Health

 
Cristina Gutierrez, co-founder of Lotus Disability, a membership platform and vetted marketplace built around one core idea: navigating life with a serious health condition shouldn't be a full-time job on top of everything else joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Cristina Gutierrez discuss the following:
Why is disability management so complicated today?
Many organizations believe they have a strong disability-inclusion strategy, yet most disabilities remain undisclosed. Why do you think that gap exists, and what can employers do to build enough trust that employees feel comfortable asking for support?
You've worked in HR and now lead a company helping employers navigate disability support. What is the biggest misconception employers have about disability management/benefits? How can they shift from a compliance mindset to one focused on employee success?
Disability affects far more employees and caregivers than many organizations realize. How can employers better recognize the hidden impact disability has on productivity, retention, and engagement before it turns into burnout or turnover?
As benefits packages continue to evolve, where do you think traditional health plans and employee-assistance programs fall short in supporting employees with disabilities and caregivers, and how can employers close those gaps?
If you could give every CEO or CHRO one piece of advice about building a workplace where employees with disabilities can truly thrive, what would it be, and why is that investment good for both people and business performance?
Cristina Gutierrez is Co-Founder of Lotus Disability, a membership platform and vetted marketplace built around one core idea: navigating life with a serious health condition shouldn't be a full-time job on top of everything else. Cristina and her co-founder, Emily Stanislaus, started Lotus after seeing firsthand how much time, money, and energy gets absorbed by what they call the "disability tax," the constant work of finding the right equipment, the right benefit, or the right person who can actually help. Lotus connects members directly to vetted vendors and resources across the areas that matter most, from adaptive equipment to personal care to legal and financial navigation, so members can spend less time searching and more time living their lives.
Cristina brings over a decade of Fortune 500 HR leadership to that mission, having worked at American Express, Kabbage, Marriott International, and McKinsey & Company. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Agnes Scott College and a Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of West Florida, a combination that shapes how she approaches Lotus: less about building another platform and more about understanding people well enough to build something that meets them where they are.
Outside of work, Cristina is happiest outside and on the move enjoying life with her wife and cofounder, and their two boys.
Website: lotusdisability.com
People also listened to this: Shedding Light on Lipedema, offering insight into how to recognize it and treatment options

 
Dr. John Larson, a board-certified plastic surgeon and nationally recognized expert in Lipedema who practices in Newport Beach, CA joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Plastic Surgery Information Channels. Listen in as Dr. Larson sheds light on Lipedema, offering insight into how to recognize it, what treatment options look like, and how his unique approach helps patients reclaim their mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. John Larson discuss the following:
What makes Lipedema fundamentally different from obesity or just “stubborn fat”, and why do so many women go years without a proper diagnosis?
What are the stages of Lipedema and how does that affect the surgical plan you build for them?
One of the factors that sets your approach apart is addressing both the diseased fat and the excess skin together. Why is that combination so critical to your results?
Your practice boasts a robust team of insurance specialists. Can you walk our listeners through what that process looks like, and how it affects patients seeking Lipedema treatment?
For a patient sitting across from you who has never heard of Lipedema before but suspect they may have the symptoms, what do you tell them, and where should they look to start their journey with you?
Dr. John Larson is a board-certified, nationally recognized plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, CA at Larson Aesthetics and an expert in lipedema treatment. Listen to today’s episode as Dr. Larson walks us through everything you need to know about lipedema, a chronic, painful, and widely misunderstood fat disorder that affects women almost exclusively, causing disproportionate fat accumulation that simply doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
From understanding the stages of lipedema, to Dr. Larson’s powerful multi-modal approach, and his team of insurance specialists, Dr. Larson breaks down the full journey from diagnosis to recovery. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, years into managing symptoms, or caring for someone you love, this episode is packed with the answers you’ve been searching for.
Schedule your private consultation or virtual consultations for out-of-town patients – by filling out our online form or by calling(949) 688-7733 today!
Website: https://johnlarsonmd.com
Social Media Links: Instagram: @johnlarsonmd YouTube: youtube.com/@johnlarsonmd 
People also listened to this: Why Our Usual Defenses Don’t Function After Experiencing Trauma

