The Confident Patient™ in a New World
Watch the latest from Beth, Wendy and featured guests in The Confident Patient in a New World video series. Born from our international best-selling book, our video series “The Confident Patient in a New World” continues the dialogue between patients and the medical community, to foster an environment of collaboration and continuity. We explore conversations with medical professionals and health experts about the challenges of patients and their caregivers, given the complex and evolving ecosystem of healthcare.
Episode 21
After an illness or injury, rethinking your independence requires both physical AND mental strength. Learn ways to help build confidence from Occupational Therapist Tara Perry.
Episode 20
What are 3 ways you can support someone with cancer RIGHT NOW? Find out as 2×2 Health’s Beth Myers and Wendy Benson speak with Lindsay McDonell, author of “Dancing with Cancer and How I Learned to Lead.
Episode 19
Learn from Alzheimer’s expert Danielle Arends as she shares insights on ways to spot early signs of the disease, and how caregivers can find support.
Episode 18
Hear how the personal experiences of Dr. Kern Singh, minimally invasive spine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, shaped his approach to patient care, and his advice to patients: “If you understand the expectations pre-operatively, the satisfaction in post-op is much higher.”
Episode 17
Back by popular demand… dietitians Kim and Kristen discuss healthy eating on the go, and their top resources for recipes and tricks of the trade, in this episode of The Confident Patient in a New World, with Beth Myers and Wendy Benson.
Episode 16
Can your lifestyle behaviors reverse disease – and reduce or eliminate the need for medications or surgery? Learn more as Beth Myers and Wendy Benson of 2×2 Health talk about Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Naomi Parrella Find out how she works with patients to set and achieve their own lifestyle goals (i.e., to feel better; to look good in your body; to be able to do things with minimal limitations, etc.)
Episode 15
Caregivers provide 15 billion hours of care, worth $257 billion! On this latest episode of The Confident Patient in a New World with Elizabeth Skarbek Myers and Wendy Benson we’re speaking with Danielle Arends, Nurse Practitioner specializing in geriatrics. Most of us are reconnecting with family after nearly a year of being apart. As we do so, we may find that a loved one is showing signs of a memory disorder. Find out the best time to reach out for help, and early signs to look for in those younger than 65.
Episode 14
“How rapid were the advancements [in Covid] in the world to help us get better, stay better? It’s mind-blowing. If we could do it with Covid, what can we do going forward?” We’re checking in with Skip Weiss, editor and publisher of Chicago Health Magazine and Chicago Caregiving Magazine, to discuss how the role of healthcare news has evolved, and what his readers find most interesting.
Episode 13
Sitting down with registered dietitians Kristen and Kim as they explain what medical nutrition therapy is, and important tips on meal planning.
Episode 12
“It was the most horrible time of my life. But it was also the most wonderful time of my life.” Hear how the harrowing experiences of author and Speak Up and Stay Alive – your healthcare and hospital survival guide host Pat Rullo drove her to patient advocacy, in this next episode of The Confident Patient in a New World.
Episode 11
We’re talking with physical therapist Jeff Bitters from CustomFit Concierge Medicine, Health, Fitness about recent postural-related issues he’s seeing in clients (thanks to working from home!) and his advice on those aches and pains that have outstayed their welcome. With more and more clients needing home-based physical therapy, Jeff outlines the different aspects of working with medical teams through telemedicine, and the advantages he brings as a physical therapist in a smaller clinic. He also reminds us that physical therapy isn’t just for those recovering from an injury or surgery – it may benefit those of us who are tired of ongoing issues and need support.
Episode 10
Learn interior design tips from Leslie Stern, owner of Leslie M. Stern Design, to make a home ‘barrier free’ for all, whether you’re recovering from surgery, making adjustments for older adults, or accommodating a child with special needs. As a professional interior designer, Leslie combines her knowledge and skills to help clients prepare their homes so they can stay there as long as possible. She reviews everything from types flooring (no carpet or shiny floors!), to bathroom accessibility, to laundry rooms, to incorporating flashing lights to alert home owners of a visitor or caller.
