Aging Matters

Conversation with Lisa Fikes, Acting President/CEO, Leadership Center for Excellence/Volunteer Arlington, about the value of volunteering for older adults and volunteer opportunities in the community 

Conversation with Jeannette Twomey, J.D., VA Certified Mediator, Mediate Virginia, about how elder mediation and conflict coaching help navigate the challenges of the aging process.

Conversation with Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, Director, Women's Primary Care, and Ryan Hankins, MD, Assistant Professor of Urology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, about age and gender-related physical and sexuality changes, factors impacting sexuality, and ways to enjoy a healthy sex life

Conversation with Jennifer Collins, 55+ Program Manager, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, about activities and services, affordable meals, and travel programs offered to adults age 55 and older at Arlington community centers and other area sites

Conversation with Mary Jo Deering, President, Washington Area Village Exchange, about the 'village' movement and aging in place, services and programs, volunteer opportunities, and DC metropolitan area villages

Conversation with Patti Klein, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together, about home repairs, modifications, and upgrades to improve health, reduce safety hazards, and enhance home design for older adults and help them age in place

Conversation with Patrick Maiberger, MD, FACS, otolaryngologist, ENT Medical Group of Washington, about hearing loss among older adults including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention; also, advice about hearing aids and assistive listening devices.

Conversation with Michael Atkins, MD, Deputy Director, Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, and Ami Aronson, MPH, melanoma survivor and Executive Director, Bernstein Family Foundation, about types of melanoma, causes/risk factors, detection, and effective treatment options; also a physician/patient story of melanoma survival and recovery.

Conversation with Shannon Burton, ACNP, SCRN, Nurse Practitioner, Stroke Center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center & Lee Stroy, stroke survivor and Ambassador, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, about causes/risk factors, signs/ symptoms, and treatments for a stroke; also recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention.

Conversation with Peter Karacki, MD, Hospitalist, Virginia Hospital Center Physician Group, about the role of hospitalists and how they collaborate with health team members and patients' families to provide care and coordinate comprehensive needs of hospitalized older adults

Conversation with Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, Chief Medical Officer, National Osteoporosis Foundation and Director, Women’s Primary Care, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, about causes/risk factors for osteoporosis, diagnosis and treatment options, and how to manage and prevent osteoporosis

Conversation with Joseph Ferguson, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, about common spine conditions affecting older adults, treatment options, and how to keep our spines healthy as we age

Conversation with Carol Burnett, long time Arlington, VA resident, and Makayla Andrews, MS, Health Educator, Department of Health, St. Petersburg, FL, about coping during the pandemic, changes and challenges, current status of receiving the vaccine, and thoughts about the future

Conversation with Lisa Muras, RD, CDE, Diabetes Educator, Outpatient Diabetes & Nutrition Program, Virginia Hospital Center, about sodium intake for older adults, health diseases caused by too much salt, and tips about sodium levels in packaged and restaurant food, reading food labels, and reduced salt diets

Conversation with Eric De Jonge, MD, Chief of Geriatrics, Capital Caring Health, about home-based primary care programs, including patient eligibility, services provided, health providers who deliver care, and support for patients, their care partners, and families

Conversation with Sharon Terry, Chief Executive Officer, Genetic Alliance, about the influence of genetic factors and genetic disorders on health promotion, disease prevention, and human longevity, and how the Genetic Alliance engages individuals, families, and communities to transform health.

Conversation with Jim Morris, Tax-Aide, AARP Tax-Aide Program/IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, about information taxpayers need to know when preparing their 2020 tax return, and community tax assistance programs for older adults

Conversation with Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, Director, Women’s Primary Care, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, about physical changes and signs/symptoms of menopause and treatment; also tips to help women manage this life transition

Conversation with Keith J. Kowalczyk, MD, Director, Urologic Oncology,  MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, about better prostate health and common prostate problems including causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments

Conversation with Shawn Smith, Director, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), about the difference between Medicare fraud, abuse, and errors, and how the Virginia SMP helps beneficiaries handle complaints related to these practices

Conversation with M. Norman Oliver, MD MA, Virginia Health Commissioner, about the Virginia Statewide Vaccine Pre-Registration System, and Yabo Beysolow, MD, MPH, former Medical Officer, Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about other vaccines for older adults.

Conversation with Dana Parsons, Vice President & Legislative Counsel, LeadingAge Virginia, about nursing home vulnerability during COVID-19 and use of infection control, prevention measures, restricted social activities, and vaccinations to prevent infections and protect residents.

Conversation with Erika D. Williams, MD, Primary Care Sports Medicine Specialist, MedStar Health, and Susan Paisner, an experienced triathlete, about being and staying healthy before and during training and competitions, triathlon basics, best training regimens, and race tips.

Conversation with Anthony Nunez, Visionary and Founder, INF-Care, about how robotics such as  Rudy the Robot, and care tablets are helping expand older adults' lives.

Conversation with Lora Pollari-Welbes, Executive Director, and Thomas Adams, President, Board of Directors, Encore Learning, about membership, educational courses, and social activities of Encore Learning; also, course instructor and volunteer opportunities.