Your Best Life

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 benefits for individuals who participate, and the groundbreaking work being done to unlock the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease. 

Dr. Hoehns' group is seeking participants who have early, symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease to take part in a clinical trial of a new medication. To learn more about becoming a participant, contact Sarah Larson at 319-272-2530 or [email protected]; or Melissa Petersen at 319-272-2539 or [email protected].

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 difficult,” says Dr. David Ensz, of MercyOne South Sioux City Family Medicine.

Men – it’s time to lead by example. In this episode, we're joined by to talk about some common health habits to fix. We'll cover:

• Reasons to develop a releationship with a primary care provider

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 smear, postpartum or through the transition of menopause.

"The unique role of a midwife is to be a chameleon for our patients," says Whitney.

Whether you are going through puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, a woman’s health has complex needs that a midwife can help navigate and manage.

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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/GYN?

Dr. Beardsley cares for patients at MercyOne Waterloo OB/GYN. 

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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!

• Dr. Patrick Courtney, from MercyOne North Iowa Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Courtney pursued a career in medicine because he liked using skills and knowledge to help patients understand and manage their health concerns.

If you don't have a primary care provider, MercyOne makes it easy to find someone you trust!  Use our Patient Provider Matching Tool to find your health personality, and we'll show you providers just right for you!  Just take our quiz, see your matches, and schedule an appointment!  Take the quiz here.

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 diagnosis. 

Dr. Khosravi is the Chief Medical Officer at MercyOne Clive Behavioral Health and Program Director at MercyOne Psychiatry Residency program.

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 it was detected early, surgery was able to remove her cancer and she has not needed radiation treatments or chemo therapy.  

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 have been especially fortunate in that I have been able to take many of the tools I have learned to support my own child’s development back to my daily practice to support the development of each of my patients. One of the greatest gifts I have been given is that of empathy," she says.  

• Encourage person first language

Be sure to check out our other episode with Dr. Stoecken, where we learn more about Down syndrome and her daughter Josie. 

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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 numerous ways your sleep impacts your health, such as:

• Mood, behavioral health

You can find Dr. Grant at MercyOne Clive Sleep Center.

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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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. Mayin Lin at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center to help debunk the myths!!

• Myth: I don't have symptoms, so I don't need a screening

Send us your feedback by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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