​Prairie Doc Perspective Week of January 18th, 2026
“Sole Survivors: How to give your feet the support they need”
By Jill Kruse, DO

Our feet support us all day, but often get overlooked until they start hurting.  When every step hurts, it becomes clear how important our feet are.  There can be many causes of foot pain.  There are many things that can cause foot pain. A common cause is problems with the arches in the feet.
There are three arches in the foot.  They are created by ligaments and tendons in the foot along the metatarsal and tarsal bones.  The transverse arch is just behind the toes and goes across the front of the foot. The lateral longitudinal arch is on the foot's outside. It helps keep your foot stable while walking.  The medial longitudinal arch is the one that we are most familiar with. It is what most people refer to when they describe having high arches or flat feet. 
These three arches form a triangle in your foot from the heel to the base of the toes. The foot's arches are key for balance and shock absorption while walking.  Problems with the arches can cause issues with the ankles, knees, and even cause issues in the back.  It is important to address issues with the arches to prevent problems elsewhere.
“Flat feet” is when the medial transverse arch falls. This makes the ankle roll inward. We call this condition “pronation.”   Some people do not have any pain with this condition. In some people, this pronation can lead to pain. You might feel it in the arch of your foot, your ankle, or your knees. This happens because ligaments and tendons get stretched too much. 
High arches are the opposite of flat feet. This is where the arch of the foot rises higher than normal.  Due to this, the foot does not absorb shock as well when walking and can lead to increased pain in the feet.  It can also lead to hammertoes, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. This also affects how weight distributes across the foot, which can impact balance.  
While both of these conditions sound like opposites, it is possible to have both at the same time. A person may have a high arch while sitting. However, when they stand and put weight on their feet, the arch can flatten to flat feet.  The answer to both of these problems is the correct support for the foot and arch.  Flat feet need help to maintain the normal arch. High arches need extra cushioning and support. This helps spread weight and absorb impact while walking. 
No one wants their feet to merely survive the day. If you’re worried about your arches or have foot pain, seeing a podiatrist is a great first step.  They can help get you back on track to walking pain-free so you can not just survive, but thrive. 
Dr. Jill Kruse is a hospitalist at the Brookings Health System in Brookings, SD. She serves as one of the Prairie Doc Volunteer Hosts during its 24th Season providing Health Education Based on Science, Built on Trust. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm on SDPB, YouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of January 11th, 2025
“Accidents Happen, but Being Prepared Saves Lives”
By Andrew Ellsworth, MD


Many of us have been there before—near the top of a ladder, stretching just a little farther to finish the job. Maybe we are cleaning a gutter, hanging Christmas lights, or rescuing a cat from a tree. There is always the temptation to climb one rung higher to reach that final spot.


According to CDC data from 2022, accidents are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. For those ages 1–44, accidents are the leading cause of death. These unintentional injuries include poisonings and overdoses, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. The leading causes vary by age.  Motor vehicle crashes have historically been the most common cause for teenagers and young adults, though firearms became the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1–19 in 2020. Poisonings are a major cause of death in both very young children and middle-aged adults.
For adults over age 65, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury. A common and devastating scenario occurs when an older adult falls and breaks a hip, setting off a cascade of complications that can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, nursing home placement, and even death.


So what can we do to reduce the risk of accidents? Some of the advice may sound like common sense—or like something a responsible parent would say—but it matters. To prevent motor vehicle crashes, avoid driving while impaired, overly tired, or distracted by your phone. Always wear a seatbelt. Drive defensively, obey traffic laws, and adjust your speed for weather and road conditions. If conditions are poor, the safest choice may be to stay home.


Firearms should be locked securely, stored separately from ammunition, and kept out of reach of children and individuals at risk of harming themselves. Education, proper training, and safety courses are essential.


To reduce poisonings, store medications, cleaning products, and chemicals in their original containers and out of sight and reach. Dispose of expired medications properly, and always read and follow labels carefully. Avoid illegal substances altogether.


Finally, falls can sometimes be prevented. Avoid ladders if you have balance issues, and never stand on the top steps. Make sure ladders are secure and have someone assist when possible. To prevent ground-level falls, especially in older adults, remove clutter, improve lighting, install grab bars and handrails, use non-slip mats, wear proper footwear, and address vision, hearing, and balance issues.


Accidents are not always random. Many are preventable with awareness, preparation, and a willingness to slow down. The lesson is simple: don’t take the extra step on the ladder, but do take the extra step to prepare and protect yourself and others from injury


Dr. Andrew Ellsworth is a Family Medicine Physician at Avera Medical Group Brookings in Brookings, SD. He serves as one of the Prairie Doc Volunteer Hosts during its 24th Season providing Health Education Based on Science, Built on Trust. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm, YouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of January 4th, 2026
“Beyond Memory Loss: The Human Side of Dementia”
By Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L and Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L
First, you notice the small changes. It may be challenging to find the right word or remember the name of someone you just met. You may forget where you placed your keys when you came home from the grocery store. Overall, you feel healthy, and these instances are easily brushed off as a normal part of aging or the result of poor sleep the night before. However, over time, these instances become more frequent, and you start to miss appointments or struggle to organize your shopping list. If this sounds like you or someone you know, it is time to seek medical help to get screened for dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, that cause abnormal brain changes. Over six million adults in the U.S. are living with dementia. There is no clearly identified cause for dementia, but risk factors include age, genetics, family history and lifestyle choices. The cognitive decline associated with dementia may impact a person's memory, thinking, mood, behavior and functioning. As the disease progresses, the person will need greater assistance with everyday tasks, such as balancing their checkbook, driving, preparing meals and grocery shopping, and eventually with personal care, such as dressing, bathing and toileting. Though new research has identified promising medications to treat the symptoms and slow the disease progression, there is no cure for dementia.
As the disease progresses, its effects reach beyond the individual who has received the diagnosis. The person living with dementia will require increasing levels of support, which is frequently provided by unpaid family members or friends, referred to as care partners or caregivers. These care partners dedicate significant time and financial resources to assist the person with dementia as their needs intensify. Often, they assume responsibilities around the clock and may feel isolated.
If you or someone you love is in this situation, the first step is to seek a diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your concerns. They might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Once diagnosed, reach out to the support services available in your community and online. Resources are available through organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Veterans Affairs, as well as state agencies such as the Department of Human Services. No one needs to face this journey alone. These organizations provide education, respite care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care and support groups. Check with your state to see what resources may be available to you. 
In addition to seeking support, it is important to remember that maintaining a sense of purpose and connection can make a meaningful difference for both the person living with dementia and their care partners. Engaging in familiar routines, enjoying favorite activities, and nurturing relationships with family and friends provide comfort and help preserve quality of life. Simple adaptations—like labeling cabinets, organizing daily schedules or using reminder notes—can promote independence and reduce frustration in the early stages. Open communication among loved ones, health professionals and support networks is key to adapting to changing needs. While the journey with dementia brings many challenges, focusing on strengths, celebrating small victories and accessing available resources can help foster resilience and hope for everyone involved.
Ranelle Nissen, Ph.D., OTR/L, serves as an associate dean and associate professor in the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Nissen is a licensed occupational therapist in South Dakota and has helped families and individuals affected by dementia through both her professional work and her volunteer work with the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Allison Naber, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, is the academic fieldwork coordinator and an associate professor in occupational therapy at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Naber is a licensed occupational therapist in Minnesota and South Dakota. She volunteers for the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator and community educator. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm on YouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).