The Paid Leave Podcast

Latest Episodes:

A Small Business Talks About the Benefits of CT Paid Leave. Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Pets are like family. The dog treat business had a good year in 2024. The market value exceeded expectations, reaching $8.3 million. The trend is set to continue, with the market projected to reach a whopping $14.2 million by 2034.
Laurie Surprenant and Amy Kenkel are the co-owners of the dog bakery company, Leaps and Bones. They talk about the struggles starting the business in their home, and the hardships and rewards of owning their own business. They have built a family culture in their business with most employees being there at least for 5 years and some have been there since the beginning. They are such big supporters of CT Paid Leave because they want their employees, who are like family, to have real benefits. They have had employees use the CT Paid Leave program and realize the benefits it gives to small businesses and their workers.
To get in touch with Leaps and Bones you can call 860-212-2305, or to find out more please go to:
All Natural Dog Bakery/Dog Cake Bakery (leapsandbones.com)
To apply for benefits or more, please go to: CT Paid Leave

https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave

https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/
https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

Junior United States Senator Chris Murphy Talks About Mental Health, Loneliness and Family. Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Chris Murphy is the junior United States Senator for Connecticut and has dedicated his career to public service as an advocate for Connecticut families. In the Senate, he is a strong voice for mental health care access, commonsense gun safety laws, and a forward-looking foreign policy. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, he fights for policies to support workers and their families, like making childcare more affordable, paid leave, and raising the minimum wage.

Senator Murphy talked about the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, and social connection, and how the CT Paid Leave program can help.
To contact Junior United States Senator Chris Murphy, go to: Contact Chris | Senator Chris Murphy (senate.gov)
For information about his platform of loneliness: ‘I care about it’: Sen. Chris Murphy’s battle against loneliness (senate.gov)
For information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org

Living with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease in Your 50's and Living Your Best Life. Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

This is an exciting time for anyone suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. A new drug that should get FDA approval by the end of this year, would expand the treatment options for the more than 6 million Americans of all ages who have Alzheimer's. The disease is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults over 65. Donanemab, a drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company, showed promising results in clinical trials. The drug eliminates brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. Studies show the drug could be a breakthrough in treating early stages of the disease, slowing cognitive decline in those with early symptoms.
Joe Montminy is a patient advocate who is living with younger onset dementia and is currently serving on the MA/NH Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors and the New England Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory group. He used to live in CT and was diagnosed at 54 years old, it took 3 years before he could get a correct diagnosis. Joe says he is optimistic that this new drug and exciting new blood testing to get an earlier diagnosis, is going to make a big difference. Joe keeps a very positive attitude and finds comfort in a support group. Kristen Cusato is the Director of Communications for the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter & she is a New England Research champion. Kristen thinks that education is key and knowing the early signs of the disease, which can lead to an early diagnosis and treatment. She believes people like Joe can help with his advocacy, but more importantly he can bring hope with his story of struggle with early onset Alzheimer's disease.
To get in touch with the CT chapter of the Alzheimer's Association: Connecticut Chapter (alz.org)
To get information or to apply for benefits: CT Paid Leave

How CT Paid Leave Changed Two Father's Lives. Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Studies have shown that taking paternity leave helps fathers to feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed. The reason this happens is because of a hormone called oxytocin. When released, it promotes bonding and reduces stress levels. 43 percent of fathers are taking bonding leave through CT Paid Leave. This gives fathers time away from work with income replacement so they can bond with their baby whether by birth, adoption or fostering.

Just in time for Father's Day which is June 16th, I talked with two fathers for a special podcast. Guest David Sergi lived in a state without a paid leave program when his first child was born, and moved to CT so they could expand their family in a state with a paid leave program with their second child. Guest Charlie Johnson has resided in CT and wasn't able to use CT paid Leave for his first child because it wasn't available yet. He was able to use it for his second child. Both David and Charlie say being able to take bonding leave has been life altering.

David and Charlie discuss the stigma of being a father taking bonding leave, how long they took off from work, how the CT Paid Leave program worked for them and how it changed their relationships with their families.
To find out more about bonding leave or to apply for benefits go to:
Qualifying Reasons (ctpaidleave.org)

Lyme Disease is a Tricky and Chronic Disease that is Hard to Diagnose and to Treat. May 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, host Nancy Barrow focuses on Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector borne infectious disease in the United States. The CDC says more people are infected with Lyme disease, than breast cancer. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases come with a lot of unknowns. Before starting to treat symptoms, you must first get a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosing Lyme disease can be complicated. Lyme disease can turn into a chronic health condition if it goes undiagnosed.
Dr Myriah Hinchey is the medical director of Tao Center for Vitality in Hebron. Dr. Hinchey is a naturopathic physician and Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), and she is recognized as an expert in the field of Lyme disease and other complex chronic inflammatory conditions, with over 17 years of specialized experience. She has helped thousands of people infected to get effective treatment and she says it is tough to get a diagnosis without getting more in depth and accurate testing done. Dr Hinchey says not all Lyme disease tests are created equal. The accuracy of Lyme disease tests can vary widely between testing methods, leaving many people without a reliable diagnosis, or misdiagnosis that can lead to many health complications. Dr. Hinchey also had Lyme disease and treated herself. She believes that prevention is the key and by doing tick checks every time you go outside, can save you years of agony.
For information about Dr. Myriah Hinchey visit Natural Lyme Disease Treatment Specialist - Specializing in natural herbal protocols - Dr Myriah Hinchey ND, Medical Director (taovitality.com)
For the 3rd annual LymeBytes Symposium in CT: LymeBytes™ Lyme Disease Conference & Community Support – LymeBytes!™
For more information or to apply for benefits visit CT Paid Leave

Doulas Have Become a Critical Support Delivering Emotional and Postpartum Care for New Moms.. May 13, 2024

Show notes

May is Maternal Mental Health Month. During the month, the focus is on increasing awareness about mental health and the well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the time after birth. About 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. Mental health issues are the most common complication of childbirth. Doulas can help alleviate some of the emotional stress and burden from a parent as they help recognize what the parent needs.
Guests Brittany Needham and Shannon Knox created Golden Radiance Village, a holistic full spectrum doula company. They talked about what they do as doula's and the certifications and training they went through and how their friendship and business partnership grew. Doulas provide support to mothers regarding prenatal care and post-partum care which can include post-partum depression, which can be considered a serious health condition under CT Paid Leave. Shannon and Brittany talk about some of the signs families and friends should be looking for with post-partum depression. They talk about the emotional struggles for single parents, and how doula work can really help parents through trying times.
Shannon and Brittany both think CT Paid Leave is a great service to offer their clients, because it can give new parents a chance to have time away from work, and to focus on their new baby and their own health needs and not worry about finances.
For more information or to get a hold of Golden Radiance Village go to: About Us — Golden Radiance Village
For information or to sign up for benefits: go to : CT Paid Leave

A Couple Opens Up About Infertility, Their IVF Journey, and the Joys of Parenthood. Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

National Infertility Awareness Week is April 21-27. The week is an observance that aims to raise awareness about infertility, provide support, and foster conversations around this critical health issue. Roughly one out of six people experience infertility. The chance to expand a family can take time away from work to focus on testing, diagnostics, and treatment.
Dr. Maya Barsky is a lead physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and Assistant Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the UConn School of Medicine and is an infertility specialist. Dr. Barsky talks about some of the testing that can occur when infertility is an issue. She also discusses the treatments available to her patients who want to expand their family. She said this can be a burden on a family financially, emotionally and physically.
Crystal and Everett have underlying health issues that caused their infertility. Everett was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child and had a double lung transplant. He knew that having children would be challenging with his condition and the anti- rejection medications. Everett and his wife Crystal went to the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and had IVF treatments and had their first baby girl and are now pregnant with their second child due in July as a result of IVF treatments! Crystal is a unionized State of Connecticut employee and is not able to utilize CT Paid Leave. However, Everett is planning on taking CT Paid Leave for bonding with his second child. He also used CT Paid Leave when he had serious complications from COVID and was under the care of his doctor. Dr Barsky says that CT Paid Leave is a wonderful program for patients to utilize for the hardships of infertility diagnosis, and infertility and mental health treatments.
To get in touch with one of the six locations at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services visit: UConn Fertility | Center for Advanced Reproductive Services in Connecticut
Or you can reach them at: 844-467-3483
For information about CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

A Mother Sees the Beauty in Her Child's Autism Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

