a midwife can help navigate and manage.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

The many reasons to visit an OB/GYN - Dr. Ryan Beardsley

If you've ever been pregnant or had an annual well-woman exam, you're probably familiar with visiting an OB/GYN provider for certain care needs. However, your OB/GYN can do much more.
In this episode, Dr. Ryan Beardsley joins us to talk about how this type of doctor can be your partner in women's health throughout every stage of life.
What is an OB/GYN?
Treating adolescents and young adults
Prenatal care
Transition to menopause
Dr. Beardsley cares for patients at MercyOne Waterloo OB/GYN. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Choosing a Primary Care Provider - Dr. Patrick Courtney, Dr. Sara Schutte, Dr. Lazaro Rabang

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is the first step to keeping you well - and not only when you are sick! Your relationship with a primary care provider can last a lifetime, throughout all stages of your life. Maintaining a regular checkup with your primary care provider will keep you and your family healthy!In this episode we explore some similarities and differences among primary care providers.  We're joined by:
Dr. Patrick Courtney, from MercyOne North Iowa Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Courtney pursued a career in medicine because he liked using skills and knowledge to help patients understand and manage their health concerns.
Dr. Sara Schutte, a pediatrician at MercyOne Ankeny Pediatrics Care. Dr. Schutte enjoys helping families grow and develop with their children. 
Dr. Lazaro Rabang, an internal medicine physician at MercyOne Urbandale Internal Medicine. Dr. Rabang says internal medicine providers are like the Sherlock Holmes of medicine - always working to find out more clues about what is ailing you!
If you don't have a primary care provider, MercyOne makes it easy to find someone you trust!  Use our Patient Provider Matching Tool to find your health personality, and we'll show you providers just right for you!  Just take our quiz, see your matches, and schedule an appointment!  Take the quiz here.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Thriving after diagnosis of autism - Dr. Sasha Khosravi

Learning your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can be an overwhelming time for families. When you are looking after a child with autism, there’s some important information you need to know right off the bat.
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Sasha Khosravi for a breakdown of everything to help your family thrive after an autism diagnosis. 
Dr. Khosravi is the Chief Medical Officer at MercyOne Clive Behavioral Health and Program Director at MercyOne Psychiatry Residency program.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Importance of Colonoscopy Screening - Cancer survivor Mary Van Heukelom

In this episode we meet Mary Van Heukelom, program director of the nonprofit organization Above + Beyond Cancer.  As part of this work, Mary helps cancer survivors find and achieve a quality of life well beyond their cancer diagnosis.  
She considered herself to have a top bill of health when a colonoscopy screening showed a mass in her colon. Because it was detected early, surgery was able to remove her cancer and she has not needed radiation treatments or chemo therapy.  She shares her story with us and why it's important to make time for preventative screenings.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Inclusivity and Special Needs Parenting - Dr. Nicole Stoecken

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Stoecken returns to the podcast to talk about special needs parenting and the importance of being inclusive.  
Dr. Stoecken is a pediatrician at MercyOne Grimes Pediatric Care, and is an advocate and guide for children with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Her daughter Josie was born with Down syndrome in December 2019. "I have been especially fortunate in that I have been able to take many of the tools I have learned to support my own child’s development back to my daily practice to support the development of each of my patients. One of the greatest gifts I have been given is that of empathy," she says.  In society, Dr. Stoecken says there are important things each of us can recognize and strive to improve:
Encourage person first language
Encourage inclusion
Recognize ableism and prejudices and stereotypes we each may carry
Be sure to check out our other episode with Dr. Stoecken, where we learn more about Down syndrome and her daughter Josie. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Spring forward on sleep health - Stephen Grant, MD

Many people "spring forward" this week and turn our clocks ahead one hour to begin daylight saving time.  Some of us need a couple days to adjust when it seems the alarm clock goes off a little earlier than usual!
In this episode, sleep expert Dr. Stephen Grant joins us to talk about the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and the numerous ways your sleep impacts your health, such as:
Mood, behavioral health
Diet and weight loss
Cognitive function 
Heart health
Diabetes
You can find Dr. Grant at MercyOne Clive Sleep Center.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Debunking colonoscopy myths - Dr. Mayin Lin

Colon cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Colonoscopy screenings are the best preventive action you can take to protect yourself from colon cancer, but the myths surrounding colonoscopies can make you feel uncomfortable with screening.
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Mayin Lin at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center to help debunk the myths!!
Myth: I don't have symptoms, so I don't need a screening
Myth: I'm a woman and less likely to get cancer
Myth: I don't have family history so I'm not at risk
Myth: The prep is horrible!
Myth: A colonoscopy is painful
Myth: Colonoscopies are dangerous
Myth: It's too embarrassing and uncomfortable
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Heart Health - Ramanujam Ramabadran, MD

