The Health Advocates are joined by singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Cyndi Lauper and chef and restauranteur Michelle Bernstein to talk about their journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Recently, the two of them have joined forces to bridge the worlds of music and cuisine to deliver a powerful message of hope and empowerment for patients living with psoriatic disease. Here, they share about their personal journeys with diagnosis, the importance of connecting with other patients, and why they are spreading awareness.

For more information on the resources mentioned by Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Bernstein, you can visit: ThePSConnection.com

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

The Health Advocates are joined by singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Cyndi Lauper and chef and restauranteur Michelle Bernstein to talk about their journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Recently, the two of them have joined forces to bridge the worlds of music and cuisine to deliver a powerful message of hope and empowerment for patients living with psoriatic disease. Here, they share about their personal journeys with diagnosis, the importance of connecting with other patients, and why they are spreading awareness.
For more information on the resources mentioned by Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Bernstein, you can visit: <a href="http://www.ThePSConnection.com">ThePSConnection.com</a>
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

The Health Advocates

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

S7, Ep 11- "Advocate for Yourself and Don't Give Up" with Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Bernstein

In honor of Lupus Awareness Month and Lupus Day of Action in New York City, we’re joined by New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif. Council Member Hanif shares about her life as a lupus patient and how her condition informs her work as a member of the city council. She underscores the importance of accessibility within New York City and the idea of creating infrastructure to help patients with chronic conditions live and age in peace.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:41: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, acknowledges Earth Day and discusses the contributions of plant life to medicine, highlighting how nature aids in treating various diseases

01:26: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the topic of biologic therapies and their potential use in treating COVID-19 by targeting the immune response

02:46: Council Member Hanif discusses her personal journey with lupus, starting with her symptoms at age 17 and her eventual diagnosis during an emergency room visit, which significantly impacted her life

05:45: Council Member Hanif reflects on her initial awareness of lupus through popular culture and the lack of broader discussions on chronic illnesses in her community, which motivated her to advocate openly about her condition

07:57: Steven asks Council Member Hanif about the transition from emergency care to regular treatment and how she navigated the health care system to find appropriate care despite initial challenges

11:33: Council Member Hanif explains how her personal experiences with lupus and health care barriers influenced her political career and advocacy efforts, especially concerning city infrastructure and public services to accommodate people with disabilities

14:57: Steven emphasizes the need for policies that support aging and accessibility in city environments

15:46: Council Member Hanif shares her ongoing commitment to lupus advocacy, including her participation in national lobby days and her efforts to ensure city legislation considers the needs of people with chronic illnesses

17:43: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In honor of Lupus Awareness Month and Lupus Day of Action in New York City, we’re joined by New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif. Council Member Hanif shares about her life as a lupus patient and how her condition informs her work as a member of the city council. She underscores the importance of accessibility within New York City and the idea of creating infrastructure to help patients with chronic conditions live and age in peace.
Among the highlights in this episode:
00:41: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, acknowledges Earth Day and discusses the contributions of plant life to medicine, highlighting how nature aids in treating various diseases
01:26: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the topic of biologic therapies and their potential use in treating COVID-19 by targeting the immune response
02:46: Council Member Hanif discusses her personal journey with lupus, starting with her symptoms at age 17 and her eventual diagnosis during an emergency room visit, which significantly impacted her life
05:45: Council Member Hanif reflects on her initial awareness of lupus through popular culture and the lack of broader discussions on chronic illnesses in her community, which motivated her to advocate openly about her condition
07:57: Steven asks Council Member Hanif about the transition from emergency care to regular treatment and how she navigated the health care system to find appropriate care despite initial challenges
11:33: Council Member Hanif explains how her personal experiences with lupus and health care barriers influenced her political career and advocacy efforts, especially concerning city infrastructure and public services to accommodate people with disabilities
14:57: Steven emphasizes the need for policies that support aging and accessibility in city environments
15:46: Council Member Hanif shares her ongoing commitment to lupus advocacy, including her participation in national lobby days and her efforts to ensure city legislation considers the needs of people with chronic illnesses
17:43: What our hosts learned from this episode
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 13- Celebrating Lupus Awareness Month with New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif

We’re joined by Shonta Chambers, who serves as the Executive Vice President-Health Equity Initiatives and Community Engagement for the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF). Shonta explains how social drivers impact one’s health, including things such as housing and economic status. We dive into the case work she does with PAF to combat these challenges and connect patients to resources. She also shares her personal journey of being a caregiver.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:00: Shonta explains her role at the Patient Advocate Foundation, detailing her personal and professional experience with health advocacy

01:35: Shonta describes the foundation's work in addressing the non-clinical, social, and financial drivers of health inequities, emphasizing the broad support they offer from insurance issues to basic living needs

02:40: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the significant impact of social and economic factors on health and probes further into patient experiences

03:04: Shonta highlights the importance of addressing various non-clinical factors that affect health outcomes and shares how the foundation helps patients navigate these challenges

07:34: Zoe reflects on the exhaustive nature of being a patient and highlights PAF's role in alleviating some of that burden

09:20: Shonta shares personal challenges as a caregiver and the systemic issues she faces even with her professional background

16:38: Zoe asks what can be done to help improve conditions for patients, prompting a discussion on policy advocacy and community support

19:47: Shonta offers advice to caregivers on maintaining their well-being and the importance of self-care

23:30: What our hosts learned from this episode

For more information about the Patient Advocate Foundation visit: https://www.patientadvocate.org/

