Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Wvuafm tuscaloosa.
[00:00:09] Speaker B: Happy Sunday, y'. All. You are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the Capstone and hello, October. I know we're, we've been in October, but I just want to say hello to October again.
[00:00:21] Speaker C: Hey, October. You finally decided to act like October with the weather.
[00:00:27] Speaker B: I know. I so, you know, thinking about the weather being what it is now, this is probably going to sound crazy what I'm about to mention, but I just secured the most interesting spring break plans ever.
[00:00:44] Speaker C: Oh, do tell.
[00:00:46] Speaker B: Okay, so a few years ago this was probably back in 2024 and Nika, you can stop me if I've already told you about doing this, but I signed up for this program called the Nutrition Travel Exchange and it was created by a registered dietitian, 2022. She's located in Seattle, Washington. She created this program because she's in Seattle, Washington. And it gets rainy and gloomy and cold and long story short, she has established partnerships with these different all inclusive resorts in different countries.
And so you go as a dietitian to this all inclusive and you run different nutrition activities during the week. And so instead of and it's a, it's a seven night.
And so with the exception of your travel in and travel out days, you do the nutrition programming up to two hours a day and you pay a very like nominal fee, like say like less than $500 to stay there for the entire week. You do have to pay for your flight out of pocket. But instead of paying like $7,000 for this like all inclusive resort because it includes the price includes you and a plus one or for the family friendly resorts you can bring up to two children with you under the age of 12.
So there was a resort opening that came up that aligned with UA spring break dates. So I am going to spend the week teaching charcuterie classes, mindful eating classes, we're going to do mocktails and I'm going to be talking about like the nutritional value there. I'm going to be doing some activities at the pool swim up bar where I do nutrition trivia. And I ask I the people will get to win little prizes and I'll say did a dietitian say this or a TikTok influencer? And so they, when they get the answer right, I give them like little prizes.
[00:02:45] Speaker C: Where are you getting to go?
[00:02:47] Speaker B: I am going to a resort in, it's called Puerto Morelos. It's in Mexico. So it's in the Cancun Riviera Maya area. It's a family friendly resort. There's. It's a Hyatt, I think, and it has a water park on site.
So my husband is going to get to do all the fun things with the kids while I do, like, some the activities. But since I'm only doing the nutrition programming, like up to two hours a day, it's not like I'm working all day either. And it's, like, so fun. So it's like I'm getting to be a peer educator. Like what I do what our project health students do here on campus, but I'm doing it as a resort. I'm so excited.
[00:03:29] Speaker C: I'm for clamped right now. Like, I am so happy for you, but also jealous. And how can we look into this for health educators?
[00:03:38] Speaker B: Well, honestly, I need.
[00:03:39] Speaker C: I need some of this.
[00:03:41] Speaker B: So I. So the girl that started the program, she was actually inspired by.
I think there. There's a sim similar programs for like, fitness professionals.
[00:03:51] Speaker C: Oh, wow.
[00:03:52] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:03:52] Speaker C: I mean, I can understand. I know that when I was in grad school, it was a big thing to, like, teach yoga or Pilates on a cruise ship.
[00:04:01] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:04:01] Speaker C: You know, kind of like people who work on, like, the Disney cruises or performers and cast members that, you know, there's cruise ships that are like, we want you to come teach the fitness class.
I thought you were going to tell our listeners that you were going to get to go on the prices. Right. Again, because if our listeners said not. No.
Sheena was the next contestant to come on down on the prices. Right.
And actually went all the way to the end where you get to do. What's it called?
[00:04:32] Speaker B: The Showcase Showdown. The Showcase Showdown.
[00:04:35] Speaker C: I know, like, we are.
We're sitting in, you know, I'm just. I'm just sitting with TV royalty over here.
[00:04:43] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. You are so silly. I know. I do not take Price is Right experience for granted. I just, you know, it's one of those things where I replay in my head the fact that we just did not practice pricing out boats. Like, that was the last thing I thought was gonna be in my showcase.
[00:05:02] Speaker C: And you had the appliances, the vacuum cleaner, the oven, you know, all that priced out. But not the boat.
[00:05:08] Speaker D: No, not the boat price.
[00:05:09] Speaker B: Plus three international trips. And I didn't want to overbid anyway, so clearly that lives rent free in my head thinking about that. But I. It was, it was a good time. But. Okay, that's not what we're talking about today. I just, I got really excited, Nika. I felt like I had to share.
[00:05:25] Speaker C: I'm so glad you you share that. And I am just. This is amazing.
[00:05:29] Speaker B: Well, you know, what's great is that I'll get to like, you know, share about it after the trip in the spring semester. So it'll be really good. But you guys, it is October. You know, we strategically emphasized October because the topic that we will be discussing today is very October specific. So with that, we're going to tease you a little bit because we got to take a little break. But you are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:06:02] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa
[00:06:07] Speaker C: Foreign, Y'.
[00:06:13] Speaker D: All.
[00:06:13] Speaker C: You are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and NA on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:06:17] Speaker B: That's right. And if you missed the first part of the show, per usual, that's okay. You know, we kind of go on our random tangents. But in our opening segment, we did emphasize the fact that it's October and we alluded to the fact that our topic today tied into the month of October. And Nika, we're actually going to be talking about breast cancer awareness month today.
[00:06:42] Speaker C: So I love spreading awareness about breast cancer awareness.
I know you've had me on the show before. I was a co host to talk about this because, you know, I love prevention and I love women's health. And so I am thrilled that we have an expert in the field joining us today to for our listeners, our longtime listeners that have listened every October and picked up some information from us, we've got new stuff for you today.
[00:07:14] Speaker B: Yes, we do. And like Nika mentioned, you know, we want the experts, we like to have clinicians in the field. And so today we have the honor of having Dr. Jill Hobbs, who is a nurse practitioner and clinical associate professor with the Capstone College of Nursing. Dr. Hobbs, thanks for being with us today.
[00:07:30] Speaker D: Thank you for having me.
[00:07:32] Speaker B: Absolutely. Now, we like to always use this segment to really kind of get the details about our guests. So tell us a little bit about yourself, including your current role in the College of Nursing and your professional and educational history prior to working at ua.
[00:07:48] Speaker D: As you mentioned, I'm a clinical associate professor and I'm also the family nurse practitioner coordinator at the Capstone College of Nursing.
I started full time at CCN in 2020 and prior to that, I have been a nurse for 2025 years. And 21 of those years I've been a nurse practitioner. I'm a family nurse practitioner and acute care certified.
My clinical experience varies in my early years as a nurse, I worked on the bone marrow transplant unit at uab and a lot of my early years was in hematology, oncology, as a nurse practitioner.
Now I work in a wellness and weight loss clinic.
[00:08:30] Speaker C: Very nice. Oh, okay. So for our listeners, hematology, oncology, blood cancer. Yes. And so what made you drawn to the earlier in your career when you started out? What made was what drew you to those areas of practice?
[00:08:47] Speaker D: Well, I always say that the bone marrow unit found me. I didn't find it when I actually went to interview. I was going to interview for a cardiac unit and I'd worked on a med surg oncology floor right out of school. And so we had cancer patients on that unit. So when I met the nurse manager at UAB and told her my background, she said, well, I'm taking you down to the bone Mary unit and you're going to interview there.
[00:09:14] Speaker B: You're like, what?
[00:09:15] Speaker D: You know. And I always thought I'm fairly tender hearted. And so I thought that would be a difficult place to work. But it was amazing. I loved. That was one of my favorite jobs that I've had throughout my nursing career. It was just a really unique unit. It's very specialized. And you really developed a strong relationship with your patients because they stayed there for quite a while.
[00:09:40] Speaker C: Right.
So did you go into nursing? No. Knowing that ultimately you wanted to be a nurse practitioner or did you just. Or did they just say, we're taking you down to the nurse practitioner? Practitioner. I can't even talk today. Nurse practitioner program. And that's what you're going to be kind of like they did with the bone marrow.
[00:09:58] Speaker D: Yeah. You know, I always, a part of me always wanted to be an advanced practice nurse. And I can remember, I graduated from CCN and I remember going through my bachelor's degree and one of my faculty members was a nurse practitioner. And I admired her so much and I remember telling her I really would like to be a nurse practitioner. And she was like, okay, first things first, Jill, let's get through this bachelor's degrees first and let you become a nurse. And so. And then I lived in Birmingham and I worked at uab and so it just fit for me to go back to school and get my master's degree there.
They have a great educational benefit like many institutions that your faculty and staff get some education money to go back to school.
[00:10:48] Speaker C: So what drew you wanting to come back home? Did Mama call?
[00:10:52] Speaker D: As Bear says, I'm actually originally from Dothan and so my husband actually opened a Physical therapy clinic here in town. And so we moved from Birmingham first. First we waited to make sure it was going to stay open and then we moved here to Tuscaloosa.
And that's kind of how we ended up, ended up coming here.
[00:11:16] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:11:17] Speaker B: I love how full circle that is, especially from you mentioning the fact that there was a faculty member that you admired in your undergrad who was an advanced practitioner, that was a nurse practitioner. And so, you know, as think about your role as a professor, what are your research interests?
[00:11:35] Speaker D: Well, clinically, my interests focus primarily on chronic disease and disease prevention and particularly around obesity and the comorbidities associated with that.
My, my research interest at the college are focused around best practices in nursing education and specifically for our graduate students and advanced practice nursing.
[00:12:00] Speaker B: I can't imagine just how rewarding that is working with the next generation of
[00:12:06] Speaker C: nurses, passing down the knowledge and just building and.
Yeah. So tell me, what do you love the most about serving as a faculty member and helping build that next generation of nurses?
[00:12:22] Speaker D: The most rewarding thing is that you get to, to pour into the next generation. And it's really cool to see those light bulb moments where you have, you know, nurses who are coming back, RNs that are coming back to get a graduate degree. And that role transition from being maybe a bedside or a clinic nurse to a provider role is, is a big transition. And so it's really cool to see those light bulb moments and that confidence being built as they go through the program and they learn this new advanced practice role.
[00:13:00] Speaker B: I love that. I, you know, I'm thinking back to when I was doing my first clinical rotations as a nutrition student at DCH and running into some fellow nursing students. And around that time, the show Grey's Anatomy started being really popular. And so it was funny because I was talking to some of my nursing student friends because a lot of us would take the same undergraduate science courses, so we all knew each other. And I was like, hey. I was like, oh my gosh. I was like, is this your first day of rotation too? And I just remember some of us being like, oh, this feels like Grey's Anatomy. And I'm thinking, I really hope I see a, you know, a Patrick Dempsey.
That would be really great. But I don't know, just thinking about nursing students and you know, those like, you know, those doe eyed, like eager students that are ready, you know, in the way you describe, just seeing those light bulbs go off, I think is really beautiful. And it's been great to hear about your background, Dr. Hobbs. And I know we're about to take a quick break, but we're going to dive into that conversation about breast cancer awareness. So you guys take a quick break, go run to the restroom, grab a drink of water, do what you got to do. You are listening to fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:14:20] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:14:29] Speaker C: Happy Sunday. You are listening to fit to be tied with Sheena and Mika on 90.7, the capstone. And today we are joined by our guest, Dr. Jill Hobbs, who is a nurse practitioner and clinical associate professor here at the capstone's college of nursing. And she is our resident expert today to talk all things breast cancer awareness.
Thank you for joining us. I'm so excited to hear what you have to tell our listeners. But let's start with the basics. What is Breast Cancer awareness month?
[00:15:05] Speaker D: Breast Cancer awareness month is observed every October to increase public awareness about breast cancer, to help encourage women to go get screened.
Early detection is key. So that's very important.
And also to educate women about risk factors associated with breast cancer.
[00:15:27] Speaker B: So you just mentioned this, Dr. Hobbs. You know, early detection is that big emphasis point in this month. And so, you know, as listeners start to take that in what is the recommended age that someone should start self examinations or just have this on their radar to be thinking about in general?
[00:15:46] Speaker D: So for women at average risk, the current United States preventive service task force recommends that screening mammograms start at the age of 40, and they recommend it every two years.
There's other organizations like the American Cancer Society that say women have an option from age 40 to 44 to have an annual screening mammogram. And then at 45, everybody should have it.
The big key here is that women talk to their healthcare providers to determine what their risk factors are and that will determine what their screening needs are.
[00:16:26] Speaker C: Right.
So I know just last week in class we taught that breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States behind prostate, and it is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer. And so I think it's interesting that that, you know, men and women can get breast cancer. We tend to think it's just a woman's disease, but I mean, especially with you working alongside cancer patients, you know, did you see where it's not just women over 45 who's getting it? It can be younger, it can be men. So that's why, you know, doing the self exams or talking to your healthcare provider is so important. What have you seen in your history as a nurse practitioner?
[00:17:13] Speaker D: Yes, it is much more common in women than men, but men can get breast cancer. And so we, we sometimes the men get forgotten about, but they don't need to be forgotten about because it can be a disease with them.
[00:17:30] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:17:30] Speaker C: And so you know, when, when men can be a great advocate for women, like did you get your mammogram? You know, but then also women can turn around and go, did you do a self exam?
[00:17:39] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah, that's right. Yeah.
[00:17:41] Speaker B: Well, you, Dr. Hobbs, you were, you used the phrase earlier average risk.
And so for someone who has a known significant family risk for breast cancer, does that timeline change as far as like recommended, like first year of a mammogram, you know? And are there particular family members that are asked about on health history forms that most like that correlate the most with that person having the potential for being high risk?
[00:18:13] Speaker D: Yes. Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations like the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, you might have heard those terms, but they are higher risk for developing breast cancer and so they might need earlier screening. Some screenings start as early as age 30.
And your healthcare provider might also recommend a breast MRI in addition to the mammogram.
So definitely speaking with your provider about your risk and those first degree family members are, you know, the most important to determine what those hereditary risks are.
[00:18:56] Speaker C: So like a mom or a sister.
[00:18:57] Speaker D: Yeah, that's right.
[00:18:59] Speaker C: Yeah. Okay, so Sheena brought up the self exam.
Can you tell our listeners what we mean when we say a self breast examination?
[00:19:11] Speaker D: So the current guidelines don't stress doing a monthly self exam anymore, but our experts do say that we should be breast self aware.
You know, breasts are very lumpy, bumpy parts of our body. And so women should, you know, get used to what their breasts normally feel like so they can determine if there's something different or something new.
[00:19:36] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:19:37] Speaker D: They can also kind of compare, but both sides if they feel something that feels abnormal.
Now, for me personally, I'm a breast cancer survivor and I found my lump myself by doing my own breast self exam. So even though our current guidelines don't recommend doing that every month, I still am a very strong advocate for it because I feel like my cancer was diagnosed at an early stage because I found it.
[00:20:06] Speaker C: I want to get back to that. But before we do that, I'm so glad that you're here and with us still. But why do you think they, they changed the recommendations? I mean, what would be the problem with Just doing it monthly. Why would they want to back off on that?
[00:20:21] Speaker D: I think that, you know, like I mentioned, breasts are lumpy and bumpy. And so, you know, people can do their breast exam and feel something that's just a normal in the breast and then that causes them to go through that workup process unnecessarily. And so I think the research shows that the outcomes are no different with doing the monthly self exam versus being breast aware.
But, you know, like I said, for my personal experience, I think it's important that you, you are familiar with your body.
[00:21:01] Speaker B: Well, you know, I, I appreciate you bringing that up, you know, all aspects of that, including your, your personal experience, because I feel like I just realized, like, wow, I haven't been up to date with what the current guidelines are because I'm thinking about seeing the door hangers.
[00:21:18] Speaker C: Yeah, the shower hangers.
[00:21:20] Speaker B: You know, kind of gave the explanation there. But Dr. Hobbs, do you mind sharing a little bit about your experience with that? How old were you? You know, what did that look like for you?
[00:21:30] Speaker D: I was 43 when I was diagnosed and I, I didn't always do my breast self exams, but I felt like it was divine intervention and I just was doing a breast exam and I found a little lump that felt hard and it didn't feel normal.
And you know, I compared it to the other side and I had actually had my yearly checkup not that long before.
[00:22:03] Speaker B: Wow.
[00:22:04] Speaker D: And so.
And my mammogram wasn't due for several months because my appointments and my mammograms were a little off and I had put off getting my mammogram.
[00:22:15] Speaker C: Understand?
[00:22:15] Speaker D: Yes.
[00:22:16] Speaker C: No judgment.
[00:22:18] Speaker D: And so, you know, I had to call my, my physician and I was like, okay, I, I feel something. So they had to order a diagnostic mammogram.
And actually the type of cancer I had, the mammogram didn't pick it up.
[00:22:32] Speaker C: Wow.
[00:22:33] Speaker D: But you could feel it. And the ultrasound did pick it up.
[00:22:37] Speaker C: So that's why we have other ways of looking. Yeah. So if you hear someone say I had to go get an ultrasound or an mri, they're like, well, I thought it was a mammogram, but I'm glad you brought that up because. Because we kind of need all eyes on it.
[00:22:49] Speaker D: Yes, that's right. And mammograms are still a great diagnostic study that we have.
So, you know, but, but it's not perfect, you know.
[00:23:00] Speaker C: Right. Thank you for sharing that with us.
You know, I think it's important. You said it was a small, hard lump I think it might be important for our listeners to know, like, did it hurt? Was it sore? You know, because I think maybe we think something's growing where it's not supposed to be. We're going to feel it. Like, we're going to ache or we're going to hurt. Did you have any of that?
[00:23:22] Speaker D: No, I really didn't. I felt normal.
You know, I didn't have any pain or any changes. Some signs that you could see if, if there's something suspicious going on would be a new lump or a mass in your breast or in your underarm area.
Also, if you notice skin dimpling like the peel of an orange.
[00:23:45] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:23:46] Speaker D: That's.
That's something you would need to get in with your provider to get looked at.
If there was any redness, swelling or thickness in the area, if there's skin changes in the area that would need to be looked at.
[00:24:02] Speaker C: Okay.
[00:24:03] Speaker D: Or if you had discharge at your nipples or pain.
[00:24:08] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:24:10] Speaker B: I know we're about to have to take a break and I want us to get into conversation about any lifestyle behaviors that affect or prevent breast cancer. Breast cancer. But I really appreciate you sharing those signs of concern, like things to be looking for when you are doing that self exam. And I might be the only one that experiences this, but even the thought of doing that self exam, sometimes it kind of gives me the tickleys, if that makes sense. You know, it kind of. It can feel strange to do the exam on yourself and you may want to avoid it because of just sensations of, like, feel. It's almost like somebody, like, tickling my feet or something. It's like, oh, I don't know. But it's so important.
[00:24:50] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:24:51] Speaker B: And I really like that despite the changes in the recommendations, the way that you're phrasing it as being breast aware and being, you know, even if you're not necessarily doing it monthly, sounds like it could be an ideal thing to do. But just that concept of being breast aware and, you know, noticing changes.
[00:25:08] Speaker C: Yeah. Knowing what's normal for you. Yeah. Knowing your body enough, being comfortable enough to look at yourself in the mirror, to feel and say, that is, you know, if the doctor says, oh, that's normal. It's not normal for me, though.
[00:25:21] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:25:22] Speaker C: Let's take another look.
[00:25:23] Speaker D: That's right.
[00:25:24] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:25:24] Speaker B: Well, you guys, we are having really great conversation about this. This has been so informative, but we gotta take a break. Y' all run to the restroom, grab a drink of water, do what you gotta do. You are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the capstone.
[00:25:44] Speaker A: Wvuafm tuscaloosa.
[00:25:53] Speaker C: Welcome back, y'. All. You are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Neeka on 90.7 the Capstone.
[00:25:58] Speaker B: That's right. And if you are just now joining us, you have got to go back and listen to earlier parts of the show. We have had the most amazing conversation with Dr. Jill Hobbs, who's a nurse practitioner and a clinical associate professor in the Capstone College of Nursing. And we have been talking about breast cancer awareness. And you know, before the break, we had talked about, you know, signs of concern to look for as you're doing a self breast exam. But we also wanted to talk about any potential lifestyle behaviors that affect or prevent breast cancer. Is there anything in the literature, Dr. Hobbs, that indicates there are certain lifestyle behaviors that correlate with with breast cancer?
[00:26:42] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:26:42] Speaker D: Yes. Although there's no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, there's several things that we all can do to help reduce our risks. And some of those include to maintain a healthy weight, to engage in regular physical activity, to limit your alcohol consumption, to avoid tobacco products, to eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.
And if you're in that reproductive years and you have, have babies, then breastfeeding also is a recommendation to help minimize your risk.
[00:27:19] Speaker C: Oh, okay. And I know, I know that breastfeeding also minimizes your risk of ovarian cancer. So we're getting a two for there. We're getting a breast and an ovarian production.
[00:27:27] Speaker B: Well, you know, I, that is, I don't, there's just something so beautiful about breastfeeding for one. And so when you hear about how it's so protective for the mother's body is incredible. And you know, Dr. Hobbs, you were mention mentioning things related to, to diet and physical movement and you know, as you were listing all that off, I was like, wow, sounds like it's all of these things that we want to make sure we're trying to reduce as much oxidative stress and free radicals floating
[00:27:57] Speaker C: through the body and chronic inflammation. Oh, yes, absolutely.
[00:28:01] Speaker D: All of those are things that help a lot of chronic conditions.
[00:28:06] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah.
So there, you know, in anything that we talk about in the world, there' some myths and misconceptions.
What are some of the ones that you see specifically related to breast cancer that you feel like we need to maybe correct?
[00:28:23] Speaker D: I would say one is that we, we do tend to See advertisement on TVs about women who have a family history of breast cancer and so sometimes I think the population naturally thinks that, that that is the most common, you know, risk factor. But, but really the majority of women that are diagnosed with breast cancer is not hereditary, it's not genetic. And so, you know, breast cancer, I don't have any first degree relatives that have had breast cancer. And so it's important for women to know that it's not just a genetic, you know, disorder.
[00:29:05] Speaker C: Yeah. So that you, you're not like, I'll have to worry about that because I didn't have a woman in my family that had it. That's right. Right. And with you being a nurse practitioner, I'm pretty sure you're healthy. I'm sure you're getting your exercise and your sleep and your diet is good. And so, I mean, you still got it. So I'm glad that you said that. There are things that we can do to try to prevent it, but it's not like a personal failure that, oh man, I should have gotten eight hours of sleep instead of seven. It's, you know, it's just one of those things that happens. So that's why screening is so important.
[00:29:37] Speaker D: That's right.
[00:29:39] Speaker B: I'm Also curious too, Dr. Hobbs, you might have mentioned this earlier in the show, but speaking as a non Caucasian female, are there certain ethnicities that there is a higher prevalence for breast cancer? And I know sometimes those data numbers can be skewed by like those that are actually diagnosed and factors of, you know, maybe some groups being more prone to, to getting that intervention when needed or screen, you know, utilizing screening tools, things of that nature?
[00:30:11] Speaker D: Yes, I, I think looking at risk factors and going through those with your provider is key to determining when you need to be screened and how early your screening should occur.
[00:30:27] Speaker B: Perfect.
[00:30:27] Speaker C: So do you, do you see a lot of usage in this area with like the, the free mammogram, like the MO mammogram, you know, because I know a lot by barrier, like Sheena was saying, like, you know, some, some populations may be more represented because they have the means to access health care or they may have the insurance to go get it. And it's not to say that this other population that is not showing up on the data isn't affected. It's just, we don't, they don't know they have it. We don't know they have it yet.
[00:30:59] Speaker D: Right.
[00:31:00] Speaker C: So with the free things like the, the mobile mammogram machine and all that, how, you know, how does one get involved in like saying, I think I need that, you know, who would they contact or just Google. I mean, how does that work?
[00:31:16] Speaker D: DCH offers free breast cancer screenings, and they do it at certain times of the year.
In fact, I've participated in those in the past when I worked there at the cancer center. But.
And there's a high population of Hispanic clinic people that will come and, and receive that care. And they'll do a breast exam and then set you up for a mammogram.
And if there's something that they feel is abnormal, they'll get an ultrasound as well.
And then I also volunteer at the Good Samaritan Clinic once a month, and they provide care for patients who don't have insurance. And we do some women's health care there. We'll do pap smears and breast exams and set people up for mammograms.
[00:32:06] Speaker C: So don't let that be a barrier.
[00:32:08] Speaker B: Absolutely not. Yeah, I appreciate you sharing those resources. And Nika, thank you for phrasing that in a way that, you know, kind of brings it in full circle, especially for all of us as public health professionals. And another commonality of us in the studio is we are all mamas. We're all busy women. So on that note, women may often put their own health care needs on the back burner to prioritize everyone else around them. Dr. Hobbs, what tips or words of encouragement do you have for our female listeners who often feel like they don't have the capacity to manage their own health needs?
[00:32:44] Speaker D: So I often remind women that taking care of themselves is not selfish. It's essential.
Women serve as caregivers in their family.
We.
I call myself the, the schedule keeper at the house and my home. I'm in charge of everybody's schedule and then I work full time outside of the home. And so many women are, are serving in many roles in their personal and professional life, and it's hard to balance it all. But if we neglect ourselves, we can't be the best version of ourselves. We can't be the best mom or the best employee or the best spouse or whatever your role may be.
So I would say to start with small, manageable steps, schedule those annual wellness visits, get your mammograms on time.
[00:33:38] Speaker C: Unlike me when I was behind.
[00:33:42] Speaker D: Keep up with those recommended screenings, prioritize physical activity, try to get a good night's sleep, try to get, eat a well balanced diet.
Those are all things. We, we can't control everything, right? Just like you mentioned, you know, sometimes you do all the right things and you still can get a bad diagnosis. But, but there are things we can control.
[00:34:05] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:34:05] Speaker D: And moving our bodies, what we put in our bodies, those are all things that we can control. So give yourself permission to prioritize your health. Health, early detection prevention, and a healthy lifestyle can have a profound impact on your quality of life and your ability to continue doing the things that you love to do.
[00:34:28] Speaker C: I.
[00:34:28] Speaker B: You know, Nika, that makes me think of an analogy that you've often used, like thinking about being in an airplane.
[00:34:35] Speaker C: Yes, I was just thinking about it. Could you see it in my. In my eye?
[00:34:38] Speaker B: Yes. You know, put that oxygen mask on yourself. Yourself before you put on around everybody.
[00:34:43] Speaker C: Because when that oxygen mask drops, if you are a fixer and a doer, of course you're going to want to help other people. But you instinctively in that moment know, I gotta take a big gulp of air here so that I can jump into action. You don't really think me grabbing this mask is selfish. You're thinking, I'm actually doing it so I can help you. We gotta start thinking that way in the areas that you just, you just talked about Dr. Hobbs. Like, it's not selfish to not want to pour from an empty cup.
[00:35:15] Speaker D: Yeah, that's right.
[00:35:16] Speaker B: Yeah. Well, you guys, we. We've got to take another quick break, but we're gonna finish up the show and wrap up with a Dr. Hobbs. Stick with us, you guys. You are listening to fit to be tied with Sheena and NA on 90.7, the capstone.
[00:35:36] Speaker A: Wvuafm tuscaloosa.
[00:35:45] Speaker C: Welcome back, listeners. You're listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena and Neeka on 90.7, the capstone. And we have been joined today by the most wonderful guest, Dr. Jill Hobbs, who serves as a nurse practitioner and clinical associate professor here at the Capstone in our college of nursing Roll Tide. And if you've not listened to any other segment, I implore you to please go back because she is just dropping some great nuggets of wisdom and education and just, just good life tips.
[00:36:18] Speaker B: Yes, I, you know, I think before the break, I feel a lot more empowered by Dr. Hobbs to make sure that I prioritize my health.
You know, again, you know, we always kind of use the excuse of like, oh, I'm so busy, I'm, you know, I don't want to take off for my own doctor's appointments because I'm taking off for my kids doctor's appointments. But Nika, like you were saying, we can't pour from an empty cup. You know, we got, we can't be running off of fumes and so at this point in the show, you guys, this is where we kind of land the plane on things. And we typically ask our guests something on the fun side. And Dr. Hobbs, I know we're not. Not in November quite yet, but, you know, the holidays are around the corner, including Thanksgiving.
We want to know what is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
[00:37:08] Speaker D: Well, I love this chicken and dressing recipe that I make, and it's in the crock pot. It's from a recipe book that my grandmother gave me years ago.
And it keeps the dressing moist and it doesn't dry out. And so. And you can make it ahead and put it in the crock pot, move on to do something else. And it's one of my favorites, and my whole family loves it too.
[00:37:33] Speaker C: Yeah. You don't have to open the oven every five minutes.
[00:37:35] Speaker D: That's right.
[00:37:36] Speaker B: I know. Yeah. Now I'm thinking, I'm like, okay, slow cooker dressing. I'm like, I could get behind that because it's always competing oven space.
[00:37:43] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:37:44] Speaker D: Yes, it is.
[00:37:44] Speaker B: Yes. Now, Nika, if memory serves me correctly, your green bean casserole.
[00:37:49] Speaker C: Good. You have a memory of an elephant. You are.
[00:37:52] Speaker B: Feel like a green bean casserole.
[00:37:53] Speaker C: I do love a green bean casserole. I just. Any day of the week, I'll eat a green bean casserole. But I really. I really love it, and I love my mom's deviled eggs.
[00:38:04] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:38:05] Speaker C: Yes. You're either a deviled egg person or you're not. Yeah, but I am. Yeah. Like, in what other instance would you sit down and go, I'll have a dozen eggs at one time, please? But, you know, when she makes some, I'll do it. What about you, Sheena?
[00:38:18] Speaker B: I feel like my answer changes all the time. I feel like one of my answers that will sometimes. Sweet potato casserole.
[00:38:25] Speaker C: Oh, yeah.
[00:38:25] Speaker B: So doing that as well. But y', all, do you have.
[00:38:28] Speaker C: Well, before we leave, do you have a specific Filipino dish that is, like, we don't normally typically maybe know about?
[00:38:38] Speaker B: I would say not just for Thanksgiving, but for any kind of Filipino gathering whatsoever.
Typically, a dish called pancit, which is a rice noodle dish, is. Is there. As well as lumpia, which is a Filipino egg rolls. I feel like that's, like, the standard for any.
But the reason that the pancit, the rice noodle dish, is so prevalent in any family get together and especially birthdays, is that Filipinos tend to feel like long noodles represent long life. So I remember for birthdays, like, my mom would make pancit all the time. But if I had my friends over and I was like, oh, mom, I don't want us to be so Filipino today. She would compromise by making spaghetti. So there was still those long noodles there. But sweet mama, I think about so yeah, so with our our family get togethers, we have our pretty traditional Thanksgiving dishes, but then there's like sprinkle of some like random Filipino dishes in there too.
[00:39:36] Speaker C: That's cool. Always. I love no, always love learning.
[00:39:39] Speaker B: Yeah, I appreciate you. Now I'm just super hungry, y'. All. But Dr. Hobbs, thank you for being on the show with us today, y',
[00:39:46] Speaker D: all for having me. I've enjoyed it.
[00:39:48] Speaker C: Oh, you've been wonderful.
[00:39:49] Speaker B: Well, this has been a good conversation. Nika, my friend. We'll chat next time. You guys, thank you for being a listener on Fit to be Tied today. Until next time,
[00:40:05] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
