Spotlight: Endoscopy Nurse
April 14, 2021
Nurses in the Special Procedures department have a different set of skills and experiences than other nurses, and different knowledge to share.
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Colon Screenings Matter
April 7, 2021
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer, even though most of those deaths could be prevented.
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A Story of Weight Loss Success
March 31, 2021
Marla has struggled with weight management her entire life, but COVID gave a reason to finally find a way to reach a healthy lifestyle.
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Nina's unexpected journey to a coma, and back
March 24, 2021
Follow the story of Nina Henkins, RN, CWON, as her rapid heart beat led to surgery, a coma, and a long recovery.
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Ep. 69: Will antibiotic resistance cause the next pandemic?
March 23, 2021
Will hand sanitizer eventually lead to a disease much deadlier than COVID-19? Learn the answer to this and much more on this discuss with Pharmacist Rena Mathesius and pathologist Dr. Lora Racsa.
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Ep. 68 - Why go to nutritional counseling?
March 16, 2021
What can a dietitian tell you that you haven't already heard before? Nurse practitioner Abby Vladika, APRN, knows her patients learn a lot from the nutritional counseling program.
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Ep. 67: Varicose veins and modern treatment options
March 9, 2021
Given time, gravity, and inactivity, venous reflux disease can easily develop and cause varicose veins, pain, and even open sores and ulcerations. Minimally-invasive treatment is available!
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4 Keys to Healthy Eating
March 3, 2021
Make healthy choices that still allow you to enjoy life and your favorite foods!
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A Tale of Two Heart Attacks
February 24, 2021
The story of Donna and Joan's heart attacks are a lesson for everyone.
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Ep. 66: Chest pain, heart palpitations, and COVID-19, with Dr. Edelson and Dr. Pamnani
February 23, 2021
When it comes to chest pain, one of the most difficult questions is "When should I go to the Emergency Department?" Listen in as doctors Neal Edelson and S. Das Pamnani answer questions about heart attacks, strokes, and COVID-19.
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Ep. 65: Heart attacks, prevention, and COVID-19 with Dr. David Thompson
February 16, 2021
A cardiologist and his patient discuss what happens during a heart attack, what happens after, and how COVID affects the heart.
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How COVID-19 Affects the Heart
February 10, 2021
Studies are now uncovering the connection between the heart and COVID-19, and the risk of the virus causing damage to the heart.
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Ep. 64: Guide to home exercise
February 9, 2021
Being successful with a new exercise routine at home takes a lot of careful planning, sometimes thinking outside the box.
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Spotlight: Heart Health in the Field
February 3, 2021
What does the EMS crew do for people having heart attacks? Here's a look into their world.
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Health Insights from Cardiac Rehab Patients
January 27, 2021
Staying active and healthy can be fun! Just ask a group from the Cardiac Rehab program.
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Ep. 63: How to succeed with a new routine
January 26, 2021
Success with a new routine starts with SMART goals, reflecting on your progress, and finding apps and programs that work for your needs.
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Ep. 62 - How lifestyles change after a heart attack
January 19, 2021
Two heart attack survivors share how their lives have changed, in hopes of helping others achieve a "new you" during 2021.
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Spotlight: My 40-year journey to cardiac rehab
January 13, 2021
Jan Pistole, RN, has had an amazing journey through healthcare, from long-term care, to the Emergency Room, and even into the skies. Here is what she has learned about heart health along the way.
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Take a SMART Approach to the New Year
January 6, 2021
SMART goals are a great way to set yourself up for success as you plan for a happier and healthier New Year.
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Ep. 61: Coping through the holidays, Q&A with Ariel and Dave
January 5, 2021
Q&A with Dave Roden and Ariel Swanson about mental health and the winter blues.
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6 Realistic Tips for a Healthier Christmas
December 23, 2020
6 tips for sticking to tasty holiday favorites without feeling guilty or stuffed.
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Ep. 60: Personal stories of mental health
December 22, 2020
Three patients from our Senior Behavioral Wellness program volunteered to share their personal stories of mental health to help others understand what mental health really means.
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Ep. 59: The Winter Blues, with Dr. Scott Arbaugh
December 15, 2020
Join Dr. Scott Arbaugh and licensed counselor Angie Hughes to find out whether Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real disease and whether decorating for the holidays is worth doing alone.
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Spotlight: Clinical Social Workers
December 9, 2020
Clinical social workers focus on mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities, including assessing, diagnosing, and treating depression, anxiety, and substance use.
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True or false? Mythbusting COVID-19 rumors
December 8, 2020
What is causing the spike in cases? Are false positives common? Can I trust parcels from China?
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Tips for Coping this Holiday Season
December 2, 2020
Just like Santa, this season we need to pack our SACK for the holidays. Learn how to make a plan to handle stress from the holidays and COVID-19.
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Ep. 58: How to support your immune system
December 1, 2020
When it comes to recovering from illnesses like cold, flu, and COVID-19, the right nutrition and exercises can help support your immune system and lead to a faster recovery.
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Ep. 57: Getting sick, and how your body fights back
November 24, 2020
When you get sick, your immune system kicks into high gear, and that affects the rest of your body. Suddenly, you feel tired and feel like you don't want to eat ever again. Is that your body talking, or the disease?
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Two Stories of the Lingering Effects of COVID-19
November 18, 2020
Follow the stories of two very different people who became ill with COVID-19 and continue to deal with the virus' lingering effects.
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Ep. 56: A First-Hand Account of COVID-19
November 17, 2020
Brittany is young, healthy, and is still facing the lingering effects of COVID-19 more than a month later.
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Spotlight: Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
November 11, 2020
Explore how Registered Dietitian's fit into healthcare and use their advanced knowledge of nutrition to help patients recover from illness.
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Key Roles of Nutrition and Hydration in Recovering from COVID-19
November 4, 2020
When it comes to fighting seasonal illnesses or COVID-19, your body's immune system relies on adequate calories, protein, and hydration, and falling into normal habits can lead to additional symptoms and a slower recovery.
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How to manage seasonal illnesses
October 28, 2020
It is always best to prevent catching a seasonal disease, but just in case, make a plan to manage the symptoms and recover quickly.
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Ep. 55: How exact is healthcare? Are robots the future?
October 27, 2020
Technology plays a major role in helping providers reach a diagnosis, but are computers accurate enough to take over completely?
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Mammograms and breast cancer statistics!
October 21, 2020
Early breast cancer detection starts with self exams and annual mammograms!
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How to Pack an Easy, Safe, and Healthy Lunch
October 14, 2020
Creating healthy meals for on the go does not have to be time consuming, expensive or complicated.
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Exercising at Home During COVID-19
October 7, 2020
Exercise is important even under normal circumstances, and with COVID we have to be creative in finding ways to stay physically active.
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Ep. 54: Do flu vaccines actually help?
September 29, 2020
The flu virus is an unusual disease, which leaves people skeptical about the influenza vaccine, but this year it is especially important to get vaccinated and hopefully avoid fighting COVID and the flu at the same time.
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Tips for Virtual Learning and Homeschooling
September 23, 2020
One way or another, everyone will be doing more “home schooling” this year, and here are some ideas to make it a success year of learning for your children.
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Ep. 53: All about lungs - COVID, vaping, COPD, pneumonia, flu, and more!
September 22, 2020
Everything starts in the lungs, and more damage that occurs to your lungs from smoking, breathing in dust, battling pneumonia or COVID-19, the greater the toll it will have on every aspect of your health.
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Maintaining Health and Wellness during a Pandemic
September 16, 2020
There are ways to manage your health and wellness without visiting your primary care provider in person.
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Ep. 52: What should you tell your doctor? Speak Up!
September 15, 2020
Getting the most out of your personal health and wellness means knowing how to speak up about your care, ask questions, advocate for yourself, and keep your primary care provider informed about changes in your lifestyle.
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The Story of Addiction
September 9, 2020
By understanding the addiction process and how easily it claims control, we can be better prepared to prevent, treat, and fully recover from addiction.
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Fall Living with COVID
September 2, 2020
Autumn is arriving, and COVID is still here. Find ways to enjoy the new season and keep your spirits high.
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Ep. 51: Saving Lives on a Helicopter
September 1, 2020
The thought process and planning behind providing care on a helicopter is very different from a normal Emergency Room.
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Ep. 50: Behind the scenes - primary care providers
August 25, 2020
Explore all of the things primary care providers have to do behind the scenes to make care for their patients possible.
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Improving Brain Health
August 19, 2020
Help your children get into the 2020 school year by keeping their brain health top of mind.
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Ep. 49: Germs in Groceries and School Lunches?
August 18, 2020
With back to school, here is everything you need to know about sanitizing groceries, packing school lunches, Vitamin C, and sick food service workers.
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Summer Living: Back to School, Back to the Basics
August 12, 2020
Starting a school year in the middle of a pandemic is going to be unusual, so the best way to prepare is to start with the basics.
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Ep. 48: All about Podiatry
August 11, 2020
Learn about the broad field of podiatry medicine and surgery, and how it relates to preventative and urgent care needs in a rural community.
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Summer Living: Masks vs No Masks
August 5, 2020
Explore the fact vs fiction of wearing masks to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
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Ep. 47: Vaccines, for children and adults
August 4, 2020
As we fight the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to continue to vaccinate against pandemics of the past and keep them from resurfacing.
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Summer Living: CPR - Save a life!
July 29, 2020
Knowing how to perform CPR can make the difference between life and death; wouldn't you want someone around who knows how to save your life?
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Summer Living: Safety and First Aid
July 22, 2020
Sunshine is important for your mental and physical health, but it is important to prepare for handling the heat and protecting your skin.
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Summer Living: Back to the Basics
July 15, 2020
With so many possibilities of what to do this summer, it is important to balance health and safety with your favorite fun in the sun activities.
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Ep. 46: How providers use Wellness Visits
July 7, 2020
Medicare Wellness Visits are an important step in helping primary care providers understand and guide your overall health.
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Clean Living: Sports
July 1, 2020
Sports are a key part of summer fun, but this year it is important to be mindful of safe social distancing and sanitation practices as you have fun with family and friends.
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Ep. 45: COVID vs 20th Century Pandemics
June 30, 2020
When fighting the spread of the Spanish Flu and polio, people knew far less about diseases, hygiene, and medicine than they do fighting COVID-19.
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Clean Living: Transportation Tips
June 24, 2020
When traveling out and about, follow smart cleaning practices to keep yourself safe from COVID-19.
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Clean Living: Home Sweet Home
June 10, 2020
Keeping your living space clean from germs takes daily attention. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe for you and guests.
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Clean Living: Handwashing
June 3, 2020
Handwashing is a lifesaver in preventing infections and the spread of infections, but most of us wash our hands too quickly and carelessly to remove all of the germs.
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Healthy Living: Transitioning
May 27, 2020
The stresses and anxieties of COVID-19 can have a major impact on our emotional health. As we transition back into a more normal routine, it is important to manage those emotions in a positive way rather than letting them build.
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Ep. 44: Nutrition choices during COVID-19
May 26, 2020
At one time or another, we have all made a meal out of a bag of chips. During COVID-19, that is happening more often than ever. On this episode, our registered dietitians share some tips and tricks for enjoying tasty snacks, while managing portions and quality.
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Healthy Living: Allergies
May 20, 2020
Part 3: Spring allergies may cause some anxieties about COVID-19. Rest assured, there are things you can do to tell the difference, and to minimize the effects of your allergies this season.
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Healthy Living: Activity and Exercise
May 13, 2020
Part 2: Being stuck at home, it can be difficult to find activities to keep your body in good shape and blood flowing. Here are some healthy living suggestions.
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Ep. 43: Interviews with Mother-Daughter Nurses
May 11, 2020
Two of Perry's Mother-Daughter nursing duos share their insights into the profession of nursing and how it has changed.
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Ep. 42: How long will a knee replacement last?
May 7, 2020
The concept of a knee replacement has never changed, but the prosthesis and technology has. Performed correctly, a knee replacement can minimize pain, increase mobility, and last a very long time.
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Healthy Living During COVID-19
May 6, 2020
Part 1: Being stuck at home can be hard on your health, and makes it easy to fall into unhealthy habits. There are ways to continue healthy living in the age of Coronavirus.
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Ep. 41: Improving care for sexual assault in the ER
April 28, 2020
Helping victims of sexual assault is a tricky business, but every hospital in Illinois has to be ready to help them, one way or another. Perry's SANE coordinators and emergency physician Dr. Scott Cooper join the Pulse podcast to discuss everything that goes into caring for victims in the ED.
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Ep. 40: Why do healthy people have heart attacks?
April 14, 2020
Some people who live the perfect, heart healthy lifestyle still end up having heart attacks. Dr. Montevecchi joins the Pulse podcast for a more in-depth discussion of what leads to heart disease and how early you can detect problems.
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Ep. 39: Caregiving in the Era of Coronavirus
April 7, 2020
Marcia Hartwig, RN and Education Coordinator at Perry, joins the Pulse to discuss caregiving tips, how to stay safe amidst COVID-19, and what documents are available to help plan for the unexpected.
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Ep. 38: GMOs vs Organic vs ... Everything else
March 17, 2020
Our grocery store and food options are always changing, and are including a lot more GMO and organic options. How do those foods compare?
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Ep. 37: Nutrition Myths Lightning Round (Part 2)
March 3, 2020
Can preservatives be healthy? Is gluten-free worth the hype? Does consuming fat cause weight gain? These nutrition myths are discussed on this episode with Ashley Kannenberg, RDN.
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Ep. 36: Control the risk factors for heart disease
February 25, 2020
The risk factors associated with heart attacks are controllable by following the advice of your primary care provider.
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Ep. 35: Stories from heart attack survivors
February 18, 2020
People who survive heart attacks can make a difference in the lives of many others by sharing their stories and wisdom.
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Ep. 34: How to help someone in a mental crisis
February 11, 2020
If one of your family members or friends goes through a mental health crisis, are you ready to handle it? There are lots of things you could do to make the problem worse, and many simple things that could help keep the situation from getting worse.
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Ep. 33: Coping skills and Mental Health First Aid
February 4, 2020
Mental health crisis can happen to anyone, and Mental Health First Aid gives a framework to identify and mediate the crisis until professionals can take over.
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Ep. 32: The Billing Process (Part 2) - Fighting for reimbursements
January 28, 2020
Insurance providers do not make money by paying claims, so hospitals are stuck in the middle fighting to stay profitable.
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The Health Effects of Marijuana
January 22, 2020
We know marijuana can have some major effects on how your body operates, so it is important to understand what we know before consuming cannabis.
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Ep. 31: The fine line of urgent vs emergency
January 14, 2020
Knowing when to go to the emergency room vs an urgent care clinic can be tricky business, and can make a huge difference in your level of care and your final bill.
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Ep. 30: Not happy with your Medicare plan? You have options
January 7, 2020
Choosing the right Medicare plan can be difficult, and knowing when and how to switch can make a huge difference.
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Ep. 29: Setting health goals for 2020
December 30, 2019
Make a realistic plan for how to stay ahead of health problems in 2020 by partnering with a trusted primary care provider.
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Ep. 28: A review of 2019, and a look ahead
December 24, 2019
Healthcare changes significantly from year to year, and changes in the national conversation always trickle down to affect how healthcare is being delivered locally.
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Ep. 27: Signs your parents may need help to stay independent
December 17, 2019
Many of the "normal" signs of aging can be addressed with the help of skilled nurses and medical rehab therapists, without ever leaving home if the conditions are right.
