Vital Views is a weekly podcast created by UNLV School of Nursing to discuss health care from a Rebel Nursing perspective. We share stories and expert information on both nursing-specific and broader healthcare topics to bring attention to the health trends and issues that affect us. New episodes every Tuesday. Feedback? Questions? Episode Ideas? Email [email protected].
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This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Getting older? Guess what - so is everyone else! But aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling for less. Because aging isn’t a problem to fix - it’s an adventure to embrace! 🎙️ Welcome to This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, the podcast that flips the script on what it means to grow older - and let’s be real, this show is for ANYONE BORN BEFORE 1997 (yes, that’s you, Millennials!). Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor, nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, and aging ...
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EP: 219 - Vision Zero: Creating Safer Streets for Walkers, Bikers, and Drivers
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28:45Are zero traffic deaths possible? This thought-provoking question sparks a crucial conversation about road safety and the future of transportation. As we continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of traffic accidents, it's essential to explore the possibilities of a world where zero traffic deaths are the norm. From advanced safety feat…
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EP: 218 - Beyond the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Julian Gershon
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31:45Is aging really inevitable—or have we just accepted it as fact? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julian Gershon, triple-board-certified physician and author of Beyond the Fountain of Youth, for a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into what it really takes to live longer, feel younger, and reclaim energy you thought was long gone. Dr. Gershon ble…
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EP: 217 - Breaking the Silence: What Every Woman Should Know About Perimenopause and Menopause
46:32
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46:32Feeling blindsided by perimenopause? You’re not alone! Dr. Betty Murray joins me to break the silence on menopause, debunk myths, and share real solutions for navigating this transition with confidence. Whether you’re struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or mood swings, this episode will help you take back control of your health and feel your be…
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EP: 216 - Why the Administration for Community Living Matters—And What Happens If It’s Gone
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50:53What happens when critical aging services are put on the chopping block? The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is facing major restructuring, potentially dismantling key programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Howard Gleckman and Alison Bankoff explain why this decision matters—not just for sen…
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EP: 215 - The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative
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36:53The Future of Nursing Homes: Smarter Training & Stronger Partnerships For decades, nursing homes have struggled with staffing shortages and outdated training models. But what if we could change that? The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative is an innovative program connecting schools of nursing with nursing homes to provide better training, improve …
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Dr. Henna Lee and Dr. Lissi Hansen, the 2025 Yucha Lecture Speaker, discuss palliative and end-of-life care in nursing. Dr. shares her career journey from Denmark to the U.S., her transition to palliative and end-of-life care research, and her focus on caregiver burden and treatment decision-making. She emphasizes the need for early palliative care…
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EP: 214 - Protecting Your Money: How to Stop Financial Exploitation
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26:37In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situatio…
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Carissa Hernandez, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at UNLV, shares her journey from a professional flamenco dancer to a nurse. Her DNP project focuses on using virtual reality (VR) to enhance med-surg nurses' confidence and skills in responding to cardiac arrests. Based on her findings, the training was practical for both first-time and …
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EP: 213 - Scams: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
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33:23In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate …
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The Importance of Early Education in Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Dieu-My Tran
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15:39For American Heart Health Month, Dr. Dieu-My Tran, an associate professor at UNLV School of Nursing, discusses cardiovascular health, particularly heart disease. She highlights that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, especially post-menopausal, due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects. Dr. Tran emphasizes the importance o…
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EP: 212 - Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle and Dot
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22:57Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle & Dot | This is Getting Old Podcast Can people with dementia form new romantic relationships? What about caregivers—how do they navigate love while supporting a loved one? In this episode, I’m joined by Dangle & Dot to explore love, companionship, and relationships in the context of cognitive decline. We’ll disc…
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EP: 211 - Dementia Care: Rediscovering Love When Words Fail with Dangle & Dot
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42:34When words fail, love still remains. In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Dangle & Dot to explore the power of love and connection in dementia care. We discuss how small moments—a smile, a touch, or a favorite song—help maintain deep relationships even when words become difficult. Learn how c…
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In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain s…
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Understanding Cervical Health with Dr. Marguerite Brathwaite
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9:34In honor of Cervical Health Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez talks with Dr. Marguerite Brathwaite about cervical cancer screening and women's health. She explains that cervical cancer screening involves Pap smears to detect abnormal cervical cells and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Brathwaite emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and safe sex …
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In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role …
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Compassion and Meditation with Dr. Nirmala Lekhak
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15:26Dr. Nirmala Lekhak, a UNLV School of Nursing assistant professor, shares how meditation can enhance cognitive function, memory, and psychological health in older adults, addressing issues like loneliness, depression, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of spirituality in improving mental well-being and has researched meditation's effects dur…
