In this episode, we discuss the 2024-2025 fall vaccine lineup, covering everything you need to know to stay protected this season. We start with updates on the latest COVID and flu vaccines, and Zoe shares her personal experience getting these shots. We then dive into the recent approval of self-administered FluMist, exploring how it compares to the traditional injectable flu vaccine in terms of effectiveness and convenience. Plus, we provide a brief update on RSV.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:36: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discusses the CDC’s updated COVID vaccine recommendations, emphasizing that everyone aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine

00:48: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, addresses common questions from the immunocompromised community, highlighting the CDC's guidance on additional COVID doses and the importance of consulting with health care providers

01:13: Steven and Zoe explain the distinction between updated vaccines and boosters, noting that updated vaccines target new strains and are expected to be revised annually

02:24: Steven shares data from 2023, pointing out that most people hospitalized for COVID had not received the updated vaccine, underlining its importance

02:46: Zoe highlights the concern of long COVID and how getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing this condition

03:16: Zoe shares her personal experience of getting both the flu and COVID shots together, and gives tips on how to coordinate vaccination plans with a doctor

04:23: Steven introduces the FDA approval of FluMist for self or caregiver administration, explaining how it provides an alternative to the traditional flu shot

06:02: Zoe explains that FluMist is not recommended for the immunocompromised

07:10: Steven discusses the benefits of having options like FluMist, stating that it's good to have more ways to get vaccinated

08:09: Zoe shares insights on managing treatments around vaccine schedules, emphasizing the importance of personalizing health care decisions

09:39: Zoe provides information on the RSV vaccine, mentioning its availability for older adults, pregnant women, and the benefits for newborns

10:09: Steven reminds listeners about the availability of free rapid COVID tests from the federal government, encouraging people to have them on hand during the respiratory virus season

11:04: Zoe announces the launch of the second season of GHLF’s Informed Immunity podcast, which covers topics around vaccines, immunization equity, and debunking myths

To listen to all the Informed Immunity episodes, visit: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ or search for the series on your favorite podcast platform

11:28: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special World Sight Day episode, Steven and Zoe are joined by Caroline Casey, President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and Seth Ginsberg, President of the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF). Together, they explore the critical importance of eye health, especially for those living with chronic diseases like thyroid eye disease and diabetes. Caroline and Seth discuss global initiatives, innovative campaigns like "Love Your Eyes," and how advocating for better eye health can transform lives.

Tune in as we raise awareness for blindness prevention, highlight the need for regular eye checkups, and share valuable insights on how chronic conditions can impact vision.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Caroline Casey introduces herself, sharing her story as an advocate for eye health and her role as President of IAPB

01:51: Seth Ginsberg gives a brief overview of GHLF, explaining how the organization supports patients with chronic illnesses, including those facing vision impairment due to chronic conditions

02:37: Caroline explains the mission of World Sight Day, highlighting the global attention it brings to blindness, eye health, and vision impairment

03:45: Seth discusses the connection between chronic diseases and eye health, emphasizing how conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes can affect vision

05:47: Caroline describes IAPB's initiatives, including the "Love Your Eyes" campaign and efforts to provide eye care to children and workers globally

09:51: Seth highlights GHLF’s work on thyroid eye disease, detailing GHLF’s resource hub in Australia and how they aim to empower patients to manage their condition

To find all of GHLF’s resources on thyroid eye disease, visit: https://ghlf.org.au/thyroideyedisease/

12:44: Caroline underscores the importance of regular eye checkups, especially for those using devices that strain the eyes, and encourages listeners to take action on World Sight Day

15:40: Seth shares how advocacy empowers patients, explaining the importance of speaking up about symptoms and advocating for better treatments and health care access

18:47: Caroline explains the challenges in making eye health a global priority, highlighting the importance of integrating eye care into primary health care systems

21:32: Seth offers final thoughts, urging listeners to take care of their vision and seek regular eye checkups, especially if they have chronic health conditions

23:38: Caroline and Seth encourage listeners to make a pledge to prioritize eye health, reiterating the importance of advocacy and self-care for both eye health and chronic conditions

24:12: What our hosts learned from this episode

To learn more about IAPB, visit: https://www.iapb.org/

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we are joined by Estela Mata, President and CEO of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those living with lupus, and other chronic conditions. Estela shares her personal and family journey with lupus and the profound impact of advocacy. She highlights the importance of community, the need for increased awareness, and the power of sharing personal stories, especially within the Hispanic community. Estela’s message of hope and resilience is a reminder of the strength found in community and the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness management.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:13: Estela shares the personal story of her sister Juana’s battle with lupus, including the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of persistence in seeking medical care