Episode 9
Dr. Rana Stino of Water Tower Dental Care explains how your mouth is the ‘gateway’ to your overall health. Dr. Stino also shares insights on how dentists are an integral part of your medical team to maintain optimal health. Find out how pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, impact dental health. Dr. Stino explains how her team works together with physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists and other medial professionals to improve the health of their patients.
Episode 8
What’s the difference between independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care? And how do you make the right choice for you or your loved one? Jan Steiner from Senior Transitions Concierge sheds light on what to look for when making these important decisions. She shares her insights on recognizing early signs when a loved one needs assistance, and where to go to find that assistance. Jan also discusses the importance of planning early, BEFORE the need arises, to avoid undue stress, confusion and emotional decision-making.
Episode 7
We’re talking with Angela Morton at the Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission about risks associated with alcohol and substance abuse prevention. She shares tips to maintain mental wellness during stressful (ahem, COVID-19) times, and a research-proven action that families can take now to that has long-lasting impact. Angela identifies the ‘right’ time to talk to children about substance abuse prevention and recognizing who is most at risk. She also shares questions to ask in evaluating a substance abuse problem.
Episode 6
Find out why Dr. Andrea Madrigrano, co-director of the Breast Cancer Service Line at Rush University Medical Center encourages patients to get second opinions, and her take on the importance of annual screenings during the pandemic. She outlines what the Breast Cancer Service Line provides, and how patients benefit from a multi-disciplinary team, from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship. Dr. Madrigrano also shares the safety precautions which clinics are taking to protect women against Covid-19, so they can continue getting their mammograms.
Episode 5
Nurse Practitioner Brandy Hatcher from Rush University System for Health shares insights on the role of the nurse practitioner, and the importance of establishing – and maintaining – a relationship with your primary care team to help keep you out of other specialty offices down the road. She discusses how to prepare for an appointment with a nurse practitioner, the similarities and differences between nurse practitioners and physicians, and how patients can benefit from this model of care. Brandy also comments on the benefits of wellness visits, including mental health benefits.
Episode 4
Terri O’Brien, nurse practitioner at Rush University Cancer Center, explores the best ways caregivers can work with medical teams to care for their loved ones with cancer. Terri shares her first-hand experiences with patients and their families at the Cancer Center Urgent Care, and reflects on some of the unique challenges and complexities those with cancer are facing, especially during Covid-19. She explains the importance of comprehensive care for those with cancer, and how those patients coming into the urgent care have unique cases, requiring specialized care, even in an urgent situation.
Episode 3
Meeting patients where they are – including their homes – is one way in which Dr. David Buyer from Quintessential Care Concierge Medicine provides personalized care to his patients. Listen while Beth and Wendy discuss with Dr. Buyer the concept of concierge medicine, benefits to patients, and how telemedicine has been the norm, even before Covid-19. Dr. Buyer explains the approach of concierge medicine and how to optimize benefits to patients. Advantages focused on wellness and early detection point to health benefits, while the extra time dedicated to each patient allows physicians to treat patients with a more comprehensive approach to overall health.
Episode 2
A doctor who gives you his cell phone number! Meet Rush University Medical Center Chief of Pediatric Surgery Dr. Sri Pillai, and get his take on return to school during the pandemic, and the impact of social isolation on families. Along with new changes in hospital surgical procedures, Dr. Pillai discusses ways parents can better manage their children’s experience with surgery. He also shares his views on how parents and medical teams can work together to reduce anxiety in children undergoing surgery.
Episode 1
Maintaining mental health and wellness is just as important as your physical health. Janine Gauthier Mullady, PhD from Life Reset Solutions explains how she works with patients to stay mentally connected and grounded, especially during uncertain times. She shares examples of telemedicine providing benefits to her practice, as she sees clients in their own environments. This allows her a more complete understanding of challenges they face.