The Health Advocates

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a serious inflammatory condition that affects blood vessels, primarily in adults over 50. Its symptoms can be difficult to recognize, and without prompt diagnosis and treatment, GCA can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark speaks with Connecticut State Representative Tom O'Dea about his personal experience living with GCA. Representative O'Dea shares his journey from the first signs that something was wrong to receiving a diagnosis, navigating treatment, and managing the condition while balancing the demands of public service.

Together, they explore the challenges of recognizing a relatively uncommon disease, the impact of GCA on everyday life, and why greater awareness and early intervention are so important.

For more information about GCA, including symptoms, treatment options, research, and patient resources, visit https://ghlf.org/gca/.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The science of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is changing rapidly. Advances in biomarkers, diagnostics, treatments, and prevention could allow clinicians to identify disease earlier than ever before, sometimes even before noticeable symptoms emerge.

In this special episode of The Health Advocates, recorded for Steven Newmark’s visit to London for the 2026 World Dementia Council Summit, Steven explores what this new era could mean for patients, caregivers, and health systems.

What happens when someone receives a diagnosis before they feel sick? Are health systems prepared for greater demand for testing and treatment? How could AI, digital tools, and biomarkers change dementia care? And how do we make sure scientific progress reaches patients equitably?

Steven examines why the next challenge in dementia may not simply be advancing the science, but building the policies, infrastructure, workforce, and patient support needed to put that science into practice.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorectal cancer screening can save lives, yet millions of eligible Americans still do not complete recommended screening. Could a simple blood draw help reach some of the people who currently go unscreened?

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Dr. Sam Asgarian, Chief Medical Officer at Guardant Health, and Oliver Rocroi, Advocacy Relations Officer at Guardant Health, about the emerging role of blood-based colorectal cancer screening.

They discuss how these tests work, who may qualify, their benefits and limitations, what happens after a positive result, and how blood-based testing fits alongside colonoscopy and stool-based screening. The conversation also explores the broader public health question of whether giving people additional screening options could help overcome barriers and lead to more cancers being detected earlier.

Plus, Oliver rejoins the program with an important update on recent changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and what those developments could mean for future consideration of newer colorectal cancer screening options.

The message for patients remains simple: understand your risk, know your screening options, and talk with your healthcare provider about the approach that makes sense for you.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Osteoarthritis affects millions of people, but living with OA can involve much more than joint pain. It can change how people work, exercise, socialize, sleep, and participate in everyday life. And for many patients, the path from conservative treatments to possible joint replacement can feel frustrating and unclear. 

In this episode of The Health Advocates, we speak with orthopedic surgeon and researcher Dr. Vinod Dasa about what patients should understand about osteoarthritis today. We discuss how OA develops, when to seek care, available treatment options, shared decision-making, gaps in care between symptom management and surgery, and the barriers that can affect access to treatment. 

Dr. Dasa also shares his perspective on innovation in osteoarthritis and what emerging approaches could mean for patients in the years ahead. 

If you or someone you care about is living with osteoarthritis, this conversation offers practical questions to bring to your next appointment and a look at why expanding treatment options matters. 

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fall approaches, flu and COVID-19 are once again moving to the forefront of public health. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark looks at what the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season may tell us about the months ahead, how this year’s flu vaccine has been updated, and when people should consider getting vaccinated.

He also breaks down the newest COVID-19 vaccine, including which variant it targets, when it will be available, who is currently eligible to receive it in the United States, and how much protection we can realistically expect against infection and severe illness.

The episode also explains why respiratory viruses often gain momentum as children return to school and people spend more time indoors, with practical guidance for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness as they prepare for fall virus season.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each September, the United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, brings together policymakers, scientists, advocates, researchers, and health leaders from around the world. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark shares why participating in UNGA Week offers such a valuable opportunity to learn from global colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to public health.

Drawing on discussions taking place throughout the week, Steven highlights how different countries are addressing major health challenges, balancing innovation with rising healthcare costs, advancing awareness around areas such as brain health, and identifying programs that can improve outcomes for patients.

The episode also explores why international collaboration matters, how scientific innovation can translate into better care, and the importance of ensuring that the patient perspective remains part of global health conversations.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and control of Congress could significantly shape health policy during the final two years of President Trump’s administration. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explains why patients should pay attention, including the differences between Democratic and Republican priorities on Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, prescription drug costs, public health, vaccines, and the broader role of government in healthcare.

Steven also looks at the current political landscape, including national polling, closely watched House and Senate races, and the states that could determine control of Congress. Finally, the episode explores how the midterm results could influence the 2028 presidential campaign and the growing debate over the future of the American healthcare system.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump’s new executive order on childhood vaccines has created fresh questions about what is changing, what is not, and what families should do now.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the order’s major provisions, including proposals to reduce the number of universally recommended vaccines, space out vaccinations, and eventually separate the MMR vaccine into individual measles, mumps, and rubella shots.

He also explains the limits of the executive order, including the fact that states still control school vaccination requirements and that many of the proposed changes would require additional federal action, new products, or further implementation.

The episode also examines the scientific evidence behind the existing vaccine schedule, the risks of delaying vaccination, and why changing recommendations could create particular concerns for people living with chronic illness or weakened immune systems.

Most importantly, Steven offers practical guidance for parents trying to navigate conflicting recommendations and increasing confusion around vaccine policy.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public health threats often seem unrelated until we examine the systems that connect them. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark discusses the record-breaking rise in U.S. measles cases, recent foodborne illness outbreaks, changing COVID-19 activity, and the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Steven explains what these developments mean for patients, caregivers, and people living with chronic illness, including practical steps related to vaccination, food recalls, testing, treatment planning, and air quality. He also examines the larger forces shaping these stories, including declining vaccine confidence, gaps in public health communication, and the importance of strong disease surveillance.

The episode also highlights encouraging news, including progress toward a new Ebola vaccine and El Salvador’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.

Together, these stories show what happens when public health protections weaken, and what communities can achieve when science, communication, and sustained investment work together.

FDA Egg Sell-by Recall Dates:  July 20th - August 17th, 2026

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but for millions of Americans with weakened immune systems, the virus remains a serious concern.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to phase out COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and explains why the decision matters for people who are immunocompromised. The transition will require the FDA to establish new regulatory pathways for certain COVID-19 drugs and biologics over the coming year, raising important questions about how patients will continue to access preventive therapies during that process.

Steven explains what an EUA is, why some immunocompromised patients need additional protection beyond vaccination, and why patient voices are essential as the FDA considers its next steps. Most importantly, he discusses how thoughtful patient advocacy can help ensure that regulatory decisions remain focused on science, continuity of care, and the needs of those who remain most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Whether you're living with a chronic illness, caring for someone who is immunocompromised, or simply interested in how health policy affects patient care, this episode offers an accessible look at an important issue that could shape COVID-19 prevention for years to come.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected]

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected]

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.