Women’s health management is usually, well a woman’s job. So if you’re in charge and not doing so great, what then? 

When was the last time you had an eye exam? Pap smear? Mammogram? Are you due for any tests? If your dog or children were would you allow that? 

If you manage health for your family as many women do, this is for you. My guest wrote the book about how to manage health better. In this case, we’re talking about yours. 

Have you skipped a regular check up? Missed a dental appointment? Moved and found it low on your priority list to locate a new doctor in any given area to establish a relationship with? 

For your questions about diagnosis, how to advocate for yourself better, and be prepared to do so, stay tuned. 

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My Guest: 

Susan Salenger is the author and researcher behind Sidelined, How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health. Sidelined examines the many ways in which some women manage and sometimes mismanage their healthcare. (Released April, 2022) Susan explores how women, typically the medical gatekeepers for their families, tend to be extremely conscientious about taking care of themselves, yet at the same time inadvertently undermine their own care.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan attended UCLA to study English. After graduation, she worked alongside her husband Fred for 25 years at their production company, Salenger Films, which produced corporate training and development films distributed worldwide. Today, at age 79, Susan lives in Northern California to be near her incredible family which includes her two daughters, four grandchildren, a cat named Max and a dog named JD (Salenger). When she is not speaking about her book or spending time with family and friends, you will find Susan powerlifting to stay in shape.

If you have questions or concerns about women’s health management leave them below the show. And I would appreciate your rating on iTunes.

00:00

Questions we answer in this episode: 

06:44 What prompted you to write Sidelined? Why is this book so important to you?

10:11 Tell us about the format of the book. 

11:41 How did you find the women you interviewed? Were they all open to being interviewed?

12:20 I know you put together some focus groups. How did you put your focus groups together and why did you that? Did you learn anything different from the groups than from the individual women?

Why is Sidelined different from other books out there?

You say women do themselves such a disservice, what do you mean by that?

What are the top three things the women you interviewed share in common?

What are the 3 most common hurdles women need to overcome to improve their healthcare?

What are womens’ biggest frustrations when they visit their doctor?

You mention that men and women talk to doctors differently. What do you mean by that? And does their conversation style interfere with their diagnosis?

Why do some women hesitate to get second opinions?

23:18 What’s the best way to find the most competent doctors? How should women do their due diligence?

25:13 Did you find women get better care from a male doctor or a female one?

27:55 How can women focus their doctor visits so they can get more of what they need?

30:59 What can someone do if they “mess up” an appointment or reflect back and want to think about their health differently?

What are your top 3 tips for women who want to better manage their health and decision-making capabilities?

34:24 What has this book taught you about yourself?

CONNECT with Susan: 

susansalenger.com

Susan on Social:

https://www.susansalenger.com/

https://www.instagram.com/susansalenger/

https://www.facebook.com/suesalenger/

https://twitter.com/susansalenger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salenger-a4a02716/

@shewritesdotcom (IG)

@shewritespress (FB)

The Book: 

Sidelined: How Women Manage and Mismanage Their Health