The YMyHealth Podcast

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon welcomes Jay Abramovitch, Director of the Gathering of the Wolves retreat and a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor. Jay shares his personal story of being diagnosed at age 36, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the experience highlighted a major gap in cancer care—emotional support for men.

Jay introduces us to Man Up to Cancer, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to supporting men affected by cancer—patients, survivors, and caregivers alike. He discusses how the organization evolved from an online support group into a growing inte...

Do you know someone with an invisible illness? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the often-overlooked topic of invisible illnesses, focusing on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). She is joined by Dr. Alexandria Yarbrough, a pharmacist and POTS patient, who shares her experiences with the condition, including the physical and mental challenges it presents. The conversation covers the daily realities of living with POTS, the importance of workplace accommodations, and how to navigate social situations while managing health. The episode emphasizes the need for understanding and support from friends and family for those living...

What does it take to start a nonprofit organization with humor that is 'cheeky' while effectively bringing colorectal and anal cancer awareness to the LGBTQ+ Community? Find out in this episode of the YMyHealth podcast when David Russo, founder of Cheeky Charity, talks with Co-Host Melissa Schenkman. They discuss David's journey from a mechanical engineer to a public health advocate, highlighting his personal health experiences, the challenges faced in the healthcare system, and the importance of sharing personal stories to inspire change. The conversation also delves into the creation of Cheeky Charity, its mission to support the LGBTQ+ community...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-host Julie Woon kicks off Pride Month with a conversation about colorectal cancer awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. She is joined by David Russo and Andrew Wortmann of Cheeky Charity, who share the organization's mission to raise awareness and provide support for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by colorectal and anal cancer. The conversation covers the importance of targeted outreach, the need for education on screening and symptoms, and the role of humor in discussing serious health topics. They also highlight future projects and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in the community.

We often hear about colorectal cancer, but what do you know about rectal cancer specifically? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Jessica Ramos Acosta, a young rectal cancer survivor and cancer advocate to discuss her health journey, the importance of awareness around Lynch syndrome, and the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system as a person younger than age 50. Jessica shares her personal experiences with symptoms, receiving a cancer diagnosis at age 29, and undergoing immunotherapy. She emphasizes the need for millennials to be proactive about their health, as she would not...

What's happening on the YMyHealth Podcast in June? Co-host Julie Woon shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our June lineup highlights Men's Health Month, Pride Month, and PTSD Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community support. Upcoming episodes will cover various health topics, including personal stories of resilience, advocacy for colorectal cancer and Lynch Syndrome awareness, and discussions on living with invisible disabilities and PTSD.
🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to send us your podcast episode questions for our summer Q&A episode!

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Are you a mille...

Bringing a new life into the world is often painted as a joyful, magical experience (and it can be)—but for many new mothers, the reality is far more complex. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Alex McNulty, a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health challenges during the postpartum period, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. Alex details the therapeutic strategies that can support new mothers and tips for how you can help your friends and loved ones in their journey into motherhood when you se...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a community health event or a local 5K for awareness and make it really happen? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Fight CRC Ambassador and community leader, Zakela Mickens. She was the caregiver to her brother Joshua, who had Stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 27 and passed away six months after his diagnosis. The same year, she learned that she had the genetic condition, Lynch Syndrome, which her brother also had. It puts people at a higher risk for colorectal cancer.  Zakela discusses t...

Does having a background in cancer research as a career help a person diagnosed with cancer? The answer might surprise you. In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Allison Rosen, MS, a colorectal cancer survivor, researcher, former Fight CRC Ambassador, and current member of Fight CRC's Research Advocacy Training and Support Program, or RATS. They discuss Allison's unexpected diagnosis at a young age, her treatment journey, and the importance of advocacy and education in the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young adults with cancer and the resources available to support...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon sits down with Dr. Sujuna Reddy, DO, an internal medicine physician who knows exactly what it's like to be dismissed by doctors—because it happened to her. After decades of unexplained symptoms, Sajuna finally got a diagnosis: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She was diagnosed at age 28. Now, she’s using her medical degree and lived experience to help others navigate this often-misunderstood condition.

Dr. Reddy explains the diagnostic criteria for hypermobile EDS, outlines the most frequently missed symptoms, and shares how her personal experience shaped her approach to p...

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, young brain tumor survivor Mikaya Franklin shares her inspiring story of being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma to inform and bring attention to this condition that can affect people under age 50.  During this Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Mikaya recounts her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the impact of her illness on her professional and social life, and the coping strategies that helped her through her challenges, including grueling physical and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights the flaws in the healthcare system affecting young women, the importance of self-advocacy, and the misconceptions surrounding y...

What are hottest topics in women's health today? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with family medicine physician, Dr. Jessica Gray about the unique health challenges faced by women, as they navigate their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Dr. Gray shares insights on women's health from the importance of preventative screenings to the need for women to be proactive advocates in their healthcare. The conversation also touches on topics such as osteoporosis and what the research says about calcium and vitamin D's role under age 50, nutrition, protein intake, fertility at different ages and the role...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Julie Woon is joined by Emily Labutta, a licensed associate professional counselor, who specializes in helping high achievers and perfectionists overcome burnout. Emily shares her personal journey from the demanding world of criminal law to her current role as a counselor, offering valuable insights into the mental and emotional toll of burnout.

Emily discusses the factors that contribute to burnout, particularly within the millennial generation, and how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and an overemphasis on productivity can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. She highlights the cultural and generational shifts that...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with successful entrepreneur Brooks Bell, who is a Stage III Colon Cancer Survivor and Co-Founder of Worldclass Clothing, a fashion brand challenging the stigma of colonoscopies for young people and making talking about your colorectal health cool. The conversation explores Brooks' journey into cancer survivorship after completing her cancer treatment, the importance of colonoscopies, and the innovative approach of using fashion to raise awareness about colorectal health. They discuss the barriers to screening, the challenges of health entrepreneurship, and the significance of creating engaging products that spark conversations...

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon and integrative mental health therapist Rebecca Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC,  discuss the essential steps to finding the right healthcare provider for your mental health needs. They explore the different types of mental health professionals, the importance of understanding personal needs, and how to evaluate potential therapists. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the therapeutic relationship and offers practical tips for navigating the search for mental health support.

Highlights:
(00:00) Navigating Mental Health Care: An Introduction

(01:12)   Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

(03:57) Understanding Different Mental Hea...

What's happening at YMyHealth in May? A lot! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman introduces the May episode lineup, highlighting various health awareness month themes including mental health, women's health, brain tumor awareness, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Melissa discusses upcoming episodes featuring inspiring guests from six U.S. states, who share their personal health journeys and insights into navigating the healthcare system from mental health care for burnout to navigating the process of fertility preservation. This month also spotlights stories from young cancer survivors of brain and colorectal cancer. Melissa encourages listener engagement with the YMyHealth...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon sits down with therapist and life-transition whisperer Rebekah Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, to talk about the emotional chaos of “becoming an adult”—whatever that even means anymore.

From calling off an engagement and quitting her job to launching a private practice and moving to a new city—all in one year—Rebekah’s personal experience with transformation fuels her passion for helping others survive (and even thrive) through life's biggest shake-ups.

Whether you're wondering if it's normal to still feel lost in your 30s or trying to...

What do you know about patient-centered research? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host  Melissa Schenkman discusses the significance of patient-centered research with Molly Sherwood, the Director of Research at the Allo Hope Foundation, an organization providing valuable education and awareness of alloimmunization--a rare pregnancy condition where a mother's immune system creates antibodies that can attack her developing baby's red blood cells. Together, Melissa and Molly explore Molly's journey into research, the definition and importance of patient-centered research in particular, and how it empowers patients, particularly millennials, to take an active role in their healthcare. The conversation highlights r...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast,  Melissa Schenkman is joined by Dr. Fola May, gastroenterologist, health equity researcher, and all-around colorectal cancer prevention crusader. Together, they break down the complex and deeply human layers of colorectal cancer—from racial disparities and regional trends to early-onset stats that millennials can no longer afford to ignore.

Dr. May shares how her curiosity about the "black box" of the abdomen turned into a career mission, why family history made her research personal, and how advocacy became the bridge between science and policy. Together, they explore regional, racial, and age...

What inspires you to advocate to help others? In this mini episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman welcomes Jeremy Echols, a Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor and Fight CRC ambassador. They discuss Jeremy's journey, the importance of awareness around colorectal cancer, especially among younger individuals, and the need for self-advocacy in healthcare. Jeremy shares his motivations for becoming a Fight CRC Ambassador and emphasizes the significance of understanding one's own health and symptoms. The conversation highlights the growing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations and the importance of early detection and education.

