Global Health Pursuit

I think yes! In this episode, I reflect on my journey thus far. Listen in for insights on how I've successfully utilized portions of sponsorship funds to impactful charities like the Society for Women's Health Research and World Pediatrics. This episode dives into the importance of community and connection, reminding listeners that even small steps can lead to significant change.

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it’s a vital topic for everyone, and understanding it can significantly enhance gender equality and social justice.

Danielle Keiser, a leading menstrual health educator, shares her journey and insights into how cultural shifts have influenced her mission. We discuss the importance of educating men about menstrual cycles and how this knowledge can foster empathy and support in relationships. With the launch of a new app aimed at helping dads and partners learn about menstrual health, Danielle emphasizes that this education can empower families and transform societal attitudes.

Check out the show notes!

Takeaways:

• Menstrual health is crucial for achieving gender equality and understanding societal dynamics.
• Educating men about menstrual health can foster empathy and improve relationships with women.
• Understanding the menstrual cycle can empower individuals to manage their health effectively and holistically.
• Periods and menstruation should be normalized as part of a broader human experience, not just a women's issue.
• Menstrual pain is often dismissed, yet it can indicate underlying health issues that require attention.
• Cultural perceptions of menstruation influence how individuals and families communicate about reproductive health.

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A huge thank you to Sparkle for sponsoring this episode! The mission at Sparkle is to offer healthy, sustainable, and innovative period products made from the highest-quality ingredients to care for you and the planet. To learn more about Sparkle, visit them on the web at getsparkle.life.

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

How does vital signs monitoring address neonatal mortality in low-income countries? What challenges do medical device startups face, especially in regulated healthcare environments?

In this interview, Sona Shah, CEO of Neopenda, walks us through her personal journey from studying chemical engineering at Georgia Tech to creating impactful healthcare solutions while navigating the complexities of medical device development. She shares her experiences teaching in Kenya, working in pharma, and meeting her co-founder Tess at Columbia University. The conversation delves deep into the challenges of launching a healthcare startup, the importance of culturally sensitive design, and critical business decisions such as choosing a for-profit model and restructuring the team during COVID-19. Sona provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs driven to solve urgent healthcare problems.

Takeaways:

• Sona Shah's journey from engineering to healthcare highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in medical device design.
• Neopenda was founded to address neonatal mortality in low-income countries with innovative monitoring solutions.
• The challenges of launching a healthcare startup include navigating regulatory hurdles and securing funding.
• COVID-19 opened opportunities for Neopenda to adapt its device for adult and pediatric patients.
• Creating a sustainable business model is crucial for balancing profitability with social impact in healthcare.
• Restructuring during tough times can lead to stronger teams and better company performance in the long run.

Links referenced in this episode:

• neopenda.com

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

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Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

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Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

Ayurveda, often dismissed as mere "woo woo," might just hold the key to understanding our health in a more holistic way.

In this episode, Austin Vantastic shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure career in film to discovering the healing potential of ancient Indian medicine. Together, they explore how Ayurveda addresses chronic conditions that Western medicine often overlooks, highlighting the importance of balance among the body's three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Austin recounts his own health struggles, the stigma surrounding traditional practices, and how Ayurveda offers preventive solutions through diet, lifestyle changes, and meditation. This episode encourages listeners to rethink their approach to health and consider integrating Ayurvedic principles into their lives.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

To get in contact with Austin and get your very own one on one Ayurvedic consultation, shoot him an email at [email protected] or and tell him that the global health pursuit podcast sent ya! You can also learn more at ayurvedafor.us

Takeaways:

• Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old medical system, emphasizes the importance of balance among the body’s doshas.
• Western medicine often provides quick fixes, but Ayurveda focuses on prevention through holistic lifestyle changes.
• The journey to understanding Ayurveda can be transformative, as it addresses mysterious health issues holistically.
• Ayurvedic practices, such as dietary adjustments and meditation, can significantly enhance overall well-being.
• Austin Fantastic's transition from film to Ayurveda showcases the diverse paths to healing.
• Ayurveda encourages fresh food consumption, avoiding leftovers to maintain optimal digestion and health.

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

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Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

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Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

How can we advance global pediatric care to reach children in the most underserved regions?

This episode tackles that pressing question while highlighting the vital role of partnerships in overcoming healthcare challenges. We dive into the transformative work of World Pediatrics, which is dedicated to ensuring that children in low-resource areas receive essential medical care. With insights from Andrea Ahonen, Mallory Trusty, and Kate Corbett, we explore significant changes within the organization, including their recent rebranding efforts and a shift towards empowering local healthcare systems. Their focus on holistic care not only addresses immediate medical needs but also fosters sustainable healthcare solutions for the future.

Takeaways:

• The global pediatric care landscape requires innovative solutions to overcome barriers in underserved regions.
• World Pediatrics emphasizes partnerships that enhance healthcare systems while increasing local capacity for pediatric care.
• Transforming pediatric healthcare involves not just treating patients but empowering local providers through training and resources.
• The rebranding of World Pediatrics reflects their commitment to long-term sustainable healthcare solutions, not just temporary projects.
• Stories like Tahjana's highlight the critical need for urgent surgical interventions in low-resource settings.
• Orthopediatrics' partnership with World Pediatrics illustrates the importance of collaboration in providing comprehensive care for children globally.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• World Pediatrics
• Orthopediatrics
• Nemours Children's Hospital
• Doctors Without Borders
• Shriners Children's Hospital

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

Submit a Question: Click here to send in a question!

Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

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A huge thank you to OrthoPediatrics for sponsoring this episode! OrthoPediatrics is a medical device company helping children whose lives have been impacted by orthopedic conditions. To learn more about OrthoPediatrics, visit them on the web at orthopediatrics.com!

A portion of this sponsorship was donated to World Pediatrics to amplify the work they do for children all around the world!

Did you know that only 3% of children in low income countries have access to surgery, while 85% of children in high income countries like the US have access? This means that easily treatable conditions like appendicitis or long bone fractures could result in death or lifelong disability for children in low and middle income countries. On the bright side, there are organizations like World Pediatric Project that are working to provide access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The episode features an interview with Vafa Akhavan, the CEO of World Pediatric Project, a nonprofit organization that provides access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean. The conversation covers Vafa's background and career path, as well as the mission and unique model of World Pediatric Project. Vafa emphasizes the importance of access to healthcare for children in low and middle income countries and discusses the extreme cases that World Pediatric Project focuses on. This organization has amazingly developed a network of pediatricians, hospitals, and donors over the past 20 years, which allows them to care for children around the world.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

Takeaways:

• Access to surgery for children in low-income countries is critically low, at only 3%.
• The World Pediatric Project aims to provide specialized medical care for underserved children.
• Unique surgical cases require tailored approaches, as each child's needs significantly differ.
• Building partnerships with local healthcare providers enhances the capacity of pediatric care systems.
• Children represent 30% of the population and are essential for a better future.
• The ripple effects of surgery can transform not only a child's life but entire communities.

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

Submit a Question: Click here to send in a question!

Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

What unique challenges do refugee and migrant youth face during resettlement, and how can educational systems best support their integration and mental health?

Ilana Seff, a Research Assistant Professor at the Brown School at Washington University, and Jeremy Aldrich, Director of Teaching and Learning in Harrisonburg City Public Schools, delve into this crucial topic in this episode. Ilana highlights her work on mental health support for displaced women and adolescents in the U.S., particularly through the 'SALaMA Study,' while Jeremy discusses the significance of language and cultural belonging through his experience as an ESL teacher and leader in the Virginia Dual Language Educators Network. They discuss the vital role of schools in creating inclusive environments, the importance of family engagement, and the effectiveness of peer support in aiding integration and fostering resilience among refugee and migrant adolescents.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

Takeaways:

• Refugee and migrant youth face significant emotional challenges while resettling in new environments.
• Schools play a critical role in providing support and fostering a sense of belonging for these students.
• Language acquisition is vital for social integration and academic success among refugee adolescents.
• Family involvement is crucial in helping students adjust and navigate the school system effectively.
• Peer mentoring can greatly assist refugee youth in understanding school norms and making connections.
• Mental health support is essential, as many adolescents experience heightened levels of distress and isolation.

