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Speak Up For Your Health
Archelle Georgiou, MD
51 episodes
1 week ago
Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.
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Medicine
Health & Fitness
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All content for Speak Up For Your Health is the property of Archelle Georgiou, MD and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.
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Medicine
Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/51)
Speak Up For Your Health
Rowing Through PTSD: A Veteran’s Journey to Healing
After serving as a counter-intelligence agent in Bosnia, veteran Bryan Fuller returned home with invisible wounds—PTSD that upended his life. Then, he discovered rowing. In this episode, Bryan shares how the rhythm of rowing—and rowing across the Atlantic—helped him heal, find purpose, and give back to fellow veterans. Key Takeaways PTSD doesn't only affect people on the battlefield. Trauma can come from many places including the slow buildup of chronic stress. Recognize when you're not okay. It can be hard to see your own pain, especially when you've been living with it for a long time. Often, the bravest (and hardest) step toward healing is acknowledging that something isn't right and that you need help. Find purpose and celebrate progress. Purpose gives meaning to pain and acknowledging small victories along the way builds confidence, hope, and resilience. Build community. Healing often happens when you're surrounded by people who understand what you've been through. Find and cherish your mentors. People who believe in you can reignite your self-belief. Forgive yourself. It's one of the hardest and most healing things you can do. London Calling Row: This is where you can donate to Bryan's 2026 trans-Atlantic crossing and/or support veterans: https://londoncallingrow.com/captain-bryan/ Connect with Archelle: ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PTSD #VeteranStories #HealingJourney #Resilience #SpeakUpForYourHealth
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1 week ago
27 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports: What One Mother Wants You to Know
Sexual harassment and abuse can happen in any sport — even youth athletics. In this episode, Carrie Kehring shares her experience after her teenage daughter was sexually abused by her coach. She opens up about the broader issue of grooming and power dynamics in sports and offers practical insight on how to recognize red flags, set healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional and legal aftermath of abuse. Determined to create change, Carrie founded #WeRideTogether, a nonprofit providing free resources and tools to help parents and athletes build safer sporting environments. Key Takeaways: 1. If your child/teenager is in sports..any sport...focus on prevention. Follow the Rule of Three —no athlete should ever be alone with a coach. This applies to both in-person and remote interactions, including phone and text ! There should either be 2 coaches and an athlete or 2 athletes and a coach in all interactions. Have open, age-appropriate conversations about boundaries and make sure both your child and their coach understand them. Trust YOUR gut and empower your child or teenager to trust THEIRS. If something feels off, it probably is. 2. Learn to recognize grooming. It often starts small with blurring of boundaries: some favoritism, gifts, a little extra attention. It can feel flattering… until it’s not. 3. If you discover abuse or inappropriate behavior, make sure your child is safe — both physically and emotionally - then find an advocate. This can be an attorney, a counselor, or another parent who can help you navigate think through next steps. 4. Be prepared for a long journey. Healing takes time. Law enforcement is essential — but it’s also emotionally difficult. So, be ready for tough questions, and know that your child will need ongoing support. 5. Learn more. Visit WeRideTogether.today — to find resources, videos, and stories that can help you recognize risk and protect the athletes you love. Links: #We Ride Together: https://www.weridetogether.today/ US Attorney's Office (District of Oregon) Press Release summarizing sentencing of Kehring's abuser: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/former-olympic-equestrian-sentenced-federal-prison-sexually-abusing-minor-student Connect with Archelle: ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠
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3 weeks ago
31 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
A Skeptic (Me) Talks To A Chiropractor. Does He Change My Mind?
