Pre/Post Natal Pelvic Floor Therapy

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 after the war that created a hesitancy in trusting anything related to the government.  

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Mark Randall Frerichs (born July 13, 1962) is an American civil engineer and former US Navy diver who disappeared in Afghanistan in January 2020 and was later confirmed to be captured by the Haqqani network, a group closely aligned with the Taliban. In September 2022, Frerichs was released by the Taliban-led government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in exchange for Bashir Noorzai.

Frerichs is a director of International Logistical Support whose work had led him to visit Afghanistan multiple times since 2012.  He served in the United States Navy as a diver.

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https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLL8aDP6/ 

Frerichs disappeared in Kabul, Afghanistan, on January 31, 2020. The Associated Press reported that US intelligence officials tracked Frerichs's cell phone and raided a village near where he disappeared, approximately a week after his disappearance. Although they rounded up individuals from that village, the raid proved unproductive. The next month, Newsweek magazine reported that officials had confirmed that Frerichs had been taken captive by the Haqqani network, a group closely aligned with the Taliban.

Frerichs's sister, Charlene Cakora, questioned why the US government "signed a peace deal" with the Taliban in early February 2020 that did not include a provision for releasing her brother. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the lead agency of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, issued a statement saying the cell was working to ensure "that Mark Frerichs and all Americans held hostage abroad are returned home."

On May 10, 2020, the FBI offered a $1-million reward for information that helps lead to Frerichs's release or rescue. In addition, the Rewards for Justice Program offered a $5-million reward for information leading to his location. That same day, Taliban spokesmen asserted that they had conducted an inquiry of their subordinate and associated groups and confirmed they were not holding Frerichs.

​The New York Times reported Frerichs was still a captive on November 21, 2020, when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Afghanistan to personally participate in peace negotiations with the Taliban. They reported it was unknown whether Pompeo raised Frerichs's captivity as an issue during the talks.

​On April 1, 2022, a video was released showing Frerichs pleading for help. Following the release of Safi Rauf, an American aid worker who was held captive by the Taliban between December 2021 and April 2022, the US State Department began an attempted inquiry into the release of Frerichs. The inquiry did not result in substantial headway in brokering Frerichs' release. Frerichs's family was a part of the Bring Our Families Home campaign.

​On September 19, 2022, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told reporters in Kabul that his government and a US delegation swapped prisoners at the Afghan capital's airport. Frerichs was exchanged for Bashir Noorzai. (credits: Mark Frerichs - Wikipedia)

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 brain. It makes a hormone called adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). This is the chemical that signals your adrenal glands to make cortisol when your body needs it. If your adrenal glands don’t get that message, they may eventually shrink.  This is the type our guest on this week's episode is dealing with.

Tertiary is due to hypothalamic disease and a decrease in the release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). Causes can include brain tumors and sudden withdrawal from long-term exogenous steroid use (which is the most common cause overall)

The most common cause of Addison’s disease today is an autoimmune problem, when your immune system malfunctions and attacks and damages your own body, in this case, your adrenal glands.

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!

Automated external defibrillators 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 your car, in your bag or at your desk. This way, you can review the AED steps any time, at your convenience, and keep them fresh in your memory.

How to Use An AED

These AED steps should be used when caring for a non-breathing child aged 8 or older who weighs more than 55 pounds, or an adult.

After checking the scene and ensuring that the person needs help, you should ask a bystander to call 911 for help, then:

1.  Complete the CHECK and CALL steps

2.  As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts

3.  Remove clothing and attach pads correctly

• Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry
• Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest
• Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the left armpit

Note: If the pads may touch, place one pad in the middle of the chest and the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades

4.  Plug the pad connector cable into the AED, if necessary

5.  Prepare to let the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm

• Make sure no one is touching the person
• Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice

6.  Deliver a shock, if the AED determines one is needed

• Make sure no one is touching the person
• Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice
• Push the “shock” button to deliver the shock

7.  After the AED delivers the shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately start CPR, beginning with compressions

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 she also developed. She currently is primarily tube fed, via GJ. She will soon have separate stomas placed due to EDS complications.

