Light & Health
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss LED (light-emitting diode) therapy, a type of treatment that uses lights of different wavelengths to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scar tissue, and the effects of aging. Most commonly, red and blue lights are used for these treatments. can be performed in a healthcare provider's office or at home. Multiple treatments are required to get results. There will not be a guest for this week's episode
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Metabolic Systems
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Metabolic Systems with our guest, Francis Fessler. A certified personal trainer and conditioning coach for the last 25 years, Francis Fessler has built a career by designing programs and coaching professional and amateur athletes, celebrities, business professionals, parents and children to achieve their wellness and fitness goals. Throughout his time in the health and wellness world he evaluated, tried and tested countless ‘diet and nutrition plans’ and could not find one that had consistent results for both women and men- so he built one. Francis...
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The Aftermath of 9/11
PodcastDX
On this week's episode we are running a rare re-run on the aftermath of 9/11. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in the collective memory of not only Americans but also people worldwide. Beyond the immediate devastation, the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks brought forth an enduring health crisis among those who selflessly rushed to aid their fellow citizens. First responders, the courageous individuals who braved the smoke, debris, and toxic fumes of Ground Zero, now face a formidable foe: cancer. This essay delves into the harrowing issue of cancers among...
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BiPolar and a Caregiver
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss being Bi-Polar with Kitt O'Malley. Kitt is an author, mental health advocate, and former psychotherapist who lives with bipolar disorder. Both her personal experience and clinical background inform her writing and enable her to help herself and guide others toward mental health recovery. She has a bachelor's in legal studies from UC Berkeley, a master's in psychology from New College of California, and has attended seminary. Visit for more information. "Balancing Act - Writing Through a Bipolar Life" offers hope to those living with mental...
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Young Onset Parkinson's
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Young Onset Parkinson's with Jennifer Crowder. Jennifer has been living in the uncomfortable space of not using her career or family role to define herself for many years. Instead, she describes who she is as a person - she is tenacious, creative, stubborn, sarcastic, relentless, driven, compassionate, and courageous. Her proudest moments are making people laugh when they least expect it and finding a quick and simple solution to a complex problem. She spends most of her time in a boxing gym or carving eggshells. She has been living with Parkinson's disease for 27...
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Long COVID and Circulatory Problems
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss lasting symptoms months after catching COVID-19, also known as long COVID. A recent study has found Long COVID more than doubles a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues. (credits: https://bit.ly/45gJq4e ) We will not have a guest on this episode. If you or someone you know has Long COVID and had a healthy circulatory system until recently we would love to have you as a guest for a future episode.
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Gastroparesis
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss a serious motility disorder: Gastroparesis. Our guest is a strong advocate for this community and we are honored to have her join us today. Melissa Adams VanHouten is a wife, mother, and former university political science instructor and corporate trainer who holds a B.S. in Political Science from St. Joseph's College and an M.A. in Political Science from Indiana State University. After being diagnosed with gastroparesis in February of 2014, she became a passionate advocate for those in her community who feel voiceless and ignored. She currently serves as the...
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Sepsis Rapid Test
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss a new rapid response test for Sepsis with one of the developers, Richard Brandon. Sepsis describes a syndrome that occurs when severe infection results in critical illness and affects 750,000 Americans annually. Sepsis occurs when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection causes a significant response from the body’s immune system, causing a high heart rate, fever, or fast breathing. Severe sepsis develops when the infection causes organ damage. Septic shock is the most severe form in which the infection causes low blood pressure, resulting in damage to multiple...
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
PodcastDX
On today’s show, we are talking about the complex world of multiple chronic illnesses once again with Anna Cooper. Anna is a 35-year-old female who has an independent spirit inside of a body that holds an alphabet of health conditions. Anna worked as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where she loved to advocate for her clients. When her health forced her to take a step back from working, things have been rough as she looks for a new way to advocate for herself and for others. The Difficult illness we will discuss today is Mast Cell Activation...
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End Stage Achalasia
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss Achalasia of the Esophagus Achalasia occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged. As a result, the esophagus becomes paralyzed and dilated over time and eventually loses the ability to squeeze food down into the stomach. Food then collects in the esophagus, sometimes fermenting and washing back up into the mouth, which can taste bitter. Some people mistake this for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in achalasia the food is coming from the esophagus, whereas in GERD the material comes from the stomach. There's no cure for achalasia. Once the...
info_outlineThis week we will discuss Social Security Disability Benefits with our guest David Dodge.
David Dodge is the Case Manager at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee in Batavia, NY. Prior to this role, David was an Independent Living Specialist and Facilitated Enroller at Independent Living of the Genesee Region. At Independent Living, David earned his Work Incentive Practitioner credential from Cornell University. David serves as the Vice President of the Genesee County Interagency Council, a consortium of providers, Secretary of GLOW Out, a four-county LGBTQ+ advocacy group, member of the Domestic Violence Taskforce, and member of the Batavia Lions Club. David lives in Le Roy, NY with two extremely sassy cats.
One point of contention I had in my mind as a bias was concerning the doctors that examine you in order to be considered medically un-employable. David put my worries to rest when he details the process which you can also find here:
A consultative exam specifically evaluates your health to confirm it matches what you said in your SSD claim. The doctor who performs the exam will:
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Look for evidence that supports your SSD claim (or contradicts it). This may include running tests, having you answer some questions, ordering x-rays/MRI or CT scans, etc.
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Document whether your condition, illness, or injury might prevent you from working like you normally would. This includes listing reasons why you can’t perform your normal job duties full-time or do other work.
This is not an exam that your family doctor can likely perform. Why? Because the SSA must certify a doctor to perform that specific exam according to their rules and regulations. Every doctor who does consultative exams is independent of the SSA. Instead, this doctor works as a contractor with the SSA to perform these exams in addition to their own personal practice.
I consider this to be a very important topic and I hope it assists those with Long COVID as they trudge through the system for monetary relief!