I’ve always had a strong bias against chiropractic care. But when I met Dr. Scott Salita, a chiropractor who was willing to have a real, evidence-based, and open-minded conversation, I decided to challenge my own assumptions. We sat down for an honest discussion about where chiropractic care truly helps, where it crosses the line, and how patients can make smart, safe choices. Key Takeaways: Consider chiropractic care if you have back or neck pain—it’s a legitimate option for many people. Do your homework. Ask friends for recommendations, review websites for exaggerated claims, and check your state’s chiropractic board for any disciplinary actions. Be your own advocate. Know your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and expected results. If you’re not improving, seek a second opinion. Watch out for red flags. Be skeptical of prepaid “treatment packages” or open-ended care plans. Chiropractors deserve to make a living—but not at the expense of your health or wallet. Links: Connect with Dr. Salita: Website: https://www.chirorecords.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-salita-dc-6298a5/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #ChiropracticCare #alternativemedicine #backpain #neckpain #patientadvocacy #speakupforyourhealth #patientempowerment
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1 month ago
30 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Autism? Neurodivergent? What Really Matters.
What causes autism? Why do some children thrive while others don't? What's the most effective treatment? Diane Cross, CEO of Fraser, Minnesota's largest provider of autism and mental health services answers these questions and more. Key Takeaways: Parents: If you think something isn’t quite right with your child, don’t wait. Build a relationship with a pediatrician, talk with other parents, get a second opinion, and follow the science. Timing matters: The earlier the diagnosis and intervention, the better. Prior to age 4, is best since a child’s brain has more plasticity. Autism isn’t necessarily abnormal—it’s different. We all have different gifts and strengths. Those of us who are neurotypical may be the ones left behind if we don’t recognize and embrace those differences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Every child and every family needs a plan that’s tailored to them. The goal isn’t to “fix” autism—it’s to help each child reach their full potential. Links: Fraser Website: https://www.fraser.org/ Online Autism Screening tool: https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #speakupforyourhealth #PatientJourney #HealthcareStories #autism #ASD #autismspectrumdisorder #neurodivergence #Fraser #developmentalchallenge #parenting
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1 month ago
31 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
They’re Just Like Us: Seeing the People Behind Homelessness
Homelessness can happen to anyone—and its impact on health is profound. In this sobering conversation, Union Gospel Mission CEO Pam Stegora-Axberg talks about the realities of homelessness, the health consequences we don’t see, and the simple ways we can all offer hope. Key Takeaways Mental health and substance abuse are often root causes. These struggles can destabilize jobs, housing, and relationships—and without support, can quickly spiral into homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are “just like us.” They want to be seen, known, and called by name, and often, they are just as wary or afraid of us as we might be of them If you wonder how to help, start small. Hope often begins with a meal.Offering a Ticket of Hope from Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities invites someone to have a hot meal and take a first step toward support. Here's a link: https://www.ugmtc.org/toh/ If you don’t live in the Twin Cities, go on line to see how you can support a shelter in your area. Community has a role to play. Homelessness is not just an individual problem—it’s a community problem. From healthcare providers to neighbors, businesses to families, we all share responsibility for supporting the most vulnerable and building pathways out of homelessness Links: Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities: https://www.ugmtc.org/ CDC Statistics on homelessness: https://www.cdc.gov/homelessness-and-health/about/index.html ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #speakupforyourhealth #PatientJourney #HealthcareStories #homelessness #socialdeterminants #uniongospelmission #philanthropy .