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

We’re joined by Shonta Chambers, who serves as the Executive Vice President-Health Equity Initiatives and Community Engagement for the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF). Shonta explains how social drivers impact one’s health, including things such as housing and economic status. We dive into the case work she does with PAF to combat these challenges and connect patients to resources. She also shares her personal journey of being a caregiver.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:00: Shonta explains her role at the Patient Advocate Foundation, detailing her personal and professional experience with health advocacy
01:35: Shonta describes the foundation's work in addressing the non-clinical, social, and financial drivers of health inequities, emphasizing the broad support they offer from insurance issues to basic living needs
02:40: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, discusses the significant impact of social and economic factors on health and probes further into patient experiences
03:04: Shonta highlights the importance of addressing various non-clinical factors that affect health outcomes and shares how the foundation helps patients navigate these challenges
07:34: Zoe reflects on the exhaustive nature of being a patient and highlights PAF's role in alleviating some of that burden
09:20: Shonta shares personal challenges as a caregiver and the systemic issues she faces even with her professional background
16:38: Zoe asks what can be done to help improve conditions for patients, prompting a discussion on policy advocacy and community support
19:47: Shonta offers advice to caregivers on maintaining their well-being and the importance of self-care
23:30: What our hosts learned from this episode
For more information about the Patient Advocate Foundation visit: <a href="https://www.patientadvocate.org/">https://www.patientadvocate.org/</a>
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 12- The Balancing Act of Chronic Illness with Shonta Chambers

Zoe and special co-host Adam Kegley, Associate Director of Global Partnerships at GHLF, are joined by San Diego-based gastroenterologist Carlton Thomas, MD, to learn all about LGBTQ+ health and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Carlton shares how not enough people are talking about sexual health and IBD, how people can have more open and honest conversations with their doctors, and the challenges faced in the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to accessing health care.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:00: Dr. Carlton shares his background as a gastroenterologist specialized in IBD and his presence on social media as a voice for queer health, highlighting his unique approach to discussing often taboo subjects

02:54: Adam Kegley, Associate Director of Global Partnerships at GHLF, and Dr. Carlton discuss the lack of conversation around sexual health and IBD in health care settings, emphasizing the importance of open communication between patients and providers, especially in the LGBTQ+ community

04:16: Adam explains the LGBTQ+ IBD Experiences Survey, a GHLF initiative to understand the specific health care experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD, aiming to improve inclusivity and access to care

If you are an LGBTQ+ person living with IBD, make your voice heard and take the survey at https://bit.ly/lgbtq-ibd

05:38: Dr. Carlton discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD, including the difficulty in discussing sexual health with health care providers, particularly in less accepting environments, and the impact of provider bias and misinformation

07:15: Adam notes the surprisingly low percentage of gastroenterologists who routinely inquire about sexual health in IBD patients

10:07: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, reflects on her own experience with Crohn's disease, noting the absence of discussions about sexual health with her gastroenterologist, and asks Dr. Carlton for advice on initiating these conversations

11:23: Dr. Carlton emphasizes the importance of finding knowledgeable and open health care providers, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD to seek providers who are comfortable discussing and addressing their unique health care needs

11:58: Dr. Carlton stresses the importance of honest discussions about sexual health and the impact of IBD on one's sex life, as well as advocating for better health care for the LGBTQ+ community

15:30: What our hosts learned from this episode

You can find Dr. Carlton on Instagram and TikTok here: @doctorcarlton

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

Zoe and special co-host Adam Kegley, Associate Director of Global Partnerships at GHLF, are joined by San Diego-based gastroenterologist Carlton Thomas, MD, to learn all about LGBTQ+ health and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dr. Carlton shares how not enough people are talking about sexual health and IBD, how people can have more open and honest conversations with their doctors, and the challenges faced in the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to accessing health care.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:00: Dr. Carlton shares his background as a gastroenterologist specialized in IBD and his presence on social media as a voice for queer health, highlighting his unique approach to discussing often taboo subjects
02:54: Adam Kegley, Associate Director of Global Partnerships at GHLF, and Dr. Carlton discuss the lack of conversation around sexual health and IBD in health care settings, emphasizing the importance of open communication between patients and providers, especially in the LGBTQ+ community
04:16: Adam explains the LGBTQ+ IBD Experiences Survey, a GHLF initiative to understand the specific health care experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD, aiming to improve inclusivity and access to care
If you are an LGBTQ+ person living with IBD, make your voice heard and take the survey at <a href="https://bit.ly/lgbtq-ibd">https://bit.ly/lgbtq-ibd</a> 
05:38: Dr. Carlton discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD, including the difficulty in discussing sexual health with health care providers, particularly in less accepting environments, and the impact of provider bias and misinformation
07:15: Adam notes the surprisingly low percentage of gastroenterologists who routinely inquire about sexual health in IBD patients
10:07: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, reflects on her own experience with Crohn's disease, noting the absence of discussions about sexual health with her gastroenterologist, and asks Dr. Carlton for advice on initiating these conversations
11:23: Dr. Carlton emphasizes the importance of finding knowledgeable and open health care providers, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals with IBD to seek providers who are comfortable discussing and addressing their unique health care needs
11:58: Dr. Carlton stresses the importance of honest discussions about sexual health and the impact of IBD on one's sex life, as well as advocating for better health care for the LGBTQ+ community
15:30: What our hosts learned from this episode
You can find Dr. Carlton on Instagram and TikTok here: @doctorcarlton
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 11- "Advocate for Yourself and Don't Give Up" with Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Bernstein

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