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 Hospice
• VNA 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

Here 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.