Join Laura Bowshier, MD, at MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine as she discusses all things insect bites and first aid. We'll delve into signs of an allergic reactions from bee stings, wasp stings and other insect bites, along with effective treatments. Discover the common symptoms of an allergic reaction and when to seek immediate medical attention. F…

Join Adnan Qalbani, MD, from MercyOne Dakota Dunes Breast Care Center, as he explores the intricacies of breast pain. With insights and possible causes, Dr. Qalbani discusses: Range of breast pain symptoms. Relation to menstrual cycles and hormone levels. When to seek medical attention. Discover practical tips for managing breast pain, including li…

Join Tiffany Torstenson, DO, breast surgeon at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center, as she explores the intricacies surrounding BRCA gene mutations and the valuable insights testing can provide. Get an overview of the two BRCA genes, its prevalence and its impact on people's lives. Dr. T dives deep into the relation of BRCA gene mutations to br…

Join Noor Subah, MD, cardiology fellow at MercyOne North Iowa Heart Center, as she explores the topic of heart failure, a condition that affects millions of Americans. Get an overview of heart failure, its prevalence and its impact on people's lives. Dr. Subah dives deep into the symptoms of heart failure and the key differences between systolic an…

Join Craig Mahoney, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Iowa Ortho and MercyOne Central Iowa Orthopedic Physician Lead, as he shares his expertise to understanding knee and hip pain. From common causes and symptoms of joint pain to the importance of exercise in maintaining healthy joints, Dr. Mahoney provides a comprehensive guide to managing and treating jo…

In this episode, we're discussing preeclampsia and its risk factors. Preeclampsia impacts 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. according to the CDC. We’re joined by Roberto Velez, MD, at MercyOne North Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecology to explore the various factors that can increase your risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy, including: Pregnan…

With only a 12% survival rate, widow maker heart attacks can be terrifying. Time is crucial, and ensuring you get medical attention immediately can be lifesaving. Brian Loc, DO, cardiologist for Medical Associates Clinic at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center and Ali Albaghdadi, MD, cardiologist at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center shares the role a byst…

Nearly 10% of people over 65 will develop a heart rhythm disorder, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Troy Hounshell, DO, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center electrophysiologist, explains the connection of AFib to your risk of stroke and why a WATCHMAN device could be your best treatment option.By MercyOne

Heart disease and stroke claim the life of one woman every 80 seconds, but less than half of women recognize heart disease as their leading cause of death. Traditional risk factors impact both men and women, but women also face a unique set of risks. Dr. Denisa Hagau, cardiologist at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, discusses why heart health is…

The heart is the energy source of our entire body. It pumps blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to the rest of our body – to our brains, our hands and to all the vital organs. But if something happens to the heart, the rest of the body suffers. And when the heart breaks, it can be fatal. Gary Chan, DO, PhD, cardiologist at MercyOne Siouxland Heart a…

Slips and falls can occur all year round, but you can be more prone to injury in the winter. Tulsi Sharma, MD, from MercyOne Waterloo Endocrinology Care shares her tips to keeping yourself and family upright and safe during the winter months.By MercyOne

When we think of lung cancer, we often think of people who smoke. But in the United States, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, according to the CDC. In this episode, we're joined by Julie Paup, who despite never having…

Caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic many people have had the opportunity to work remotely from the comfort of their home. This change offered a new insight to mental health awareness within the workforce and an opportunity to put mental health needs first. Employers ha…

After losing their daughter and nearly losing their son to viral illnesses, parents Eric and Holly Sitzmann are working to help prevent other families from having to live the same nightmare. In this episode we're joined by Holly, who shares her family's experience and the importance of setting boundaries when you welcome a newborn into the world. L…

We know our smallest humans are also some of the most vulnerable, so there's some extra protection needed when it comes to illnesses that may be contagious to babies. In this episode, Dr. Haley Newbrough joins us to talk about some common illnesses she sees, and when they are the most prevalent. As a pediatric hospitalist at MercyOne North Iowa Med…

We're celebrating 100 episodes of our MercyOne podcast! You can find all of our episodes at www.MercyOne.org/podcast or just search for "MercyOne" on your favorite podcast app. Living your best life means something different to everyone. That’s because we all have different interests, different experiences, and different needs -- especially when it…

In this episode, we are once again joined by infectious disease specialist Dr. Ravi Vemuri to discuss monkeypox. We'll learn about its history, what it looks like, how it spreads and how to protect yourself. If you are interested to learn more about monkeypox and its current trends in the U.S., please follow the links below: About Monkeypox How it …

How do you make sure you have a healthy relationship with food? In this episode we're joined by registered dietitian Haley Strait to discuss: healthy weight loss body mass index (BMI) meal planning dietary supplements Meal prepping can be a game changer for your health if done properly. Strait says it can make your week easier if you are busy and a…

COVID-19 vaccinations to protect children from six months through the age of 5 are now available. Experts say it is best to get your child vaccinated as soon as it’s available. In this episode, we're joined by MercyOne pediatrician Dr. Mustafa Eldadah who says, “Every day a child is unvaccinated there is risk of them getting a COVID-19 infection. T…

At MercyOne, your best life is our one purpose - whether it's time with family and friends, your favorite hobby, a day on the golf course... or a combination of all three! With that in mind, we welcome a special guest Steve Husome of Adaptive Golf Iowa. Steve and friends were enjoying the nice weather on motorcycles when a semi pulled in front of h…

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 b…

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 diffic…

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 sme…

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…

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 …

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 di…

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…

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 ha…

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 nu…

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. …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 cabecer…

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 …

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 significa…

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 …

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 indi…

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 unma…

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 importan…

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 Nat…

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 p…

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 i…

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. Stil…

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 Resid…

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…

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 M…

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 d…

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 com…

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 needin…