 
Janet R. Rea, MSPH, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Atossa Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in oncology and other areas of significant unmet needs joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Janet R. Rea discuss the following:
Janet, with over 35 years of experience bringing landmark treatments like LEUKINE® and FLU-BLOK® from clinical development to commercialization, you have a deep public health and scientific perspective on drug development. From an R&D leadership standpoint, what drew you to this chapter at Atossa, and how does your background shape your vision for the company’s expansion into rare diseases?
Over the past several months, Atossa has made an aggressive, synchronized push into the orphan disease space securing back-to-back FDA Rare Pediatric Disease designations for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS), while simultaneously appointing a dedicated Medical Director for Rare Diseases. Why is now the optimal moment for Atossa to rapidly scale this multi-pronged, rare disease strategy alongside your established breast oncology programs?
The company’s lead product candidate is (Z)-endoxifen. For those unfamiliar with the compound, how does Atossa’s proprietary oral formulation differ from traditional treatments like tamoxifen, particularly regarding its safety profile, and mechanisms like PKC inhibition?
The FDA has granted (Z)-endoxifen both Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designations for DMD. How do these specific designations alter Atossa’s clinical and regulatory strategy?


The regulatory landscape for orphan drugs is transforming rapidly, especially with the FDA's new Rare Disease Innovation Hub and accelerated approval frameworks. How are these new federal guidelines changing the way biotech companies design clinical trials and talk to regulators?
Given your prior leadership role at AVI BioPharma (now Sarepta Therapeutics), a pioneer in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and your background teaching biomedical regulatory affairs, how does that specific rare-disease experience inform your scientific and clinical strategy as Atossa advances (Z)-endoxifen for DMD and McCune-Albright Syndrome?
As you look toward the next 12 to 18 months, what is the primary clinical milestone or breakthrough that you are most excited to deliver to patients and shareholders?
Janet R. Rea, MSPH brings over 35 years of industry leadership experience in clinical development through commercialization in biologics and small molecules, with focus on oncology, infectious diseases, orphan and rare-diseases. A Washington native, she obtained her B.S. degree in Microbiology from the University of Washington and was conferred a Master of Science of Public Health from the same institution.
Prior to rejoining Atossa, she was an independent consultant to biopharmaceutical companies. She has held senior leadership positions with AVM Biopharma, Poniard Pharmaceuticals, AVI BioPharma (Sarepta), Protein Sciences (Glaxo), and Atossa Therapeutics, playing key roles in the approval of Immunex’s initial product, LEUKINE® and Sanofi’s rDNA influenza vaccine, FLU-BLOK®.
Rea has lectured at both Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington for the Biomedical Regulatory Affairs Certificate and Master’s Program, where she also served as a part-time Assistant Clinical Professor.
Website: atossatherapeutics.com 
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/atossageneticsinc  Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/atossatherapeutics X: @atossainc 
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Dr. Ned Swanson, President & Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Nikolai Sopko, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Scientific Officer & Director, at PolarityBio, a late-stage biotechnology company developing regenerative multicellular biologics, specifically their lead autologous cutaneous cell therapy designed to treat complex chronic wounds joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guests Dr. Ned Swanson & Dr. Nikolai Sopko discuss the following:
To begin, both of you bring strong clinical and scientific expertise to executive leadership. How have your respective backgrounds as medical doctors and researchers uniquely shaped your roles in driving PolarityBio through its late-stage clinical milestones?
PolarityBio has just reached a major corporate milestone with the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for SkinTE. From a leadership perspective, what were the most significant operational and clinical hurdles your team had to overcome to prepare this asset for FDA review?
The company is fundamentally focused on regenerative multicellular biologics. How did the initial vision for this technology form, and how has it evolved under your joint leadership?


SkinTE is described as a first-in-class, autologous cutaneous multicellular therapy. In plain terms, how does using a patient’s own healthy skin biology differ from traditional advanced wound care therapies already on the market?
Chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are notoriously complex and resistant to healing. What is the proposed biological mechanism of SkinTE?
Because SkinTE utilizes autologous multicellular units, it relies entirely on the patient's own tissue. What are the potential advantages of this autologous approach?
Your trial completed enrollment of 120 patients across multiple U.S. sites in just 14 months, significantly outpacing historical timelines for DFU trials. To what do you attribute this exceptionally fast clinical enrollment?


SkinTE has received both Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Breakthrough Therapy designations from the FDA. How have these programs facilitated your interactions with the agency leading up to this BLA submission?
Looking beyond Wagner Grade 1 diabetic foot ulcers, what does your development pipeline look like for other complex chronic wound indications, such as venous leg ulcers and pressure injuries?


