Human trafficking is a global health crisis that requires awareness, education and action to combat effectively.

On this episode of Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Kristin Stovern, DNP WHNP CNM FACNM, speaks with guest Dr. Morgan Dutler, Professor of Nursing at Purdue University Global, about the alarming reality of human trafficking. Dr. Dutler, who has implemented human trafficking protocols in healthcare settings, brings her expertise to shed light on this often misunderstood and underreported issue.

They discuss the staggering statistics of human trafficking, including the fact that 88% of trafficking victims have contact with healthcare professionals during their captivity. They cover the various forms of trafficking, from sex and labor trafficking to forced marriages and child military service. Dr. Dutler explains the red flags that may indicate someone is being trafficked and provides guidance on how to respond appropriately in both healthcare and everyday settings.

"It's very hard to pinpoint, you know, they're not walking around with a name tag that says, Hi, I'm being trafficked," Dr. Dutler explains. "You really have to seek that training to understand what it really entails and then what you really need to do or talk to."

Stovern and Dr. Dutler also explore the resources available for those seeking to learn more about human trafficking, including training programs offered by organizations like the Polaris Project and the Department of Homeland Security. They discuss the importance of consumer awareness in avoiding products that may be associated with labor trafficking and highlight the role of state representatives in addressing this issue. The conversation emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to combating human trafficking, involving healthcare professionals, law enforcement, policymakers, and informed citizens.

Perimenopause and menopause can be navigated with grace and personalized strategies for optimal health.

On this episode of Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Kristin Stovern, DNP WHNP CNM FACNM, talks with guest and Organon medical director, Dr. Bree Harbin, DNP, WHNP-BC, about their personal and professional experiences with perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Harbin, with 25 years of experience in women's health, brings her expertise as a Medical Director and Medical Science Liaison for a global medical department specializing in Contraception, Gynecology, and Women's Health.

They discuss the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, including hormonal changes, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and emotional shifts. The conversation covers strategies for managing these changes, such as adjusting exercise routines, focusing on nutrition, prioritizing sleep, and addressing mental health. They emphasize the importance of personalized approaches to women's health and wellness during this transitional period.

"I think we have to model that to ourselves, and share with our loved ones that we trust…" Dr. Harbin explains. "It's not admitting weakness. It's actually going forward with strength."

Stovern and Dr. Harbin also discuss the need for better education and research in women's health, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for some women, and the importance of seeking support from healthcare providers who specialize in menopause care. They explore holistic approaches to managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including stress reduction techniques, supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

When dealing with a painful menstrual cycle, women are often told to simply, “deal with it.” 

But on this episode of Why Am I Just Finding This Out, a podcast for women’s health, host Kristen Stovern, DNP, WHNP, CNM, FACNM, and guest Dr. Sara Dean, DNP, MSN, APRN, RNFA, WHNP-BC, discuss why that unconscious bias is as harmful as it is counterproductive. 

Dean, a seasoned Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Leader with a rich background in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, specializes in advancing women's health, her role as a Medical Science Liaison crucial in fostering scientific exchange and collaboration with healthcare experts to enhance patient care and clinical practices.

Stovern and Dean address the often overlooked issue of abnormal menstrual pain and its underlying causes, stressing the importance of not dismissing such discomfort as a normal part of womanhood, but rather recognizing it as a potential indicator of serious health conditions to address and take seriously. 

“There are multiple modalities for treatment [of menstrual pain],” Dean explains. “It’s not a lost cause, it’s not something that you have to [just] deal with… advocate for yourself, advocate for your quality of life.”

The two also discuss the prevalence of uterine fibroids, a common source of pain during the menstrual cycle, which affect up to 80% of women by age 50. These benign tumors can be inconspicuous until they cause significant issues, such as pain during intercourse, complications during conception and childbirth, as well as joint and muscle pain.

Dean and Stovern emphasize the need for a more informed and empathetic approach to women's hormonal health and wellness, urging medical professionals to better support women in managing their health comprehensively. 

Environmental health is the name of the game. 

Today, Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristen Stovern DNP, WHNP, CNM, FACNM, is joined by guest Susan Kendig, JD, WHNP-BC, FAANP, a distinguished expert in women's health, who sheds light on the urgent implications of climate change and its intersection with women’s well being. 

Drawing from her extensive background as the Women’s Health Integration Specialist at SSM Health Maternal Services, St. Louis, MO, Kendig elucidates how climate change, driven largely by human activity, poses significant risks to women worldwide, emphasizing the disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable populations. From the proliferation of urban heat islands to the encroaching threats of rising sea levels and natural disasters in woodlands and grasslands, Kendig paints a vivid picture of the challenges facing women living in vulnerable environments due to socioeconomic disparities, highlighting the heightened risks of stress, neurological disorders, and reproductive health issues.

“We may set up generations being [negatively] affected,” Kendig explains. “And we may never even know that [until then].” 

Kendig also delves into the negative effects of toxic chemicals present in everyday products, such as makeup and plastics, exacerbating health risks for women. She underscores the importance of informed consumer choices and sustainable practices in mitigating these risks, advocating for proactive measures to safeguard women's health and well-being.

Join us as we navigate the complex terrain of climate change affecting maternal mental and physical health for women around the globe. 

Resources:

List of Non-Toxic Products: Amazon.com: Non Toxic

Water Contamination Database: EWG's Tap Water Database: What's in Your Drinking Water? | @ewg | #WaterSafety

Women aren’t little men. We need to start treating women as women.

Today, Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Sara Dean, DNP, MSN, APRN, RNFA, WHNP-BC, a Medical Science Liaison with Organon and women’s health advocate. Dr. Sara Dean began her career as a labor, delivery, and postpartum nurse before pursuing a master's degree as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). She gained experience in general OB/GYN and surgical assistance, including robotic surgery. She shifted to a role as a Medical Science Liaison with Organon, starting in October 2022. Together, Kristin and Sara discuss the risks of heart disease in women and give powerful information to fight against common health disparities. Did you know? - 44% of women in the United States have high blood pressure.

- 1 in 3 women die of heart disease every year.

- 90% of women possess one or more risk factors for heart disease and don’t know it.

- Only about half (56%) of US women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.

Dr. Dean discusses these statistics and more. She emphasizes how about two-thirds of women who die of heart disease had no recognizable symptoms. For those events with a precursor event, the most challenging fight is recognizing those signs and acting quickly. She reminds us all that a simple, but powerful tool against heart disease in women is committing to regular evaluations with a trusted primary care provider.

While it’s important to learn more to do better for yourself, they also talk about the importance of advocacy. Learning about what can be done to speak up for minority groups facing health disparities is something we all need to do together to change the course of our society and right medical injustices. Dr. Dean discusses how 59% of black adults have been diagnosed with heart disease compared to 30% of white adults. Black women also have a 50% higher risk of heart failure compared to white women and are more likely to die of a heart attack - regardless of their access to healthcare, level of education, or socioeconomic status.

When it comes to heart health for women, the biggest enemy is ignorance. The more we speak up about the risks and make the information available to all, the more lives can be saved. Who will you share this podcast with today?
Resource for more information: Women and heart disease information HERE.

It’s time to address both physical and mental health in perinatal visits.

Today, Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Melanie McKean, a psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health. Dr. McKean earned her degrees from Oklahoma State University and completed her residency at Rush University Medical Center. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she has held various positions and currently practices at McCallum Place Eating Disorders Center and Webster Wellness. She focuses on treating mood and anxiety disorders in women during reproductive stages. She will soon launch her practice, McKean Reproductive Psychiatry, LLC. In her free time, she is involved in community activities and serves on several boards related to mental health and women's issues.

Melanie found her passion and true joy through her work with perinatal mental health and wellness. Her desire is to empower mothers and those pregnant to speak up for themselves and better understand their health. Whether physical or mental ailments, she has advocated to provide care and information about treatment options beyond the norm.

Together, they discuss the way forward to move past the stigma and make mental health screening routine both during and after pregnancy. These advances require a more non-judgemental and honest relationship between provider and patient for starters. 

Melanie is a strong advocate for both baby and mother to get the right attention and help from medical professionals. If you’re ready to learn the best steps to help yourself or a loved one through pregnancy, don’t miss this episode.

Resources:

National Maternal and Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA, Website: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline

Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/

Mother to Baby: https://mothertobaby.org/

What can women and clinicians do to prevent disease?

Today, Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Susan Kendig, JD, WHNP-BC, FAANP, a seasoned women's health nurse practitioner and attorney with over 30 years of experience. Together, they pull back the curtain of women’s healthcare initiatives so you can know what women’s preventative screening is right for you.

Susan has played a crucial role in maternal health initiatives, serving on the AIM Executive Committee and contributing to safety bundle development. Actively engaged in public service, she holds appointments to CMS Medicare MEDCAC, chairs the Missouri Women’s Health Council, and has served on the St. Louis City Board of Health and Hospitals. Committed to integrating clinical and community approaches, Susan provides technical assistance to enhance health outcomes, quality, and equity in service delivery.

Sue points our attention to WPSI, the Women's Preventive Services Initiative that every woman (inclusively) needs to know about! WPSI aims to educate, and Kristin and Sue want to empower you to take charge of and understand your health. The Well-Women chart allows patients to discover what they can expect from their healthcare providers.

With resources like those provided on WPSI’s website, women can feel empowered and informed before their next health screening visit with a primary care provider. If you’re ready to start feeling knowledgeable about your health needs, listen to this conversation with Kristin and Sue!

WPSI applies to everyone - https://www.womenspreventivehealth.org/

ACOG website - https://www.acog.org/

NPWH website - https://npwh.org/

In this episode of Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Sal Jefferies a Human Performance Coach and Thought Leader who is passionate about helping others reach their fullness of health.

Sal has developed a pioneering approach using Mindset, Mood, and Movement for personal development, health, and performance. Sal specializes in working with founders, freelancers, and people who want to overcome practical and existential challenges including stress, exhaustion, and a lack of fulfillment. Typically, these individuals, aged around 40 to mid-life, desire to regain a sense of calm, energy, and fulfillment. They aspire to reclaim their physical fitness, feel successful, and be genuinely fulfilled but find themselves at a loss on how to achieve these goals.

Kristin has found that the healthcare system often fails women without offering a holistic approach to health. She encourages a shift toward understanding and incorporating the holistic approach to women’s healthcare. Sal shares how our psychological health and our mental health are directly related to our physical state. He elaborates that humans are entire ecosystems working together to function as one whole body, and notes the complications in separating the functions of our body into parts: “Heal is a piece of the word health.”

Optimal health begins with recognizing where we are so we can begin the healing process. Sal explains a different way to look at our health is to examine how we respond when under stress. Flow, fight, flight, or freeze? Only when we understand what is going on with our bodies can we make the change and progress we need.

How can we work toward full wellness? How do we leave a legacy of better?

Learn it all in this insightful episode. Just know, after listening you’ll be asking yourself, “Why Am I Just Finding This Out?”

How do we change the stigma surrounding perinatal substance use to aid informed decisions?

In this episode of the "Why am I Just Finding This Out?" podcast, host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Lauren Micalizzi, a professor at Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Micalizzi's extensive research and advocacy shed light on the crucial topic of perinatal substance use and the punitive policies surrounding it.

Kristin and Lauren emphasize that the aim of their discussion is to raise awareness and promote open dialogue rather than present a singular opinion. Acknowledging the complexity of the issue opens the door for more informed conversations. By fostering open and informed dialogue, we can take meaningful steps toward improving maternal and child health outcomes.

“The goal is to protect the developing child and the pregnant mother” - Lauren Micalizzi, Ph.D.

Listen in now for a deeper understanding of substance use policies and their unintended consequences. Let's work together to create awareness and advocate for change.

Kristin’s guest, Dr Micalizzi:

Dr. Lauren Micalizzi is an Assistant Professor at Brown University's School of Public Health. She received her Ph.D. in Developmental Science from Boston University and completed a postdoctoral training program at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University. Her research focuses on the parent-child unit, with a particular focus on the perinatal and adolescent periods of child development. Her ongoing studies explore 1) the etiology and treatment of perinatal substance use, 2) the generational transmission of risk associated with parental substance use and mental health, and 3) parenting and parent-child relationship quality.

Assistant Professor (Research)

Behavioral & Social Sciences | Center for Alcohol & Addiction Studies

401-863-6640

[email protected]

Helpful Resources:https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/08/addiction-pregnancy-treatment-not-criminalization/

http://www.rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/04/2022-04-28-ethics-spiegel.pdf

Today on "Why am I just finding this out?" we're diving into a crucial topic that often goes misunderstood – the menstrual cycle. Host, Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, a women's health clinician with over 20 years of experience, is outlining the basics of a woman’s cycle.

Women are not like men when it comes to our biological rhythms. We follow a lunar month, roughly 28 days, but it's not always perfect. Our hormonal levels fluctuate daily, influencing our moods, energy, and even sleep patterns. It's time to consider your menstrual cycle as a vital sign, just like blood pressure or heart rate, because it's profoundly affected by both internal and external stressors.

Our bodies are intricate feedback systems, with various glands communicating through hormones. Understanding this system is key to grasping the menstrual cycle.

Stages of the Menstrual Cycle:

- Week One, Bleed Week

- Week Two, Follicular Phase

- Ovulation

- Luteal Phase

Your menstrual cycle is a beautiful and essential aspect of being a woman. It's time to empower yourself with the knowledge of how your own body functions. Tune in to discover how your hormones influence your mood, energy, and so much more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take control of your health and well-being!

If you have questions or suggestions for future episodes, feel free to reach out.