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Looking to learn how to reduce the inflammation in your body or learn more about what foods are better for your gut and your microbiome? Join us in this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, where Co-Host Melissa Schankman talks with Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist, researcher, and the author of the new book 'Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis.' They discuss the importance of lifestyle choices in managing health, particularly for millennials facing chronic conditions. Dr. Girnita, who is the Founder of the telemedicine practice Rheumatologist OnCall shares insights from her book, emphasizing the need for hope and actionable steps...

Have questions about YMyHealth podcast episodes? We have answers! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Hosts Julie Woon and Melissa Schenkman answer listeners' questions for episode guests and about YMyHealth.  In the first half of the episode, they answer questions about the importance of understanding heart health in younger adults, telemedicine options for POTS patients and the challenges of living with the condition, as well as the significance of having a family history of either colon polyps or colorectal cancer when it comes to colorectal cancer screenings. Then, they provide insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of the YMyHealth p...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Melissa Schenkman is joined by labor and employment attorney Paige Sparks and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Long COVID specialist Dr. Sarah Diekman for a timely and informative discussion on navigating workplace rights while managing a chronic condition.

They explore everything from legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to common challenges millennials face when requesting accommodations for invisible illnesses like depression, ADHD, or POTS. Paige offers expert insights on spotting red flags when applying for jobs, advocating for...

What's happening in April at YMyHealth? YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host, Julie Woon, introduces the April episode lineup, featuring discussions on chronic illness, mental health, health advocacy, and patient-centered research. Other upcoming podcast episodes will also highlight the significance of understanding and addressing health disparities, as well as the role of advocacy in healthcare. Julie emphasizes the importance of community engagement and listener input in shaping YMyHealth's future content, including the upcoming April 7th Q&A episode answering listeners' questions from previous episodes.

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What do you know about telemedicine? Could it be a better and easier way for you to receive healthcare? Find out in this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, as Co-Host Julie Woon talks with Dr. Sarah Diekman, a physician specializing in treating patients with dysautonomias, POTS, and Long COVID. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of telemedicine. They discuss its definition, challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on its adoption. The conversation delves into the doctor-patient relationship, legal and regulatory aspects, patient data privacy, and the role of wearable technologies. They also address accessibility issues of telemedicine for underserved...

Did you know that vaccine hesitancy is happening more often in pregnancy than ever before? There is a trend of women refusing RhoGAM shots, an essential preventive measure to protect the health and safety of moms and their babies from alloimmunization (RhoGAM is essential for preventing Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women). The result: Skipping RhoGAM can lead to unnatural pregnancies with serious medical interventions, putting babies at risk of needing blood transfusions and even dying. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Katie Shanahan, MSN, NP, who is the Director of Development for Allo...

From Pregnancy to Cancer Diagnosis—Jennifer French’s Story

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon is joined by Jen French, an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness, as part of the Fight CRC initiative on Capitol Hill. Jen shares her deeply personal journey as a caregiver to her wife, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 32 and tragically passed away at 35. Jen discusses the challenges of balancing caregiving with her pregnancy, the emotional impact of her wife's diagnosis, and the lack of resources for young, LGBTQ+ couples facing cancer.

J...

Are you a research advocate? You could be. When it comes to colorectal cancer and the work of fellow millennials at Fight CRC, they have built an entire program dedicated to it. That's why in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ, discusses colorectal cancer research and research advocacy with Allison Rosen, a seasoned researcher, colorectal cancer survivor and Fight CRC research advocate. The conversation covers the importance of research advocacy, including Fight CRC's Research Advocacy and Training Support Program, innovations in screening and prevention, and the future of colorectal cancer research, emphasizing the need...

Have you heard of alloimmunization? It's a rare condition in pregnancy that can have significant implications for both mothers and their babies. In theYMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman and Katie Shanahan, a nurse practitioner and director of development for the Allo Hope Foundation, break down alloimmunization, also known as Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn. The conversation delves into Katie's personal experiences with alloimmunization during her pregnancy with her son.

She highlights the challenges her and other women who have alloimmunization face during pregnancy, the impact on mental health, and the importance of support systems. The episode emphasizes...

Have you experienced 'scanxiety'? You probably have, even if you haven't realized it had a name. Whether you are managing a chronic condition while trying to live your best life, a cancer survivor, or simply have a family history of a condition you are trying to prevent from developing, getting tests, even for preventive care, can make us anxious. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman, and Valerie Johnson, a pre-licensed clinical mental health counselor, discuss the intersection of chronic conditions and mental health. They explore the concept of scanxiety or scan anxiety, particularly in the...

Have you experienced age disparities in your healthcare?  If you are under the age of 50, you very likely have, especially when it comes to colorectal cancer prevention. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman engages in a vital conversation with Dr. Fola May, a gastroenterologist, distinguished researcher, and deeply involved colorectal cancer advocate at the national level for patients and colorectal cancer survivors. They discuss the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in younger adults, the importance of health literacy, and the need for early screening tests.  This conversation delves into the complexities of colorectal cancer (CRC) sc...

What's happening in March at YMyHealth? Podcast Co-Hosts Melissa Schenkman and Julie Woon are heading on the road to join Fight CRC in Washington, DC, to amplify the voices of colorectal cancer survivors, their caregivers, and advocates to highlight the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and education, particularly for millennials. Melissa discusses the alarming statistics regarding early-onset colorectal cancer and introduces YMyHealth's upcoming March episodes that include featuring topics that rarely receive coverage, including age disparities in healthcare, scananxiety, a rare condition of pregnancy and telemedicine. Melissa encourages listener engagement and community involvement in their upcoming March 31st Q...

How well do you advocate for your health at doctors' appointments and in the healthcare system as a whole? We've got tips to help make it easier! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman, and Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Jessica Gray from Lubbock, Texas, discuss the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for millennials. While being your own health advocate can be a challenge in our complex health system, self-advocacy in your healthcare is as important as eating healthy and exercising.

Dr. Gray emphasizes the need for patients to take an active role in...

Do you know what efforts are being made in the fight against the skyrocketing numbers of young-onset colorectal cancer (under age 50) diagnoses and who is putting up the fight to protect your health? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Fight CRC, Federal Policy Manager, and young-onset colorectal cancer survivor, Ben White, MPP, who shares his personal journey from cancer to his role in CRC advocacy and federal health policy work. The conversation highlights the upcoming Fight CRC Call-on Congress event in Washington, DC, where the YMyHealth Team will be live to support young-onset...

What would you do if you were healthy, but passed out while at dinner with friends when you were sober, and the doctors in the ER were telling you it was nothing to worry about?  If you knew in your gut something was wrong, would you keep pursuing answers or go on with your day-to-day life? Ben Freeberg chose to pursue answers, and thank goodness he did.

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman engages in a heartfelt conversation with seven-year testicular cancer survivor, Ben Freeberg, who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. T...

Do you know how to find credible health research in the media and on Google? Looking to find reliable information for your health or for your family? If so, this is the YMyHealth Podcast episode for you! Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the importance of health literacy for millennials, drawing on her two decades in public health research to give you easy-to-use rules of the road for conducting personal health research online.

The conversation covers how to evaluate health studies, the significance of sample size, peer review, and the impact factor of journals. Melissa also analyzes recent studies...

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon talks with Alexandria Yarborough, PharmD, who shares her personal journey with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Alexandria discusses the symptoms she experienced, the challenges of getting diagnosed, and how POTS has impacted her daily life, mental health, and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and the need for a more holistic approach to treatment in the healthcare system.

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You have heard that stress is bad for your heart, but what does that actually mean? If you do not know, you are not alone. In this American Heart Month episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host Melissa Schenkman, and South Carolina cardiologist, Dr. Garrett Ruth dive into the science behind physical and emotional stress and its effects on the heart.

Dr. Ruth explains the physiological effects of chronic and acute stress on the heart, the importance of managing stress, and the role of wellness practices such as exercise and sleep in maintaining cardiovascular health. The conversation also highlights a...

What do you know about your latest cholesterol levels and how they can change as we get into our 30s and beyond?  In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the growing concern about high cholesterol among millennials, featuring insights from fellow millennial and South Carolina cardiologist Dr. Garrett Ruth. The conversation covers the importance of understanding your cholesterol levels, the impact of family history, the role of preventive screenings, and the myths surrounding the use of statin medications.

Whether you are a millennial fighting to lower your cholesterol numbers, on the fence about t...

Do you know the year researchers first discovered heart disease could happen in people under age 50? Learn that in more as we kick off February and American Heart Month. In this episode, YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host, Julie Woon discusses the importance of heart health for millennials, emphasizing that the choices made in your 20s, 30s, and 40s significantly impact future health. She also previews our upcoming episodes for February, which focus on cholesterol, stress, personal survivor stories, and self-advocacy in healthcare, as we aim to empower our listeners with knowledge and practical tools for better health management.

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