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2 months ago
33 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Back Pain and Back Surgery Laced With A Strong Dose of Medical Humor
Back pain is one of the most common health problems adults face—but what happens when the patient is also a doctor? In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Robert (Bob) Ganz shares his 20-year journey with back pain – from subtle early symptoms to spine surgery. In this conversation, Bob and I were chatting as if we at a cocktail party, and he candidly reflects on his posture, physical therapy, and the challenges of choosing the right surgeon. Along the way, he reveals what it’s like to be both the patient and the physician—including the unforgettable moment when he ended up diagnosing his own surgeon. Key Takeaways ·       Core strength matters. The muscles in your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis all work together to stabilize your spine. Yoga or pilates are a great option – but if you already have back pain, start by consulting with a physical therapist. ·       Pain is personal. Everyone has a different threshold. Ultimately, only you can decide how much pain you’re willing to live with before pursuing surgery. ·       Crowdsource to finding the right surgeon. There are no central registries that show compare surgeons results. Word of mouth and personal recommendations are the best tools you have. Ask as many people as you can who their surgeon was and how their experience was.  You’ll often find the same one or two names rising to the top. AND… ·       Don’t ignore reflux symptoms. Since Bob is a world expert on GERD, he shared a story where heartburn was mistaken for cardiac chest pain. If you have reflux symptoms or heartburn, don’t self-diagnose or rely on over-the-counter medications. See your doctor and get evaluated. Links: Here's Dr. Ganz' impressive bio: https://www.mngi.com/provider/robert-ganz-md-masgehttps://www.mngi.com/provider/robert-ganz-md-masge Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #BackPain #HealthcareAccess #BackSurgery #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #Sciatica #speakupforyourhealth #GERD #gastroesophagealreflux #heartburn ##MedicalHumor #PatientJourney #HealthcareStories #PostureMatters #CoreStrength #DoctorAsPatient
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2 months ago
36 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Dan Buettner on the Longevity Craze—and Why Blue Zones Still Matter
Not your usual Blue Zones recap. In this candid conversation, National Geographic explorer and longevity researcher Dan Buettner shares what he’s learned since first uncovering the world’s longevity hot spots, how his perspective has evolved, what he REALLY thinks about today’s booming “longevity industry,” and how much of the Blue Zones lifestyle he personally follows. This is a fun one! Key Takeaways: Focus on the Blue Zones pillars: eat a mostly plant-based diet, move naturally throughout your day, cultivate the right outlook, and connect with others. Your friends’ habits are contagious: Surround yourself with a “tribe” that inspires you to make healthy food choices, move more, laugh more, and live more. Channel your inner Thomas Jefferson: During a meal, keep one conversation going around the table. Ask a meaningful question and truly listen. It’s a simple way to create connection and community. Live by the 75% rule: You don’t have to be perfect 100% of the time. Enjoy a splurge now and then—just don’t do make it the norm. It’s never too late to start: The best time was 20 years ago; the next best time is today. Links: All of Dan's books/cookbooks: https://www.thebluezonesstore.com/pages/blue-zones-books Live to 100 Netflix Documentary: https://www.netflix.com/search?q=live%20to%20100&jbv=81214929 How to host a Jeffersonian dinner: https://fabricegrinda.com/how-to-host-an-intellectual-dialoging-dinner/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #LifestyleMedicine #HealthcareAccess #bluezones #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #longevity #speakupforyourhealth #healthylifestyle #icaria #ikaria
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3 months ago
36 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Diagnosed at 11, Thriving at 17: Alana’s Type 1 Diabetes Journey
When 11-year-old Alana Kendall was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her life changed—but not in the way you might expect. Now 17, Alana speaks with remarkable wisdom, humor, and optimism about how living with a chronic condition has not only shaped her—but strengthened her. In this inspiring conversation, Alana shares how she learned to manage her diabetes independently, how technology has helped her—and her parents—feel safe and in control. Most importantly, she reflects on how her diagnosis sparked something bigger: compassion, confidence, and a calling to lead. For any parent raising a child with a chronic illness, this episode is a must-listen. Alana proves that a diagnosis doesn’t have to limit your child—it can fuel their purpose, their independence, and their power. To Learn More About From Girl to Great Website: https://fromgirltogreat.com/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #HealthSystemNavigation #HealthcareAccess #Caregivers #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #Type1Diabetes #healthcarestories #Diabetes #speakupforyourhealth #chronicillness
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3 months ago
30 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
My Daughter's Misdiagnosis; My Own Health Advocacy Wake-Up Call
When my daughter Zoe was 11, what seemed like a simple ankle injury became a seven-year journey marked by pain, misdiagnoses, and uncertainty. Despite having two physician parents who did their best to advocate for her, we trusted what we were told and waited far too long to seek a second opinion. In this episode, Zoe shares her story—from the emotional toll of being sidelined as a teenager to the surgery that finally changed everything. Along the way, we talk about the lessons she learned about self-advocacy, communicating clearly with healthcare providers, and why believing in yourself is just as important as the treatment plan. Key Takeaways: Be specific about your symptoms. Clinicians will ask where your symptoms are located, what makes them better or worse, and how they started. Think through those answers ahead of time. Use visuals to communicate. If you have something visible—like swelling, a rash, or a limp—take a photo or record a video. These can provide invaluable information and help your provider reach a diagnosis more quickly. Play your part in healing. Having a great doctor is important—but a patient has responsibility and is an important part of the team. It’s okay to cry. Sometimes, being stoic can actually be a barrier to getting the care you need. Make sure your doctor knows what you’re going through. Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #HealthSystemNavigation #HealthcareAccess #Caregivers #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #ankleinjury #ankleligamentrepair #SportsInjury #OrthopedicJourney #healthcarestories #speakupforyourhealth
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4 months ago
31 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Young Mom. Surgeon. Stage 4 Cancer. Now What?
Dr. Susan MacDonald—a 42-year-old urologist, professor, and mother of two—found a lump in her breast and just two weeks later she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The diagnosis was rare and devastating, with cancer in both breasts and metastases to her bones. In this episode, Susan speaks candidly about the emotional toll of facing a limited future: the grief, the impact on her career, and the fear of leaving her children too soon. But she also shares how she’s choosing to live the rest of her life—however long that may be—with intention. Her practical advice is essential for anyone navigating medical care. She explains how to speed up the scheduling of scans, tests, and specialist appointments, and offers a unique dual perspective—as both surgeon and patient—on how to collaborate with doctors when making treatment decisions. This is a conversation about resilience, radical honesty, and the fierce will to keep living, even when the future is uncertain. Key Takeaways Be Persistent: You can often speed up test and appointment scheduling by calling every other morning to check for cancellations—especially during bad weather, when patients are more likely to cancel. Be kind to schedulers; it makes a difference. Know Your Limits: Ask every question you need to understand your diagnosis and treatment—but also trust the expertise of doctors, nurses, and specialists who’ve seen more than you have. Practice Gratitude: Spend just five minutes a day—or even per week—writing down who and what you're grateful for. It’s a powerful mindset shift, and online resources can help you build the habit. Keep Living: Focus on what matters most. Make a new bucket list, teach your kids the life skills they’ll need, and don’t hold back on hugs, kisses, and meaningful moments. Here's how you can connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠
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4 months ago
37 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
What 40 Podcast Episodes Taught Me About Speaking Up For Your Health
In this solo episode, Dr. Archelle Georgiou distills what she learned from her first 40 guests on the podcast. She identifies 7 key themes and then shares her insights as well as things you can do to "speak up for your health." The topics include: Being the CEO of your own care Knowing "what you don’t know” is a key to effective advocacy Overcoming the hidden burden of stigma Feeling dismissed by your provider-and what to do about it Demanding your patient rights Accessing women's healthcare services Selecting the BEST advocate when you can't advocate for yourself Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠ #CareCoordination #PatientAdvocacy #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HealthSystemNavigation #HealthcareAccess #Caregivers #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #FutureOfHealthcare #LeadershipInHealthcare #womenshealth #healthstigma #stigma
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5 months ago
15 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Care Coordination Isn’t Anyone’s Job—But Should Be Everyone’s Priority
Coordinating care in our healthcare system can feel like running an obstacle course—with no one clearly in charge. In this episode of Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou sits down with Walter Jin, CEO of Pager Health, to talk about how his personal experience navigating his parents’ cancer diagnoses revealed just how fragmented care delivery can be—and what he’s doing to change that. Walter shares how those challenges led him to invest in Pager Health, a company originally co-founded by one of Uber’s creators, and how a pivotal moment during a board meeting inspired a complete shift in Pager’s approach. Now, as CEO, Walter is leading the charge to reduce what he calls the “friction” in healthcare—making it easier for patients to access, understand, and follow through on their care. Key Takeaways: Whether your health plan uses Pager or not, Archelle shares practical steps you can take to coordinate your own care more effectively which include: · Download your health system’s portal app. Having 24/7 access to your medical records is a game-changer. And studies show that if you download the portal app to your smartphone, you're much more likely to use it regularly. · Explore your health insurer’s online tools. Most of us don’t read our health plan’s enrollment packet at the beginning of the year. But if you head to your insurer’s website and look for the “Member Resources” section, you’ll often find helpful tools and services to guide you through the system. ·  Request a case manager. Many health plans have nurses on staff whose sole job is to coordinate care—especially for members with chronic conditions. They usually reach out based on your medical claims data, but you don’t have to wait. You can call and ask to be connected to a case manager who can help you stay on top of your care. Links Get more information about Pager Health: ⁠https://www.pagerhealth.com/ More insight on Walter Jin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterjin/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #CareCoordination #PatientAdvocacy #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HealthSystemNavigation #HealthcareAccess #Caregivers #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #FutureOfHealthcare #LeadershipInHealthcare
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5 months ago
34 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Too Little Time, Too Many Questions: When 5 Minutes With Your Doctor Isn't Enough
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment unsure of what was just said—or what to do next? You’re not alone. Even highly educated patients can walk away feeling confused about their diagnosis, medications, treatment plan, or how to prepare for a procedure. And the consequences can be serious: missed steps, wrong assumptions, and delays in care. In this episode of Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou sits down with John Brownlee, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Vidscrip. His drive to improve patient understanding stems from a deeply personal place—watching his own mother struggle to recall her doctor’s instructions. With Vidscrip, he's closing the gap between what doctors say and what patients actually remember. You’ll learn: How to ask better, clearer questions—and why no question is “dumb” How to use tools like ChatGPT or Gemini—not to get medical answers, but to prepare smarter questions How platforms like Vidscrip are helping clinicians communicate more clearly and consistently Key Takeaways Be self-aware about your own health literacy. Even highly educated, highly literate individuals can struggle with fully understanding their medical condition and choices well enough to be able to make a fully informed decision. Make sure you have all your questions answered. Read the patient education materials you get from your provider; watch your doctor's videos if they use VidScrip. And if you still have questions, they are not dumb questions. Your healthcare provider would rather have you ask questions rather than having to cancel your surgery or not follow through on your treatment plan. ChatGPT and Gemini AI are great free online resources to help you prepare for a medical appointment. John didn't suggest using these tools to get answers to your questions, but to help you determine what questions to ask. Effectively using ChatGPT or Gemini AI depends on creating a good prompt. Here's a prompt you can use to generate a list of good questions to help guide your appointment PROMPT "I have an upcoming appointment with a doctor to discuss (FILL IN CONDITION OR PROCEDURE). Please suggest the questions I should ask to make sure that I a) understand my condition, b) know my alternatives, c) understand the risks and benefits of each alternative, d) make sure I respect my preferences and priorities and e) know to do on my end to make sure I have a good outcome." Links Get more information about vidscrip: https://studio.vidscrip.com/carenavigation/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠ Email: ⁠SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com⁠ Instagram:  ⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth
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6 months ago
30 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
When Faith and Medicine Intersect: Dawn's Story
Science and faith don't have to be mutually exclusive. And, when health is on the line, we want as many helpful interventions as possible. In today's episode, Dawn Carpenter - an expert in finance and investment banking – talks about how adopting two little girls from Russia shifted her outlook on faith. Each of her daughters, Emily and Abby, faced life-threatening medical situations. Fortunately, Dawn had the resources to get them the best medical care. But, that wasn't enough. She added faith to the treatment plan. This is not a story about religion but one about healing. Key Takeaways Keep a detailed journal. Writing things down, your observations, conversations, and gut instincts become a powerful source of truth, can help spot inconsistencies among doctors, and becomes a source of data when advocating. Learn to listen to your gut instincts. Your "gut feeling" is a gift. When something doesn't feel right, it often isn't. Model advocacy. Advocacy isn't something we're born knowing how to do. It's something we learn by example. Find the superpower. Disabilities and challenges don't define limits. They reveal hidden strengths. Our job is to help uncover them in others and in ourselves. Invest in faith. Faith, inner peace, and believing in something greater than ourselves can be just as powerful in helping us heal and thrive over the long term. Links You can read about Dawn Carpenter's insights on Financial Longevity https://milkeninstitute.org/experts/dawn-m-carpenter Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #adoption #faith #social investing #journaling #healing
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7 months ago
36 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Navigating Miscarriage, IUI, and the Uncertain Road to Motherhood
In this episode, Brittany Runck shares her deeply personal and ongoing journey through infertility. She has experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, the emotional and physical toll of multiple intrauterine insemination treatments and is considering in vitro fertilization. Brittany speaks openly about the grief, shame, and isolation that often accompany fertility struggles—but also the strength she’s found in sharing her story. Key Takeaways Infertility is more common and more complex than many realize. In the U.S., over 400,000 cycles of assisted reproductive technology are performed each year that result in less than 100,000 live births. Pursuing infertility interventions is a journey.   You can do everything right and still not have control over the outcome. Brittany has followed medical advice, tracked her cycle, changed her lifestyle, and pursued multiple treatments. Sometimes biology doesn't cooperate. And that's not a reflection of effort or worth. Being proactive doesn't mean pushing nonstop. Part of Brittany's strength is knowing when to pause. Her decision to step back, even temporarily, is an act of self-care, not giving up. Telling your story can be part of the healing. By speaking out, Brittany is helping break the silence around infertility. And in doing so, she's helping others feel less alone.   Links Follow Brittany on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyrunck/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanyrunck Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #fertility #miscarriage #pregnancy journey #womens health #family planning #IVF #IUI #motherhood #reproductive health
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7 months ago
34 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Behind the Headlines: How Health News Gets Chosen on GMA3 (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our conversation, Catherine McKenzie discusses the unique format of GMA3 and how health topics are a foundational element of the show. She explains how the team selects health topics, the real-world impact of their health stories, and the media’s role in public health. She shares her views on the influence of social media, the challenges of combatting misinformation, and the importance of non-partisanship in health reporting. Key Takeaway Access credible health news, whether it's on TV, online, or in print. Rely on information that's science-based – vetted by clinical professionals and experts, Even when the source is credible, read beyond the headlines. The devil is always in the details. Links GMA3: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/author/gma3 Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #GoodMorningAmerica #catherinemckenzie #healthnews #ABCnews #publichealth #medicalreporting #jenniferashton #dariensutton
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8 months ago
26 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
How an Executive Producer’s Medical Crisis Shaped the Direction of Good Morning America’s Health Coverage (Part 1)
When Good Morning America's executive producer saw her doctor for joint pain, she never expected to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis—or that the medication prescribed to help her would trigger a life-threatening drug reaction. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, she shares her harrowing medical journey, from missed warning signs and delayed diagnosis to a year-long battle with the powerful steroid prednisone. We break down DRESS Syndrome, why medications are often overlooked as the cause of new symptoms, and the serious risks of steroids. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore how Cat’s personal health crisis now shapes the national health news she brings to audiences on GMA3. Key Takeaways Don't ignore persistent symptoms. If you have fever, vomiting, or other concerning signs for more than 2 days, get medical care. Medications should always be on the suspect list. Adverse drug reactions don't always show up as a rash. They are great imitators of disease and may involve any organ system and without a rash. Oral steroids are powerful, but risky. They should never be the automatic go-to. If your doctor prescribes steroids, ask about alternatives and make sure there's a clear plan to taper off. Links GMA3: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/author/gma3 Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #arthritis #jointpain #sulfadrugs #drugallergy #GoodMorningAmerica #patientcare #patientadvocacy #prednisone
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8 months ago
26 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Is It a Phase or a Concern? A Teacher’s Guide to Recognizing Developmental and Behavioral Red Flags
How can you tell if your child's behavior and development are on track? What early signs might indicate the need for an evaluation? In this episode, Ruby Manoles, an early childhood special education teacher, shares how she is often the first to recognize when a child may need extra support. She explains how teachers serve as a crucial bridge between families, schools, and healthcare, advocating for children and connecting them to services to help them thrive. Key Takeaways Recognize Red Flags: Watch for behaviors that may indicate a need for evaluation, such as: Difficulty adjusting after 6–8 weeks in a new environment Inability to clearly communicate needs Lack of responsiveness to safety cues CDC Developmental Milestones Share Concerns Early: If you notice red flags, communicate with the school team. Providing information can enhance the quality of the educational assessment. Understand the Difference: An educational diagnosis is not the same as a medical diagnosis, and having a medical diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for educational services. Focus on the Child, Not the Label: Use person-first language (e.g., "a child with a disability" instead of "a disabled child") to emphasize the individual, not the disability. Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #special education #child development #parenting #neurodiversity #early childhood education #special needs children #autism spectrum disorder
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9 months ago
31 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Sepsis – When the Infectious Disease Doctor Becomes the Patient
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Bornstein has treated countless patients with sepsis. Despite his expertise, Peter found himself battling this condition as a patient, sharing how he ignored the early symptoms until they escalated rapidly. Peter talks openly about the lessons he learned about navigating healthcare as both a doctor and patient. Key Takeaways: Sepsis is serious. Early signs include shaking chills, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent care. Your medical history matters. Even minor procedures weeks prior can be critical to diagnosis. UTIs require attention. Symptoms like pain or frequent urination shouldn’t be ignored, especially for men. Advocate for yourself. If antibiotics don’t work within 3–4 days, ask for an infectious disease consultation. Links Dr. Peter Bornstein's Blog: https://peterbornstein.substack.com/ Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth #sepsis #infectious disease #healthcarecommunication, #patientcare #self-care #prostate biopsy #healthcarepodcast
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9 months ago
30 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Love, Compliance, and Kidney Disease: A Nurse-Mom’s Journey to Save Her Son
How do you advocate for someone you love when they struggle to follow their treatment plan? In this episode, Cherri Furness, a nurse specializing in chronic kidney disease, shares her deeply personal story. Cherri’s son, Jeff, is not just one of her patients—he’s also navigating his own journey with kidney failure. Tune in to hear how Cherri balances being both a caregiver and advocate, even when Jeff resists taking care of himself. Key Takeaways: Don’t Ignore Subtle Changes: Pay attention to small signs—they often signal bigger problems. While pain is an obvious warning, the absence of it doesn’t mean all is well. Conditions like worsening kidney function, high blood pressure, or glaucoma often progress silently. Early detection can make all the difference. Make Treatment Plans Work for You: Adhering to a treatment plan is essential, but it also needs to fit your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, speak up! Simple adjustments—like changing medications, reducing doses, or modifying the schedule—can make it easier to stay on track without compromising effectiveness. Honor the Angels in Your Life: Caregivers are the the angels – the unsung heroes – who often put their own needs aside to support your recovery. While your health is your journey, remember that you’re not in it alone. Appreciate the angels in your corner who walk this path with you. Connect with Archelle ArcHealth Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth
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10 months ago
28 minutes

Speak Up For Your Health
Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.