The YMyHealth Podcast

A podcast by millennials, for millennials, covering health challenges unique to Gen Y. Get expert insights, practical patient advice, and inspiring survivor stories to help you make informed healthcare choices. Empower your journey with YMyHealth!

Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 58 - August Preview

Co-host Julie Woon shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our August lineup is all about wellness practices. Upcoming episodes feature experts in the field and cover topics that include yoga's benefits, functional medicine, physical therapy and how to stay pain-free, aesthetic wellness featuring Botox, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 57 - Navigating the Complexities of Moral Injury

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the concept of moral injury and how to live with it with therapist Emily Labutta. They explore what moral injury is, how it differs from PTSD and can overlap, and the impact it has on individuals, particularly in high-stress professions like healthcare and even in corporate America.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 56 - From Loss of a Baby to Building a Foundation: The Allo Hope Story

In this episode, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Bethany Weathersby, Founder and Executive Director of the Allo Hope Foundation, to discuss the challenges of alloimmunization during pregnancy and finding proper and life-saving care for mothers and their babies. Bethany shares her personal journey through loss, the lack of information available to patients, and her mission to advocate for others facing similar challenges.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 55 - Navigating FMLA: Your Rights Explained

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with employment attorney Paige Sparks. They explore the ins and outs of FMLA, including common misconceptions, eligibility criteria, and the conditions it covers.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 54 - The Caregiver's Journey: Lessons Learned with Author Matthew Ames

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with devoted husband and father Matthew Ames, as they explore the unique challenges of caregiving for adults under the age of 50. Matt shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife, Liz, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, appendiceal carcinoma.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 53 - Navigating Wellness Through Financial Planning

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman and financial expert and health enthusiast John Brick, CFA, discuss the critical relationship between financial health and overall wellness. They explore how financial stress can affect mental and physical health, the importance of early financial planning, and common misconceptions about working with financial advisors.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 49 - July Preview

Co-host Melissa Schenkman shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our July lineup has a special emphasis on minority mental health and underrecognized health topics.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 48 - Navigating PTSD: A Veteran’s Journey

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Jake Norotsky, a Wounded Warrior Project Spokesperson and army veteran, and Co-Host Julie Woon discuss the unique health challenges faced by veterans, particularly focusing on PTSD.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 47 - Unlocking the Power of Genetic Screening

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the importance of genetic screening with Natalie Sampson, a board-certified genetic counselor. They explore the role of genetic counselors, the collaboration between genetic counselors and healthcare providers, and the significance of genetic testing for younger populations.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 46 - Redefining Cancer Support for Men with Man Up to Cancer

In this episode, Co-Host Julie Woon welcomes Jay Abramovitch, Director of the Gathering of the Wolves retreat at Man Up to Cancer and a Stage 3 colon cancer survivor. Jay shares his personal story of being diagnosed at age 36, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the experience highlighted a major gap in cancer care—emotional support for men.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 45 - Living with Invisible Illness: POTS

In this episode, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the often-overlooked topic of invisible illnesses, focusing on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). She is joined by Dr. Alexandria Yarbrough, a pharmacist and POTS patient, who shares her experiences with the condition, including the physical and mental challenges it presents.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 44 - The Power of Personal Stories in Health Advocacy

In this episode, David Russo, founder of Cheeky Charity, talks with Co-Host Melissa Schenkman about David's journey from a mechanical engineer to a public health advocate, highlighting his personal health experiences, the challenges faced in the healthcare system, and the importance of sharing personal stories to inspire change.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 43 - From Humor to Health: Cheeky Charity's LGBTQ+ Cancer Awareness Work

In this episode, co-host Julie Woon kicks off Pride Month with a conversation about colorectal cancer awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. She is joined by David Russo and Andrew Wortmann of Cheeky Charity, who share the organization's mission to raise awareness and provide support for LGBTQ+ individuals affected by colorectal and anal cancer.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 42 - The Importance of Genetic Testing in Cancer Prevention

In this episode, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Jessica Ramos Acosta, a young rectal cancer survivor and cancer advocate, to discuss her health journey, the importance of awareness around Lynch syndrome, and the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system as a person younger than age 50.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 41 - June Preview

Co-host Julie Woon shares our lineup in this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast. Our June lineup highlights Men's Health Month, Pride Month, and PTSD Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of visibility and community support.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 40 - Navigating Postpartum Mental Health

Bringing a new life into the world is often painted as a joyful, magical experience. But for many new mothers, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Alex McNulty, a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health challenges during the postpartum period, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD.

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Melissa Schenkman Melissa Schenkman

Episode 39 - A Personal Story of Advocacy for Lynch Syndrome & Colorectal Cancer

In this episode, Co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Fight CRC Ambassador and community leader, Zakela Mickens. She was the caregiver to her brother Joshua, who had Stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 27 and passed away six months after his diagnosis. The same year, she learned that she had the genetic condition, Lynch Syndrome, which her brother also had.

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