April is Autism Acceptance Month. According to the CDC, in 2023 one in 36 children were diagnosed as falling somewhere on the autism spectrum. The cost of caring for people with autism is predicted to reach $461 billion by 2025 in the U.S.
Alanna, who has three children, knew very early on that something was different about her youngest son Lawson. She had to wait 2 years for further testing, and Lawson was diagnosed as Level 2 on the autism spectrum. Alanna feels that receiving an early diagnosis was very important to Lawson's wellbeing and treatment plan. She sees the beauty in the little things that Lawson does, like reading and drawing.
Dr. Kristine Schlitchting is the founder and CEO of Hopewell Health Solutions, a therapeutic and psychiatric practice offering intensive outpatient therapy for children as young as 8 who suffer from a variety of disorders, including autism. She believes that a child's autism is a broader family issue, and that all the stakeholders including teachers and schools need to be on the same page to provide the best treatment strategy. Dr Schlitchting encourages parents to utilize CT Paid Leave benefits, as there is usually a time commitment needed from the parents or caregivers with intensive outpatient therapy. Whether it is driving the child for treatment or being involved in family therapy, parents need the flexibility that CT Paid Leave can provide.
To get more information about Hopewell Health Solutions go to: Mental Health Counseling | Glastonbury, CT | 06073 (hopewellhealthsolutions.com)
Phone # 860-946-0477
There are several locations including:
West Hartford
1216 Farmington Ave. Suite 301
West Hartford, CT
South Glastonbury
1420 Main St. Suite 124
Glastonbury, CT
Downtown Glastonbury
300 Hebron Ave., Suite 201, 203 and 212
Glastonbury, Ct
Glastonbury
33 Pratt St.
Glastonbury, CT
For information on Valley View School in Portland CT: Valley View | Portland Schools (portlandctschools.org)
For information about Autism: What is autism? | Autism Speaks
For information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave

Gratitude from a Nurse Who Had Two Kidney Transplants Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

March is National Kidney Month. The average cost of a kidney transplant in the United States ranges from $300,000 to $500,000. This figure includes pre-transplant evaluations, the surgery itself, post-operative care, immunosuppressant medications, and follow-up appointments. Programs like CT Paid Leave can help with up to 12 weeks of income replacement while you heal from major surgery.
Nick Arsenault is a seasoned nurse who's navigated his own two kidney transplants, all while continuing to hold down his job. Nick talks about the challenges he faced physically and emotionally during the process, and complications that came up during his fight with kidney disease. Nick used CT Paid Leave twice and considered it to be crucial to his healing process, allowing him time away from work so he could focus on his health. He utilized CT Paid Leave for his second transplant to supplement his company's short-term disability. He considered the program to be a lifeline, because he was able to cover his bills while he was at home recovering. He also talks about the importance of asking for help if you are struggling with the reality of your health crisis. He talks about his journey with therapy to help with the emotional toll of undergoing dialysis and facing a kidney transplant. He now tells his patients that is it important not to neglect your mental health, because it is key to your overall health. Nick is currently using intermittent leave under the CT Paid Leave program to deal with issues that developed during his second transplant. He talks about living with a chronic health condition and the need for ongoing medical appointments and medications. Nick is now 2 years out from his last transplant and says he is thankful every day.
To find out more information about Hartford Hospitals Transplant program ; Transplant | hartfordhospital.org | Hartford Hospital | Hartford, CT
To get in touch with the Kidney Foundation of CT: NKF Serving Connecticut | National Kidney Foundation
For more information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave

The Difficulty of Diagnosing and Treating a Brain Injury Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Every 21 seconds, someone suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. Most people don't know about brain injuries until it happens to them or a loved one. The Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for individuals suffering from brain injuries, whether mild or severe. BIAC extends that support to family members and caregivers. BIAC's Executive Director Julie Peters and Senior Brain Injury Specialist Victor Darr talk about the difficulties in diagnosing and treating brain injuries and the importance of a proper diagnosis to the recovery process. Most of the services they provide are free of charge. They recognize how essential CT Paid Leave can be to both the individual suffering from a brain injury and their caregivers. They say it gives people another resource to access that can help them during a difficult time.
If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, you can get information from BIAC's Helpline at 860-291-0291 or by email at general@biact.org
For BIAC information go to: Home of Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (biact.org)
CT information at the CT Dept. of Health: 36 INJ Traumatic Brain Injury (ct.gov)
For information about CT Paid Leave go to: CT Paid Leave

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