In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with successful entrepreneur Brooks Bell, who is a Stage III Colon Cancer Survivor and Co-Founder of Worldclass Clothing, a fashion brand challenging the stigma of colonoscopies for young people and making talking about your colorectal health cool. The conversation explores Brooks' journey into cancer survivorship after completing her cancer treatment, the importance of colonoscopies, and the innovative approach of using fashion to raise awareness about colorectal health. They discuss the barriers to screening, the challenges of health entrepreneurship, and the significance of creating engaging products that spark conversations about health. Brooks shares valuable insights for young health advocates and emphasizes the need for proactive health engagement among millennials.

Highlights:

• (0:00) Introduction to Health Challenges for Millennials
• (00:40) Brooks Bell's Journey as a Cancer Survivor
• (03:01) The Impact of Celebrity Advocacy on Health Awareness
• (07:42) Creating a Fashion Brand for Colon Cancer Awareness
• (10:24) Addressing Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening
• (13:39) Challenges in Health Entrepreneurship
• (16:31) Innovative Products and Conversation Starters
• (21:17) Advice for Young Health Advocates

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Brooks Bell at: linkedin.com/in/brooksbellinteractive and you can follow her on Instagram @brooksbell

Check out Worldclass Clothing at https://www.worldclassclothing.com/ and here on Instagram @worldclass_clothing

Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon and integrative mental health therapist Rebecca Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, discuss the essential steps to finding the right healthcare provider for your mental health needs. They explore the different types of mental health professionals, the importance of understanding personal needs, and how to evaluate potential therapists. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the therapeutic relationship and offers practical tips for navigating the search for mental health support.

Highlights:
(00:00) Navigating Mental Health Care: An Introduction

(01:12) Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

(03:57) Understanding Different Mental Health Professionals

(08:04) Evaluating Potential Therapists

(11:50) Questions to Ask During Consultations

(15:55) The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Rebekah Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, here: https://www.rebekahlipskycounseling.com/
You can also follow her on Instagram @rebekahstherapyroom

Have a question about today's episode? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn more about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here:
https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

What's happening at YMyHealth in May? A lot! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman introduces the May episode lineup, highlighting various health awareness month themes including mental health, women's health, brain tumor awareness, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Melissa discusses upcoming episodes featuring inspiring guests from six U.S. states, who share their personal health journeys and insights into navigating the healthcare system from mental health care for burnout to navigating the process of fertility preservation. This month also spotlights stories from young cancer survivors of brain and colorectal cancer. Melissa encourages listener engagement with the YMyHealth podcast and Instagram communities, emphasizing the importance of sharing the health information in these episodes with friends and family.

Highlights:

• (00:00) Introduction to Why My Health Podcast
• (01:50) May Health Awareness Themes
• (03:41) Upcoming Episodes Overview
• (06:59) Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Julie Woon sits down with therapist and life-transition whisperer Rebekah Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, to talk about the emotional chaos of “becoming an adult”—whatever that even means anymore.

From calling off an engagement and quitting her job to launching a private practice and moving to a new city—all in one year—Rebekah’s personal experience with transformation fuels her passion for helping others survive (and even thrive) through life's biggest shake-ups.

Whether you're wondering if it's normal to still feel lost in your 30s or trying to support a friend going through their own transition spiral, this episode covers it all: relationships, careers, mental health, boundary-setting, and why your parents' advice might not always land in a post-pandemic world.

They talk about why “you’re not behind” is more than just a self-help cliché, how to know when it's time for therapy, and what it really means to move forward—even if it’s uncomfortable. Because yes, it’s all uncomfortable—but one version gets you stuck, and the other version gets you somewhere.

Feeling stuck, anxious, or just tired of pretending you have it all figured out? Hit play now and hear why navigating transitions is messy, meaningful, and 100% manageable with the right support!

Highlights:

• (01:20) – Rebekah reflects on navigating three major life transitions at once
• (02:35) – Common life shifts millennials face: career pivots, aging parents, and cross-country moves
• (04:08) – How cultural and generational shifts have redefined how we approach fulfillment and stability
• (06:23) – The rise of nontraditional career paths and how they impact identity and purpose
• (07:41) – Using values-based therapy to guide meaningful career decisions
• (10:50) – Approaching relationship transitions: breakups, boundaries, and emotional safety
• (13:46) – Learning to identify unhealthy patterns and the importance of emotional consistency
• (17:48) – How to support loved ones going through transition—and what to say (or not say)
• (20:45) – Addressing the feeling of “being behind” in life and the role of societal messaging
• (23:29) – When to consider seeking therapy for support during change
• (26:17) – The value of accepting discomfort as a pathway to growth and healing

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Rebekah Lipsky, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, here: https://www.rebekahlipskycounseling.com/
You can also follow her on Instagram @rebekahstherapyroom

Have a question about today's episode? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn more about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host and Content Marketing Strategist, Julie Woon, here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/julie-woon

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

What do you know about patient-centered research? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman discusses the significance of patient-centered research with Molly Sherwood, the Director of Research at the Allo Hope Foundation, an organization providing valuable education and awareness of alloimmunization--a rare pregnancy condition where a mother's immune system creates antibodies that can attack her developing baby's red blood cells. Together, Melissa and Molly explore Molly's journey into research, the definition and importance of patient-centered research in particular, and how it empowers patients, particularly millennials, to take an active role in their healthcare. The conversation highlights real-world applications of patient-centered research, including Molly's work with alloimmunization and its potential to improve health outcomes.

Highlights:

• (00:00) Introduction to Patient-Centered Research
• (04:58) Molly's Journey into Research
• (10:01) Defining Patient-Centered Research
• (14:58) The Importance of Patient Involvement
• (20:01) Patient-Centered Research in Action
• (24:59) Empowering Millennials in Healthcare

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn about this episode's guest, Molly Sherwood, Director of Research for Allo Hope Foundation: https://allohopefoundation.org/team/molly-sherwood/ and Allo Hope Foundation

Check out the patient-centered research resources Molly mentioned:

• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
• ClinicalTrials.gov

Have a question about today's episode? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Melissa Schenkman is joined by Dr. Fola May, gastroenterologist, health equity researcher, and all-around colorectal cancer prevention crusader. Together, they break down the complex and deeply human layers of colorectal cancer—from racial disparities and regional trends to early-onset stats that millennials can no longer afford to ignore.

Dr. May shares how her curiosity about the "black box" of the abdomen turned into a career mission, why family history made her research personal, and how advocacy became the bridge between science and policy. Together, they explore regional, racial, and age-related trends, examine the systemic gaps in early detection and follow-up care, and highlight the importance of patient-centered advocacy.

Gain insights into new screening strategies, barriers to care in underserved communities, and how policy and research must align to create measurable progress in cancer prevention.

To better understand the shifting landscape of colorectal cancer—and how we can drive change through research, education, and equity—listen to the full episode now!

Highlights:

• (01:10) Dr. May’s path to gastroenterology and how personal experience deepened her commitment to research
• (03:44) Understanding the racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer rates and mortality
• (05:21) Why Native American and Black communities face the highest disease burden
• (06:11) The Southern U.S. as a regional hotspot for colorectal cancer—and what’s driving it
• (07:42) The ongoing challenge of public awareness and breaking stigma around screening
• (09:50) A groundbreaking study testing four outreach methods to engage 45–49 year-olds in screening
• (11:17) Why digital and mail-based outreach may be more effective for younger populations
• (15:38) The essential role of physician advocacy in translating research into policy
• (18:11) How primary care providers can better initiate early colorectal health conversations
• (20:47) The need for a shift toward preventive healthcare access and education in the U.S.

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Dr. Fola May here: https://healthequity.ucla.edu/people/folasade-fola-may-md-phd-mphil/ and the May Lab here: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/may-lab

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

What inspires you to advocate to help others? In this mini episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman welcomes Jeremy Echols, a Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor and Fight CRC ambassador. They discuss Jeremy's journey, the importance of awareness around colorectal cancer, especially among younger individuals, and the need for self-advocacy in healthcare. Jeremy shares his motivations for becoming a Fight CRC Ambassador and emphasizes the significance of understanding one's own health and symptoms. The conversation highlights the growing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations and the importance of early detection and education.

Highlights:

• (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• (02:53) Jeremy's Journey with Colorectal Cancer
• (05:59) Empowerment in Health Advocacy

Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Jeremy Echols here:
You can also find him on Instagram @jeremydechols

Have a question about today's episode? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

Looking to learn how to reduce the inflammation in your body or learn more about what foods are better for your gut and your microbiome? Join us in this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, where Co-Host Melissa Schankman talks with Dr. Diana Girnita, a rheumatologist, researcher, and the author of the new book 'Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis.' They discuss the importance of lifestyle choices in managing health, particularly for millennials facing chronic conditions. Dr. Girnita, who is the Founder of the telemedicine practice Rheumatologist OnCall shares insights from her book, emphasizing the need for hope and actionable steps for those living with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The conversation covers various topics, including the impact of diet, the role of the microbiome, and the dangers of relying on online information for medical advice. This episode empowers listeners with knowledge and practical strategies for daily life to improve their health and even prevent inflammatory conditions.

Highlights:

• (01:08) The Importance of Lifestyle in Health
• (03:00) Dr. Girnita's Journey and Book Insights
• (06:02) The Message of Hope in 'Thriving with Rheumatoid Arthritis'
• (09:03) Personalization in Medical Care
• (10:02) Influential Figures in Medicine
• (11:59) Understanding Inflammation and the Microbiome
• (15:05) The Role of Diet in Managing RA
• (17:54) The Impact of Sugar and Salt on Inflammation
• (20:58) Nightshade Vegetables and Their Effects
• (23:59) Celiac Disease and Its Connection to RA
• (27:02) Viral Infections and Autoimmune Responses
• (29:57) The Dangers of Dr. Google
• (33:01) The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
• (36:01) Final Thoughts and Empowerment Through Knowledge

Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn more about this episode's guest, Diana Girnita, MD, PhD, here: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/about/dr-diana-girnita/
And visit her practice Rheumatologist OnCall, where she treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases here: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/

Have a question about today's episode? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our next upcoming Q&A episode this summer.

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com