I AM YOU

I AM YOU

By Dr Nitza AlvarezMedicineHealth & FitnessFitness
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I AM YOU episodes

  • She Thought It Was Reflux… But It Was Her Heart - Ep 9 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews MaryAnn Brock, who shares her journey with cardiac health. 

    MaryAnn describes experiencing persistent burning chest pain, initially misdiagnosed as acid reflux, despite ongoing treatment. Over time, she realized the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, especially for women, who often downplay symptoms or face dismissal. 

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    20 min
  • Too Young for a Heart Attack? She Was Having One - Ep 8 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Deb Williams about the critical importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. 

    Deb shares her experiences of being dismissed by doctors, in which she had to seek alternative care to receive proper treatment. She also recounts her heart attack at age 46, where medical professionals initially dismissed her symptoms due to her age and appearance, highlighting the gender biases in cardiovascular care. 

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    24 min
  • At 44, They Told Her to Go Home and Die - Ep 7 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Karin McNeil, a woman diagnosed with heart disease at 40 after initially mistaking her symptoms for the flu. 

    Karin shares her struggles with misdiagnoses, inadequate medical care, and the need to advocate for herself to receive life-saving treatment, including heart surgery and a defibrillator. Her story highlights the importance of proactive heart health management, seeking second opinions, and ensuring women’s heart conditions are taken seriously in the healthcare system.

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    28 min
  • She Was Too Young to Have Heart Disease… Until She Did - Ep 6 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Jodie, who shares her journey of experiencing heart issues in her 40s, including severe palpitations and a life-threatening brain bleed. 

    Jodie emphasizes listening to your body, advocating for timely medical attention, and not dismissing symptoms despite age or appearance. Dr. Alvarez and Jodie discuss how heart disease and health crises can affect anyone, regardless of how they look, and urge women to prioritize their well-being over societal or work obligations.

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    17 min
  • She Felt Fine… But Her Heart Valve Was Failing - Ep 5 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews JoAnn Burkett, who shares her journey of discovering a life-threatening heart condition during a routine checkup despite having no symptoms. 

    JoAnn emphasizes the importance of regular medical evaluations, which allowed her condition to be detected and treated before it became fatal. The conversation highlights the need for proactive healthcare, especially for women, and encourages listeners to prioritize regular checkups even when they feel healthy.

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    12 min
  • Even a Nurse Ignored Her Own Heart - Ep 4 - I AM YOU - Janet VanBurger

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Janet VanBurger,  a seasoned nurse with over 50 years of experience, about her journey in recognizing the importance of heart health, especially as a diabetic. 


    Janet shares her transition from being a caregiver to becoming her own health advocate, emphasizing the critical need for women to ask questions, seek proactive care, and demand clarity in their healthcare. The conversation highlights the importance of patient autonomy, reliable information, and building collaborative relationships with providers.


    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    25 min
  • Don’t Wait for a Heart Attack to Learn Your Risk - Ep 3 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Patty Nowicki, who shares her journey of prioritizing preventive heart care due to her family’s history of heart disease. 

    Patty emphasizes the importance of being proactive, creating a health baseline, and overcoming the fear of seeking medical evaluation. Patty also highlights how simple lifestyle changes, like staying hydrated and early screening, can significantly impact long-term health.

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    16 min
  • They Said It Was Anxiety… But It Was a 90% Blocked Artery - Ep 2 - I AM YOU

    The podcast I Am You is hosted by Dr. Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and bestselling author. The episode aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Alvarez interviews Judy Martin, who shares her journey of surviving a stroke, navigating dismissive medical care, and ultimately finding answers that saved her life.

    Judy’s story highlights women's challenges in getting their symptoms taken seriously in healthcare. Despite being initially dismissed, Judy persisted in seeking care, eventually uncovering a severe blockage in her carotid artery that could have led to a major stroke. The conversation underscores the importance of advocating for oneself, finding a supportive physician, and not settling for inadequate or dismissive care.

    The podcast seeks to inspire women to become the "CEO of their own health" by sharing real-life stories demonstrating the power of persistence and self-advocacy in overcoming barriers in the healthcare system. It encourages listeners to trust their instincts, speak up about their health concerns, and seek providers who respect and advocate for their well-being.

    12 min

About I AM YOU

From the publisher's feed

Dr Nitza Alvarez, a board-certified cardiologist and best-selling author, is sharing stories of women who speak up and become the CEO of their own health. For more information, visit…