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In this episode, Dr. April shares important information about the role of public health vs. medical healthcare and about the emerging concerns of autoimmune disease incidence and prevalence. Dr. April shares some basic public health concepts in this episode, while going into the research on autoimmune disease diagnoses from 1997 until the present moment into the  environmental factors and the COVID pandemic where we are seeing frequent diagnoses of myocarditis, an autoimmune condition affecting the heart.  To learn more about the origins of autoimmune disease diagnoses in healthcare visit our past episode #21 with Dr. Noel Rose, father of Autoimmune Immunology: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sisterhoodoflimitlessliving/Interview_with_Dr_Noel_Rose.mp3 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sl3sisterhood Instagram: https://Instagram.com/sisterhoodoflimitlessliving Website: https://sisterhooflimitlessliving.com   Articles about Autoimmune Diseases and the Emerging Prevalence: Epidemiology and Estimated Population Burden of Selected Autoimmune Diseases in the United States (1997)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090122997944123 When the Body Attacks Itself (2010) https://magazine.jhsph.edu/2010/spring/features/the_future_of_public_health_20_great_challenges/when_the_body_attacks_itself/  Updated Assessment of the Prevalence, Spectrum and Case Definition of Autoimmune Disease (2012)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568997212000225 Why women have more autoimmune diseases than men: An evolutionary perspective (2020)https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eva.13167 Exposure to Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Conditions (2021)https://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=1546993X&AN=150544243&h=J0kc%2bVktn0AS%2fOF5edxLLmDg48K3bzOtinOXSsHk91KnAEMSx5dvZc3FvjTadF4GMUNR6AMTx%2feoF19zBVJ70A%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d1546993X%26AN%3d150544243 Recommendations for Patients with COVID-19 and Coronavirus-Related Myocarditis (2021) https://www.myocarditisfoundation.org/symptoms-of-coronavirus-that-may-point-to-possible-myocarditis/?gclid=CjwKCAjwlYCHBhAQEiwA4K21myHa1GxWs6KA1Wcyp_CtSJH9mlUC2R4hsQSo2rMkeSrExnTPp_D6dxoCSm0QAvD_BwE

There are many people who have always wanted children, so do you wonder why some women have not wanted to have them? In this episode we discuss some of the reasons why women may not feel the pull to have children. Sometimes the reasons have been related to past adverse childhood experiences (ACES), or even due to living with chronic illness and the associated possible health consequences.  In this episode Dr. April shares some of the circumstances and experiences caused by ACES and autoimmune conditions that may lead to an interest in having other kinds of children, such as adoption or taking care of  pets and dog children. Learn more about the Sisterhood of Limitless Living at sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com Request the Free Guide to Self-Care and Rest with Autoimmune Conditions: Learn about the various types of rest with this workbook including space for you to process and plan your self-care. https://bit.ly/selfcareguiderequest

Could what happened to you in your past be impacting your autoimmune health, and causing your diagnosis?In this powerful episode, Dr. April discusses the impact of ACES (adverse childhood experiences) on those living with autoimmune conditions. The CDC-Kaiser study of the 1990s was the first to identify the impact of living with ACES on physical and mental health. We also discuss some of the scientific research on ACES and PTSD and autoimmune diseases, and how you can identify, address, and heal from these adverse events. Request the Free Guide to Self-Care and Rest with Autoimmune Conditions:Learn about the various types of rest with this workbook including space for you to process and plan your self-care. https://bit.ly/selfcareguiderequest REFERENCES: ABOUT ACESThe original ACES study: CDC-Kaiser Study on ACES https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fviolenceprevention%2Facestudy%2Fabout.html Learn About the Original 10 ACES and More. Assess Your ACES Number:https://numberstory.org/ The Impacts of ACES on Health:https://www.acesaware.org/ace-fundamentals/the-science-of-aces-toxic-stress/ ACES Aware Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults:https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English.pdf How to Heal From ACES:https://numberstory.org/heal-myself/ ---------------------- ACES AND TRAUMA IN RESEARCH ACES and Autoimmune Disease:UCSF Study on ACES and Lupus:https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/05/414406/adverse-childhood-experiences-negatively-impact-adults-lupus#:~:text=Adults%20with%20lupus%20who%20report,researchers%20at%20UC%20San%20Francisco. Cumulative Childhood Stress and Autoimmune Diseases in Adultshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3318917/ PTSD and Autoimmune Disease:Burden of Multiple Sclerosis on the Military:https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/ms-fitness-challenge/burden-ms-our-military/ Gulf War Era Multiple Sclerosis Cohort study:https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/135/6/1778/330840?login=true PTSD and Risk of Autoimmune Diseases in Military Personnel:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-020-2432-9

