The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to take control of their well-being and become the CEO of their own health. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Barb Easlick, a vibrant and active woman whose life was turned upside down after a bout with COVID left her struggling to breathe and robbed her of the energy she once thrived on.

Barb’s journey is one of resilience and self-advocacy. Despite being told by multiple doctors that her lungs were fine and her heart was healthy, Barb knew something wasn’t right. Test after test came back “normal,” yet she continued to experience debilitating shortness of breath and fatigue. Frustrated but undeterred, Barb refused to settle for a diagnosis that didn’t match how she felt.

Her persistence led her to Dr. Alvarez, who looked beyond the standard metrics and recognized the signs of microvascular heart disease—a condition often missed in women due to limitations in traditional testing. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, Barb was finally able to reclaim her health, energy, and independence.

This episode is a powerful reminder that women’s symptoms are too often dismissed or misdiagnosed—and that trusting your instincts can be life-saving. Barb’s story highlights the importance of not giving up, seeking second opinions, and insisting on being heard. Most of all, it inspires every woman to become the CEO of her own health, leading with strength, awareness, and determination on the path to wellness.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to take control of their well-being and become the CEO of her own health. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Jeanie Hendricks, an 84-year-old powerhouse whose unexpected medical journey revealed far more than she imagined. What began as routine back surgery turned into a cascade of surprising discoveries: three mini strokes, a hole in her heart, and a brain tumor—all uncovered without prior symptoms.

Instead of retreating in fear, Jeanie chose action. With determination, optimism, and her signature humor, she faced each diagnosis step by step and surrounded herself with the right medical team. Her story is a powerful example of how critical it is to pay attention, ask questions, and follow through—even when nothing seems wrong.

This episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and trusting your instincts. Jeanie’s story encourages women not to ignore their bodies, not to accept incomplete answers, and to pursue the care they deserve. Her vibrant, active lifestyle at 84 is a testament to the long-term benefits of investing in health early and often.

Most of all, Jeanie reminds us that it’s never too late for a woman to become the CEO of her own health—and live each day with courage, clarity, and joy.

The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. Each episode is designed to empower women to speak up, advocate for themselves, and become the CEO of their own health. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez speaks with Mary Lou Morrissey, a vibrant woman whose persistent shortness of breath was repeatedly dismissed by her previous providers—until she sought a second opinion that changed her life.

Despite being under the care of a cardiologist and pulmonologist, Mary Lou’s symptoms continued to worsen. Her limitations were clear: walking, cooking, even doing the dishes left her breathless. Dismissed as aging or related to COPD, her concerns were never fully addressed—until a friend encouraged her to see Dr. Alvarez. Together, they uncovered the real issue: diastolic heart failure, a commonly overlooked condition in women.

Through a reevaluation of her medications and the use of a non-invasive therapy called EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation), Mary Lou experienced a dramatic improvement in her quality of life. Once tethered by breathlessness, she regained her independence and vitality, crediting the personalized approach and deeper diagnostic insight.

This episode sheds light on the subtle signs of heart disease in women, the misdiagnosis of common symptoms, and the life-changing power of listening, advocacy, and advanced therapy options like EECP. Mary Lou’s story is a testament to the importance of not settling for incomplete answers—and a powerful reminder that every woman deserves a provider who sees her, hears her, and helps her reclaim her health.

Most importantly, it inspires women everywhere to become the CEO of their own health—asking questions, seeking clarity, and taking control of their journey toward empowered, informed wellness.