It’s Giving Health

Advance Community Health

5.0 (3)
Medicine
Updated Monthly

Advance Community Health presents ’It’s Giving Health,’ a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We’re building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we’ll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. ’Where health gets real’ – join the conversation.

Jun 17 · Video

GLP-1s and the Summer Bod

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro… GLP-1 medications are everywhere. Your social feeds are flooded with transformation stories, celebrities are open about using them, and with summer approaching, the pressure to achieve that "perfect beach body" is at an all-time high. But what's actually true about these weight loss medications? In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward puts Aries Hamlet, PA-C, a Physician Assistant at Advance Community Health, in the hot seat to get real answers about GLP-1s, weight management, and the toxic culture around "summer bodies." Through rapid-fire Q&A, myth-busting games, and straight talk, this episode cuts through the noise to give you science-backed facts without the judgment. 0:54 – Meet Aries Hamlet, PA-C 1:15 – Hot Seat 1:33 – What are GLP-1s & how do they work? 2:05 – Who qualifies? Can anyone just get Ozempic/Wegovy? 3:02 – Common & serious side effects of GLP-1s 3:34 – Do you gain all the weight back after stopping? 3:56 – Myth-busting Game 7:02 – Wellness Toolbox: Healthy snacks & hydration 7:51 – Why these snacks matter, especially on GLP-1s 8:50 – Giveaway reminder & where to watch/listen
Jun 3 · Video

Beyond Six Weeks: Postpartum Recovery and How to Support Her

The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable, isolating, and under-supported times in a person's life. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with two experts from Advance Community Health's OB/GYN department: Brenda Gartrell, NP, an experienced Nurse Practitioner, and Victoria Johnson, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works exclusively with OB patients. From postpartum depression and anxiety to physical recovery that nobody warns you about, this conversation gets real about what happens after the baby arrives. We're talking about the shame that keeps people from asking for help, the relationship strain that catches couples off guard, the chronic pain that gets dismissed as "normal," and more. Whether you're currently postpartum, planning to have a baby, supporting someone who just gave birth, or working in maternal health, this episode offers validation, practical guidance, and a reminder that struggling doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human. 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:16 – Guest Intro 02:21 – Framing the Postpartum Conversation 02:51 – Hot Takes & Community Questions Setup 04:21 – Mental Health Impact of Bounce-Back Pressure 05:21 – Social Media, Unrealistic Bodies, and Self-Compassion 07:26 – The “Superwoman” Pressure 10:17 – Poll Results: How Do You Feel Most Supported Postpartum? 11:08 – “Apple of the Day”: Small Things That Make a Big Difference 13:53 – Audience Mailbag: Supporting a New Mom 16:33 – How to Recognize Postpartum Depression 20:30 – Intimacy, Consent, and Mental Readiness
May 20 · Video

Grillz, Veneers, Oil Pulling and other Social Media Trends

Grillz, veneers, charcoal toothpaste, oil pulling… Social media is full of viral dental trends, but which ones are actually safe for your teeth? In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward puts Tabitha Richardson, a dental hygienist at Advance Community Health, in the hot seat to separate dental facts from fiction. From rapid-fire questions about the latest TikTok trends to a game of "What's Tea?" where myths get debunked in real time, this episode brings practical oral health advice with fun games. Plus, stick around for a wellness toolbox reveal, practical tips you can use today, and your chance to enter this month's giveaway! About Advance Community Health At Advance Community Health, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile. Our comprehensive dental services include preventive care, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral health education for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine checkup, have a dental emergency, or want to discuss cosmetic options safely, our experienced dental team is here to help. Call us at 919-833-3111 or visit our website for more information. Your smile matters, and we're here to take care of it. Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 0:25 – Meet Tabitha: Registered Dental Hygienist 1:21 – Are Grills Bad for Your Teeth? 1:54 – Purple Toothpaste: Does It Really Whiten? 2:17 – Oil Pulling: Is It Worth the Hype? 2:48 – Veneers in Your 20s: Good Idea or Risky Trend? 3:16 – DIY Braces? 3:24 – Game Intro: “What’s Tea?” Dental Myths 7:10 – Wellness Toolbox: Interdental Brush 7:49 – Giveaway Reminder & How to Stay Connected 8:20 – Where to Watch/Listen
May 6 · Video

