Global Health Pursuit

Ever thought about how a quick cataract surgery or a new pair of glasses might change not just someone's life, but an entire community's future? We're diving into that idea today, exploring how the economics of eye health can drive significant changes globally. Our guest, Jack Hennessey, brings over a decade of experience in health economics, tackling big challenges and shaping policies that impact eye health across various regions. He shares some eye-opening insights about how accessible eye care isn’t just about health—it’s a key driver of economic growth and personal independence. We’ll discuss real-world impacts, from how a simple eye exam can unlock opportunities to the broader economic benefits that come from improving vision health in communities.Check out the shownotes for now!Takeaways: Quick cataract surgery or new glasses can transform not just an individual’s life but the entire community's future. Improved vision can unlock opportunities for work, learning, and social connections, driving economic growth. Making eye care accessible is crucial for development and lifting communities out of hardship. Jack Hennessey's insights reveal how small health interventions in eye care yield significant societal benefits. Healthcare economics plays a vital role in ensuring that eye health services are accessible to all, regardless of income. Investing in eye health not only improves individual lives but also boosts national economies significantly.

In today's rapidly changing educational landscape, where classroom challenges like lockdown drills, information overload, and teacher burnout are increasingly common, one question arises: Why isn't mindfulness a mandatory part of our educational curriculum?Our guest, Annamarie Fernyak, founder of MindBodyAlign, shares her journey of introducing mindfulness practices in schools and what she learned along the way. It’s not just about teaching kids to breathe; it’s about helping them—through their teachers—handle the emotional rollercoaster of school life and beyond. Annamarie's insights reveal that when we equip educators to be more mindful, they can create a supportive environment where kids feel less stressed and more in control of their emotions. Check out the shownotes for resources and more!Takeaways: Mindfulness is crucial for students, helping them manage stress and emotions effectively in an increasingly challenging educational environment. The introduction of mindfulness in schools can significantly empower both students and teachers, creating a more resilient and focused atmosphere. Teachers often feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, leading to burnout, which negatively impacts their students' learning experiences. Annamarie's journey into teaching mindfulness in schools highlights the urgent need for emotional support systems in education today. Children naturally possess mindfulness skills, but puberty complicates their emotional regulation, making mindfulness education even more essential. Mindfulness practices not only help students cope with anxiety but also foster kindness and gratitude, improving overall classroom dynamics. -----Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at [email protected]

How does an engineering student shift their career ambitions from big pharma to global health challenges?In this episode of the global health podcast, we learn from Lizzy Loughnane, an engineer who transitioned to humanitarian engineering after joining Villanova University's service learning program. Lizzy shares her journey working on water sanitation hygiene (WASH) projects in Nicaragua and Madagascar, emphasizing the impact of community service projects on clean water access and public health. Through partnerships with Aqua water services and various NGOs, Lizzy discusses the importance of cultural awareness, sustainable water solutions, and community outreach programs in engineering. The episode also features insights from Krista Seng, Aqua's Corporate Giving and Community Affairs Lead, about the essential role of water resource management and the broader implications of engineering for social impact and international development.Check out the shownotes for resources and more!Villanova VESL ProgramAQUA: aquawater.com-----Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at [email protected]

For our first ever feedswap, I'm excited to bring you episode 63 of "Narratives of Purpose" -   a podcast hosted by a new friend of mine, Claire Murigande, that features global changemakers discussing social impact topics that include, youth empowerment, global health equity, and sustainable food systems. This one is on eradicating period poverty featuring Ira Guha!Check out Narratives of Purpose wherever you listen to podcasts!____Episode timestamps00:26 - Episode introduction02:32 - Asan's mission and Ira's motivations to create the start-up06:39 - Asan cup's one-for-one donation and cost-saving model07:58 - Designing and developing the Asan cup12:12 - Asan's impact in rural India and beyond14:28 - Breaking the taboos around periods17:46 - Asan's partnerships and behavioural change framework24:45 - Ira's entrepreneurial journey26:36 - The evolving market for reusable period products31:34 - How to connect with Ira and learn more about Asan00:26 - Episode introduction02:32 - Asan's mission and Ira's motivations to create the start-up06:39 - Asan cup's one-for-one donation and cost-saving model07:58 - Designing and developing the Asan cup12:12 - Asan's impact in rural India and beyond14:28 - Breaking the taboos around periods17:46 - Asan's partnerships and behavioural change framework24:45 - Ira's entrepreneurial journey26:36 - The evolving market for reusable period products31:34 - How to connect with Ira and learn more about Asan-----Support the Global Health Pursuit Podcast!Donate: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationJoin the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at [email protected]

Between 1999 and 2011, 17 Salvadoran women were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison after experiencing miscarriages, which were shockingly classified as aggravated homicide. This episode unpacks that outrageous reality, raising questions about how miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) can even be treated as crimes and why the government chose to prosecute rather than protect these women in a healthcare crisis. We speak with Lina Lopez, an abortion activist with Abortiondata.org and Viva Futura who shares her insights from her experiences as an abortion doula in Colombia, a country that has faced significant restrictions on abortion rights. The goal? To shed light on the stigma surrounding abortion and advocate for a narrative that places women's health and autonomy front and center.Check out the shownotes for resources and more!Takeaways: In El Salvador, the shocking reality is that women can face homicide charges for miscarriages, which raises serious questions about healthcare and justice. Abortion stigma is a global issue, deeply rooted in societal views of womanhood and autonomy over one's body, and it's time to challenge these norms. Data shows that legal restrictions on abortion do not prevent the procedure but rather lead to unsafe practices that endanger women's lives. Conversations about abortion should be grounded in empathy and respect for individual experiences, emphasizing that every story matters in this discourse. Links referenced in this episode:abortiondata.orgreproductiverights.orgpodcaston.orgplannedparenthood.orgThis episode is done in partnership with Podcasthon, a global charity movement focused on raising awareness for the charities and nonprofits that we love through the voices of podcasters all around the world. This week, and this week only from March 15 to 21st, over 1600 podcasters from around the world are dedicating one episode to a cause that they care deeply about. -----Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationJoin the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at [email protected]