Advertise on podcast: 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 might think, and how this condition can impact overall health. While AFib is not typically life-threatening, it can increase the risk of stroke and cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect quality of life. Dr. Curry shares insight into key risk factors—including age, genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, alcohol use, and sleep apnea—and discusses the latest approaches to treatment and management. Most importantly, she offers reassurance that there is hope: with early detection, proper care, and lifestyle changes, AFib can be effectively managed. Whether you’re concerned about your own heart health or caring for a loved one, this episode provides practical, reassuring guidance to help you better understand AFib—and take steps toward living well. Learn more about AFib at https://www.stopafib.org/

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 importantly—how people can live well with the disease. With an estimated 15,000 individuals in North Texas living with Parkinson’s, this conversation highlights the critical importance of community outreach, education, and engagement in supporting those impacted by PD. Leisha shares how DAPS connects patients, caregivers, and professionals to vital resources, support services, and reliable information tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or working in a related professional field, this episode offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope—along with clear pathways to support right here in North Texas. Episode Notes: Dallas Area Parkinson Society: https://www.daps.org/ Brain Disease Research Funding in Texas:  https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/texas-voters-secure-history-making-3-billion-brain-disease-research

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 flags families and caregivers should watch for, and practical steps to protect yourself and aging loved ones. Listeners will also learn about trusted local resources available to help when financial exploitation is suspected or has already occurred.  The key takeaway from this episode is simple but powerful: Pause. Reflect. Protect. Taking a moment to slow down can make all the difference in preventing financial harm and preserving independence and dignity as we age. Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, or someone supporting an aging family member, this episode offers critical insight, prevention strategies, and peace of mind. Episode Notes: The Senior Source – Elder Financial Safety Center - CALL: 469-242-6229 or EMAIL: [email protected]   Frauds and Scams Prevention Resources   Estate Planning Resources – Helpful tools for preparing your executor and for executors.

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 we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers, including stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, and how these experiences can affect long‑term health. The conversation also addresses the profound impact of grief on mental well‑being—how loss changes the brain, the body, and our sense of self, and why acknowledging and supporting mental health during grief is essential at any age. Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable advice for aging well, including strategies to support brain health, build emotional resilience, and protect mental wellness through life’s transitions. This episode offers compassionate insight, medical expertise, and hopeful guidance for individuals, caregivers, and families navigating the journey of aging.   Helpful resources: Metrocare: https://www.metrocareservices.org/ Center for Brain Health: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/ National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/

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 risk through prevention and lifestyle choices. Whether you’re managing a heart condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health, this episode delivers expert guidance you can trust—straight from decades of clinical experience. Helpful Resource: American College of Cardiology – ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/

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 home perspective.  You can learn more about vascular disease and find additional resources at the Society for Vascular Surgery.

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 in navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities that come with aging. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking to support loved ones, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a fulfilling life at any age.   Learn more about the Visiting Nurse Association, including how to get involved and volunteer, at www.vnatexas.org  Learn more about The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata at https://www.saintmichael.org/about/clergy-staff/

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 Dr. King, also shared what they have learned and how their experience will shape their future medical careers. Featuring: Kelley F. Newcomer, MD, FAAHPM, VNA Medical Director of Adult and Pediatric HospiceVNA Fellows Kate Raseman, MD and Andrea King, MD

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.   Show Notes and Resources: Courageous Parent Network – A nonprofit organization working to equip and empower those caring for children with a serious medical condition. Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance – A nonprofit organization focused on perinatal and neonatal bereavement care.The Warm Place - The WARM Place provides a safe, compassionate space for children and their families grieving the death loss of a loved one. VNA Bereavement Support – Support for family members of patients and community members experiencing grief and loss.My Wishes Booklet - My Wishes is a booklet written in everyday language that helps children express how they want to be cared for in case they become seriously ill. Dr. Kate Taylor is a certified FNP with over 25 years of healthcare experience, including previous service as an Army Nurse Corps officer. She currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Clinical and Outreach Affairs for the College of Nursing and is an Assistant Professor, as well as adjunct faculty for the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is actively involved in a geriatrics primary care and house calls program and has a focus on advance care planning. Dr. Taylor engages in professional organizations, holding roles such as Secretary of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Practice Leadership Network and Legislative Ambassador for Texas Nurse Practitioners. She also serves as a board member for Dementia Friendly Fort Worth. Additionally, Dr. Taylor teaches interprofessional learners on local, national, and international platforms.  Dr. Taylor is a distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). She holds the Tarrant Area Gerontological Society’s Mildred O. Hogstel Award and the Texas Nurse Practitioner’s Visionary Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to patient care and education. Cheryl Thaxton, DNP, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, CHPPN, FPCN, FAANP, FAAN is dual board certified in pediatrics and family practice as a nurse practitioner. Dr. Thaxton currently serves as the Founding Associate Dean, Regents Professor, and Chair of Graduate Studies for the College of Nursing (CON) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth. She has over 33 years of experience in nursing care of patients across the lifespan which includes several years of experience in critical care, palliative and hospice care, primary care, nursing leadership, curriculum development, and graduate program development/evaluation. Dr. Thaxton has devoted several years of her career to researching the specific needs of children and adults with life-limiting illnesses. She was part of a team of nursing faculty led by Dr. Betty Ferrell that helped to implement the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Curriculum, an evidence-based palliative and hospice nursing initiative. Dr. Thaxton has a plethora of publications in the literature, podium presentations, and other notable scholarly activities. In 2021, Dr. Thaxton received the DFW Great 100 Nurses Awa

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 notes: Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council - The mission of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council is to drive evidence-based improvement in patient care and health equity throughout the region. Compassionomics - The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence That Caring Makes a Difference. Written by Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH and Anthony Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE.

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 housing.  You’ll hear about resources available and how we can all be better allies.   Episode Links: Resource Center – Resource Center pursues societal equity by proudly offering LGBTQIA+ affirming resources designed to improve health and wellness, strengthen families and communities, and provide transformative education and advocacy.   Oak Lawn Place – LGBTQIA+ affirming, affordable independent housing for seniors 214-272-9528 SAGE Care – VNA Hospice Care is SAGECare Certified to serve the LGBTQ+ community with cultural competency Legal Hospice of Texas – Provides free legal services to clients in 16 North Texas Counties Coalition for Aging LGBT – A nonprofit with a mission to improve and protect the quality of life of older LGBT adults in North Texas through community engagement and advocacy education. Human Rights Campaign – resources for education and advocacy

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 learn more about who could benefit from one or all of the following offerings: physician-directed care, psychosocial support, symptom management, RN care coordination, medication reviews, advanced care planning, in-home care planning, and child-life specialist support.  They will also explore who is eligible for this program and when is it a good time to consider. You can learn more about VNA Care Choices here:  https://www.vnatexas.org/our-services/vna-care-choices/

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.