Holistic Health: Supporting Women's Wellness in Silicon Valley

Non-Profit Stories: Inspiring Tales from Silicon Valley

In This Episode:

In the heart of Silicon Valley, known for its tech success and wealth, healthcare is a big problem. One in four women who need help can't see a doctor regularly, leading to more ongoing health problems that go untreated. Mental health issues are horrible, 30% worse than the rest of the country, but only 15% of these women get the help they need. Also, only 40% get the reproductive health care they need, which leads to more unexpected pregnancies than in nearby areas. These facts are more than just statistics; these women urgently need more support.

Health Problems of Underserved Women in Silicon Valley:

• Access to Care: About 25% of underserved women in wealthy Silicon Valley lack a regular doctor, leading to more untreated long-term health issues.
• Mental Health Disparities: Mental health problems are 30% more common among Silicon Valley's underserved women than nationwide, but only 15% get regular treatment.
• Reproductive Health Services: Only 40% of underserved Silicon Valley women get proper reproductive health services, causing a 20% increase in unintended pregnancies.

About Dr. Prema Rao:

Dr. Prema Rao was inspired to found Akhila Health based on fundamental principles learned through education and experience. Prema has undergraduate and graduate degrees in the life sciences and experience as a Research Scientist in the biomedical device industry, with numerous publications and patents to her credit. Awareness of holistic health and its benefits led her to a doctorate program in Psychology, which catalyzed her objective to bring it to the underserved population. Dr. Rao has served in leadership roles in multiple organizations, which have been instrumental in mobilizing Akhila Health.

Show Notes:

• What is Akhila Health's Origin and Mission?
  • Introduction to Akhila Health, a 501c3 organization in Silicon Valley, focused on serving underserved women through holistic health programs. The organization's foundation is rooted in koshas, emphasizing human beings' multifaceted nature.

• What are the volunteer experiences and realizations with Akhila Health?
  • The founder's volunteer work at a free clinic and homeless shelters revealed the dire need for holistic health services among underserved populations, particularly women.

• What is the passion behind serving Akhila Health?

• • The founder's spiritual journey and desire to give back, leveraging her education and experiences to empower women facing various challenges.

• What are the impactful workshop experiences in Akhila Health?
  • Sharing moments of connection and realization experienced by participants in Akhila Health's workshops, often held in shelters and through partner organizations.

• How vital is Holistic Health?
  • Explaining holistic health through the Koshas model illustrates how interconnected aspects of human existence influence overall well-being.

• Why is addressing women's unique challenges important?
  • Discuss how social conditions and conditioning uniquely impact women and how Akhila Health's workshops create a safe space for authentic dialogue and empowerment.

• How do we cultivate resilience and inner wisdom?
  • Describing the workshop methods for fostering resilience and inner wisdom through various tools and techniques, including meditation, guided imagery, and mindful discussions.

• What are the diverse workshop programs offered at Akhila Health?

• • An overview of various workshops provided by Akhila Health, including those focusing on emotional intelligence, mind-body medicine, and stress management.

Links Mentioned:

• Ayurveda
• Institute of Health and Healing
• Koshas

Connect with 'Akhila Health':

If you want to help empower and protect underserved women in Silicon Valley, connect with Prema Rao:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Send an Email to [e-mail]‍
• Call/Text: [phone]
• Website: Akhila Health
• Donate to Akhila Health