Better Health While Aging

168 – COVID & Fall Vaccines 2025: What Older Adults Should Know

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00:00 / 00:31:04

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="Rb42zAlBp1"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/covid-fall-vaccines-2025/">168 – COVID &#038; Fall Vaccines 2025: What Older Adults Should Know</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/covid-fall-vaccines-2025/embed/#?secret=Rb42zAlBp1" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;168 – COVID &#038; Fall Vaccines 2025: What Older Adults Should Know&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="Rb42zAlBp1" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K shares what’s new for the 2025–26 fall vaccine season, especially for adults over 60. She reviews the current COVID situation, the updated vaccine options (including Moderna’s mNexspike), and the latest CDC guidelines. Plus, key reminders on this year’s flu and RSV shots and practical tips for staying healthier this winter.

She covers:

• Fall vaccines for older adults
• COVID so far in 2025
• Why fall vaccines matter
• COVID vaccines for 2025–26
• Moderna mNEXSPIKE and other options
• Flu vaccines for 2025–26
• What to know about RSV vaccines
• How to reduce your chances of getting sick
• Recap

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

167 – Type 2 Diabetes: Best & Safest Medications for Older Adults

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00:00 / 00:59:41

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="fCEKr7BQQe"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/diabetes-best-safest-medications-for-seniors/">167 – Type 2 Diabetes: Best &#038; Safest Medications for Older Adults</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/diabetes-best-safest-medications-for-seniors/embed/#?secret=fCEKr7BQQe" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;167 – Type 2 Diabetes: Best &#038; Safest Medications for Older Adults&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="fCEKr7BQQe" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with diabetes researcher and UCSF geriatrician Sei Lee, MD MAS, about how to choose the best medications to treat diabetes in older adults. They explain the pros and cons of today’s main diabetes treatments — metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, and insulin — and how to balance benefits with risks depending on health, frailty, and life expectancy.

They cover:

• Introduction to Diabetes
• Why diabetes care is different in aging
• Time to benefit & diminishing returns
• Individualizing A1C targets
• First-line: lifestyle & metformin
• Older drugs: sulfonylureas, and pioglitazone
• SGLT2 inhibitors: who benefits, who should avoid
• GLP-1s in older adults: benefits, appetite & muscle considerations
• Why DPP-4s are less useful
• Insulin in geriatrics: basal vs mealtime strategies
• Preventing hypoglycemia
• What to know about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
• Questions to ask your doctor

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

166 – Diabetes in Aging: Signs, Symptoms & What to Do

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00:00 / 00:38:19

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="vx13Xm45Sr"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/diabetes-in-aging-signs-symptoms-what-to-do/">166 – Diabetes in Aging: Signs, Symptoms &#038; What to Do</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/diabetes-in-aging-signs-symptoms-what-to-do/embed/#?secret=vx13Xm45Sr" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;166 – Diabetes in Aging: Signs, Symptoms &#038; What to Do&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="vx13Xm45Sr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what every older adult and their family should know about diabetes and prediabetes in later life. She goes into detail on how diabetes is diagnosed, monitored, and treated, including lifestyle tips, diet changes, and first-line medications like metformin for Type 2 diabetes.

She covers:

• Introduction to Diabetes & Prediabetes in Aging
• Blood Sugar Basics: What Is Glucose and Insulin?
• Diabetes and hypoglycemia
• What Is Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes?
• Defining Prediabetes and Diabetes
• Signs & Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
• Long-Term Complications of Diabetes
• Diagnosing Diabetes in Older Adults
• Target A1C Goals for Older Adults
• Risks of Over-Treatment & Hypoglycemia
• Treating Diabetes: Lifestyle Changes, Metformin,& More
• Treating Prediabetes
• What to Ask Your Doctor

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

165 – Constipation After 60: Causes, Relief & Safe Treatments

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00:00 / 00:41:23

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="NI4tSahJ61"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/constipation-after-60-causes-relief-safe-treatments/">165 – Constipation After 60: Causes, Relief &#038; Safe Treatments</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/constipation-after-60-causes-relief-safe-treatments/embed/#?secret=NI4tSahJ61" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;165 – Constipation After 60: Causes, Relief &#038; Safe Treatments&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="NI4tSahJ61" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains why constipation happens in older adults, the signs to watch for, and what to know about laxatives and fiber supplements. She goes over which medicines commonly cause or worsen constipation, when to ask for a medical evaluation, and how to prevent complications like hemorrhoids or fecal impaction.

She covers:

• Constipation in Aging
• Signs, Symptoms & What’s Normal
• Health Consequences of Constipation
• Causes of Constipation in Aging
• Medications that Cause or Worsen Constipation
• The Medical Evaluation of Constipation
• Treating Constipation
• Using Fiber for Constipation
• 3 Types of OTC Laxatives That Work
• Maintenance vs. Rescue Treatments
• Enemas & Treating Severe Constipation
• Dr. K’s Approach to Managing Constipation
• Recap & Key Takeaways

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

164 – 4 Must-Know Lab Tests for Older Adults: Kidney, Liver, CBC & More

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00:00 / 00:27:32

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="XmeDDjWe3B"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/4-top-blood-tests-cbc-bmp-cmp-lipids/">164 – 4 Must-Know Lab Tests for Older Adults: Kidney, Liver, CBC &#038; More</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/4-top-blood-tests-cbc-bmp-cmp-lipids/embed/#?secret=XmeDDjWe3B" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;164 – 4 Must-Know Lab Tests for Older Adults: Kidney, Liver, CBC &#038; More&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="XmeDDjWe3B" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

• Why Blood Tests Matter & Why Doctors Order Bloodwork
• CBC: What It Measures and Why It’s Important
• Basic Metabolic Panel: Kidney Function, Electrolytes & Glucose
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Liver Function & Calcium
• Lipid Panel: Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
• Understanding “Normal” vs “Abnormal” Results
• 4 Tips to Benefit From Blood Tests

[Read more…]

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains four common blood tests ordered in older adults: the Complete Blood Count (CBC), the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and the Lipid Panel. She goes into detail about what these tests measure, what abnormal results might mean, and how they relate to common health problems like anemia, kidney issues, liver function changes, and high cholesterol.

She covers:

• Why Blood Tests Matter & Why Doctors Order Bloodwork
• CBC: What It Measures and Why It’s Important
• Basic Metabolic Panel: Kidney Function, Electrolytes & Glucose
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Liver Function & Calcium
• Lipid Panel: Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
• Understanding “Normal” vs “Abnormal” Results
• 4 Tips to Benefit From Blood Tests

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

163 – Dehydration in Older Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

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00:00 / 00:33:04

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="qrTB7m2wKB"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/dehydration-and-heat-stroke-in-older-adults-symptoms-treatment-prevention/">163 – Dehydration in Older Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, &#038; Prevention</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/dehydration-and-heat-stroke-in-older-adults-symptoms-treatment-prevention/embed/#?secret=qrTB7m2wKB" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;163 – Dehydration in Older Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, &#038; Prevention&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="qrTB7m2wKB" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks about dehydration in aging, including signs and symptoms of dehydration, how dehydration is actually diagnosed, and how to prevent and treat it.  She also explains what to know about heat stroke and how to take precautions during heat waves.

She covers:

• Introduction to Dehydration
• What is Dehydration?
• Why Older Adults Are at Risk
  
• Causes of Dehydration in Aging
  
• Symptoms & Signs to Watch For
  
• Diagnosing Dehydration
  
• Consequences of Dehydration
  
• How to Treat Dehydration
  
• When to See a Doctor
  
• Tips for Preventing Dehydration
  
• Managing Hot Weather
  
• Recap & Final Tips

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

162 – Chronic Pain in Aging: What Really Helps & What to Know About Prescription Painkillers

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00:00 / 00:44:56

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="p8jbd3aR8U"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/treating-chronic-pain-in-aging/">162 – Chronic Pain in Aging: What Really Helps &#038; What to Know About Prescription Painkillers</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/treating-chronic-pain-in-aging/embed/#?secret=p8jbd3aR8U" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;162 – Chronic Pain in Aging: What Really Helps &#038; What to Know About Prescription Painkillers&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="p8jbd3aR8U" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how the most common causes of chronic pain in later life, and how pain should be evaluated. She also covers treating pain through non-drug methods, and explains what to know about commonly used painkillers.

In this episode:

• Truths about chronic pain in aging
• Types of chronic pain: arthritis, stenosis, myofascial, more
• How pain should be evaluated
• How geriatricians approach chronic pain
• Non-drug options for pain
• Medications used to treat pain

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

160 – Is Your Blood Pressure Too Low? Understanding Hypotension

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00:00 / 00:32:54

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="QMmaQw1nW8"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/hypotension-and-low-blood-pressure-in-aging/">160 – Is Your Blood Pressure Too Low? Understanding Hypotension</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/hypotension-and-low-blood-pressure-in-aging/embed/#?secret=QMmaQw1nW8" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;160 – Is Your Blood Pressure Too Low? Understanding Hypotension&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="QMmaQw1nW8" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what counts as low blood pressure, why it becomes common with aging, and what to do about it. She also explains orthostatic hypotension, a common problem that affects many older adults and can lead to symptoms, such as dizziness or even falls.

She covers:

• Defining Hypotension and Low Blood Pressure
• Causes of Very Low Blood Pressure
• Vasovagal Hypotension
• Common Low Blood Pressure Causes in Aging
• Understanding Orthostatic Hypotension
• Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
• Managing Low Blood Pressure in Geriatrics
• If You’re Concerned About Low Blood Pressure

[Read more…]

Better Health While Aging

159 – Best Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure

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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="pHvfSJhPZq"><a href="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/how-to-lower-blood-pressure-and-treat-hypertension/">159 – Best Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/podcast/how-to-lower-blood-pressure-and-treat-hypertension/embed/#?secret=pHvfSJhPZq" width="500" height="350" title="&#8220;159 – Best Ways to Treat High Blood Pressure&#8221; &#8212; Better Health While Aging" data-secret="pHvfSJhPZq" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(d,l){"use strict";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),c=new RegExp("^https?:$","i"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display="none";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute("style"),"height"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):"link"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute("src")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener("message",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll("iframe.wp-embedded-content"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute("data-secret"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+="#?secret="+t,e.setAttribute("data-secret",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:"ready",secret:t},"*")},!1)))}(window,document); //# sourceURL=https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js /* ]]> */ </script>

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains the best ways to lower blood pressure in older adults, using both lifestyle changes and medications that are safe and effective for aging bodies. She goes into detail on the DASH diet, sodium and potassium intake, types of blood pressure medications (like calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors), and how to decide on the right blood pressure goals for your age and health status.

She covers:

• Defining hypertension
• Causes of high blood pressure
• How high is too high?
• How to lower BP
• Lifestyle changes to lower BP
• DASH diet for hypertension
• Reducing dietary sodium
• Potassium and blood pressure
• Medications for hypertension treatment
• Special hypertension considerations for older adults

[Read more…]