As technology becomes more and more prevalent in the way we receive and even schedule our care, what role do patients play in embracing health information technology to improve health and the health care experience? We wrap up our empowered patient series with Dr. K talking about how technology can prevent health issues or track and help you better…

Taking any medication can have risks, but those risks increase when we do not know key information about the medication, do not take the medication when or how we are supposed to or take multiple medications. Dr. K and special guest Kyla Newland, Mountain Pacific pharmacist, provide tips on how to be more confident in your knowledge and routines so…

This episode of Q&A with Dr. K launches our series about what it means to be an empowered patient, starting with having the confidence to ask questions and knowing which questions to ask when talking with your health care provider. Dr. K shares his experience with patients who ask questions, the three main questions we should always ask our doctors…

Talking about death or life-threatening illnesses or injuries is not easy. However, planning for these events makes sure you get the health care you want and offers you and your loved ones peace of mind, helping eliminate difficult decisions in the midst of extreme emotions, confusion and pain. Dr. K and special guest Ramon Mercado discuss importan…

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is still a public health problem affecting millions of people in the U.S. and around the world, and yet it is an issue we do not talk about - or when we do, it carries stigma and misinformation. Many people, especially young people who did not live during the 1980s epidemic, still do not understand where HI…

Whether is for a new year's resolution, an effort to follow doctor's orders or any other reason to improve your health, sticking to a lifestyle change can be challenging. Dr. K offers advice on how to set realistic goals to achieve a healthier you and responds to a listener's question about steps for lowering blood pressure. Additional resources fo…

What is hospice care? Is it different from palliative care? And why is some care denied when a loved one is on hospice care? Dr. K addresses these questions and more as we take a few minutes to better understand hospice, where hospice can be provided, who can provide it and more. Additional resources for this episode: National Hospice and Palliativ…

What is the latest with COVID-19? With reports of a bump in positive cases and hospitalizations, is it resurfacing? Who should get the newest COVID vaccine? And how do we know when we are up to date on our COVID vaccinations? Dr. K responds to a short email with a lot of questions about what is going on with the latest strain of COVID-19, the relea…

Understanding diabetes and your risks for developing diabetes can be challenging and a little scary, especially when diabetes runs in your family. What's the difference between prediabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes? If people in my family have it, is it inevitable I will get it, too? How will I know if I have diabetes? Dr. K answers thes…

We all have trouble remembering details here and there as we get older. Why did I come into this room? Where did I put my car keys? What is that one actor’s name? But when does forgetfulness, a normal part of aging, tip into dementia—which is not a normal part of aging? Dr. K dives into an email asking those questions and more, as we learn about ou…