What if an irregular heartbeat is trying to tell you something important?

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig welcomes back retired cardiologist Dr. Melissa Curry to discuss atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a common heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people, with nearly 40% experiencing it at some point in their lives.

Together, they explore:

• What AFib is and why it matters
• Common symptoms and risk factors
• How AFib can increase the risk of stroke
• The latest treatment and management options
• Lifestyle changes that can help you live well with AFib

The good news? With early detection, proper medical care, and healthy lifestyle choices, AFib can often be managed successfully.

Whether you’re concerned about your own heart health or caring for a loved one, this episode offers practical information and reassurance to help you better understand AFib and take steps toward a healthier future.

Click here to listen

As summer winds down, many parents find themselves searching for activities to keep their children engaged after most summer camps have ended—but before the school year begins. That’s exactly where VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp comes in.

Returning for its third year, Kids Camp takes place August 3–5, perfectly bridging those last few weeks of summer with a fun, educational, and meaningful experience for children ages 8 to 11.

Unlike traditional summer camps, Kids Camp gives children the opportunity to make a real difference in their community.

Campers will learn about senior hunger and social isolation while helping deliver meals and friendly visits to homebound seniors in Oak Cliff. They’ll also create handmade cards and notes of encouragement, tour the VNA Meals on Wheels kitchen to see how meals are prepared and delivered, and participate in hands-on nutrition activities—including fun food tastings that may introduce them to a few new favorite fruits and vegetables!

Throughout the three-day camp, children will build confidence, develop empathy, and discover the joy of serving others alongside new friends. It’s a unique experience that combines learning, service, and fun—all while giving parents peace of mind during that often challenging gap between the end of summer camps and the first day of school.

Space is limited, so reserve your child’s spot today!

Camp Dates: August 3–5
Ages: 8–11

Register today at VNATexas.org/Kids-Camp and give your child a memorable end to summer while making a lasting impact in the community.

Questions? Contact Ryan Jackson at ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org.

If you are age 40 or younger, come connect with fellow young professionals for an evening of networking, drinks, snacks, and giving back! Join us at Haggerty Kitchen to help pack pet food for our homebound seniors’ pets. Come expand your professional network while making a direct impact on the lives of local seniors and their beloved animals!

Next Event: August 20 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

RSVP or questions? Contact McKenzie Kapperman at mckenzie.kapperman@vnatexas.org.

Each year, in honor of her birthday, Maria Nguyen, owner of BlueHammer Roofing, chooses a nonprofit organization to support with a special donation. This year, she selected VNA’s Children’s Haven Pediatric Hospice and presented the organization with a generous $10,000 donation.

Children’s Haven provides compassionate care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Thank you, Maria, for your continued commitment to making a difference in our community!

Because of You: FY2026 Highlights

At VNA, our work is grounded in compassion, connection, and a shared commitment to those we serve. As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2026, we begin with a heartfelt thank you—to you, our donors and volunteers. Your generosity makes every moment of care, every meal delivered, and every life touched possible.

One of the most exciting milestones this year is breaking ground on Katherine’s House, a transformational project that will ensure patients without a home or caregiver will have access to a peaceful, dignified place for end-of-life care.

At the heart of our mission remains Meals on Wheels. Every day, your generosity helps ensure that thousands of seniors receive not only nutritious meals, but also a vital connection to their community—helping them remain safe, independent, and cared for in the place they call home. We are also launching our Meals on Wheels 2.0 technology transformation, an effort that will improve efficiency, deepen impact, and better support both clients and the teams who serve them.

Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism. In the coming weeks, we will open the T. Boone Pickens Inpatient Unit, expanding access to compassionate, high-quality care for hospice patients needing specialized care for symptom management and respite care for patients whose caregivers need a break from caregiving.

None of this is possible without you. Thank you for making this work—and this impact—possible.

Chris Culak
President & CEO
Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

© VNATexas.org
1420 W. Mockingbird Ln., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247

Established in 1934, the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing care to our community, enhancing health and well-being with compassion, dignity and integrity. VNA is North Texas’ most trusted provider of quality health care services in the home and is the first, most experienced Hospice Care provider in Texas. VNA offers Meals on Wheels in Dallas County, Supportive Palliative Care, and adult and pediatric Hospice Care in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Tarrant, Van Zandt, and Wise counties. Visit www.vnatexas.org or call 214-689-0000 for more information. 

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