Your Best Life

Suicide Prevention - Kim Ellingson, LMHC

In this episode Kimberly Ellington, LMHC joins us to talk about suicide prevention.  Kimberly is a licensed mental health counselor at MercyOne.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, but it is preventable!  What are signs that someone is in crisis? What resources are available if you or someone you know are at risk?
The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Pregnancy & COVID-19 vaccine - Dr. Sarah Massey & Dr. Neil Mandsager

In August 2021 the CDC strengthened its recommendation for women to receive COVID-19 during pregnancy.
In this episode we're joined by Sarah Massey, DO and Neil Mandsager, MD to discuss making the best vaccine decision for you and your family.  
Dr. Massey is a physician at MercyOne West Des Moines OBGYN Associates. Dr. Mandsager primarily works to provide personalized care to expecting mothers with high-risk pregnancy at MercyOne Perinatal Center.
Read more - MercyOne maternity experts support COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy
According to a new study pregnant women with a COVID-19 infection are:
22 times more likely to have a premature birth
14 times more likely to require intubation
15 times more likely to die in hospital
The study involved 869, 079 adult women, including 18,715 women with COVID-19, who underwent childbirth at 499 US medical centers between March 1, 2020- Feb. 28, 2021
Find a MercyOne vaccine location by visiting MercyOne.org/covid19vaccine
What questions do you have about the COVID-19 vaccine? Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Concussions - Dr. Eric Reynolds

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Eric Reynolds to talk about concussions.  
As we head into fall sports, most people think of football - but concussions don't just happen in contact sports.  They can also happen in activities like cheerleading or even gym class.Dr. Reynolds specializes in pediatrics at MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care in Des Moines.  You can also find him at MercyOne Clive Sports Medicine.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Finding - Dr. Aneesa Afroze

MercyOne encourages everyone who is eligible and able to receive a vaccination to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Unvaccinated people are more susceptible to the virus and its variants, and people who are not vaccinated make up most COVID-19 hospitalizations today. Many individuals could avoid the hospital entirely if they had been vaccinated.
Still, there are many eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated, citing a number of reasons or concerns. In this episode, we bring those concerns to infectious disease expert Aneesa Afroze, MD, to provide additional context and even dispel some myths.
Claim: The vaccine is experimental and not safe. 
Fact: The vaccine has Emergency Use Authorization and with more than 350 million doses administered in the U.S. the vaccine has received the most intense safety monitoring of any vaccine in history. Note: The Pfizer vaccine received FDA approval on August 23, 2021.
Claim: The vaccine may cause infertility or impact pregnancy.
Fact:  There is nothing to indicate the vaccines impact the ability to conceive a child. There were no significant safety concerns observed during clinical trials. The vaccine when given in the third trimester of pregnancy will allow your baby to obtain some protection through antibodies, and antibodies can be passed through breastmilk.  Read more: MercyOne maternity experts support COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy 
Claim: Young and healthy people don't need to worry about COVID-19.
Fact: While it's true that most people experience mild symptoms and recover, the virus can cause severe health risks and some people still have symptoms for months after they are infected. Individuals requiring hospitalizations today include increasing numbers of individuals ages 40 and up. Nationally, COVID-19 deaths have included people from all age groups.
Read more COVID-19 vaccine facts here.Crowded hospitals can strain available resources and impact other people who need care, unrelated to COVID-19.  This is why it is important to protect yourself and do your part so everyone can receive the care they need.Find a MercyOne vaccine location by visiting MercyOne.org/covid19vaccine
What questions do you have about the COVID-19 vaccine? Do you have questions about the variants of the virus?  Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Anxiety - Dr. Tyler Van Milligen

Many of us experience feelings of worry, fear or anxiety. But when is it time to seek professional help?  Dr. Tyler Van Milligen returns to the podcast to break down the differences between common anxiety disorders and how to determine if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life. Dr. Tyler cares for patients in the MercyOne Psychiatric Residency Program in Des Moines, Iowa.
We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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What happens when you donate blood? - Andrea Haynes

In this episode we are joined by Andrea Haynes, Lab Director at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center to talk about what happens when you donate blood. Nationally, there is a severe shortage of blood due to the pandemic’s effect on donations. We will learn:
How are blood cells, platelets and plasma used in a hospital?
What types of procedures need the most blood on hand?
How does donating blood directly help your local community?
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Storytellers: Dr. Deming‘s bike crash

We are a week away from RAGBRAI and we have another bike-themed podcast for you. Dr. Richard Deming has been a guest on the podcast before - and in this episode you'll hear a story that only he can tell: his journey after a training ride ended with a severe crash, sending him to intensive care. 
Dr. Deming first told this story on stage at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next: Filling in the blanks after a story ends." The Des Moines Storytellers Project is a series of storytelling events in which community members work with Des Moines Register journalists to tell true, first-person stories live on stage. Read his story and watch a video of his speech here. (Republished here with permission.)
 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Tips for a healthy summer

We welcome the return of RAGBRAI! Bicyclists will spend hours at a time in the July heat. Health experts from MercyOne have a few tips for your best ride, or if you find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors during the summer:
1. Water, water, water
This is your number one choice to get and stay hydrated. Beverages with caffeine or alcohol are dehydrating. You can consume water through your food too! Eat foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers or celery.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol increases excretion of water and salt from your body and increases internal body temperature. If you’re planning to consume alcohol, try to switch between water and your beverage of choice every other drink.
3. Food for fuel
When you’ve got an 80-mile bike ride ahead of you, it’s important to eat foods to give you the energy you need to make it to the finish. If you’re aiming for high performance, eat easy-to-digest carbohydrates like a banana or a bagel before you hit the road. Once you’ve finished, add in foods that have protein and fat, like chocolate milk or pizza.
4.Sunscreen
You’re going to be in the sun for many hours each day. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and make sure you hit your ears, the tip of your nose, your forehead, and hairline. Reapply every two to three hours.
5. Hygiene
Germs are everywhere! Washing with soap and water is always best if available. Hand sanitizers can quickly reduce germs on hands, but they don’t eliminate all types of germs, so it’s still important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you’re able.
6. Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
Two common heat-illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While heat exhaustion leads to heat stroke, they need to be treated very differently. Learn the symptoms and what to do if your friends or family are experiencing a heat-related illness.
Accidents do happen and if you experience a minor injury, MercyOne Urgent Care locations provide walk-in care for any bumps, bruises, burns, sprains and stitches. Enjoy RAGBRAI XLVIII and everything Iowa has to offer along the route!
 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Importance of Sunscreen - Stephanie Walker, PA-C

This episode is all about protecting your skin and Stephanie Walker, PA-C joins us with expert information why this is important.
Practicing sun safety daily helps protect your skin from damage. 
Why do I need to wear sunscreen?
The sun emits a wide spectrum of light including ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B). These are the two most common types of UV rays that contribute to skin cancer. They damage the skin on a DNA level that can eventually lead to skin cancer. Studies have shown that sunburns, especially blistering sunburns during childhood, can dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. It’s important that everyone in your family wears sunscreen to block out these harmful rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
What type of sunscreen do I need?
While The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher for everyday use,  we advise sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher to provide stronger protection. Remember, both UV-A and UV-B can cause skin cancer, so choose sunscreen that protects against both. This will be labeled as protecting against a “broad spectrum” of rays.
What should I look for during a self-examination of my skin?
There are three things to look for when examining your moles and skin: symmetry, borders and color. If you notice any changing moles that appear asymmetrical, have irregular borders or multiple colors, please contact a health care professional to evaluate the lesion. Any sore that hasn’t healed or is a painful lesion should be evaluated as well.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Trauma Season - Steven Warrington, MD

Summertime means warmer days, sunshine and spending time outdoors. With more activities and more time out and about there are an increased risk of injury and emergency.In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Steven Warrington to explain why summer is known as trauma season. Burns, dehydration and heat illnesses are just a few common conditions needing emergency care.
Serious injuries or severe illness that may require hospitalization should be directed to your local emergency room.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Men's Health -Christopher Adams, MD

Men are more likely to delay or skip health appointments - often waiting until the last minute, or trying to just tough it out.  But men need regular checkups to screen for potential health risks and stay on track for a healthy future.
MercyOne urologist Christopher Adams, MD joins us to talk about the importance for men to keep track of their health, and some of the regular screenings you will need.  Some of the top risks for men include:
heart health
respiratory disease
alcohol
diabetes
behavioral health
accidents and injuries
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Revolutionizing Health Care with Technology

This episode centers around innovative ideas used to revolutionize health care and connecting patients with the help they need in a manner that is convenient!  
We have three guests:
Matt Dietz is Division Director of Digital and Virtual Care Strategy at MercyOne
Stephen Nielson is Manager of Digital Health at MercyOne
Dr. Joel Ward is Chief Medical Informatics Officer for MercyOne Central Iowa Medical Group
We talk about telehealth, online scheduling, virtual care and implementing other innovative ideas in the future. 
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Maternal Mental Health - Dr. Tyler Van Milligen

On the heels of Mother's Day, we're going to focus on Maternal Mental Health. What are the differences between the "baby blues" and postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety? How can you spot the signs if something serious is happening to you or your loved ones?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Tyler Van Milligen, who cares for patients in the MercyOne Psychiatric Residency Program in Des Moines, Iowa.
We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better. Dr. Tyler also was featured on the Make It OK podcast to speak about postpartum depression.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Check out Make It OK Stories: The Podcast

If you're a regular listener, you know we've partnered with Iowa's Healthiest State Program and its Make It OK program.  
Well, Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative has launched its own podcast!  All episodes are available now and each episode features a MercyOne expert. 
Listen to the trailer here, then go find all the episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.
We'll be back with our own new episodes coming soon!

