The Paid Leave Podcast

Latest Episodes:

An athlete with Multiple Sclerosis keeps on moving. Apr 23, 2023

Show notes

Nearly 1 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. More women are diagnosed with the disease and colder climates can be a contributing factor. MS can be a very tricky disease to diagnose, but quick treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease.
UConn Medical Center's neurologist Dr. Hamza Coban explains the different types of MS and why a positive mindset can be very helpful. Marisa Goldsmith is his patient, and she fights for her mobility every day. Marisa says MS doesn't define who she is, and being an athlete has helped her tremendously.
For more information on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) :Connecticut-Rhode Island | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)
For more information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

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What is a Death Doula? Apr 08, 2023

Show notes

Death and dying aren’t easy subjects to talk about. In this episode I am talking to an end-of-life doula or a death doula. A death doula is someone who is there to help you emotionally navigate through your own end of life illness or that of a loved one. Nathalie Bonafe is a death doula, who considers her job a privilege to assist family members deal with their complicated emotions and grief surrounding the death of a loved one.
Hamden Legislative Council at-Large Laurie Sweet was a birth doula and hired Nathalie to help her process her grief and emotions during her mother's fatal illness. Laurie believes Nathalie's support and attention to her emotional well-being was priceless during this difficult time in her life.
Find out more about Death Doula Nathalie Bonafe : Nathalie Bonafe is a women's health advocate, coach, death doula at A Gentler Parting LLC
Find out more about Hamden Council at-Large Laurie Sweet: Laurie Sweet | Hamden DTC
Find out how to apply for benefits at: CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

The Truth about long Covid Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone's lives in one way or another. For some people the battle continues to rage on every day. Long Covid or Long Haul Covid can last years in those that got infected with COVID-19. These symptoms can affect every aspect of their life, and the reason why is elusive.
Yale New Haven Health's Dr. Erica Spatz is an Associate Professor of Cardiology and Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases), Director of the Preventative Cardiovascular Health program and investigator for the center of outcomes and research and evaluation. She joined me with two of her patients to discuss the chronic conditions that both nof them continue to suffer from as the result of COVID. Hannah is a nurse who must work at a reduced schedule due to her debilitating serious health issues from COVID 19, and Christine can no longer work at all due to the serious respiratory issues she continues to experience. Their stories are heart breaking and important to hear.
Dr. Spatz thinks that CT Paid Leave is a big help and it gives a peace of mind for those patients continuing to work while suffering from long covid symptoms.
To see if you qualify or to apply for benefits, please go to ctpaidleave.org

Heart health is different for women. Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

Heart attacks and strokes are responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women
each year – more than all cancers combined. Close to 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented with education and action – which includes learning the risk factors and warning signs most prevalent for women.
UConn Health's cardiologist Supriya Tigadi explains that women's heart attack symptoms are different than mens . Since March is Women's History Month we will focus on how women can take better care of their heart health and also recognize the signs of something more serious. Having a caregiver is essential in recovery, from rides to the cardiac rehab to making sure a heart-healthy diet is adhered to. That's where CT Paid Leave can help with income replacement, while you take time away from work and navigate a new life with a serious health condition.
To find out more information about UConn Health and their cardiac program go to: Home | Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center (uconn.edu)
To apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

Mental Health for Growing Minds and How Parents Can Help Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

The mental health crisis in adolescents is a growing problem. Three years after the COVID pandemic uprooted life as we knew it, kids are still dealing with many issues causing a number of mental health conditions.
Dr. Laine Taylor, Medical Director at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, joins me to discuss mental health in children in this episode.

Prior to working at The Village for Families and Children, Dr. Taylor was an assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and worked in child psychiatric inpatient service for seven years. Dr. Taylor completed general psychiatry residency at the University of Arizona and completed a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at The Yale Child Study Center in New Haven.
A recent report stated that 40 percent of US parents are “extremely” or “very” worried that their children struggle with anxiety or depression. The Pew Research Center report concluded that mental health is the greatest healthcare concern among parents.

We discussed the health disparity in mental health for Black and Latino children, and the barriers o treatment that exist.
To learn more aboutThe Village for Families and Children, visit www.thevillage.org
For more information on CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits, visit www.ctpaidleave.org

What is CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA, and Federal FMLA? Our new CEO explains. Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

It can get confusing when you talk about CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA and Federal FMLA. How do you know if you are eligible for any of these? Our new CEO Erin Choquette is an expert in this field and explains if you are eligible, and how they cover you if you are taking care of your own serious health condition.
Erin Choquette was the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of the Paid Leave Authority. Prior to that Erin worked at the Department of Administrative Services for 14 years, most recently serving as the Policy and Legislative Advisor to the DAS Commissioner, directing the agency’s legislative and general legal functions. While at DAS, she also co-authored the Family and Medical Leave Entitlements Manual, an extensive and detailed guide to understanding and administering federal and state family and medical leave laws.