02:46: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, and Estela, discuss the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness, with Estela explaining how she and her family became advocates to support others facing similar struggles

04:01: Estela reflects on the powerful connections formed through advocacy, emphasizing how community support can provide strength and hope

05:56: Estela recounts the origins of Looms for Lupus, explaining how it was founded by her and her sisters to provide support, education, and advocacy for those affected by lupus and other chronic conditions

07:07: Estela discusses her involvement in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of being informed and the role of clinical trials in offering hope for new treatment options

08:52: Zoe and Estela discuss the therapeutic value of creative activities like loom knitting and crocheting, particularly as coping mechanisms during challenging times

10:44: Estela talks about expanding Looms for Lupus to support individuals with other chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of overall awareness and education

11:35: Estela shares insights on the health disparities faced by the Hispanic community and the critical need for culturally competent care and early diagnosis

13:10: Estela discusses the impact of advocacy within the Hispanic community and highlights the importance of using one's voice to demand equitable health care and reduce stigma

16:59: Estela concludes by encouraging listeners to get involved in advocacy, sharing her sister's empowering slogan: “Never give in, never give up, never let go. Just keep fighting”

20:10: What our hosts learned from this episode

If you want to subscribe to our email newsletter to learn more about clinical trials, especially for lupus patients, please send your contact information via this form: https://bit.ly/LupusHelpCenter

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Buckley, President and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation (LHF), and Dr. Dawn Bowdish, scientist and the Executive Director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and member of the Board of Directors of the LHF. We talk about how asthma, despite being common, can be complicated to diagnose and that many are living with uncontrolled asthma. Jessica and Dawn also share recent survey results of asthma patients’ experience, and how patients can set health goals with an asthma action plan and advocate for better air quality.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:32: Dawn shares her journey to becoming a leading researcher in respiratory health and her role at the Firestone Institute

01:58: Jessica talks about the mission and impact of the Lung Health Foundation in advocating for lung health across Canada

02:33: Jessica shares her personal motivation driven by family experiences with lung diseases, emphasizing the widespread need for lung health awareness

03:06: Dawn discusses how personal encounters at a gala event deeply influenced her dedication to lung health advocacy

05:34: Dawn explains the medical basics of asthma, its triggers, and the importance of proper diagnosis and management

08:09: Jessica addresses common issues faced by individuals living with asthma, particularly the lack of proper asthma action plans

10:36: Dawn discusses how external factors like air quality and climate change are increasingly important for asthma management

14:20: Jessica explains how the Lung Health Foundation educates the public and advocates for policies to improve lung health

17:21: Jessica discusses a new campaign aimed at enhancing public appreciation for lung health and proactive care

19:14: Dawn and Jessica offer insights into the advancements in asthma treatment and the importance of an effective asthma action plan

21:42: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yvan Baker, member of the House of Commons of Canada, joins us to talk about Canadians’ health care issues and needs. Mr. Baker discusses the benefits of Canada’s universal health care system for essential services and needs, but highlights gaps in the system like doctor shortages, delays in services, and how until recently dental care was not part of the system. He shares how he’s helped advocate for the expansion of dental care, for the government to consider patient outcomes, and his work with the older adult community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:45: Mr. Baker shares his background, including his work as a consultant and his transition into politics, explaining how his experience in business and education led him to focus on health care in public service

01:56: Mr. Baker details why health care is a critical focus for his political career, citing personal philosophy and the universal health care system in Canada as major influences on his legislative efforts

03:29: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Mr. Baker discuss the unique ability of government to effect change in health care, emphasizing the necessity for patient advocacy and government responsiveness to improve health services

04:53: Mr. Baker explains ongoing efforts to close gaps in the Canadian health care system, highlighting recent initiatives to improve access to essential health services

06:08: Mr. Baker talks about government strategies to reduce wait times and improve service delivery, including funding approaches that tie financial support to specific health care outcomes

07:14: Mr. Baker and Steven discuss the expansion of Canada’s health care system to include dental care, detailing the structure and goals of the new dental care program aimed at increasing accessibility

08:28: Mr. Baker highlights his work on broader health care initiatives, including efforts to strengthen support for senior citizens and improve the overall health care infrastructure

