Nearly half of all women who get a mammogram for the first time will hear this from their doctor: You have dense breasts. But what does this mean? And should women who get this news be concerned? In this episode of Q&A with Dr. K, Dr. Doug Kuntzweiler and Dr. Tiffany Kniepkamp explain what it means to have dense breasts and the health implications. If you have a question for Dr. K, email QandAwithDrK@mpqhf.org. Your question will remain anonymous. Additional resources for this episode Ma...

Vaping is a popular trend, especially among young people. Many believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking or using tobacco and use vaping as a way to quit smoking. But what exactly is involved when you vape? And is it really better for you than smoking? In this episode of Q&A with Dr. K, Dr. Tiffany Kniepkamp joins Dr. Doug Kuntzweiler to discuss what we know about vaping and how it compares to smoking when it comes to our health. If you have a question for Dr. K, email QandAwithDr...

In this episode of Q&A with Dr. K, Dr. Doug Kuntzweiler takes us on his personal journey of being diagnosed with and getting treated for prostate cancer. With 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, and with it being the second leading cause of cancer death for men, get the benefit of both Dr. K's personal experience and expert professional knowledge about what the prostate is, what puts someone at risk for prostate cancer and the screening and treatm...

Early-onset cancer cases are on the rise. What do we need to know about this concerning trend? How are early-onset cancers different from other cancers? Who is at risk? And what are researchers saying? In this episode of Q&A with Dr. K, we get expert insights from two Dr. Ks: Dr. Doug Kuntzweiler and Dr. Tiffany Kniepkamp. If you have a question for Dr. K, email QandAwithDrK@mpqhf.org. Your question will remain anonymous. Additional resources for this episode Yale Medicine: https://www...

As technology becomes more and more prevalent in the way we receive and even schedule our care, what role do patients play in embracing health information technology to improve health and the health care experience? We wrap up our empowered patient series with Dr. K talking about how technology can prevent health issues or track and help you better understand your health, your care plan and communication with your providers. If you have a question for Dr. K, email QandAwithDrK@mpqhf.org. You...

Taking any medication can have risks, but those risks increase when we do not know key information about the medication, do not take the medication when or how we are supposed to or take multiple medications. Dr. K and special guest Kyla Newland, Mountain Pacific pharmacist, provide tips on how to be more confident in your knowledge and routines so taking your medications is easier -- and safer. Additional resources for this episode Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Medication...

This episode of Q&A with Dr. K launches our series about what it means to be an empowered patient, starting with having the confidence to ask questions and knowing which questions to ask when talking with your health care provider. Dr. K shares his experience with patients who ask questions, the three main questions we should always ask our doctors and more! Additional resource for this episode: Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): https://www.ihi.org/resources/tools/ask-me-3-good...

Talking about death or life-threatening illnesses or injuries is not easy. However, planning for these events makes sure you get the health care you want and offers you and your loved ones peace of mind, helping eliminate difficult decisions in the midst of extreme emotions, confusion and pain. Dr. K and special guest Ramon Mercado discuss important end-of-life planning tools, including advance directives and a health care power of attorney. Additional resources for this episode: National In...

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is still a public health problem affecting millions of people in the U.S. and around the world, and yet it is an issue we do not talk about - or when we do, it carries stigma and misinformation. Many people, especially young people who did not live during the 1980s epidemic, still do not understand where HIV came from or how it is transmitted. Dr. K gives us the facts about the history, prevention and treatment of HIV. Additional resources for this e...

Whether is for a new year's resolution, an effort to follow doctor's orders or any other reason to improve your health, sticking to a lifestyle change can be challenging. Dr. K offers advice on how to set realistic goals to achieve a healthier you and responds to a listener's question about steps for lowering blood pressure. Additional resources for this episode: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm American Heart Association: https://www.he...

What is hospice care? Is it different from palliative care? And why is some care denied when a loved one is on hospice care? Dr. K addresses these questions and more as we take a few minutes to better understand hospice, where hospice can be provided, who can provide it and more. Additional resources for this episode: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: https://www.nhpco.org/ If you have a question for Dr. K, email QandAwithDrK@mpqhf.org. Your question will remain anonymous....

What is the latest with COVID-19? With reports of a bump in positive cases and hospitalizations, is it resurfacing? Who should get the newest COVID vaccine? And how do we know when we are up to date on our COVID vaccinations? Dr. K responds to a short email with a lot of questions about what is going on with the latest strain of COVID-19, the release of the new vaccine and whether the flu, pneumonia, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID will join forces to make for a rough winte...

Understanding diabetes and your risks for developing diabetes can be challenging and a little scary, especially when diabetes runs in your family. What's the difference between prediabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes? If people in my family have it, is it inevitable I will get it, too? How will I know if I have diabetes? Dr. K answers these questions and more in this episode of Q&A with Dr. K. Additional resources for this episode: Your primary care doctor! https://diabetes.org/...

We all have trouble remembering details here and there as we get older. Why did I come into this room? Where did I put my car keys? What is that one actor’s name? But when does forgetfulness, a normal part of aging, tip into dementia—which is not a normal part of aging? Dr. K dives into an email asking those questions and more, as we learn about our brains, aging, forgetfulness and dementia. Additional resource for this episode: https://www.alz.org/ If you have a question for Dr. K, email Q...