In this episode, we are joined by Estela Mata, President and CEO of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those living with lupus, and other chronic conditions. Estela shares her personal and family journey with lupus and the profound impact of advocacy. She highlights the importance of community, the need for increased awareness, and the power of sharing personal stories, especially within the Hispanic community. Estela’s message of hope and resilience is a reminder of the strength found in community and the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness management.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:13: Estela shares the personal story of her sister Juana’s battle with lupus, including the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of persistence in seeking medical care

02:46: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, and Estela, discuss the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness, with Estela explaining how she and her family became advocates to support others facing similar struggles

04:01: Estela reflects on the powerful connections formed through advocacy, emphasizing how community support can provide strength and hope

05:56: Estela recounts the origins of Looms for Lupus, explaining how it was founded by her and her sisters to provide support, education, and advocacy for those affected by lupus and other chronic conditions

07:07: Estela discusses her involvement in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of being informed and the role of clinical trials in offering hope for new treatment options

08:52: Zoe and Estela discuss the therapeutic value of creative activities like loom knitting and crocheting, particularly as coping mechanisms during challenging times

10:44: Estela talks about expanding Looms for Lupus to support individuals with other chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of overall awareness and education

11:35: Estela shares insights on the health disparities faced by the Hispanic community and the critical need for culturally competent care and early diagnosis

13:10: Estela discusses the impact of advocacy within the Hispanic community and highlights the importance of using one's voice to demand equitable health care and reduce stigma

16:59: Estela concludes by encouraging listeners to get involved in advocacy, sharing her sister's empowering slogan: “Never give in, never give up, never let go. Just keep fighting”

20:10: What our hosts learned from this episode

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Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement 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 podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Buckley, President and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation (LHF), and Dr. Dawn Bowdish, scientist and the Executive Director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and member of the Board of Directors of the LHF. We talk about how asthma, despite being common, can be complicated to diagnose and that many are living with uncontrolled asthma. Jessica and Dawn also share recent survey results of asthma patients’ experience, and how patients can set health goals with an asthma action plan and advocate for better air quality.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:32: Dawn shares her journey to becoming a leading researcher in respiratory health and her role at the Firestone Institute

01:58: Jessica talks about the mission and impact of the Lung Health Foundation in advocating for lung health across Canada

02:33: Jessica shares her personal motivation driven by family experiences with lung diseases, emphasizing the widespread need for lung health awareness

03:06: Dawn discusses how personal encounters at a gala event deeply influenced her dedication to lung health advocacy

05:34: Dawn explains the medical basics of asthma, its triggers, and the importance of proper diagnosis and management

08:09: Jessica addresses common issues faced by individuals living with asthma, particularly the lack of proper asthma action plans

10:36: Dawn discusses how external factors like air quality and climate change are increasingly important for asthma management

14:20: Jessica explains how the Lung Health Foundation educates the public and advocates for policies to improve lung health

17:21: Jessica discusses a new campaign aimed at enhancing public appreciation for lung health and proactive care

19:14: Dawn and Jessica offer insights into the advancements in asthma treatment and the importance of an effective asthma action plan

21:42: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement 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 podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yvan Baker, member of the House of Commons of Canada, joins us to talk about Canadians’ health care issues and needs. Mr. Baker discusses the benefits of Canada’s universal health care system for essential services and needs, but highlights gaps in the system like doctor shortages, delays in services, and how until recently dental care was not part of the system. He shares how he’s helped advocate for the expansion of dental care, for the government to consider patient outcomes, and his work with the older adult community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:45: Mr. Baker shares his background, including his work as a consultant and his transition into politics, explaining how his experience in business and education led him to focus on health care in public service

01:56: Mr. Baker details why health care is a critical focus for his political career, citing personal philosophy and the universal health care system in Canada as major influences on his legislative efforts

03:29: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Mr. Baker discuss the unique ability of government to effect change in health care, emphasizing the necessity for patient advocacy and government responsiveness to improve health services

04:53: Mr. Baker explains ongoing efforts to close gaps in the Canadian health care system, highlighting recent initiatives to improve access to essential health services

06:08: Mr. Baker talks about government strategies to reduce wait times and improve service delivery, including funding approaches that tie financial support to specific health care outcomes

07:14: Mr. Baker and Steven discuss the expansion of Canada’s health care system to include dental care, detailing the structure and goals of the new dental care program aimed at increasing accessibility

08:28: Mr. Baker highlights his work on broader health care initiatives, including efforts to strengthen support for senior citizens and improve the overall health care infrastructure

10:45: Mr. Baker emphasizes the importance of health care advocacy, sharing insights on the impact of effective government action and the need for continued public engagement in shaping health care policies

12:34: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement 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 podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.