Dr. Heidi J. Syropoulos
I joined Independence Blue Cross in 2015 after practicing Geriatrics for nearly 30 years. In my current role I function as the medical liaison to our Government markets team, serving as a subject matter expert on clinical medicine and healthcare delivery. What I love about my new position is the opportunity to help an entire population of people through the benefits of their health plan.

Keeping Seniors Safe in the Summer Heat

Did you know the elderly are more vulnerable to hot weather? Dr. Heidi Syropoulos gives her tips for keeping seniors safe in the summer heat.
Like many of you I wasn’t sure winter would ever end here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Considering I was born and raised in Minnesota, you would think I’d be used to that weather. But honestly, the longer I live, the more difficulty I have with winter and all its inconveniences. One of my favorite things about Philadelphia is the length of spring — in the upper Midwest,...
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The Hazards of Hospitalization: Ways to Avoid Preventable Issues and Readmissions

Hospitalization
One of the best advances in medicine over the past 100 years is our ability to provide state-of-the-art technologic procedures and treatments that improve people’s lives and longevity. For some, this requires being admitted to the hospital. You may have the expectation that if you went into the hospital for surgery, a procedure, or treatment, you would improve enough to leave,...
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Unlocking Diabetes: What You Didn’t Know About How Insulin and Glucose Work

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.1 Nearly everyone has had at least some exposure to diabetes, whether it’s a childhood friend who grew up with type 1 diabetes,...
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Celebrate One of History’s Critical Medical Advancements: Immunization

Recently, a friend asked me what I consider to be the biggest health care game-changers in the past century. I could list some right way, and found more when we looked it up together on the Internet. It’s an impressive list: anesthesia, randomized clinical trials, radiologic imaging, improved cardiac care, clean water, to name a few....
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Mental Health Month: More Than “Risky Business”

Loneliness and aging can lead to depression in seniors.
I read an article recently announcing that May is National Mental Health Month, and it reminded me of my days in medical practice. Dealing with geriatric mental health issues is among the most complex challenges in caring for the elderly. This year’s theme, Risky Business – Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll, is intended to educate the public on habits and behaviors that may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illness or be signs of mental health problems in and of themselves....
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World Cancer Day: Discovering the Power of Preventive Medicine

world cancer day - preventive medicine
February 4 is World Cancer Day! It was established at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris on February 4, 2000. The aim of World Cancer Day is to promote research for curing and preventing cancer and mobilize the global community to talk about cancer prevention. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about the importance of preventive medicine and cancer prevention....
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Fact, Resources, and Hope for Families Facing Alzheimer’s Disease

Important facts and helpful resources for dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers from a geriatrician.

My first experience with Alzheimer’s care

I remember the first time I interviewed a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. I was still a medical student, a confident newbie, just learning the skills it takes to obtain a good medical history. I sat in the exam room with a lovely, immaculately-dressed, older woman who appeared to answer all my questions adequately....
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Advance Care Planning: How a Document on Death Can Help You Live

Advance care planning (otherwise known as an advance directive) is crucial to ensuring that you'll receive the quality of care you desire as you grow older.
My “baby” turned 25 today. He lives in Los Angeles and is all grown up, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t celebrate his birth. In fact, as my children have left the nest and we don’t spend as much time actively celebrating birthdays with family and friends, I now use this time to reflect on them — the pregnancies,...
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