Erin Choquette is married with 2 daughters and a handsome Bernese Mountain dog Bernie, who is infamous for being vocal during some of our remote meetings!
For more information about benefits or to apply please go to:
CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

What is Planned Parenthood? Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

Since 1923 Planned Parenthood of Southern New England has been providing family planning and reproductive health care. It covers Connecticut and Rhode Island and serves about 70,000 people yearly in both states and has 14 health centers across Connecticut.
CEO Amanda Skinner talks about the mission of PPSNE, and says it is to protect the fundamental right of all individuals to manage their own fertility and sexual health. She wants to ensure access to the services, education and information to realize that right.
We touch on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, what her vision is in the wake of that, and how she went from health professional to CEO.
For more information about the services offered at Planned Parenthood go to :
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Inc.
For information or to apply for benefits go to :
CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

The fight continues for National Paid Leave. Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

Currently, the United States doesn't have a national paid family and medical leave program. That could change if this plan becomes law in 2023. However, it failed in 2021, and in 2022 was defeated by one vote. Compared to many other countries around the globe, the United States lags far behind when it comes to passing a paid leave program. This leaves many workers and families across the nation, struggling with issues about taking unpaid leave, taking care of themselves or a loved one, and the possibility of having to quit their job to do so.
Joining me in the national paid leave conversation is CT Paid Leave Board member and Chair of the Outreach and Engagement Committee, Molly Weston Williamson. Molly graduated from Yale Law School and was the Director of Paid Leave at A Better Balance. She led the advocacy around paid leave laws across the country and directed a Better Balance effort to address the needs of all workers in a changing workforce. She was a Senior Staff Attorney and is currently a Senior Fellow with the Center for American Progress and is a nationally recognized expert on paid leave policy.

Cassandra Gomez is a Senior Staff Attorney at a Better Balance, and she got her law degree from Northeastern University.
Molly and Cassandra will discuss why the policy didn't pass last year and the strategy moving forward. We discuss the grass roots efforts to get a national policy passed and how other states may influence the national efforts.
For more information on The Center for American Progress: Paid Leave 101 - Center for American Progress
For more information on A Batter Balance: Paid Family & Medical Leave - A Better Balance
For more information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site

Minorities and Organ Donation Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

The need for organ donation in Connecticut and nationally is high. Kidneys are the most needed organ. The reason for the shortage is that many people do not properly declare their wishes to be an organ donor. The need is even greater for minorities. Today we will discuss why minorities are so skeptical about becoming an organ donor, and what is being done to offset the need.
In this podcast episode "Minorities and Organ Donation", I speak with New England Donor Services Mark Brevard and Andrew Johnson. Mark is the Director of Multicultural Community Outreach, and Andrew is the Multicultural Community Outreach Coordinator, and the recipient of a heart transplant. We talk about the need for continuing education in communities of color to dispel myths about becoming an organ donor, and the challenges they still face to raise awareness. The goal is to get more minorities to become donors, and to have tough family conversations about their end of life wishes.
To get in touch with New England Donor Services to become a donor go to: registerme.org
For more information or to register go to ctpaidleave.org

How to face the end of life with grace and dignity. Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

Hospice is invaluable to patients and caregivers during a critical time. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home, if possible.
Nationwide more than 1.6 million people use Hospice services. The pandemic certainly created challenges for the industry, as it had to change the way it could give care and respite to caregivers in their homes.
My guests on this episode today are Dr. Ross Albert who is the Hospice and Palliative Care Director for Hartford Healthcare at Home. We discuss the difference between Hospice and Palliative care, and the different services available to patients. We talk about why the need is growing for Hospice in our state.

I also spoke with Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice volunteer, Stephanie. Annino. She has volunteered for 14 years and provides respite for caregivers. She can also be a friendly visitor for patients who may need a supportive presence. She has been known to sing and dance and do anything to add to the quality to a patients end of life.
Hospice workers are a pretty special group of people, who say they get more out of the visits than they ever expected. The reward they say is realizing how we can appreciate everyday as a gift.
For more information go to: hartfordhealthcareathome.org
or call 1-800-HOMECARE (800-466-3227)
To apply for benefits, go to ctpaidleave.org.

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