Dr. Olivia Affuso is the Director of Strategic Leadership Initiatives for the Council on Black Health and a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Affuso obtained her PhD in Nutrition Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences. Additionally, she served as a tenured professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Department of Epidemiology. Dr. Affuso’s current research projects include the examination of potential mechanisms of group engagement on sustainable physical activity among Black women and the development of physical activity interventions targeting the social environments of women.

In today’s episode, host Shay Beider speaks with Oliva Affuso regarding her decision to leave academia and her focus on work supporting the Council on Black Health, that promotes healthy behaviors and environments for the black community. Olivia shares how she began running ultra marathons and the importance of simple and consistent habits for overall health. She hosts an online support group for women to encourage healthier choices and a sustainable work life balance. The conversation delves into systemic challenges affecting health, with Olivia expressing concern about recent policies impacting diversity and equity in institutions. She advocates for individuals within organizations to challenge such policies and work towards creating inclusive environments.

Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

Show Notes:

• Find out more about the Council on Black Health, a research and action network that provides thought leadership to develop and implement a national agenda for Black health 

• Take a listen to this podcast  featuring Olivia Affuso, “Distance Running for Busy People” 

• Check out GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF), a training organization with an emphasis on public health and social action to support girls and women, specifically those who are impoverished 

• Dive into Olivia Affuso’s local Facebook Group, Black Magic Trail Sisters

• This is one of Olivia’s favorite books, “The Color Purple”, by Alice Walker

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch is committed to ending isolation in illness and transforming trauma through togetherness. The mission is to provide connection, wellness and healing opportunities that change the lives of anyone touched by pain, suffering, or medical challenges. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. 

The organization reaches thousands of people each year at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, through Telehealth, and in hospitals and communities. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a Heal it Forward model that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org