Speak Up For Your Health

Science and faith don't have to be mutually exclusive. And, when health is on the line, we want as many helpful interventions as possible. In today's episode, Dawn Carpenter - an expert in finance and investment banking – talks about how adopting two little girls from Russia shifted her outlook on faith. Each of her daughters, Emily and Abby, faced life-threatening medical situations. Fortunately, Dawn had the resources to get them the best medical care. But, that wasn't enough. She added faith to the treatment plan. This is not a story about religion but one about healing. Key Takeaways Keep a detailed journal. Writing things down, your observations, conversations, and gut instincts become a powerful source of truth, can help spot inconsistencies among doctors, and becomes a source of data when advocating. Learn to listen to your gut instincts. Your "gut feeling" is a gift. When something doesn't feel right, it often isn't. Model advocacy. Advocacy isn't something we're born knowing how to do. It's something we learn by example. Find the superpower. Disabilities and challenges don't define limits. They reveal hidden strengths. Our job is to help uncover them in others and in ourselves. Invest in faith. Faith, inner peace, and believing in something greater than ourselves can be just as powerful in helping us heal and thrive over the long term. Links You can read about Dawn Carpenter's insights on Financial Longevity https://milkeninstitute.org/experts/dawn-m-carpenter Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #adoption #faith #social investing #journaling #healing

In this episode, Brittany Runck shares her deeply personal and ongoing journey through infertility. She has experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, the emotional and physical toll of multiple intrauterine insemination treatments and is considering in vitro fertilization. Brittany speaks openly about the grief, shame, and isolation that often accompany fertility struggles—but also the strength she’s found in sharing her story. Key Takeaways Infertility is more common and more complex than many realize. In the U.S., over 400,000 cycles of assisted reproductive technology are performed each year that result in less than 100,000 live births. Pursuing infertility interventions is a journey.   You can do everything right and still not have control over the outcome. Brittany has followed medical advice, tracked her cycle, changed her lifestyle, and pursued multiple treatments. Sometimes biology doesn't cooperate. And that's not a reflection of effort or worth. Being proactive doesn't mean pushing nonstop. Part of Brittany's strength is knowing when to pause. Her decision to step back, even temporarily, is an act of self-care, not giving up. Telling your story can be part of the healing. By speaking out, Brittany is helping break the silence around infertility. And in doing so, she's helping others feel less alone.   Links Follow Brittany on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyrunck/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanyrunck Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #fertility #miscarriage #pregnancy journey #womens health #family planning #IVF #IUI #motherhood #reproductive health

In Part 2 of our conversation, Catherine McKenzie discusses the unique format of GMA3 and how health topics are a foundational element of the show. She explains how the team selects health topics, the real-world impact of their health stories, and the media’s role in public health. She shares her views on the influence of social media, the challenges of combatting misinformation, and the importance of non-partisanship in health reporting. Key Takeaway Access credible health news, whether it's on TV, online, or in print. Rely on information that's science-based – vetted by clinical professionals and experts, Even when the source is credible, read beyond the headlines. The devil is always in the details. Links GMA3: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/author/gma3 Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #GoodMorningAmerica #catherinemckenzie #healthnews #ABCnews #publichealth #medicalreporting #jenniferashton #dariensutton

When Good Morning America's executive producer saw her doctor for joint pain, she never expected to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis—or that the medication prescribed to help her would trigger a life-threatening drug reaction. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, she shares her harrowing medical journey, from missed warning signs and delayed diagnosis to a year-long battle with the powerful steroid prednisone. We break down DRESS Syndrome, why medications are often overlooked as the cause of new symptoms, and the serious risks of steroids. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore how Cat’s personal health crisis now shapes the national health news she brings to audiences on GMA3. Key Takeaways Don't ignore persistent symptoms. If you have fever, vomiting, or other concerning signs for more than 2 days, get medical care. Medications should always be on the suspect list. Adverse drug reactions don't always show up as a rash. They are great imitators of disease and may involve any organ system and without a rash. Oral steroids are powerful, but risky. They should never be the automatic go-to. If your doctor prescribes steroids, ask about alternatives and make sure there's a clear plan to taper off. Links GMA3: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/author/gma3 Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #arthritis #jointpain #sulfadrugs #drugallergy #GoodMorningAmerica #patientcare #patientadvocacy #prednisone

How can you tell if your child's behavior and development are on track? What early signs might indicate the need for an evaluation? In this episode, Ruby Manoles, an early childhood special education teacher, shares how she is often the first to recognize when a child may need extra support. She explains how teachers serve as a crucial bridge between families, schools, and healthcare, advocating for children and connecting them to services to help them thrive. Key Takeaways Recognize Red Flags: Watch for behaviors that may indicate a need for evaluation, such as: Difficulty adjusting after 6–8 weeks in a new environment Inability to clearly communicate needs Lack of responsiveness to safety cues CDC Developmental Milestones Share Concerns Early: If you notice red flags, communicate with the school team. Providing information can enhance the quality of the educational assessment. Understand the Difference: An educational diagnosis is not the same as a medical diagnosis, and having a medical diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for educational services. Focus on the Child, Not the Label: Use person-first language (e.g., "a child with a disability" instead of "a disabled child") to emphasize the individual, not the disability. Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #special education #child development #parenting #neurodiversity #early childhood education #special needs children #autism spectrum disorder

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Bornstein has treated countless patients with sepsis. Despite his expertise, Peter found himself battling this condition as a patient, sharing how he ignored the early symptoms until they escalated rapidly. Peter talks openly about the lessons he learned about navigating healthcare as both a doctor and patient. Key Takeaways: Sepsis is serious. Early signs include shaking chills, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent care. Your medical history matters. Even minor procedures weeks prior can be critical to diagnosis. UTIs require attention. Symptoms like pain or frequent urination shouldn’t be ignored, especially for men. Advocate for yourself. If antibiotics don’t work within 3–4 days, ask for an infectious disease consultation. Links Dr. Peter Bornstein's Blog: https://peterbornstein.substack.com/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #sepsis #infectious disease #healthcarecommunication, #patientcare #self-care #prostate biopsy #healthcarepodcast

How do you advocate for someone you love when they struggle to follow their treatment plan? In this episode, Cherri Furness, a nurse specializing in chronic kidney disease, shares her deeply personal story. Cherri’s son, Jeff, is not just one of her patients—he’s also navigating his own journey with kidney failure. Tune in to hear how Cherri balances being both a caregiver and advocate, even when Jeff resists taking care of himself. Key Takeaways: Don’t Ignore Subtle Changes: Pay attention to small signs—they often signal bigger problems. While pain is an obvious warning, the absence of it doesn’t mean all is well. Conditions like worsening kidney function, high blood pressure, or glaucoma often progress silently. Early detection can make all the difference. Make Treatment Plans Work for You: Adhering to a treatment plan is essential, but it also needs to fit your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, speak up! Simple adjustments—like changing medications, reducing doses, or modifying the schedule—can make it easier to stay on track without compromising effectiveness. Honor the Angels in Your Life: Caregivers are the the angels – the unsung heroes – who often put their own needs aside to support your recovery. While your health is your journey, remember that you’re not in it alone. Appreciate the angels in your corner who walk this path with you. Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

The death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has reignited backlash against health insurance practices, particularly prior authorization rules. This episode explores the parallels between today’s outrage and the late 1990s backlash. Archelle sits down with Dr. Lee Newcomer, a fellow former Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare during that era, to share their unique insights. Together, they examine the pros and cons of prior authorization policies and discuss the urgent need for reforms to enhance access to medical care and restore public trust in the healthcare system. Key Takeaways: A Recipe for Navigating Your Prior Authorization Step 1: Have 5-7 days of patience. Step 2: After 5-7 days, call your doctor’s and verify that the prior authorization was submitted. Make sure all the info is correct. Step 3: Call customer service and ask for the status of the request. If they don’t have an answer, get a commitment on when they will follow up. Mention your intention to contact the Attorney General's Office Step 4: Escalate if there is no follow up within the time promised. Options (you can do all 3) ·     Call the Health Insurance Company CEO and request a referral to the Expedited Appeal Unit ·     Contact the Human Resources Department of your employer ·     Submit a complaint to the Attorney General’s office in your state. Here's a link for the AG in each state: https://projects.propublica.org/claimfile/   Don't Forget: Keep your calm and be rationale. You’ll get more accomplished that way. If your doctor believes that the medical test or procedure you need is urgent or emergent….don’t wait for the prior authorization. Get the medical care you need and if its denied, you can appeal it later. Links: Attorney General Offices in each state State: https://projects.propublica.org/claimfile/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth