JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Hi Everyone, I am launching this newsletter, arcHEALTH (clever, right?) to summarize the health and advocacy tips that I cover in my news segments, podcasts, and presentations. I hope having all the links in one place will make it easy for you to find my advocacy and health tips when you need them most. You'll receive arcHEALTH in  your mailbox every month and previous editions will be available on my website. I hope it's helpful! 

Here's a quick recap from July: Parkinson’s Disease made it to the national political conversation with speculation about who has it. I stay out of the political fray, but since this condition affects 1 million people, I want to make sure you know the symptoms. And make sure you know your rights regarding access to your medical records because information blocking is not okay! Also not okay: hysterectomies for fibroids unless all other options have been considered. Some extra special highlights last month included interviewing Chelsea Clinton on social care needs and giving the keynote at US Aging's Annual Conference. Scroll down to read about these topics and more.

INFORMATION BLOCKING

Information blocking refers to situations when providers delay or impose barriers to accessing your medical records. Here's what you need to know: the 21st Century Cures Act gives you the right to have immediate access to ALL your medical records, including your doctor's office/clinic notes. If you want to know the results of your labs, xrays, etc, your provider cannot make you wait until they review the results first. Doctors aren't particularly thrilled with this law but studies show that 96%  of patients want immediate results even if their provider hasn’t reviewed them yet. Watch this KSTP segment and listen to my podcast episode with Kelsey to understand what warning signs to look for, the information you are entitled to, and how to break through information blocking bureaucracy.

Medical Gaslighting

Gaslighting can happen to anyone, but it happens to women far more often. In one survey, 72% of women say they've experienced medical gaslighting. In women of color, the statistics are even higher. During this podcast, Sarah shares how she experienced medical gaslighting when she went to the emergency room with chest pain. She also shares good advice on what you can do to protect and advocate for yourself if you find yourself feeling dismissed. (Spoiler: she's an attorney)

OLYMPIC (ELITE ATHLETE) INJURIES

A study from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics showed that 1 out of every 11 athletes suffered an injury. So what are some of the most common? For gymnasts: knee and ankle injuries. Track athletes often hurt their hamstrings, and over 90% of swimmers experience a shoulder injury. During Olympic Fever, I talked with Megan Newquist & Chris Egert on  Minnesota Live about why these injuries occur. Bottom line? Stretch before any exercise, strengthen your core, and have a coach/trainer observe your form to see if you need to make any adjustments. 

UNNEcessary Hysterectomies

Each year, 600,000 women have a hysterectomy. The most common reason?  Fibroids: non-cancerous tumors in the wall of the uterus. But, are all these surgeries are not necessary. In a new survey, 53% of women were told hysterectomy was the most effective treatment (nope!), and less than one in five (20%) were told about less invasive approaches. Take a look at this KSTP segment to hear about treatment options as well as why some doctors may not lay out all the alternatives. 

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. (Translation: destroys brain cells. The most common: Alzheimer's) And, subtle symptoms can start ten years earlier than the obvious ones. And, while there's no cure, early diagnosis can make a difference. Watch the segment to know what to look for and how it's treated.

Fireside Chat with Chelsea Clinton

In June, I moderated an event for Blooming Health, a NY-based company focused on coordinating social care needs. A highlight of the day was my fireside chat with Chelsea Clinton. She was transparent and thoughtful with bold ideas on how the FBI might be able to help improve public health. But, it was the story about her grandmother that brought the audience to tears. You can watch it here. 

IN OTHER NEWS: 

“RETIREMENT” IS MY LEAST FAVORITE WORD

I gave the Keynote Address to 1400 Area Agency on Aging leaders at the US Aging Conference in Tampa and focused on having a “Longevity Mindset”. The comment that got the most applause? “Eliminate the word ‘retirement’ from your vocabulary." Why do does anyone feel compelled to focus on what they have stopped doing? My suggestion is to talk about what you ARE doing that is adding value and gives you joy. Studies show that retirement can lead to decline in mobility, cognition and mental health. 

Advocating for your health isn't limited to focusing on medical treatment. Advocating also means making sure your care team knows who you are as a person. Tell your story. That's what Eyenga Bokamba did to make sure her mom got the best care after her bone marrow transplant. Listen to the podcast to hear how she did it. 

THROW OUT THE BOAR'S HEAD

There's an ongoing Listeria outbreak which has been traced back to Boar's Head deli-sliced meat. Listeria is a bacteria that causes a serious form of food poisoning. People over age 65 are high risk; even higher risk are pregnant women who are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis. And, getting infected puts the mom and baby at risk for serious complications. More here. 

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.