EPAGA University

"For many women, driving alone can be an empowering and liberating experience. Unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous one. As a woman who drives alone, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take safety precautions" (Automotiveex).

No matter your age or gender, join us this week as we discuss tips for staying safe when you're out on the road by yourself! While you cannot control the actions of other people in an increasingly dangerous world, it is our goal that you become equipped to be a more aware, prepared, confident, and responsible driver.

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"In the scientific literature, awe has been identified as a very distinct positive emotion that can enhance mental and physical health by influencing thought patterns, social behavior, and physiology. [. . .] Research demonstrates that repeated exposure to awe positively affects our stress response, inflammation, hormonal activity, and brain function. Appreciating awe on a consistent basis can also help ease symptoms of depression" (Psychology Today).

Join us these week for a lighter episode all about seizing opportunities to find awe in our lives, and the benefits that come along with it!

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"Sandra was distraught. In addition to experiencing grief following her father’s death, she was haunted by fears that she had 'killed him' by agreeing to use morphine to control his pain near the end of his life. “He never woke up after we started the morphine. It was only a couple days until he died” (Today's Geriatric Medicine).

The gut-reaction to the suggestion of morphine (in a controlled medical setting) is oftentimes negative. However, "Morphine is a standard, and often the best, medication for keeping terminally ill patients comfortable [. . .] Having a drug available to treat those symptoms is critical in keeping individuals comfortable” (Today's Geriatric Medicine).

Join us this week as we discuss morphine, the advantages is may possess for terminally ill patients, how the drug works, and how to cultivate productive conversations about it with family members in a way that minimizes fear.

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"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions. These conditions are characterized by differences in communication and social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted and repetitive interests or patterns of behavior. ASD is found in people around the world, regardless of race and ethnicity, culture, or economic background" (healthline).

This week, we're diving into everything you needed to know about Autism! Join us as we discuss signs, symptoms, types, causes, and tests available for autism.

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"To have a migraine brain is to have a highly reactive brain that does not respond well to changes in light, temperature, sound or even smell. Anything that triggers this increased sensitivity can cause your brain to start zipping off pain signals.

The headache can last up to 72 hours, but the full duration of an attack may be a week. For some, there is no headache at all, but other symptoms — flashes of light or bright spots, loss of sight, nausea, numbness or tingling — can mimic alarming, ER-worthy conditions" (AARP).

We don't know about you, but ^that^ sounds pretty awful! This week is all all about the dreaded migraine! Join us as we discuss causes, symptoms, and available treatments to help you or your aging loved one cope with these massive headaches.

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***DISCLAIMER*** Please proceed with caution if you do not possess the sense of humor of a 12-year-old boy...

"According to a 2018 Science Daily study, 60% to 80% of people surveyed admitted to not being forthcoming with their doctors about information that could be relevant to their health. That’s A LOT of people left wondering if their pee is the right color, or farting (while muted, I pray) on Zoom calls for work. (There’s that giggle again!) So if you’re ready to ditch the stigma and get down and dirty about what’s happening in your body, have we got the 411 for you (The Well).

Alas, what will surely go down in the history books as Julie's favorite episode! Join us this week (or don't, we won't judge you...) to learn all about the norms, ab-norms, and everything else important about burping, vomit, shivers, pimples, urine, and, yes, feces. Honestly, here's your last chance to just skip on by...

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"Some medications, including vitamin A, antibiotics, and chemotherapy, can cause temporary hair loss. Others, including hormone therapy, may cause hair loss that is permanent" (healthline).

This week, we're talking about hair loss! Whether it be from medications or the health conditions themselves, join us as we discuss the intricate causes of thinning hair and what to do about it.

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"The spinal cord sends and receives signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury often causes permanent changes in strength, feeling and other body functions below the site of the injury. People who have had a spinal cord injury also may experience mental, emotional and social side effects.

Many scientists are optimistic that advances in research will someday make repair of spinal cord injuries possible. Research studies are ongoing around the world. In the meantime, treatments and rehabilitation allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead productive, independent lives" (Mayo Clinic).

This week, we are discussing the heavy and serious topic of spinal cord injuries (SCIs). SCIs can happen to anyone at any age, at any time. Join us as we digest what actually occurs when a SCI is sustained, prognoses of such such injuries, and current treatment options available.

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"It is the middle of the night and the phone rings. Your family member has been in a car accident and is rushed to the hospital. He is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU). You race to the hospital and are met by the intensive care doctor. All you hear is 'critical, unstable, and surgery.' Later, as you sit out in the waiting room, you wonder, What can I do to help my loved one through this" (Today's Caregiver)?

The likelihood is high that you will find yourself in this situation at some point in your life. Preparation is everything! Join us this week as we discuss key information on how to have as smooth of an experience with the ICU as possible, including how you can be better prepared for family communication, decision making, meetings, and more. If nothing else, we'll help you become more familiar with what to expect BEFORE it happens to you!

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"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

Join us this week for something a little different, but just as enlightening, wholesome, and humorous as we dive into 42 life lessons from someone who knows a thing or two about a thing or two!

***The CAREGIVEN name is a registered trademark of a Veratrus Health, Inc. company. EPAGA is not connected to, affiliated with or endorsed by Veratrus or any of its affiliates.

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