In this heartfelt episode of Rebel Health Collective, I welcome breast cancer survivor and advocate Claudia De Pasquale, who shares her powerful journey from diagnosis to healing and beyond. As a mother of three, Claudia faced the shock of a cancer diagnosis while balancing family life and the unexpected challenges of medical treatment. Determined to take control of her health, she embraced complementary therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and support her long-term wellness.

Claudia opens up about her journey to find a healthcare team that aligned with her values and how self-advocacy became critical to her recovery. Through an integrative approach, she endured treatment with fewer side effects, finding a new perspective on whole-person healing. With a mission to empower others facing similar journeys, Claudia started her blog, My Cancer Diaries, as a resource for breast cancer patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in holistic health.

Join us as we discuss self-advocacy, the power of community, and the practical strategies that helped Claudia reclaim her health. This episode is packed with insights on building resilience, navigating health challenges, and combining traditional medicine with complementary therapies. Whether you're facing a health issue, supporting a loved one, or just exploring a more holistic approach to wellness, Claudia’s story offers inspiration and valuable lessons for us all.

Episode Highlights:

• Facing a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Claudia recounts the shock of her diagnosis and the emotional impact it had, especially as a mother caring for young children.
• Finding the Right Healthcare Team: Claudia shares how she learned to seek out doctors who aligned with her values and approach to healing, and how important it is to get second and third opinions.
• Integrating Complementary Treatments: From juicing and dietary changes to meditation and hypnotherapy, Claudia details how these holistic practices helped her manage side effects and improve her overall well-being during chemotherapy.
• Empowering Through Self-Advocacy: We discuss the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating complex healthcare decisions. Claudia shares her own experiences with researching treatments, asking questions, and advocating for herself in the healthcare system.
• Building a Supportive Community: Claudia explains how her blog, My Cancer Diaries, has become a space for sharing insights and connecting with others on similar journeys. She also provides practical tips for supporting loved ones through their own health challenges.

Connect with Claudia:

• Blog: My Cancer Diaries
• Instagram: @my_cancerdiaries

Connect with Rebel Health Collective:

• Facebook: Rebel Health Collective
• Instagram: @rebelhealthcollective

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this first edition of "Rebel Blitz," I'm taking the mic solo to answer some questions from the Rebel Health Collective community and dive into the state of health in America. I wanted to start by sharing the meaning behind the Rebel Health Collective's bison logo and why it resonates so deeply with me. The bison symbolizes resilience, strength, and the unique way it faces adversity—qualities that have inspired me in life and in creating this community.

The bison also holds personal significance for me. It’s a tribute to my late brother-in-law, Matt, who passed away from cancer almost two years ago. In this episode, I’ll share how his memory and the bison spirit drive me to keep pushing forward, especially when it comes to my own health journey. If you’ve listened to the first episode, you know a bit about my three-year battle with health issues, but today I’m giving an update on where things stand.

From there, I’ll take a broader look at what’s going on in America. The statistics about our collective health are alarming—rising rates of obesity, chronic illness, and prescription drug use. I’ll talk about how our sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and dependence on medication are leading us down a dangerous path. But don’t worry, I’m not here just to share the bad news. I’ll give you practical steps to take ownership of your health, improve your fitness, and make better food choices, even on a budget.

I also want to emphasize the importance of getting regular checkups and bloodwork. It’s something I believe in strongly because it’s how I discovered my type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and it’s an easy, essential step that many of us overlook.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and face life head-on like the bison, I hope this episode motivates you to start making those changes. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help.

What I Cover:

• The bison as a symbol of resilience for Rebel Health Collective
• My personal connection to the bison and honoring Matt’s memory
• An update on my health journey
• America’s growing health crisis: Obesity, chronic illness, and mental health
• How ultra-processed foods, sugar, and inactivity are making us sicker
• Why regular checkups and owning your health are crucial
• Practical tips for improving diet and fitness on a budget

Let’s Connect:

• Got questions? Reach out to me on Instagram, Facebook, or text through the podcast.
• Want to share your story? I'd love to have you as a guest on Rebel Health Collective! Schedule some time HERE

Let’s own our health and face life’s storms together. Happy to have you as part of our herd!

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**

In this episode of Rebel Health Collective, I interview Dr. Orlena, a former pediatrician turned health coach, who helps women rediscover their health by focusing on four foundational pillars: nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional wellness. Dr. Orlena shares her journey from practicing pediatrics in the UK to moving to Spain and becoming a health coach. We talk about how she made significant changes in her own life and the lives of her clients by simplifying healthy living into practical, achievable habits. Join us as we discuss how you can integrate these four pillars into your daily life, empowering you to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of demonstrating healthy habits to your children.
• How busy women often put their self-care last and how to change that.
• Why habits are essential for long-term health changes.
• Healthy living doesn’t have to feel like deprivation—it can be enjoyable and sustainable.
• By taking care of yourself, you’re not only improving your own life but also modeling positive behaviors for your family.
• The Four Pillars of Health—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional wellness—are interconnected, and small improvements in one area can lead to progress in others.
• Building healthy habits is crucial for long-term success. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that habits grow over time.

About Our Guest:
Dr. Orlena is a former pediatrician who now works as a health coach, helping women adopt healthy lifestyles that are sustainable and fulfilling. She specializes in breaking down complex health goals into manageable daily habits through her four-pillar approach. She is also the host of the Fit and Fabulous at 40 and Beyond podcast.

Dr Orlena's Social Media Accounts:
Instagram
Facebook
Dr. Orlena's Coaching Website

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more people and continue our mission of advocating for patient empowerment, education, and wellness transformation.

Share Your Story & Be a Guest On the Podcast: Please click HERE to schedule a time to introduce yourself and tell us a little about your story or expertise.

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Head over to Rebel Health Collective on Skool, where you’ll find an engaging community, expert insights, and resources designed to empower you to manage your health.

🔗 Join us here:

Connect with Us:
Instagram: @RebelHealthCollective
Facebook: Rebel Health Collective

**Disclaimer: Please remember that the topics and information discussed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen or implementing any new treatments. Your health journey is unique, and it’s important to work with your trusted healthcare team to determine what’s best for you.**