EPISODE SUMMARY:

Spirituality and religion play an important role in many people’s lives—but they may not feel comfortable bringing up these topics with their care providers. As we continue to look at ways to better support your health and well-being, Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer and Reverend Brian Hughes join our hosts for a discussion about how spirituality and religion affect health care—and how to get the conversation started.

HIGHLIGHTS:

04:10 Interview: Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer, Director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing | Dr. Kreitzer has spent much of her career as a physician, educator, and researcher studying the connection between our spiritual practice and our health. She talks about the importance of asking the question “what matters?” when it comes to health and health care, instead of the traditional question, “what’s the matter?”

024:35 Interview: Rev. Brian Hughes, spiritual care specialist and chaplain at UnitedHealth Group | Rev. Hughes shares anecdotes from his personal experiences as a hospital chaplain, including what it’s like to put aside his own perspective and focus on being present for another person in need. 

RESOURCES:

How to talk to someone who is seriously ill or dying (optum.com)

How to live well with chronic illness (optum.com)

Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing

GUESTS:

Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer, Founder & Director, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing

Brian Hughes, Chaplain & Spiritual Care Specialist at UnitedHealth Group

The views, opinions, endorsements and content expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of Optum.

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