Gail Rae Garwood

Human Biosciences Podcast

Our guest on this episode of the Triple Helix Podcast our guest is Gail Rae Garwood. Gail is a popular writer/author and blogger about health and healing, with a focus on kidney health. Gail's award-winning blog and book series, "SlowitdownCKD" and other titles are a repository of wisdom, research, first-hand experience and insight on the topic of kidney disease and kidney health. She's published two books of fiction as well, and her work has been found in The American Kidney Fund, The New York City Board of Education, and The National Kidney Foundation, Wall Street Journal. Gail was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease back in 2008 and has been grappling with that condition with wit, positivity, a great mindset and a productive work style.

Chapters

1. Gail Rae Garwood (00:00:00)

2. Gail’s history and bio. (00:00:12)

3. Health challenges and how she came through it all (00:01:50)

4. Having gratitude for being alive despite illness. How family connections strengthen the will to live and heal. How retaining a sense of wonder and sense of humor helps the will to live. (00:02:00)

5. Learning acceptance; finding the goodness in the experience. How each person has a personal experience in their illness. (00:03:58)

6. How to avoid depression during illness and develop a can-do attitude. (00:04:58)

7. Assertiveness for patients and how it boosts response; how to be more involved with your treatment and ask questions. (00:06:25)

8. Dealing with paternalistic doctors and getting the information you need. (00:08:22)

9. Keeping a pragmatic attitude during medical tests and making good decisions. (00:09:31)

10. 3d-printed kidneys—a possible solution for kidney disease? (00:11:08)

11. Are there daily practices and natural supplements for avoiding or dealing with kidney disease you can recommend or discourage? (00:14:11)

12. What medications are taken for kidney disease or related conditions (00:16:05)

13. Lifestyle tips to avoid kidney disease (00:17:23)