If you weren’t able to tune in on November 7 to Des Moines University’s “50 & Better” Health Fair, we invite you to explore all of the topics that were covered as individual segments. Simply click on any title you want to learn more about and you will be led to that presentation. Please remember that these presentations are meant to be informative only, and you should consult your doctor before making any major changes in your lifestyle.
- Older Adult Sleep: The DMU Neurology Club dives deep into the science of sleep, sleep needs as we age, the benefits of sleep, risks associated with lack of sleep, the role sleep plays in fighting COVID-19, and finally how you can get a better night’s sleep. (11 minutes)
- Mental Health During COVID-19: Learn risk factors for mental illnesses, like depression and anxiety, and what these specific mental illnesses can look like. Emotional expression, nutrition and mental health, and modern medicine and mental health are also explored. (13 minutes)
- Osteopathic Self-treatment to Promote the Body’s Ability to Fight COVID-19: This video provides demonstrations of exercises for the musculoskeletal system one can do at home to promote health and the body’s ability to fight viruses. When instructed, please pause the video to perform the exercise on each side of the body before continuing. (20 minutes)
- Nutrition, Physical Activity and Movement with Bands: The DMU Preventative Medicine Club lets you in on secrets of how to prevent diseases before they happen and models a resistance band workout. Tune in to find out how to get a band mailed to you for free! (12 minutes)
- Common Orthopedic Problems: This video explores the following conditions and how they are caused and treated: rheumatoid arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, joint replacement and low back pain. (17 minutes)
- Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment: The DMU Internal Medicine Club discusses the ins and outs of bone health, including when to see your doctor, abnormal findings, prevention and risk factors. Visit the DMU Clinic for your DXA scan if you have any risk factors. (12 minutes)
- Screening for Colon, Breast and Prostate Cancer: The DMU Oncology Club explains the most current information on who should be tested (and why) for breast, colon and prostate cancers. (9 minutes)
- When to Seek Out the Emergency Room: This video explores Des Moines’ local emergency departments and their capabilities, what exactly an ER is, information about wait times, stroke symptoms, chest pains, falls and COVID-19 symptoms. (13 minutes)
- Blood Thinners: DMU’s Physician Assistant Club explores why you would take a blood thinner, what exactly a blood thinner is, the three most common uses, INR, risks and benefits associated with use, and different types of blood thinners. (11 minutes)
- Aging of the Brain: This video features a discussion of the four lobes of the brain and what they control, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, different types of strokes, cerebral atrophy (or brain shrinking) and its risk factors, and preventative measures to keep our brains healthy. (16 minutes)
- Kidney Health: The DMU Family Medicine Club explains how your kidneys work, chronic kidney diseases, kidney tests to detect kidney disease, and how to keep your kidneys healthy. (7 minutes)
- Eye Health: The DMU Geriatrics Club goes in-depth on common age-related eye disorders (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy), habits for healthy eyes and common visual complaints. (18 minutes)
- Aging in Your Skin: The DMU Dermatology Club discusses (with photos) skin concerns with aging, which includes benign and malignant lesions and the “ABCDE” method of assessing your moles. (7 minutes)
- Navigating End-of-Life Decisions: Learn about what the iPOST is, what advanced directives are available to you, the Five Wishes form, and how to request that these be mailed to you. (17 minutes)
- Total Ankle Replacement: Dr. Sean Grambart, doctor of podiatric medicine, explains new information that has become available about this procedure and end-stage ankle arthritis. (22 minutes)
- HbA1c: The DMU Podiatric Medicine Advocacy Club discusses what exactly what HbA1c is, problems associated with unregulated HbA1c (diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular diseases, and poor wound healing), and treatment and prevention. (6 minutes)
- Wound Care: Dr. Kathy Frush, doctor of podiatric medicine, dives deep into wound care below the knee and discusses the differences between veins and arteries, different types of wounds/ulcers, how to take care of them, and when to go to the doctor. (21 minutes)
- Fall Prevention: The DMU Physical Therapy Club discusses modifiable risk factors for falls and tips to prevent falls and explains a physical therapist’s role in fall prevention. (6 minutes)
- Pelvic Floor and Urinary Incontinence: Dr. Kari Smith, doctor of physical therapy, presents on the essential control of the core and bladder function, who is affected by pelvic floor problems (leakage, urinary urgency and frequency, incomplete emptying, nocturia and retention), what are normal bladder patterns, and detailed instructions on pelvic floor exercises like “kegels.” (28 minutes)
- Pain Journaling: The DMU Anesthesia Club explores how pain is defined by doctors and what pain journaling is, how to do it and why it is so important. (11 minutes)
We hope you enjoy these presentations put on by DMU faculty and students. If you have questions, comments or concerns, contact DMU’s community and public relations manager at community@dmu.edu.