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

Submit a Question: Click here to send in a question!

Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

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Make sure to check out the Planet People Podcast if you love this podcast! :)

What is the vaginal microbiome, and why is it crucial for women's health? How does bacterial vaginosis (BV) and its treatments impact women's lives? Dr. Craig Cohen, a leading expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF, explains the importance of the vaginal microbiome and its role in women's health. Drawing from years of experience and extensive research, including his work in Kenya, Dr. Cohen discusses the challenges of treating BV, the necessity of innovative treatments like live biotherapeutics, and the urgent need for better diagnostics and widespread education. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy for research and funding to improve women's reproductive health outcomes.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

Takeaways:

• Understanding the vaginal microbiome is essential for women's reproductive and overall health.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that many women may not be aware of.
• BV can increase the risk of preterm birth, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Proper education and awareness about BV can help women take proactive steps for their health.
• Routine testing for the vaginal microbiome is not standard but can be requested from healthcare providers.
• Advocacy for better diagnostics and treatments for BV is crucial to improve women's health outcomes.
• The vaginal microbiome plays a significant role in maintaining optimal health and preventing infections.

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

Submit a Question: Click here to send in a question!

Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Email me at [email protected]

______

Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

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A huge thank you to Evvy for sponsoring this episode! Evvy is a women's health company that is unlocking precision healthcare for women & people with vaginas. Their mission is to close the gender health gap by discovering and leveraging overlooked female biomarkers — starting with the vaginal microbiome. Learn more about them at Evvy.com.

A portion of today's episode was donated to the Society for Women's Health Research - a nonprofit with a mission to advance women’s health through science, policy, and education while promoting research on sex differences to optimize women’s health.

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This episode was created in partnership with Resolve Global Health.

Make sure to check out the Planet People Podcast if you love this podcast! :)

What if men could share the responsibility for contraception? How could this reshape relationships and economic landscapes globally? Could this reduce global poverty?

Heather Vahdat, Executive Director at Male Contraceptive Initiative, talks passionately about the groundbreaking journey towards safe, reversible male contraceptive options. The discussion covers her intriguing career shift from zoology to public health, the pressing need for funding, and the transformative potential of male contraception in reducing global poverty. Learn about the exciting advancements in clinical trials and the crucial role of youth in advocating for reproductive autonomy in this eye-opening interview.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

International Market Research: https://www.malecontraceptive.org/international-market-research.html

Listen to MCI's podcast which explores the past, present, and future of male contraception: "Intended"

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

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Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

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Email me at [email protected]

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This episode is proudly supported by Male Contractive Initiative. The mission at MCI is to empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy.

Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

How do forest fires link to climate change? Why does climate pose a national security threat? How can businesses mitigate their carbon footprints?

Mike Smith, co-founder and CEO of Aclymate, joined me to discuss his journey from a Navy career to founding a company focused on helping small-to-medium sized businesses achieve carbon neutrality. The conversation delves into the personal experiences that influenced Mike's transition, the importance of reforestation and carbon markets, the concept of fatal heat, and how climate change acts as a non-traditional threat to national security. Mike also explains decarbonization, offers practical advice for individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprints, and highlights Aclymate's mission to educate and empower businesses for a sustainable future.

Check out the shownotes to learn more!

If you liked this episode listen to these too:

5. How Do Internally Displaced Persons Access Healthcare? w/ Elvis Ndansi

27. Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals w/Rachel Svetanoff

57. The Life of a Refugee: Economic Integration and Forced Migration w/ Dr. Mitra Naseh

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Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation

Submit a Question: Click here to send in a question!

Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list

Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Email me at [email protected]

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Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK:

A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk.

>>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<