Health CARES, A Nurse's Perspective

This is the first in a 3 part series on Hospice.  My friend and Co-Worker Chelsea and I discuss the history of Hospice and go into a few details as to what Hospice is and why it is so important. 

In this episode I speak Stephanie, who has a unique family.  All 3 members of her family have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Join us as she shares her family's journey.

In this episode I speak with Julie who shares her story of her stillborn son. She shares her experiences and the traditions that they have created that help them remember and celebrate her son. She also discusses the difficulties that she has faced as she deals with her loss and how therapy continues to help her cope.

In this episode I speak with Hillary, who shares her story with the stillbirth of her twin boys. Hillary's boys were born at 21 weeks and she tells how she found peace and was able to move on after their birth.  Hillary has had 3 children since the birth of her twin boys and all of them were born early, 2 of them being extremely early.  She tells how the experiences with her twins really prepared her to be able the handle to challenges that her last 3 children brought.  She gives great advice in how to really be able to help someone who is experiencing a child loss, and gives the best advice for those who have had experiences similar to her own.

In this episode I speak with Cole and Joann about spina bifida.  Cole is a very spunky 7 year old who explains what spina bifida is, and how life is for him living with its effects.  While telling his story, he shares the things that he is able to do in spite of his challenges.  It was fun to hear him talk about playing sports and his love of skiing.  Joann details their story, how she found out about his spina bifida in her 20 week ultrasound and the decisions that they faced in helping Cole heal.  As a family, they have been very involved in helping kids and families who are going through similar challenges, even sending wheelchairs to children in Brazil.

Warning, this episode discusses components of - substance abuse, miscarriage, and rape.  Listener discretion advised.  In this episode we speak with Melissa who discusses how she learned to deal with the effects of her past. She shares her painful story of miscarriage, and the toll it took on her mental health.  You will appreciate her candor as she walks you through her past, in the hope that her story will ease the burdens of those who face similar struggles.

In this episode I discuss OCD with Ashley.  Ashley provides great information on the different sub-types of OCD.  She discusses the stereotypical OCD characteristics and gives great insight into what her OCD is and how it affects her, as well as the treatments she uses to keep it in control.  Ashley shares her story in the hopes that others who suffer with OCD will never feel alone.  

In this episode I speak with Cody, whose daughter Brianna was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 3 years old.  Cody tells Brianna's story, how they took her to a doctor almost on a hunch, and demanded that tests be run to ensure everything was ok.  He tells of the healing that he's experiencing in sharing her story, and the thanks they feel as a family for wonderful people around them who helped get them through a difficult time.  Brianna is now 12 years old and has been cancer free for going on 10 years, loves animals, and is an aspiring zoologist.

In this episode I speak with Camille, whose daughter Kenzie was diagnosed with cancer just after her second birthday.   She gives great advice to those who are going through similar challenges, as well as for those who are in support roles. 

In this episode I speak with 3 women who received the Covid vaccine while they were pregnant.  They each detail their reasons for being vaccinated before their babies were born, as well as the peace of mind it brought to them in knowing their babies would have Covid antibodies after they were born.  

Join us as we discuss the important role physical health plays in overall maternal mental health. Jennifer Atkinson: Reiki/Meditation Instructor and Mentor shares her own story of struggling with postpartum depression, and how she became interested in these modalities to achieve balance between mental and physical health as a new mom.

Join us for our second episode on Maternal Mental Health.  In this episode I speak with JaTem, who is both a Mother who suffered with Postpartum anxiety and is a registered nurse.  She started an organization called Postpartum Revolution to help mothers who suffer from postpartum anxiety/depression.  She discusses the organization and the event that they held to raise awareness and help mothers and their caregivers.

In this episode I speak with Eric Dyches about his late wife Emily and her struggle with postpartum mood disorder.  Eric details the strides made in Utah and throughout the country in getting better postpartum care for Mothers and his role in making the change here locally.  He discusses options available to Mothers in getting the care they deserve, and gives great advice for Mothers and their caregivers.

In this episode I speak with Jessica about her fight with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.  She discusses how a reaction to Tylenol left her in the fight for her life.  After spending a few weeks in the hospital, including time in the burn unit, she goes home blind, not ever knowing if she would regain her sight.  Listen to her emotional story and the reason for getting the courage to relive and share it.  She's an incredible person, with an incredible story.  

In this episode I speak with Brianna who is an author of a children's book that aids them in becoming emotionally intelligent.  She discusses the ways that we, as adults can help foster this growth in our children, her methods are also beneficial for adults.

In this episode I speak with Ann who is the mother of two autistic boys.  She discusses with me the challenges they face as a family and how they have grown as a result of their boys.  She urges us to react with kindness when we see parents struggling with their children in public, and try to be understanding of what they are enduring.  It has given her a different perspective on how she looks at and treats others.

I was asked to provide my perspective on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine pause on a local radio show.  After my interview, I did a deep dive into the statistics and wanted to share my findings with everyone.  *Afternote: After recording this episode, I began thinking about the odds of dying in a mass shooting. That seems like such high odds (unfortunately). I am going to look into this further, but in the meantime, I wanted to site the source. This information came from businessinsider.com (The odds that a gun will kill the average American may surprise you). 

In this episode we learn about the rare Fabry Disease.  I am joined by the four Nelson Sisters as they discuss what Fabry is and how it has affected multi-generations in their family.  It began with their Father, who passed away from complications of the disease at 55 years old, affects all 4 of his children, and several of his grand-children.  They discuss what it is like to live with the disease and what they do for treatments.  Because the disease is not well known, many of the options they have for treatment and relief are investigational.  I hope you enjoy this discussion and gain a greater appreciation for those who appear strong on the outside, but are fighting for their lives on the inside.  #fabrydisease #fabrydiseaseawareness #fabrydiseaseawarenessmonth

Join us this week while we discuss autism with Sara.  Sara has a young son who has autism and shares with us his amazing abilities.  She discusses how he is thriving in school and the things we can do to help see people and their abilities instead of their disabilities.  #Autism #Autismawareness

In this episode we speak with Jackie, who is a survivor of colorectal cancer.  She shares the importance of colonoscopies as the greatest preventive form of this cancer.  We hope you enjoy her amazing story and advice.

In this episode we speak with Brett and Jamie about their battles with MS.  It took doctors 4 years to diagnose Brett, and it is amazing to hear how he stayed positive through his physical struggles while waiting to figure out what was going on.  He even counts it as one of his silver linings.  Jamie's diagnosis was very different, in that it came quickly.  She also recounts her ability to stay mentally positive through her struggles as one of her silver linings.  

In this episode we speak with a student who recently graduated from a University.  She shares her experiences in how Covid changed her education, as both a student and a teacher.  She shares the positive changes made at the University, and how they made sure everyone was protected, from the students, to the faculty members.  She also shares the invaluable life lessons she learned, and why remaining positive, and always looking for the good is vital to happiness.

In this episode, we talk with 3 students about the changes that occurred in their educational experiences as a result of Covid.  The students are a 4th Grade Elementary Student, a 7th Grade Jr. High School Student, and a Senior in High School.  Listen as they share how Covid has changed everything from recess, to lunch time, and even how they protect themselves in a dental hygiene class.

In this episode we talk with a 4th Grade Teacher in Utah as she discusses her gratitude for being able to have her students in person this year.  She talks about the struggles that educators feel as a result of having some students distance learning and how they still teach them.  She also talks about all of the precautions taken by the schools to ensure the safety of the teachers as well as the students, and hopes that the sanitizing measures continue.  She shares her perspective on mask wearing and how teachers are adapting to making new facial expressions, since they can't teach with their smiles.  #HealthCARESPodcast #DistanceLearning #VirtualSchool #Covid

In this episode we talk with a 5th Grade Teacher in Oregon and get her perspective on teaching through the pandemic. She shares how she teaches and the impact that distance learning has had on her and her students.  She puts in extra work to ensure that all of her students still feel loved, despite not being able to meet in person.  #HealthCARESPodcast #DistanceLearning #VirtualSchool #Covid

Join us while we talk with Lisa O'Brien.  She is the founder of the Utah Covid Long-Haulers FaceBook page.  She will discuss the challenges associated with being a Covid Long-Hauler.  We wrap up this episode with the Top 15 List of things we hope won't change as things get back to a "better normal" #Covid #Covidlonghaulers #Longhaulers #Utahlonghaulers

Have all of your Johnson and Johnson vaccine questions answered in this episode.  #Covid  #Covidvaccine  #JohnsonandJohnson

Join us as we explore congenital heart defects. Amy tells us about her Son born with an electrical heart defect. Sasha talks with us about what it was like to be born with a congenital heart defect. #chdawareness  #chd   #CHDCare4Life #Camphawkins #Mascotmiracles

Join us as Staci shares her heartbreaking journey of having two angel babies born with a critical congenital heart defect. #chdawareness  #chd   #CHDCare4Life

February is rare disease month, and February 28th is rare disease day.  Join me as we discuss the rare disease Fanconi Anemia with 16 year old Aurianna and her Mom Natalie.  Aurianna shares her story of being diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia at age 8 and what the course of management of this disease looked like during this challenging time.  Learn all about this rare disease and how you can help assist in bringing a positive change for kids like Aurianna.  You don't want to miss this episode!!#fanconi #fanconianemia #bethematch #bonemarrowtransplant #cordbloodawareness #rmhc #rmh #gocampsunshine

Join us this week as we discuss what to expect before, during, and after receiving your Covid 19 Vaccination.

Join us as we discuss the latest information regarding Covid-19 Vaccines and their efficacy.  No single vaccine is any better than another, the important thing is people need to get whichever vaccine they can so that the spread of this virus can be stopped for good.