Senior Health Blog

Medicare has different parts that cover different services. Understanding these parts will help you know what to look for when determining your needs and when you’re ready to enroll.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A person with prediabetes is not only at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but also at higher risks for heart disease and stroke. Learn steps for prevention.

Summer is here, and as many people like to enjoy the outdoors, it is important to remember that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of developing sun-related skin cancer. Find tips on how to protect yourself and your family. 

Brian Wellington, DO, Deaconess Clinic Henderson

Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a very common, serious chronic condition and it’s a factor in 1 in 9 deaths. It's important to understand how your heart should work properly, and what happens when it doesn’t. 
 

Dr. Mujtaba Tapal, MD, Rheumatologist, Deaconess Clinic Downtown

Arthritis is a very common condition, affecting as many as half of all Americans in their lifetime. In my more than 20 years of practice, I’ve seen thousands of patients who are suffering from arthritis. It can be a painful and debilitating disease. However, arthritis is a broad term that describes one of several conditions.

Peggy Matacale, Chaplain, Deaconess Religious Life, and Candace Foster, Deaconess Privacy Officer

Here at Deaconess, patients and family members are making decisions on others’ behalf every single day.  Sometimes the situation is sudden, such as after a car crash. In other situations, a family member has been in a gradual decline. But in all circumstances it can be a difficult time, so having the right information, with the desired decision-makers, is very important.

Narothama Reddy, MD, Deaconess Clinic Nephrology

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very common—affecting about 15 percent of the US adult population. It’s closely related to diabetes and high blood pressure, and can cause serious complications.

Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 are proving to be the best hope for ending the pandemic. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues authorizing emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines, many people have questions. Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

Dr. Darla Grossman, Family Medicine, Deaconess Clinic West

Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, is a common condition that can have serious consequences—including premature death from complications of broken bones.

Due to economic strain, virtual school, social isolation resulting from COVID-19 precautions, a tense election cycle, and the upcoming holiday season, people in general are struggling to maintain any kind of routine. For those with diabetes, lack of consistency represents a serious challenge to their health.  

Jung Smith, MD, Deaconess Clinic Mary Street

Most people are aware pediatric vaccinations are very important to prevent serious diseases and related complications. However, people often forget there are adult vaccinations and boosters that are recommended to keep us healthy and prevent complications associated with certain infections. 

Rubin Bahuva, MD, Gastroenterologist, Deaconess Clinic
 
You’ve likely heard of hepatitis, and you may’ve even heard that some types of hepatitis are identified by letters A, B, & C. I’m glad to be writing about this, as so many people don’t know enough about hepatitis. It’s a serious issue, as hepatitis can cause serious illness and severe liver damage. Hepatitis C in particular is of concern, as more than 3 million Americans are infected—mostly “Baby Boomers.” Hepatitis C is actually the most common reason people need a liver transplant.

Terry Gehlhausen, DO, Deaconess Clinic Oakland City

Growing attention to the health benefits of physical fitness has millions of Americans thinking about how they can get more exercise. Walking, hiking and biking are a few easy options to get people started on a daily exercise routine. 
 

Aziz Mehrzad, MD, Deaconess Primary Care for Seniors
 
More than 5 million people in the US suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, and it is currently the 6^th leading cause of death in this country—more than prostate and breast cancer combined.  

Michael Luy, MD, Internal Medicine, Deaconess Clinic Downtown

Health screenings help doctors and other providers detect conditions at earlier, more treatable stages.

Sridhar Bhaskara, MD, Deaconess Comprehensive Pain Centers

Shingles is a common, painful rash that will affect up to 1 in 5 people. Identifying and treating shingles quickly can prevent further pain and long-term complications.

R. Scott Starrett, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Deaconess Heart Group

If you’re concerned about your risk for heart disease, a heart scan may be helpful for you. Deaconess is excited to now offer this new screening option to the community for only $49. As a physician, I know that this test has the potential to prevent heart attacks and save lives.

Kitty Williams, Lifestyle Coach, Deaconess Diabetes Center 
 
Many people may not know that type 2 diabetes can be prevented.  The Diabetes Prevention Program teaches meaningful lifestyle changes that help prevent – or at least delay – the onset of diabetes, leading to a longer, healthier life.
 

Daniel Holland, DO, Deaconess Clinic Lynch Road

Is it too late for a flu shot?  What about the nasal spray?  How can you conveniently get the shot?  Get answers to these from family medicine physician Dr. Daniel Holland.

Becky Richardville, LCSW, Care Coordinator at Deaconess Primary Care for Seniors, and Jill Deutch from Deaconess  Home Health and Deaconess Hospice

Caregiving for an aging loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Many caregivers don’t know about resources and services that can help make their jobs easier and improve the quality of life for themselves and their loved one.

It's time to get your flu shot.  Find out the facts--and the myths-- about flu vaccines from Deaconess Clinic family medicine physician Dr. Holland.

Paul Harries, MD, Deaconess Comprehensive Pain Center

Osteoporosis and back pain are both common issues in patients over the age of 65, and these problems can exist separately or in combination. As a physician, it’s my job to determine the source of a patient’s back pain and figure out the best way to treat it.

From Deaconess Bone & Joint Care, in association with Orthopaedic Associates

Pain in your knees, hips, shoulders or ankles can interfere with your daily life. This simple "yes or no" questionnaire can help you determine if it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor.
 

Raghav Gupta, MD, FCCP
Medical Director, COPD

Get the basic explanations of COPD--how it can be prevented, diagnosed and treated; and get tips on managing COPD—particularly in the winter.
 

The holiday season can be very difficult for someone grieving the loss of a loved one.  An expert from Deaconess VNA Hospice shares tips on making the holidays easier for yourself, or for someone you love.
 

David Ryon, MD, Deaconess Pulmonary and Critical Care
 
As a doctor specializing in lung diseases, I have seen the negative outcomes resulting from tobacco use. Many patients ask me if “vaping” is better than cigarettes. I tell them the answer is complex.
 

Deborah Pfeiffer, MS, RD, Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions

Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and visit with family and friends. It’s also a time to enjoy holiday foods. With just a little bit of effort, you can eat your favorite dishes and still achieve your goals for better health. Don’t believe me? Keep reading. (I share some great recipes too!)

David Moore, MD, Deaconess Clinic Urology 

The annual “No Shave November” campaign supports prostate and testicular cancer awareness and provides a great opportunity to share information related to cancer screenings for men.
 

Jugesh Cheema, MD, Radiologist, Evansville Radiology
Jessica Waggoner, BSN, RN, Deaconess Cancer Services Nurse Navigator

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, killing more Americans than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. Fortunately, there is a screening tool available for those at risk for lung cancer, but many people don’t take advantage of this option.

Carolyn Burns, Clinical Dietitian, Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions

Eating a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains is great for our health, but can sometimes lead to bloating, gas, and other abdominal discomfort. Learn tips on making healthy food choices while still being able to go out in public.
 

Adam Becker, MD, Deaconess Clinic Urology

Low sex drive, depressive mood, decreased muscle mass, fatigue... these are all signs of low T, or low testosterone.  

Sheila Seiler, Komen Evansville Tri-State, and Jennifer Small, Manager, Deaconess Breast Services

Too often, women are skipping their mammograms because they either think they can’t afford the mammogram, or are scared of the cost of treating breast cancer if diagnosed. 

Kathryn Ekstrom, MD, Pediatrics & Internal Medicine, Deaconess Clinic Morganfield

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to be sick with the flu.  A week or more of serious body aches, coughing, fever, etc. is not how I want to spend my time. Be prepared by getting your flu vaccine before flu season starts! 

Nathan Reed, MD, Cardiovascular Electrophysiologist, Deaconess Heart Group
 
Micra is the world’s smallest pacemaker, leaving no bump under the skin, no chest scar, and requiring no lead. I would describe the device as a quantum leap in pacemaker technology, and a large improvement for patients who need single-chamber pacing.
 

Dr. Anna Dauer, Medical Director, Deaconess Palliative Care

Here at Deaconess, people make decisions on others’ behalf every single day. Sometimes the situation is sudden, such as after a car crash. In other situations, a family member has been in a gradual decline. But in all circumstances it can be a difficult time, so having the right information, with the desired decision-makers, is crucial.

Helen Schnarr, Clinical Dietitian, Deaconess 

Vacation is a great time to reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. It’s not, however, the time to turn back on healthy lifestyle changes you worked on through the winter and spring months. Here are a few ways to maintain healthy habits when you’re out of town and out of your normal routine.
 

Rhiannon Anderson, PA, Orthopaedic Associates

Experiencing joint pain? Surgery is not your only option. There are many conservative (non-surgical) options that can provide significant relief from joint pain.

Sara Bueltel, RD, CD, Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions

It’s that time of year again! New Year’s Day is around the corner and many of us are starting to think about making a resolution. But how do you stick to your resolution and not give up before Valentine’s Day? We’ve listed some tips below on how to make and keep momentum toward your New Year’s resolution throughout the year.

The Deaconess Heart Group

Learn about these healthy tips and why they’re important to you. 

Dr. Anna Dauer, Deaconess Palliative Care Medical Director, and Andrea Lantz, LCSW, Palliative Care Clinical Social Worker

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “palliative care” but weren’t sure what it meant. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with chronic illnesses, focusing on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a chronic illness regardless of the diagnosis. The overall goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
 

Amanda Phelps-Jones, WHNP-BCPelvic Health & Wellness Center at The Women’s Hospital

Interstitial cystitis (I.C.) is a problem with the lining of the bladder and is often called painful bladder syndrome or irritable bladder – and for good reasons, it's painful! I.C. occurs mostly in women, is underdiagnosed and often mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
 

Amanda Bohleber, MD, Medical Director, Deaconess Clinic

A doctor—and mom—shares her tips for choosing the right care at the right time at the right place.

Ankita Bahuva, MD, Internal Medicine, Deaconess Clinic Downtown

Your doctors’ appointments are an important and valuable time to connect with your doctor, share your perspective and information, and learn from your doctor’s expertise.  The best appointments happen when patients are very prepared.
 

Ankita Bahuva, MD, Internal Medicine, Deaconess Clinic Downtown

Chronic fatigue is a condition that causes someone to be extremely tired—to the point that they can’t function in their daily life.  It is also often misunderstood.
 

Jim Hays, Deaconess Home Medical Equipment, and Tom Fite, R.Ph, Manager, Deaconess Family Pharmacy

Recent national disasters have caused many people to give more thought to emergency preparedness.  As September is Emergency Preparedness Month, it’s a great time to be thinking about being disaster ready.
 

Mohammed Allaw, MD Internal Medicine, Deaconess Clinic Gateway Professional Building

Cancer screening recommendations can be confusing for many people--in my 20 years of practicing primary care medicine for adults, thousands of patients have had questions about various cancer screenings. 

In this article, I’ll focus on breast, prostate, lung, colon and skin cancer screenings.

Adam Becker, MD, Urology, Deaconess Clinic

Do you experience frequent urination or a persistent “urgent feeling” to urinate? If so, then you may have a urinary disorder known as Overactive Bladder (OAB).


 

Cheryl Arnold, Hospice Manager, Deaconess VNA

There are many questions and misunderstandings about hospice. Hospice can be an emotionally-charged topic, so knowing and understanding the facts about hospice care can help make conversations and decisions easier.

Below, I address some of the most common myths, or incorrect beliefs, about hospice, and share additional information about why hospice is a wonderful service and resource for families when a loved one has a terminal condition. 

We all know that it’s “good” to give. Giving to charitable causes helps these organizations to continue functioning, providing services, and helping the community. But did you know that giving is actually good for your physical and mental health? 

Deaconess Regional Trauma Team

Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs, which increases the chance of falling. Exercise programs can increase strength and improve balance, making falls less likely.


 

Ruston Stoltz MD, Family Medicine, Deaconess Clinic
 
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection, and it can happen to anyone.  Young or old, sepsis can be life threatening, as between ¼ and ½ of all individuals who develop sepsis will die from it.

Terry Gehlhausen, DO, Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine, Oakland City

People who follow a few simple steps to improve their health have less cancer and heart disease compared to other Americans, and their overall death rate is significantly reduced compared to other people under age 65. Here are ten choices you can make that will lead to a longer and healthier life:
 

James Gutmann, MD, Family Medicine, Deaconess Clinic
 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lesser-known respiratory disease but is every bit as dangerous and difficult to manage as asthma.  COPD is an umbrella term for a grouping of specific symptoms that are incurable but manageable with appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments.


 

John Hufstedler, Deaconess Cross Pointe social work therapist, Tai Chi instructor
 
Tai chi—you’ve probably heard of it and even seen it before, but you may not know exactly what it is. 
 

Becky Richardville, MSW, LCSW, Care Coordinator at Deaconess Primary Care for Seniors

Growing older is a privilege, but let’s face it—aging definitely brings about changes in our bodies and minds.

Dr. James Gutmann, Family Medicine Physician at Deaconess Clinic Mt. Pleasant

In my 26 years of practicing family medicine, I have treated hundreds of patients with shingles and seen how painful and debilitating it can be. My goal in writing this article is to help people either learn how to potentially avoid shingles, OR help them know what to do if they get shingles. 

Dr. James Gutman, Family Medicine Deaconess Clinic

Chicken-pox are nearly a childhood rite of passage… Quarantine from others, being doused in calamine lotion and strong inclinations to take a hairbrush to those itchy miserable lesions.  The varicella virus (or chickenpox) primes patients to develop herpes zoster later on in life.

 

Terry Gehlhausen, DO, Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine

People who follow a few simple steps to improve their health have less cancer and heart disease compared to other Americans, and their overall death rate is significantly reduced compared to other people under age 65. Here are ten choices you can make that will lead to a longer and healthier life:

Ann B. Raibley, Certified Clinical Audiologist

Protecting your ears from hazardous noise and keeping ear infections at bay are fundamental ways to minimize hearing loss. However, a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet can also help maintain hearing health.

Dr. Errin Weisman,  Family Medicine

When does drinking become a problem? The aging population is not immune to alcohol abuse.  For men and women 65 years of age or older, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse considers one drink per day to be the maximum amount for “moderate” alcohol use. 

Kim Childers, MSW, LSW Care Coordinator at Deaconess Primary Care for Seniors

Complications due to falls are the leading cause of death from injury in seniors age 65 and older. Prevention of falls in the home is so important. You’re protecting someone’s vitality, independence and life. 

Shingles: A Patient’s Perspective – Part One

Many people don’t know that about one in three people in the US will develop shingles during their lifetime, and older people are at the greatest risk for developing shingles. In fact, half of all people who live to age 85 will develop shingles at some point.
 

Content Provided by Deaconess VNA Plus Personal Care Services​

Realizing that someone you love is not functioning as well at home as they used to can come as a shock; discovering what in-home care costs can be even more surprising, particularly since many people believe that Medicare or traditional health insurance will pay for all types of assistance.