Period pain? It might be endometriosis - Emily Flahive, CNM, DNP, ARNP and Jessica Gengler, MSPT

In this episode we're joined by Emily Flahive, CNM, DNP, ARNP and Jessica Gengler, MSPT to talk about endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue like what is normally found inside the uterus- the endometrium- grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissues lining the pelvis. It is possible, however, for endometrial tissue to spread beyond pelvic organs.
This disorder affects 1 in 10 women (about 200 million women worldwide) according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Painful periods- including pain before and after a menstrual period.
Lower back and abdominal pain
Pain during intercourse
Painful bowel movements or urination- especially during a menstrual period
Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
Infertility
Fatigue
Diarrhea or constipation
Bloating or nausea
Read more about endometriosis
 
Send us your feedback or just say "hello" by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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A COVID-19 Vaccine Update as Many Become Eligible - Dr. Ravi Vemuri

With COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opening up across the country, MercyOne infectious disease expert Dr. Ravi Vemuri returns to the podcast to encourage everyone to get their shot when they have the chance.
The three vaccines approved for use in the United States at this time include the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. All three vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness, even against the COVID-19 variants now circulating.
Dr. Vemuri also lets us know about some promising new studies that came out in the past week.
A reminder -- after you have been vaccinated, it is still important to wear a mask, wash your hands and socially distance.
Send us your feedback or just say "hello" by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Spring Allergies - Dan Dalan, MD

At the turn of the last century, physicians were looking for the cause of hay fever, summer colds, or rose fever. They soon discovered billions of invisible pollens trigger allergy symptoms. Using technology and microscopy, they visualized plant pollens from tree, grass and weeds and concluded these were the culprits!
Hay fever can affect your quality of life. Initial symptoms include itching nose, mouth and eyes leading to sneezing, nasal congestion, and tearing of the eyes. It can lead to sinus infections, make asthma worse, disrupt your sleep and affect your ability to learn at school or be productive at work. Although we suspect you may have this condition, allergists can help pinpoint the actual cause and diagnosis with skin testing.
In this episode, Dr. Dan Dalan from MercyOne Waterloo Allergy Care joins us to talk about how people can get relief, and how to pinpoint exactly what is ailing you. 
If you experience allergies or have symptoms contact your provider or find one near you to make an appointment.
Send us your feedback or just say "hello" by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Varicose Veins - Ricky Maddox, MD & Saadi Albaghdadi, MD

If you're one of the 40 million people in the U.S. with varicose veins you may think it's just a cosmetic problem and haven't sought treatment. But those unsightly veins are a symptom of underlying venous reflux disease.
Hear from MercyOne Clinton surgeon Dr. Ricky Maddox and cardiologist Dr. Saadi Albaghdadi about minimally invasive, outpatient varicose vein treatments that improve blood flow to your legs and help you love the way they look!
Send us your feedback or just say "hello" by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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What's the Difference: Therapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist?

In this episode we explore the differences between a therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist. Who does what? Which one should you seek for mental and behavioral health care?
We welcome three experts to explain: 
Natasha Keller tLMHC, PLMHP, NCC works with children at the MercyOne Siouxland Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Dan Ekstrom, PsyS is a licensed psychologist at MercyOne Waterloo Behavioral Health Care in Waterloo, Iowa.
Dr. Tyler Van Milligen cares for patients in the MercyOne Psychiatric Residency Program in Des Moines, Iowa.
We're happy to partner with Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the Make It OK campaign to bring you this content! It's OK to have a mental illness - many people do. It's OK to talk about mental illness - talking makes people feel less alone. It's OK to seek help with mental illness - life can get better.
Send us your feedback by emailing podcast@mercyhealth.com, or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast
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Robotic Surgery - Scott Hinze, DO, FACOS

In this episode, we learn all about robotic surgery with Dr. Scott Hinze. Dr. Hinze is a surgeon at MercyOne Waterloo General Surgery.Minimally invasive procedures with robotic surgery provide several benefits including smaller incisions, an earlier discharge from the hospital, faster recovery time, and less medication required to cope with pain.
Watch and see the da Vinci Xi in this YouTube video.
Send us your feedback or just say "hello" by filling out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast or send an email to podcast@mercyhealth.com
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