391 | Our Service Trip to Peru and the Pelvic & Sexual Health Disparities Across the Globe with Heather Florio

The Optimal Body

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Heather Florio, the second-generation owner of Desert Harvest and a women's health advocate. They discuss their trip to Peru in August 2024, intended to educate women about pelvic and sexual health. Despite facing challenges like lost luggage and cultural barriers, they pivoted to educate local clinicians and had a very successful trip. The conversation highlights global disparities in women's health education and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The episode underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and education to empower women worldwide.

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Heather's Resources and Links:

• Desert Harvest Tools
• Youth Sexpert Program
• Desert Harvest Instagram

We think you’ll love:

• Release and Recovery Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Find the full Show Notes and resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/391

What you will learn in this Episode:

1:12 Trip to Peru Overview

3:21 Mission and Goals for Peru

6:00 Heather recounts educating clinicians in Turkey on pelvic and sexual health, highlighting its impact.

8:16 The original aim was to teach indigenous women in Peru about sexual health, which did not materialize.

10:32 Reflections on the stark contrast between luxury travel and surrounding poverty during their visit to Machu Picchu.

13:14 Heather shares the difficulties faced at the hotel, including a near-arrest situation related to their teaching plans.

14:29 Discussion on the safety concerns arising from the cultural sensitivity surrounding their educational intentions.

17:29 The conversation highlights the cultural barriers and fears surrounding discussions of sexual health in Peru.

18:35 Jen questions why their essential medical supplies were not allowed into Peru.

22:51 Cultural Barriers in Peru

27:26 Discussion on the importance of respecting local culture while educating about women's health.

30:38 Importance of educating women about their bodies to combat high rates of sexual violence in Peru.

36:56 Discussion on the need for gradual improvements in women's health education in the U.S. and Peru.

37:36 The importance of educating individuals to empower them to teach others about pelvic health.

40:27 Initiatives aimed at educating youth about body exploration and reducing shame surrounding sexual health.

44:09 Concerns about the lack of early sexual education and its impact on children's safety and health.

47:09 Strategies for sharing educational resources with communities lacking access to sexual health information.

48:47 Acknowledgment of the varying levels of women's health advancement across different cultures and countries.