Joy as Medicine: Exploring Intentional Joy

Joy isn't just a nice feeling, it's actual medicine for your mind and body. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Melody Washington, Director of Behavioral Health at Advance Community Health, to explore how intentional joy impacts our mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. From breaking down the cultural messages that tell us we have to earn happiness through suffering, to understanding why choosing joy isn't selfish, this conversation gets real about what it means to prioritize joy in a world that often feels heavy. Whether you're burnt out, grieving, dealing with depression, or simply trying to find more lightness in your daily life, this episode offers permission, practical tools, and a reminder that joy is your birthright. About Advance Community Health Advance Community Health offers FREE health insurance enrollment assistance to community members who need help enrolling in Medicaid or marketplace health insurance. Our Financial Navigators are here to walk you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you obtain a health insurance plan that meets your needs! Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 00:40 – Introducing “Joy as Medicine” 01:50 – Hot Take #1: “Suffering vs. Joy” (Joy vs. Happiness, Resilience) 05:00 – Hot Take #2: When Your Job/Relationship Steals Your Joy 07:33 – Social Media Poll Results: How Often Do You Prioritize Joy? 08:46 – “Apple of the Day” 09:52 – Let's Check the Mail 14:10 – Closing: Where to Listen, How to Submit Questions & Raffle Winner
Apr 15 · Video

Hot Seat Edition: Real Talk on Medicaid with Our CEO

Medicaid can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Health Equity Coordinator Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, to break down what Medicaid really is, who it serves, and how it connects to the whole-person care we believe in. But this isn’t your typical sit-down interview… It's a Hot Wing Challenge episode. As the questions get spicier, so do the wings! About Advance Community Health Advance Community Health offers FREE health insurance enrollment assistance to community members who need help enrolling in Medicaid or marketplace health insurance. Our Financial Navigators are here to walk you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you obtain a health insurance plan that meets your needs! Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 0:00 – Intro & Hot Seat Setup 0:28 – Meet the CEO in the Hot Seat 1:16 – Q1: “Can Medicaid Patients Just Get a Job? 2:46 – Q2: Biggest Medicaid Myth 3:49 – Q3: What Medicaid Cuts Mean for Patients 5:20 – Q4: Message to State Legislators 6:59 – Q5: “Medicaid Is Just Welfare” 9:34 – Q6: If I Ran the Country for a Day 11:19 – Sponsor Shoutout & Giveaway Details
Season 2 Trailer · Video

Official Trailer - Hot Seat Edition: Real Talk on Medicaid with Our CEO

Get an exclusive first look at Episode 2 of It’s Giving Health, where Host, Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, for a conversation that breaks down the basics of Medicaid in a way that’s easy to understand. This isn’t your typical sit-down conversation, this episode brings a fun twist with a Hot Wing Challenge. As the questions get more intense, the wings get hotter! Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC
Season 2 Trailer · Video

Official Trailer: Season 2, Episode 1 — “Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters”

The official trailer for Season 2, Episode 1 — “Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters” is here. In this upcoming episode, host Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, and Kerry Mackey, PA-C, to have an honest and meaningful conversation about fatherhood. Together, they explore how being a present and engaged father can shape a child’s mental health, physical development, and overall well-being far beyond the home. This episode highlights the real impact of fatherhood on long-term health outcomes and why showing up matters! Watch the trailer now and don’t miss the full episode premiere on April 1, 2026. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of It’s Giving Health.
Apr 1 · Video

Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters

Fatherhood can shape a child’s life in ways that go far beyond the home. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, and Kerry Mackey PA-C, Certified Physician's Assistant, to talk about the impact of having a present, engaged father, and how it supports children’s mental health, physical development, and overall well-being. This conversation explores how fatherhood plays a powerful role in a child’s long-term health outcomes. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply part of a community that wants to see families thrive, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and perspective on why fathers matter. 00:40 – Today’s Topic: Fatherhood & Family Health 02:10 – Hot Take #1 – “We Celebrate Dads for the Bare Minimum” 06:20 – Hot Take #2 – Fatherhood and Mental Health 14:27 – Audience Poll – Favorite Ways to Spend Time with Your Child 19:40 – Apple of the Day 24:16 – Let's Check the Mail - Audience QnA 32:51 – Partners Having the Hard Conversation 37:00 – Raffle Announcement & Winner

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Advance Community Health presents ’It’s Giving Health,’ a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We’re building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we’ll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. ’Where health gets real’ – join the conversation.

Creator

Advance Community Health
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Show Website

It’s Giving Health