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Are you tired of feeling confused and overwhelmed by all the weight loss options out there? Between the GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic making headlines, countless fad diets flooding social media, and friends sharing their bariatric surgery success stories, it's hard to know what's actually legitimate and what might work for you.

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Evan Nadler, the nation's leading pediatric bariatric surgeon who's been treating obesity for over 20 years. His mission extends far beyond the operating room – he's dedicated to changing how we understand and approach weight management for both children and adults.

Breaking Down the Myths and Misconceptions

• Why the Mediterranean diet consistently outperforms every fad diet that comes along.
• The truth about GLP-1 medications and how they're changing our understanding of weight management.
• Real talk about what diet and exercise programs can actually achieve (spoiler: it might surprise you).

Understanding Obesity as a Disease

• Why obesity isn't simply a matter of "eating less and moving more"
• The complex genetic and biological factors that contribute to weight gain.
• How different people require different approaches to achieve lasting results.

Exploring Your Treatment Options

• Affordable alternatives to expensive injectable medications.
• Modern bariatric surgery: safer procedures with dramatically lower complication rates.
• How to find the right healthcare provider who understands all your options.

Dr. Nadler shares his powerful perspective that obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice, and explains why judging others (or yourself) based on appearance alone misses the bigger picture entirely. His approach focuses on meeting patients where they are and providing multiple pathways to success.

Whether you're struggling with weight management yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this complex health issue better, this episode offers:

• Evidence-based information free from Internet noise and bias.
• Practical steps for creating a personalized treatment plan.
• Hope and encouragement for those who feel they've tried everything.

Don't let the stigma and misinformation surrounding obesity keep you from getting the help you deserve. It's time to approach weight management with compassion, science, and realistic expectations about what different treatments can achieve.

Resources:

Obesity Explained

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Are you tired of choosing between your medications and your monthly budget? Have you recently discovered that your prescription is no longer covered by insurance, leaving you to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket? You're not alone in this frustrating battle against rising medication costs.

In this episode, I sit down with Amber Monsalve from Canadian MedStore to explore a solution that's helping thousands of Americans access affordable medications. With eight years of experience and credentials as a nationally certified pharmacy technician, Amber shares insider knowledge about how international pharmacies can reduce your prescription medication costs.

Breaking Down the Barriers

• Understanding safety protocols and regulatory standards for international medications.
• How Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) guidelines ensure quality equivalent to FDA standards.
• Real stories of massive cost savings – like paying $150 instead of $600 for the same medication.

Navigating the Process

• Step-by-step guide to ordering from Canadian pharmacies.
• Working with healthcare providers who may be hesitant about international options.
• Managing the shift from instant refills to planning ahead with 4-6 week delivery times.

The Concierge Difference

• Why personalized service matters more than automated online ordering.
• How the agent referral program supports both brokers and clients.
• Real-world examples of clients saving thousands annually on essential medications.

Whether you're on Medicare, individual insurance, or dealing with high-deductible plans, this episode reveals options you might not know existed. Amber shares practical advice about everything from prescription transfers to refill reminders, plus addresses common concerns about safety and legitimacy.

Don't let prescription costs force you to make impossible choices about your health. This conversation could be the key to accessing the medications you need without breaking the bank.

Are you ready to discover how international pharmacy options could transform your healthcare budget? Let's explore the possibilities together.

Resources:

Canadian MedStore

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Have you ever wondered if artificial intelligence could actually improve your healthcare experience? While AI might seem like something from a sci-fi movie, it's already working behind the scenes in your doctor's office, helping diagnose diseases, predict health risks, and maybe even preventing your next 2 AM panic attack after searching symptoms online.

In this fascinating episode, I sit down with Richard Kedziora (RJ), co-founder of Estenda Solutions, who's been working with AI in healthcare for over 25 years. From his early dreams of getting a PhD in artificial intelligence to creating award-winning digital health solutions, RJ shares how this technology is quietly changing the way we receive and manage our healthcare.

The Reality Behind the AI Buzz

• Understanding the difference between AI hype and actual healthcare applications.
• How machine learning is already helping detect diabetic retinopathy and breast cancer.
• Real-world examples of AI preventing blindness and improving patient outcomes.

Navigating AI's Challenges in Healthcare

• The truth about bias and "hallucinations" in AI systems.
• Why you can't always trust what ChatGPT tells you about your health.
• How to use AI as a second opinion tool while still consulting healthcare professionals.

Your AI-Powered Healthcare Future

• How wearable devices and remote monitoring can help aging parents stay home longer.
• The power of asking AI to explain your medical records in simple terms.
• Why AI might be better than Dr. Google for your health questions.

Whether you're caring for aging parents, managing your own health conditions, or simply curious about how technology can improve healthcare, this episode offers practical insights into using AI safely and effectively. RJ's passion for helping people live longer, healthier lives shines through as he explains complex concepts in ways anyone can understand.

Don't let the fear of new technology keep you from exploring tools that could genuinely improve your health outcomes. This conversation will help you separate AI fact from fiction and show you how to harness this powerful technology as your healthcare partner.

Are you ready to discover how artificial intelligence can work with you and your healthcare team to provide better care and peace of mind?

Resources:

Estenda Solutions

Georgetown University AI Resource List

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Are you tired of those relentless spam calls promising miracle insurance deals or feeling overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of healthcare plans? You're not alone. If you've ever tried comparing HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs on your own, you know it can feel like you need a translator just to understand your options.

In this eye-opening episode, I'm breaking down why you don't have to navigate the complex world of health insurance alone. Whether you're dealing with pushy sales tactics from captive agents or wondering if there's a better way to find coverage that actually fits your needs and budget, this information could save you thousands.

The Truth About Insurance Agents vs. Brokers

• Why that 1-800 number might only show you part of the picture.
• The shocking difference between captive agents and independent brokers.
• How to spot the red flags in those daily spam calls targeting vulnerable consumers.

How a Trusted Broker Can Save Your Wallet

• The costly mistakes that happen when you choose the wrong plan.
• Why losing your doctor or facing surprise medication bills isn't inevitable.
• Real strategies for comparing deductibles and copays that actually make sense.

Finding Your Healthcare Champion

• The questions you should ask before trusting anyone with your health coverage.
• Why the best brokers don't disappear after enrollment.
• How to vet potential brokers just like you would any other professional.

Here's something that might surprise you: working with a qualified broker doesn't cost you a penny more than going direct to an insurance company. But the expertise, ongoing support, and peace of mind? That's priceless!

Don't let fear of high healthcare costs or confusion about your options keep you from getting the coverage you deserve. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate insurance decisions with confidence, whether you're approaching Medicare, an individual or family or dealing with job changes, or simply want better protection for your family.

Remember, smart consumers don't guess – they get guidance.

Are you ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making informed choices about your healthcare coverage?

Reach out to: info@advocatehealthcareconsulting.com

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Have you ever felt invisible during a hospital stay? Or wondered if your cultural background was truly understood by medical staff? In this episode, we explore how one simple act of kindness can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, creating a more inclusive and compassionate hospital experience.

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Nekaiya Pratt, (Dr. Kay) a pediatric critical care physician and health equity advocate who's transforming hospital care through cultural inclusion – starting with something as simple and powerful as hair care.

Unveiling the Untold Story of Representation in Hospitals

• The importance of seeing healthcare providers who look like you.
• How cultural understanding can build trust and improve patient outcomes.
• Real-life examples of small acts making a big difference.

From Crisis to Calling: Dr. Kay's Journey

• How a personal health scare led to a career in pediatric critical care.
• Navigating the challenges of being "the only one" in medical settings.
• Using her unique perspective to advocate for change.

The Magic of Inclusive Hair Care in Hospitals

• Why proper hair care matters for patients' dignity and well-being.
• How a simple gesture sparked a system-wide change.
• The ripple effect: educating staff and improving cultural competence.

Are you ready to discover how cultural inclusion can transform the hospital experience?

Resources:

HeyitsKayMD

Book – Zoe’s Hospital Adventure

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Ever tossed an envelope from your health insurance company without a second glance? You might be making a costly mistake. In this eye-opening episode, we're shining a light on the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) - that seemingly innocuous letter that could have a significant impact on your healthcare costs and coverage.

Why Your ANOC Matters More Than You Think

• The hidden dangers of ignoring your ANOC.
• How small changes can lead to big surprises in your wallet.
• Real-life consequences of not reviewing your plan updates.

Decoding Your ANOC: A Savvy Guide

• Step-by-step tips for tackling the "alphabet soup" of insurance lingo.
• Key areas to focus on, from premium shifts to network changes.
• How to spot potential deal-breakers in your coverage.

Beyond Medicare ANOCs. Individuals and Families Receive: Open Enrollment Notifications...TOO!

• What individuals, families, and Medicaid recipients need to know.
• The crucial differences in notifications for various plan types.
• Why staying informed is essential, regardless of your coverage source.

Don't let insurance jargon intimidate you into inaction. This episode equips you with the knowledge to take control of your healthcare decisions. We'll explore how a few minutes of attention now can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the coming year.

Are you ready to become a Savvy Healthcare Consumer? Let's unravel the mystery of the ANOC together and ensure you're making informed choices for your health and your budget.

Licensed Health Insurance Broker Supporting: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and North Dakota. Sandy Kibling AKA The Savvy Healthcare Lady

Resources:

Advocate Healthcare Consulting

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Have you ever felt like your brain operates differently from those around you? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the concept of neurodiversity and its profound impact on individuals and society.

Join me as I sit down with Thomas Wilson, a writer, business owner, and advocate for the neurodiverse community. Thomas shares his inspiring journey from being labeled a "prodigy" to facing significant mental health challenges, and ultimately becoming a champion for understanding and inclusion.

Unraveling Neurodiversity

• What neurodiversity really means and how it shapes our experiences.
• The challenges of diagnosis and the importance of empathy-based care.
• How societal perceptions can impact those with neurodivergent minds.

From Struggle to Strength

• Thomas's personal story of overcoming adversity and finding his path.
• The power of storytelling in building community and fostering understanding.
• Innovative approaches to support and empower neurodivergent individuals.

Creating Inclusive Spaces

• Practical tips for interacting with and supporting neurodivergent people.
• The role of creativity and play in mental health and skill-building.
• How businesses and communities can embrace neurodiversity.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, support someone who is, or simply want to create a more inclusive world, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Thomas reminds us that our differences are our strengths, and that with understanding and acceptance, we can all thrive.

Are you ready to expand your understanding of the human mind and create a more empathetic world? Let's get Savvy about neurodiversity together!

Resources:

Thomas Wilson Website

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Have you ever wondered about the connection between your oral health and overall well-being? In this episode, we're diving deep into the often-overlooked world of dental care and its impact on your health.

As a healthcare professional and insurance broker, I've seen firsthand the frustration many face with limited dental coverage. But there's more to the story than just insurance woes. Join me as I sit down with Meghana Korupolu, a pharmacist and oral health product innovator, to explore the hidden truths about dry mouth, medications, and oral health.

Uncovering the Oral Health Crisis

• The surprising link between medications and dry mouth
• Why traditional dental insurance often falls short
• The hidden dangers of neglecting your oral health

Rethinking Oral Care

• The truth about commercial mouthwashes and their impact on your mouth's ecosystem
• How pH levels in your mouth affect your overall health
• Innovative approaches to maintaining oral health beyond brushing and flossing

Empowering Your Dental Decisions

• Practical tips for navigating dental insurance and treatment plans
• The importance of preventative care and regular check-ups
• How to be your own advocate in dental health decisions

Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights that could transform your approach to oral care. Whether you're struggling with dry mouth, concerned about medication side effects, or simply looking to improve your overall health, this episode is packed with actionable advice and eye-opening information.

Are you ready to take control of your oral health and potentially improve your overall well-being?

Let's explore how a healthier mouth can lead to a healthier you!

Resources:

Oracle Complete Oral Hygiene Rinse

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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