Health & Wellness Blog

How safe is your home from fall risks?

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Did you know that 1 in 4 people aged 65+ fall each year according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)?  Scanning your own home is a good place to start, you can help make a difference! Ground-level falls are a common reason for a visit to the…

Farmer’s Lung

Monday, March 22, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
“Farmer's lung” is known in medical terms of as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and can be compared to (but is different from) a severe allergic reaction.  There are other names for HP such as "bird fanciers lung ", “cheese washer’s lung” and “hot tub lung” -- the only difference is the…

How to Schedule a Colonoscopy

Friday, March 19, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk* for colorectal cancer to start regular screenings at age 45. A colonoscopy doesn’t take a lot of time, but this simple procedure offers a big payback: peace of mind. Colorectal cancer is deadly, but treatable if it’s caught early. The majority…

Cancer Discussion with Dr. Rao

Thursday, March 11, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Dr. Vijay Rao, new Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center interviews with Mike Tanner, News Director at KWAT. Mike and Dr. Rao discuss how he became interested in caring for patients with cancer, cancer types and treatments, and general screening guidelines during this KWAT original available like a podcast…

Do I Need a Heart Screening?

Friday, March 05, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
A heart screening helps determine if you're at risk for heart disease. Heart disease is a broad term that includes numerous conditions. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is related to a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in…

How to Recover After a Heart Attack

Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
 After a heart attack, stent placement, or cardiac surgery (coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart transplant) you will need to recover in a safe environment. Cardiac rehabilitation is a four-phase program to help patients help their hearts through exercise and education. In addition to an individualized exercise plan, you will also…

What is Nephrology?

Monday, February 15, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Dr. Tina Melanson, Nephrologist interviews with Mike Tanner, News Director at KWAT. Mike and Dr. Melanson discuss her experience and passion to care for patients with complex kidney disorders. Learn about nephrology, kidneys, dialysis, and more during this KWAT original available like a podcast below.

What is Dysphagia?

Thursday, February 11, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Dysphagia is a medical term used to describe when someone has problems chewing and/or swallowing their food or liquids. Many may have occasional difficulty swallowing when they eat too fast or don’t chew their food well enough, but occasional instances are not a cause for concern. However persistent dysphagia may…

Know Your Numbers

Monday, February 08, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Hypertension is known as a silent condition, because it can be present without any symptoms.  According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension, and 45% of these people do…

Heart Healthy Recipes

Monday, February 01, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Almost half of the adults in America have high blood pressure.  One of the most important things to do when managing high blood pressure and other heart conditions is to eat a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System's Registered Dietitians through Sodexo…