Reading and understanding a medical consent form before you sign it can make the difference between acceptance and regret if you experience a complication. Cris Ross, the CIO of Mayo Clinic, shares his cancer journey and reflects on the complexities of surgery, recovery, and the lessons learned that inspired him to write a book on navigating healthcare. Key Takeaway: Avoid Regret Voice your preferences and priorities. You don't need to be a doctor or a healthcare professional, but you need to know enough about your condition and the alternatives to make informed decisions. Be realistic about the tradeoffs between different decisions. Talk about them with your physician and your family. Deliberating out loud is an effective way to make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of different alternatives. Read the consent form. Really read it. Make sure it includes 4 key elements: purpose of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. For elective surgery, ask for the medical consent form at your pre-op visit so that you can review at home it without feeling rushed to sign it.   "Diagnosed: An Insiders Guide For Your Healthcare Journey" by Cris Ross and Ed Marx is now available on Amazon! Share your story with Archelle Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Archelle shares her personal story about the journey as a caregiver for her mother, Tina, who recently passed away. Guest host Cathy Wurzer leads the conversation, where they discuss the tough decisions and emotional challenges that come with caring for aging loved ones. Archelle talks about navigating the balance between honoring a loved one’s wishes and ensuring their safety and highlighting the difficult but loving decision to sometimes say "no" for their well-being. Key Takeaways Look for early, subtle changes in personality and decision-making. Use this moment to quietly but actively put plans in place for your loved one and start checking in on them more frequently. Make sure that healthcare power of attorney documents are signed and accessible. Instead of naming co-decision-makers, it's best to designate a one individual as primary with an alternate in case the primary is unavailable. This helps avoid delays and complexities in making urgent care decisions. Use technology to help keep your loved one safe. Here's a list of ideas with links: Amazon's Echo Show: This has all the features of a traditional Alexa and has the added benefit of video. This let me "drop in" to see my mom and talk to her without requiring that she know how to use the technology. Blink Mini-Cameras: Buy multiple devices and put them in strategic locations. Make sure to buy the data storage plan so that you can review and store clips. Medical/Safety Alert systems can include a pendant or a smart watch. Have realistic conversations about "aging in place". Discuss the medical, financial, physical and social implications for everyone who is impacted: the aging individual AND the caregiver(s) who assumes responsibility. Everyone's quality of life matters. Process for identifying an assisted living: Week 1: Do online research to identify all the facilities in the area. Read independent reviews. Week 2: Create a list of important criteria and conduct phone interviews. Week 3: Visit 4-6 locations. Week 4: Schedule an extended visit and have a meal at 1-2 locations that seem like the best fit. MANY thanks to Cathy Wurzer for guest hosting this interview. Cathy has a passion for aging and end of life issues. Learn more about her organization, End in Mind. You can also hear/see Cathy at: MPR's Morning Edition Minnesota Now, Cathy's own podcast on MPR TPT's Almanac Share your story with Archelle Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Nora Super has struggled with depression for over 30 years. In 2023, she attempted to take her life by suicide – and survived – but with a serious disability. Nora talks openly about her mental health journey, her state of mind during a deep depression, and the treatment that works for her. She also talks about the challenges of living with a disability and her recommendations for supporting patients and caregivers. Key Takeaways: Electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, works faster and better than medication for severe depression. If you or someone you love has severe depression or treatment resistant depression, ask the psychiatrist about ECT as an alternative treatment. If someone close to you attempts to take their life, don't blame yourself. It's highly unlikely that you could have done something to prevent it. Consider buying long -term health insurance, regardless of your current health status. You're not too young. It can help you afford the non-medical care and services you need to navigate a serious illness or the effects of aging. If you need mental health help or support, Call or text 988; National Suicide Hotline Share your story with Archelle Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Menopause symptoms are more than just hot flashes. Women can experience depression, brain fog, intimacy issues, arthritis and so much more. But too often, women suffer in silence. Tracy Kornet is an Emmy-award winning news anchor on WSMV in Nashville who experienced symptoms for eight years before getting help. She is committed to educating and supporting women so she doesn't hold back on the details when she shares her personal story. Key Takeaway: Don't Be Silent. Get Help For Menopause Get help for your symptoms before they disrupt your mood, your sleep, your job, and your relationships. Communicate with your partner. You are in this together. Know the facts about hormone replacement therapy before deciding whether or not you want to try it. Get support from your family, friends, and your employer if necessary. You don't have to be silent. Here's a link to Tracy's support group on Facebook: Are You There, God? It's Me, Menopause. Share your story with Archelle Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

