How to leave a legacy of better health for women with - Dr Kristin Stovern

This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with my guest, Kristin Stovern, focusing on women's health and the importance of understanding the holistic nature of health. Kristin emphasizes that health encompasses not just physical well-being but also mental, emotional, and social aspects. She discusses the significance of menstrual cycles as vital signs, providing a detailed explanation of the different phases and how they influence a woman's energy levels, emotional state, and overall health.

Kristin highlights the need to address women's health issues, particularly in the United States, where there is a maternal health crisis and a lack of research and understanding surrounding women's health concerns. She encourages women to embrace their worth and advocate for themselves, challenging the societal norms and biases that have often dismissed or undervalued women's health experiences.

Key Learnings:

1. Health is holistic, encompassing mind, body, relationships, and environment.

2. Menstrual cycles are vital signs that provide insights into a woman's overall health and well-being.

3. Understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulation, luteal) and their associated hormonal changes can help women navigate their energy levels, emotional states, and physical needs.

4. Movement, sunlight exposure, and strength training can positively impact hormonal health and overall well-being.

5. Women's health issues, particularly in the United States, have been underrepresented, and women often face dismissal or bias in healthcare settings.

6. Embracing self-worth and advocating for oneself are crucial steps in improving women's health experiences.

7. Acknowledging and validating women's experiences, trauma, and emotions can contribute to personal growth and better health outcomes.

Show Notes:

Show Notes with time stamps: (feel free to jump to a section of you preference)

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Introduction [00:00 - 01:30]

- Overview of the episode's focus on better health for women

Defining Better Health [01:30 - 03:00]  

- Holistic view of health: mind, body, relationships, environment

- Importance of looking at health from an integrated perspective

Women's Health Crisis [03:00 - 06:00]

- Maternal health outcomes as a benchmark for a nation's health

- Worsening maternal health crisis in the U.S. despite medical advancements

- Disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities

- Need for empowering individuals to drive positive change

Meeting People Where They Are [06:00 - 09:00]

- Importance of understanding individual circumstances and barriers

- Asking questions to grasp the full context before advising

The Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign [09:00 - 16:00]

- Menstrual cycles provide insight into overall health and hormonal function

- Overview of the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases

- How cycles influence energy levels, moods, nutrition needs

- Importance of listening to your body's cyclical needs

Integrative Approach to Emotions & Mental Health [16:00 - 29:00]

- Interconnectedness of hormones, organs, and emotional experience  

- Looking at the full context: sleep, relationships, diet, medications, etc.

- Using self-awareness to navigate emotions through cyclical changes

The Power of Movement [29:00 - 38:00]

- Benefits of movement for hormonal balance and mental health

- Importance of strength training for longevity, bone health, preventing dementia

- Even 10-15 minutes per day can make a significant difference

Identity, Self-Worth & Leaving a Legacy [38:00 - 58:00]

- How trauma and painful experiences can shape identity and self-worth

- Overcoming narratives that diminish women's voices and experiences  

- Recognising inherent worth beyond external accomplishments

- Passing down empowering beliefs about self-worth to future generations

Closing Thoughts [58:00 - 60:00]

- Invitation to reach out for more on the topics discussed

Kristin's mission/vision/passion

Women are the foundation of families, communities as well as the benchmark for a nation’s health when looking at maternal health outcomes. Their health and overall well-being have a tremendous impact, but often women do not prioritize themselves. This is heavily influenced by a society that has underrepresented women, under researched as well as the implicit biases within the healthcare realm. After over a 20 year career of caring for women throughout the lifespan, the desire to make a difference on a bigger level pushed me to pursue my Doctorate in Nurse Practice in Leadership and education with research into the “why’s” this country is in such a dismal state and what can be done to turn the tide. 

Empowering women to have the knowledge to make a difference in their own health as the healthcare system fails them by giving a voice, breaking down stigmas, and validating the fear and shame by replacing it with being heard and seen was the precipice behind creating “Why am I Just Finding this Out? 

I have lived a life that’s actions demonstrate how we can take good care of ourselves and have families, careers, philanthropy, and wholeness while validating the insecurities and brokenness within me and others. ~ Kristin.

You can find out more about Kristin here

Get in touch with Sal

If this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me. I offer a free 20 min call where we can discuss a challenge your facing and how I may be able to help you.