Aging Well with VNA

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA , host Kersten Rettig welcomes back retired cardiologist Dr. Melissa Curry for an important and informative conversation about atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions, with nearly 40% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. Together, they break down what AFib is, why your heartbeat matters more than you mig...

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA , host Kersten Rettig sits down with Leisha Phipps , Executive Director of the Dallas Area Parkinson Society (DAPS) , for an insightful and empowering conversation about Parkinson’s disease (PD)—the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Together, Kersten and Leisha explore what Parkinson’s is, how it affects individuals and families, and—most imp...

In this important episode of the Aging Well with VNA Podcast , host Kersten Rettig sits down with Steve Benton , Financial Specialist with the Elder Financial Safety Center of The Senior Source , to shine a light on the dark—and increasingly common—ways older adults are targeted by scammers and financial predators. Together, they explore the most frequent scams affecting seniors today, the red fla...

In this episode of Aging Well With VNA , host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well. Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as...

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA , host Kersten Rettig sits down with retired cardiologist Melissa Carry, MD , for an informative and engaging conversation about heart health at every stage of life. Dr. Carry breaks down the most common types of heart disease, explains today’s available treatment options in plain language, and offers practical insights on how individuals can reduce their ris...

Join host, Kersten Rettig, in a poignant conversation with author Josh Hickman. His new book, Forgetting, chronicles the unexpected life circumstances of his three-plus year journey of solo caregiving for a mother with whom he had a very difficult relationship. 

Hear from economists and local leader, Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, about the opportunities and challenges for seniors in North Texas. Host, Kersten Rettig, and Mr. Clark explore how the growing region brings opportunities, like jobs for seniors, as well as challenges, such as transportation and cost of living.

Host Kersten Rettig and Stephen Hohmann, MD , do a deep dive into vascular disease, coronary disease and renal disease.  Listeners will learn more about the risk factors for these diseases, prevention tools and tips, and how caregivers can help loved ones suffering from illness.  Additionally, Dr. Hohmann describes various types of vascular disease and approaches to care from a clinical and at hom...

In this insightful episode of Aging Well with VNA , Rev. Dr. Chris Girata, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, shares his perspectives on aging with grace and purpose. Drawing from his extensive experience in ministry, Rev. Girata discusses the spiritual, emotional, and communal aspects of growing older. He emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and service i...

In a recent lunch and learn, VNA Medical Director, Dr. Newcomer, detailed her work leading the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows program at VNA. These vital, immersive training programs provide fellows with experience working with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary teams within the hospice (adult and pediatric) programs, and also make in-home patient visits. Fellows, Dr. Raseman and D...

Join podcast host, Kersten Rettig, in a deep-dive conversation with two experts in the field of palliative care, Dr. Kate Taylor and Dr. Cheryl Thaxton, from the College of Nursing at the UNT Health Science Center.  You’ll hear perspectives from both adult and pediatric palliative care, resources for caregivers, and how clinical staff come alongside patients and families during serious illness.  ...

Hear from W. Stephen Love, President & CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council about the work they do in North Texas in promoting equitable health access and outcomes, training, and clinical collaboration.  Mr. Love shares stories of promise and hope in our healthcare system and how we can all live healthier, happier lives when we have access to good preventative and acute care.  Show no...

Join Aging Well With VNA Podcast Host, Kersten Rettig, in her conversation with Resource Center CEO, Cece Cox, J.D., where they explore the unique challenges and opportunities for our LGBTQIA+ older adult neighbors.  Cece shares insights into systemic barriers and discrimination and how that impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, especially as it relates to aging, asset accumulation, healthcare, and hous...

For anyone experiencing serious illness and their loved ones, navigating care options and symptom management can be overwhelming.  In this episode of Aging Well with VNA , you’ll hear from VNA’s Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Olivia Rogers, RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA, and Managing Director of Marketing, Sarah Harris, about a supportive palliative care program, VNA Care Choices.  You’ll le...

The journey of finding the right living and care solutions for an aging loved one can be daunting. Paul Markowitz, of Senior Living Specialists, breaks down the types of senior living options and explains what questions families should ask when making this important decision. 

Planning for aging, illness and care can seem like a daunting task, but understanding options and discussing your wishes in advance of a crisis can bring peace for you and your loved ones.  Join Elder Care Attorney, Lori Leu, and podcast host, Kersten Rettig, for an informative discussion about short-term and long-term care, insurance options and how to plan for care.   Resource Links: National Ac...

VNA clinical leaders, Olivia Rogers and Sarah Miles, review data released from Medicare related to VNA’s participation in a Medicare pilot for home-based palliative care. Join us as we discuss the success of the program in terms of patient outcomes locally and nationally. Learn how this data, along with new regulations at the state level, are informing VNA’s future palliative care service.  Featur...

Host Kersten Rettig visits with geriatric specialist, Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, about how patients and families can navigate the often confusing, stressful time after receiving a terminal diagnosis.   You’ll hear advice from bucket lists, to communicating with family and caregivers, and how to prepare emotionally and logistically for what lies ahead.  This important conversation will be helpf...

This podcast is a little different from our previous episodes.  In this episode, we host two culinary greats to discuss their passion for food and feeding the hungry.   Toni Tipton-Martin is a culinary journalist, author and a pioneering advocate for the preservation and education of cultural heritage as it relates to cooking, food, and community.  Also joining us is Chris Williams, a classically...

Join the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) for a virtual Lunch and Learn featuring experts in the field of Hospice and Palliative Care. There have been many recent changes in this ever-expanding industry, which, like everything else, has been impacted by the pandemic. Our panelists will discuss what the future of serious illness care will look like in the years to come. Moderator: Chris Cu...

VNA Associate Medical Director, Mary Anne Chacko, MD, PhD, shares her experience with difficult conversations after a medical diagnosis with patients and as a patient with podcast host, Kersten Rettig. Dr. Chacko provides guidance on how to listen, ask questions and what to avoid in preparing for medical discussions. 

In this VNA podcast, A Hospice Doctor and Nurse share about the hospice benefit. Dr. Kelley Newcomer and Nurse Luz Bueno have worked in hospice for many years and discuss how hospice and palliative care can benefit patients and their families.  En este podcast de VNA, un médico y una enfermera de hospicio comparten sobre el beneficio de hospicio. La Dra. Kelley Newcomer y la enfermera Luz Bueno ha...

Grief is a complex journey and one we will all experience.  Bereavement is the process of coping with grief and loss. Feelings of grief and loss can happen at any time throughout the course of an illness—for the patient and their loved ones. How each individual deals with grief is unique. In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, you’ll hear from two experienced, trained social worker/counselors at...

Thank you for listening to the Aging Well with VNA Podcast.  In this episode, you’ll hear from a panel of medical professionals and community leaders sharing their expertise and insight into the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as overcoming access issues and cultural skepticism. The panel addresses some common questions, concerns and myths that have emerged about COVID-19 vaccines.  Pan...