What happens when you are diagnosed as undiagnosed? In this episode, we speak to Leea Sarvela who shares her experience of this situation with an undiagnosed autoimmune condition. Leea shares her experience of living with childhood symptoms without a diagnosis, and the journey of accepting an un-diagnosis, moving forward into a place of purpose, while deciding to go into pre-med studies to serve in healthcare and medicine. With the support of family and community, Leea shares how she has developed the strength and courage to share her story, develop a future in medicine, and also serve the community in autoimmune nonprofit volunteering.Do you or a loved one live with an undiagnosed condition and seek community/research answers?  Learn more about the Undiagnosed Diseases Network: https://undiagnosed.hms.harvard.edu/ Learn about the Autoimmune Community Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to autoimmune health equity: www.acicommunity.org

What happens when the one thing you most loved to do becomes difficult due to the autoimmune diagnosis? In this episode we celebrate API Heritage month in May with an interview with DJ Danga Dang of Southern California. DJ Danga is a Filipina who shares her experience of living with the MS diagnosis and tells her story about the journey of building her perspective  from coping, adaptation and evolution from hip hop dancer into becoming DJ Danga. Learn more about danga on Instagram @_danga_dang  Sisterhood, this month marks our 2nd year anniversary of the Sisterhood of Limitless Living podcast! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information about our anniversary celebration. Visit sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com

In this episode we chat with Melissa Talwar of Support Fibromyalgia about PPE and getting through the pandemic. We share some of our favorite PPE gear and Melissa shares some of the PPE technology from around the world.  The first 35 minutes were done as a simultaneous IG live discussion and the audio was echoey; however, the second half of the interview has a clearer sound. In the second half of the episode we discuss the pandemic and how to prepare for the next one. Learm more about Melissa and her organization at supportfibromyalgia.org Some of our favorite PPE:   readymask.com wayre.com Halomask with 20% discount link:   https://bit.ly/acihalomask

In this episode we talk about stigma, mental health challenges and the autoimmune journey in Spanglish. This is our second bilingual episode, where we speak to Melissa Moya-Brinckman, a mental health therapist who serves communities in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina. Melissa shares some stories about her upcoming book and her stories about mental health and on how to be a "good Latina daughter".  Melissa Moya-Brinckman can be found on mmbhealing.com and on Instagram at @mmbhealing. * With advanced HALO Nanofilter™ technology from New Zealand, you can breathe confidently knowing that you and those around you are well protected. The HALOmask captures over 99% of all airborne particulates in both directions down to an incredible 0.1µm (microns). If you use the link here, 20% of sales will be donated to the Autoimmune Community Institute. HaloMask:  http://bit.ly/acihalomask

Are you exhausted and overwhelmed after more than a year of the pandemic? The Sisterhood is there with you. In this episode, we speak to Mia and Phil of Birch Leaf Healing to share their story of beginning their work in reiki practice and their move to Sedona, Arizona. We talk about the power of reiki and how it can be used for autoimmune health and healing. We also share a special treat with the Sisterhood of Limitless Living community - a 50% discount off reiki session with Birch Leaf Healing by using the discount code SOLL.  Appointments can be booked directly at this link:  https://www.reikisancarlos.com/book-online  www.sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com  

This is a special bilingual episode in English and Spanish with Marilena Grittani, clinical pharmacist, who shares the importance of clear information and messaging to support the Latinx/Hispanic community with questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. Marilena shares information about the history of the vaccine, how it works, and why it is important to get the vaccine to protect ourselves and our communities who have been disproportionately affected by the damages to population health.   Learn more about Marilena on Instagram at @thelegaldrugdealerpodcast and @controlandotupropiasalud 

Have you ever felt trapped into having to make decisions that you didn't want to consider? In this episode, Dr. April shares tips on how to think proactively in your health and wellness activities, to make decisions that work in your favor. No longer do we need to be part of the image of patients as passive participants in life and health decisions. Being your own best advocate  begins from a decision from within. Learn more about the sisterhood of limitless living: www.sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com Consider supporting our podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/draprilmoreno

Episode 84: Empowering Yourself to Advocate for Your Health What happens when women are dismissed by the healthcare system, and how does this impact Black women and health disparities? As we celebrate Black History Month,  we speak to S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby, Esq.  about Black Healthcare and self-advocacy. Umi is a policy attorney based in Chicago. We hear about her new book EmpowHERed Health: Reforming a Dismissive Health Care System, and how negative interactions with healthcare providers and health healthcare system can be dangerous to Black women and their health, and most importantly, what they can do to fight back.   Learn more about Umi Grigsby @empowheredhealth on Instagram and her book is available at: https://www.amazon.com/EmpowHERed-Health-Reforming-Dismissive-System/dp/1636766269 For more episodes and information about the Sisterhood of Limitless Living podcast, visit www.sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com *** Help support the Autoimmune Community Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to autoimmune health equity in research, advocacy, and support: paypal.me/autoimmunecommunity www.acicommunity.org ***

Have you been wondering about how assistive equipment works for the autoimmune community? In this episode, Dr. April shares her recent experience seeking guidance on assistive gear for disabilities.   We discuss: -The insurance experience and frustrations with getting through to discuss if Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is covered -The challenges of buying online, dealing with assembly costs and adjustment/fitting concerns for the equipment -Finding a local small business that specializes in home care/disability equipment needs -Examples of assistive equipment - canes, walkers, rollators, and other supplies   And ultimately in this episode, we discuss why purchasing this equipment can be an action of proactive living and improving quality of life with a disability.   Other References: Assistive Devices and Occupational Therapy: https://mavendoctors.io/thearthritisconnection/rheumatoid-arthritis/assistive-devices-occupational-therapy-jWzihRsHyk-2kUiNfLz9xQ Assistive Devices for Multiple Sclerosis Patients Can Help: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/multiple-sclerosis-medical-devices/ Assistive Devices for Peripheral Neuropathy Muscle Weakness and Pain: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/assistive-devices/ A Pinterest Account of Assistive Devices: https://www.pinterest.com/parko/tools/   Learn More about the Sisterhood of Limitless Living: www.sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com      

Have you wondered about the gender differences that affect people with autoimmune conditions?  In this episode we speak to Emmitt Henderson III, who lives with lupus and other conditions.  Emmitt shares the experience of being diagnosed and seeking community as a male, and a male of color, in the autoimmune community space. He created Male Lupus Warriors to support others with lupus, and shares the importance of mental health, perspective, and knowing one's goals to move forward in health and life.  Learn more about Emmitt and his organization on Instagram @malelupuswarriors   ----------------------------- Are you interested in seeking community support with your autoimmune condition? Consider joining our monthly support group meeting with the Autoimmune Community Institute. We are dedicated to autoimmune health equity in research, advocacy, and support.  Sign up to join our upcoming support group at: https://bit.ly/ACISupportGroup

Has your weight changed significantly since the autoimmune diagnosis? In this episode, Dr. April shares her personal journey with weight gain and steroids after diagnosis. The discussion provides an introduction to some of the recommended diets out there for people with autoimmune diseases, as well as some information on the exercise challenges during the pandemic. Dr. April also discusses why the AIP diet risks its cultural competence for communities of color whose sacred foods include squash, beans, and corn.

Sign up for our Multicultural Integrative Wellness Workshop and learn to evaluate your integrative life wellness incorporating diversity and culture in January 2021: www.aprilmorenophd.com/workshops 


References:   AIP Protocol Information: 
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aip-diet-autoimmune-protocol-diet Paleo Diet Information:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/art-20111182 Keto Diet: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101

 The Mediterranean Diet :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801 
The Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/

Have you wondered what autoimmune clinicians think about the current state of autoimmune diseases and patient diversity? In Episode 80 we speak to Micaela Bayard MD, a rheumatologist in New York who is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in autoimmune patient health, dedicated to continuously supporting chronic illness patients over the years. We discuss the current medication trends for diseases like lupus, the challenges of medication prescription availability during the pandemic, and about the importance of being part of supportive communities for autoimmune quality of life. Dr. Bayard is on twitter and Instagram at @thelupusdoc, and online at drmicaela.com ---- The wait list is Open until December 12th: Sign up for the 2021 Multicultural Integrative Wellness Workshop. Are you ready for the new changes that the year has brought into your life? The new normal is innovative, remote, currently physically distanced. And you can stay connected to your purpose, joy, and wellness - in some ways more than ever. The effects of 2021 haven’t been what we envisioned. But you can definitely make this work for your wellness. Join us for this online workshop to learn to work with a multicultural context of how you can prepare your mind, body, spirit and environment for your next chapter of wellness. Join the wait list and receive $20 off registration in January, at www.aprilmorenophd.com/workshops    

Have you recently gone in for your autoimmune medications? Are you wondering what it is like to get a medication infusion? In this episode, Dr. April shares her recent experience of going to an infusion center for a several hours-long medication infusion for her autoimmune condition, during a pandemic. We discuss: -What to bring to the infusion appointment -How often infusions can take -What the process of infusion is, and why it can take so long -How to request a space that is less crowded with patients during the pandemic -Why medication frequency can be different for everyone  -And the munchies experience, thanks to the steroids. sisterhoodoflimitlessliving.com - Are you ready for 2021? Do you have your quality of life needs addressed for the coming year? Join the Autoimmune Community Institute for a Autoimmune Quality of Life Planning Workshop on 12/12 at 12 noon pacific/3 pm eastern. Registration also includes a Passion Planner book mailed directly to your home. Learn more at www.bit.ly/autoimmune2021            

What is the journey of getting through the toughest times of chronic illness like for you, during a pandemic?    In this episode we speak to filmmaker Jessica Funches about her personal autoimmune experience, and about her upcoming documentary series, You Don't Look Sick. She tells the story of how the documentary was done during the pandemic and how individuals have navigated their health with autoimmune invisible illnesses during this season. Jessica also shares her experience of living with rheumatoid arthritis and the approaches in proactive thinking, integrative health, exercise, medication and diet that have gotten her through. Jessica can be found on Twitter and Instagram @ydlsdocumentary . Help her team complete the post-production of the series by donating on the documentary fundraising site at: youdontlooksickdoc.wedid.it Learn more about You Don't Look Sick: A Documentary Series on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0GX9oWDjnw

There is frequent talk about the unintended harmful consequences of decisions and actions that are made - but how often do we hear about the unintended and unexpected benefits of our actions? In this episode we discuss a variety of important life topics with Monique Gore-Massy, a national and international lupus patient advocate. Also known as the LemonadeMaker, Monique believes that each patient has the opportunity to turn life's lemons into purpose for themselves and others.  In life's challenges, and even with autoimmune disease, we find that we can see unexpected benefits and life lessons to help ourselves and others. Monique can be reached on IG and Twitter @goldenmoe Autoimmune Community, Do you enjoy wine? Do you believe in supporting an important cause? Participate in the One Hope fundraiser where a percentage of sales will be donated to the Autoimmune Community Institute: https://www.onehopewine.com/event/63466  

Happy Autumn! In this episode, Dr. April discusses the topic of Autumn Reflections, based on three steps of contemplation: Reflect, Receive, and Respond.  Join us as we reflect on all the upside-down roller coaster events and activities of the past year and of 2020 so far - the good, the bad, the excellent, and the challenging.   Then, by listening in to find key messages, we can choose to respond to the guidance and insight around us and from within. *** The Autoimmune Community Institute is celebrating on 10/10 with their Opening Celebration! Join us as we share the mission and vision of the organization, drink wine from our OneHope wine fundraiser, and celebrate with our guest speakers: Dr. Jeremy Hunter of the Drucker School of Business, Christine Von Raesfeld of People with Empathy, Juana and Estela Mata of Looms 4 Lupus, Tamara Lobban-Jones of Diverse Health Hub, Emmitt Henderson III of Male Lupus Warriors, and Cyndii Sinex of Chronic Illness Hotline.   RSVP: www.acicommunity.org/opening-celebration    

In this episode, join us as we embark on an adventurous road trip on the journey of autoimmune living. Choose the red or blue pill, the well-worn path or the path of the unknown as we discuss the adventure of life with autoimmune and other life challenges, as we choose to accept this assignment.   Join us as we celebrate diversity and health equity in the autoimmune community. The Autoimmune Community Institute is celebrating its opening ceremony on 10/10. Registration is at www.acicommunity.org