Speak Up For Your Health

Archelle shares her personal story about the journey as a caregiver for her mother, Tina, who recently passed away. Guest host Cathy Wurzer leads the conversation, where they discuss the tough decisions and emotional challenges that come with caring for aging loved ones. Archelle talks about navigating the balance between honoring a loved one’s wishes and ensuring their safety and highlighting the difficult but loving decision to sometimes say "no" for their well-being. Key Takeaways Look for early, subtle changes in personality and decision-making. Use this moment to quietly but actively start putting plans in place for your loved one and start checking in on them more frequently. Make sure that healthcare power of attorney documents are signed and accessible. Instead of naming co-decision-makers, it's best to designate a single individual as the primary with an alternate in case the primary is unavailable. This helps avoid delays and complexities in making urgent care decisions. Use technology to help keep your loved one safe. Here's a list of ideas with links: Amazon's Echo Show: This has all the features of a traditional Alexa and has the added benefit of video. This let me "drop in" to see my mom and talk to her without requiring that she know how to use the technology. Blink Mini-Cameras: Buy multiple devices and put them in strategic locations. Make sure to buy the data storage plan so that you can review and store clips. Medical/Safety Alert systems can include a pendant or a smart watch. Have realistic conversations about "aging in place". Discuss the medical, financial, physical and social implications for everyone who is impacted: the aging individual as well as the caregiver(s) who assumes responsibility. Everyone's quality of life matters in this equation. Process for identifying an assisted living: Week 1: Do online research to identify all the facilities in the area. Read independent reviews. Week 2: Create a list of important criteria and conduct phone interviews. Week 3: Visit 4-6 locations. Week 4: Schedule an extended visit and have a meal at 1-2 locations that seem like the best fit. MANY thanks to Cathy Wurzer for guest hosting this interview. Cathy has a passion for aging and end of life issues. Learn more about her organization, End in Mind. You can also hear/see Cathy at: MPR's Morning Edition Minnesota Now, Cathy's own podcast on MPR TPT's Almanac Share your story with Archelle Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Nora Super has struggled with depression for over 30 years. In 2023, she attempted to take her life by suicide – and survived – but with a serious disability. Nora talks openly about her mental health journey, her state of mind during a deep depression, and the treatment that works for her. She also talks about the challenges of living with a disability and her recommendations for supporting patients and caregivers. Key Takeaways: Electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, works faster and better than medication for severe depression. If you or someone you love has severe depression or treatment resistant depression, ask the psychiatrist about ECT as an alternative treatment. If someone close to you attempts to take their life, don't blame yourself. It's highly unlikely that you could have done something to prevent it. Consider buying long -term health insurance, regardless of your current health status. You're not too young. It can help you afford the non-medical care and services you need to navigate a serious illness or the effects of aging. If you need mental health help or support, Call or text 988; National Suicide Hotline Share your story with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Menopause symptoms are more than just hot flashes. Women can experience depression, brain fog, intimacy issues, arthritis and so much more. But too often, women suffer in silence. Tracy Kornet is an Emmy-award winning news anchor on WSMV in Nashville who experienced symptoms for eight years before getting help. She is committed to educating and supporting women so she doesn't hold back on the details when she shares her personal story. Key Takeaway: Don't Be Silent. Get Help For Menopause Get help for your symptoms before they disrupt your mood, your sleep, your job, and your relationships. Communicate with your partner. You are in this together. Know the facts about hormone replacement therapy before deciding whether or not you want to try it. Get support from your family, friends, and your employer if necessary. You don't have to be silent. Here's a link to Tracy's support group on Facebook: Are You There, God? It's Me, Menopause. Share your story with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

