In This Episode: Dr. K explains how exercise helps older adults maintain strength and independence, and covers the four types of exercise all older adults should be doing regularly. She also discusses why walking isn’t enough, how to avoid injuries and special situations in geriatrics, such as exercising when an older person is frail or has Alzheimer’s. This episode covers: The benefits of exercise in aging Is walking good exercise? Strength training in aging Aerobic exercise in aging Balance exercises for seniors Flexibility exercises in aging Best exercises for fall prevention How to start ..read more

In This Episode: Dr. Kernisan explains what all older adults and families should know about the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common memory condition that affects 20-25% of older adults. She  discusses scientifically tested approaches to treating and managing MCI and improving brain health, including the role of medications, supplements, treating hearing loss, exercise and more. In this episode, she covers: What is MCI  How MCI is related to Alzheimer’s and dementia What to do if you suspect MCI Scientifically proven approaches to treating and managing MCI  W ..read more

In This Episode: Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains the best ways to boost brain health in aging, to help memory and thinking, as well as to prevent cognitive decline. Learn which approaches geriatricians find most effective, plus which vitamins and supplements are likely to help. Dr. K also covers emotional well-being in aging, and how this affects cognitive health. Topics discussed: Helping older adults maintain brain health and memory Why promote your brain health The difference between normal and abnormal brain changes with aging FAQ: How to know what’s happening in your brain Why emotio ..read more

In This Episode: Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with her trusted geriatric care manager colleague Michelle Allen, LCSW, to explain how Aging Life Care Professionals (also known as geriatric care managers) can help older adults and their families. They cover: Why geriatricians love geriatric care managers Aging Life Care Professionals vs Geriatric Care Managers What is an Aging Life Care Professional & how do they help How to find an Aging Life Care Professional What is a certified or professional geriatric care manager? Other types of eldercare experts How to hire an Agin ..read more

In This Episode: Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains 8 things health providers should check after an older person falls, to prevent future dangerous falls in aging. In this episode: Why it’s vital to be proactive after a fall Why you should learn the 8 things Dr. K checks after a fall Why checking BP sitting and standing is so important The most useful blood tests to consider Medications that can worsen falls How to check gait and balance Additional referrals to consider Related episode:  034 – Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider Related Resources: 8 Th ..read more

  In This Episode: Geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with experienced geriatric care manager Michelle Allen, LCSW, to discuss a common FAQ: how to pay for elder care. They cover What types of help do elders usually need What are the options for eldercare? How much does eldercare cost? How to pay for eldercare? What to know about long-term care insurance How Medicaid pays for eldercare Related episode: 096 – Interview: Paying for Long-Term Care: 2019 Updates Related Resources: Hiring In-Home Caregivers for Aging in Place- What to Know:  https://betterhealthwhile ..read more

Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for Summer 2023, including the current COVID situation in the US, how to get COVID data now that the public health emergency has ended, updates on COVID boosters, how to know if you still should take precautions, and more. In this episode: What’s changed since February Updates on the COVID bivalent booster What’s happening now with COVID How to decide if you should worry about COVID What are the risks of catching COVID now? How to avoid catching COVID this summer COVID booster FAQs COVID symptoms now What to do if you catch COVID & how to get Paxlovi ..read more

Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for August 2023, including the recent rise in COVID cases, whether to get boosted again now or later, what we know about the upcoming fall COVID vaccine, and more.  In this episode: What to know about the new COVID wave Update on the EG.5 subvariant Whether vaccines work against the newest variants Update on the upcoming 2023 COVID vaccine booster Answers to FAQs Should you get boosted again now or wait? Symptoms of COVID & what to do if you catch it What will really help us live with COVID Note: For the masks Dr. K recommends, you can get&n ..read more

Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for 2023, including what’s most important for aging adults and their families to know for the spring. She also covers the problem of doctors inappropriately not prescribing Paxlovid (the best treatment if an older adult does catch COVID), and how to advocate to get it successfully. In this episode: The current COVID & flu situation (cases & hospitalizations) About the new Covid variant XBB.1.5 What the public health emergency ending will mean for you How to know if you need to worry about COVID What to know about COVID reinfections If you’re high ..read more

Dr. K discusses what aging adults & families should know about COVID and flu this winter. She covers: The currently increasing rates of COVID & flu What to know about the new Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 How well the fall COVID bivalent booster is working so far How to avoid getting sick and how to gather safely When to mask and how to do so effectively Why use a HEPA air purifier at home and how to choose one How to detect COVID now How to treat COVID Her top recommendations for staying safe during winter gatherings Note: you can get the CO2 monitor Dr. K refers to here: htt ..read more