In this episode we're talking about heart health with Dr. Ramanujam Ramabadran, a cardiologist with Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque.
In addition to some overall heart healthy tips, we learn about transcatheric aortic valve replacement, also called TAVR.  
TAVR is a less-invasive approach to aortic valve replacement than open heart surgery. With the TAVR procedure, the physician will make a small incision, usually in your groin. 
TAVR is typically associated with a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay than open heart surgery.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Pandemic February 2022 Update - Dr. Ravi Vemuri

Information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic moves at a rapid pace and Dr. Ravi Vemuri joins the podcast once again to help keep us up to speed.
In this episode:
What have we learned from the Omicron variant?
Why is getting a vaccine booster shot important?
Studying what's known as "long covid"
When will we get back to normal?
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

Radon: An Iowan’s lung cancer journey - Maria Steele

A week before Christmas in 2019, life-long health care practitioner Maria Steele was introduced to the presence of radon in Iowa.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is tasteless, odorless and colorless. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and national health organizations rank radon as the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. More than 71% of Iowa homes are above EPA exposure guidelines, according to the Iowa Radon Survey. 
Maria had no family history of cancer in her family and never smoked. However, a heavy feeling in her chest had her concerned. After heart disease was ruled out, chest imaging detected a mass in her lung later confirmed as lung cancer. 
Maria is also sharing her journey on her blog. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

En español: Salud para Latinx - Dr. Carlos Alarcon-Schroder

Este episodio está grabado en español para nuestros amigos de la comunidad Latinx, para hablar sobre la importancia de la atención médica de rutina y su bienestar físico.Nuestro invitado es el Dr. Carlos Alarcon-Schroder de MercyOne Urbandale Family Medicine.Discutimos:
Por qué es importante realizar chequeos anuales.
¿Qué es un médico de cabecera y por qué alguien debería establecer una relación con uno. 
¿Existe algún problema de salud que afecte a los miembros de la comunidad Latinx?
La pandemia del coronavirus y la importancia de estar vacunado.
Envíenos sus comentarios enviando un correo electrónico a podcast@mercyhealth.com, o complete el formulario de envío en MercyOne.org/podcast.
Tu mejor vida: impulsado por MercyOne

Reaching your health goals this year - Dr. David Ensz

We're off into another new year!  You’re ready to live your best life and you’ve made the first step – recognizing your health needs.  So what comes next?  We caught up with Dr. David Ensz from MercyOne South Sioux City Family Medicine for some expert tips to make sure you're setting attainable goals.
Focus on your mental health
Make sleep a priority
Exercise regularly and eat healthy 
Build your relationship with your primary care provider
Want to hear more?  Check out our past episode "New Year New You" for even more tips from the pros on living Your Best Life!
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 

PTSD - Thomas Ottavi, PhD

We commonly associate PTSD with military veterans. But who else can be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder? What are the signs and symptoms? What are the options for help?Thomas Ottavi, PhD, has spent 23 years a licensed psychologist doing youth and adult work consulting with schools and agencies where trauma effects and PTSD were significant and common issues.
Dr. Ottavi cares for patients in Dubuque at Medical Associates Clinic and is also a behavioral health officer in the Iowa Army National Guard. He is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma, including PTSD.
We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. Resources mentioned in this podcast include:
National Institute of Mental Health
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
PTSD Coach
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne
 
 

Diagnosing swallowing disorders in kids - Dr. Dan DiMeo

In this episode we're joined by Dr. Daniel DiMeo to tell us all about EndoFLIP.  MercyOne Children's Hospital is the first hospital in the state of Iowa to use this unique technology.  When patients have trouble swallowing, there are problems getting food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach. When kids have this condition, EndoFLIP can make it much easier to diagnose disorders!  Learn more about EndoFLIP in this blog post and on our website.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne

COVID-19 Fall 2021 Update - Dr. Ravi Vemuri

We're headed into influenza season, and are still navigating our way through the COVID-19 pandemic.  Infectious disease expert Dr. Ravi Vemuri returns to the podcast to explain what we should expect:
What's the outlook for influenza?
Can you get a flu shot and COVID shot at the same time?
Third doses of coronavirus vaccine for immunocompromised individuals and booster shots for others
Young and healthy age groups and whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine (yes)
What factors go into determine hospital capacity?
Requirements to attend events in the community
Using monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID+ patients 
What's the deal with ivermectin?
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne

Managing Pain - Daniel Moyse, MD

No one knows your body better than you. Your body is constantly giving you feedback on your daily activities. Sometimes that feedback gets your attention in the form of pain.
In this episode we're joined by Dr. Daniel Moyse to talk through the treatment available fo individuals you live with chronic pain. If you've been experiencing chronic or unmanageable pain, find a pain care specialist and get back to living your best life.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne

”Don‘t skip annual screenings” - Breast cancer survivor Deann Cook

In this episode, meet breast cancer survivor Deann Cook.  Her yearly mammogram caught a breast tumor very early, and very treatable! 
But as she started sharing the news of her diagnosis she learned many women had been skipping their annual screening due to the pandemic.
So she took it upon herself to hold others accountable to schedule that important checkup. In her case, she says it saved her life.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
Your Best Life – powered by MercyOne