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Ep. 26: The Billing Process (Part 1) - Pre-authorizations
December 10, 2019
Insurance providers are expecting pre-authorizations more often for hospital visits, and hospitals are responding with staff liaisons to make the process easier for patients.
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Ep. 25: How reliable is Cologuard®?
December 3, 2019
Cologuard® is much more convenient than the traditional colonoscopy, but the advantages of a colonoscopy cannot be ignored.
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Ep. 24: The nutrition of a Thanksgiving meal
November 26, 2019
Breaking down the calories and nutrition of the traditional Thanksgiving meal, along with how to thaw, cook, and store the turkey safely, and ways to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
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Breaking down the vaping crisis
November 22, 2019
In light of the current vaping crisis, let's explore what we do and do not know about vaping and the effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs.
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Ep. 23: Holiday eating habits for people with diabetes
November 19, 2019
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas can be dangerous for people with diabetes, but it doesn't have to keep them from enjoying delicious meals.
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Ep. 22: Depression is complex, life-long, and genetic
November 12, 2019
Major Depressive Disorder is like any chronic disease--it needs to be caught early, treated and managed to avoid letting it progress to a complete debilitating state.
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Ep. 21: Avoiding the end stages of COPD
November 5, 2019
Although COPD cannot be cured, it can and should be managed as early as possible to give the best possible quality of life.
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Ep. 20: Chronic diseases don't end, but they are not "the" end
October 29, 2019
By working closely with a primary care provider and having frequent screenings, people can catch chronic diseases early, manage them carefully, and go on to live a full, healthy, happy life.
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Ep. 19: Are you getting a restful sleep? Maybe not
October 22, 2019
Conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome can take a toll on a person's physical and mental well-being, and even put you in danger of car accidents. As part of National Respiratory Care Week, Tim Schultz, Director of Respiratory Care, joins the Pulse to discuss sleeping disorders, how they are diagnosed and treated, and other roles respiratory therapists fill.
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Ep. 18: What is covered by a Medicare Wellness Visit?
October 15, 2019
Wellness Visits are Medicare's way of preventing disease, and it is important to know what is covered and what is not.
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How opioid addiction starts, and how it can end
October 10, 2019
Opioids are used often to help people with pain, and there is always a risk of becoming addicted and moving on to other drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments and programs in place to help.
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Ep. 17: This is how mammograms save lives
October 8, 2019
Although breast cancer develops in 1 out of every 8 women, it can often be treated and managed if it is detected early enough using an annual mammogram.
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Ep. 16: Why farmers struggle with mental health
October 4, 2019
Why do farmers struggle so much with mental health? How do we reduce the high suicide rate among farmers?
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Why October is the month for flu shots
October 3, 2019
Each year, more than 10 million people have to visit the hospital because of the influenza virus. The flu shot can help keep people healthy, and October is the perfect month to get the vaccination for several reasons.
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Ep. 15: Rural hospitals are becoming an endangered species
September 24, 2019
Decades ago, patients stayed in the hospital for weeks at a time, and it was a lot easier for rural hospitals to stay profitable. Today, the pressure is on to produce results, and rural hospitals struggle to keep up with fewer resources.
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Ep. 14: Nutrition Myths Lightning Round
September 17, 2019
How many eggs is it safe to eat each day? Do carrots really improve your night vision? Will eating before bed lead to weight gain? These are all myths discussed on this episode with Ashley Kannenberg, RDN.
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Ep. 13: Falling is not a normal part of life
September 10, 2019
Falling should not be considered a normal way of life, especially when it can be prevented.
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Why wasn't my wellness visit free?!
August 19, 2019
We all have expectations going into the hospital of what insurance will cover, and it does not always match. What happens behind the scenes after your appointment and before your receive your bill?
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Ep. 12: Diabetes is a utilization problem
August 12, 2019
Unmanaged, diabetes can lead to dizziness, dementia, amputations, or death, but managing the disease requires more than a daily finger prick.
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Ep. 11: Can coffee lead to dehydration?
July 29, 2019
One of our Registered Dietitians, Ashley Kannenberg, joins the Pulse to discuss many of the causes and side effects of dehydration and over-hydration, and gives recommendations on how to find the right balance to stay healthy.
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Ep. 10: The history of the Iron Lung
July 22, 2019
The iron lung may be outdated and clunky technology, but it successfully saved thousands of lives during the early to mid 1900s.
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Ep. 9: Meeting the needs of seniors and veterans
July 9, 2019
Organizations are working hard to bring resources to seniors and veterans, who tend to be less aware of what is available and less able to take advantage of those resources.
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What can be learned from a blood sample?
July 3, 2019
Although diseases can manifest anywhere in the body, blood samples can be tested easily and gives a direction of where to look next.
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Ep. 8: What to know about protein and 'bulking up'
June 27, 2019
Although protein shakes, bar, supplements, etc. seem like a sure-fire way to build muscle quickly, food-based products are still safer and healthier, and regulated for quality.
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Why men still fear hospitals
June 24, 2019
Even as healthcare knowledge and technology advances, men remain apprehensive about seeking care or simple checkups. The gender discrepancy is taking a major toll on men's health.
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Ep. 7: Healthcare at home may be the future
June 18, 2019
Many people do not know that Medicare and insurance now cover healthcare treatment and education at home, where they're likely to recover faster.
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99 Years Old!
June 17, 2019
On June 17th, 1920, Julia Rackley Perry Memorial Hospital officially opened its doors for the first time to the Princeton community.
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Ep. 6: The signs and symptoms of mental illness
June 5, 2019
1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. Recognizing the signs and symptoms can be challenging, let alone choosing to seek help.
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Ep. 5: The truth about artificial sweeteners
May 24, 2019
Does Diet Coke really cause cancer? Learn how artificial sweeteners actually compare to natural sweeteners or add-on sugars.
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Why people don't get help for mental illnesses
May 21, 2019
If someone has a broken leg, they get it fixed. If a person has a cold, they take medicine. Why don’t people get help for depression? Anxiety? Substance abuse?
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Healthcare before hospitals
May 16, 2019
Can you image living in a rural community before hospitals were common? The treatments people went through more than 100 years ago were often worse than the disease.
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Ep. 4: The journey to recover from a stroke
May 14, 2019
Not only is it important to know the risk factors that can lead to strokes, but what happens AFTER a stroke. What can be recovered? How soon does rehabilitation begin? What does the rehab process involve? What can your life look like after a stroke?
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Stories from nurses
May 8, 2019
Nurses go through a lot, and see a lot. Help us celebrate Nurses Week by reading some of their favorite stories from decades of providing care!
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The worst bone to break
April 30, 2019
Occupational therapists know the importance of certain bones for day-to-day living.
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Ep. 3: What sexual assault victims can expect in the ER
April 26, 2019
Hospitals, law enforcement, and organizations are changing the ways they handle sexual assault victims. It is important to know what to expect at the hospital and what options are available.
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Why is the ER so expensive?
April 23, 2019
Going to the Emergency Room is convenient and sometimes necessary, but it can also be very expensive.
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Ep. 2: Tai Chi or Chai Tea?
April 19, 2019
Tai Chi may sound like a drink you order from Starbucks, but it can actually be a great way to improve balance, mental clarity, blood pressure, and even body warmth.
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What grief can teach us about the human spirit
April 18, 2019
Many people suffer from grief and depression, but that does not mean they have given up. What keeps them going?
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Ep. 1: Making plans for the unexpected
April 16, 2019
Understand the how and why of advance directives and living wills so your family knows what you want and has the legal authority to make decisions for you, just in case.
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What is a "provider?"
April 8, 2019
The term "Providers" is becoming a popular replacement for "Doctors" or "Physician" and means so much more.
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