Healthcare advocacy and the unpredictability of health with Laura Packard

12/26/24 • 32 min

In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Laura Packard, founder of Health Care Voices and a cancer survivor, about the importance of healthcare advocacy. They discuss the challenges faced by patients navigating the healthcare system, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and the need for education and resources for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses. The conversation highlights personal stories, recent controversies in healthcare, and the desperate situations many patients find themselves in when seeking care.

takeaways

Healthcare advocacy is crucial for those with chronic illnesses.
The Affordable Care Act has saved many lives, including Laura's.
Navigating health insurance can be complicated and overwhelming.
Patients often face unexpected health challenges that require quick decisions.
Education about healthcare options is essential for informed choices.
Personal experiences can shed light on the healthcare system's flaws.
Recent healthcare controversies highlight ongoing issues in patient care.
Desperation can lead to drastic actions when patients feel denied care.
Resources like navigators can help individuals understand their options.
It's important to advocate for better healthcare policies and practices.

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Send us a text

takeaways

Healthcare advocacy is crucial for those with chronic illnesses.
The Affordable Care Act has saved many lives, including Laura's.
Navigating health insurance can be complicated and overwhelming.
Patients often face unexpected health challenges that require quick decisions.
Education about healthcare options is essential for informed choices.
Personal experiences can shed light on the healthcare system's flaws.
Recent healthcare controversies highlight ongoing issues in patient care.
Desperation can lead to drastic actions when patients feel denied care.
Resources like navigators can help individuals understand their options.
It's important to advocate for better healthcare policies and practices.

Support the show

Previous Episode

John Register, US Army Veteran & Paralympic Silver Medalist talks about resilience, inspiration, and living with a disability

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In this conversation, Brandy Schantz interviews John Register, a Paralympic silver medalist and motivational speaker, about his journey from a world-class athlete to overcoming the challenges of disability. They discuss the dual nature of inspiration, the importance of employment for disabled individuals, and how resilience can lead to success. John shares insights from his new book on leadership and the innovative approaches he is taking to engage the community and support disabled individuals in the workplace.

takeaways

Veterans have a unique perspective on resilience and inspiration.
Inspiration can often come from a place of empathy rather than sympathy.
Overcoming adversity is a personal journey that requires a step-by-step approach.
Employment for disabled individuals is crucial for their self-worth and societal contribution.
Companies that hire disabled individuals see a significant increase in revenue.
Leadership in crisis requires the ability to tell impactful stories.
Resilience is a common trait among those who have faced significant challenges.
The importance of community support in the journey of disabled individuals cannot be overstated.
Innovative solutions can improve accessibility and inclusivity in various sectors.
John's book provides practical insights for leaders to create their own impactful stories

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Next Episode

Unraveling Chronic Illness: POTS Awareness, the Gut-Brain Connection, and the Power of Community with Beth Biss

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In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Beth Biss discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly in relation to conditions like POTS and dysautonomia. They explore the role of social media in raising awareness and facilitating diagnoses, the importance of support groups, and the interconnectedness of body systems. The discussion also highlights the value of physical therapy and nutrition in managing chronic illnesses, the significance of mindset in health, and innovative approaches to exercise. Beth shares insights about her newsletter and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support.

takeaways

Many doctors are still unaware of conditions like POTS.
Social media can play a crucial role in diagnosis.
Dysautonomia symptoms can be confusing and varied.
Support groups provide essential community and understanding.
The gut-brain connection is significant in chronic illness.
Physical therapy and nutrition are vital for managing health.
Mindset can greatly influence health outcomes.
Exercise must be tailored to individual needs.
Beth's newsletter offers valuable health insights.
Advocacy and awareness are key in chronic illness communities.

Support the show

Living Chronic - Healthcare advocacy and the unpredictability of health with Laura Packard

Transcript

Brandy (00:01.88)
This is Brandy Schantz and you're listening to Living Chronic. Today my guest is Laura Packard and she is the founder of Health Care Voices, a nonprofit helping severely ill individuals to advocate for better health care and a cancer survivor herself. So welcome Laura.
Laura Packard (00:20.071)
Thanks for having me.
Brandy (00:21.538)
So excited to have you here. I found you and didn't know until a little bit later that you're a neighbor, so welcome neighbor.