Speak Up For Your Health

Archelle Georgiou, MD
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Medicine
  • Biweekly

Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.

  1. 2d ago

    Cancer Advocacy: Not One Decision, but Every Decision

    Advocating for yourself through cancer isn’t a one-time decision. Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with her sister-in-law, Carol Honig, who faced breast cancer secretly and simply asked her doctor, “What should I do?” Ten years later, after being diagnosed with an aggressive uterine cancer, Carol became a fierce self-advocate. Her story shows that advocating for your health is not a personality trait; it's a skill you can learn. Carol shares how she got surgery within 14 days, pursued multiple second opinions, and fought to have her own tumor tested to guide chemotherapy. She also explains why she recorded every doctor’s appointment, how she paid for cold capping (scalp cooling) to reduce hair loss during chemo, and why she wishes she’d joined a cancer support group sooner. Practical, honest advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis or supporting someone who is. Key takeaways from Carol’s story: Record your appointments. Use the voice memo app on your phone, and listen to the recordings again later. Know your priorities. Decide what matters most to you, and be willing to accept a trade-off. Be willing to do the legwork. Don’t assume the system will connect the dots for you. When you need to, call specialists, pick up your own medical records, and send them yourself. Be persistent. If you need an earlier appointment, keep calling. Schedules change, and you might get in sooner. Ask about cold capping before your first chemo session. Medicare and a growing number of states now cover it. Surround yourself with support. Look for a support group early. Ask your cancer center, or search online for groups specific to your diagnosis. Here's how you can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle: Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth

    Cancer Advocacy: Not One Decision, but Every Decision

  2. Oct 13

    Prostate Cancer: Watch. Operate. Radiate. Medicate? One Patient, Four Recommendations

    Prostate cancer treatment isn't one-size-fits-all — and neither is the decision-making that goes with it. Greg Olson, a 72-year-old engineer, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and initially chose active surveillance. But when his cancer turned aggressive, he found himself weighing surgery, radiation, and medication — with several specialists giving him several different recommendations. His story is really about something bigger than prostate cancer: how anyone facing a serious diagnosis can research their options, navigate conflicting medical opinions, and make a decision they can live with. Key Takeaways Know your family history — and use it. Be familiar with your own family history, share it proactively with your doctor, and find out what it means for your own screening. Do your research so you can ask the right questions. Greg understod all his options, from medication, radiation, and surgery to even understanding different surgical techniques. You don't need to become an expert. You just need to know enough to ask good questions. Explore every option, even the ones your doctor doesn't mention. If your doctor only recommends one treatment, that's a red flag. Keep asking, keep researching. Make the decision you feel comfortable with. Greg wished he'd moved faster when he was first diagnosed, but he feels no regret. He made the best decision he could with what he knew at the time. There's no perfect decision — only a best decision, and that's the one you can be at peace with, regardless of the outcome. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwareness #ActiveSurveillance #RoboticSurgery #SharedDecisionMaking #CancerTreatment #PatientAdvocacy #SecondOpinion #MensHealth #GeneticTesting

    Prostate Cancer: Watch. Operate. Radiate. Medicate? One Patient, Four Recommendations

  3. Oct 13

    Postpartum Depression: A Mother’s Story Alongside the Lindsay Clancy Case

    Postpartum depression and anxiety blindsided Lindsey Mehran — a nurse practitioner trained to spot it in patients — after a brutal twin pregnancy. She shares her own story of intrusive thoughts, agoraphobia, and recovery, and reacts to the Lindsay Clancy case and what it reveals about gaps in postpartum mental health care. Key Takeaways If "baby blues" symptoms last longer than two weeks, weeks, talk to your doctor. Postpartum mental health issues can show for a year after delivery. Risk factors include: 1) a history of depression or anxiety during this pregnancy, in the past, or close family members. 2) life stress, a hard pregnancy or delivery 3) sleep deprivation 4) a premature baby or one that needs neonatal ICU Ask for help. You don't have to do it all. Protect your sleep. Trade off nights with a partner or another caregiver whenever you can. If breastfeeding is taking a toll on your health, it's okay to stop. Exercise regularly. Even short daily walks or workouts can make a real difference. Take it seriously. Untreated postpartum depression and anxiety can have serious long-term effects. Here's how you can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle: Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth

    Postpartum Depression: A Mother’s Story Alongside the Lindsay Clancy Case

  4. Sep 28

    Healthcare in the Satmar Hasidic Community with Frieda Vizel

    Hasidic Satmar Jews are one of America's most insular religious communities with limited access to the internet. How do they navigate healthcare while honoring their religious preferences? Dr. Archelle Georgiou sits down with Frieda Vizel, a licensed New York City tour guide and content creator who specializes in exploring and documenting Hasidic Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn, particularly Williamsburg. Frieda grew up in a large Satmar Hasidic family, had an arranged marriage at age 18, and eventually left the community. In this episode, they explore how faith, family, and tradition shape everything from routine doctor visits to pre-marital genetic testing before marriage. Frieda offers a rare, non-judgmental window into a world most listeners have only glimpsed from the outside.This conversation goes beyond the Satmar community itself: it's a case study in what it actually takes to respect someone's cultural and religious values — whether Hasidic, Amish, Jehovah's Witness, or simply different from your own — without losing sight of the science. The medicine doesn't change. The preferences and priorities do. Links: Schedule at tour with Frieda: https://friedavizel.com/ Follow Frieda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friedavizel/ Subscribe to Archelle's ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe to Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth

  5. Jul 20

    Beyond Ozempic: One Man's Search for the Right Obesity Treatment

    About 1 in 8 adults is currently taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro for weight loss — but what happens when those medications aren't enough? In this episode, 68-year-old Dana Bichler – currently a Protodeacon and former power lifter – talks about battling obesity for years. Dana tried multiple medications including Ozempic and Mounjaro. These GLP-1 drugs helped but only temporarily. When his obesity led to a life-threatening diagnosis, Dana agreed to an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty a minimally invasive surgical procedure that permanently reshapes the stomach. This conversation covers the full spectrum of obesity treatment options — from medications to balloons to endoscopic surgery to major surgery. Key Takeaways: Excess weight can lead to serious medical complications. Dana's brother died of fatty liver disease caused by obesity. The stakes are real. Address obesity before it's too late. Dana waited almost two long. Don't wait for a crisis to be the thing that inspires you to take action. There are multiple options for treating obesity, and if one doesn't work, that is not the end of the road. The least invasive option that works for you is always the right place to start. But if it doesn't work, something else might. Don't lose hope that nothing will. Your doctors will each suggest what THEY know best and feel comfortable with. Your job is to advocate for yourself by knowing all the options available. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth

  6. Jun 16

    The $25,000 Hip Replacement: What Canadian Healthcare Looks Like From the Inside

    What does universal healthcare actually look like when you need it most? James Yersh lives in Ottawa, Canada — covered by the national health system his entire life. But when hip arthritis progressed to the point where he needed a total hip replacement, he found himself waiting for so long that he paid $25,000 out of pocket for surgery in another province. In this episode, James shares what it took to navigate Canada's public healthcare system. And since he has spent most of his career working alongside US companies and colleagues navigating employer-sponsored insurance — he has a unique perspective on the comparison between the Canadian (single payer) and US (market-based) systems. This episode doesn't take a political position. It just shows that no system is a perfect solution — and no matter where you live, you have to advocate for yourself. Key Takeaways Talk to people like you. James didn't know private orthopedic clinics existed in Quebec until a friend mentioned it. Peer conversations can surface options doctors may not mention. Seek them out. Do your homework. James spent hours researching his surgery center's outcomes and he educated himself on the type of hip replacement with the best long-term durability. Being informed means you can ask the right questions and be confident that you are getting the care you want and need. Rehabilitation is your responsibility. James was religious about his physical therapy exercises. Eight weeks later, he was on a business trip and walking normally. That kind of recovery doesn't happen by accident. Take rehab seriously. Don't underestimate virtual care. James didn't meet his surgeon until the day before his operation, and his entire post-op follow-up was done by telehealth. It was a reminder that when virtual care is done well, it can dramatically expand access to care. Want to connect with Archelle? You can: You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth #UniversalHealthcare #CanadianHealthcare #HipReplacement #HealthcareReform #PatientAdvocacy #HealthInsurance #HealthcareAccess #Telehealth #HealthLiteracy #SpeakUpForYourHealth #HealthPodcast #PatientStories #HealthcareCosts #SinglePayer #HealthcareNavigation

  7. May 28

    High-Functioning but Exhausted: The Face of ADHD in Women

    What does ADHD actually look like in a high-functioning adult woman? Not hyperactivity — more often, it looks like exhaustion. The kind that comes from working twice as hard just to keep up. Athena Hays was 34 when she was finally diagnosed. As a successful entrepreneur and founder of her own photography business, nothing about her life looked like the textbook picture of ADHD. But behind the scenes, she was running on compensation strategies, anxiety, and a brain that never stopped. If you've ever wondered whether you might have ADHD — or you know a woman who seems to have it all together but always seems depleted — this conversation is for you. In this episode: Why ADHD in women is so frequently missed — even by physicians What a thorough adult ADHD evaluation actually looks like How to find a psychiatrist and what to ask before starting medication What your pharmacy benefit may not be telling you about the cost of your prescription Key Takeaways: A diagnosis matters only if it changes your treatment options. If it opens a door to something that actually helps — medication, therapy, a behavioral change — it's worth pursuing. If you're functioning well and a label won't change how you're treated or how you treat yourself, you don't need one. Ask about all your treatment options before you leave the appointment, including the tradeoffs. That conversation is much easier to have in the office than after you've started down a path. Before you go to the pharmacy, log into your insurer's member portal and use their drug cost comparison tool — search by the generic name, that's usually how it's listed. Knowing the cost in advance means you can discuss alternatives with your doctor or find a coupon if that makes sense for your situation. Talk about mental health — because mental health is mental wellness. Links Connect with Athena: https://www.empiriastudios.com/ You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read Archelle's insights on Substack (@archealth) #MentalHealth #ADHD #HealthAdvocacy #WomensHealth #ADHDWomen #SpeakUpForYourHealth

  8. May 12

    A Hidden Condition Affecting 1 in 20 People—and the Shame Behind It

    For over 20 years, Aneela Idnani hid a condition affecting 1 in 20 people—trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) driven by the brain, not choice. After her husband discovered her secret, she turned that moment into a mission—building a device to help others interrupt these behaviors and reclaim control. Then came a breast cancer diagnosis, and a powerful shift: learning to listen to her body instead of fighting it. Aneela talks about what it really takes to move from shame to self-awareness. Key Takeaways Body-focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are repetitive pulling, picking, biting, or scraping of the hair, skin, nails, lips, or cheeks. If this sounds familiar for you or someone you love, let them know that they can get help. One helpful resource is the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. Here's a link: https://www.bfrb.org/what-are-bfrbs BFRBs are not self-harm. BFRBs are not self-harm. They're the brain's attempt to self-soothe and return to a state of calm. That distinction matters because the treatment is different. A mental health professional who specializes in BFRBs is the right first call. And for some, a wearable device can help bridge the gap between unconscious habit and conscious awareness. Dance with your challenges. Don't fight them. Meeting a health condition or any hard thing with curiosity rather than resistance changes what's possible. Stress doesn't cause cancer, but it does matter. There's no direct causal link between stress and cancer, but chronic stress affects sleep, immunity, and daily choices in ways that add up. Shame thrives in silence. Aneela hid her condition for over 20 years. What finally shifted things was driven by awareness, then connection, then community. Connect with Aneela and learn more about her story and BFRB Pre-order her book, "Aneela, Where Are Your Eyebrows?" Link to Habit Aware. A Keen bracelet might be a helpful device. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Following Archelle on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook #MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #BFRB #HealthAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealth #BreastCancerAwareness #ListenToYourBody #MindBodyConnection #SpeakUpForYourHealth

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5
out of 5
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About

Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.

Information

  • Creator
    Archelle Georgiou, MD
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023-2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Up For Your Health

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