If you would like to follow her rare disease journey, send a follow request @stonedzebra along with a message of where you found her page! Her rare journey is only available to friends on TikTok, she keeps her circle small. If you’d like to follow and see her handmade gifts/online store, she is on TikTok Shop at SZ Creations, and @stndzebracreations.

This week we will discuss a topic that is of concern for millions of people: "Long Covid" and our guest this week is Grace Miller.  Grace is 20 years old, and lives in Iowa. Currently attending college, where she is president of the honor society and finishing up her gen eds. She plans on pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders and become a speech pathologist. Some of her hobbies include crocheting, singing, playing the piano, and learning. 

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). Long COVID is broadly defined as signs, symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID-19 infection.

This definition of Long COVID was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with CDC and other partners.

​People call Long COVID by many names, including Post-COVID Conditions, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID. The term post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) is also used to refer to a subset of Long COVID. (Credits: CDC)

Continuing a mini-series on obesity, we welcome once again Dr. Ifland.   She founded the online Addiction Reset Community (ARC) in 2016, www.foodaddictionreset.com. The Facebook group, ‘Food Addiction Education’ (2014) and www.foodaddictionresources.com (2014) provide free support.  Reset Week  is the first online live video program for withdrawal (2018).  ARC Manager Training is a program training future Addiction Reset Community leaders (2020).

Dr. Ifland is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and definition of addictive foods.

Dr. Ifland earned her PhD in addictive nutrition at Union Institute and University (2010); her MBA at Stanford Business School (1978) and her BA in Economics and Political Science at Oberlin College (1974). She currently resides in Seattle.

Social Media links: 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806154526275515

​Twitter
 https://twitter.com/JoanIfland

​Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/foodaddictionreset/

This week we will discuss the obesity problem for children in the US.  Our guest, once again, is Dr. Joan Ifland.  Dr Ifland has been creating breakthroughs in recovery from food addiction from 1999 with her first popular book to 2018 when her textbook, Processed Food Addiction: Foundations, Assessment, and Recovery was released by CRC Press.  

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She founded the online Addiction Reset Community (ARC) in 2016, www.foodaddictionreset.com. The Facebook group, ‘Food Addiction Education’ (2014) 

and

 www.foodaddictionresources.com (2014) provide free support.  Reset Week  is the first online live video program for withdrawal (2018).  ARC Manager Training is a program training future Addiction Reset Community leaders (2020).

Dr. Ifland is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and definition of addictive foods.

Dr. Ifland earned her PhD in addictive nutrition at Union Institute and University (2010); her MBA at Stanford Business School (1978) and her BA in Economics and Political Science at Oberlin College (1974). She currently resides in Seattle.

Social Media links: 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806154526275515

Twitter

 https://twitter.com/JoanIfland

Instagram 

 https://www.instagram.com/foodaddictionreset/

 Childhood obesity is a complex disease with many contributing factors, on including genetics, eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines. About 1 in 5 American children has obesity. Compared to children with healthy weight, children with obesity are at a higher risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure. 

"Childhood obesity continues to rise around the world, and the World Health Organization has called it “one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.”

Yet the prevalence of childhood obesity appears to vary across countries.

Island nations in the Pacific, such as Nauru and the Cook Islands, appear to have the highest obesity rates among children 5 to 19, but the countries Ethiopia and Burkina Faso appear to have the lowest rates. The number of obese or overweight children 5 and younger climbed from 32 million globally in 1990 to 41 million in 2016, according to WHO data. If current trends continue, the number of overweight or obese children in that age group could increase to 70 million by 2025." (CNN Health News)

Skilled Nursing care, also known as Post-Acute Rehabilitation, is for those who need short-term care following an injury, surgery, or illness. The goal with this level of care is to successfully transfer patients from hospital to home, or senior living community, by providing the tools and resources for each phase of recovery. A stay at a skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and post-acute care center is meant to be a transitional period to help patients recover and return to their everyday lives.

Our Co-Host Ron had shoulder surgery recently and needed this type of care until he could regain use of his "good-arm".  As you probably know from an episode we did (again with Ron as the guest) very early in our podcasting to discuss his life with a disability.  You see, Ron was hit be a motor vehicle as a child and lost the use of one of his arms.

You can understand how rehabbing after shoulder surgery would be impossible without help!  He is here to explain that process, and I'd like to report he is now back to his version of 100%!  He is even going to the Vegas-Shoot in a couple of weeks to compete once again in target archery.

This week we will discuss the confidence building in children with returning guest, Casey Hersch!  

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​Casey Hersch is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author, Latin ballroom dancer, health journalist, and animal advocate. She uses holistic and resilience-based models to help children and families cope with trauma, stress, and illness.

​A Regent’s scholar and CSU Chico’s social worker of the year, she has devoted her career to helping children, parents, families, and communities build resilience and minimize the effects of stress, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences throughout the lifespan. During her childhood, Casey witnessed the toll of trauma and stress on her health. She has spent most of her adult life overcoming Crohn’s disease (autoimmune) and mental illness (anxiety), which further motivates her to create resources for children. Her passion for giving voice to the health benefits of animal rescue and pet companionship granted her recognition for excellence by the Cat Writer’s Association. Her work is published in a variety of venues.

Casey’s diverse clinical experience as a psychotherapist, child custody investigator, educator, and community organizer inspired I Am Pawso. All too often Casey sees toddlers, tweens, teenagers, and adults who missed out on early interventions. These mental health resources in schools, homes, and communities can reduce the long-term consequences of stress and trauma, such as chronic illness, mental illness, anger and behavior management issues, depression, and violence. Casey’s evidence-based philosophy is simple: When we provide children the lessons and resources they need to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and healthy brain neural pathways, we give them the best opportunities to thrive. I Am Pawso is Casey’s gift to children: An intervention providing them the tools and confidence they need to live healthy and successful lives.

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I Am Pawso is a family labor of love. Casey’s rescue cat, Pawso, is the main character. Her husband, Scott, illustrated the book by taking real photographs of Pawso. When Casey is not writing, she is Latin Ballroom dancing, serving her community, and playing with her cats, Pawso and Samba.

This week we will discuss severe Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).  Our guest is Galen Warden, the mom to six adult children, one being her son James Strazza.  Galen is now a full time caregiver to James due to the severity of his disease. 

Here are her words:  "James was a healthy young man until he very slowly, because of medical ignorance and poor advice, became weaker and sicker following a severe case of the Epstein Barr Virus when he was just 19. After a few years, he slowly lost his ability to drive, to stand in his kitchen and prepare food for himself, then to walk more than a few steps, to use an electric wheelchair, and finally, to even sit up if carried onto a commode. He’s been 100% bed bound for three years. What is this bizarre disease that so many medical doctors prefer to pass off as psychological, psychosomatic or self-inflicted? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis was, in the past, known only as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An unfortunate name because it’s so easily dismissed as simple chronic fatigue, familiar to many with autoimmune diseases. ME/CFS is entirely different. It’s a disease not known, not taught, but not rare. Just rarely acknowledged, and more rarely understood....

ME appears to be a post-viral disease. The onset can be caused by Epstein Barr, Dengue Fever, Covid 19, and other viral illnesses. Now, research is so urgent because Long Covid is impacting thousands who are unaware of the potential that they could end up like James.

Post-viral Covid could easily continue to progress to Severe ME/CFS if patients are not aware of how to manage their overwhelming weakness and fatigue. They must rest and never push themselves. They need the early support of their families to pick up the burden of making meals, driving them, helping them rest as much as possible. Because, if they don’t allow them to rest now, caring for them will become a very heavy burden.

These patients, with their desperate families, their disbelieving caregivers and puzzled doctors, are why I’m compelled to add documenting our experience to my long list of weighty obligations."