CLV Podcast

Breaking Down the Stigma: Living with Chronic Illness

About the Guests:

Rayleen Earney is an experienced health educator at the Southern Nevada Health District, with a personal connection to the fight against diabetes. With 25 years at the health district, Rayleen brings both personal and professional expertise to the table, having witnessed the impact of diabetes within her family. She is passionate about teaching classes and providing resources to help people manage their condition and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Keiara Katz is an advocate and voice for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Not a healthcare professional, Keiara speaks from her experience of being diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. Despite being initially misdiagnosed, she has taken strides in learning about her condition and sharing her knowledge, resources, and personal journey with others.

Episode Summary:

In this empowering episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," host Will Rucker provides a gripping educational experience on chronic diseases impacting our community, with discussions exploring diabetes and MS. These conversations aim to illuminate paths towards managing and understanding these significant health concerns.

Rayleen Earney from the Southern Nevada Health District sets the stage with a deep dive into diabetes prevention and management. She provides staggering statistics and meaningful insights, emphasizing the community's need for accessible health education and lifestyle modification to combat this growing epidemic. The focal points of her discussion include the increment in diabetes cases, indicators of prediabetes, and the critical community-based classes offered for those impacted. In tandem, Keiara Katz shares the compelling narrative of her MS journey, underscoring the challenges in diagnosis and offering invaluable resources for others on similar paths. This episode is a trove of information, merging personal testimonies with professional advice on chronic disease prevention.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 37.3 million people have diabetes nationally, with an estimated 267,000 Nevadans affected by the disease.
  • Prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes, including healthier eating, increased physical activity, and weight management.
  • The Southern Nevada Health District provides free education and resources to help manage diabetes effectively, including interactive classes and personal goal-setting.
  • Keiara Katz's MS journey illustrates the complexity and the importance of proper diagnosis and specialized care.
  • Raising awareness and making informed health choices are crucial to improve quality of life for those dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes and MS.

Resources:

Engage with the full conversations to absorb the wealth of knowledge shared in this episode. For more enlightening discussions and life-altering insights, keep tuning in to "A Healthier Tomorrow."