Your Best Life

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. Find out about home remedies and first aid measures for relieving pain, itching and swelling caused by insect bites.

Additionally, learn about Lyme disease, tick season's impact, preventive measures and other potential health risks associated with tick bites. Tune in for essential first aid guidelines for bug bites and how to recognize when medical help is necessary.

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.

Discover practical tips for managing breast pain, including lifestyle adjustments and self-exams. Gain a deeper understanding of this common symptom and empower yourself with knowledge for better breast health.

Tune in to this informative episode for valuable insights on understanding and addressing breast pain.

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 breast cancer risk. Also, learn how Lindsey Behrends took control of her health after discovering she was a BRCA1 carrier.

Tune in to gain valuable insights about BRCA and how it can impact your health!

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 and diastolic heart failure. We also debunk some common misconceptions about this condition.

We also cover:

• Congestive heart failure.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how to manage and prevent heart failure!

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 joint pain.

We also cover:

• How sciatic nerve relates to knee pain.

Tune in for valuable insight and tips for maintaining healthy joints!

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:

• Pregnancies with more than one baby.

Dr. Velez provides insights into a serious form of preeclampsia called HELLP syndrome. We'll also discuss what health care looks like after labor and delivery while managing risk factors to reduce the likelihood of preeclampsia and other complications in future pregnancies.

Join us as we explore this important topic and provide valuable insights for pregnant people, their families and health care providers.

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 bystander plays in the response rate and how early heart attack care saves lives. 

In this episode:

-What is a widow maker heart attack?

-Symptoms of a heart attack

-Early heart attack care (EHAC)

-Bystander's role

-Steps to prevent heart attacks 

Discover more health and wellness tips at MercyOne.org

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.  

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 different in women, what you can do to be proactive and why caring for yourself improves your family’s health.

“We always have time for someone else. We take care of our dog, child, spouse, colleagues, in-laws, I could go on and on,” she says. “But we forget ourselves. We need to change that mindset.”

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 and Vascular Center, helps explain symptoms of a broken heart and why time is critical.