Aging Well with VNA

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig welcomes back retired cardiologist Dr. Melissa Curry for an important and informative conversation about atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions, with nearly 40% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives.

Together, they break down what AFib is, why your heartbeat matters more than you might think, and how this condition can impact overall health. While AFib is not typically life-threatening, it can increase the risk of stroke and cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect quality of life. Dr. Curry shares insight into key risk factors—including age, genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, alcohol use, and sleep apnea—and discusses the latest approaches to treatment and management. Most importantly, she offers reassurance that there is hope: with early detection, proper care, and lifestyle changes, AFib can be effectively managed. Whether you’re concerned about your own heart health or caring for a loved one, this episode provides practical, reassuring guidance to help you better understand AFib—and take steps toward living well.

Learn more about AFib at https://www.stopafib.org/

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig sits down with Leisha Phipps, Executive Director of the Dallas Area Parkinson Society (DAPS), for an insightful and empowering conversation about Parkinson’s disease (PD)—the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Together, Kersten and Leisha explore what Parkinson’s is, how it affects individuals and families, and—most importantly—how people can live well with the disease. With an estimated 15,000 individuals in North Texas living with Parkinson’s, this conversation highlights the critical importance of community outreach, education, and engagement in supporting those impacted by PD.

Leisha shares how DAPS connects patients, caregivers, and professionals to vital resources, support services, and reliable information tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or working in a related professional field, this episode offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope—along with clear pathways to support right here in North Texas.

Episode Notes:

Dallas Area Parkinson Society: https://www.daps.org/

Brain Disease Research Funding in Texas:  https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/texas-voters-secure-history-making-3-billion-brain-disease-research

In this important episode of the Aging Well with VNA Podcast, host Kersten Rettig sits down with Steve Benton, Financial Specialist with the Elder Financial Safety Center of The Senior Source, to shine a light on the dark—and increasingly common—ways older adults are targeted by scammers and financial predators. Together, they explore the most frequent scams affecting seniors today, the red flags families and caregivers should watch for, and practical steps to protect yourself and aging loved ones. Listeners will also learn about trusted local resources available to help when financial exploitation is suspected or has already occurred. 

The key takeaway from this episode is simple but powerful: Pause. Reflect. Protect. Taking a moment to slow down can make all the difference in preventing financial harm and preserving independence and dignity as we age. Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, or someone supporting an aging family member, this episode offers critical insight, prevention strategies, and peace of mind.

Episode Notes:

The Senior Source – Elder Financial Safety Center - CALL: 469-242-6229 or EMAIL: [email protected]

Frauds and Scams Prevention Resources

Estate Planning Resources – Helpful tools for preparing your executor and for executors.

In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well.

Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers, including stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, and how these experiences can affect long‑term health.

The conversation also addresses the profound impact of grief on mental well‑being—how loss changes the brain, the body, and our sense of self, and why acknowledging and supporting mental health during grief is essential at any age.

Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable advice for aging well, including strategies to support brain health, build emotional resilience, and protect mental wellness through life’s transitions. This episode offers compassionate insight, medical expertise, and hopeful guidance for individuals, caregivers, and families navigating the journey of aging.

Helpful resources:

Metrocare: https://www.metrocareservices.org/

Center for Brain Health: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/

National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig sits down with retired cardiologist Melissa Carry, MD, for an informative and engaging conversation about heart health at every stage of life. Dr. Carry breaks down the most common types of heart disease, explains today’s available treatment options in plain language, and offers practical insights on how individuals can reduce their risk through prevention and lifestyle choices.

Whether you’re managing a heart condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health, this episode delivers expert guidance you can trust—straight from decades of clinical experience.

Helpful Resource:

• American College of Cardiology – ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus
  https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/

Join host, Kersten Rettig, in a poignant conversation with author Josh Hickman. His new book, Forgetting, chronicles the unexpected life circumstances of his three-plus year journey of solo caregiving for a mother with whom he had a very difficult relationship. 

Hear from economists and local leader, Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, about the opportunities and challenges for seniors in North Texas. Host, Kersten Rettig, and Mr. Clark explore how the growing region brings opportunities, like jobs for seniors, as well as challenges, such as transportation and cost of living.

Host Kersten Rettig and Stephen Hohmann, MD, do a deep dive into vascular disease, coronary disease and renal disease.  Listeners will learn more about the risk factors for these diseases, prevention tools and tips, and how caregivers can help loved ones suffering from illness.  Additionally, Dr. Hohmann describes various types of vascular disease and approaches to care from a clinical and at home perspective.  You can learn more about vascular disease and find additional resources at the Society for Vascular Surgery.

In this insightful episode of Aging Well with VNA, Rev. Dr. Chris Girata, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, shares his perspectives on aging with grace and purpose. Drawing from his extensive experience in ministry, Rev. Girata discusses the spiritual, emotional, and communal aspects of growing older. He emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and service in navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities that come with aging. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking to support loved ones, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a fulfilling life at any age.

Learn more about the Visiting Nurse Association, including how to get involved and volunteer, at www.vnatexas.org  Learn more about The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata at https://www.saintmichael.org/about/clergy-staff/

In a recent lunch and learn, VNA Medical Director, Dr. Newcomer, detailed her work leading the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows program at VNA. These vital, immersive training programs provide fellows with experience working with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary teams within the hospice (adult and pediatric) programs, and also make in-home patient visits. Fellows, Dr. Raseman and Dr. King, also shared what they have learned and how their experience will shape their future medical careers.

Featuring:

• Kelley F. Newcomer, MD, FAAHPM, VNA Medical Director of Adult and Pediatric Hospice
• VNA Fellows Kate Raseman, MD and Andrea King, MD