In this informative episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr. Shafer welcomes Special Guest Melissa Kramer, a patient turned advocate and the Founder of Live UTI Free. Melissa Kramer discusses the challenges and experiences surrounding chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and women's health, sharing her personal journey with recurrent UTIs. Through her own experiences, Melissa came to see the importance of patient-led research, and the need for better education and resources for women, and thus started Live UTI Free to help bridge the gap between the current research and what patients need. Dr Shafer and Melissa Kramer explore the gender gap in health research, funding challenges, and the significance of understanding UTI symptoms and prevention. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empowering patients and providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their health effectively.

Learn more about Live UTI Free and Melissa Kramer's mission to educate and further research on UTIs and Pelvic Health here: ⁠https://liveutifree.com/⁠

Takeaways:

• Melissa's journey with chronic UTIs began in 2011.


• Research and lifestyle changes were crucial for Melissa's recovery.


• Patient-led research is essential for addressing women's health issues.


• The gender gap in health research significantly impacts women's health outcomes.


• Funding for women's health research is challenging to secure.


• Quality information and resources are vital for patients.


• Education on genitourinary health should start at a young age.


• Demystifying UTI symptoms can help patients seek timely care.


• Cognitive changes in the elderly can be linked to UTIs.

• "I started to look at different things."


• "You are the expert in you."


• "Patients can't wait that long."

Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment. 

Dr. Shafer's story is one of triumph, self-awareness, and tireless creation. As she has reclaimed her own story, rebuilding her life after difficult experiences, she launched We Don’t Tell Our Stories, an online community to help people suffering from Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence. Her love of writing inspired her to launch Little House of Dreams Publishing, a children’s literature publishing house focused on sharing the stories of children. Dr Shafer believes it is never too early to show young people how important their voice truly is, and the power they possess to create a better world. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/ ⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: ⁠   / @talkswithdrshafer  ⁠

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2024. 

All Rights Reserved. 

Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse