Wellness Evolution

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Krivohlavek, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation hailing from Oklahoma. Ashley's health journey started with a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, sparking her to become a passionate advocate. We discuss the health care obstacles faced by indigenous communities and the importance of shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity in health care. Join us for this insightful discussion. Among the highlights in this episode: 01:48: Ashley discusses the importance of emotional support and disease education, and highlights the unique health challenges, particularly access to care in indigenous communities 02:59: Angel and Ashley talk about the cultural stigma in indigenous communities that hinders health care access and the need for open dialogue 04:45: Ashley shares her personal experiences with psoriatic arthritis, access to health care, and challenges faced by indigenous people in accessing quality health care 07:27: Ashley emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity in health care and shares her experiences with health care providers 14:46: Ashley provides advice for health care providers working with indigenous patients, stressing the importance of partnership, education, and cultural understanding 16:57: Ashley states her primary wish for her community's health and support For more information, you can read our article: ‘Health Disparities and Hope: Navigating Indigenous Health Care Across Generations’ Contact Our Host Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF. We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join our host, Angel Tapia, as she talks with Dr. Leybelis Padilla, an expert in public health and social justice. Together, they delve into the critical issues surrounding health equity, mental health, cultural consideration, and social determinants of health within the Hispanic community. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join our host, Angel Tapia, as she dives deep into the intricate layers of Hispanic identity and its profound connection to mental health across different generations with her guests. Through heartfelt discussions, we explore how these stereotypes impact mental health within Hispanic communities and shed light on the varying perspectives that shape these narratives. Tune in for a special episode of Wellness Evolution with guests Samantha Benn, therapist and licensed clinical social worker, and Felicia Tapia, master's student in marriage and family therapy. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a peaceful pause today and join us for an intentional breathing practice paired with a visualization. Renowned yoga instructor Jennifer Carlin will guide us through an alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana pranayama) designed to ease anxiety. Take a listen to learn more about your body and how to give your parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for relaxation and restoration, a much-needed reset. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Pamela Price talks about her experience as a Black health care professional who deals with personal mental illness. She shares how her journey led her to work with national and government agencies, where she plays a role in developing and implementing programs to cater to the needs of women and underserved communities. Pamela a sheds light on the challenges faced by health care professionals from marginalized communities and the impact of their work in creating a more equitable health care system. Among the highlights in this episode: 2:24: Pamela Price shares her personal health journey, discussing her struggles with mental health and how it led her to become an advocate 4:40: Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach, and Pamela discuss the importance of giving yourself permission to seek help and support for mental health concerns. They also address the impact of mental health stigma within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community 5:19: Pamela elaborates on how stigmas hinders the BIPOC community and how it can create false narratives about mental health, contributing to increased suicide rates among Black youth 8:42: Pamela talks about the power of sharing her story on social media, how it can create a safe space for others to open up about their mental health, and how it can lead to more open conversations within families 11:46: Pamela highlights some policies in the school system that may hinder mental health support for children and emphasizes the need for more minority mental health professionals and culturally tailored interventions 13:38: Pamela mentions the positive shift in legislation towards increased funding for mental health support and the importance of normalizing mental health conversations in various sectors of society 16:00: Pamela emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal wellness in order to be an effective advocate and support for others 19:25: Angel and Pamela discuss the need for individuals to regularly check in with themselves, regardless of whether they have a diagnosed mental health condition, in order to maintain their overall mental health 21:01: Pamela emphasizes the role of generational trauma and genetic links in mental health, particularly within Black and Brown communities 23:30: Pamela shares the importance of educating oneself and others about mental health signs, symptoms, and resources 25:10: The need for the current generation to adapt and provide support to younger generations in a rapidly changing society 26:30: Pamela suggests seeking out resources and support groups in order to better understand and manage mental health Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, aqua yoga coach Christa Fairbrother talks about her experience with chronic illness and stresses the importance of self-care and balancing personal and professional life. She also shares how yoga has helped her and how others can benefit from it too. Among the highlights in this episode: 0:46: Quote by Carolyn White: "I am not everything that has ever happened to me. I am everything I became while I healed, stronger but softer, focused, but not obsessed. A teacher but still a student. I am not broken. I am beautiful. I am a survivor." 1:43: Christa shares her journey with chronic illness, starting with symptoms as a child, leading to a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and later a diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease, which includes lupus and rheumatoid arthritis 5:51: “It's very hard to educate myself as a patient, and then being able to go to appointments and get good information from providers, because they're basically in the same situation as me. … So I feel like a guinea pig a lot of the time, because there's just not the research on those rare diseases,” says Christa 7:18: Christa discusses the challenges of advocating for herself while managing her personal and professional life; maintaining a balance between being a patient, a partner, a parent, and a self-employed professional 8:18: Christa shares about the importance of being open about her chronic illness to build connection, authenticity, and show others with similar conditions that they can also benefit from practices like yoga and aqua therapy 10:42: A discussion about the history of pool discrimination including the resulting disparities in drowning rates for kids from BIPOC communities due to historical discrimination and lack of access to swimming pools 14:35: Christa discusses the connection between mental and physical wellness, highlighting the feedback loop between them 15:49: How aquatic therapy is related to self-efficacy because it is enjoyable, accessible, and helps people meet their goals, which in turn encourages them to achieve more goals 19:18: Christa shares the importance of doing at least one thing each day. This mindset helps people with chronic illness to keep moving forward and prevent their condition from taking over their lives Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for another meditative narrative intended to recenter your body and mind as you wind down for the day. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses ear massage to stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a vital role in the body’s digestion, heart rate, and breathing. To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet and darkened room, with your eyes closed. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When all you want to do is crawl into bed and never come out, remember that fatigue is a widespread experience, especially for people with chronic conditions. Conquering fatigue isn't a one-size-fits-all approach; it's tailored to your body's unique requirements. Nevertheless, sometimes a little breathwork and visualization can come in handy. Tune in as we show you how to use the power of your breath and ability to visualize energy to give yourself a boost whenever and wherever it’s needed. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Elizabeth Medeiros, a blogger with juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA), as she takes us through her diagnostic journey and shares the valuable lessons she's learned while navigating her health care since childhood. Elizabeth talks about growing up with an inflammatory disease, dating, and how finding love and discovering fun hobbies have added joy to her life. Among the highlights in this episode: 0:36: Quote by Kristen Butler: "I used to think I could fix anything in my life if I tried a little harder or gave it more time. But some things aren't meant to be fixed. Sometimes all you can do is make peace with it and move forward, knowing you are doing the best you could” 1:56: Our guest, Elizabeth Medeiros, shares her diagnosis journey 2:43: “I'm so grateful for my mom who definitely kept fighting for referrals because without her and her persistence, I wouldn't have been able to have gotten my diagnosis… later in childhood,” says Elizabeth 4:22: The challenges of going through a diagnosis journey during childhood versus adulthood 5:50: “Despite PsA being equally occurring in men and women, women do often report experiencing more fatigue and functional limitations, but they also say that women are less likely to respond to some of the treatments and receive remission,” says Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach at GHLF 6:25: Elizabeth explains how she listens to her body during a flare 8:00: Elizabeth discusses the challenges associated with dating a person diagnosed with a chronic illness and shares dating tips based on her own experience 11:37: Elizabeth shares her journey to becoming an advocate 13:41: How healthy food and cooking tricks can help mitigate symptoms 19:03: The connection between physical, spiritual, and mental health 22:10: The importance of self-care and tips on small incremental actions that can be taken to better manage symptoms Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for another meditative narrative intended to help you find a sense of safety and comfort in your body and reaffirm that “you are okay” and it’s time to relax and fall asleep. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses positive affirmations to help you bring a close to your day and guide you as you drift into slumber. To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet and darkened room, with your eyes closed. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we recharge from the never-ending to-do list that is the foundation of our communities, families, jobs, and personal pursuits? How do we build ourselves back up when we think we don’t have enough energy to overcome life’s daily challenges? Join us for a mindful moment today: a brief visualization designed to provide space for you to build yourself up after life makes you feel depleted. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Stanford, PhD, the CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI) in Houston, TX, talks about mental health stigma, and the role that spirituality plays in how we view and approach mental health. Dr. Stanford offers tips on supporting loved ones dealing with mental health challenges and his take on the changes in health care policy shaping the patient experience. Among the highlights in this episode: 0:46: Today’s mantra: “I am relaxing into the unknown, and I am trusting that my mind and body will do its best to heal and comfort me through any challenges that arise today” 2:29: “There's quite a bit of stigma [about mental health] in the general population. In fact, stigma is one of the primary reasons that individuals don't actually get care. A majority of people with mental health problems never receive any treatment in the United States,” says Dr. Stanford 4:07: How education can help spread awareness and open conversations about mental health 6:24: The evolution of acceptance and perceptions around mental health 9:39: “People with mental health problems are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators of violence. That's what research shows us. But that's not the narrative,” says Dr. Stanford 11:08: What are some of the barriers to accessing mental health services? 16:36: How faith can play a role in the mental health space 21:30: The connection between physical and mental wellness 26:39: How getting the right kind of support is essential for addressing mental health 29:25: Mental health and the importance of regular self-checks Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a meditative narrative intended to induce relaxation and peaceful slumber. In this sleep guide, our host Amy Finkelstein uses a body scan technique and positive affirmations to calm your body and mind and lull you to sleep. To get the most out of this meditation, we recommend listening to the guide while lying down in a comfortable position, in a quiet, darkened room with your eyes closed. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”— Irish Proverb Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear from you. Send your feedback and comments via email, video, or audio clips to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in a brief visualization to help set your mood and start the day in a positive light. The key to having a mindful moment via visualization is to drop any expectations and efforts to be ‘right.’ Use your breath to clear away intrusive thoughts and emotions and let your body know it’s safe to take this time. And remember: You can reset your perspective and restart your day whenever you choose. “I was gifted a plaque by my mother during a really challenging time in my health journey, and it says: ‘One small positive thought can change your entire day,’" says our host, Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst at GHLF. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the conversation with our guest Tammy Jolivette as we discuss the importance of representation and self-acceptance from head to toe. Learn about the bias in natural hair discrimination, and hair stigmas when growing up in mixed race and BIPOC communities as well as the physical and mental connection that many of us have with our hair. Among the highlights in this episode: 0:46: Quote by Madeline Beck: “Don't forget to love the way you want to be loved, listen the way you want to be heard, speak the way you want to be spoken to, give the way you hope others will give, care the way you want others to care, because change doesn't start with them, it starts right here, today, with you” 2:42: Tammy comments on the mantra, “The relationship that you have with the world is the relationship you have with yourself” 3:53: “My mom is Korean and…my dad is African American…And the dynamics of culture from the Korean background and the African American background, they're similar and yet different,” says Tammy 5:40: Hair microaggressions: the extent and impact of one’s look in a multicultural environment 9:48: How the CROWN Act is supporting mental health and challenging discrimination  11:47: Tammy discusses how she addresses the topic of natural hair transition with her clients 15:11: The connection between mental and physical wellness 18:54: “I don't care what everybody else says because people are always going to have something to say; let's just be real,” says Tammy 20:08: Tammy provides practical advice and tips for those who may be thinking about transitioning to natural hair Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Senior Manager of Hispanic Outreach: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Senior Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org Amy Finkelstein, Operations Administrator: afinkelstein@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness Evolution brings together a diverse community to discuss topics such as mindfulness, chronic illness, and mental health, as well as cultural and spiritual similarities and differences that make each of us unique yet very much alike. Through informative and inspirational conversations, we will learn to listen to and learn from each other’s experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practice Fire Breathing, a powerful tool that has been used by Indigenous people for centuries to release toxic emotions like anger and cleanse and clear attachments that no longer serve them. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, guest Gina Hessburg shares her experience of being diagnosed with optic neuritis and learning to advocate for herself within the health care system. (04:41) Meet Raphael, the inflatable support friend(09:39) Being your own health advocate(11:47) The real struggle in navigating mental health and chronic disease(14:23) Why having goals is key to managing your chronic illness Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn about the technique known as Earth Breathing from the Comprehensive Resource Model Manual written by Lisa Schwarz on Integrative Medicine. Earth breathing provides an opportunity to connect further with ourselves and the environment around us, and to stay consciously aware of the present moment to help reduce our fight or flight responses to stress. Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we meet Jennifer Gabiola, a woman living with rheumatoid arthritis who uses her faith to find comfort and strength through her chronic illness journey. You’ll hear about her experience with the cultural stigma of work-life balance in the Asian community learn how she found love and acceptance for herself. (04:33) Journey of self-acceptance and self-love(11:28) Cultural standards and balance(14:20) Recieving love from another(17:32) Connection with Soul Contact Our Hosts Angel Tapia, Patient Advocate, Hispanic Community Outreach Manager: atapia@ghlf.org Danielle Ali, Systems Analyst: dali@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments via email, video, or audio clips, to wellnessevolution@ghlf.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.