https://bit.ly/gth-palliativecare

Most of us have experienced a friend or relative who has been seriously ill. You know then that seriously ill patients often juggle many doctor visits, complicated medication schedules, and care instructions. They also experience a range of emotions that comes with navigating complex condition management. Serious illness can also affect patients financially, because it's common for people with these conditions to end up in the hospital or emergency room on multiple occasions.

William Logan, MD, Medical Director of Palliative Care at Carelon Health, takes us through the benefits of enrolling in a palliative care program, the purpose of which is to improve patient well-being and provide comprehensive, wrap-around support throughout their treatment journey. Carelon Health has the largest in-home palliative care program in the United States, which is covered by most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

He also discusses transition to hospice care.

What is extremely important is to have an Advanced Care Directive - directions you agree on with your trusted health professional outlining what treatment you want and don't want when you are not able to make those decisions on your own. It's best to create the Directive now, when you are healthy.

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https://bit.ly/gth-fluvaccine

Each year, the CDC reports more than 500,000 hospitalizations due to flu (influenza) and life-threatening complications, and 50,000 deaths.

Flu season runs from September to May. It’s important you get vaccination each year. Why? Because the flu virus mutates frequently. Scientists survey what’s happening in the Southern Hemisphere during their winter, and prepares flu vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months.

Who is particularly susceptible to serious flu complications? Children, teenagers, those with underlying chronic health conditions, women who are pregnant, and senior citizens.

IF you get diagnosed with flu, there are anti-viral medications that can help if you catch it early. See your doctor.

Best practice? Get your flu shot every year in September or October. Proven safe and effective.

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https://bit.ly/gth-endometrial-cancer

Endometrial cancer results in approximately 60,000 cases per year, primarily in post-menopausal women past the age of 60, though it can take place in younger patients, as we learn from survivor Kristen Foreman here. Sharyn Lewin, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the Holy Name Medical Regional Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, educates about what endometrial cancer is, risk factors for it, and treatments available. The most important messages from both Ms. Foreman and Dr. Lewin are:

1. Listen to your body and advocate for yourself with any unusual bleeding or discharge in between periods or after menopause.
2. See your gynecologist each year for a check up to catch problems early, even after you finish childbirth.
3. Understand that obesity, poor lifestyle, and family history of cancers put you at greater risk.
4. Know that endometrial cancer, while the most common genital cancers among women, is treatable, yet can be deadly if left untreated.

Listen to this informative interview with Kristen Foreman and Dr. Sharyn Lewin.

And learn more about Dr. Lewin’s fund and services in fighting women’s cancers.

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