At 29, Sarah Carthen Watson was only days away from her wedding when she experienced chest pain. Her visit to the ER became a stark example of medical gaslighting, where health care professionals appeared to dismiss or overlook her concerns. Medical gaslighting not only erodes trust but also risks missing diagnoses and delaying treatment. Key Takeaways Lean on family and friends for advocacy support. Be specific about the diagnosis you're most concerned about. Ask: "Has every (reasonable) test been done to make sure I don't have ________?" If a healthcare professional refuses to do any tests, labs, or x-rays, demand that they document your request and their denial in the electronic health record. Get in touch with Archelle Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Over 60% of patients say that having fast electronic access to their complete medical record is important. It is a safety issue, a quality issue and your legal right. The 21st Century Cures Act went into effect in 2021, but the Federal Government just decided on the penalties incurred by providers if they create any unnecessary hassle in making your records available. Kelsey's story is about the hassle she faced in the healthcare system including how hard it was to simply get a copy of her radiology report. Key Takeaway: Know Your Rights Under the 21st Century Cures Act Examples of Information Blocking Requesting lab, xray or biopsy results and being told, "Wait for your next visit so the doctor can discuss it with you." Lack of access to the clinical notes written about you in the office or hospital by your doctor, specialists or other ancillary providers (ie physical therapist, social work) Charging excessive fees for access to your medical records. Tip: Request digital/electronic access to information because the "reasonable" cost for paper requests can get pricey. Delay or refusal to transfer of medical records to another doctor/specialist/provider What To Do If You Think Information Blocking Is Happening To You Know how to log in to your healthcare portal Sign any forms required for sharing/transferring information Mention your right to information under the 21st Centure Cures Act. Contact the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to report potential information blocking. Use the OIG Hotline via the web at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/index.asp or by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). How to get in touch with Archelle Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

In this episode, the guest, Eyenga Bokamba, shares how she advocated for her mother who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When Eyenga sensed that negative stereotyping was limiting her mom’s treatment options, she used storytelling to help the care team “see” her mom beyond just the diagnosis.  Key takeaways: ·     You are ALWAYS more than your diagnosis. Don’t refer to yourself as a "cancer patient" or "diabetic." You are a person with cancer or someone who has diabetes. ·     Tell your story. When you are with a medical provider, share something interesting about yourself – a work project, a hobby, something fun you did recently. ·     Invite a friend or a family member to your visits. They can amplify your story. ·     Role-play before medical visits to help you visualize how various treatment alternatives will unfold and identify questions that you might not have thought about. Links: See Eyenga Bokamba’s work: https://www.eyengabokambapaintings.com/ To get in touch with Archelle: Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

In this conversation, Archelle speaks with Kelly and Michelle – two women who share their stories about feeling dismissed by their providers. Then Dr. Karen Lawson offers advice on how they to navigate these interactions. Key Takeaways: Use Non-Violent Communication Techniques 4 Steps of Non-Violent Communication Describe objective observations. Express how you feel. State your needs. Make a request. More on techniques and worksheets: https://positivepsychology.com/non-violent-communication/ Links: More on Dr. Karen Lawson: https://www.ihwcproductions.com/ Get in touch with Archelle Email: SpeakUpForYourHealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind that a diagnosis is right and that you know all the possible treatment options. In this episode, John talks about his journey with prostate cancer and the steps he took to get multiple second opinions before selecting the treatment that felt right for him. Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth the effort? Absolutely. Key Takeaways ·     Get educated about your medical condition. Don’t just rely on what the doctor explains in the office. ·     Get a 2nd opinion (and 3rd and 4th ones if necessary) if you have ANY question about your diagnosis or treatment plan. The physicians you choose should be in a different practice so they offer a completely objective opinion regarding your care. ·     Tap into your network of family, friends and colleagues to find other patients with a similar medical condition. Zoom in on the doctors whose name keeps coming up, and then do online research to check their credentials and read patient reviews. ·     Getting in to see specialists can be slow. If you want to get in sooner….get yourself on a waiting list, get to know the office staff, and keep calling back. And, of course, be pleasant. Links Article about waiting times: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/doctor-visits-appointments-frustration-1c88eb9a Get in touch with Archelle Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Many medical condition aren't life-threatening – but they can be life-altering. An injury, infertility, or sometimes, something as simple as a medication can be a barrier to to the life you imagined for yourself. How do you re-imagine a different future and not only survive, but thrive? Dr. Herman Williams survived a cardiac arrest when he was 31. But being an orthopedic surgeon was no longer possible. He had to create and advocate for a different future for himself. Herman shares his story and talks about the biggest barrier he had to overcome to live a life he never dreamed of.  Takeaways: Plan A is not the only option. Here's how to embrace Plan B. See a therapist. This is especially important if you have depression, anxiety or PTSD. But, even if you don’t, having a few sessions with a therapist – or a coach – can help you re-imagine your future. Acknowledge your fear. If fear is holding you back from moving on …tell your doctor. They can't read your mind so be straightforward: “I am really REALLY scared and here’s what I am afraid of”. They will hear you and depending on the situation, they might suggest additional testing, medication adjustment, or recommend extra monitoring to help put you at ease. Friends and family are a lifeline. Appreciate and accept support from those who are closest to you. But also – remember – that YOUR medical condition has an impact on them because being a caregiver – whether its emotional or physical – take a toll.   Links: Read more about Dr. Herman Williams story in his book, "Clear Living the Life You Never Dreamed Of." Get in touch with Archelle Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Roxane has been on a nine month journey with pancreatic cancer and now has only days or weeks to live. She explains why she chose to get aggressive treatment early on and later decided to stop treatment and transition to hospice. Roxane's story and optimistic outlook are uplifting because she is living every moment...while she's dying. Key Takeaways Use every living moment wisely. Even if you're getting aggressive treatment and have hope that cancer treatment will be successful, take advantage of all the time you have. Address the details that give you comfort and control; this will eventually decrease the burden on your family. Hospice is not something to be afraid of. Studies have shown that patients in hospice actually live longer than those with a similar diagnosis who don't receive hospice care. Unfortunately, over 1/2 of all patients are only in hospice for 17 days or less because patients are referred so late in their illness. Get in touch with Archelle Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Is obesity a mental health issue? Is it “right” for people to take the new obesity drugs if they aren’t obese but simply want to lose weight? This episode is not a patient story, but the perspective and experience of a clinical health psychologist who specializes in eating and weight-related issues. Dr. Robyn Pashby talks about the vicious shame-blame cycle of obesity and how patients have autonomy when discussing weight with their doctor. Key Takeaways: Erase a FAULT mindset. Yes, obesity is complex…but it's not someone's fault. Shaming and blaming yourself – or others – simply makes it worse. This bias is embedded in our society, but you have control of your own mindset. Ask for consent. Robyn talked about the importance of clinicians asking permission from patients before talking to them about their weight. But, asking for consent also applies when you approach a friend, a sibling, a parent, a spouse, or even your child who is struggling with weight or body image issues. Ask their permission and be ready to accept and respect “no” as an answer. Links: More about Dr Robyn Pashby: www.healthpsychologypartners.com Robyn's Instagram: @robynpashbyphd Get in touch with Archelle Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Doctors often talk about the medical complications associated with obesity, but it's rare to hear from patients about their experience with this condition and how hard it is to navigate through the healthcare system. In this episode, Joe shares his story about finding the right medical care (including the use of weight loss drugs) and losing over 100 pounds.  Links Survey of medical school deans and obesity education: https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12909-020-1925-z.pdf NYT Article, "One Size Fits All…." https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/12/health/weight-loss-obesity.html?auth=login-google1tap&login=google1tap Mediflix Documentary: https://www.mediflix.com/topics/obesity-weight/video/heartfelt-unraveling-the-link-between-obesity-and-heart-disease-e2 Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Listening to guest's stories taught Archelle even more about how to advocate. Key takeaways from the first 10 episodes of Speak Up For Your Health. Links Email: speakupforyourhealth@gmail.com Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Is childbirth a natural event for moms to direct...or a medical situation for doctors to control? Georgia, a labor and delivery nurse, had the experience to know how she wanted to deliver her own children, but it took a few rounds of advocating before she got it.  Links:  https://www.who.int/news/item/15-02-2018-individualized-supportive-care-key-to-positive-childbirth-experience-says-who https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

A new cancer diagnosis often comes with shock, fear, and then dozens of micro-decisions. They range from “Do I need a second opinion?“ to “Is there something less aggressive we can try first?” And, for some, "This isn't the treatment response we expected, now what?" Some patients weigh in on every decision; others defer to their doctors. At age 42, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and weighed in every step of the way. How involved would you be?  Key Takeaway: Weigh in. Weigh in with information. Know the statistics on your specific cancer. Compare data on the risks and benefits of each treatment option, including the option of doing nothing. Weigh in after knowing all the alternatives, including clinical trial alternatives. Weigh in with insight and support from a patient care community. An online community is usually the easiest way to connect with people who share your health condition.  Links:  Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Rebel Health: https://susannahfox.com/rebel-health/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Each year, 400,000 hospitalized patients experience some type of preventable harm – and this does not include the near misses that don't result in a negative event. In Part 2, Kris kept a close eye on Dave's care even though he was stable, and she didn't hesitate to ruffle some feathers when preventable harm made her lose trust.  Key Takeaway: Keep advocating throughout the entire hospital stay. While doctors, nurses, and hospital staff try really hard to get things right, oversights and mistakes happen. When necessary, escalate. Calmly but persistently ask questions, demand answers and actions. If you ruffle some feathers, it's okay.  Losing trust in the medical care being delivered is stressful for everyone. Take action to get things back on track. Sometimes the only option is to transfer to another hospital.  Links:  Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

Do health care "miracles" actually exist? Or, are they the result of quick action and persistent advocacy? Kris and Dave, both 53, were enjoying their favorite TV show when Dave had a sudden cardiac arrest. Kris' choices - in that moment and during the next 2 months – determined Dave's fate.  Key Takeaway: Plan, Do, Act Get CPR certified. Studies consistently show that people who live in communities with higher rates of CPR certification have higher rates of survival after out of hospital cardiac arrest. Complete an Advanced Directive before you ever need one. In fact, everyone over the age of 18 should have one because bad things can unfortunately happen at any age.  Know your loved one's medical history and the medications they're on. It could save their life.  Links:  HospitalCompare: https://hospitalcompare.io/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

The complexity of the healthcare system often results in miscommunication, difficulty obtaining medical records, and delays in care. Kelsey shares her frustrating experience when she had a bout of abdominal pain but finally broke through the bureaucracy to get the surgery she needed.  Key Takeaway: Escalate You have a right to all your medical records including immediate access to your test results. The 21st Century Cures Act requires that patients have immediate electronic availability to nearly all test results, medication lists, and clinical notes. Don't use an urgent care as a substitute for having a primary care physician. While urgent care clinics are great for simple problems like sore throats and urinary tract infections, establishing a relationship with a regular doctor will assure some continuity. Contracts between your health insurer and in-network providers often prohibit the provider from requiring up-front payment.  Links Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth

What would you do if an activity that gives you an incredible amount of joy is also the root cause of your serious injury? How do you explain to your surgeon that you really, REALLY want to get back in the ring and you want him to support you through it? This is the challenge that today's guest was able to navigate. Amanda's story begins with debilitating pain and ends with how she is balancing her health and her passion. Key Takeaway: Be clear about your priorities Select a doctor who is on your team: highly experienced but also be able to hear you and respects your priorities. Get a second opinion if your symptoms are getting progressively worse or if your doctor's level of urgency doesn't match yours or if you simply aren't connecting with your physician. Be accountable to your part of the treatment plan. Recovery is a shared responsibility between a patient and their providers.  Links Instagram:  https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth