In this special episode of The Health Advocates, we take a closer look at Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), a condition that affects tens of thousands of older adults each year in the U.S. but is often misunderstood. Host Steven Newmark is joined by GHLF’s Angela Degrassi, patient advocate Eileen Salsman, and two leading experts — Dr. Leonard Calabrese and Dr. Jeffrey Curtis — to unpack what PMR is, how it impacts daily life, and why a patient-centered approach to research and care is so important. Together, they explore symptoms, diagnosis, steroid treatment challenges, and emerging insights from new research and lived experience.

Special note: We invite you to a live webinar on Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) that will explore critical gaps in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Date: Thursday, September 18th
Time: 6:30 PM Eastern
Location: Live on YouTube

To register, visit: https://www.research.net/r/RKW2FHZ 

Contact Our Host

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

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this special episode of The Health Advocates, we take a closer look at Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), a condition that affects tens of thousands of older adults each year in the U.S. but is often misunderstood. Host Steven Newmark is joined by GHLF&rsquo;s Angela Degrassi, patient advocate Eileen Salsman, and two leading experts &mdash; Dr. Leonard Calabrese and Dr. Jeffrey Curtis &mdash; to unpack what PMR is, how it impacts daily life, and why a patient-centered approach to research and care is so important. Together, they explore symptoms, diagnosis, steroid treatment challenges, and emerging insights from new research and lived experience.
Special note: We invite you to a live webinar on Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) that will explore critical gaps in diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Date: Thursday, September 18th Time: 6:30 PM Eastern Location: Live on YouTube
To register, visit: <a href="https://www.research.net/r/RKW2FHZ">https://www.research.net/r/RKW2FHZ</a>&nbsp;
Contact Our Host
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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>
Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) 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.

S8, Ep 30- Unpacking Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Expert and Patient Insights

In this episode of The Health Advocates, we break down one of the most pivotal and controversial ACIP meetings in recent history. The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee voted to roll back the universal hepatitis B birth dose — a policy that has protected newborns from chronic liver disease for more than three decades. We explain what ACIP decided, why the changes were not based on new scientific evidence, and how misinformation and ideological viewpoints shaped the discussion.

We also explore the real-world consequences for families, clinicians, and health systems. From confusing new recommendations to unnecessary blood tests to disruptions in the overall childhood immunization schedule, these changes will make it harder for parents to access safe, routine preventive care. But the meeting also revealed something hopeful: strong advocacy — from medical societies, public health experts, grassroots organizers, and patient groups — helped prevent even more extreme proposals from becoming policy.

Finally, we discuss what comes next as ACIP reviews additional childhood vaccines and how advocates, clinicians, and community members can stay engaged to protect science-based immunization policy.

Contact Our Host


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

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, we break down one of the most pivotal and controversial ACIP meetings in recent history. The CDC&rsquo;s vaccine advisory committee voted to roll back the universal hepatitis B birth dose &mdash; a policy that has protected newborns from chronic liver disease for more than three decades. We explain what ACIP decided, why the changes were not based on new scientific evidence, and how misinformation and ideological viewpoints shaped the discussion. We also explore the real-world consequences for families, clinicians, and health systems. From confusing new recommendations to unnecessary blood tests to disruptions in the overall childhood immunization schedule, these changes will make it harder for parents to access safe, routine preventive care. But the meeting also revealed something hopeful: strong advocacy &mdash; from medical societies, public health experts, grassroots organizers, and patient groups &mdash; helped prevent even more extreme proposals from becoming policy. Finally, we discuss what comes next as ACIP reviews additional childhood vaccines and how advocates, clinicians, and community members can stay engaged to protect science-based immunization policy. Contact Our Host 
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S8, Ep 42- ACIP Meeting Recap: What Happened and What It Means for Patients

How can lawmakers rebuild public trust in health, and make prevention a shared priority?

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Texas State Representative Nicole Collier, a leading voice on health equity, women’s health, and preventive care. From her work on the Select Committee on Preventable Diseases and Women’s Health to her advocacy for fair access to vaccines, Rep. Collier brings a clear message: prevention isn’t political, it’s essential.

Together, Steven and Rep. Collier explore:
- How preventive care, including vaccines, strengthens community trust
- Why health equity starts with access to reliable information and local leadership
- How Texas can serve as a model for bipartisan public-health collaboration

To learn more about vaccine recommendations and find reliable resources for patients, visit: ghlf.org/vaccines


Contact Our Host


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

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

How can lawmakers rebuild public trust in health, and make prevention a shared priority? In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Texas State Representative Nicole Collier, a leading voice on health equity, women&rsquo;s health, and preventive care. From her work on the Select Committee on Preventable Diseases and Women&rsquo;s Health to her advocacy for fair access to vaccines, Rep. Collier brings a clear message: prevention isn&rsquo;t political, it&rsquo;s essential. Together, Steven and Rep. Collier explore: - How preventive care, including vaccines, strengthens community trust - Why health equity starts with access to reliable information and local leadership - How Texas can serve as a model for bipartisan public-health collaboration To learn more about vaccine recommendations and find reliable resources for patients, visit: <a href="https://ghlf.org/vaccines/">ghlf.org/vaccines</a>
 Contact Our Host 
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S8, Ep 41- Building Trust in Health: A Texas Lawmaker’s View on Prevention, Access, and Equity

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Steven helps our community prepare for the conversations that matter most. Every year, GHLF shares its “Turkey Day Talking Points” to support people living with chronic illness or who are immunocompromised as they navigate discussions about vaccines with family and friends.

This episode breaks down simple, compassionate ways to explain why vaccines are so important, and why protection for immunocompromised people relies not only on their own shots, but also on the vaccination decisions of those around them. Steven emphasizes that for many patients, vaccines aren’t political; they’re personal. They’re about staying healthy enough to participate in holidays, gatherings and everyday life.

Whether you're looking for language to make yourself heard without sparking conflict, or you want to help loved ones understand what vaccine protection really means for you, this episode offers guidance rooted in empathy, clarity and lived experience.

To learn more about vaccine recommendations and find reliable resources for patients, visit: ghlf.org/vaccines

Contact Our Host

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

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Steven helps our community prepare for the conversations that matter most. Every year, GHLF shares its &ldquo;Turkey Day Talking Points&rdquo; to support people living with chronic illness or who are immunocompromised as they navigate discussions about vaccines with family and friends. This episode breaks down simple, compassionate ways to explain why vaccines are so important, and why protection for immunocompromised people relies not only on their own shots, but also on the vaccination decisions of those around them. Steven emphasizes that for many patients, vaccines aren&rsquo;t political; they&rsquo;re personal. They&rsquo;re about staying healthy enough to participate in holidays, gatherings and everyday life. Whether you're looking for language to make yourself heard without sparking conflict, or you want to help loved ones understand what vaccine protection really means for you, this episode offers guidance rooted in empathy, clarity and lived experience.
To learn more about vaccine recommendations and find reliable resources for patients, visit: <a href="https://ghlf.org/vaccines/">ghlf.org/vaccines</a> Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a> A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, 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> Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our <a href="https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates">website</a> or on your favorite podcast channel.

S8, Ep 30- Unpacking Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Expert and Patient Insights

In 1 playlist(s)

The Health Advocates

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips