HIV and Women: Combating Stigma with New Treatments

Black History Month Reflections

On this very special edition of the Men's Health Foundation Podcast, TJ Griffin, MHF program manager for community engagement, and Stephanie Johnson, MHF PCC & MSS program manager, discuss the importance of Black History Month. Joined by Brandye Combs, Wesley Health D2C manager, and Royal Telfar, APLA program coordinator, they share some of the challenges that Black people face when seeking health care, where medical distrust stems from, and how organizations can address health disparities. They also dive into their personal experience of what it means to be Black, their favorite role models, and the cultural similarities and differences they share growing up across the US.

Bigorexia: When Does Gym Culture Become Body Dysmorphic?

In this episode of the Men’s Health Foundation Podcast, we sit down with Angela Bartolome, LCSW and Behavioral Health Director at MHF, to talk about “bigorexia”: a form of body dysmorphia centered around muscle size and perceived physical adequacy. Angela breaks down what bigorexia looks like in everyday life, why it can be difficult to recognize, and how it can impact mental health, relationships, and well-being. She also shares grounded, compassionate strategies for improving self-talk and self-image, and offers guidance for seeking support or treatment when navigating body image concerns. On this episode, you will hear: 1. What bigorexia is and how it shows up in thought patterns, behaviors, and routines. 2. How to recognize the signs, whether in yourself or someone you care about. 3. Why cultural and social pressures (including gym culture and online fitness spaces) can reinforce bigorexia. 4. Tools to improve inner dialogue and self-image, including reframing techniques and emotional awareness. 5. Approaches to treatment and support, from therapy options to supportive community care.

HIV Care: What Happens When Funding Disappears

MCC (Medical Care Coordination) is a vital service that helps people living with HIV stay healthy and ready for any of life’s challenges. Men’s Health Foundation is proud to offer this program but federal funding cuts threaten to put an end to these initiatives, putting the lives of many individuals at stake. On today’s episode, MCC Program Manager Stephanie Johnson and Data-2-Care (D2C) Program Manager join the podcast to discuss why medical care coordination is so important for everyone in our communities. On this episode you will hear: 1. How care teams navigate barriers to HIV care like stigma and housing 2. What’s at risk when HIV programs lose support 3. Stories of clients going from crisis to thriving 4. A call to protect the people and programs behind HIV care Read a transcript [https://menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-11] of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically-licensed professional.

HIV and Women: Combating Stigma with New Treatments

In honor of Women's History Month and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are highlighting clinical research focused on HIV care and prevention for women. Erica Kill and Ashley Toomey, two research coordinators from Mills Clinical Research, along with Dr. Manuel Pardo, physician and HIV specialist, join us in this month’s episode to discuss the current state of HIV care for women. Women account for 20% of new HIV infections in the U.S. today, but women in the general population remain largely unaware of their risk due to poor sexual education. Furthermore, women living with HIV are less likely to get tested or adhere to treatment due to fear of stigma. Fortunately, with promising advancements in HIV medicine, women and people living with HIV can soon have access to treatment options that grant more privacy. Erica, Ashley, and Dr. Pardo are here to reiterate the important role that women play in taking these advancements even further to ensure that future generations can live in an HIV-free world. In this episode you will hear about: 1. The impact of HIV on women 2. The underrepresentation and importance of women in HIV research 3. Lack of awareness and stigma as major barriers for women 4. Promise of long-acting injectable PrEP 5. Benefits of participating in clinical trials 6. Calls for self-advocacy and action Read a transcript [https://menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-10] of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk with your primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.

From Self-Love to Ethical Non-Monogamy: Relationship Advice with Preston Lopez, LMFT

For this Valentine’s episode, we’re discussing polyamory and the guidelines that apply to the relationship with ourselves or to any of our partners, with new MHF Behavioral Health Specialist Preston Lopez, LMFT. Have you ever thought of being in an open relationship? Have you ever rejected the idea because you thought it was just an excuse for people to cheat on their partner? If so, Preston is here to define what polyamory is and isnt, in a way that might dispel those preconceived notions of what love looks like. In this episode, you'll discover that, like a box of chocolates, love comes in many forms. In this episode you'll hear about: 1. Definitions of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, and other forms of relationships 2. The importance of communication and setting boundaries 3. Jealousy and compersion (finding joy in your partner's joy/pleasure) 4. Dealing with social stigma 5. Time management 6. Emotional labor and how to be a supportive partner Read a transcript⁠⁠ [menshealthfound.org/podcast-transcript-episode-9] of this episode on our website. The information and opinions shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please talk withyour primary care physician or a medically licensed professional.