Our next featured speaker knows how a passion for healthy living can impact—and be impacted by—motherhood and caring for a family and the legacy you leave behind. Megan Whitaker; host of the “Going Crunchy Not Crazy” podcast and a consultant on sustainable, healthy living; left a job as a nurse to become a holistic living adviser and health coach after her own lifestyle changes made a bigger difference in her autoimmune disease than conventional medicine. Now, she wants to pass on what she’s learned. Her writing has been published on sites including Healthline, The Week, Romper, and SheKnows.
Here, Whitaker discusses the importance of health care professionals listening to women, the vital role nature and fresh air play in our physical and mental health, her personal journey, and more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
After years working in traditional healthcare and having been an ignored patient myself, I know the importance of women speaking up and advocating for themselves. But in order to take control of your health and wellness, women have to be educated and have access to information. Our living and work environments can seriously impact our bodies and minds. I want women to have the knowledge and confidence they need to change their environments and improve their health.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
In my late teens, I was exposed to [harmful] chemicals while at work. My health deteriorated and I became chronically ill. It took years of treatment, research, self-study and even becoming a registered nurse to finally understand what had happened to me. Now I have two daughters. I want my daughters to live and work in safe, non-toxic spaces. I think that’s a basic right for all people. It’s time we talk about it.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
The Institute for Building Biology and Ecology in Germany has been educating everyday people, building professionals on creating healthy living environments, building science for more than 50 years. I earned my certification through them and they have consultants and testing professionals all over the world.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Supporting the health and wellness of a family is a tremendous honor and huge responsibility. In today’s world there is so much to contend with and worry about. From additives in food, GMOs, contaminants and lead in water, VOC’s and air pollution, mold, bacteria and viruses. Keeping a family healthy and protected can seem impossible, especially in the COVID era. It’s such an important time for discussions about air quality, ventilation, safe cleaning and immune support.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
The horrible truth of healthcare is that sexism, racism, and classism can easily kill women. Too often healthcare is doled out by highly educated men who feel that their status and education means they are infallible and always correct. Women’s questions and concerns are often brushed off and ignored. Learning to confidently advocate for yourself and arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible is essential.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
The last time mothers dealt with raising children during a global pandemic was 100 year ago. The overused, but perfectly accurate, word of 2020 and 2021 is “unprecedented.” This virus led to another major health issue—being stuck inside our homes. We are trying to entertain kids in tiny spaces and trying to keep them mentally and physically fit. We are trying to teach them about germs and hoping to properly ventilate spaces to keep them safe. This will not last forever, but it has forever changed how parents navigate the world with our children.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Nature. Getting outside into fresh clean air is easily one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. In Western countries, we now average 90 percent of our day inside. Get outside and play.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Every product you put on your body is absorbed by your skin.
Your perfume, lotion, makeup, soap, and shampoo, all contains chemicals. Many skin care and fragrance products contain hormone disrupting chemicals.
If you can’t pronounce it, I wouldn’t rub it on my body.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
Personally, I think that women need to fight for more flexibility at work. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that most people don’t actually need to go into an office to get their jobs done. Most work trips can actually be Zoom meetings. I remember going to a college class with my mother once when I had a day off school. I sat under her desk and colored. My kids are both sitting on me as I write this. They’re heavy, but I’m still productive.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
No one can ever take away education. Learning comes in many forms and I don’t mean only formal education matters. But there is nothing more powerful than giving girls the support and opportunity to learn.
The most powerful weapon a woman can have is knowledge.
”
We’re so grateful Megan Whitaker brought her experience, perspective, and voice to our summit. Keep following us for more moms (and soon, dads!) who are leading the way and empowering the next generation.
