This week's episode is about keeping connected.  Most of us have had to stay away from friends, family and loved ones these past few months to keep our commuities as healthy and safe as possible.  

Staying away can be especially difficult when family members need care in the hospital. We'll hear a few innovative ways to keep loved ones as close as possible... and it's not just through technology!

Have have you stayed connected?  Send us your story by emailing [email protected], or fill out the submission form at MercyOne.org/podcast

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In this episode we are joined by infection preventionist Gail Gates. This year's flu season will be like nothing we have ever seen.  It is more important than ever to get your flu shot!  Please do your part so health care systems across the country aren't fighting a battle on two fronts - influenza AND COVID-19.

What's the difference between influenza and "the flu"?  Can you have influenza and COVID at the same time? Can you get your flu shot if you are COVID positive?  Which arm is best to receive an influenza vaccination?  

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

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We've officially been doing the Your Best Life podcast for one year!  Today we round up the crew from our first episode to talk about some of our favorite episodes, and we look to the future.  We'll also hear from a few of our contributors. Join us for a fun conversation!

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

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There's no doubt about it, things are much different this school year.  Changes can be scary, frustrating and difficult for both students and their parents.  In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Michael, LMHC, RPT for some different suggestions on how to cope throughout the year.  Mr. Michael is a behavioral health counselor who primarily works with children.

We'll cover how to effectively communicate while wearing masks, managing screen time while not limiting social interaction among children, and appreciating some of the things we've learned to take for granted.

Read more tips from Anthony in this supporting article.

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

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Returning to school while maintaining safety is at the top of mind for many families across the country as classes resume. This week we're joined by Jeff Frost from the Waterloo Community School District to discuss the collaborative efforts among educators to make sure education can continue.

Hear about the many plans in place to protect children, faculty and staff, and families from coronavirus.

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 continue with the second part of our discussion with Dr. Valerie Stratton.  

When can women expect when going through menopause? One of the biggest complaints is hot flashes and night sweats.  If you are not a candidate for hormone therapy, what else can be done to help? Are there any major health concerns during menopause?

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

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Menopause will affect every female in their lifetime!  This week we begin our two-part discussion with Dr. Valerie Stratton.  We'll discuss the typical symptoms women can expect, and the benefits and drawbacks of hormone therapy. We'll discuss non-hormonal treatment in our next episode!

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

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Fad diets quickly come and go, but there's good reason why the Mediterranean Diet has continued to be a popular and effective way of eating for decades. In fact, the Mediterranean Diet consistently comes out on top in the U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking of best diets.

Many studies have repeatedly confirmed the foundation of a Mediterranean-style diet lowers risk of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

So, just what is the foundation of this diet which is so strongly linked to healthy benefits? Mary Hampton, RD, LD, a dietitian at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center joins us to explain!

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

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Dr. Ravi Vemuri returns to the podcast to give us an update on our fight against COVID-19.  Dr. Vemuri is an Infectious Disease expert and is the medical director of Infection Prevention and Health Care Epidemiology at MercyOne Des Moines. He first appeared on our podcast just as things were heating up in March.  What do we know now that we didn't know then?

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

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A child who has seizures, developmental concerns, muscle weakness, unusual headaches or abnormal movements should see a pediatric neurologist. This week, we're joined by Dr. Surabhi Kaul from MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center to learn about pediatric neurology and the things parents should watch for!

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

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