10:45: Mr. Baker emphasizes the importance of health care advocacy, sharing insights on the impact of effective government action and the need for continued public engagement in shaping health care policies

12:34: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Amanda Krzepicki, Policy Director at the Autoimmune Association. We talk about the long process of getting legislation passed, top issues the Autoimmune Association is advocating for, and how patient groups can come together to make a difference.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:59: Amanda discusses her early career experiences and how they led her to patient advocacy, particularly focusing on autoimmune diseases

02:21: Amanda describes the work and impact of the Autoimmune Association, emphasizing its global outreach and patient support initiatives

03:08: Amanda explains the complex process of turning a bill into law and how patients can influence this process to result in more patient-friendly outcomes

05:33: Amanda gives a detailed account of recent successful advocacy efforts related to Medicaid drug rebates, highlighting the collaborative nature of these efforts

07:14: Amanda and Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discuss the unintended consequences of rapid policy changes and the importance of thorough consideration and dialogue

08:47: Amanda and Steven stress the significance of forming coalitions among patient groups to strengthen their advocacy efforts

10:04: Amanda reveals how checking social media profiles of staff members helped reduce her nervousness before meetings with stakeholders

11:01: Steven and Amanda discuss how personal connections can aid in advocacy efforts, making legislative staff more relatable and approachable

11:22: Amanda outlines the current top issues she is working on, including the Safe Step Act and other legislative measures aimed at improving health care accessibility

14:28: Steven and Amanda emphasize the critical role of unity among patient advocacy groups in driving policy changes and achieving collective goals

15:57: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our special episode of The Health Advocates hosted by our 50-State Network and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). This episode features advocates Jody Quinn, Judy Nagy, Yolanda Clay, and Alecia Smith, who share their personal journeys — how they began sharing their stories, the invaluable support of community, the challenges they faced, and their successes along the way. You'll also hear their advice for others looking to make a difference.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17 - Judy recounts how being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis led her to advocacy and her extensive involvement with legislative support

02:12 - Jody describes her late diagnosis of psoriatic disease and her initial reluctance turned commitment to advocacy

03:14 - Alicia talks about her journey from seeking support for obesity to becoming a prominent advocate through the OAC

04:10 - Yolanda discusses her personal experiences with chronic obesity and how overcoming internal barriers propelled her into advocacy

05:22: Kendall prompts a discussion on how to get started in advocacy, with personal insights from each guest

07:00: Our guests discuss the importance of connecting with patient groups and finding communities that provide training and support for new advocates

08:56 - Alicia emphasizes the role of genuine passion in making an impact and connecting with others through advocacy

13:20 - Alicia reflects on her initial fears and how understanding the impact of personal stories helped her gain confidence in advocacy settings

16:36 - Judy emphasizes the critical role of fellowship and mentorship in navigating the complexities of advocacy and building resilience

20:25 - Jody highlights how mentors have supported her through her advocacy journey, sharing their knowledge and boosting her confidence in various advocacy activities

23:34 - Yolanda discusses her ongoing efforts to manage expectations and maintain motivation despite the slow pace of change in advocacy work

26:20 - Judy reflects on the need for patience in advocacy, sharing her long-term experience with legislative processes and the eventual rewards of persistent advocacy efforts

28:05 - Each guest offers their advice to those considering advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and personal growth

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

Special Episode Co-Hosts

Kendall Griffey, Communications Manager at OAC

Erik Stone, Associate Director, Learning Experience Design at GHLF

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Stephens, a weight loss surgery patient, and an active advocate with the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). In this episode, we learn about Kevin’s struggle with his weight since childhood and the many health issues that come along with obesity. We talk a lot about the importance of health insurance coverage and reducing barriers to accessing treatment.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:05: Kevin shares how he got involved with OAC and his personal connection to obesity advocacy

02:44: Kevin reflects on how his professional experience in health care policy complements his advocacy work

04:19: Kevin discusses his lifelong struggle with obesity, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, and the transformative impact it had on his health and lifestyle

06:22: Kevin talks about the support he received from his workplace and the challenges he faced in accessing necessary treatments

09:04: Kevin highlights how obesity has affected various aspects of his health and the importance of recognizing obesity as a chronic disease

12:16: Kevin discusses his experiences with health care providers and insurance barriers in accessing new treatments for obesity

15:34: Kevin speaks on the importance of advocacy in overcoming health care biases and improving access to treatments

18:32: Kevin offers advice to other patients on how to start advocating for themselves and the impact of sharing personal stories

23:14: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

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

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate 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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.