Andrea's inspiring journey from interior design to public health is a testament to the power of personal experience in shaping professional paths. Prompted by her son's asthma diagnosis and the challenges they faced navigating the healthcare system, Andrea became a Certified Health Education Specialist and Asthma Educator. Through her story, we uncover the emotional resilience required to manage a child's chronic illness and the unwavering trust in parental instincts that guided her towards advocating for better asthma education and specialized care.

Medicine shaming and the prevalence of misleading health advice online pose significant challenges for those managing chronic conditions like asthma. Andrea shares her candid experiences with unsolicited advice and the pitfalls of miracle cures, highlighting the critical importance of consulting healthcare professionals and relying on accurate, reputable sources. We also reflect on outdated misconceptions about asthma and the necessity for precise diagnoses and treatments, especially considering the pervasive myths from the 1980s that continue to influence public perception.

Creating an asthma-friendly home is crucial for effective management of the condition, and Andrea offers practical strategies to achieve this. From reducing allergens with specific cleaning techniques to ensuring family members are prepared for medical emergencies, she provides actionable tips to maintain a healthy environment. We also delve into the importance of balancing asthma management with quality of life, discussing how to enjoy simple pleasures while minimizing health risks. Andrea's insights empower listeners to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives and those of their loved ones.

A few reasons you should care about asthma:

• Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children
• Asthma is the #1 cause of missed school days (and kids with asthma grow up to be adults with asthma.)
• 10 people in the U.S. die each day from asthma

I love the famous statistics quote by Paul Badeur, "Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped off."

• American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America https://aafa.org/
• Allergy & Asthma Networ

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Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

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🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com

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How do you pursue your dreams when your body seems to have other plans? For slow travel nomad and empowerment coach Caitlin, the answer lies in adaptation rather than abandonment. With a background in environmental engineering and a life shaped by fibromyalgia and complex mental health challenges, she's crafted a unique approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes well-being alongside achievement.

"I got very, very sick because I was trying to keep up with everybody else," Caitlin reflects, describing her experience in business accelerator programs. This pivotal moment taught her that entrepreneurship with chronic illness requires a different framework—one that might actually be healthier for everyone. "Having a chronic illness actually means that you are respecting your limits a little earlier than maybe somebody who's doing that for 20 years and getting really sick."

The conversation explores nervous system regulation as a powerful tool for managing chronic pain. Caitlin explains how understanding her body's signals transformed her relationship with pain: "When I was able to look at pain as my body saying slow down or I need something... that reframe honestly even reduced the time that my flares would last." This perspective shift—viewing symptoms as protective messages rather than evidence of a failing body—offers profound healing potential.

Perhaps most valuable is Caitlin's wisdom on boundary-setting. As a self-described sensitive introvert, she's learned to stop over-explaining her limitations. "A boundary is what you are going to do for yourself to keep yourself safe," she explains, "recognizing that energy is finite and if I'm setting a boundary, it's the best thing not just for me but for my work, for my relationships."

Whether you're managing a chronic condition, feeling burnout from hustle culture, or simply seeking more intentional ways of living, this conversation offers practical wisdom for honoring your body's needs while still pursuing a life of purpose and adventure. Listen and discover how limitations, when embraced with compassion, can become doorways to unexpected possibilities.

Send us a text

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

🎙 Living with a rare disease or chronic illness can feel isolating—but you are not alone. Find Your Rare is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. From empowering apparel to real, raw conversations, they’re here to remind you that your story matters. Because being RARE its your superpower. Explore, join & wear your rare with pride at FindYourRare.com

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes:

GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

What happens when you combine the expertise of a trailblazing dentist with an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy? Dr. Amee shares her powerful story of living with epilepsy since age eight and how it catalyzed her mission to challenge societal stigma and embrace vulnerability. Her journey from patient to advocate is a beacon of hope for those newly diagnosed, offering insights into balancing a thriving career and personal life while managing an invisible illness. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of sharing one’s story and the strength found in authenticity.

Navigating the complexities of parenting with a chronic illness presents its own unique challenges. In our heartfelt discussion, Dr. Amee reveals the emotional rollercoaster she experiences, from isolation and depression to building resilience and understanding within her family. She emphasizes the importance of community support and open communication with children, allowing them to be active participants in the journey without feeling like a burden. Through personal anecdotes, we explore the significance of age-appropriate transparency, ensuring that the next generation understands and embraces the intricacies of living with chronic conditions.

Embracing vulnerability and fostering a sense of shared humanity are at the heart of our conversation. We celebrate the courage it takes to show up authentically, even in the face of adversity. Through gratitude and support, we delve into the beauty of creating a network that encourages openness and empathy. By highlighting personal stories and the transformative journey from patient to educator, we hope to inspire listeners to find strength in their vulnerabilities and build supportive communities that celebrate genuine connections.

Send us a text

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website:
https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes:

GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off