Living Well with Alison Starling
Strong communities are built on good health. Welcome to Living Well with Alison Starling, brought to you by VHC Health — the region’s community health system — and the Washington Business Journal. Join former ABC 7News anchor and Emmy Award winner for exclusive conversations with health care advocates on today’s most pressing health topics. Discover what you need to know when making decisions about your well-being and empower yourself with the knowledge to live well. New episodes drop monthly.
Living Well with Alison Starling
Internet personality Jeannette Reyes on PCOS, infertility, IVF and advocating for your reproductive health
When she was just a teenager, Jeannette Reyes, former FOX 5 news anchor and now a prominent internet personality, sensed that her irregular periods might be hinting at a larger issue.
“I felt like something was off, and I couldn't quite pinpoint it — to the point where I pushed my mom to take me to the doctor and figure out what might be going on,” Reyes said in the latest episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ.
It took years of doctors’ appointments and struggling with infertility for Reyes to receive her PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) diagnosis. After successfully undergoing IVF treatment, Reyes and her husband Robert Burton are now happily raising 2-year-old Bella and enjoying more time with family as TV and internet sensations.
“Advocate for yourself,” Reyes encourages people in similar situations. “You're going to have some doctors — who might be well-meaning — who will say, ‘No, you don't really fit the profile,’ or will brush off some of your concerns. Push for answers.”
Tune in to this episode to learn more about:
- Reyes’ journey toward her PCOS diagnosis (3:40)
- The importance of checking fertility benefits when changing jobs, even as a young professional (7:48)
- What it was like working in a very public sphere while going through IVF treatment (13:53)
- Why Reyes and Burton left their jobs as news anchors (15:49)
- Reyes’ favorite memory from her time creating “Baby News Network” videos (19:18)
- Why Reyes started a fundraiser for a children’s home in the Dominican Republic (23:03)
If you or someone you know is dealing with menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis, or fertility challenges, VHC Health and its Center for Women’s Health is here to help. Whether you're seeking fertility support, menopause management, or adolescent-friendly services, VHC Health's gynecologists, obstetricians, and care teams are here to partner with you for a full spectrum of services designed to support and empower women’s health.
VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.
Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship. Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.