Multi-Organ Transplant
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Multi-Organ transplants with Zachary Colton. Zach is 35 years old and recently underwent a successful 5 organ multivisceral intestinal transplant surgery at the Toronto General Hospital in his home country of Canada. The organs he received were: stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreas. In 1954, . Liver, heart and pancreas transplants were successfully performed by the late 1960s, while lung and intestinal organ transplant procedures were begun in the 1980s. From the mid-1950s through the early 1970s, individual transplant hospitals...
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Ectoparasites
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Ectoparasites. The CDC says: "Although the term ectoparasites can broadly include blood-sucking arthropods such as mosquitoes (because they are dependent on a blood meal from a human host for their survival), this term is generally used more narrowly to refer to organisms such as ticks, fleas, lice, and mites that attach or burrow into the skin and remain there for relatively long periods of time (e.g., weeks to months). Arthropods are important in causing diseases in their own right, but are even more important as vectors, or transmitters, of many different...
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Pasteurization For Your Health
PodcastDX
Over 200 years ago Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France. Among Pasteur's major contributions and their benefit to society, the most important is the heat treatment of foods and beverages to reduce spoilage and eliminate pathogens for consumers. Probably the greatest achievement of Pasteur was the process that bears the name of this famous scientist who perfected the technique: pasteurization. For liquids, this process does not involve boiling the product to sterility but simply applying just enough heat (ie, par-boiling) to 50–60°C for a specified period to reduce spoilage microbes and...
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Spontaneous Pneumothorax with Jack
PodcastDX
In this episode we are talking again with our audio editor Jack Scaro. The topic again is: spontaneous pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. Spontaneous pneumothorax is an abnormal condition of the lung characterized by the collection of gas in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition occurs without an obvious etiology and can be classified as either primary or secondary. Patients may present with symptoms such as tachycardia and dyspnea. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and can be confirmed with imaging. Jack had this condition which surprised...
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Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) part 2
PodcastDX
This week we will continue our coverage of Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a . It’s a common cause of . When bile acids aren’t properly absorbed in your intestines, they build up, upsetting the chemical balance inside. Excess bile acids trigger your to secrete extra water, leading to watery stools. This week we will continue our coverage of Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a . It’s a common cause of . When bile acids aren’t properly absorbed in your intestines, they build up, upsetting the chemical balance inside. Excess bile acids trigger...
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Bile Acid Malabsorption
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a . It’s a common cause of . When bile acids aren’t properly absorbed in your intestines, they build up, upsetting the chemical balance inside. Excess bile acids trigger your to secrete extra water, leading to watery stools. What are bile acids? Bile is a substance your makes while filtering your blood. Your liver sorts waste products, such as toxins, dead blood cells and excess cholesterol into bile. Bile acids come from synthesizing these products together. The different acids in bile help...
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Veteran's Hesitancy to Healthcare
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss a Veteran's hesitancy to receive healthcare at the government hospital system known as Veterans Administration or "VA". Although many veterans may share the concern over receiving care through a government agency due to the medical care they got while in training or active duty; i.e. sucrettes and tylenol being the standard of care when Jean Marie and I were in training. Our guest, Mark Frerichs, has different reasons to question the quality of care. Mark, a Navy veteran who continued working as a contractor post-war in Afghanistan. It was during his work...
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Adrenal Insufficiency
PodcastDX
In this episode we discuss adrenal insufficiency You can have either primary, secondary, or tertiary adrenal insufficiency. Primary adrenal insufficiency is also called Addison’s disease. When you have this type, your adrenal glands are damaged and can’t make the cortisol you need. They also might not make enough aldosterone. Secondary adrenal insufficiency is more common than Addison’s disease. The condition happens because of a problem with your pituitary gland, a pea-sized bulge at the base of your . It makes a hormone called adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). This is the...
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Heart Attack on a Train
PodcastDX
Have you ever wondered "what would happen if you or a family member had a medical emergency while using public transportation" Today we feature Bill H. who had a cardiac event after boarding a Chicago Metra train and the two bystanders that weren't about to let these be his LAST train ride! can help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. However, even after training, remembering the steps to use an AED the right way can be difficult. In order to help keep your skills sharp, we've created a quick step-by-step guide that you can print up and place on your refrigerator, in...
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EDS and Gastroparesis
PodcastDX
This week we are speaking with Dani, AKA, Stoned Zebra. It took almost 7 years of her health declining after giving birth, until she finally received her EDS diagnosis. She was initially misdiagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, or chronic pain syndrome. Her gastroparesis, symptoms (bloating, nausea, early satiety, severe constipation, weight loss, dehydration, belching, belly pain) began July 2022, and after a ton of aggressive testing, she was diagnosed in May 2023. EDS just tacks on chronic pain, joint instability and other comorbidities like POTS, MCAS, and OH that...
info_outlineThis week we are talking once again with Kristal Kent. If you recall, Kristal has joined us on previous interviews discussing Fibromyalgia and again discussing prepping for surgery as a chronically ill person. We never really gave Kristal the credit she deserves for being such a fantastic advocate for all Veterans and those with Fibro or other life-long medical conditions. Allow me to properly introduce this dynamic woman!
Kristal Kent is a disabled Army Veteran living with Fibromyalgia and served with the 256th Combat Support Hospital (256th CSH). Kristal worked with the Personnel (HR) department, then after September 11th, 2001, Kristal was re-assigned to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) of the 256th CSH. After being medically discharged due to injuries, Kristal stayed on with her unit, the 256th CSH, and volunteered for 2 ½ years as the Family Readiness Group Leader, re-invigorating the program to become a supportive extension of the unit for the soldiers and their families. During her time as the FRG Leader, Kristal upstarted a Food Pantry to assist the Unit’s service members struggling with food sustenance, coordinated a resource list of federal, state, and local support and assistance resource programs for soldiers and families, along with hosted “Readiness” educational weekend to ensure soldiers and Military Families were prepared for deployment. Kristal’s Volunteerism as FRG Leader was officially recognized with a Commendation from the U.S. Department of the Army. Kristal also worked in Social Services for over 20 years in a variety of roles, from Adult Advocacy Coordinator, Care Coordinator, Assertive Community Treatment Specialist, Benefits Coordinator and Supported Employment Services, assisting individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions and Veterans alike.
As a Veteran living with Fibromyalgia, Kristal identified the lack of supports, healthcare options and education for those living with Fibromyalgia, especially Veterans. To address the gap in healthcare and community supports, Kristal founded the initiatives, “The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles” and “Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia,” to address the inequities in healthcare, Kristal engages in VA Policy Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy and Systems Advocacy to emote positive change for those living with Fibromyalgia. Kristal also provides support, educational resources, and advocates on behalf of those living with various Chronic Pain Conditions, Rare Diseases, PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Kristal’s Advocacy work on behalf of the Veteran and Fibromyalgia Communities has been recognized by several organizations such as WEGO Health in which she received the Patient Leader Hero Award and the Best In Show on Facebook in 2018, the 2019 Fibro Warrior Award from the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America, the Warrior of the Week in 2020 from UK Fibromyalgia. In May 2021 Kristal was presented with a Commendation from the State of Ohio House of Representatives for her advocacy work through Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia. In August 2022, Kristal was chosen by Health Union, through the Social Health Awards patient advocacy platform, as the recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, in May 2022 Kristal advocated for and obtained a Proclamation designating May 12th as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day from the State of Ohio Governor.
Kristal previously served 3 years as a Board of Trustee for the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America along with previously served as a Board Member on the Wego Health Patient Advisory Board. Kristal is currently a member of Society For Participatory Medicine, Social Health’s Patient Leader Network, a Co-Op member of Savvy Cooperative and a member of the American Legion.
Kristal's latest medical challenge has been heart related. Since February is heart health month and Valentines Day happens to be on a Tuesday this year (we post our episodes on Tuesdays) what better of a guest for this week?
SOCIAL MEDIA:
FACEBOOK:
The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:
https://www.facebook.com/FibroPainChronicles
Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia:
https://www.facebook.com/VeteranVoices4Fibro
INSTAGRAM:
Kristal @ The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:
http://www.instagram.com/thefibropainchronicles
YOUTUBE:
The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles:
https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos
Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia:
https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos
WEGO HEALTH:
https://app.wegohealth.com/Kristal
11 Tips For Keeping Your Heart Healthy As A Woman
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for one in four deaths each year. Cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, are also more common in women than men.
While there are many factors that contribute to heart disease, there are also a number of things that women can do to protect themselves. These include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, exercise, and knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
Here are eleven tips for keeping your heart healthy as a woman. These tips are based on the latest scientific evidence and are designed to help you lower your risk of heart disease and live a healthier life.
1. Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death for Women in the United States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that about 1 in every 4 female deaths is attributed to heart disease. A variety of lifestyle choices and risk factors can contribute to the development of heart disease. It is important to be aware of them and take steps to reduce your risk.
2. Women Often Experience Different Symptoms of Heart Disease Than Men: Though men and women both experience cardiovascular events, it has been found that women can experience different symptoms than men. Women may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or pain in the upper back and neck, aside from chest pain. Women may also have a higher risk of developing atypical heart attack symptoms than men. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
3. There are Certain Lifestyle Choices That Can Help Keep Your Heart Healthy: Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of heart disease. For example, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to your food choices and quit smoking. All of these measures can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular events.
4. Pay Attention to Your Family History: It is important to pay attention to your family history, as your risk for heart disease can be higher if there is a family history of heart disease. It is important to speak with your doctor about your family history and determine if you need to be tested for any genetic heart diseases.
5. Manage Your Mental Health: Mental health can also be an important factor when it comes to heart health. Studies have found that stress, depression, and anxiety can all increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Taking steps to manage your mental health, such as talking to a therapist or engaging in mindfulness practices, can help reduce this risk.
6. Be Physically Active: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health. It can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes five days a week. Activities such as walking, biking, and running are all good options.
7. Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet is an important part of maintaining a healthy heart. The AHA recommends following an eating plan that is high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fat. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
8. Don't Smoke: Smoking can damage the cells in the coronary arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If you smoke, it is important to quit. It can take time and there are a variety of resources available to help.
9. Get Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Checked Regularly: High cholesterol and high blood pressure can both make it more difficult for your heart to work properly, so it is important to get them checked regularly. Your doctor can help you decide how often these tests should be done.
10. Keep Diabetes Under Control: Diabetes can also increase the risk of heart disease. Keeping your diabetes under control can help keep your heart healthy. This means managing your blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
11. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep: Inadequate sleep can increase the risk of heart disease. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night and speak to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.
Advantage of Women's Health Screenings: Annual wellness physicals or women's health screenings can help detect certain medical issues early on, which can be beneficial for heart health. These screenings may include electrocardiograms (ECG) or other tests to check your heart health.
Conclusion: Following the tips outlined above can help reduce your risk of heart disease and help keep your heart healthy as a woman. It is important to remember that each person is unique and it is important to speak with your doctor to understand what is best for your individual needs.