Ep 134 Revisiting Rosemary Kennedy: Learning from her story to help better support those in the present . Part 2

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This  is the second episode of a series on Rosemary Kennedy. Using the biography as a guide to time travel into Rosemary's life, Dr Lenz uses a modern lens to reflect and support those living with similar challenges. It explores Rosemary's disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, and the challenges faced by her and the Kennedy family in seeking help for her when our present perspectives didn't exist. The episode discusses the influence of the eugenics movement during the 19th and early 20th centuries, which categorized certain individuals, including the intellectually and physically disabled, as defects. It covers the advocacy of prominent figures like Teddy Roosevelt and wealthy industrialists who supported eugenics. It highlights the hardships faced by Rosemary and her family due to societal stigmatization and the pursuit of a potential "cure."Dr. Lenz describes Rosemary's experiences at various boarding schools, the struggles she faced with academics, and the attempts made to address her intellectual and emotional challenges. He touches on the Kennedy family's privileged lifestyle during the Depression era and their efforts to find medical treatments, including endocrine therapies. He also mentions Rosemary's adjustment to new surroundings, such as her trip to Europe and her presentation at the British debutante season. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of understanding, learning, and growing from the mistakes and misunderstandings of  the past to better appreciate and support those living with struggles in the present.

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

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