So, let’s talk about the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare, and where we would be today without it…

This is a question that I have been asking a lot lately. Especially with the upcoming elections, and with all the politicians and Supreme Court justices trying to do everything they can to challenge the Affordable Care Act – or some parts of it – to make it completely unconstitutional.

This is why it’s important for us to remember that before Obamacare, there were 50 million Americans who were not insured. 50 million Americans were constantly at risk of having the trajectory of their whole life changed forever with just one medical accident.

That brings us to the question: why were they not insured? Well, that’s because before Obamacare, insurance was not really affordable for a lot of people. And even if you can afford it, insurance companies will deny you their services if you have a pre-existing condition.

That is why in this episode, we will discuss where we all would be without Obamacare, 14 years after it was passed.

So join me today as I give you an overview of what it was like before Obamacare, the impacts that it had since it was passed, and more importantly, an understanding of what’s really at stake as we get ready to participate in the upcoming elections.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Recall the healthcare situation in America before we had the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare;
• Discover how the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare actually benefited both patients and insurance companies; and
• Find out why you need to be aware of everything that’s happening around you – especially in politics – if you really want to take care of your health.

If you really want to take care of your health to the best of its abilities, you have to be aware of all the things that could affect you yesterday, today, and more importantly, tomorrow.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“If you are in the practice of medicine, you are in the practice of politics; because what the politicians can do, will do, and have done affects your activities of daily living and affects your livelihood every single day.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“As a healthcare provider, you can’t be like ‘I’m not into politics’ or ‘I’ll stay away from politics’… If you’re taking care of patients, you have to be aware of everything going on around us, especially from a political standpoint.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“I just sometimes shake my head when I hear and see these news outlets talk about the “evilness” of the Affordable Care Act. Because it just tells me: 1) They are not in the healthcare system, or more importantly 2) They’re on the side where they can afford to go to a doctor privately or they can afford to pay for the medical bills and they don’t care nor do they have the empathy to take care of those who cannot.” – Dr Berry Pierre

“I am here as a physician letting you know that the Affordable Care Act plan saves lives tenfold.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

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So, let’s talk about the fundamental practice of thinking like a doctor and how you can do that even when you’re not so much of a health-inclined person…

Time’s been running so fast these days; we’re now past the first half of 2024. But before we move on to the second half of the year, I’ve got here a question for you to ponder:

In the past six months, have you been making decisions about your health, or have others been making them for you?

Because as ironic as it is, as humans, we like to be in control of almost everything, but when it comes to our health, we almost always let other people decide for ourselves.

But why do we let that happen? Why, when we can learn how to think like a doctor and empower ourselves for better health?

You do not have to go to medical school. You do not have to be an actual doctor. You simply need to learn to think like one.

And in this episode, whether you’re new to my platform or not, I’ll give you a refresher on how to actually do that. Today, I’ll give you the blueprint of what it means to think like a doctor so you can make the informed decisions that are important in shaping a healthier and happier life.

So, if you want to take control, join me and learn how to think like a doctor today. Because by doing so, you not only create a happier, healthier life for yourself, but you also do the same for your loved ones.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Find out what key concepts and challenges are there when it comes to thinking like a doctor;
• Understand why you have to make the decisions on your behalf as you empower yourself for better health; and
• Recognize the importance of knowing how to think like a doctor and actually practicing it

““We are thinking like a doctor, we are doing the steps that are needed to proceed us in the best life, because we do not want others to make the decision and taking care of our health for us; that is not something we’d want to bring into 2025. In 2025, we want to be as deliberate when it comes to our health, as deliberate when it comes to recognizing where we can get the best information, as deliberate as solidifying those relationship that are around us that are going to just make us the best person that we can be…Our goal should always be just like Dr. Pierre’s model—empower yourself for better health; and to do so, we have to ask ourselves: ‘Am I ready to make the decision that I don’t want others to have to make for me?” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“In medicine, there are so many different topics to touch on that you can’t possibly touch on all of them all at once and appease every single population whenever you’re doing something like this. But you can do a great job being consistent at the things that are extremely important, and not necessarily the most popular.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“If we’re going to think like a doctor, it’s because we want to make the decision. We want to make the decisions on our behalf to live a happier, healthier life. And we cannot do that if we don’t recognize we have an issue, if we don’t recognize where to get accurate information on that issue, and if we don’t recognize when we’re going to get some help.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Mentions:

• Menopause Myth Buster with Dr. LaKeischa McMillan
• Unlock the secrets to thinking like a doctor! Get your copy of the infographic here

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Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let's talk about the struggles of being neurodivergent and Black, and how advocacy can help make a world that’s truly accepting, loving, and just…

Have you ever wondered how couples navigate the unique journey of raising a child on the spectrum?

In previous episodes, we had Nick who talked about the experience from the Black fathers’ perspective, and Cheryl who talked about advocating when there are forces that make it harder to raise an autistic kid.

But what is it like as a couple? What are the dynamics in a relationship when raising an autistic child?

This is a conversation that’s not often had, especially as parents, we often forget that we also have a life and relationship outside just being moms and dads.

But in today’s episode, we’ll learn the importance of keeping the love burning as husband and wife, the importance of communication, understanding, and care, and the power of partnership in raising a thriving autistic child.

After all, as parents, we all just want what’s best for our children. Join us as we work towards the end goal and not let the fear of uncertainty stop us.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Learn the importance of being present in your relationship as husband and wife and making time to nurture your connection outside of your responsibilities as parents;
• Discover actionable tips you can try doing with your partner if you’re struggling and are at different points and speeds in your journey; and
• Recognize the importance of communication and self-care, especially if you’re raising a child on the spectrum.

“Something else that we also had to learn is that we had to keep our love burning outside of children as well, making sure that we are not just thinking of ourselves as mom and dad. For us to be able to communicate effectively with one another, for us to be able to be around each other and do all these things, we have to have our own relationship outside of parenting; not being in mom-and-dad role, but being in husband-and-wife role as well for our relationship.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Notable Quotes:

“One of the lessons that you definitely taught me was that if I’m saying it in my head, you’re not a mind-reader and I have to verbalize it to you. I cannot have the expectation that you should know.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“Communicate with your partner; where you’re at, your fears, your concerns. Oftentimes, people are either afraid or have shame in what they’re feeling, so they don’t voice those concerns, but your co-parent, your partner, should be someone that you trust and can share those emotions with.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“Make sure you have a therapist that you can go to for couples, for family, [and] for individuals…You don’t have to have problems to be going to a therapist.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Connect with Maria Davis-Pierre and the Autism in Black Inc.:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

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Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify