Episode 7: Stress - Creating Your Support Network

Hosted by Michelle Andrea Williams and guest host Lynn Eggleton

In this final episode on stress management, Michelle Andrea Williams and guest host Lynn Eggleton delve into the importance of building a robust support network. They emphasize the pivotal role family, friends, and support groups play in navigating the challenges of chronic illness and stress.

Michelle highlights the significance of open communication with loved ones, suggesting sharing resources such as articles and books to enhance understanding. She also recommends reputable health websites like the Mayo Clinic for valuable information.

Lynn emphasizes the value of support groups and online communities, noting their ability to connect individuals facing similar experiences. She suggests platforms like Meetup.com and condition-specific organizations as excellent resources for finding local and online support groups.

Together, Michelle and Lynn stress the importance of nurturing healthy relationships, advocating for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. They encourage listeners to explore resources from the American Psychological Association for guidance on fostering healthy connections, particularly when managing chronic illness.

As they conclude the episode, Michelle and Lynn invite listeners to set realistic goals, build in daily habits and maintain a positive mindset for a healthier, more balanced life.

Resources:

Meetup- https://www.meetup.com/

AllTrails App https://www.alltrails.com/mobile

Roanoke Pinball Museum - https://roanokepinball.org/

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Episode 6: "Seeking Professional Help for Stress and Chronic Illness"

Hosts: Michelle Andrea Williams, Lynn Eggleton

Introduction: Welcome back to the ChangeFuse podcast! In our last episode, we delved into managing stress through mindfulness and lifestyle changes. Today, we explore the vital topic of seeking professional help for managing chronic illness-induced stress. Joining me as co-host for this episode is my sister, Lynn Eggleton. Welcome, Lynn!

Recognizing the Need for Professional Help: Michelle and Lynn discuss the importance of recognizing when professional help is necessary, particularly when dealing with chronic illness. They emphasize the significance of involving your general practitioner or internal medicine doctor in this process, as they can provide initial assessments and referrals to appropriate professionals such as counselors and psychologists. They also touch upon different levels of professional help available and how to discern which level is most suitable for individual needs.

Types of Professionals Who Can Help: They highlight the various types of professionals who can offer support, including licensed counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. It's crucial to find a professional who understands chronic illness and can provide tailored care. Michelle and Lynn stress the importance of finding the right counselor or therapist and being clear about what you need from them.

Additional Support Resources: Michelle and Lynn suggest reaching out to support groups, both online and offline, as valuable resources for those seeking support. They mention platforms like Facebook groups and other chat rooms where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. They also discuss the benefits of telehealth and how to find the right fit for virtual therapy sessions. Additionally, they mention the potential support available through employer benefits and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), as well as considering support from pastors and spiritual leaders.

Emergency Resources: In case of immediate crisis, Michelle and Lynn provide the National Suicide Hotline number, #988, and emphasize the importance of reaching out for help when needed. Always dial 911 in a life threatening emergency.

Self-Guided Reflection and Online Support: They discuss the value of self-guided reflection and utilizing online support resources for those who may not be ready for professional counseling or prefer alternative methods of support.

Closing Thoughts: Seeking professional help is a significant step in managing stress and chronic illness. It's about finding the right balance of support and the right person to listen to you. In the next episode, Michelle and Lynn will delve into the importance of building a support network, touching on the benefits of support groups and supportive relationships. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Additional Resources:

American Psychological Association (APA) - Find a Psychologist Directory URL: https://www.apa.org/psychologist

Psychology Today - Therapist Directory URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

National Institute of Mental Health - Understanding Medications URL: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications

NAMI URL: https://www.nami.org/

Doctor On Demand URL: https://doctorondemand.com/

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Episode 5: Managing Stress When You Have a Chronic Illness In this episode on managing stress with a chronic illness, host Michelle Andrea Williams and her guest co-host Lynn Eggleton discuss various stress management techniques. They emphasize the importance of identifying stressors and either eliminating them or finding ways to manage their symptoms. Lynn suggests journaling as a way to identify stressors and prioritize tasks, while also recommending mindfulness practices such as meditation or prayer. Michelle shares her experience with gratitude journaling and deep breathing exercises as effective stress management tools. They also discuss the benefits of spending time in nature, such as walking in the woods or stargazing, to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, they touch on the importance of recognizing what factors are within one's control and focusing on those aspects first. The episode concludes with a reminder that stress management is not one-size-fits-all, and seeking professional support when needed can be beneficial in managing stress and chronic illness. Spark Spotlight: The Power of Walking: Reducing Stress One Step at a Time Resources: Headspace - Guided Meditation and Mindfulness URL:https://www.headspace.com/ Calm - Meditation and Sleep App URL: https://www.calm.com/ Centering Prayer app URL: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app/ National Sleep Foundation - Sleep Tips and Information URL: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ Stanford Researchers find mental health prescription: Nature URL: https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/ APA Want to boost your mental health? Take a walk URL : https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/defeating-depression-naturally

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Episode 3: Health Discoveries with Lynn Eggleton Part 2