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EP: 208 - Walking Together: Exercise for Dementia and Caregivers
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2:52Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved o…
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EP: 207 - What to do when a person with Alzheimer’s Disease stops eating
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10:30When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of …
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EP: 206 - Feng Shui for Health and Longevity
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50:57In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arrangin…
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Serving the Community Beyond Books with the Library District
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19:32Minnie Wood, senior lecturer, is joined by Rebecca Colbert and Theron Nissen of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. They delve into the library's health kits, which include a touchless thermometer, wrist blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter. These kits, available in all library branches, aim to provide accessible health monitoring tools…
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EP: 205 - How Changes in Touch Impact Eating
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9:50As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand a…
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Uncovering Stories Untold with Filmmaker Michele Josue
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28:48Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications, sits with Michele Josue, an Emmy Award-winning Filipino filmmaker. Josue discusses her film "Nurse Unseen," which highlights the experiences of Filipino American nurses during the pandemic. Josue shares her journey into filmmaking and her passion for documenting personal and community stor…
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Understanding Maternal Health with Filmmaker Carolyn Jones
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14:07Recorded in July 2024, Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education, interviews Carolyn Jones, a documentary filmmaker, who shares her journey through filmmaking and capturing global issues through storytelling. Her film "American Birth" explores the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S., highlighting midwifery as a solution. Jones was se…
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EP: 204 - How Changes in Taste and Smell Impact Eating
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11:49Caring for a loved one with dementia who struggles with eating can be challenging, as sensory changes in taste and smell often lead to a loss of interest in food. These changes occur because dementia damages brain areas responsible for processing smell and taste, such as the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and is further impacted by protein buildup…
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EP: 203 - 3 Changes in Hearing and Language that Impact Eating
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9:54How Hearing and Language Changes in Dementia Impact Eating | Tips for Caregivers Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias impact every aspect of life, including how a person hears and understands language. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor explores how these changes can make eating independently a challenge—and shares practical strategies to he…
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EP: 202 - 5 Ways to Reduce Loneliness in Aging
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54:57In this episode of This is Getting Old, Dr. Melissa sits down with David Burke, the founder of NxtGen Care, to discuss how social engagement and movement are vital for healthy aging. David highlights how staying connected with others and maintaining regular physical activity are key factors in promoting cognitive health, emotional well-being, and o…
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EP 201 : Dementia Care: How Changes in Vision Impact Eating
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20:42One of the most concerning and puzzling symptoms of Alzheimer's is when a person stops being able to eat independently. Without adequate support, this could lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health.In this video, you will learn how changes in vision impact a person living with dementia’s ability to feed themselves. As Alzh…
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EP: 200 - Alzheimer’s Disease: Holiday Tips for a Positive Season | Dementia Caregiving
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45:40In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with lo…
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EP : 199 - Dementia Caregiving: Preparing for Your Own Health Crisis
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29:55In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional pr…
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EP: 198 - Opioid Use Disorder | Impact on Families – Aging Parents to Grandkids | OpiAID
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26:47In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is esse…
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Empowering Your Health: Breast Cancer Awareness and Advocacy
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23:07In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez and Minnie Wood sit together and discuss the importance of breast self-awareness, risk factors, and essential screening recommendations. Wood is a Senior Lecturer at UNLV School of Nursing and a breast cancer survivor. They discuss practical tips for performing self-exams, how to recogn…
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EP: 197 - Dating After 50: 10 Must-Know Tips for Finding Love Over 50
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33:30Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you’re newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I’m joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the…
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In today’s fast-paced world, numerous diet trends promise to enhance health and longevity, but true wellness stems from understanding the science behind our food choices. This episode examines three popular diets—intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet—and their impact on aging. Intermittent fasting, which alternates be…
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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sigrid Barrett, the first Filipino-American Dean at UNLV School of Nursing discusses her background and culture with UNLV nursing alumnus and Ph.D student Joseph Cadiz in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Dean Barrett shares her journey from immigrant to leader, reflecting on her passion for mentorship a…
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EP: 195 - How to Choose the Best Home Care for an Older Adult
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24:51Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Many older adults express a desire to "age in place," but it’s critical to assess whether staying at home is still a safe and realistic option for them. My "Care Options Checklist" offers a clear framework for evaluating important factors such as mobi…
