Recommendations to your health and wellness should be coming from evidence based research. Often, the studies designed may not be all inclusive which means what is recommended to you, may not have been studied in people who share some of your makeup.

On this episode, Amy Truong, DTCM, MPH thoughtfully discussed with Danika Kelly, CEO and founder of My Normative.

My Normative is a health research and innovation focused on disrupting the sex and gender data gap through clinically validated data collection, data management, and analytical processes.

This episode emphasizes that better data collection isn't an "add-on" cost but should be the baseline for population health research, ultimately leading to more effective treatments and improved healthcare outcomes for everyone.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Sex and Gender Data Gap - How medical research has historically used male bodies as the default, leading to significant knowledge gaps in women's health outcomes
• Real-World Impact of Flawed Data - The COVID vaccine menstrual cycle controversy as a prime example of how excluding female-specific variables creates distrust and missed health insights
• Healthcare Communication - Strategies for providers to better communicate with patients about research gaps without dismissing their experiences
• Red Flags in Health Studies - What patients should look for when evaluating research, including inclusion/exclusion criteria and data analysis methods
• Innovation in Women's Health - How health tech companies can design more inclusive pilots and research protocols from the ground up
• Chronic Conditions & Gender - The 80% of autoimmune disorders that disproportionately impact women, and opportunities in underserved markets
• FemTech Growth - Promising developments in the industry and the importance of collaboration over competition
• My Normative's Mission - Three program pillars (Collect, Contribute, Catalyze) helping researchers and companies incorporate sex and gender variables into their work

How do we hold on to hope and direction when healing feels out of reach? In this episode, we explore the power of mindset, the beauty of flexibility, and what it means to find dignity in both life and illness—through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine and lived experience.

This episode is about reclaiming agency in the midst of uncertainty—shifting from victimhood to conscious response. Whether you’re navigating illness or simply trying to realign with your purpose, this conversation offers both compassion and clarity.

• 🌱 Setting meaningful goals while remaining flexible during life’s twists and turns

• 🧭 Releasing blame when healing isn’t linear—and embracing dignity in all outcomes

• 🔄 Reclaiming your power when health reversal is possible

• 💭 Navigating despair and remembering that emotional pain is temporary

• 🛤️ Letting go of “why me?” and stepping into choice, even during suffering

• 🚫 Avoiding toxic comparison and tuning into what wellness means for you

• 🌍 Seeing yourself as part of a larger system—and choosing your perspective

• ☯️ Embracing yin and yang: how balance in TCM can guide our mindset and healing

Social Services Support:

Food Security - Food Assistance Programs

CalFresh Program - access to fresh foods

Join us for a powerful conversation with psycho oncology specialists Laura Tanner, Dr. Corina Lopez and Dr. Olivia Pointer three mental health professionals with over 20 years of combined experience in oncology care together, they unpack how to show up as your authentic self throughout the cancer journey while embracing vulnerability building, self-worth, and practicing radical self-care.

We dive into:

• Health therapist and social workers truly support you behind the scenes
• The importance of self advocacy and finding your voice
• Navigating tough conversations around death and dying
• Normalizing emotional responses and reclaiming agency in your care
• The evolving role of AI in managing your mental health

This is a must listen for anyone touched by cancer and for the loved ones walking beside them. Tune in for real talk, expert insight, and compassionate guidance.

Laura Tanner LCSW, OSC-C

https://www.unraveledtherapy.com/

Olivia Pointer, PhD

Psychosocial Oncology Fellow at Colorado Anschutz Medical

https://oncopsychologycare.com/

Corina Lopez, PhD

https://lopezpsychology.com/

For integrative oncology care, visit www.road-to-wellness.com

A common question I get is why a MPH (Master's in Public Health) as an acupuncturist? There are some complexities within healthcare that impacts our patients significantly. This is just my take on why it is important or the application that is available to me with a MPH.

Acupuncture improves circulation in the reproductive organs and have shown to be effective by more than 50% in fertility patient and chronic pain, including pelvic pain, and pain associated with endometriosis, period pain, and the like. But don't just hear it from me. Listen in to Allison Locke, an acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. She is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine and member of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association. She has specialized training in treating fertility and reproductive health. As a stage 3 endo warrior herself, Allison is extremely passionate in helping treat the pain and symptoms of endometriosis.

There are many different types of care providers, occupational therapists are one of them. Occupational therapist are found in various settings of healthcare and has an integral part in sharing the recovery, healing, and wellbeing of a patient. As an acupuncturist, I share many patients with occupational therapists. A few questions Mr. Batstone Raja, an occupational therapist in Los Angeles, CA will answer includes:

What is an OT or occupational therapist?

What do they do?

How can you access care?

How does OT relate to public health?

How is care access affected through housing and health system gaps?

www.road-to-wellness.com

Got Questions for Batstone? Shoot us a message at [email protected]

A perspective on why you need to set realistic expectations on your recovery. Here's a quick reminder what that means.

www.road-to-wellness.com

Ever wonder why people use red light, blue light, or green light on their face? What about laser? 

How are any of these light sources helpful in your beauty and pain management?

Our office utilizes light therapy in conjunction with acupuncture and microneedling to help with various concerns like cystic acne, pain and inflammation, to learn more visit our website at www.road-to-wellness.com.

Link to photobiomodulation studies