Dr. K and geriatric social worker Michelle Allen discuss saving money on Medicare and Michelle’s experience trying out Chapter, a national free service that helps older adults find the best Medicare plan for them. For FREE help with Medicare Open Enrollment, Dr. K is recommending calling Chapter at 771-224-0630.
Dr. K discusses COVID for fall 2025, including 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.
Dr. K talks with geriatric diabetes expert Dr. Sei Lee about the different medications available to treat diabetes, including Ozempic and Jardiance, and how to use them safely and effectively in later life.
Dr. K explains what every older adult and their family should know about diabetes and prediabetes. Learn how diabetes is diagnosed and about the most important treatment approaches, including diet, exercise, and first-line medications such as metformin.
Dr. K explains how to prevent and treat constipation in older adults, including what to know about laxatives, prunes, and fiber supplements. She also explains what to do in case of pain or serious blockage.
Dr. K explains 4 commonly ordered blood tests. Learn how the CBC, basic metabolic panel & comprehensive metabolic panel help assess blood counts, anemia, liver & kidney function, & more.
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.
Dr. K explains how the most common causes of chronic pain in later life, and how pain should be evaluated. She also covers the most effective ways to treat pain, and explains what to know about commonly used painkillers.
Dr. K explains what counts as low blood pressure, why it becomes common with aging, when it can be dangerous, 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.
Dr. K explains the best ways to lower blood pressure and treat hypertension, using both lifestyle changes and medications that are safe and effective. Plus special considerations for older and frailer adults.
Cardiologist Cara Pellegrini, MD, explains the causes and treatment of bradycardia (slow heart rate), including when to consider a pacemaker and what to know about different pacemakers.
Dr. K explains what blood pressure numbers really mean, what’s normal BP in older adults and what’s considered too high, why managing hypertension is important, and what BP to aim for.
Dr. K explains methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin, when it comes to treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Learn which type of Vitamin B12 supplement to take and why.
Dr. K explains how older adults can detect, treat, and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, a common problem that can affect nerve function, red blood cells and brain function.
Dr. K discusses nutrition in aging and breaks down the key components of a diet that supports healthy aging and metabolic health. She also covers protein, vitamins and supplements, malnutrition, and what to do if you're concerned about frailty or sarcopenia (muscle loss).
Dr. K talks with cardiologist Cara Pellegrini, MD, to discuss the key aspects of heart failure, including its types (congestive, systolic, diastolic, HFrEF, and HFpEF), causes, symptoms, and treatment options. They also cover special considerations for frail older adults, heart failure and end of life issues, and much more.
Dr. K speaks with Alzheimer’s expert Jason Karlawish, MD, about the new anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s medications lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). They discuss how biomarkers have changed diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, how well these new drugs work, and much more.
Dr. K explains the drugs most often used for Alzheimer's & dementia, including donepezil, memantine, rivastigmine, and galantamine (Aricept, Namenda, Exelon, and Razadyne). She covers how well they work and common side-effects, along with other important ways to treat Alzheimer's.
Dr. K talks again with guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, about urinary tract infections (UTIs) in aging, this time with a focus on UTIs in memory loss, Alzheimer's, dementia, and also in nursing homes. Learn why UTIs are especially challenging in these older adults, plus more on prevention, symptoms and treatment.
Dr. K talks with guest expert Chrissy Kistler, MD, about urinary tract infections (UTIs) in aging, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment. They also discuss colonized bladders, the relationship between UTIs and confusion, when antibiotics might not be needed, and much more.