EPAGA University

"Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests can tell if a person is sick with flu" (CDC). Cold and flu season is among us! Join us this week as we discus...

We're back with our first episode of 2025!! To celebrate, we're bringing you everything you didn't know you needed to know about night sweats! "Night sweats are very common, but they can be quite disruptive when severe. Fortunately, there are ways you can stop them once you find the cause" (GoodRx). Join us this week as we discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options a...

Showing gratitude is sometimes a required or expected thing, but at other times, a spontaneous “thank you” to someone who has unknowingly made our day. On most occasions, we show gratitude to bring the good feelings we have been gifted back to the gifter. As it turns out, it does quite a lot for our brains and mental wellbeing (Positive Psychology). Join us this week as we explore the power of gra...

Everybody has a unique sleep pattern, and your loved one’s sleep routine does not have to be written in stone. Pay attention to the natural sleeping habits of your older adult and attempt to cater to these as much as possible—and not force a new routine on them (Seasons). How much sleep is too much? What do I do if I can't fall asleep? What do I do if I can't stay asleep? We're answering these que...

"According to AAA, snow-covered roads and roads coated with ice, slush, or water cause nearly 500,000 vehicle crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths yearly" (Kelley Blue Book). Join us this week as we dive into the ins and outs of staying safe out on the snowy and icy roads. Lock in and stay safe this winter! SHOW NOTES ⁠Julie's Uplifting Story: Local Artist’s Painted Coconuts Have Become a Sensa...

"A superbug may be bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Superbugs can't be stopped by medicines that are the first choice for treating diseases these germs cause. Superbug infections can lead to higher rates of death from otherwise treatable diseases" (Mayo Clinic). Scary, right? The good news is that we're surrounded by superbugs every day, and for the most part, our immune systems keep us safe...

"Numerous circumstances can lead you in becoming a caregiver for your spouse. Accidents, illness, dementia, and general decline are just some of the few. Caregiving can be a sudden unexpected event or a slowly progressing situation. No matter how it happens, caregiving for a spouse can be disruptive to your life and your relationship" (Cake Blog). Have no fear, though! We're here to help. Join us...

If you're feeling a little backed up, know that constipation is actually quite common. In fact, constipation affects 15 percent of the world's population. While knowing you're not alone won't provide you with the relief you're looking for, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms and prevent issues in the future (Livestrong). Strap in and get ready for everything you didn't k...

"Past studies have shown a link between gum infection and stroke, but few studies have looked into what role dental cavities might play. In the new study, researchers looked specifically at cavities and intracerebral stroke, which occur when an artery in the brain bursts and floods surrounding tissue with blood (American Heart Association)." Join us this week as we discuss the health risks associa...

Emily Wilson is a seasoned professional with a servant heart who transitioned from 15 years in the senior care industry to the mortgage field. For the past two years, she has been specializing in reverse mortgages, with a passion for educating her clients and supporting seniors in improving their quality of life. Emily currently resides in Kalispell, MT, with her husband, two children, and two dog...

"How many times have you heard it said that the internet has changed modern life? Indeed, it's likely changed how you stay in touch with family and friends and buy goods and services, and it's probably even changed how you search for information about health problems" (Mayo Clinic). Join us this week as we dive into the topic of telehealth, including how you can use it to streaml...

Unwanted, unwelcome hair growth is no laughing matter!! Join the gals today as we discuss hair growth in women as we age, and what to do about it if you'd rather it be gone. SHOW NOTES Julie's Uplifting Story: Town Is Missing its Clothing as 4-Pawed Cat Burglar Pilfers Items from Neighbors and Brings Them Home ⁠Inga's Uplifting Story: When She Was Stopped for Speeding, Officer Gave Lif...

We're celebrating this Labor Day with a lighter episode filled with lots of laughs! Join us this week as we pop off with a few of our favorite aging jokes and stories! SHOW NOTES Julie's Uplifting Story: Student Dreams of Stadiums Harnessing Crowd Noise for Electricity–Inspired by Monsters Inc. ⁠Inga's Uplifting Story: ⁠ What I Missed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Watch the video: https://yo...

We're moving up a 100-level with help from special guest, Dianna Kintzler! Join us as we learn more about some incredible resources available to help you get the most out of these government programs. SHOW NOTES Julie's Uplifting Story: ⁠ Chinese Doctor Removes Patient’s Lung Tumor Using Robot from 3,000 Miles Away ⁠Inga's Uplifting Story: ⁠My father took his team to a Final 4... via ⁠...

You've completed 101... now it's time for 102! This week, we're diving into a few other programs related to Social Security, including SSI and SSDI, the similarities between the two programs, as well as the differences. SHOW NOTES ⁠Inga's Uplifting Story: Wish of a Lifetime Julie's Uplifting Story: Grad Student Trades Piano Performances for Housing at Senior Facility–Melting th...

When is the optimal time to retire and start claiming benefits? Can I work and still get Social Security? What happens to my benefit if my spouse and I divorce? Join us as we discuss the answers to these questions and more, all on this week's episode! SHOW NOTES Julie's Uplifting Story: ⁠ Grandad Rehearsed His Funeral 10 Years Ago – Now His Final Wishes Come True After his Passing ⁠Inga&#3...

Susan Moore is a wife of 43 years, a mom of three grown children, and a woman of God who works daily to align her priorities with His Word. Susan moved to the Flathead Valley in 2017 and currently works with Logan Health. Last year, the Faith Community Nurse program was implemented locally thanks to her collaboration, leadership, and efforts. Although she currently works as a Faith Community Nurse...

We are joined this week by Connie Page, Certified Trust and Probate Specialist, and Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist! "Though I do traditional real estate transactions—my personal focus is on Seniors, Trust and Probate real estate matters. Creating a plan for the family, and being part of the process, instead of the last call to sell property is what I excel at—the network of service ...

Huntington's Disease (HD) Fast Facts ( via Honestly HD ): More than 30,000 Americans are living with HD. Everyone has two huntingtin (HTT) genes, one from each parent. Huntington’s disease develops when one of those genes carries the mutation. In some families, appearance of symptoms happens earlier and earlier with each generation. The symptoms of HD usually appear between the ages of 30-50....

"Fibromyalgia is a long-term (chronic) health condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout your body. It causes musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Experts don’t know what causes fibromyalgia, but studies have found that certain health conditions, stress and other changes in your life might trigger it. You might be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if one of your biological parents ha...

You never think it's going to happen to you... As owners of a Home Care business, we see all too often hospitals failing to help families make the transition from hospital to home. When it happened to one of our own, we were able to see this happen from a more intimate perspective, and cemented for us even more so that if you do not do your research ahead of time and know what SHOULD be happen...

Did you miss us? Pffft... We know you did! Join us this week as we catch up on the happenings, what's new, and the super cool trip we just got back from! SHOW NOTES Julie's Uplifting Story: The Average American Enjoys Over 100 ‘Extraordinary Days’ in a Year Inga's Uplifting Story: Dog runs four miles to get help for owner who crashed car into Oregon ravine Watch the video: ⁠https://you...

"Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes and vision issues. Nearly 1 million people in the United States live with MS and 2.8 million worldwide. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is the go-to source for accurate, actionable...

"The receptionist at the doctor’s office gives you a sheaf of papers to fill out. As the air-conditioning repairman leaves, he hands you a contract. In a spa’s waiting room, you’re asked to sign an agreement before your  Swedish massage . All this may be presented as routine paperwork — no big deal. But the consequences of filling out forms and signing your name could be very big indeed. You...

"First, know your risk. Then, understand your needs during emergencies. This section guides you through a self-assessment process to identify your specific needs so that you can create a personalized emergency plan." It's easy to think you will be able to navigate through a natural disaster as it is happening. However, without any prior planning, you are only putting yourself and you...