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In honor of National Midwifery Week, Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Dr. Janice Enriquez, and Sara Richins discuss the role of nurse midwives, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternity care. They highlight the unique aspects of midwifery, such as the ability to provide care in various…
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EP: 194 - How to Choose a Quality Nursing Home
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28:29Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one requires careful attention to both care quality and financial considerations. When visiting a facility, be sure to observe how residents are treated, whether they’re well-cared for, and if the environment is clean and welcoming. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially on different shifts, and t…
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EP: 193 - Medication accessibility: SnapSlide
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22:21Prescription bottles can be tough to open, especially for those with dexterity challenges. Enter SnapSlide, an innovative solution designed for easy, one-handed medication access. CEO Rocky Batzel was inspired to create SnapSlide after watching his grandmother struggle with child-resistant bottles, common among older adults with conditions like art…
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EP: 192 - Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults Living with Alzheimer’s: Vital Tips for Caregivers
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25:55Emergencies and natural disasters can be particularly dangerous for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, making proper preparedness essential. Caregivers should focus on maintaining calm and offering reassurance during high-stress situations, sticking to familiar routines and providing comfort items to reduce confusion. Clear comm…
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EP: 191 - The Future of Care: Care Yaya Matches Healthcare Students with Older Adults
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44:47In this episode, I sit down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, to explore how this innovative platform provides affordable, high-quality caregiving for aging adults. CareYaya connects families with healthcare students eager to gain real-world experience while supporting seniors with companionship and daily tasks. Learn how CareYaya, often dubbed "the…
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Dr. Jackie Killian, an associate professor at the School of Nursing, talks with Tenile Pritchard, a direct-entry MSN student, to discuss her inspiring journey. Tenille, originally from Boston, pursued a career in dance and business before transitioning to nursing after a life-changing experience with a cancer diagnosis. Tenille is now in her first …
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EP: 190 - Practical Strategies to Future-Proof Your Life with Bradley Schurman, Author of SuperAge
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50:46Are you looking for practical strategies to navigate an ever-changing world as you age? In this episode, we dive deep with Bradley Schurman, demographic strategist and author of The Super Age. Bradley shares his expertise on how longevity and demographic change are reshaping the economy, businesses, and even our homes. With years of research on agi…
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EP: 189 - The Power of Positivity in Alzheimer’s disease
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32:35In this inspiring episode, I interview Nancy and Kat, also known as "Dangle and Dot," who share their unique and positive perspectives on living with and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease. Nancy, diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2013, speaks about how her diagnosis became a new beginning rather than an end. She emphasizes the impor…
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Gender identity and sexual orientation in healthcare
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20:42Understanding identity and sexual orientation is important in creating safe and respectful healthcare environments for patients. In this episode, Dr. Rocky Rockstraw welcomes returning guests to share their experiences and highlights the importance of inclusive practices and the "repair process" for addressing mistakes. This episode features: Dr. R…
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EP: 188 – Tips for Becoming and Age-Friendly Business
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16:52In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, being an age-friendly business is not just a nice-to-have—it's a game-changer. But what exactly does it mean to be age-friendly? It means tailoring your business to meet the needs of the new consumer majority: people over the age of 40, the group holding the most wealth in our society today. In our latest ep…
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EP: 187 – Innovation and Entrepreneurship after 50 | Interview with Christy Owens of UTap2
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31:20Did you know that 64% of new businesses are started by people over age 40? In this insightful interview, we sit down with Christy Owens, the innovative mind behind uTap2. Christy shares her journey from the printing industry to pioneering digital business cards, highlighting the unique features and customer-centric approach of her product. In this …
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EP: 186 – Game Over for Incontinence: Pelvic Floor Training Tips
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16:10Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders and New Technology for Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor Pelvic floor disorders, particularly urinary incontinence, affect approximately 6-10% of the population, and they are often associated with the weakening of pelvic floor muscles. This condition can lead to involuntary urine leakage, which can significantly i…
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EP185: Osteoporosis vs. Osteopenia: Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Bone Loss
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23:08"Smoking or having more than two alcoholic drinks per day can contribute to bone loss." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN WHAT IS OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS? Losing height and bone density are serious health concerns that often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. With 40 to 50 million Americans living with osteopenia or …
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The impact of stigmas in health care with LGBTQIA patients
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13:25How can we avoid implicit bias as a health care provider? Recorded during Pride Month, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Samuel Hickson explore the minute behaviors in primary care providers that stigmatize LGBTQIA patients. The topic was the subject of Dr. Hickson’s dissertation, and recognizes the importance of asking inclusive questions. This episode fea…
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EP184: Functional Cognitive Disorder vs Alzheimer’s: Key Differences Explained
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13:35“Understanding and addressing Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is an emerging field of science.” —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN It's usually a good idea to get an evaluation when experiencing issues with concentration, attention, or memory. Recognizing the differences between various cognitive disorders is crucial for appropriate m…
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