In this engaging podcast episode, we delve deep into a personal health journey with Lynn, exploring her transformation through dietary changes and holistic approaches. Lynn shares her inspiring story of overcoming chronic inflammation, allergies, and other health challenges. The conversation starts with Lynn discussing the elimination of dairy, grains, and corn from her diet. She emphasizes the significant impact this had on her inflammation response. Lynn explains her experience with pseudo cereals like amaranth and buckwheat, highlighting that even non-grains triggered her inflammation. The narrative takes an interesting turn when she recounts a childhood incident with severe corn pollen allergies, leading her to eliminate corn and witnessing a drastic reduction in seasonal allergies. Additionally, Lynn touches on the role of supplements in addressing specific nutrient deficits identified through testing. She emphasizes that sometimes the body needs extra support even when a nutrient is available in food. The dialogue also explores the importance of reading food labels diligently due to potential changes in product formulations. Lynn shares her journey of sugar elimination and highlights the sneaky presence of sugar in unexpected products like salt. She underscores the need for education on various sugar names to make informed dietary choices. The conversation extends to challenges faced in social settings and outings, where Lynn navigates restaurant menus and social expectations regarding food choices. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and handling potential conflicts with understanding. Throughout the episode, Lynn provides valuable book recommendations, including "How Not to Die" by Michael Gregor, MD, "The Longevity Diet" by Walter Lango, "Real Food: What to Eat and Why" by Nina Plank, and "The Deflame Diet" by Dr. David R. Seaman. These resources offer a mix of personal stories, scientific insights, and practical tips for anyone interested in holistic health approaches. The episode concludes with Lynn reflecting on the mindset shift needed to embrace dietary changes and the importance of seeking support from healthcare professionals who align with a holistic approach. RESOURCES: HOW NOT TO DIEhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=how+to+not+die+book&i=stripbooks&hvadid=598610602797&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9006585&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16832615092521705082&hvtargid=kwd-301333964571&hydadcr=15498_13558514&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_1s0b8scsvc_e THE LONGEVITY DIET https://www.amazon.com/Longevity-Diet-Discover-Activation-Regeneration-ebook/dp/B073YMYX7H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E7FJLAXWON8Y&keywords=fast+mimicking+diet&qid=1699721915&s=books&sprefix=MIMICKING+FAST%2Cstripbooks%2C130&sr=1-1 WHAT TO EAT AND WHY https://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-What-Eat-Why-ebook/dp/B01EA5GE1Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LF2OYE5CENUZ&keywords=real+food+what+to+eat+and+why&qid=1699722087&s=books&sprefix=REAL+FOOD+WHAT%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1 DEFLAME DIET https://www.amazon.com/Deflame-Diet-DeFlame-your-diet/dp/1523957700/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WGHQFYKV9FZ8&keywords=the+deflamed+diet+book&qid=1699722150&s=books&sprefix=THE+DEFLAMED%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1 Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

EPISODE 2: SHOW NOTES

In this insightful episode, Lynn Eggleton takes us through her transformative health journey, unveiling chronic issues like high blood pressure and snoring. Lynn shares her experience with a functional nutrition expert who employed integrative medicine to uncover the root causes of her health concerns.

The narrative unfolds with Lynn discussing the various tests she underwent, exposing genetic markers, Candida, H. Pylori, and other factors contributing to her health challenges. Throughout the conversation, Lynn emphasizes the crucial role of patient advocacy and the significance of making informed decisions in the realm of medical care.

Following her medical care, Lynn makes impactful lifestyle changes, adopting an anti-candida diet and a whole 30 plan to eliminate processed foods, dairy, and grains. Notably, she also delves into the decision to eliminate alcohol, shedding light on its profound impact on inflammation. Lynn recommends valuable resources such as the " day Candida Cleanse" and the enlightening "Alcohol Experiment" for those contemplating dietary adjustments and alcohol elimination.

The broader discussion touches on themes of patient advocacy, the influence of genetics on health, and the pivotal role of research in comprehending and managing health conditions. Additionally, the episode explores cultural aspects surrounding alcohol consumption, challenging societal norms and encouraging a thoughtful approach to individual health choices.

RESOURCES:
30 DAY CANDIDA CLEANSE
https://www.amazon.com/30-Day-Candida-Cleanse-Complete-Program/dp/1623153948/ref=sr_1_1?crid=123FQC6JCYVCE&keywords=30+DAY+CANDIDA&qid=1699719987&sprefix=30+day+candida%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1

IT STARTS WITH FOOD
https://www.amazon.com/Starts-Food-2nd-Dallas-Hartwig-ebook/dp/B09PLLVNQM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G3BFPSTPCZTD&keywords=IT+STARTS+WITH+FOOD&qid=1699720116&sprefix=it+starts+with+food%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1

ALCOHOL EXPERIMENT BOOK

https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-Experiment-Alcohol-Free-Challenge-Interrupt-ebook/dp/B08FZLGYJ6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32IGE5WOY9LXA&keywords=alcohol+experiment+book&qid=1699720173&sprefix=ALCOHOL+EXPERI%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

30 DAY ALCOHOL EXPERIMENT
https://start.livealcoholexperiment.com/live-tae-missed-it

Music for every episode:

Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music

https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing