The Paid Leave Podcast

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak with Dr. Lindsay Rose Bullinger. Dr. Bullinger is an associate professor and researcher in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and is the Associate Director of the Health Economics and Policy Innovation Collaborative. We discussed paid leave policies and how it affects children and families. Dr. Bollinger's research in the paper titled, "More Than Snuggles, the Effect of Paid Family Leave on Infant Maltreatment" shows that state-sponsored paid family leave programs reduce infant maltreatment rates and home removals by 46 percent. The study, which focused on California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York, highlights the importance of paid leave in improving maternal mental health and reducing financial stress. Dr. Bollinger emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of paid family leave and its potential to reduce child abuse and neglect. To find out more about Dr, Lindsey Rose Bullinger's research please go to: Paid Family Leave Helps Reduce Infant Abuse, School of Public Policy Study Finds | Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts [https://iac.gatech.edu/featured-news/2025/03/paid-family-leave-reduces-abuse-georgia-tech-study] To find out more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave [https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US] https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US [https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US] https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave [https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave]

June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month also known as PTSD. Approximately 13 million adults in the United States are estimated to have PTSD.  80 percent of people are civilians with PTSD, surprisingly only 20 percent are military related. You can get traditional PTSD from a single traumatic event like a car accident or experiencing violence. But if you experienced multiple traumas, it may be diagnosed as complex PTSD. PTSD is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this edition of The Paid Leave Podcast, my guests are Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara, she is a clinical neuropsychologist, who has been immersed in her work with mental health and complex trauma for more than two decades, and she currently is a supervising psychologist with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, also known as DHMAS, where she is a long standing board member of the statewide advisory council that works on eliminating health disparities across the socio economic spectrum within DHMAS. She is currently a facilitator for Diversity Equity and Inclusion for state employees. Our other guest is Renee Bouffard, she is a licensed clinical social worker and equine therapist at Healing Hoofbeats in Bethlehem, CT. which she founded.  Renee helps individuals feel more empowered and secure in their lives through building healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with horses to foster connection and to support empowerment through equine and animal supported therapy.  Dr. Vayalakkara explains what PTSD is, the diagnosis and her treatment protocol, emphasizing trauma-informed care and the importance of social support. Renee discusses equine therapy for everyone including a program for veterans, highlighting the program's free services and its impact on mental health. Both guests stress the need to reduce stigma around PTSD and the benefits of the paid leave program in providing financial and emotional support for those affected by trauma. To get in touch with Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara please go to: New England Psychological & Neuropsychological Associates, LLC [https://psychologyneuropsychology.com/] or go to: Jyothi Vayalakkara, Psychologist, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067 | Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jyothi-vayalakkara-rocky-hill-ct/870442] To get in touch with Renee Bouchard please go to:  Healing Hoofbeats of CT | Equine & Animal Supported Therapy Services | Equine Therapy CT [https://www.healinghoofbeatsofct.org/] or call 203-244-8411 and for more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave [https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US] https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US [https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US] https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave [https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave]

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about headaches and migraines.  June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month. Gretchen Michaelson, the founder of the Headache Care Center in South Windsor, she is an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in headache medicine. She explains the difference between headaches and migraines, the various treatments available, including prescription medications, neuromodulation, and lifestyle changes. She highlights the importance of addressing migraines promptly to prevent chronic conditions and improve quality of life. Michaelson also discusses the impact of migraines on mental health and the advancements in treatment since 2018, emphasizing the need for awareness and proper diagnosis. Michaelson also talks about the importance of CT Paid Leave in that it allows for intermittent leave or when the episodic headaches or migraines may flare up.   To get in touch with Gretchen Michaelson: go to their website: Treatment Team - Headache Care Center News [https://www.myheadachecare.com/team/] Or call The Headache Care Center in South Windsor (860) 263-3603   For information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US [https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US] https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave [https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave]

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we focus on mental health and speak with a local politician who started a caucus dealing with black family health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month it is also Maternal Mental Health Month and National Adolescent Health Month, and it’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness week from May 5-11th.  CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income Replacement for your own serious health conditions ot that of a loved one that includes maternity and bonding leave and mental health issues if your health care professional deems it a serious health condition.  Guest Kai Belton, a state representative and advocate for children's mental health and victim services, shares her journey into politics, inspired by the late Rep. Q Williams. Belton emphasizes the importance of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus in addressing racial disparities in maternal health. She recounts her personal experiences with healthcare and advocates for the critical role of paid leave in supporting families and caregivers, particularly during crises. Belton also discusses the need for diverse healthcare workers and the impact of maternal mental health on community health. To get in touch with Representative Kai Belton: Belton | Connecticut House Democrats [https://housedems.ct.gov/Belton] or call 1-800-842-8267, 860-240-8585. For information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave [https://www.ctpaidleave.org/]. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US [https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US] https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave [https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave]

In this episode, we are talking about auto-immune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is overactive and attacks and damages the body's own tissues. May 9th is Autoimmune Arthritis Day, and it is also ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day (May 12).  ME stands for myologic encephalomyelitis, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a chronic, complex, neuroimmune disease that affects the quality of life of its' patients. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain stiffness and tenderness in the muscles of the neck shoulders back hips arms and legs, and there are many other symptoms as well. 80 percent of autoimmune diseases affect women.  Our expert today is Melissa Marquis, she is a nurse, author, and emergency management specialist. She has many years of experience in nursing, so when she started to not feel like herself, she started on a very long journey to diagnosis of her symptoms.  She wrote a book about her experiences called, Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease.  We talked about her long diagnosis that took 13 years. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and support systems. Melissa's book aims to empower patients and families by providing practical advice and strategies. She talks about her daily struggles and how CT Paid Leave may be a great resource for her to use, as her disease is progressing. She says we should all be grateful for programs like these that helps patients and their caregivers. You can buy Melissa Marqui's book online at Amazon:  Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: Marquis MS RN, Melissa: 9798891129184: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Nurse-Turned-Patients-Resource-Autoimmune-Disease/dp/B0DF1YNNP8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LMS92GHCVRO7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3o1Dw6a6eodUo4InJPLUpg._YTM_8LuQzXTEebb7BCwQHphL5IwNk4AzGCWn88zR-8&dib_tag=se&keywords=melissa+marquis+book+Invisible&qid=1747058279&sprefix=melissa+marquis+book+invisible%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1] For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US [https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US] https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave [https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave [https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave]