Where health, culture, and community meet.

Host Paula Bell sits down with April from Iowa Diabetes at the My City My Health Conference to discuss what makes specialized diabetes care different—and why it matters. From understanding the basics of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to exploring cutting-edge research opportunities, this conversation breaks down how one West Des Moines clinic is changing lives through focused expertise.April shares the personal passion behind her work, explains why diabetes deserves more than general primary care, and reveals how Iowa Diabetes is working toward an ambitious goal: reaching a million lives before 2027. Plus, learn about the unexpected ways patients have discovered underlying health conditions through research study screenings.Whether you're managing diabetes, supporting someone who is, or just curious about how specialized healthcare works, this episode offers practical insights and real hope.---SHOW NOTES:[00:00] Introduction at My City My Health Conference[00:44] What is diabetes, really?• Breaking down the "sugars" myth• Genetic vs. lifestyle factors• The role of diet and obesity in America[01:29] Type 1 vs. Type 2: Understanding the differences• Insulin resistance explained• Treatment approaches for each type• When Type 2 diabetes requires insulin[02:36] Inside Iowa Diabetes: A specialty clinic with a mission• Goal: Reach a million lives before 2027• The power of specialized care vs. general practice• Meet the team: Endocrinologists, diabetes educators, pharmacists, and more[03:15] Beyond clinical care: Research that matters• Studies on medications like Ozempic and Monjaro• Obesity research for people with and without diabetes• Fatty liver disease studies• How research screenings uncover hidden health conditions[04:19] Real patient stories and testimonies• Life-changing results from specialized care• Unexpected health discoveries through study participation[05:27] April's personal passion for diabetes care• Why specialized knowledge matters• Getting people on the right health journey• The difference between treatment and true support[06:15] How to connect with Iowa Diabetes• Phone: 515-329-5690 (speak with a specialty navigator)• Website: iowadiabetes.com• Location: 4211 Corporate Drive, West Des Moines (near Whole Foods)• Social media: Facebook---RESOURCES MENTIONED:Iowa Diabetes📞 Phone: 515-329-5690🌐 Website: iowadiabetes.com📍 Location: 4211 Corporate Drive, West Des Moines, IA📱 Facebook: Iowa DiabetesServices Available:• Specialized diabetes clinical care• Medical nutrition therapy• Diabetes education• Research study opportunities (Ozempic, Monjaro, obesity, fatty liver)• Specialty navigation services---KEY TAKEAWAYS:✓ Diabetes care benefits from specialized expertise, not just general primary care✓ Type 1 requires insulin; Type 2 can often be managed with oral medications initially✓ Lifestyle factors play a huge role in diabetes development and management✓ Research studies can provide access to cutting-edge treatments AND uncover unknown health issues✓ Specialty navigators help connect patients with the exact services they need✓ Iowa Diabetes has a mission to reach a million lives before 2027

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America, but here's the good news: 80% of it is preventable. In this episode of the Community Resource Podcast, recorded live at the My City My Health Conference, host Paula Bell sits down with Lezlie Mestdagh, Executive Director of the Iowa Heart Foundation, to discuss the incredible free resources available to all Iowans.Lezlie shares her personal journey—raising a son with genetic heart disease—and how it fuels her passion for helping others protect their hearts. From free blood pressure devices at your local library to AEDs in schools and churches, the Iowa Heart Foundation is working tirelessly to ensure every Iowan has access to life-saving resources and education.Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to take control of your heart health, this episode is packed with actionable information you can use today.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why knowing your blood pressure numbers could save your lifeHow schools can get FREE heart health education kits (worth hundreds of dollars)The truth about modifiable vs. non-modifiable heart disease risk factorsWhy women receive CPR at significantly lower rates than menThe surprising connection between heart health and brain health/dementiaWhere to find free blood pressure monitoring devices in your communityHow genetics play a role in heart disease (even if you're living a healthy lifestyle)Guest Bio: Lezlie Mestdagh is the Executive Director of the Iowa Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded over 30 years ago by cardiologists at Iowa Heart Center. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded from serving central Iowa to providing resources and education across the entire state. Lezlie's personal experience with genetic heart disease—her son has been on heart medication since four months old—drives her commitment to prevention and ensuring equitable access to heart health care for all Iowans.Resources Mentioned:Iowa Heart Foundation Website: iowahartfoundation.org521-0 School Registration Program (FREE)Blood Pressure Devices at Iowa LibrariesAED Placement ProgramsCPR Training with Inclusive MannequinsPartners: Healthy State, 4-H, Iowa State ExtensionConnect with Iowa Heart Foundation:Website: https://iowahartfoundation.orgFacebook: @IowaHeartFoundationInstagram: @IowaHeartFoundationTwitter: @IowaHeartFoundationLinkedIn: Iowa Heart FoundationHost: Paula Bell Guest: Lezlie Mestdagh, Executive Director, Iowa Heart Foundation Recorded at: My City My Health Conference Episode Length: Approximately 7 minutesSHOW NOTES:Episode Highlights[00:16] Meet the Iowa Heart Foundation Lezlie introduces the Iowa Heart Foundation, a 30+ year-old nonprofit founded by cardiologists specifically to improve heart health and prevent heart disease across Iowa.[01:21] Free Resources Expanding Statewide Learn about the Foundation's recent expansion, including:12 new AEDs donated this month10 new blood pressure devices sent to librariesResources now available throughout Iowa, not just central Iowa[02:00] Schools: Register for FREE Heart Health Kits The 521-0 School Program offers:Free registration (no cost to schools)Complete classroom kits with lesson plansHeart models and stethoscopesEducational suppliesPartnership with Healthy State, 4-H, and Iowa State Extension[02:38] Know Your Numbers: The Silent Killer Hypertension often has no symptoms, making regular blood pressure monitoring critical. Find out where you can check your blood pressure for free.[03:09] Understanding Your Risk Factors Lezlie breaks down the difference between:Modifiable risk factors (diet, exercise, lifestyle)Non-modifiable risk factors (genetics, family history) Plus: Why certain populations face higher risks[03:37] A Personal Mission Lezlie shares her son's story—born with an enlarged heart muscle and on medication since four months old—and how it drives her passion for prevention.[04:58] The Power of PreventionHeart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. (for decades)BUT: 80% of heart disease is preventableYour choices today impact your heart health tomorrow[05:51] Heart Health = Brain Health New research reveals connections between hypertension and dementia—another reason to monitor your blood pressure.[06:15] CPR Disparities & Solutions Women receive CPR at lower rates than men. The Iowa Heart Foundation addresses this by:Using mannequins with breasts in CPR trainingTeaching people it's okay to touch a woman's chest to save her lifeFocusing on equitable access to emergency care[07:05] Stay Connected How to follow the Iowa Heart Foundation and access resources.Key Takeaways✓ Take Action Today: Visit your local library to check your blood pressure for free ✓ Educators: Register your school at iowahartfoundation.org for free heart health education materials ✓ Know Your History: Ask your doctor about your family's heart health history ✓ Understand Your Risk: Learn about both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors ✓ Share the Message: Someone you love needs to hear this informationMemorable Quotes"We can prevent at least 80% of heart disease. So I want people to know that someone loves them, and someone wants them to take care of their heart, because we need to make the most of what we've been given." - Lezlie Mestdagh"We all take our health for granted until we don't have it.""You get one heart and it impacts all other aspects of your health too. We're really talking right now about the connection between brain health and heart health.""All of us deserve the same care.""I want those people that were blessed to have that healthy heart to take care of it."Additional ResourcesIowa Heart Foundation Programs:Pediatric Heart Health EducationAdult Heart Health ScreeningAED Placement & TrainingCPR CertificationCommunity Outreach & EducationBlood Pressure Monitoring AccessTopics Covered: #HeartHealth #HeartDisease #Prevention #Iowa #CommunityHealth #BloodPressure #CPR #AED #HealthEducation #Wellness #Cardiology #HealthEquity #GeneticHeartDisease #Hypertension #BrainHealthAbout the Community Resource PodcastThe Community Resource Podcast is produced by My City My Health, connecting communities with vital health resources and the organizations making a difference. Each episode highlights vendors, nonprofits, and health advocates working to improve health outcomes in Iowa and beyond.Subscribe to stay connected with community health resources:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon MusicOr wherever you listen to podcastsProduced by: My City My Health Host: Paula Bell Recorded at: My City My Health ConferenceCall to Action🩺 Visit your local library TODAY to check your blood pressure 📚 Schools: Register for FREE education kits at iowahartfoundation.org 💙 Share this episode with someone you love 📧 Subscribe for more community health resources ⭐ Leave a review to help others find this vital informationDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific health concerns and before making any changes to your health regimen.Contact InformationIowa Heart Foundation Website: iowahartfoundation.org Email: [Contact through website] Social Media: @IowaHeartFoundation (all platforms)

In this Community Resource Podcast episode, special host Paula Bell sits down with Keesha Ward, Director of Development at the Alzheimer’s Association in Iowa, to break down Alzheimer’s, dementia, and where families can turn for support.Keesha explains the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, why language matters, and how stigma and confusion keep people from getting help. She also shares how the Alzheimer’s Association connects Iowans to resources at no cost, including more than 60 support groups across the state and major research investments at the University of Iowa.If you support a loved one with memory loss, work in healthcare, or care about community health, this conversation provides you with practical next steps and real resources you can use today.Hosted by My City My Health Presents: The Community Resource Podcast. Recorded live at the My City My Health Conference.Show notesAbout this episodeGuest: Keesha Ward, Director of Development, Alzheimer’s Association (Iowa)Host: Paula BellEvent: My City My Health Presents: The Community Resource PodcastRecorded at: My City My Health ConferenceWhat you will learnWhat dementia is and how Alzheimer’s fits under the dementia umbrellaWhy people often use “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” interchangeablyHow the Alzheimer’s Association supports Iowans at no costWho support groups are for and how they helpHow research funding in Iowa supports future treatments and careKey points from the conversationDementia is the broad category. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.The Alzheimer’s Association focuses on connecting people to resources and care at no cost.There are more than 60 support groups across Iowa for:CaregiversPeople living with dementia, including Alzheimer’sFamily membersCommunity members who want to understand and supportThe Association invests over one million dollars in research at the University of Iowa.Support groups are not limited to one type of person or one demographic. They are spaces for anyone impacted by dementia.Keesha encourages people to reach out early instead of waiting until a crisis.How to get helpAlzheimer’s Association website: https://www.alz.orgUse the “Find Your Local Chapter” tool to filter by state and cityLook up support groups, education, and local servicesAsk about:Caregiver support groupsGroups for people living with dementiaEducation programs and community eventsConnections to local resources in your areaAbout our guestKeesha Ward is the Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association in Iowa.She previously ran Ward Creative Studios as a photographer and has a long history of serving the community.In her current role, she focuses on raising awareness, supporting families, and expanding access to research and resources across the state.About the Community Resource PodcastMy City My Health Presents: The Community Resource Podcast highlights vendors, partners, and organizations that serve our communities.Each episode gives you:A real conversation with a local resourceClear information on what they offerDirect ways to access services and supportConnect with My City My HealthConference info and updates: https://www.mycity.health

Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, returns to The Healthy Project as 2025 ends with a major coverage threat ahead.In July 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with major Medicaid changes that analysts warn will reduce access for millions. American Medical Association+1 At the same time, enhanced ACA premium tax credits are set to expire on December 31, 2025, which could raise premiums sharply and leave roughly 4 to 5 million more people uninsured in 2026 without an extension. KFF+2Thomson Reuters Tax+2Sister Mary explains what this means for working families, rural hospitals, emergency departments, and telehealth access. Many Medicare telehealth flexibilities are extended only through January 30, 2026, adding pressure for rural patients and health systems. telehealth.hhs.gov+1You will hear:How Medicaid cuts and expiring ACA subsidies collideWhy rural communities face higher riskWhat happens to EDs when coverage dropsWhy telehealth policy still feels temporaryWhat Congress must do nowHow you can take action beyond awarenessShow Notes 0:00 – Welcome and why this episode matters right now 2:10 – What changed with Medicaid in July 2025 American Medical Association+1 6:30 – The ACA subsidy deadline and what families are seeing in open enrollment KFF+1 11:20 – The size of the coverage risk for 2026 Thomson Reuters Tax+1 16:10 – Why rural markets and lower incomes create a sharper cliff 20:40 – Hospital strain, closures, and service reductions 25:15 – Emergency departments as the fallback system 29:50 – Telehealth lessons from COVID and what the January 30, 2026 deadline means telehealth.hhs.gov+1 34:10 – Healthcare as dignity and economic justice 38:25 – What Congress can do immediately 41:30 – What you can do as a citizen and advocate 45:00 – Closing and where to learn moreGuest Sister Mary Haddad, RSM President & CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United StatesResourcesCatholic Health Association: chausa.org Related Episode June 2025 – Medicaid at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Sr. Mary Haddad (Part 1)Call to action Follow The Healthy Project Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode with one person who cares about coverage, rural health, and health equity.

Join My City My Health Conference founders Corey Dion Lewis and Larry Twitty Jr. as they sit down with host Paula Bell to share the incredible story of how a LinkedIn message turned into one of Iowa's most impactful health equity conferences. Show Notes - Episode 1: The My City My Health StoryJoin founders Corey Dion Lewis and Larry Twitty Jr., along with host Paula Bell, for the inaugural episode of the Community Resource Podcast as they share the inspiring origin story of the My City My Health Conference, now in its fourth year.In This Episode:How a LinkedIn connection turned into a brotherhood and birthed a conferenceWhy health equity became a celebration, not just a conversationThe unique approach that sets My City My Health apart from traditional conferencesWhat attendees can expect at Year 4: panels on community health needs, food insecurity, Black men's health, and civic engagementWhy accessibility matters: keeping conference tickets at $50 when others charge hundredsThe power of networking and connections made at the conferenceYear 4 Conference Details:Date: November 14thTime: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMLocation: Curate Des Moines, 323 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IATickets: https ://www.mycity.health/Featured Panels:Community Health Needs Assessment UpdateFood InsecuritySave the Homies: Black Men's HealthCivic Engagement