In this episode, guest Gina Hessburg shares her experience of being diagnosed with optic neuritis and learning to advocate for herself within the health care system.

(04:41) Meet Raphael, the inflatable support friend
(09:39) Being your own health advocate
(11:47) The real struggle in navigating mental health and chronic disease
(14:23) Why having goals is key to managing your chronic illness

Contact Our Hosts

Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: atapia@ghlf.org

Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.

In this episode, guest Gina Hessburg shares her experience of being diagnosed with optic neuritis and learning to advocate for herself within the health care system.
(04:41) Meet Raphael, the inflatable support friend (09:39) Being your own health advocate (11:47) The real struggle in navigating mental health and chronic disease (14:23) Why having goals is key to managing your chronic illness
Contact Our Hosts
Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: <a href="mailto:atapia@ghlf.org">atapia@ghlf.org</a>
Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: <a href="mailto:dali@ghlf.org">dali@ghlf.org</a>
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to <a href="mailto:wellnessevolution@ghlf.org">wellnessevolution@ghlf.org</a>.

A podcast bringing you diverse conversations about the mind, body, and wellness journey. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Angel Tapia and Danielle Ali.

Learn more at www.GHLF.org/podcasts.

A podcast bringing you diverse conversations about the mind, body, and wellness journey.&nbsp;The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Angel Tapia and Danielle Ali.
Learn more at www.GHLF.org/podcasts.

Wellness Evolution

A podcast bringing you diverse conversations about the mind, body, and wellness journey. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Angel Tapia and Danielle Ali.

Learn more at www.GHLF.org/podcasts.

A podcast bringing you diverse conversations about the mind, body, and wellness journey. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Angel Tapia and Danielle Ali.
Learn more at www.GHLF.org/podcasts.

S1, Ep 4- Advocacy and My Chronic Illness: Raising Your Voice for Yourself and Others

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Scott Roberts, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Associate Medical Director of Infection Prevention at the Yale School of Medicine, and Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens, to discuss why Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is no longer just a concern for infants, but a growing threat to adults, especially older adults and those living with chronic conditions.

The conversation breaks down who’s most at risk, how RSV symptoms differ from COVID and flu, and what’s new in prevention and vaccination for 2025. The guests also explain how RSV can worsen existing conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease, and offer practical guidance on coordinating RSV, flu, and COVID vaccines for the best seasonal protection.

Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, caring for someone who is, or simply preparing for respiratory virus season, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights on how to stay informed, protected, and healthy.

Meet the Team

Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from GSK.

Learn more at ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ 

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Scott Roberts, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Associate Medical Director of Infection Prevention at the Yale School of Medicine, and Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens, to discuss why Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is no longer just a concern for infants, but a growing threat to adults, especially older adults and those living with chronic conditions.
The conversation breaks down who&rsquo;s most at risk, how RSV symptoms differ from COVID and flu, and what&rsquo;s new in prevention and vaccination for 2025. The guests also explain how RSV can worsen existing conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease, and offer practical guidance on coordinating RSV, flu, and COVID vaccines for the best seasonal protection.
Whether you&rsquo;re living with a chronic illness, caring for someone who is, or simply preparing for respiratory virus season, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights on how to stay informed, protected, and healthy.
Meet the Team Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from GSK.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/">ghlf.org/informed-immunity/</a>&nbsp;

RSV Isn’t Just for Kids: The Rise of Adult Risk

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Tyler Evans, Infectious-Disease and Public-Health Physician; Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens; and Stephanie Lebsack, a chronic-lung-disease patient and advocate. Together they unpack the ongoing realities of COVID-19 in 2025 — from rising infection rates and updated vaccine guidance to the long-term impact of long COVID on people living with chronic illness.

The conversation explores how vaccines are adapting to new variants, why boosters remain essential, and the crucial role pharmacies play in maintaining access and trust. Our guests also address how misinformation and politicization have complicated public-health efforts, and why protecting vulnerable communities requires both science and empathy.

Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or simply navigating life post-pandemic, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights on how to stay informed, protected, and prepared.

Meet the Team

Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from Moderna.

Learn more at ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ 

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Tyler Evans, Infectious-Disease and Public-Health Physician; Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens; and Stephanie Lebsack, a chronic-lung-disease patient and advocate. Together they unpack the ongoing realities of COVID-19 in 2025 &mdash; from rising infection rates and updated vaccine guidance to the long-term impact of long COVID on people living with chronic illness.
The conversation explores how vaccines are adapting to new variants, why boosters remain essential, and the crucial role pharmacies play in maintaining access and trust. Our guests also address how misinformation and politicization have complicated public-health efforts, and why protecting vulnerable communities requires both science and empathy.
Whether you&rsquo;re living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or simply navigating life post-pandemic, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights on how to stay informed, protected, and prepared.
Meet the Team Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from Moderna.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/">ghlf.org/informed-immunity/</a>&nbsp;

Why Staying Up to Date on COVID Vaccines Matters If You Live With a Chronic Condition

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, and Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens, to break down what’s new this flu season, and why vaccination is especially important for people living with chronic conditions.

They explore why the flu remains a serious threat, especially for people with chronic conditions, and how vaccination can prevent dangerous complications and hospitalizations. The conversation covers optimal timing for flu shots, new vaccine updates for 2025–2026, and the importance of caregiver and community vaccination in protecting those most at risk. The experts also address access and equity challenges, explaining how pharmacies help make flu vaccination more convenient, affordable, and inclusive.

Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, caring for someone who is, or simply preparing for flu season, this episode offers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you stay protected and informed.

Meet the Team

Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to podcasts@ghlf.org

Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from GSK.

Learn more at ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ 

In this episode, host Shelley Fritz is joined by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, and Samantha Picking, PharmD, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens, to break down what&rsquo;s new this flu season, and why vaccination is especially important for people living with chronic conditions.
They explore why the flu remains a serious threat, especially for people with chronic conditions, and how vaccination can prevent dangerous complications and hospitalizations. The conversation covers optimal timing for flu shots, new vaccine updates for 2025&ndash;2026, and the importance of caregiver and community vaccination in protecting those most at risk. The experts also address access and equity challenges, explaining how pharmacies help make flu vaccination more convenient, affordable, and inclusive.
Whether you&rsquo;re managing a chronic illness, caring for someone who is, or simply preparing for flu season, this episode offers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you stay protected and informed. Meet the Team Host: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF.
A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc, Director of Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments or questions to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Informed Immunity is a podcast series produced by the non-profit Global Healthy Living Foundation, and this episode was made possible with support from GSK.
Learn more at <a href="https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/">ghlf.org/informed-immunity/</a>&nbsp;

S1, Ep 4- Advocacy and My Chronic Illness: Raising Your Voice for Yourself and Others

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