SkinTE will be the first new biologic commercially available for a common chronic wound indication in nearly 30 years, if approved. As you look toward the conclusion of this FDA review process, what will this milestone mean for the millions of patients currently facing the threat of severe morbidity and amputation, and what is your ultimate vision for how PolarityBio can potentially reshape wound medicine?
Ned Swanson, MD is the President & Chief Medical Officer of PolarityBio with a background in surgical innovation and biomedical engineering. He previously served as Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of PolarityTE from 2016 to 2021. Dr. Swanson received his MD from Harvard Medical School and trained in Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins. His foundational expertise is rooted in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Nikolai Sopko, MD, PhD is a Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Scientific Officer of PolarityBio with a background in regenerative medicine. He previously served as Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President of Research & Development at PolarityTE. Dr. Sopko received his MD with honors from Case Western Reserve University and his PhD in Stem Cell Biology from the Cleveland Clinic through the National Institutes of Health Medical Scientist Training Program. He is a Board Certified Urologic Surgeon and completed his training as a Physician Scientist Scholar at Johns Hopkins.
Website: polaritybio.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/PolarityBio  Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/polaritybio1  X: @PolarityBio_ 
People also listened to this: Snuggle Shield: A Nurse & Mom’s Guide to Protecting Babies in Public

Nicole Noar, RN, IBCLC, the Founder and CEO of Snuggle Shield, an award-winning baby brand created to help families protect infants while traveling and navigating everyday public life joins eHealth Radio and the Infant Health and Health News Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Nicole Noar discuss the following::
You’re a registered nurse, IBCLC, inventor, and mom. What inspired you to create Snuggle Shield, and what problem were you trying to solve for families?
Babies are too young to wear masks. What are some practical, evidence-based ways parents can help reduce their baby’s exposure to everyday airborne particles and environmental irritants while traveling and in public?
What are some of the biggest misconceptions parents have about taking newborns and young infants out in public, and what advice do you give to help them feel more confident?
As a maternal-child health nurse and lactation consultant, what are your top recommendations for helping keep babies healthy during everyday outings, doctor visits, shopping trips, airports, and family travel?
What has the response been from parents and healthcare professionals since launching Snuggle Shield, and what do you hope families take away from your mission?
SUMMARY: As both a nurse and a mom, I’ve learned that protecting our babies isn’t about living in fear—it’s about making informed, practical choices. Simple habits like washing hands, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying current with your pediatrician’s recommendations, breastfeeding when possible, and using thoughtful protective tools during higher-risk situations can all help reduce unnecessary exposure while allowing families to confidently enjoy life together. My hope is that parents feel empowered with knowledge, trust their instincts, and remember that small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference.
Nicole Noar, RN, IBCLC, is a registered nurse with more than 16 years of nursing experience in maternal health, certified in inpatient obstetrics, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, entrepreneur, patented inventor, and the Founder & CEO of Snuggle Shield.
After becoming a mother herself, Nicole recognized an unmet need for helping protect babies who are too young to wear masks while in public settings. Combining her professional healthcare experience with her firsthand perspective as a mom, she invented Snuggle Shield to help families reduce exposure to everyday airborne particles, allergens, and environmental irritants while maintaining comfort, breathability, and visibility.
Today, Snuggle Shield has earned multiple national awards, including Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA), NAPPA Awards, and Baby Innovation Awards, and has been featured by major media outlets including FOX 5 San Diego, KTLA, LA Living, LA Parent Magazine and Baby Maternity Magazine.
Nicole is passionate about educating parents on infant wellness, breastfeeding, safe travel, and practical ways to help protect babies without sacrificing life’s special moments. Her mission is to empower families with evidence-informed education and innovative products that help parents travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Website: snuggleshield.com
Social Media Links: Instagram: instagram.com/snuggleshield Facebook: facebook.com/snuggleshield  Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/snuggle-shield 
People also listened to this: jscreen.org leads the way in showing how Genetic Testing Saves Lives

 
Dr. Matt Goldstein, the CEO of jscreen, that focuses on providing accessible, life-saving genetic testing to empower individuals with critical health insights joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Cancer Prevention Channels. jscreen is a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Matt Goldstein discuss the following:
How has your career as a doctor, in bio tech and your  personal experience with losing your daughter Havi to a genetic disease influenced the way you lead jscreen and think about access to genetic testing?
jscreen makes testing accessible at home—why is that accessibility piece so important in public health today and explain both the reproductive genetic testing and the cancer genetic testing?
What impact have you already seen from jscreen in terms of preventing genetic diseases and genetic cancer?
If someone listening today is listening, “this doesn’t apply to me,” what would you say to them?
Dr. Matt Goldstein is a dedicated physician-scientist and entrepreneur with a passion for advancing genetic research. As CEO of jscreen, he focuses on providing accessible, life-saving genetic testing to empower individuals with critical health insights. With extensive experience in biotech, Dr. Goldstein has led major initiatives, including founding and guiding companies like Tango Therapeutics and Neon Therapeutics through pivotal clinical developments and strategic partnerships.
A graduate of Stanford University's MD/PhD program, he completed his clinical training at Harvard Medical School. Driven by both professional and personal experiences, including the loss of his eldest daughter, Havi, to Tay-Sachs disease, Dr. Goldstein is deeply committed to jscreen's mission of proactive health management. 
For more information about genetic testing through jscreen and how it can empower individuals with critical genetic insights, visit https://www.jscreen.org.
About jscreen
jscreen is a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases. The jscreen program provides convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education, and genetic counseling services. jscreen believes the combination of education, access to premier genetic screening technologies, and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing devastating diseases.
Website: https://jscreen.org
People also listened to this: Why Your Emotional State May Be the Most Powerful Force in Your Health

 
Dr. Colette D. Sinclair, the creator of Emotional Posture®, a pioneering methodology for cultivating elevated emotional states that restore nervous system balance, expand consciousness, and build sustainable inner alignment joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Emotional Health Channels. Her new book is Emotional Posture: Six Energetic States to Create and Sustain Inner Alignment. 
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Colette D. Sinclair discuss the following:
You've spent over two decades developing the Emotional Posture® framework. What made you realize that emotions aren't just feelings, but measurable biological organizing fields?
Most people think of gratitude, forgiveness, or compassion as nice ideas, almost soft skills. How does your clinical and neuropsychological training completely change that understanding?
In your book, you identify six specific Emotional Postures: Gratitude, Acceptance, Ease, Forgiveness, Compassion, and Love. Why these six, and what's the science behind why they organize the nervous system differently than other emotional states?
You've worked with high-achieving executives, leaders, and women navigating extraordinary pressure. What patterns do you see in the Emotional Postures of people who sustain success, versus those who burn out despite talent and intelligence? 
Dr. Colette D. Sinclair has practiced for twenty years at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative science. She is the creator of Emotional Posture®, a pioneering methodology for cultivating elevated emotional states that restore nervous system balance, expand consciousness, and build sustainable inner alignment. She is the founder of Integrated Mental Wellness, a collaborative collective offering natural alternatives for mental and physical wellness. Her new book is Emotional Posture: Six Energetic States to Create and Sustain Inner Alignment (Balboa Press/Division of Hay House, 2026).
Website: colettesinclair.com Instagram: @dr.colettesinclair 
People also listened to this: Live the Health You Want: How to Stay Strong, Clear, and Healthy as You Age

 
Stephanie Shorr, body advocate, longtime fitness professional, and best-selling author of Live the Health You Want: A Primer for the Care and Feeding of the Human Body joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Fitness Channels. Stephanie has spent more than five decades helping people improve their fitness, health, and longevity through practical, proactive lifestyle choices.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Stephanie Shorr discuss the following:
Your book encourages people to take a more proactive, preventative approach to their health. What first led you to start thinking about healthspan instead of just treating problems after they appear?

You talk about being more “conscientious” about health choices. What does that look like in everyday life for someone who wants to start paying closer attention to their body?

Gut health is a major theme in the book. Why do you believe the microbiome is such a foundational place for people to begin improving their overall health?
You emphasize that nutrition is important, but movement is equally essential. What are some realistic ways people can incorporate exercise into their day, especially if they feel too busy to work out?

If someone listening wants to start improving their health today, what are a few small changes you believe can make the biggest difference over time?
TIP: One of the simplest ways to begin improving your health is to start paying closer attention to how your body responds to your daily choices. Notice how you feel after certain foods, how much energy you have after moving your body, how your sleep affects your mood, and whether your habits are supporting or draining you. You do not have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start with one small, repeatable change, such as adding more whole foods, taking a short walk after meals, drinking more water, or stretching for a few minutes each day. Small steps, practiced consistently, can create meaningful changes in your health over time.
Body advocate, fitness program director, and artist Stephanie Shorr mentors those seeking optimal health and longevity. For more than five decades, she has passionately helped people increase their fitness. Stephanie believes everyone can improve their health and engage in healthy lifestyles to help prevent degenerative diseases, premature aging, and loss of functionality.
A gym owner for twelve years, she holds certifications from the renowned Cooper Institute in Dallas, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and the University of Miami. A graduate of the Maryland Institute of Art, Stephanie is now mid-migration from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.
Website: https://livethehealthyouwant.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/steffshorrInstagram: instagram.com/stephanie_d_shorr
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Paul Romness, Chair, Chief Executive Officer & President of OS Therapies, a clinical-stage oncology company and leader in gene-edited, Listeria-based cancer immunotherapies developing targeted treatments for osteosarcoma and other solid tumors joins eHealth Radio and the Cancer Information & Health News Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Paul Romness discuss the following:
To start, you bring a wealth of leadership experience to the table, and you are now guiding OS Therapies through an incredibly pivotal regulatory chapter. Could you share what personally drew you to this mission, and how your background shaped the company's laser-focus on tackling devastating, hard-to-treat solid tumors like osteosarcoma?
OS Therapies is described as a leader in gene-edited, Listeria-based cancer immunotherapies. For our audience, how do you harness Listeria bacteria to trigger an immune response against solid tumors?
Traditional therapies usually look for just one specific marker to target a cancer cell, but cancers can mutate to hide from them. OST-HER2 goes after three different markers instead. How does this triple-target approach prevent the cancer from escaping, and why is that such a game-changer?
Osteosarcoma is a devastating disease that often affects children and young adults. How does OST-HER2 work to prevent or delay the recurrence of these tumors after surgical resection?
The company recently reported positive Phase 2b data for OST-HER2 in patients with recurrent, fully resected lung metastatic osteosarcoma. What were the key takeaways regarding event-free and overall survival from that study?


Looking at your broader pipeline, you are also developing next-generation Tunable Antibody Drug Conjugates (tADCs) using a proprietary silicone linker. How does this complement your immunotherapy platform?
If you achieve U.S. approval in 2026, OS Therapies would become eligible for a Priority Review Voucher. How does that voucher factor into your long-term commercialization or capitalization strategy?

As both CEO and Chairman, navigating three major regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, MHRA) simultaneously is a massive undertaking. What advice do you have for other biotech leaders attempting to harmonize global regulatory pathways for rare diseases?
If everything aligns as you hope with the FDA, EMA, and MHRA, what will this mean for the families and young patients facing osteosarcoma, and what is your ultimate vision for how OS Therapies will reshape the landscape of cancer treatment over the next few years?
Paul Romness is the chair, CEO, and President of OS Therapies. He leads the company with over 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having served in multiple functions at Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, and Boehringer Ingelheim. He has been directly involved in the launch of nine major products spanning oncology, surgery, HIV, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and has been a consistent advocate for addressing unmet medical need and getting treatments to patients.
Website: https://ostherapies.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: facebook.com/OSTherapies Instagram: instagram.com/ostherapies Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/os-therapies  X: x.com/OSTherapies 
People also listened to this: From Farm to Face: Why Olea Essence Olive Oil-Based Skincare Products are Perfect for the Whole Family

 
Dr. Stephanie Teotia is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for her welcoming environment with her all-female team located in Flower Mound, Texas again joins eHealth Radio and the Plastic Surgery Information Channel. She specializes in a number of plastic surgery procedures, including facelifts, neck lifts, and breast enhancements, including awake plastic surgery with local anesthesia.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Stephanie Teotia discuss the following:
For someone hearing about “red light therapy” for the first time, what exactly is it and how does it work?
What kinds of conditions can Celluma treat?
How do you incorporate your Celluma device into a patient's post-surgical recovery, and what role does it play in healing and reducing inflammation?
What does a typical Celluma treatment look like, and what should a patient expect during and after their session?
When it comes to results, how soon do patients start to notice a difference and what kind of improvement can they realistically expect?
Dr. Stephanie Teotia is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Flower Mound, TX. In this episode, she'll introduce Celluma LED Light Therapy. She will be breaking down exactly what it is, how it works beneath the skin, and why it has become a valuable addition to her practice.
Dr. Teotia will walk us through the wide range of conditions Celluma can treat, and how she incorporates it into post-surgical recovery to support healing. She'll also give listeners a clear picture of what to expect during a treatment session and help set realistic expectations around results and how quickly patients begin to notice a difference.
Website: https://drstephanieteotia.com 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBeidlerMDDallasPlasticSurgeryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebeidlerteotiaTwitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieTeotiaYoutube: CLICK HERE
CONTACT INFORMATION: Dr. Stephanie Teotia 2301 Olympia Dr, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX 75028 Phone: (214) 823-9652
People also listened to this: Peeing often at night? Relief for this often-overlooked men’s health issue is here