At 29, Sarah Carthen Watson was only days away from her wedding when she experienced chest pain. Her visit to the ER became a stark example of medical gaslighting, where health care professionals appeared to dismiss or overlook her concerns. Medical gaslighting not only erodes trust but also risks missing diagnoses and delaying treatment. Key Takeaways Lean on family and friends for advocacy support. Be specific about the diagnosis you're most concerned about. Ask: "Has every (reasonable) test been done to make sure I don't have ________?" If a healthcare professional refuses to do any tests, labs, or x-rays, demand that they document your request and their denial in the electronic health record. Get in touch with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Over 60% of patients say that having fast electronic access to their complete medical record is important. It is a safety issue, a quality issue and your legal right. The 21st Century Cures Act went into effect in 2021, but the Federal Government just decided on the penalties incurred by providers if they create any unnecessary hassle in making your records available. Kelsey's story is about the hassle she faced in the healthcare system including how hard it was to simply get a copy of her radiology report. Key Takeaway: Know Your Rights Under the 21st Century Cures Act Examples of Information Blocking Requesting lab, xray or biopsy results and being told, "Wait for your next visit so the doctor can discuss it with you." Lack of access to the clinical notes written about you in the office or hospital by your doctor, specialists or other ancillary providers (ie physical therapist, social work) Charging excessive fees for access to your medical records. Tip: Request digital/electronic access to information because the "reasonable" cost for paper requests can get pricey. Delay or refusal to transfer of medical records to another doctor/specialist/provider What To Do If You Think Information Blocking Is Happening To You Know how to log in to your healthcare portal Sign any forms required for sharing/transferring information Mention your right to information under the 21st Centure Cures Act. Contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to report potential information blocking. Use the OIG Hotline via the web at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp or by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). How to get in touch with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

In this episode, the guest, Eyenga Bokamba, shares how she advocated for her mother who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When Eyenga sensed that negative stereotyping was limiting her mom’s treatment options, she used storytelling to help the care team “see” her mom beyond just the diagnosis.  Key takeaways: ·     You are ALWAYS more than your diagnosis. Don’t refer to yourself as a "cancer patient" or "diabetic." You are a person with cancer or someone who has diabetes. ·     Tell your story. When you are with a medical provider, share something interesting about yourself – a work project, a hobby, something fun you did recently. ·     Invite a friend or a family member to your visits. They can amplify your story. ·     Role-play before medical visits to help you visualize how various treatment alternatives will unfold and identify questions that you might not have thought about. Links: See Eyenga Bokamba’s work: https://www.eyengabokambapaintings.com/ To get in touch with Archelle: Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

In this conversation, Archelle speaks with Kelly and Michelle – two women who share their stories about feeling dismissed by their providers. Then Dr. Karen Lawson offers advice on how they to navigate these interactions. Key Takeaways: Use Non-Violent Communication Techniques 4 Steps of Non-Violent Communication Describe objective observations. Express how you feel. State your needs. Make a request. More on techniques and worksheets: https://positivepsychology.com/non-violent-communication/ Links: More on Dr. Karen Lawson: https://www.ihwcproductions.com/ Get in touch with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind that a diagnosis is right and that you know all the possible treatment options. In this episode, John talks about his journey with prostate cancer and the steps he took to get multiple second opinions before selecting the treatment that felt right for him. Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth the effort? Absolutely. Key Takeaways ·     Get educated about your medical condition. Don’t just rely on what the doctor explains in the office. ·     Get a 2nd opinion (and 3rd and 4th ones if necessary) if you have ANY question about your diagnosis or treatment plan. The physicians you choose should be in a different practice so they offer a completely objective opinion regarding your care. ·     Tap into your network of family, friends and colleagues to find other patients with a similar medical condition. Zoom in on the doctors whose name keeps coming up, and then do online research to check their credentials and read patient reviews. ·     Getting in to see specialists can be slow. If you want to get in sooner….get yourself on a waiting list, get to know the office staff, and keep calling back. And, of course, be pleasant. Links Article about waiting times: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/doctor-visits-appointments-frustration-1c88eb9a Get in touch with Archelle Email: [email protected] Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth