Glass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.

An episode to catch everyone up on what's been going on in the life of someone in their early 60s with a progressive health condition. Waning energy prohibits many of us for reaching all of the goals we'd like to achieve. It takes time to acclimate to a new normal and reassess which goals are most important and how best to achieve them dealing with new limitations. Foremost for someone with myotonic dystrophy, like myself, is getting enough sleep so I have energy to maintain a regular movement practice even with shifting mobility. The annual May Movement Challenge I've produced for the last three years will change. To stay current, join the Movement Challenge Facebook group. If you live near the north coast of California, or plan to visit, check out a new local program – Leslie's Accessible Walks.

My guest for this Glass Half Full podcast episode is Patrick Regan. Patrick is a young man living in Alaska with SMA (spinal muscle atrophy) who uses AAC to communicate. We've gotten to know each other through online BORP classes -- Tai Chi and Pilates.  Our communication previous to our Zoom podcast recording was through Zoom's chat. Patrick is not able to speak and uses technology to communicate via text or assisted speech. Our podcast recording was the first time I actually saw him live since he usually has a photo of himself in the Zoom window. And he varies the photos so I've seen him dressed up for different themes especially in the Rumba with Tina dance class.  Anyhow, Patrick has proven himself to be quite tech savvy and I wanted to learn more about the AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) he uses.

I don't know who coined the term movement is medicine, but it resonates for me. My early experiences with exercise were not joyful; grade school physical education was bad medicine. But once I started dancing with friends in high school – before carding and ID checks were mandatory – I experienced movement in a positive way. Shortly after college I started a yoga practice which was medicine for my body and mind. In this podcast episode I tell my story of what led up to the 2021 launch of the May Movement Challenge -- a month of free online movement classes that are meant to be accessible and adaptive for anyone and everyone. You'll also hear from Natalie Graniela – one of the several movement instructors participating in the annual May Movement Challenge. Natalie talks about her gyrokinesis movement practice and working with senior adults as well as people with different bodies and abilities. For more information visit the website: https://maymovementchallenge.com,  register for this year's month of free online movement classes: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvd-yhrDsrGNB8RbtdI8mhTYG-_BUJ90mB,  and join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/166227591989420

February 28th is Rare Disease Day. Twenty-five to 30 million Americans live with a rare disease. For more facts and figures related to rare diseases, check the NORD website. This podcast episode catches up with Aditi Kantipuly, a physician and advocate, immersed in the rare disease community. As a young girl Aditi learned about a child born with osteogenesis imperfecta – a rare bone condition – and has been captivated ever since. Her journey includes a masters program in public health, a Fulbright scholarship to small villages throughout India, and medical school. Currently she's exploring the roles of health equity and social immunity. For earlier podcast episodes related to rare disease, It's not that easy being rare, Rare disease and the need for research, and Rare and invisible disability + spoon theory. Check this webpage for a list of other podcast programs related to rare disease.

The holidays can be difficult for most anyone but if you live with a chronic health condition and/or physical disability, the barriers to joy and festivity may increase. Four women engage in conversation about coping with the holidays -- Leslie Krongold with myotonic muscular dystrophy, Andrea Klein with collagen 6 congenital muscular dystrophy, Janice Laurence with Charcot Marie Tooth neuromuscular disease, and Roma Leffmann who advocates for people with acquired disabilities as a stroke survivor.  Together they discuss issues related to #dysphagia #celiacdisease #incontinence #osteoporosis #singlelife #disability #myotonic #musculardystrophy #respiratoryproblems #stroke #adaptivefitness #dance #glutenfree #ableism #gifting #mobility and, of course, #coping  

When to stop driving a moving vehicle? That is the question to ponder; is it a toss up between being a responsible adult or maintaining a sense of independence? For many people, this is a difficult choice. If you live in an urban or suburban location you may have many options available if you give up driving. For others, a car may be a necessity -- one needed to get to gainful employment, purchase groceries, or use to transport family members more disabled than yourself. In this academic paper, physicians discuss health conditions that predispose patients for difficulties with tasks required for driving a car safely. People with Alzheimer dementia, epilepsy, visual impairments, sleep apnea syndrome, cardiac dysrhythmias, substance dependency, and neurological disorders with a cognitive component are at risk. In this MDA Engage recorded webinar, the presenter shares this factoid -- For every mile driven there are 20 decisions that need to be made and less than ½ second to react This podcast episode explores the decision-making process for podcast host, Leslie Krongold, as well as for guest, Keisha Greaves. Both chose to give up driving before a doctor told them to. If you, or a loved one, are concerned about your current driving skills, take this online assessment to gauge whether or not you should explore driving options. Each U.S. state has unique laws regarding senior and/or drivers with specific disabilities; check what your state has on the books. If you're a caregiver in search of advice for your loved one, check out this U.S. Dept of Transportation website.

September 15th is International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. To learn more about helping educate and advocate for Myotonic Dystrophy visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. The purpose of this Awareness Day is to garner the attention of the wider general public, policy makers, regulators, biopharmaceutical representatives, researchers, health care professionals, and anyone with an interest in changing the future of myotonic dystrophy. Raising awareness of myotonic dystrophy will help improve service provision, basic research, drug development, and policymaking related to the disease. Increased funding for myotonic dystrophy research will improve health outcomes, reduce disability, and increase life expectancy for individuals living with the disease, and holds great promise for helping individuals with diseases with similar genetic bases, such as Fragile X syndrome and Huntington's disease. To learn about the different types of myotonic dystrophy, visit this NORD webpage. In addition to this podcast host/producer who lives with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, the following podcast episodes have featured guests living with DM1, DM2, or caregivers in a DM family: Food = Medicine Passion and Motivation to Move through the Hard Stuff Working with Wounded Warriors Music Gives Me a Peace Bubble Salute to Caregivers Stories of Healing with Essential Oils

The lyrics to Don't Laugh at Me speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider. Whether or not you were bullied as a child, this song will likely resonate with you. Steve Seskin, the singer-songwriter, and his co-writer were first inspired by a young girl's experience of teasing in grade school. But, the song encompasses inequities experienced by those living with physical and developmental disabilities as well as people experiencing hard times. A few months ago I [Leslie] first heard the song in the online dance class, Rumba with Tina. Many of the other virtual dancers were familiar with it and sang along. I just cried. After the class I googled the song title and discovered I knew the songwriter. Steve's wife, Ellen, has been a participant in the Northern California Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group I facilitated. What a small world! Steve's songs have been recorded by recording artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Tim McGraw, Colin Raye, and Mark Wills. Visit Steve's website to learn more about his music and check out the organization Steve is involved with: Operation Respect.

Liz Ann Kurdrna, Pilates instructor, feels like her emotional recovery from a rock climbing injury is ongoing yet "knowing that I have to show up for someone else…by teaching…it helps. It helps you uncover the stronger part of yourself." In this podcast episode, Liz Ann talks about her lifelong love of rock climbing as well as her participation in other outdoor activities such as swimming, snow skiing, and cycling. In Montana, where she's lived for the past 20+ years, she teaches online and in-person Pilates. Liz Ann has competed in local Triathlon events with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. In this video, Liz Ann demonstrates a few Pilates Breathwork exercises. To learn more about Liz Ann's online classes, check her website. You can register for her Seated Pilates class sponsored by BORP.

Glenn Ribotsky, a Board member with the Western Neuropathy Association, shares his dramatic initiation as a patient into the world of peripheral neuropathy. Now, 18 years later he advocates and offers support to others experiencing the often, invisible pain of a neuropathy.

Dr. William Lowery, a practicing pulmonologist at Alameda Hospital in Northern California, was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy some 20 years ago. He's now founded a non-profit organization to help others shorten their diagnostic odyssey with free genetic testing and his expert guidance.

What is Toxic Positivity? How to avoid it and what to do when confronted with it.  One definition in the context of overstressed teachers during the pandemic includes "toxic positivity as focusing on the positive and ignoring the negative. This mindset has caused a lot of teachers to feel guilty, stressed, and overwhelmed." One mental health website's definition, "Some signs of toxic positivity statements may be dismissing emotions, minimizing someone's experience, giving one's perspective instead of validating someone's emotions, shaming someone for expressing frustration, and brushing things off."  

When you're told you have a tumor the size of a grapefruit growing in your brain, and you have it removed, and you live to tell the story about it without experiencing profound disability, then you have a lot to be grateful for. That's what happened to Amy. Learn more about Amy's health story in this podcast episode. She had no idea about a brain tumor until family members made an intervention and tests revealed the source of her various symptoms which taken individually caused no alarm for Amy. 'Tis the season to be grateful. And Amy is grateful for much. What are you grateful for? In the latest AARP magazine Michael J. Fox talks about how gratitude is a source for his continued optimism in spite of having to give up acting because of unreliable speech. The UC-Berkeley Center for the Greater Good explores the concept of gratitude with evidence-based research. Check out articles and video clips here. An earlier podcast episode, Gratitude & Thinking Small, includes an interview with noted author and Buddhist practitioner, Toni Bernhard.

Traditionally the month of October is the time to become aware of people with disabilities -- either a visible or invisible disability -- but here we're drawing attention to all those who face physical and mental health challenges. With 1 in 10 Americans diagnosed with a rare disorder (whether it's a visible or invisible disability) and all of the others making up ~ 25% of Americans with chronic health conditions, let's practice an awareness on a daily basis. Sunny Ammerman, NORD Ambassador for Indiana, talks about spoon theory, her role as a Patient Advocate for NORD and the Pituitary Network Association, and her blog, Insomnia Doodles. Earlier podcast episodes have explored Disability Awareness -- The D Word and The Pirate as a Disability Action Figure. To learn more about Rare Disease, listen to this podcast episode, It's Not That Easy Being Rare. Sunny is an avid gamer and Virtual Reality enthusiast; stay tuned for a future episode where she shares her love of VR.

What is that growing on me -- could it be skin cancer? Have you asked yourself this question? During the pandemic I ignored a couple of what I thought were pimples because I was terrified to go inside a building. According to Wikipedia... Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is usually not life-threatening, though it can be aggressive. Although the nonmelanoma skin cancer basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is rarely life-threatening, it can be troublesome, especially because 80 percent of BCCs develop on highly visible areas of the head and neck. Mayo Clinic Apparently I have, or had, both. After a few biopsies, a topic chemotherapy treatment, and now Mohs surgery, I hope this closes a chapter. Yet it seems nearly inevitable that there will be a recurrence. And thus my education on this topic is in its genesis. A few takeaways from this experience -- don't leave the house without sunscreen protection and learn more to successfully advocate for myself. Here's an entry from a chronic illness blogger about her ordeal with skin cancer.

Falls don't always happen when you're standing. Although balance and fall prevention classes help increase your odds of preventing a near fall, some falls are just unusual accidents. Like sitting in a chair where the seat gives way and your derriere hits the ground. That's one unusual fall. Fortunately, movement and flexibility classes improve your chances of diminishing the impact of the fall. For more information on Balance and Fall Prevention, listen to this podcast episode with UCSF Physical Therapy Professor, Erica Pitsch. The Mat Pilates class offered by BORP is described as: Designed by and for people with spinal cord injuries but open and beneficial to all, the Adaptive Pilates Mat Class is a unique class essential for those that sit in a chair all day and are able to get  up and down off of the floor or have access to a raised mat.  Liz Ann will lead the class through the basic principles of Pilates, helping you to get stronger, more flexible and even to have improved coordination. Pilates also uses specific sequential breathing methods combined with intense concentration on a specific body part to create an effective exercise routine. To find out about other adaptive/accessible online movement classes, join the Facebook group: Movement Challenge.

Christina Leffmann, or Roma as she prefers to be called, is passionate about indoor and outdoor rock climbing as well as the Acquired Disability Peer Support Group she started. In June Roma traveled to Salt Lake City to participate in Paraclimbing National Championships (you can see Roma climbing at 12:30 in the video). In her early 20s Roma experienced a series of strokes and identifies as having an acquired disability which is different than being born with a disability or aging into a disability. Currently she works for the Center for Independent Living and has an active life with a daily stretch routine, swimming, and weekly cycling. And rock climbing, of course. Earlier this year Roma shared her movement practice at one of the weekly Zoom meetings as part of the May Movement Challenge.

The Pandemic has brought many changes; for me, it's ushered in the next chapter of my life. Perhaps the final chapter? With mobility challenges, it was one of two choices: home modifications or move to a new house. I chose the latter. The transition could be bittersweet but I think I've gained more than I've lost. I am closer to Nature and getting more than my usual Vitamin N dose. Shortly after I moved from the East Coast to California in 1989, I had the opportunity to visit Mendocino when I was producing a documentary about women rabbis. Ever since that experience I've visited this beautiful coastal town. This past May was filled with online accessible movement classes for the May Movement Challenge. Once the month of activity ended, all I did was organize, pack, organize, and pack. The move occured in mid-August and here I am...ready to continue podcasting.

It's the May Movement Challenge! This episode explains all you need to know about the #MayMovementChallenge2021 featuring Stanford University's Research Physical Therapist, Tina Duong. Tina's worked with both children and adults with spinal cord injury, stroke rehab, and neuromuscular disease. She talks about stretching, diaphragmatic breathing, and how to take care of yourself when starting a movement practice. Learn about the FITT Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Type, and Time) as it applies to movement and exercise. Once you've listened to this episode, don't waste any time in registering for any of the five information sessions on Saturdays during the month of May. Take a look at the Events Calendar for May with over 75 movement classes -- all free, online, and most with accessible accommodations. Each Saturday in May will feature movement instructors leading a stretch, discussing a different aspect of movement as well as motivating us to select attainable movement goals.

Telling a patient story can be a highly emotional task for anyone. Thankfully, there are people who can help. Emily Newberry - author, speaker, coach - at the Kaiser Permanente in Oregon, is one of those people. Emily was a natural story teller having spent part of her youth helping others tell their stories through song. Over the years she's perfected the craft and simplified the process. It's not rocket science, she says, just remember two facts and a feeling. As part of Kaiser's Person & Family Centered Care, high impact storytelling is important for patients as well as healthcare professionals. A patient story can create a call for action.

Self-Care, or radical Self-Care, is the theme for the 5-year anniversary of the Glass Half Full podcast. This short episode features my brand of self-care -- daily routines that are my sustenance, not just an end-of-the-week treat. Whether it's nutrition, movement, or attitude my waking hours are spent minimizing symptoms associated with a progressive neuromuscular disease and maximizing a limited supply of energy. As part of the anniversary celebration, join me in a streaming Facebook Live event on Sunday, March 21st at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. I'll be joined in a lively discussion on Self-Care with previous podcast guests. On Friday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. you can participate in an interactive presentation, A Journey With Movement & Exercise at the Virtual Abilities Expo. Registration is free.

A contemplative practice includes meditation, prayer, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi or qigong, journaling or anything that helps ground you. Some people uses affirmations while others use music to help them ease into a more tranquil state. Shameka Andrews (pictured above) shares her meditation experience with individuals and organizations and even at a local farmer's market in upstate New York. Positive affirmations and mirror work have helped Shameka move through feelings of depression and isolation associated with having a physical disability, Gareth Walker talks about finding mindfulness meditation and how it's helped him cope with Multiple Sclerosis. Mary Holt, RN, went through a mindfulness meditation training that changed how she works with patients and families dealing with neurological conditions like muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. Melissa Felsenstein used sound meditation to help her move through depression and anxiety. Molly Lannon Kenny, a yoga therapist and graduate of a program in Christian mysticism, discusses similarities between prayer and meditation. Author Toni Bernhard offers her Buddhist perspective on meditation and how it has helped her deal with a chronic illness.

Do you see images of yourself reflected in popular media? As a person with a chronic health condition and/or disability, is your life reflected in movies, television, print, or social media? In this themed podcast episode you'll hear from Christophe Zajac-Denek -- an actor, musician, surfer, skateboarder, and little person -- whose podcast, I'm Kind of a Big Deal, explores the unique lives of people with dwarfism. Christophe has worked in Hollywood movies for 11 years but rarely do you see his face. Lindsey Kizer, recently diagnosed with narcolepsy, appeared in an earlier podcast episode. Her experience of narcolepsy reflected in media has often been as a joke with the character falling asleep mid-sentence. John Poehler is a published author and award-winning blogger in Colorado. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999, John's memory of mainstream media's representation of people with bipolar disorder was far from accurate. Daniel G. Garza, an HIV/AIDS patient leader, advocate, and educator talks about the first movie where he saw characters portrayed with HIV/AIDS. Daniel has a blog/podcast and YouTube channel. Ania Flatau, an avid dancer born with spina bifida, was featured in a previous podcast episode, Ania has never seen spina bifida represented in popular movies or television but she is quite proud of a certain wheelchair skater, Aaron Fotheringham. For those with myotonic dystrophy, like myself, all we have is this documentary, Extremis.

If Emma Goldman were alive and experimenting with the virtual life, she may have said something like this. Why not dance through the pandemic? It's good physical exercise, ignites oxytocin, and can bond you with a community. Several accessible dance organizations have brought their talents online and thus expanded their reach nationally and internationally. One organization, Dance for All Bodies, co-founded by two recent UC-Berkeley grads -- Yagmur Halezeroglu and Tess Hanson -- feature a variety of professional dance instructors teaching accessible dance in a variety of styles from salsa to urban jazz and even chair tap. Another group, Wheelchair Dancers Organization, pairs wheelers with walkers, and offers online classes in Island Fusion, Hip Hop, Latin Jazz, and Bollywood. One of their wheeler instructors, Ania Flatau, also offers dance classes on YouTube Live through her Facebook group, Cat Daddy's n Krew Virtual Fitness with Ania.

Loneliness is a public health issue. It was before the COVID-19 epidemic forced us into social isolation. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness a “growing health epidemic,” and even wrote a book about it - Together: Why Social Connection Holds the Key to Better Health, Higher Performance, and Greater Happiness. In the United Kingdom they take this issue very seriously and now have a Minister of Loneliness. Sophie Andrews started an organization called The Silver Line which is a helpline for lonely and isolated seniors. Does loneliness impact those with chronic illness and/or disability more than the general population? Curious to know how you rate on the Loneliness Scale or maybe you'd like to take a quick quiz for a less robust assessment. In this podcast episode we explore that question as well as the antidotes for loneliness. In this presentation for the University of Utah's Program for Inherited Neuromuscular Disorders, I discuss how I've handled social isolation during the pandemic. My friend, David, talks about the Big & Mini online program he's become involved with as well as Quarantine Chat. Although geared toward an older audience, Humana has a toolkit full of ideas on how to combat loneliness.

Are you ready for three days of workshops, adaptive activities, and discovering resources and services to enhance your quality of life? Peruse the agenda, make plans for November 20-22, and register for the free Virtual Abilities Expo. President and CEO David Korse shares the 40+ year history of the annual event in this podcast episode as well as whets our appetite with the impressive lineup of Expo activities. There's something for everyone -- whether your interest is in disability rights, adaptive movement, or how to make your home more accessible.

Believe it or not, this episode has nothing to do with the recent U.S. election. We're celebrating the 100th podcast episode of the Glass Half Full. But feel free to celebrate our right to vote in a democracy. All good! If you're a recent Glass Half Full listener, you can now peruse the archives of evergreen content that fall into these categories: Advocacy Alternative Healing Modalities Autoimmune Disorders Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Coping Disability Rights and Accessibility General Health Laughter Mental Health Movement Music and the Arts Nature Neurological Conditions Nutrition Relaxation Research Social Support Spirituality Technology If you're running out of ideas on how to cope with COVID, check out this list of 50 different ways to spend your time in a safe and sane manner. If you're in need of online accessible exercise and relaxation opportunities, check out this page. To learn more about Judith Nangekhe Nk, the health service worker and caregiver in Kenya, here's a video. Please visit the Glass Half Full store. You can buy t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and even face masks with the Glass Half Full logo.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Meet Susan Jeremy -- Comic, Actress, Playwright, and Teacher -- and breast cancer survivor. She's also an old friend from my college days. We reminisce about way back when...as well as hear about Susan's unfortunate experience at a New York medical clinic where she was told, "You’re over 40, it’s a cyst. Take aspirin." The tumor grew. Susan's diagnosis and treatment led her to make life changes. She became one of the 48 teachers in Manhattan working directly with medically-challenged students; 80% of them undergoing chemotherapy. Eventually, she wrote and starred in her one-woman show, Teacher in the House. While her performance schedule is impacted due to COVID, you can enjoy her dancing and character sketches on Tik Tok. For additional podcast episodes with breast cancer survivors, visit this page.

This is part 2 of a conversation with Dalia Kinsey, RD, LD, SNS. We talk about becoming our authentic selves, how trauma impacts our physical and emotional health, and the need for inclusivity and intersectionality in public health messages. This is the most stressful year of our lives. We've got the pandemic going. We already knew about police brutality, but never have we been to a point where every time you turn on the television, every time you open Facebook, every time you look anywhere, you're seeing another black or brown body being abused. The trauma is massive and I don't see anyone really addressing it. And I feel like racism is what I know, that racism and all kinds of systemic abuse, these are public health crises. ~ Dalia Kinsey You can find out more about Dalia on her website. To learn more about Black Joy, check out this article or video series.

Dalia Kinsey, RD, LD, SNS, chose to be a dietician because she wanted to help people prevent chronic disease; this was before receiving a diagnosis of Graves Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. In this first of a two-part interview, Dalia shares anecdotes of dealing with a chronic health condition in another country where certain modern conveniences, like continuous running water, are lacking. Her lived experience and academic training have shown her that many people make the false correlation between weight and health. Dalia believes, Health is not just determined by one or two factors. Eating is such a social thing and feeling connected to others and happy and not judging yourself when you're eating, I think also plays a major part as to how your body relates to those calories. And it affects digestion, how you feel about your food, that I think it's important not to have any strict food rules, but the basics that we all know from our mom or grandma from whenever is that you should eat vegetables and you should eat fruit and you should really, really eat vegetables. As a healthcare practitioner Dalia views her role is "to be a facilitator and there for whatever the patient wants, not to be like this parental figure telling anyone what to do because you know better." You can follow Dalia Kinsey on Instagram @schoolnutritionRD and check out her school nutrition podcast. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation. If you want to hear another healthcare professional speak about her journey as a physician diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, listen to this previous podcast episode.

Are you feeling stressed out? With all that's going on in the world -- pandemic, civil unrest, job loss, hurricanes, wild fires -- it's difficult to avoid stress. Laughter therapy, or laughter yoga, might help alleviate some of the heaviness. It's free. It offers numerous mental and physical health benefits. And it's fun. In the field of psychoneuroimmunology, laughter has been studied and found to lower blood pressure, strengthen cardiovascular function, improve circulation, boost immune function, trigger the release of endorphins, and produce a sense of well-being. You'll meet Annie Goglia, a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, who shares her story how laughter transformed her life. You can even join her, virtually, at her Laughter Club. To delve deeper into your exploration of Laughter Therapy, check out the Comedy Cures Foundation and Association for Applied & Therapeutic Humor. The University of San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers classes in Laughter Yoga as well as the Founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria.

What do you do as a patient with a progressive health condition that renders you unable to do certain tasks? Do you ask for assistance or find a work-around to accommodate for that situation? Once you ask for help, how does your relationship with your helper change? Learned Helplessness is, according to Wikipedia, "a condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression." Psychologist Martin Seligman coined the term, learned helplessness, in early research he did with animals, and eventually humans. This New Yorker article briefly describes different applications of the research. Mike Hamlin, a man with myotonic dystrophy, sets the tone with a friendly rant. Melissa Dixon, Ph.D., a researcher and professor (Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Pediatric Neurology) at the University of Utah, discusses learned helplessness with children and adults and how it impacts relationships and suggests empathetic communication styles.

Featured are four people -- with their own unique health conditions -- that are making the best of the quarantine and pandemic. Luda Gogolushko, who has SMA Type 3 and lives in Southern California, continues to write and publish from the safety of her home. Lindsey Kizer, in North Carolina, gets to telecommute for her job and tries to maintain self-care routines to avoid narcoleptic flare ups. Jay Carr, with myotonic dystrophy in Virginia, spends more time with his teenage son during the lockdown. He also cheers others with his humorous Facebook posts and musical interludes. Peter Slobodnik, outside of Sacramento, keeps himself busy by making masks for friends and family while also planning an advocacy bike ride to draw attention to his rare disease, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.

People with anxiety, autism, blindness or low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, mobility challenges, chemical sensitivities, or PTSD may face unique challenges visiting a dental office. Now with the additional barrier -- the COVID-19 pandemic -- many people are postponing or cancelling routine dental appointments. Dr. Helena Caballero, a dentist in Northern California, discusses oral health and hygiene, how COVID-19 has changed dentistry, and modifications for people with disabilities. For additional information, you can download Creating Disability Friendly Dental Practices from The Independence Center. For those with Parkinson's Disease, additional information is provided to maintain dental health. For those with neurological disorders, there is an article, "Dental Visits Made Easier" offering helpful tips. Here is an article that discusses the little dental coverage that Medicare offers.

That is me; I still have my hands, says the 4-year old girl after waking up in the hospital and being told by her mother that she had lost her legs. The little girl grew up to become Rumba with Tina. Tina Verduzco teaches a Saturday morning online dance class for BORP: Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program. Tina, along with several other online instructors, help this podcaster maintain positive energy and a healthy mind, body, and spirit during the shelter-in-place period. Cynthia Noonan, one of BORP's Board of Directors, transitioned the in-person fitness studio in Berkeley, California to the virtual world where participants join in from across the United States and Mexico. You are invited to join this online community; check out the BORP class schedule as well as other accessible exercise program offerings including Dance For All Bodies and Wheelchair Dancers.

We're not talking about your financial investments. How much of a health risk are you willing to take during the current pandemic? Do you wear a facial mask when you leave your home? Do you maintain six feet of physical distance from people who do not live with you? Are you avoiding crowds? Postponing health appointments? As our cities and towns gradually open up, will you change your behaviors or wait for a reliable vaccine?

This month we have both Earth Day and Arbor Day so it's high time to be amongst the trees. Even if you are hunkered down in the safety of your home during the pandemic, you can still derive healing benefits from gazing out of your window at nature's bounty. If your window faces man-made materials, there is science proving that a photograph of trees can impact you in a positive physical and emotional way. Verla Fortier, RN, author of

If you, or someone you know, has a muscle or nerve condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson's Disease, or a neuromuscular disease (i.e. myotonic dystrophy, SMA, Charcot Marie Tooth, Becker's, ALS, etc.), here's an opportunity to participate in a research study. No trips to a medical center or donation of muscle tissue required. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center has a variety of studies with different criteria. For Factsheets produced by UW -- after a study has concluded -- check this website. Listen to an earlier podcast episode with a UW Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Research Study Coordinator about Resilience and Aging with a Disability.

It's April Fool's Day so we're mixing things up. One can't be positive 100% of the time. Now is the opportunity to share about all of the weird things people have said about our health conditions -- whether it was a friend, an aunt, or even a health care professional. Perhaps well-intentioned but definitely not insightful nor helpful advice. Most people with some type of chronic health condition have had this experience. A panel of three previous podcast guests share their stories -- from the hilarious to the frightening. Nancy, Melissa, and Laurel let it all out.

A retired nurse, physical and yoga therapist, and mental health professional offer strategies to cope with uncertainty, anxiety, and all those other emotions caught up in this season of the pandemic. Verla Fortier, author of Take Back Your Outside Mindset: Live Longer, Prevent Dementia, and Control Your Chronic Illness, speaks about her experience diagnosed with systemic lupus and the discovery of the healing power of trees. Tianna Meriage-Reiter, DPT, C-IAYT, owner of the Mind-Body Movement Center talks about her new live streaming yoga classes available at her YouTube channel. Lee Greenstein-Wein, MSW, shares how specific essential oils can help with situational anxiety or depression. An earlier podcast episode features other healing benefits of essential oils.

How is the threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus) impacting your life? Beyond fierce hand washing, are you changing how you relate to others? Is social distancing keeping you indoors? Are you second-guessing where you go, what you do, and with whom you spend time? You're not alone. People with chronic illness and/or compromised immune systems need to be vigilant as well as mindful. For a few practical tips, listen to this podcast episode as well as the earlier episode, The Flu is Not for You. Here's a recipe to create your own hand sanitizer. And if you're ready for a little levity, check out this reoccurring segment on The Daily Show.

Being diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating disease can certainly bring stress to one's life. In fact, that stress can be significant enough to be called trauma. How one handles this stress varies. Some people have amazing coping capacity and are hard-wired for resilience while others have more difficulty. None of it is easy. How one handles this stress varies. Some people have amazing coping capacity and are hard-wired for resilience while others have more difficulty. None of it is easy. Mary Holt, a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, shares her journey of loss and recovery and the profound impact a mindfulness meditation practice has had on her life and work. She brings this practice to the clinics where she helps patients and their families with neuromuscular and Parkinson's disease.

What is a Patient Advocate? A patient advocate can be an actual patient with a mental and/or physical health condition, a caregiver for someone with a health condition, or a paid professional advocating on behalf of others with a health condition. Andrea L. Klein, of Cleveland, Tennessee, has collagen six intermediate congenital muscular dystrophy. She started a Facebook group, Breathe with MD Support Group, for people with a neuromuscular disease who struggle with respiratory health. Recently, she established a nonprofit organization with the same name. Melissa Talwar, of Pasadena, California, has struggled with fibromyalgia since she was 14 years old. Her experiences with different medications and their alarming side effects catapulted her into focused research on the condition and potential treatments. After volunteering with a patient advocacy organization, and  traveling around the U.S. to meet others with fibromyalgia, Melissa also established a nonprofit organization.

Registered Nurse and proud septuagenarian, Barbara Blaser, was the guest speaker at my Northern California myotonic dystrophy support group. With her healthcare background and deep knowledge of medicinal herbs, she spoke about the use of herbal tinctures, edibles, and lotions to help relieve muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and more. Barbara's nursing career was predominantly in the mental health field. But at some point in her 60s she had an esophagectomy and due to complications, she developed septicemia. She turned to natural herbal healing to help her pain, anxiety, and GI problems. Handouts that Barbara provided at the support group meeting are culled from this website.

In 2018, a research study found that at least 36% of Americans were sleeping less than seven hours each night. Inadequate sleep can lead to a number of physical and/or emotional conditions. Some common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, central or obstructive sleep apnea, and sleepwalking. Have you perfected your sleep hygiene behaviors to achieve optimal rest and sleep each night? If not, perhaps you'll want to hear what sleep specialist, Dr. Catherine Darley, has to say. In addition to Dr. Darley's advice, as well as the sleep hygiene tips I offer at the end of this podcast episode, check out this blog post on Brain & Life's website.

Two friends from grade school share their stories of a diagnosis of a neurological condition. Marc has Multiple Sclerosis and Steve has Parkinson's disease. I have a form of muscular dystrophy called myotonic dystrophy. It's purely coincidental we all went to the same synagogue; there is no correlation between being Jewish and having a neurological condition. Both Marc and Steve maintain positive attitudes. Marc has educated himself thoroughly about MS. Steve has tried different exercise programs customized for people with Parkinson's and now facilitates a support group.

A family physician talks about ways to avoid the flu, and enhance your immunity, during this peak season for influenza. Plus, you might learn some flu factoids for your next flu trivia contest. Stay on top of flu statistics by following the weekly FluView on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. If you provide care for someone with a chronic health condition or an elderly family member, you might want to glean additional flu information from this online article. For the Attitude of Gratitude Give-Aways through December 19th, check the Facebook group for details.

End-of-life planning is a huge topic. In previous podcast episodes we've covered the donation of body tissue for scientific research and attending a life transitions retreat. With three fascinating guests you'll learn about an annual symposium which brings together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and others all "committed to generating human-centered, interdisciplinary innovation for the end of life experience," a yoga therapist who trains others to care for the dying with bedside yoga, and a death doula. Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder of End Well, speaks about her motivation and the need for the annual event. Molly Lannon Kenny shares how a Life After Loss program evolved into Bedside Yoga. Sarah Miller talks about becoming an end-of-life doula and her work at AARP. For more information about the death wellness movement, check out my article on Spirituality & Health magazine's website.

Dianna Rowley, diagnosed with diabetes type 1, was a professional dancer. Although she had health issues in her childhood she wasn't diagnosed until her early 20s when she experienced a major health crisis. Her journey to wellness and life balance includes a lot of exercise and movement with setbacks and successes along the way. Today she is a Health & Fitness Coach inspiring others with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Heather Brock was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 nearly three years ago. An endocrinologist put her on medication which caused an adverse reaction. Determined to find a better way to manage the condition, Heather began reading books about reversing diabetes. Inspired by physicians like Dean Ornish, Michael Greger, and Joel Fuhrman, Heather adopted a plant-based diet and reversed the disease. She highly recommends Mastering Diabetes and Chef AJ.

Practicing Pilates can be done on a mat or with any number of devices such as the Reformer. Shannon Knorr, a yoga and Pilates instructor, talks about therapeutic Pilates to help with body alignment, pain relief, and more. Julia Carver, a Pilates and Movement Therapist, works with veterans who have experienced PTSD and other trauma to help them with neural reconnection. For people with muscle weakening conditions, like muscular dystrophy, Pilates can help strengthen core muscles.

Imagine if your physician not only understood your invisible chronic illness but also had experience healing her own autoimmune conditions. That physician could be Cynthia Li. Dr. Cynthia Li talks about her book, , and answers my questions covering everything from autoimmune illness, functional vs. integrative medicine, the writing process, to the role intuition played in her healing process and now plays a role in her medical practice. Dr. Li mentions the organization, HeartMath Institute, in this episode.