ISSUE 12: JULY 2025 

From the Blue Zone to the Inbox

This month's newsletter is coming to you a little later than usual because David and I escaped to Greece—our happy place. We went to Ikaria, one of the original "Blue Zones," where the beaches are blissfully quiet, most of the food is grown locally, and music and dancing are a way of life. My soul got a much-needed recharge. And believe it or not…I'm glad to be back.

 

This month’s stories share a common theme: sometimes science is catching up to what we’ve instinctively known all along:

 

You’ll also find three more stories worth your time:

And because I’m a long-time Paul Simon fan – I saw him perform in Rome with Art Garfunkel – I took a page from his playbook. Inspired by “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” I summarized what I learned from my first 40 podcast guests into 7 themes. Okay, okay…its a loose analogy but you’ll want to keep this list handy.

 

I hope you learn something new —and more importantly, something useful—so that you can Speak Up For Your Health.  Links are in red, underlined, and bolded. 

 

Thanks for reading! 

BMI 2.0: A New Way to Measure Obesity

People have argued for years (years!) that body mass index (BMI) is not accurate for classifying someone as overweight or obese. Finally, 27 global health organizations agree. New guidelines say BMI still has value, but it’s just a starting point and shouldn’t be used alone to classify someone's weight status. Why? Because it doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle. And fat is what creates health risk.

 

To have a better picture of someone’s health risk, get out your tape measure and calculate a waist-to-hip ratio. This helps identify whether someone has too much fat stored around the belly—a type of fat that’s linked to higher risk for chronic disease. Interestingly, researchers estimate that roughly 20% of people with a high BMI may no longer be considered obese, while another 20% who were previously in the normal range may now be flagged as at risk due to belly fat.  Watch here

Parents' Instincts ARE ACCURATE

Parents often know when something is wrong with their child—even before test results confirm it. A new international study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that when doctors listened to caregivers’ concerns, children were more likely to survive serious illness. In 32% of critical pediatric cases, caregivers spoke up—but weren’t taken seriously until it was too late.

 

The takeaway? “Parental intuition” is real. Caregivers often notice subtle red flags—like unusual sleep, a different cry, or an unmistakable “not normal” look—long before machines detect anything. If you're worried, say so. Speak clearly, ask for escalation, and don’t stop until you feel heard. According to the study, being respectfully persistent can literally save a child’s life. Watch here

NEW OB-GYN Guidelines: No More “Just a Pinch”

For too long, pain during routine gynecologic procedures—like IUD insertions or biopsies—has been brushed off with phrases like “You’ll just feel a little pinch.” But now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is changing that. For the very first time (Yes, really.) they issued guidelines urging doctors to stop downplaying women’s pain and start treating it seriously.

 

While not a mandate, ACOG recommends that doctors talk to all patients about what to expect during in-office procedures and what options are available for pain relief—from medication to mindfulness to movement.  Bottom line: If you’re told "this will only hurt a little," ask what they’re doing to make it hurt less. Watch here 

HOW DOes RFK's LENS on VACCINES AFFECT YOU?

With the nonstop flood of headlines coming out of Washington, D.C., you may have missed this one: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 existing members serving on ACIP, the CDC’s vaccine advisory group, and appointed eight new ones.

 

Why does that matter? Because ACIP’s recommendations shape vaccine policy across the country—including which vaccines are recommended, which are covered by insurance, and which are readily available to the public. So, if ACIP doesn’t recommend a vaccine—even one already approved by the FDA—you can probably still get it, but your insurance may not cover it in full.

 

But it’s not just about cost. This sets the stage for confusion and misinformation, especially for parents trying to make the best decisions for their children. Until recently, the CDC’s vaccine recommendations aligned with guidance from trusted medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). But if ACIP starts issuing recommendations that don’t reflect the latest science, these organizations may release separate, conflicting guidance.

 

So how might this affect you? Until now, it’s been simple: check the CDC website to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines before school or camp. But going forward, you may have to ask more questions. Right now, the inconsistencies mostly affect COVID vaccines, but tensions are building around possible future disagreements involving MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B, HPV, Influenza, and RSV vaccines.

All of my podcast guests have powerful stories, but the ones that hit hardest are those where someone is living through a tragedy—and still manages to bring humor and grace into the conversation. That’s Dr. Susan MacDonald. She’s a 42-year-old urologist (and for the record, I’ve never met an un-funny urologist) who delayed her routine mammogram for just two years. The result? A devastating diagnosis: breast cancer in both breasts, stage 4, with metastases to her bones.

 

Yes, she’s heartbroken. But she also shares incredibly practical advice on how to navigate the system faster—how to cut through delays and accelerate access to the testing and imaging you need when time feels most urgent.

 

A terminal diagnosis is overwhelming. But as Susan explains, you can at least compress the agony of the unknown, get the answers faster, and begin living the rest of your life with clarity, purpose, and, if you’re lucky, a little laughter. Listen to my conversation with Susan here.

 

What 40 Podcast Episodes Taught Me

I launched Speak Up For Your Health in November 2023. After listening to the stories and wisdom of over 40 incredible guests, here’s what I’ve learned—and what I hope every listener takes to heart:

Be the CEO of your own care
No one knows your body better than you. Show up prepared, ask questions, and don’t hand over decision-making just because someone’s wearing a white coat.

"Know what you don’t know" is a key to effective advocacy
You don’t have to be an expert—but knowing where your knowledge stops helps you ask smarter questions and bring in the right support.

Overcome the hidden burden of stigma
Whether it’s mental health, weight, addiction, or chronic illness—shame keeps people from speaking up. Your health story deserves to be told without shame or apology.

Recognize when you’re dismissed by your provider—and do something about it
If your concerns are waved away or minimized, it’s a red flag. Speak up again. Ask to see someone else. You’re not being difficult—you’re being responsible.

Demand your patient rights
You have the right to access your records, get a second opinion, and make informed choices. Don’t settle for vague answers or delayed communication.

Access women’s healthcare services
From birth control and childbirth to pelvic pain and menopause, women’s health still gets shortchanged. Know what’s available—and what should be.

Select the BEST advocate when you can’t advocate for yourself
Choose someone who is assertive, detail-oriented, and willing to push when needed. It’s not always your closest family member—it’s the one who will speak up with clarity and confidence when it matters most.

 You can find previous editions of ArcHealth on my website. 

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.