Podcast appearances and mentions of florine mark

Florine Mark revolutionized the weight-loss industry and inspired countless individuals to live healthier, happier lives. As the former owner and president of Weight Watchers Group, Florine built a business empire rooted in empowerment and community. Florine went from humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming a global health and wellness leader. She attended Weight Watchers meetings in New York to help her lose weight and then brought the concept back to Detroit as the first franchise WW owner. Then, she expaned across all of North America. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of believing in yourself. Whether you're striving for personal growth or professional success, Florine's story will leave you motivated to take that next step toward your goals. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com

With Tareq Azim, entrepreneur and author   What scares you? Is it a fear of illness or death? Are you afraid of heights or enclosed spaces? Or, does the fear of failure in business or personal relationships scare you? Perhaps it's a fear of the unknown. Some people suffer from an extreme fear of simply “being” afraid. “Phobophobia” is a rare medical condition characterized by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or difficulty breathing that might even require a need for medication.  Although most of us don't suffer from phobophobia, we all have times in our life when we're afraid of something. But how that feeling of fear affects us can vary from simple anxiety to intense trauma that disrupts our daily life and could distort our perception of reality. Whatever it is that makes our palms sweat, our heart pound, and triggers our fight or flight response, we want to run far away from whatever provokes those uncomfortable feelings. However, running away isn't the answer. Because what happens the next time you come up against that very same fear-causing situation? Those feelings will surface again and again until we learn to overcome our fear.  One of the keys to overcoming fear is knowing what the triggers are and understanding the underlying cause. Sometimes just talking through our fear and exploring what to do in the event of a worst-case scenario might be enough to loosen the hold that phobia has over us. The very act of imagining how we would respond might provide the confidence to know we'll get through it.  Phobias such as the fear of swimming or being underwater might be addressed over time by learning to swim and increasing our comfort level in the water. But in the beginning, just knowing what to do when we are overcome with panic is a big part of managing our fear going forward. Getting to a quiet place, calming ourselves with deep breathing exercises or meditation, and focusing our thoughts on something comforting or empowering are all things we can do in the moment to work through that fear. If you want to learn more about how we can stop letting fear rule our lives, then please listen to Florine's interview with entrepreneur and author, Tareq Azim, whose book, Empower, Conquering the Disease of Fear, provides some wonderful strategies for learning how to overcome our fears. Hi, I'm Florine Mark, and welcome to “Today's Takeaway.” Have you ever been afraid to try something because you were convinced you would fail? Sometimes anxiety and our fear of failure can paralyze us especially if we think we'll let others down. We may even sabotage our efforts by giving up too easily. But what if it didn't have to be that way? What if we could learn to control our fear rather than allow it to control us? What if the very thing we fear most, could actually motivate us to succeed? When we are faced with no other alternative, then perhaps fear could help us achieve something we might not otherwise try.  My guest today is Tareq Azim. A former college football star, entrepreneur, and author, Tareq grew up the son of Afghan refugees, who fled the Soviet invasion with their young family, in search of a better life in America. He is also the founder of Empower, a unique fitness training facility where he works with elite athletes such as NFL superstar, Marshawn Lynch. But in addition to training sports legends, Tareq also works with ordinary individuals who aren't professional athletes. But regardless of who he is training, Tareq's approach is the same; he doesn't see himself as their coach, but rather, as their teammate. Tareq is helping his teammates achieve their dreams by overcoming their fears and strengthening their mind, body, and spirit. Recognizing that his unique training methods could work in a variety of ways, Tareq wrote a book called, Empower, Conquering the Disease of Fear. He's here today to share his philosophy and some of his training techniques with us to help us overcome our fears.  What You'll Hear in This Episode: Tareq talks about how his family coming to the United States from Afghanistan influenced the shape of his entire life. How did sports help Tareq feel accepted and valuable growing up, and what do they mean to him today? Tareq's desire to join the Navy Seals or Air Force Special Operations was motivated by a desire to overcome fear and utilize it for growth. What led Tareq to play Division 1 football? How did Tareq end up training elite athletes? Why does Tareq call his fitness clients his “teammates”? Why is fear the biggest driving force in our lives? What can we learn from fear? How did Tareq overcome his fear when he met with a Taliban warlord to open a women's boxing gym in Afghanistan? What did Tareq learn from visiting Afghanistan after 9/11? Tareq talks more about his book, Empower. Today's Takeaway: Fear can paralyze us. We might be so afraid to step outside of our comfort zone or do something different, that sometimes we don't even try! But think of all the lost opportunities! All the life experiences we may have missed out on, the jobs or promotions we failed to apply for, or the chance to start a relationship with someone. We lose out simply because we allow our fears to control us. But if we change our mindset to overcome these fears, we might be able to change our lives for the better.  Tareq's book, Empower gives some amazing examples of just how much can be accomplished once we learn to embrace our fear. By working through that fear rather than running to avoid it, we can go far beyond what we ever imagined might be possible. Sometimes to accomplish change, instead of focusing on our differences, why not focus on what we share in common? Tareq used the shared love of sports to inspire change in Afghanistan by establishing a Women's Boxing Federation. To gain approval for this program, Tareq had to overcome his fear when meeting with Taliban warlords. His methods demonstrate how the most important and overlooked area in our body is our brain! By working to understand what we fear and overcoming our discomfort, we can accomplish amazing things! Remember that every single day is a gift and when we embrace fear as a gift rather than a burden, we can grow even stronger with that gift and unlock our true potential. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.” Quotes: “Sports gave me freedom. Sports made me feel what I was seeking to feel, and what I still seek to feel as an adult, which is accepted, valuable, and relevant.” — Tareq [7:16] “I realized that it was fear that was preventing our growth, and it was fear that was preventing our capability and our capacity.” — Tareq [8:31] “I'm not necessarily fighting fear, but I'm embracing fear and utilizing it for why it exists.” — Tareq [8:51] “I'm very, very proud of being an individual of Afghan having the American Opportunity.” — Tareq [13:11] “We've been so embraced with open arms since the day we've come to this country.” — Tareq [13:43] “I always believed that sport and physical activity is one of the most underutilized medications for mental and emotional health disorders.” — Tareq [14:26] “My teammates, or my clients, actually do more for me than I do for them.” — Tareq [16:09] “I'm obsessed with trying to find the biggest problems in the world that people haven't been able to solve.” — Tareq [18:29] “Fear is, in my perspective, actually designed to just make you conscious, and hold you accountable to your truths.” — Tareq [20:46] “What sport gave me is this capability and this recognition of what a peace and reconciliation tool it could be for a being.” — Tareq [25:13] “I learned the value of being and believing in destiny. I also learned about the power and the influence of intentionality and communication.” — Tareq [29:29] Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Tareq on Instagram Tareq Azim Empower: Conquering the Disease of Fear

With Bonnie Burk, the Director of Recruitment at IntegriSource   Despite dire predictions based on labor strikes, global wars, and the reoccurring threats of inflation and recession, employment growth in the United States remained strong throughout 2023. But what lies ahead for 2024? What industries are hiring and what markets are downsizing their employee base? Where are the best job opportunities and how does the rising demand for Artificial Intelligence and other new emerging technologies impact the employment market?   As our population ages and skilled workers retire, that leaves a shortage of qualified talent to replace them. In the past, employers would automatically disqualify or dismiss candidates without a college degree, but from a recruitment standpoint today, they might need to focus less on degree-based hiring in favor of skill-based hiring. Companies that plan to hire additional staff should be prepared to match current market wages if they hope to remain competitive and recruit quality talent.   According to Bonnie Burk, the Director of Recruitment at IntegriSource, a staffing company that specializes in IT and Computer Engineering, service industries like healthcare, hospitality, and transportation continue to be plagued by labor shortages, while other industries such as the tech sector are aggressively reducing their headcount. While their core business staff may remain intact, these companies will continue to right-size their staffing needs by trimming other departments such as legal, accounting, and HR. Although the demand for Artificial Intelligence is growing rapidly, it can't replace the need for a creative workforce or specially trained, skilled workers.   Even as employers prioritize onsite attendance, job seekers are pushing back against the “return to office” trend in favor of remote or hybrid opportunities that offer more flexibility and a better work-life balance. While it's expected that wages will remain relatively flat, employers may focus instead on cost-of-living increases. Mature job seekers who have suddenly found themselves unemployed may want to remember the following when updating their resumes. Make sure that the resume length is no more than two pages in total. If you fear your age might work against you, it's okay to leave out the dates of your education and the former employment periods. For more information on current employment trends and tips, please check out Florine's 2022 interview with Bonnie.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How did Bonnie get into recruiting? How is the job market different today than in the past? Why are employees changing jobs so frequently today? How can companies afford to pay what job seekers are desiring and still make money? What are some of the biggest challenges that employees currently have in finding qualified candidates? What about workers such as administrative professionals or technicians? How criminal background and driving records can often be an obstacle for those seeking employment. What industries offer the greatest hiring opportunities in today's job market? Why are so many long-term employees deciding on early retirement? The importance of leaving your current place of employment on a good note. Bonnie shares her professional recommendations for companies facing a personnel shortage.   Today's Takeaway: One of the biggest concerns for employers in 2022 has been the difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified employees. The Department of Labor statistics indicate there are presently 11.3 million job openings which equates to 1.7 jobs available for every unemployed person. This would suggest that job seekers would have an easy time finding a job and yet, despite aggressive salary offers, companies have been unable to fill open positions. Although the desire to work remotely has definitely impacted the current job market, that's not the only reason why there are so many job openings. The number of highly-skilled workers who voluntarily left the workforce since 2020 seeking early retirement is significantly higher than in recent years. Replacing these individuals with their unique skill sets or finding qualified individuals who meet specific job requirements is one of the biggest challenges for companies and recruiters. Although the job market might be filled with job-seeking individuals, they may lack the credentials and skill sets needed for a particular job posting. These positions can remain open and unfilled for months if not years while the employer waits for the ideal candidate to appear.   In addition, as we've heard, other factors may automatically disqualify candidates from certain jobs, such as people who can't pass background checks due to their criminal background, education level, or immigration status. So what's the answer? Should employers relax their strict employment requirements? Offer advanced schooling grants or on-the-job training? Should the government allocate funds for tax credits in exchange for continuing education or advanced degrees in specific fields? Employers may need to rethink their approach to talent acquisition to change how they address employee retention and staffing to keep their workforce competitive. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of having an enjoyable, fulfilling job that not only allows us to pay our bills but offers the chance for continuing education and advancement is truly a gift. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “The easiest way to get a bump in salary is to switch jobs.” — Bonnie [10:10] “There is a huge skills mismatch with the people who are actively looking for a new role and the posted jobs there.” — Bonnie [12:15] “Sometimes ageism comes into play. I see that more than any other diversity issue.” — Bonnie [17:59] “I believe being a teacher is one of the greatest things you can do.” — Florine [19:24] “There are so many people looking for a new role.” — Bonnie [23:48] “For current employees, I really suggest that they (employers) upskill or cross-train and promote their internal employees. You want to hang on to the ones you already have.” — Bonnie [29:40] “Growth doesn't always mean a higher salary.” — Bonnie [31:58]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: IntegriSource

With Jessica Golbus, Clinical Instructor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School   Are you familiar with the term “wearable medical technology?” If not, perhaps you should be. One of the biggest advances in the field of medicine today has been the use of medical devices like smartwatches and home health monitoring equipment. Patients and medical professionals alike have noted significant benefits when using these devices to monitor and treat a variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The mainstream use of wearable health technology has become so popular that insurance companies and even employers are now willing to provide these devices free of charge. Health insurance companies recognize there's a beneficial subscriber impact from a reduction in hospital visits, which translates to huge cost savings for the insurer. By providing the subscriber with a device, the patient can now play a role in monitoring their health and be aware of any changes before they reach a critical point that requires hospital admission. Some employers are also willing to provide these devices because a healthier employee is more reliable, which equates to a reduction in employee turnover and a more stable workforce.   To learn more about the various types of devices and the role they play in aiding patient health, we're going to be speaking with Dr. Jessica Golbus, a Clinical Instructor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her research focuses on how digital health technology, like smartwatches, can improve the quality of care and treatment for patients with advanced heart disease.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What are wearable medical devices? Some examples of wearable devices, such as the Oura ring, the AFib History App on the Apple Watch, and FitBit. What is the Kardia6L? How do wearable devices transmit data, and what should we do with that data? The benefits of wearable devices such as fitness trackers. More about the type of patient that should wear a medical device. Other types of home monitoring equipment that are popular today. The innovations Jessica sees for medical devices in the future. Jessica talks more about the research she is doing at the Wearables in Reducing Risk and Enhancing Daily Life-style (WIRED-L) Center. What types of things can we do to improve our cardiovascular health?   Today's Takeaway: We're so very fortunate to live during a time when medical science and innovation play such a critical role in improving the quality of life and perhaps even saving patient lives. As we've heard, wearable tech devices are improving the lives of cardiac patients who are now able to monitor their condition and be alerted in the event of an irregular heartbeat. Studies indicate that cardiac rehab patients benefit from using wearable devices in conjunction with exercise-based rehabilitation programs. The latest version of the Apple Watch can actually measure an EKG to detect A-Fib and the information can be shared with their treating physicians. Diabetic patients can wear medical devices that continuously monitor blood sugar levels to alert them of changes based on their food or activity levels. These CGMs can even be used with insulin pumps that deliver insulin directly into their body when needed. According to Business Insider Intelligence research, more than a quarter of the U.S. population will use wearable technology in 2024. The field of medical technology is only in its infancy. It's only going to continue to grow and expand from here as we continue to learn and discover what these devices can do in terms of the quality of information and care they provide. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from using the wonderful monitoring tools and devices at our disposal is a gift that can literally save lives! I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “We typically think of wearable devices as capturing data passively. There are things that you're most familiar with, such as step count, location, heart rate, sleep, which can also collect data actively.” — Jessica [5:18] “One of the things that is interesting is you can bring together both actively and passively collected wearable devices to form kind of composite scores or to make inferences.” — Jessica [6:03] “I think it's really important that readers understand that there is actually little ability right now for patients to share their data with their clinicians in any sort of automated fashion. It's really beholden upon them to take ownership over their wearable device data.” — Jessica [6:38] “Not all data is created equal from a wearable device.” — Jessica [6:40] “We can all benefit from increased physical activity. So if you think of it from that perspective, I think we could all benefit from owning a wearable device like a smartwatch.” — Jessica [10:38] “When I think about what I'm excited about in the future, it's about the application of this technology to improve health.” — Jessica [14:42] “You can imagine how much more helpful it would be if I could see how somebody's physical activity levels changed over time to get that longitudinal continuous view over their health, and so I think that that is going to be a really ripe area for research. Right now, we really don't know how to interpret that data to make clinical decisions, and so I don't think that the wearable device data is being used as effectively as it could be.” — Jessica [15:46]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School Jessica Golbus

With Cathy Russ, Director of The West Bloomfield Michigan Public Library    As the snow and cold weather arrive, there's no better time to hunker down and catch up on our reading. But with so many newly released books, it's hard even to know where to begin. Thankfully, your local librarian can offer some great recommendations. According to Cathy Russ, the Director of The West Bloomfield Michigan Public Library, celebrity autobiographies are extremely popular right now. In addition to number-one bestsellers by Matthew Perry and Britney Spears, recently published memoirs by Henry Winkler, Barbara Streisand, and Dolly Parton make great holiday gifts.   Or, if you prefer best-selling fiction novels, Cathy suggests, The Exchange, the sequel to John Grisham's blockbuster novel, The Firm. If you're looking for your next book club, check out Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett, an emotionally gripping family saga that takes place during the pandemic in Northern Michigan.   According to Cathy, the availability of digital streaming Apps like Hoopla and Kanopy makes lending libraries more accessible than ever before. In addition to eBooks and movies, you can borrow your favorite audiobook or download music to your phone. You can even take advantage of the library waiting list through the App and place a hold on a particular item. Best of all, instead of paying a monthly surcharge to your favorite music streaming service, the cost is free. Just think of the money you'll save!   But did you know that many public libraries also offer a full range of business services? When was the last time you visited your local library? If it's been a while, you might be surprised to learn all the amazing things the library provides these days. In addition to internet access, printing, scanning, and faxing, many libraries also have private meeting rooms available.   One of the advantages of “working” from a library is the convenient hours of operation. The majority of public libraries offer evening hours and are open seven days a week. If you need help researching a particular topic or perhaps studying industry trends for a new business venture, why not ask the librarian for help? You could even access the library database from the comfort of your own home. Finally, to keep up with all the latest offerings, you can follow your Library on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to learn about upcoming events. Please listen to Florine's 2021 interview with Cathy Russ.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What happens at a book club? How are book clubs organized, and who usually picks the book? What happens if you don't like the book you're assigned to read? Do themed book clubs exist? How book clubs can help you expand your knowledge and even what you are interested in reading. What are some of the most popular authors and books right now? What are Book Group kits? Cathy talks about a few of her favorite books that she's read this year, including Firekeeper's Daughter and The Thursday Murder Club. What is the Best Seller's Club and the Reader's Advisory? Some of the fun and fabulous events and programming at the West Bloomfield Public Library. Cathy explains the benefits of two apps: Hoopla and Kanopy.   Today's Takeaway: Talking about a well-loved book is not only fun, but it can also enhance our understanding of others who have differing perspectives. By reading and learning about other races, cultures, or philosophies, we put ourselves into the mindset and emotions of others who think and live differently than we do. Discussing a particularly thought-provoking book with others can introduce unfamiliar concepts that may be foreign to our experience but might ultimately foster a greater sense of unity and actually bring people together or inspire compromise. Instead of observing from a distance, perhaps we may learn the reasons behind their beliefs or actions. And at a time when we are so divided as a nation and as a society, that can only be a good thing! In addition, public libraries offer many free resources and the opportunity to participate in fun community events. If you haven't visited your public library in a while, what are you waiting for? There's no better gift right now than treating yourself to your new favorite book and taking some much-needed “me time” to pause, read and reflect! I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Book clubs can be organized in whatever way suits the book club. Some people have a book club, but it's really a wine club where they occasionally talk about books. Some people really want to get right into the book and only talk about the book. So I think the important thing is however the club is organized is that it meets the needs of its members.” — Cathy [5:16] “The key to the organization of book clubs is just to make sure everybody's on the same page, if you will, and that everybody understands what the purpose is.” — Cathy [5:55] “That's the beauty of book clubs because it's not one size fits all. And it really can be tailored to what you want it to be.” — Cathy [8:11] “Some of the best book discussions come from when people don't like the book.” — Cathy [8:40] “You have a different take on it than I do, and we can have a cool discussion just about that.” — Cathy [12:19] “Virtual book clubs grew in popularity, because it was a way for people to connect, and it was a way for people to talk about something other than the pandemic, and talk about stories and stay in touch and have discussions that weren't about politics necessarily, or about things that were dividing us, but things that were bringing us together.” — Cathy [13:04]   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: West Bloomfield Public Library  West Bloomfield Public Library Facebook  West Bloomfield Public Library Instagram  Cathy Russ on LinkedIn  

With Haley Cassar, professional makeup artist and skin care advocate   Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a professional makeup artist working behind the scenes at a fashion show or photoshoot? Behind those beautiful, glamorous photos, the makeup artist is busy putting in days or even weeks of research and preparation ahead of the shoot to achieve the client's theme and artistic vision.   While most of us don't have the opportunity to appear in a designer fashion show, we can still book an appointment for a professional makeup application. And with the holidays right around the corner, there's no better time to start planning our look for that special occasion. A good starting point is knowing what colors and techniques are trending right now. According to professional makeup artist and skin care advocate, Haley Cassar, big, bold statement lips paired with smokey eyes in bronze or brown shades are especially popular right now. Hair can be worn up or pulled back and accessorized with headbands and clips. Add a bit more blush and false lashes and you're ready for your big night out!   Since having a professional makeup artist isn't an everyday option for most of us, we asked Haley what are some of the biggest mistakes women make when applying their own makeup? Not surprisingly, she said that wearing too much makeup when we're trying to cover up imperfections can actually backfire and draw more attention if it looks caked on. Keep in mind that not every new trend or technique is right for you. For example, if you have a very narrow face, contouring can make your features look harsh. When working with a new client, Haley says that the first step is to carefully evaluate their appearance and accentuate their natural beauty.   A professional makeup artist knows how to minimize a particular feature by covering up thin lips, large pores, or droopy eyelids. But the most important tip of all is to apply makeup in a way that will compliment your features and enhance your appearance. If you want to hear more skincare and makeup tips, please check out Florine's interview with Haley Cassar.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: How Haley's background as an artist helped her get into beauty and skin care. Why is having a good skincare routine the first step in applying makeup? What are the main steps for a good skincare routine? What are retinol and hyaluronic acid, and what do they do? The most important things to remember when applying makeup. What is a tinted moisturizer, and why does Haley recommend them? What is a “no makeup” makeup look? Haley's pick for her product to get that “no makeup makeup” look. Why do women get stuck in a rut or a dated routine with their makeup application? Tips for building a base before you put on makeup so that it lasts for the whole day. How can we achieve that glamorous look?   Today's Takeaway: I know I look better when I take the time to put a touch of makeup on. From a mental health standpoint, doing something that makes us feel better about ourselves is a sign of a healthy sense of self and indicative of good self-care. For me, it's part of my daily routine and when I'm getting dressed in the morning or applying a little makeup, I like to listen to music. It's also a great time to listen to a podcast and just enjoy some soothing “me time.” Having a routine that is familiar and a constant in our lives can feel very comforting. Remember that every day is a gift and sometimes the simplest of things, such as routinely applying makeup, styling our hair, or doing those early morning stretches to make ourselves start the day with a smile can be the best gift of all. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “You want to have a really good skincare routine because you want your face to be like a smooth canvas.” — Haley [6:18] “Always make sure you have built your layers with your skincare first. Always, always, always.” — Haley [10:38] “The “no makeup makeup” is when you're using the least amount of things possible to make you feel comfortable to get out the door.” — Haley [12:46] “If I had to pick one makeup to use the rest of my life as a “no makeup makeup” look, it would be mascara.” — Haley [13:21] “It's really just what makes you feel comfortable and what gives you a little bit of alertness to your look.” — Haley [13:46] “I use all different products from all different locations and I always use them on myself first before I use them on a client.” — Haley [16:28] “I just think that switching up your routine will help you get kind of out of a rut. Small little tweaks make the biggest difference.” — Haley [16:50] “I think if you're ever going to a special occasion… wear lashes. You can never go wrong with lashes.” — Haley [19:52]     Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode:  Haley Cassar Haley Cassar on Linkedin  Dermologica  

With Denise Ilitch, podcaster and President of Ilitch Enterprises   When you grow up in one of the most influential and successful families in the country, your family name and reputation precede you. People may feel they know you before you've even been introduced. While a family name can open doors and expose you to amazing opportunities, there is also the inherited weight of that family legacy.   Denise Ilitch recalls how her parents invested their life savings in a little pizza store in Garden City, Michigan. Although it was a big risk, that purchase eventually became the fastest-growing pizza franchise in America. It paved the way for what is now one of the most successful global enterprises in the world. Today, the Ilitch family empire includes two major league sports teams, several entertainment complexes, and extensive real estate holdings. Mike and Marian Ilitch never took their success for granted and believed in the importance of giving back to those less fortunate. They first opened the Little Caesars Love Kitchen in 1985 as a way to aid disaster victims and feed the hungry. To date, more than 6.5 million meals have been provided to those in need. Founded in 2000, the Ilitch Charities organization made it possible to do more and they've donated thousands of volunteer hours and $250 million to worthy causes in support of community programs.   From an early age, Denise was taught to prioritize hard work and the importance of giving back. When her father would ask, “What did you contribute to the world today?” there was never any doubt as to what was expected of her and Denise embraced that challenge fully. Today, Denise is considered one of the most influential businesswomen in America. Over the past 30 years, she has distinguished herself as a respected business leader, an advocate for women and children, an outspoken community leader, and a philanthropist. She's also a mother and devoted Grandmother.   In addition to her duties as President of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC, Denise will launch her campaign for a third term as a University of Michigan Regent along with the next season of her podcast, “The Denise Ilitch Show.” Well-versed in politics, Denise is a frequent guest on the Sunday CBS News Morning roundtable, “Michigan Matters.” She recently appeared alongside Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and CEO of Michigan Business Network, Chris Holman, touching on a wide range of topics from the UAW strike, the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, and the Detroit Lions. You won't want to miss Florine's interview with the very accomplished and inspirational, Denise Ilitch.    What You'll Hear on This Episode: What was it like for Denise growing up in a family of seven children, that also happened to be one of the most powerful families in the U.S.? Why did Denise's father and mother decide on pizza? What was Little Caesars like from the beginning, before it became one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the country? What lessons did Denise learn from both her very successful father and mother? Denise's parents were both different personalities, but they worked together perfectly. Much to Florine's delight, Denise's mother, Marian, was the first guest on her “Remarkable Women” radio show. The Ilitch family's vital role in rebuilding the city of Detroit and renovating The Fox Theater. Denise discusses Ilitch Charities and Little Caesars Love Kitchen. What it was like for her father Mike to purchase the Detroit Tigers as a huge baseball lover. Fun fact — he was even drafted by the Tigers before buying them in 1992! Denise's tragic loss of a brother due to addiction, and the lesson it taught her about how important it is to reach out for help. Denise talks about her role as a Regent at the University of Michigan. What are the biggest issues facing women and children today? What would we be surprised to learn about Denise?   Today's Takeaway: Being named one of Crain's 100 Most Influential Women is a tremendous honor. Just as her mother was previously recognized for the very same award, Denise exemplifies what it means to be one of the city's most influential women. She's an outstanding businesswoman, community leader, and someone who advocates tirelessly on behalf of others. Denise inherited a family legacy that's been credited with rebuilding a major American city. She was taught the importance of giving back to the community and guards her family legacy with grace and dignity. She continues to inspire and provide leadership in business, philanthropy, and education. Denise uses her podcast as a platform to motivate and inform others. Her guests are people she admires for their confidence, perseverance, and how they dealt with adversity. Every single day gives us gifts. My gift today is to talk to Denise and honor her for all the wonderful and amazing things that she has done in her life. She is truly an outstanding woman and role model! I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Many people told them pizza was a trend, but of course, he proved it wasn't.” — Denise [7:28]   “We all ended up at some point or another working in the family business because that's what it was when we started from day one.” — Denise [8:18]   “There are so many lessons I've learned from [my father]. But, I would say probably the biggest lesson is to be kind to others, to be humble, and to give back to the community.” — Denise [9:02]   “What I admire about my mom and what I've seen her do in the business is that she perseveres. Failure is not an option.” — Denise [10:44]   “He bought the Tigers and for him, it was a dream come true. It was really like watching a passionate fan run the team.” — Denise [17:26]   “Reach out for help, as much as you can.” — Denise [18:08]   “I encourage people, not to allow that stigma to stand in the way of getting help for your loved one.” — Denise [19:32]   “It's a family disease, not just the disease of one person.” — Denise [19:42]   “It's a privilege for me to be a regent at the University of Michigan. It's my alma mater. I love the University and I love the work that we do. It's very exciting and fun to be on the board because you can help students and you can help people.” — Denise [20:51]   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode:  Denise Ilitch — The University of Michigan Little Caesars Ilitch Companies Denise Ilitch Show Detroit Tigers  

With Sterling Hawkins, Motivational Speaker, Business Consultant and Author    Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your life is falling apart and you feel like a total failure? Perhaps you've been laid off from your dream job or a long-standing relationship is suddenly over. You might feel as if your entire world has come crashing down.   When we're at a low point in our lives, the obstacles in front of us may seem insurmountable. We know things will eventually get better, but how can we dig ourselves out of this hole and find the strength to go on? It's hard to even know where to begin.   Perhaps the answer might be staring us right in the face. Maybe the very thing we fear most can become the pathway forward. According to business consultant, motivational speaker, and author, Sterling Hawkins, fear shouldn't paralyze us or be an excuse not to pursue our dreams. Sterling says we should actively seek out the source of our discomfort, and then face it head-on rather than run from it.   During an interview with Florine in September of 2022, Sterling spoke about his book, “Hunting Discomfort.” Sterling shares how he overcame his own deepest fear and how he was able to find success. If you want to learn more about his step-by-step plan to get past the fears that block you from achieving your dreams, please listen to Florine's interview with Sterling Hawkins.   Please note: This episode was recorded prior to Florine's death in October of 2023.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How does discomfort negatively affect us? Sterling describes “discomfort” from a business or corporate perspective. Sterling's fall from the top after thinking he was going to cash in selling his business. He found himself in his 30s, six figures in debt, living with his parents, and feeling inadequate. Why is turning away discomfort so detrimental to us? What if you are already uncomfortable and fear embracing even more discomfort? What are our “discomfort defaults”? How did Sterling overcome his fear of public speaking, even after his first presentation in Singapore when he felt as if he had failed? The 5 Steps to Getting Through Discomfort. What is a street gang? Sterling gives a few inspirational success stories from clients and people he's met along the way.   Today's Takeaway: Sterling's book is called “Hunting Discomfort.” In his book, he provides a terrific five-step plan for how to overcome our biggest challenges. We don't have to deny ourselves the career success or the personal achievements we dream of, simply because it hasn't worked out in the past. Instead, think of today as a fresh start and a chance for a “do-over.” Are you willing to pursue your dream “No Matter What”? If so, then the first step is identifying the obstacles that have previously blocked you from reaching your goals. Allowing your past to control your future limits your true potential. It's important to remember that the past is simply that, the past. It has little or no bearing on the present or the future unless we choose to let it. Don't resign yourself and think this is just the way it is. It doesn't have to be — not if you're willing to do the hard work by facing your discomfort.   Start thinking of your belief system as a muscle that needs to be exercised. Remember the very first time you tried a physical fitness workout and you were convinced you'd never be able to do it? But over time and with repetition, you were successful. Do you remember how wonderful it felt? Despite your doubts, you pushed through the discomfort to get the desired result. It's the same way with challenging our beliefs, we need to push past those thoughts that are crippling our progress.   Instead of accepting the status quo, dream bigger and reach higher! Challenge yourself! Stop letting those feelings of doubt and fear block you! Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Make that commitment! That new and different experience could be just what you need to jumpstart the future you dream of. Sterling teaches us that growth is only possible if we lean into the discomfort and face it head-on. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of feeling that discomfort could lead to growth and ultimately, put you on the path to success. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “I went from this sure thing of success, we're going to all go public and buy islands and crown ourselves the next Steve Jobs, to living in my parents' house in my 30s, which is quite a humbling experience, I have to say.” — Sterling [7:75] “The only way out is through.” — Robert Frost [8:45] “I said, okay, if the way out is through, I'm going to go after the things that scare me most.” — Sterling [10:00] “Your greatest challenges are the doorways to what will become your greatest successes.” — Sterling [12:38] “You're not only the joy and the happiness and the good times. You're equally and just as validly, the uncomfortable moments, the painful moments, the sorrowful moments, maybe even anger-filled moments.” — Sterling [13:37] “If you want to build your resilience, your courage, your breakthrough results, you hunt the discomfort, no matter what form it's in and no matter how it feels.” — Sterling [16:39]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Hunting Discomfort: How to Get Breakthrough Results in Life and Business No Matter What, by Sterling Hawkins Sterling Hawkins  

With Lisa Lapides Sawicki, Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker   We frequently hear the term “self-sabotage” but what does it mean? What is self-sabotage and how can it harm us? When we act, consciously or unconsciously, in a way that prevents us from achieving a long-desired goal, that is self-sabotage. Common examples of sabotaging behaviors might take the form of missing an important deadline at work, eating a tub of ice cream while on a diet to lose weight, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, or abruptly ending a happy relationship, simply out of a fear of being hurt. In each of these examples, the person who self-sabotages does so out of an abundance of fear that they will ultimately fail. As a result, they quit before they can be seen as a failure by others. But quitting on their own initiative feels like the safer option because it gives them the control.   What causes us to self-sabotage? We all have unresolved issues. For example, if a person has a history of low self-esteem, a difficult childhood, or an emotionally abusive relationship, these are just a few of the issues that can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors. If you haven't dealt with your personal demons and believe you're not deserving or worthy of success, you may find yourself creating barriers that prevent it.   A person can spend their entire life being unwilling to “put themselves out there” because of their fear of failure. But the good news is that we can learn how to overcome our self-destructive tendencies. If you want to learn how to recognize this pattern, you'll want to listen to Florine's interview with Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, Lisa Lapides Sawicki. Lisa's workshops help uncover how our thoughts, feelings, and actions direct our lives and more importantly, how we can learn to change our behavior and overcome these destructive impulses.   Please note: This episode was recorded prior to Florine's death in October of 2023.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why do we self-sabotage? What are some common ways that people sabotage themselves? Examples of negative self-beliefs and habits that keep people stuck or sabotaging their dreams to stay safe. Can self-sabotage be related to addiction? People may respond negatively or in unkind ways when you set boundaries and stop self-sabotaging. Is self-sabotage always connected to achieving a goal? What does Lisa mean by the “monkey mind”? How can we break through self-sabotage in a positive way? How to deal with people who are jealous or insecure about your success or who try to sabotage your dreams. How our background and childhood could affect how we think and talk to ourselves about what's possible. Why people sabotage themselves in romantic relationships. What is cognitive dissonance? How do we learn to stop sabotage?   Today's Takeaway: A fear of commitment, low self-esteem, or feeling that we don't deserve to be happy or successful in life are just some of the reasons why we deliberately sabotage ourselves. If you're always missing out on that dream job or if that happy long-term relationship is just out of reach, maybe it's time to ask yourself if you are the obstacle. Are you getting in the way of achieving your hopes and dreams? There is nothing shameful in admitting we might be sabotaging ourselves. You may need help in overcoming those behaviors but think of it as an opportunity to learn and grow so you can finally be happy to live the life you desire.   Stop procrastinating. The future you dream of starts now! Set a realistic and attainable goal for yourself and go after it. Put together a “road map” outlining each of the steps along your journey to success. Instead of taking actions that undermine your progress, hold yourself accountable by sharing your progress with your support team at every stage of the journey. Celebrate every small victory and be proud of your accomplishment! If you do that consistently and enjoy each small step, you'll be well on your way to realizing your dreams. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from changing our behavior to ensure we accomplish our goals is a gift that will keep on giving. You too can realize your dreams and build the life you always dreamed of for yourself. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Self-sabotage is when we actively, passively or unconsciously think thoughts and take action (or no action) that absolutely sabotages our success, wants, goals, or desires.” — Lisa [4:45] “For some people, they have really big regrets when they don't accomplish something that they have continued to self-sabotage their whole life.” — Lisa [5:51] “I think overwhelmingness can be self-sabotage. Pressure, not focusing, being too embarrassed to share with people some of their goals.” — Lisa [7:15]  “A lot of people have a fear of success, and they absolutely sabotage their opportunities when they come up.” — Lisa [7:26]  “If you make your custom design plan, it doesn't have to be anybody else's plan. It's your plan.” — Lisa [8:12]  “I think it's about boundary setting with other people when you want to go through a desired goal or new behavior.” — Lisa [10:06]  “There's a lot of ways besides our goals that we self-sabotage. It's like that monkey mind that comes.” — Lisa [11:20]  “You only have one day. It's today.” — Florine [14:03]  “It's a realistic self-awareness and a realistic response to what's happening. It's not just asking for a pie-in-the-sky result, but really saying, ‘I can positively handle whatever happens.'” — Lisa [14:11]  “It's not about the outside world. It's about working with who you are and doing the big things you want to do, and not letting anyone stop how far you want to go.” — Lisa [14:33] “It takes a really strong person to not fall prey to the criticisms and the judgments of other people.” — Lisa [16:43] “It's been fairly recent, but it's been a process of self-evolving and self-awareness and self-coaching.” — Lisa [19:54] “We are going to be imperfect and we need to accept that.” — Lisa [31:33]    Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Lisa Lapides Sawicki Self Coach Now Website IG: @mycoachlisa

With Dr. Kim Eagle, a cardiologist from the University of Michigan and the Director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center.   Did you know that October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month? What is a sudden cardiac arrest and how does it differ from a heart attack? Although the two are thought to be similar, they are actually quite different. A heart attack occurs when there is an insufficient flow of blood to the heart. This is typically caused by a circulatory problem such as a blockage or an Aneurysm. But a sudden cardiac arrest results from “an electrical failure” where the heart malfunctions due to an irregular rhythm and suddenly stops beating. While a heart attack may be preceded by a history of warning symptoms, such as fatigue or shortness of breath, a sudden cardiac arrest or SCA usually occurs without warning, and in 95% of the cases, it will be fatal. Although an unexpected blow to the chest, such as the one suffered by the Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin, could disrupt the heart's electrical rhythm, an acute onset of emotional distress or anxiety could also trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. The signs of sudden cardiac arrest are a sudden collapse and the loss of consciousness. If a person has stopped breathing after collapsing, it is likely they're experiencing an SCA. It is critical to act immediately by calling 911 and promptly administering CPR. The likelihood of survival may increase if you have access to a portable defibrillator, more commonly known as an AED. These devices are frequently found in public places such as sports stadiums and come equipped with voice-guided instructions for use by untrained individuals. Prior to her death in October of 2023, Florine recorded an interview with Dr. Kim Eagle, a renowned cardiologist from the University of Michigan and the Director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. If you want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease and the simple lifestyle changes that could lessen your risk of a heart attack, please listen to Florine's interview with Dr. Eagle.   Please note: This episode was previously recorded prior to Florine's death in October of 2023.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How does heart disease impact other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity? What type of screening occurs for cardiac health? The importance of getting an annual physical. How does the lack of resources affect those who get treated for cardiovascular disease? What are four simple things we can do to improve our heart health today? What foods should we avoid for heart disease, and which should we try to eat more of? What about coffee or alcohol? How regular exercise helps to extend our life span. How Dr. Kim gets in his 10,000+ steps a day.   Today's Takeaway: I want to thank Dr. Kim Eagle for being my guest today. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every 36 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease. On an annual basis, every one in four deaths in the U.S. are caused by heart disease. Since 2014, the financial toll in the U.S. from heart-related deaths including medical services, prescription drugs, and loss of productivity due to death exceeds $219 billion per year. That's $219 billion and this year's numbers might well exceed that figure due to the complications of COVID-19! Something's got to change. If you want to ensure that you and your loved ones don't become part of these statistics, Dr. Eagle has given us four simple changes that you can implement today. If you just follow his suggestions, you can lessen your risk of developing heart disease. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: When we talk to patients about trying to understand their risk and prevent future events, the first thing is to start with understanding their numbers, and that requires them to work with a doctor.” — Dr. Eagle [4:52] “It's very important to have an annual physical.” — Dr. Eagle [6:05] “Cardiovascular disease and resources matter.” — Dr. Eagle [6:35] “When there is a disparity of socio-economic status, this can then lead to a lack of access to medical care, preventive therapies, and so forth.” — Dr. Eagle [7:51] “If you look at your plate, you want your plate to be rich in color, full of fruits and fresh vegetables.” — Dr. Eagle [12:07] “A Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, where the protein is a healthy protein.” — Dr. Eagle [13:11] “Any movement at all is incredibly healthy for cardiovascular health, and also mental health.” — Dr. Eagle [16:37]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Kim Eagle Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Health  

With David Norec, author and activist   The rate of childhood or pediatric obesity has increased dramatically in the past few years with approximately one-third of children in the U.S. diagnosed as overweight or obese. While many people may dismiss childhood obesity as something they'll eventually grow out of, more often than not, obese children become obese adults who risk developing any number of health-related issues. Sadly, these same health consequences might have been avoided if their obesity had been addressed in childhood. Being overweight significantly increases the likelihood of a child developing type 2 diabetes and other potential health consequences, such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea, that could result from childhood obesity. Pediatric diabetes also increases the likelihood of developing serious health complications later in life such as retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney, and cardiovascular disease. But the risk is not just limited to physical consequences. Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes are also associated with an increased risk for psychological problems such as severe depression, binge eating, and an overall reduced quality of life. Today, we're going to be speaking with David Norec, an author and activist who is drawing attention to the problem of childhood obesity through his books and combating it in a wonderfully creative manner.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: David talks about how diabetes has impacted his life and affected his family. What was it like for David growing up in the most obese city in America? How did David get diagnosed with diabetes, and how has he changed his life? What is type 2 diabetes and how does it differ from type 1? The importance of getting physical movement every day. For David, it's his daily walks at the mall. What inspired David to write a book and create an action plan to address the problems of childhood obesity and diabetes? More about David's book, Exo and Cy, and how it inspires both parents and children to win the battle against obesity. What are Storybook Walks and Fit Lit parks that encourage families to get out in the world and move? Why a healthy lifestyle can be an ingredient in academic success.   Today's Takeaway: Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the U.S., particularly in socioeconomically deprived communities where children don't have access to healthy, well-balanced meals. As we learned from David, for the past six years, McAllen, Texas has been named the fattest city in America. Over 40% of the population in the Rio Grande Valley is currently obese or diabetic. Studies indicate that being overweight as a child or adolescent is one of the biggest risks for type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with a family history of diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle. That's truly frightening when you consider that more than 1.5 million deaths a year are directly attributed to diabetes. But as we've heard today, early intervention is the key. Educating children and their parents on the importance of proper nutrition and daily physical activity is the first step. Making sure that at-risk children, especially those with food insecurity issues, have access to healthy meal options and safe opportunities for daily physical fitness can go a long way toward reversing a family history of obesity. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from giving children the tools to become their own best health advocate from a young age, is a gift that will keep on giving for a lifetime! I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Diabetes is my family member, which is ridiculous and sad, but that's my life.” — David [3:20] “It's a sad and slow process and it's very difficult to see your loved ones go through that.” — David [5:20] “It has to be part of life, and not just for diabetes, but other obesity-related illnesses, to just do something rather than just sitting inside and not doing anything.” — David [8:21] “It's too late for my brothers and too late for my sister, but it's not too late for the next generation.” — David [9:14]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: The Adventures of Exo and Cy David Norec: Instagram David Norec: LinkedIn David Norec: Website  

Drew needs some ink, Britney Spears' book blames everyone, Donald Trump's microphone, Tommy Lee with Bill Maher, AB arrested, another poop plane, Trace Cyrus explains his tattoos, and Tom Mazawey's car problems. Corey Feldman rocks our YouTube page. So do the Detroit Lions. The Detroit Lions have a tough matchup upcoming with the Baltimore Ravens. RIP Weight Watchers' Florine Mark. People are reacting to Tom Mazawey's car debacle. Tom's newest red-ass is courtesy of Kris Steel. Facebook Marketplace is a haggling hellscape. Urban Meyer doesn't want anything to do with MSU… allegedly. Donald Trump got upset with his microphone. Landon Barker is opening up to the world about his trauma. Jada Pinkett-Smith is EVERYWHERE and angering us. Stephen A. Smith is not a fan. The children feel bad for their father. Dax Shepard even had her on. Tommy Lee was on Club Random with Bill Maher. Noah Cyrus is looking for attention. She needs to remember that even though she isn't Miley she still isn't Trace. We take a tour of Trace Cyrus' ink. We learn of Erin Andrews' fertility journey, but the only thing anyone cares about is how she connected Tay Tay and Travis. Travis Kelce is everywhere. Post Malone hangs with him. Britney Spears aborted Justin Timberlake's baby. Britney looks bizarre on her latest magazine cover. Michelle Williams will speak the difficult stuff for Britney. Wolfgang Van Halen got married and some people are saying she's out of his league. Pete Davidson's new girl. Harvard may have to pay (literally) for their student's support of Hamas. The students need your help and your money. Antonio Brown finally arrested for not paying child support. AB has been popping off on Twitter. The Detroit Casino workers are striking now. Oh look, Tekashi69 arrested again. Alec Baldwin might be recharged in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. Rolling Stone Magazine is writing about some band nobody has ever heard of because it checks all the boxes. We have a new plane/diarrhea story hot off the presses. Visit Our Presenting Sponsor Hall Financial – Michigan's highest rated mortgage company If you'd like to help support the show… please consider subscribing to our YouTube Page, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Drew and Mike Show, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley and BranDon).

Another win for the Lions! We say goodbye to Florine Mark and Suzanne Somers. Jay had to move his office...why does it smell so bad?

With Dr. Kurt Wharton, OBGYN, Chief of Women's and Children's Clinical Care at Corewell Health, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine.   Have you or someone you know ever suffered from postpartum depression? If so, then you know how devastating this potentially life-threatening condition can be for mothers and their newborn babies. Bringing an infant home for the first time should be a blissful experience for a new mother. She's finally able to spend some precious time getting acquainted and bonding with her child. But instead, she's experiencing an ongoing nightmare of fear, anxiety, depression, and guilt. She may feel so much shame about not being the happy, perfect mother she dreamed of, that she's afraid to admit how she's struggling. But keeping those feelings secret, can make her feel even more alone and isolated. Although the severity of symptoms can vary greatly, approximately one out of seven new mothers in the United States will experience some form of postpartum depression this year. In its most extreme form, mothers may be driven to the point of suicide and may even attempt to harm their beloved child. Make no mistake about it-these mothers love and desperately want only the best for their child, but when caught in the grip of mental illness, they may lose all sense of reality.   What causes postpartum depression and how is it treated? To learn more about this insidious condition and all about the new drug that was recently approved to combat it, we're going to be speaking with Dr. Kurt Wharton, OBGYN, Chief of Women's and Children's Clinical Care at Corewell Health, and Professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What exactly is postpartum depression, and why do some women get it and some don't? What are some of the reasons that women have postpartum depression? Who are some celebrities and public voices that have spoken out about postpartum depression to help take the stigma away? Does postpartum depression affect women of all ages? What are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression, and how is it diagnosed? Some staggering statistics: up to 20% of women may suffer from postpartum depression, which can equal up to 560,000 women every year. Is a history of depression before pregnancy an added risk? What is the greatest barrier to treating postpartum depression? Dr. Kurt talks about some of the recent breakthroughs in medicine used for postpartum depression now. How do we move past the stigma of mental health, and is there any hope for those listening who may suffer from PPD now? What was Florine's experience like with postpartum depression?   Today's Takeaway: At long last, a medication is available that offers relief for patients. In some patients, promising results are seen within a matter of days. With every day that passes without the crippling fear, guilt, anxiety, and depression that characterizes PPD, these women are finally able to spend time bonding with their newborn infants and experience the true joy of motherhood. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift associated with bringing a baby into this world should be a time filled with love, joy, excitement, and discovery. A new mother should never be deprived of this special time. Post-Partum Depression or PPD is an illness. Please remember there's no shame in admitting when we need help to overcome depression. And now that help is available, please take advantage of it for you and your precious baby! I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Interestingly, many people know they have it. I've had several patients refer themselves to me. But that's not enough because sadly, we know that at least 50% of all cases are not diagnosed at all and they are missed.” — Kurt [5:00] “It's supposed to be a time you're expected to be excited and to admit that you're not happy and not feeling well; women are just too afraid to say that. So what we do is we have to ask.” — Kurt [5:20] “It can happen to any woman at any time of the situation, and each pregnancy can be different.” — Kurt [6:14] “Every woman is at risk. There are women who are at higher risk who do just fine and women who appear to have no risk factors at all, other than the fact that they had a baby. So we have to give everyone that same opportunity to receive help.” — Kurt [9:39] “Mental health should be looked upon equally as we do all other medical conditions, whether it's heart disease, joint disease, infectious disease, diabetes.” — Kurt [11:29] “If we don't treat them, we do know what the outcome will be.” — Kurt [11:59]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Kurt Wharton LinkedIn Dr. Kurt Wharton- Beaumont Health Corewell Health Obstetrics and Gynecology 

October 16, 2023 ~ Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor), U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan's 6th District, talks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie about the latest with the war between Israel and Hamas, the upcoming Speaker vote in Washington, and the passing of business icon Florine Mark.

With Jaye Sciullo, Michigan Executive Director of Susan G. Komen & Dr. Shoshana Hallowell, Surgical Oncologist at Ascension Health   The month of October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”  Throughout the month, we see the color pink everywhere to remind us of the critical need for early cancer detection and immediate access to the very best care. The entire month is symbolized by events and crowds dressed in pink, taking to the streets, chanting, and hoisting colorful signs. Pink merchandise of all types is available for purchase and there are even special pink pizza delivery boxes. For years, NFL players even wore pink on the playing field to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.   Although there's an upbeat, fun quality to this carnival atmosphere, the sobering cause behind it remains the same. This year, more than 44,000 women in the U.S. alone could die from this disease. The two most common risk factors for developing breast cancer are being born female and getting older. Having a family history of breast cancer could increase that risk.    But the news is not all bad. Early detection is one of the biggest weapons that we have in fighting the disease and proper screening can literally save lives. In addition, prioritizing good habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, limiting alcohol consumption and regular exercise may lower your risk of breast cancer. Finally, it's important to remember that even if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are promising new treatments on the horizon that have proven effective in blocking a cancer cell's ability to proceed through the growth cycle, thereby preventing the cancer from spreading. Last year, Florine interviewed Jaye Sciullo, the Executive Director for the Michigan chapter of Susan G. Komen, and Dr. Shoshana Hallowell, a surgical oncologist with Ascension Health. Please listen to Florine's interview and learn how you can join the fight against breast cancer.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: When did Jaye become involved with Susan G. Komen? The two major types of breast cancer. Why is breast cancer harder to treat than other cancers? Is it common to have the cancer go into the lymph nodes? What can we do to lessen our risk of cancer? Why is it important to get early screening and mammograms? 70% of breast cancers diagnosed in women under the age of 50 have been found by the women themselves. What is the BRCA gene, and how do you get tested? Susan G. Komen's 360-degree approach to conquer breast cancer and provide support. What role can a co-survivor play in help and healing? How can you help a loved one who may have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer? Some of the newer modalities to treat breast cancer and some promising news on the horizon. How a healthy lifestyle can help decrease your risk of developing cancer. What is a “smart bomb”?   Today's Takeaway: A cancer diagnosis is life-changing and we're often filled with fear and uncertainty as to what may lie ahead. But the mission of the Susan G. Komen organization is dedicated to making sure that no breast cancer patient has to go it alone. Since Susan G. Komen was founded in 1986, we have seen a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality. The Komen organization is committed to being alongside the patient throughout the entirety of their cancer journey. In addition to providing financial support when needed, there are virtual nurse navigators who will assist patients in preparing for doctors' appointments and provide a list of necessary questions to ask. Afterward, they can also help explain the mass of information that patients receive. Based on the statistics shared today, we all probably know someone battling breast cancer. We are hopeful that soon we can find a cure so that future generations can look forward to a life without this deadly disease. Remember that every single day is a gift and even when life throws us a curveball, we have the gift of freedom of choice. We get to choose our response and how we handle adversity is up to each and every one of us. We can choose to fight our battle with grace, dignity, and courage, knowing that we will find the support we need every step of the way. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “I think that it is difficult these days to not be touched by breast cancer in some way.” — Jaye [4:55] “I can be an advocate and I can be knowledgeable about the patient experience. But it isn't the same as experiencing it myself. And I try to be careful about not speaking for the breast cancer community in that capacity.” — Jaye [5:05] “Breast cancer is harder to treat because it's very complex. It's one of the few cancers that not only does tumor size and location matter but also how the tumor responds to hormones and different proteins.” — Dr. Shoshana Hallowell [6:26] “There are many things that you can do to lessen your risk of developing cancer. I think the most important thing is to be aware of your own health.” — Dr. Shoshana Hallowell [7:12] “Susan G. Komen is committed to a world without breast cancer. And our mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.” — Jaye [11:54] “Ask the patient what they need. Not everyone needs a freezer full of casseroles or is ready to answer questions about what is inherently a very, very private diagnosis.” — Jaye [13:45]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Susan G. Komen Ascension Health Shoshana Hallowell, MD  Stand For H.E.R  Race for the Cure

With Sandra Ali, award-winning journalist and news anchor   Do you know that one of the most stressful life events a person can experience is a job change? Even if we're leaving for more money or a better opportunity, we may still feel a tremendous sense of anxiety at the thought of “starting over” and having to prove ourselves in a new position. The very thought of change can be stressful and sometimes we may avoid making a change simply because we feel more comfortable in our current situation. For example, perhaps you're unhappy in your current living situation but the thought of packing up and moving to a new home is just too overwhelming. However, staying somewhere just because it feels “comfortable” doesn't lead to happiness or fulfillment. While a career or housing move are examples of major life changes we initiate, sometimes changes come without warning or action on our part. The loss of a loved one, going through a separation or divorce, undergoing major surgery, or being terminated from a job are examples of stressful life events. But sometimes even these traumatic life-altering events can eventually result in positive changes. For example, breaking off a toxic or unhealthy relationship can lead to other happier relationships. Moving to a new home can be a wonderful chance to meet new friends and improve our quality of life.   When we have an opportunity in front of us, we have to carefully evaluate and weigh out the options. How do we know when to make a change in our life? What is the right time to leave the comfortable and familiar “nest” to try something different? My guest today is award-winning news anchor, Sandra Ali. After more than a decade at the local NBC Affiliate, WDIV, Sandra recently became the news anchor at CBS News Detroit Morning. For many years, CBS didn't have a local presence. Now the network is fully committed to earning their place as Detroit's preferred source for up-to-the-minute news. Sandra is part of the winning team to make that happen. We're going to talk with her about what led to this change and how she knew it was the right time.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How did Sandra know it was time to make a change? As a single mother, what was the thought process for Sandra to make a big career switch? What were some of Sandra's biggest concerns and challenges with making a major move? What about the fear of regretting a decision? How Sandra prioritizes herself and her wellness during her busy schedule. What were some of Sandra's favorite moments while at WDIV? What about this move to CBS News Detroit Morning has surprised Sandra the most and made her the happiest? Sandra shares some great advice for those who may be looking to make a big change in their life.   Today's Takeaway: One of the life lessons we've heard from Tony Robbins is the saying, “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” As scary as the thought of making a major change is, if we're unhappy or dissatisfied with our life, then perhaps, a fresh start is the answer. If it's a situation at work that's bringing you down, then finding a new opportunity where you feel energized, valued, and productive may be just what you need. If a relationship is causing more unhappiness than joy and you simply can't work it out, it may be a sign that this relationship is not healthy for you. As we've heard today, making a choice to go in a different direction from our familiar path is never an easy one, but ultimately it can bring us to a much better place than we're at now. If you're contemplating making a big change and you're finding it difficult to come to a decision, take a step back to look at it objectively. Write down all the major pros and cons. Talk it over with a trusted friend or confidant. Try to visualize what “living that change” will look like for you. Making a major change won't happen overnight. It's a process that takes time and effort. There may be some initial discomfort. But after the initial culture shock and growing pains subside, you'll start to see things in a whole new light, and that fresh beginning could be everything you hoped for and more. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get taking that leap into something new can be the start of a truly magical journey. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “I had that kind of nagging where I knew that I was meant to be doing more.” — Sandra [3:27] “I think for me, it was all about growth. I think that we know as women when we've done everything we can and we've topped out, whether it's in a relationship, a friendship, a job, whatever it might be.” — Sandra [7:25] “I knew that there had to be some other challenges and some other opportunity for growth for me. I needed more.” — Sandra [7:35] “Sometimes you just have to jump in and do it and set all of those fears aside.” — Sandra [9:29] “It may not be perfect, but there's a lesson there somewhere.” — Sandra [9:59] “It's so exciting to be part of something that is at the ground level. We're starting from scratch.” — Sandra [12:29] “In terms of how we want this to look and how we want to present, the sky's the limit, which is fantastic. That doesn't happen often, and it doesn't happen often in TV news, for sure.” — Sandra [13:15] “Stop moving. Take a moment, to get grounded, take as much time as you need to become aware of what you want so that you can think clearly and you can make a decision coming from a place of peace and groundedness.” — Sandra [14:11]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Sandra Ali Sandra Ali on Instagram  

With Sandra Ali, award-winning journalist and news anchor   One of the biggest challenges working women face is finding that delicate balance between a fulfilling home and family life and our demanding work schedule. Juggling the responsibilities of work and child care can feel overwhelming but it's equally important that we make time for ourselves to recharge our batteries with an active, enjoyable social life and supportive friends.   Sometimes, just to fit it all in, we have to make a few sacrifices. For example, it may mean attending an event but leaving early in order to fulfill another pre-existing obligation, or learning to creatively multi-task and find additional time in unexpected ways. One person who has mastered the art of the multi-task, is award-winning journalist and news anchor, Sandra Ali. Fitting in Zoom meetings or podcast interviews while waiting for her children in the school pick-up lane in her car is just one of the many ways Sandra makes the most out of her packed schedule. But even the most disciplined and organized among us may encounter the occasional speed bump. When that happens, it might be time to take a step back to re-assess the situation and consider alternative scenarios. Recognizing that a change is called for is only part of the solution. Knowing how and when to make that change can be just as challenging. Recently, Sandra found herself in that very situation. She realized that a change might be in order and she sat down with Florine to tell her how she decided it was the right time to make a change.   Be sure to tune in next week and listen to Florine's brand-new interview with Sandra Ali and hear all about her exciting lifestyle change and what life looks like today. In the meantime, please listen to Florine's initial interview with Sandra from February of 2022 as she talks about the challenges facing working mothers.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Sandra talks about moving to Egypt as a child before returning to New York to go to school. What does Sandra remember about living in Egypt? Sandra talks about attending both NYU for musical theatre and Syracuse University for journalism. What made Sandra decide to get into journalism? What are some crazy or strange things that have happened to Sandra while on air? How does Sandra keep detached from a story that is highly emotional? How was it for Sandra to be in the public eye when she was pregnant? Sandra prioritizes spending quality time with her four children, even if it means sacrificing other activities like making beds or doing laundry. What does Sandra mean by learning to put herself first? Sandra leads by example by showing her kids what it looks like to eat healthy foods and take care of your body. How can we treat pregnant women better in our society?   Today's Takeaway: There are so many things we can learn from Sandra. She's a wonderful role model for women showing that even in the fast-paced, competitive world of broadcast TV news, it's possible to find a healthy, work-life balance. Sandra is candid about her own journey and shares how she learned to practice good self-care. As working mothers, it's so important to prioritize our own needs and learn to set healthy boundaries for ourselves. But what does that look like? Maybe it involves learning to say, “No” to the demands of others or setting aside that valuable “Me Time” to go for a run or yoga. Whatever it is that makes you feel better and gets your endorphins flowing enough to recharge your battery those precious few minutes can make all the difference. Instead of feeling exhausted or mentally drained, just giving ourselves that little break can help us regain the physical and emotional energy we need to be present at home or on the job. Remember that every single day is a gift and when we make ourselves a priority, we get stronger and everyone else around us benefits from that healthy example that we set. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “It's a cultural thing, that you have family members step in and help when you don't have anyone else.” — Sandra [5:41] “I fell in love with the theater. To me, it was magical, and it was like an escape, and I fell in love with everything about the theater.” — Sandra [8:04] “I fell in love with books and the written word, and I've always been that way.” — Sandra [9:08] “Ultimately, what wins is usually a surprise.” — Sandra [13:26] “I have a lot of mom friends who will watch something and call me immediately afterward and say, how did you sit through that?” — Sandra [14:09] “I know the most important thing that I had decided was that I have to let [my children] know how much I love them all of the time, no matter what.” — Florine [19:33] “It wasn't until I really started to prioritize the things that I needed that were non-negotiable that changed everything for me.” — Sandra [22:18]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Sandra Ali Sandra Ali on Instagram  

with Dr. Joel Kahn, The Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity   Do you ever dream about finding the hidden Fountain of Youth? Just imagine if we could put an end to disease and aging and actually turn back the clock to a time when our physical body was at its peak for health, strength, and optimum performance. If it were only possible, how amazing that would be! Everybody wants to find that magic pill or potion that will grant us a longer, healthier life. Instead, as we age, the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's grows with every passing decade. Over time, our bodies may begin to decline and our immune system weakens. Although a relatively healthy individual might suddenly become ill without warning, in most instances, these diseases have been slowly developing in our bodies for years. We may have even gotten early warning signs we've chosen to overlook or ignore entirely, because the thought of what lies ahead is too frightening to contemplate. But as scary as that sounds, maybe it's not too late. Perhaps there are things we can do right now to delay the onset of old age and keep our bodies functioning with strength and vitality.    My guest today is Dr. Joel Kahn from The Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. According to Joel, if we are willing, we can heal our bodies and live a life free of disease and illness. We're going to talk with him about lifestyle changes we can begin immediately that can delay and perhaps even eliminate the unhealthy consequences of physical and mental aging.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What are the reasons a seemingly healthy person will fall into decline? What are the “Big Four” that we should be concerned about? What are some of the new technologies that help us keep track of our health? What kind of testing should we be getting on a yearly basis? The type of heart disease testing that Dr. Kahn recommends. Why is modern medicine so focused on treating the disease rather than preventative medicine? The science behind movement helps us live a longer and healthier life. Lifestyle measures like keeping a healthy weight and diet can also help us live a healthier life. The importance of getting enough sleep. What can we learn from studying the Blue Zone diet about longevity? Why does Dr. Kahn eat vegan, and what does a typical day in his diet look like? With all the different diets out there, how do we choose the right one? What exercise should someone start with if they haven't been doing it regularly?   Today's Takeaway: While we may not be able to drink from the Fountain of Youth, it may be possible to heal our bodies from within to recover from illness while regaining our lost strength and overall health. Most of us have been taught to expect that as we age, our health will decline and our physical and mental capacity will diminish. But what if it doesn't have to be that way? What if by making lifestyle changes today, we not only live longer; we live better? We can actually enjoy living and improve the quality of our daily lives. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from practicing preventative medicine today could very well mean the difference between a long, healthy, and active lifestyle and one that is characterized by chronic pain and illness. I'm Florine Mark, and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “We should work as early in life as possible to identify risks and lifestyle patterns and prevent, prevent, prevent.” — Dr. Joel [3:02] “It's all about early testing and aggressive detection, and there have been major advances that go beyond just eating a huge salad every day.” — Dr. Joel [4:42] “There clearly is a shift to what we're calling lifestyle medicine. Young doctors are interested in lifestyle medicine.” — Dr. Joel [12:12] “If you want to live a long and healthy life, you want to try and maintain the healthiest weight you can.” — Dr. Joel [14:09] “If you're getting seven to eight hours of good sleep without snoring, you are involved in one of the most powerful anti-aging programs you can be involved in.” — Dr. Joel [15:03] “Genes load the gun, but your lifestyle pulls the trigger.” — Dr. Joel [19:46]  “You're not going to find health in a fast food restaurant.” — Dr. Joel [25:37]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Joel Kahn The Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity Live to 100  

With Wendy Steele, CEO and Founder of Impact100   Do you ever feel as if there aren't enough hours in the day? We're constantly being pulled in so many different directions with work, family, and social obligations. This becomes even more challenging for working mothers, because we may stay up late to review our children's homework and then get up early the next morning to cover all their needs before we head to our jobs. As our to-do list continues to grow, sometimes we may feel overwhelmed and guilty because we can't imagine taking on even one more task. This might be especially true when we're approached to help out with a volunteer commitment. We truly want to say “yes” and support a worthy cause but it's simply too much for one person to accomplish. However, what if we were to join a group of like-minded individuals with the same objective and work together to reach that goal? As an African Proverb states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Perhaps the key to success might be to pool our talents in support of each other. Some of the biggest hurdles in life can be overcome if we work together for the betterment of all. Communities can be built, businesses can be launched and families can thrive based upon our collective efforts.    That's the premise behind the successful non-profit, “Impact100.” When CEO and Founder, Wendy H. Steele first launched her innovative approach to fundraising, she created a new model for how women can give back to their communities, meet the people who can make things happen, and help other women succeed. Recognized by Forbes in 2021 as one of the Top 50 Most Impactful Women Over 50, Wendy's efforts to engage and support female entrepreneurs have generated more than 123 million dollars. We're going to speak with Wendy to learn what led to the creation of Impact100 and hear about the amazing legacy she established for women to help other women in communities around the world.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Wendy talks about her childhood and how she learned the importance of doing chores for her family at a young age.  The concept of community involvement and leaving the world in a better place than how you found it. How losing Wendy's mother at a young age instilled the concept of women supporting other women. What does Impact100 do? Why did Wendy want to create Impact100? How much does Impact100 cost, and what if a woman can't afford the total $1000 amount right away, or at all? Can men become involved with Impact100? Why is it so important to truly understand the challenges of the nonprofits that you support? What are some of the reasons that women want to join Impact100? Wendy shares the story of their first grant recipient, the Dental Clinic.   Today's Takeaway: Although we may want to help our neighbors and others who might be struggling in our community, sometimes the task feels overwhelming. We think to ourselves, how can my little contribution ever make a difference? Well, as we just heard, when our donation is combined with matching donations from hundreds of other women, together we make a significant amount that can literally transform a non-profit and help them achieve their goals. In this way, dreaming big becomes a reality. For anyone who wants to make a difference in this world and leave a lasting legacy, this is how you do it. The Impact100 growth demonstrates how the spirit of generosity is contagious. When others see the good that can come from a charitable act, they want to become a part of it. Wendy has created a model for ensuring that each new chapter has the ability not only to affect immediate changes in their community but also to lay the foundation for future generations to benefit. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from volunteering and giving to others is a gift that ultimately will end up benefiting and enriching our own lives in ways we never could have imagined. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “We were trained from an early age to always leave a place a little bit better than we found it.” — Wendy [3:54] “They were really a council of moms, coaching my dad and helping to raise me and my little sister.” — Wendy [6:36] “Between the work my dad did and my grandparents, I was surrounded by people who truly demonstrated how we should all look out for each other and what community and family can really be.” — Wendy [6:42] “Not only did the community need what these women had, but these women needed to understand what it felt like to be a part of the solution.” — Wendy [10:22] “From hopeless to hopeful.” — Wendy [19:32] “A lot of men are fascinated by the power of impact. They also want to contribute.” — Wendy [23:20] “Identifying those heroes in the communities running nonprofits that are making a positive impact and helping them fund those causes was a life-changing experience.” — Wendy [10:48] “When you have women at both ends of the spectrum and every shade of the rainbow in between, we can engage in conversations that lead to better decisions and better outcomes.” — Wendy [13:22]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Impact100 Wendy Steele   

With Wil Wheaton — author, actor, and blogger   Once upon a time, being called a “geek” was considered an insult. But how times have changed! Today, being labeled a geek is the epitome of “cool.” Just think about it; some of the wealthiest people in the world such as Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg were self-described geeks. Now, they have the last laugh. Their eye-popping wealth isn't the only advantage. Being recognized as a genius has suddenly become very desirable. Over the past few years, the TV game show “Jeopardy” has enjoyed a popular resurgence with accomplished masters like James Holzhauer, Mattea Roach, and Amy Schneider proving just how attractive it is to be known as a trivia genius.   Finally, if there was any doubt as to how completely pop culture has embraced the nerd, all we need to do is look at hugely popular TV shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon” that celebrate the hilarity and inner geek in all of us. As someone who unapologetically championed the geek role his entire life, Wil Wheaton, a very talented actor, author, and blogger proves just how cool it is to be a geek.    Since his interview with Florine last year, Wil competed in the finals of Celebrity Jeopardy, his New York Times bestselling memoir, Still Just A Geek, was recently nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Hugo Award and a new game show where he will be the host, is currently in production on Amazon Prime. In addition to his many voiceover and acting roles, Wil has also become an outspoken advocate of mental health, bravely sharing his own history of anxiety and depression in order to help others. To hear more about how he has battled to overcome the challenges of living with mental illness, please listen to my interview with Wil Wheaton.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Wil talks about the challenges of his upbringing and how he learned to embrace who he really is, as an individual. Wil's hard decision to step away from his parents and work on his own growth and personal healing. Who is Wil at his core? What was Wil's experience being a child actor? Wil shares some of his memories of struggling with anxiety and depression as a child. The feelings of exploitation and abandonment that Wil felt after torment and abuse happened to both him and his sister on a set, and led him to develop PTSD with flashbacks. The relief that getting help gave Wil. What is the most important thing that Wil has learned about himself so far?   Today's Takeaway: Mental illness and depression don't discriminate. It can affect anyone without regard for education, financial status, race, or religion. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of shame and stigma surrounding the disease of mental illness. People struggling with mental illness are often perceived as “weak,” “broken” or “damaged.” But if we wouldn't describe a person with diabetes as weak or damaged then mental illness shouldn't be treated any differently. It's also important to recognize that there are different kinds of depression. A person may experience short-term situational depression linked to a particular life event such as a death or divorce. Wil says that asking someone for help can be hard, especially when you're afraid that whoever you confide in will tell you to just “suck it up and deal with it.” But when that person gets the support they need, it can make a huge difference.   Instead of telling someone they're weak, we need to actually listen and support them. We can learn to be more compassionate and supportive. When an individual has a mental illness that tricks their brain into thinking they're a bad person who doesn't deserve to be happy or is a burden to their loved ones, that person certainly doesn't need anyone making them feel worse. Don't be afraid to ask how they're doing or how you might help.   Remember that every day is a gift and we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to seek help when we need it. There's no shame in admitting that we or a loved one suffers from depression. Whether it's short-term situational depression or chronic depression, asking for help is a brave first step, and following through to get that help is a sign of strength and courage. Whether it's through therapy or daily medication, whatever steps you take, could change your life for the better in ways you never imagined. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “I was so locked into how to solve this complex equation, that I never knew that the equation didn't have a solution because it wasn't about me.” — Wil [8:53] “I am an advocate for marginalized people and people who are on the fringes of society all over the world.” — Wil [9:17]  

With Jacqueline Wilson, former “First Lady,” of Wayne State University and advocate for homeless students   With fall approaching, that means the start of the fall college semester and students will soon be attending classes. As we help them pack up their bedding along with all their dorm or apartment essentials, we think of the fun they'll be having exploring their new living situation and meeting their roommates.   When we hear the excitement in their voices as they purchase their textbooks and enroll for classes, we just hope they'll find a healthy balance between studying and extracurricular activities. For many people, the college experience was one of the best times in our lives and we want our children to experience the same joy, appreciation, and excitement we felt. We want their eyes to be opened by new experiences as they grow, mature, and begin achieving their dreams for the future. But not every student experiences college in the same way. If we were fortunate enough to have our parents support us or if we qualified for financial grants, then our experience was probably just as I described.   But did you ever think about those students who can't afford student housing and don't have any financial support as they enter college? What becomes of them? Where do they live? What is their college experience like? How do they juggle schoolwork and part-time jobs to support themselves? Is college even an option for them? To learn the answers to these questions and more, you'll want to hear my interview with Jacqueline Wilson.   As the wife of Dr. M. Roy Wilson, the former President of Wayne State University, Jacqueline is well known as an advocate for combating the problem of homelessness among the student body and in the city of Detroit. She's so passionate about the problem of student homelessness that she established the HIGH program to ensure that no student is denied an education or the ability to pursue a degree due to financial hardship or a lack of housing. If you want to learn more about how this charitable program supports WSU students who may be struggling financially, please listen to my interview with the former “First Lady,” of Wayne State University, Jacqueline Wilson.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What is the HIGH Program? (Helping Individuals Go Higher) and what does the program offer? Where does the HIGH Program house the students or help them in their current living situation? How do the students find the HIGH Program? The HIGH Program is unique just to Wayne State, and there is no other one like it in the United States. How is the HIGH Program funded? What inspired Jacqueline to establish the HIGH Program? We don't typically think of college students as being amongst the homeless population. How common is it? What are some of the other challenges that these students face, and what other services does the HIGH Program offer? How do you address the concerns of students who may be reluctant to come forward because of the potential shame or embarrassment associated with being homeless? How does someone become eligible for the HIGH Program and go through the process to find housing? Jacqueline shares some HIGH Program success stories, along with its 100% graduation rate.  Does the HIGH Program have a board of advisors?   Today's Takeaway: The problem of homelessness among college students is real. With the high cost of college tuition today, not everyone can afford to live in a dormitory or other student housing. Not having a safe place to live may prevent a college student from attending college and pursuing a degree. Being able to support the college dreams and academic aspirations of hard-working students is what the HIGH program is all about and we are so very grateful to Jacqueline Wilson and others for drawing attention to this very worthy cause and helping support these students.   Despite the most unlikely of beginnings, sometimes having just one other person believe in you and support your dreams can make all the difference in the world. A perfect example is the story of eighteen-year-old Sky Castner who'll be attending Harvard University to study law as a freshman this fall. Sky dreamed of attending Harvard from the time she was in elementary school in Conroe, Texas. But given her humble beginnings, that seemed unlikely to happen. Born in prison to an incarcerated mother and raised by a single-parent father with bipolar disorder, Sky was referred to a local Mentor program. Her Mentor, Mona Hamby, formed a very close bond with Sky and supported her education goals all through school, even taking her on a road trip to visit Harvard. At her high school graduation ceremony, where Sky graduated third in her class, she was recognized for her academic achievements. Now, she's off to Harvard in the fall, on a full scholarship. Jacqueline Wilson's HIGH Program is all about helping students like Sky overcome the challenges of homelessness so that they can pursue their collegiate dreams. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from a college education and the people who support our academic dreams, may help make this world a far better place for all of us. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “We would have to go to events every night, go to all of our schools and colleges, and support athletics, music, and the arts. So it was a full-time job. It was a role that I embraced wholeheartedly and at the same time, started my program for the homeless students.” — Jacqueline “We want to make sure that the students are not homeless or precariously housed.” — Jacqueline  “There's no other program like this in the country, where the student does not have to pay it back, and we help students get to graduate.” — Jacqueline  “Once people realize that there are homeless college students, it's an easy sale. They want to give.” — Jacqueline  “Most of our funding has come from generous donors, either alums, or people that have been in a situation where they were almost homeless, but they made it and they want to give back. Those are usually our biggest donors.” — Jacqueline  “We were able to house students there among all the other students. So it was great, and there was no shame involved.” — Jacqueline “Every student that we've helped through the HIGH program has graduated. So, we have a 100% graduation rate.” — Jacqueline    Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Wayne State University HIGH Program  

With Joyce Weiss, Communication Coach and Author    Have you ever heard the saying, “It's not what you said, but how you said it?” Sometimes having a conversation with another person can be a potentially explosive situation filled with dangerous mixed messages. Judging by the expression on the other person's face, it's obvious that he or she completely misinterpreted your message. But it's probably not their fault. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, what we mean to say gets “lost in translation” traveling from our brain to our mouth. Or, another example might be if we say something complimentary but our words come out all wrong. When we say, “Wow! You look wonderful for a woman your age!” instead of hearing the genuine compliment in our words, all she hears is “a woman your age.” It's a stinging reminder of her age and that she looks good only in comparison to “older” women. Ouch! But being aware of the potential pitfalls in how we communicate could help us avoid these conflicts in the future. Today, we're going to hear how to speak more appropriately with others in our life. My guest today is Joyce Weiss, a communication coach and author. She is known as the “Queen of Conflict Resolution,” Joyce is here to tell us about the most common conversational pitfalls and give us some tips on how to avoid them.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why do we often stick our foot in our mouth when we talk to others?  What is an example of “the gap” in conversation, and how can it save us from embarrassing ourselves or hurting someone else's feelings?  What are some of the most common mistakes we make when we speak with others?  The importance of listening and making eye contact when having a conversation.  What are curiosity questions?  How can we help others feel more included at a social event or when introducing them to others?  How can we learn to communicate with other individuals who don't share our political or philosophical beliefs, but still insist on debating or lecturing us? What should we say to people that are suffering or have an illness but still want to have a great conversation with them?  What is a conversation bully?  How to get away when someone keeps monopolizing the conversation?  How can we make conversations feel safe for others, where they feel less judged?    Today's Takeaway: Certain people are gifted with the ability to speak with others in a way that draws people to them. These individuals can walk into a room and soon, even complete strangers feel comfortable in their presence. People genuinely enjoy speaking with them and feel an immediate sense of connection. But not everyone has that skill. The good news is that with practice, we can all learn to become better communicators. We can take advantage of the fact that we were born with two ears and one mouth. Since our ears rarely get us into trouble and our mouth often does, sometimes the safest route is to listen more and speak less. By becoming better listeners, we become better communicators. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from learning to hold our tongue and speak to others without alienating them is a gift that will draw others to us and make our relationships with others infinitely richer. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “The gap is the space in between, for us to think, hmm, how can I say this without putting my foot in the mouth? That gap is truly our friend. And many times we just don't use it.” — Joyce “It's more important for people to feel heard than what we say.” — Joyce  “People really need to pay attention to the fact that it's more important for them to feel heard than for what we say.” — Joyce “Listen and ask those curiosity questions. We have to stop thinking about what we want to say in the conversation.” — Joyce “Ask a curiosity question and so many times you can go a little deeper, and it's a little easier.” — Joyce “A safe conversation is when other people feel heard, and they feel comfortable speaking their voice.” — Joyce “Stop taking everything so personal, and telling yourself the wrong story.” — Joyce   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Joyce Weiss Kick Conflict To The Curb Linkedln.com/in/JoyceWeiss YouTube.com/user/JoyceWeiss  

With Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, Dermatologist and Hair Loss Specialist at Kaiser Permanente   When it comes to a person's physical appearance, hair is one of our most defining features. Do you ever notice how when asked to describe a woman physically, one of the first adjectives given is hair color? Is she blonde, brunette, or a redhead? We might then go on to describe the style. For example, does she wear her hair cropped, braided, or long? Is she wearing a weave or extensions? As we age and a person's hair thins, that beautiful, thick head of luxurious hair becomes even more desirable because it can give us a more youthful appearance. But just as our hair defines a person's physical appearance, the sudden loss of hair can be a profoundly disturbing experience. When hair loss is due to a medical treatment such as chemotherapy, the individual can take comfort in knowing that in most cases, the hair will grow back. But what if it happens suddenly and for an unknown reason? Not knowing the cause or if the hair will ever grow back, can be extremely upsetting. What causes hair loss? What treatments are available and how long does it take for hair to grow back? My guest today is Doctor Paradi Mirmirani. She is a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist from Kaiser Permanente and faculty of the American Board of Dermatology.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How does our genetics play a role in hair loss? What is the most common reason for hair loss? Does coloring your hair or getting a perm have anything to do with hair loss? The difference between hair thinning and hair loss. What about the color of your hair? Do women suffer from hereditary pattern hair loss the way that men do? If we know that hereditary hair loss runs in the family, can we prevent this before it starts to happen? What is the cause of alopecia areata, and can it affect other parts of our body that have hair such as our eyebrows and eyelashes? What roles do stress and hormones play in hair loss? Can hair grow back on its own even after someone has gone through chemotherapy? Is there any treatment that is best for overall hair regrowth? What is microneedling? What should we know before wearing a wig? Where can people go to seek care for their hair?   Today's Takeaway: We always want to make sure that we maintain a healthy diet that provides enough protein and other nutrients to nourish healthy hair. A variety of things can weaken and damage our hair follicles, leading to hair loss. There's no question that if we suddenly lose our hair, it can be a frightening and emotionally distressing time. We may feel self-conscious or insecure about our appearance and wonder if our hair will ever grow back. The good news is that although we can't stop hair loss once it's started, there may be treatments that will enable the hair to grow back. Seeing a dermatologist who can correctly diagnose the cause and provide treatment options will give you the best chance for healthy regrowth. Remember every day is a gift and having a beautiful healthy head of hair is a gift we can't take for granted. But as painful as losing our hair can be, thankfully, there may be treatments available. So why not give yourself the gift of hope and healing by working with a trained specialist? I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “The most common reason for hair loss is genetics. Hereditary hair loss can affect up to 50% of both men and women.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “You want to preserve the hair fiber, it's kind of like a really expensive cashmere sweater.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “I tell people that your haircare is a gentle cycle only label and that kind of gives you the idea of how you should treat your hair.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “We haven't really found any good treatments for genetic disorders of any sort, and that includes hair loss.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “When you have a significant increase in hair loss, then it's important to check in with your doctor to make sure that there are no underlying medical issues.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “One of my workhorses for hair regrowth is minoxidil either topically or orally. No matter what the cause of the hair loss, it can help thicken the hair, give you a larger diameter, and keep the hair in a growth phase for longer.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “Most men are quite happy with a little bit of extra hair on the top, they are quite excited. Women want a lot more so it's a matter of expectations.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “I tell my patients when they come in, I want you to look in the mirror and really be happy with what you're seeing.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani “I really encourage patients to seek care and not to suffer at home. Hair is a really important part of who we are and our persona, our self-identity. And when we lose hair, it can be a real blow.” — Dr. Paradi Mirmirani   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Paradi Mirmirani Dr. Paradi Mirmirani LinkedIn

with Sarah Ansboury, Pickleball Coach and Director of Pickleball Instruction at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort   The sport of Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, new courts are popping up all over the country. Currently, there are more than 10,000 courts in the United States but that number continues to grow by several dozen every month. So what is it about Pickleball that makes it such a popular fitness craze? One of the reasons the sport has become so popular in recent years is that it's a high-energy, low-impact game that appeals to players of all ages. It's fairly easy to learn and a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get moving. The open-play format allows players to show up and “rotate in,” which makes it especially attractive for singles. What a great way to socialize, meet others and get fit! Sports clubs and hotel groups such as Omni Resorts and Marriott , are adding courts for Pickleball, while a new restaurant chain called Chicken N' Pickle, which combines the sport with a full food and drink menu, has plans to expand within the next year throughout the U.S. At Chicken N' Pickle, you can make an evening of it and play Cornhole, Shuffleboard, and Ping Pong without having to go elsewhere to dine. So, if you want to learn more about the game everyone is talking about, please listen to Florine's interview with one of the top Pickleball coaches in the world, Sarah Ansboury.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Where does the name pickleball come from? Do you have to know how to play tennis to play pickleball? The importance of taking a lesson or two before you go out and play. What attracted Sarah to pickleball? Why do so many people get injured playing pickleball? Where can you find a pickleball instructor? What happens at a pickleball camp? What kinds of shoes and outfits should you wear when playing pickleball? What type of paddle is the best to use for pickleball? Can you play pickleball on a tennis court? What is the most important advice for first-time players? Why has pickleball taken off in the last few years? What are the health benefits of pickleball? What is the future of pickleball and how can we get the next generation invested and just as excited? Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball? What is the single biggest frustration for new players?   Today's Takeaway: One of the reasons why Pickleball is popular is that it's a great way to socialize and meet people. Unlike many other leisure sporting activities, Pickleball is very inclusive and social. The fun, competitive nature of the sport and love of the game brings people together. You don't even need to show up with a partner. You can just simply “walk on and rotate in.” It's also a great way to stay fit or get in shape. Not only is it a good cardiovascular workout but it can also improve balance, hand-eye coordination, and muscle tone. Best of all, Pickleball can be played both indoors or out, so it's not weather-dependent. Remember that staying active and spending time socializing with others is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. So if you're looking for a fun new activity, why not give yourself the gift of a Pickleball lesson? I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Pickleball is such a welcoming, open sport for everyone. People just want you to keep playing.” — Sarah  “There is a way to play properly, technically, that is going to be easier on your body.” — Sarah “The nice thing about pickleball is that you don't have to have a partner, you can just go out, and you always pick up a game.” — Florine  “The great thing about pickleball is it's much easier to learn than most other racquet or paddle sports, especially as an adult.” — Sarah “You will meet someone from every walk of life.” — Sarah “It's getting people active, it's getting people social.” — Sarah “At the end of the day, there's not a day or a week that goes by that I literally talk to someone where Pickleball has changed their life.” — Sarah “What I'm seeing so much is people's health just improving.” — Sarah “Be willing to get uncomfortable. A lot of times people, especially adults, are afraid to try something new, and so much of jumping into Pickleball is opening yourself up.” — Sarah   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Sarah Ansboury  Palmetto Dunes — Hilton Head Island USA Pickleball Association  

With Paige Payne, Master Gardner and Landscape Design Instructor   Did you know that one of the best ways to support our physical and mental health is to spend more time outdoors? It's true! The benefits of being outdoors and breathing in the fresh air could strengthen our immune system, help us sleep better at night, and reduce stress. After all, what could be more relaxing than sitting in the sunshine, surrounded by beautiful foliage?   As we spend more time relaxing in our yards, one of the biggest design trends over the past few years has been the expansion of our outside home living areas. According to a recently published study, creating an outdoor oasis for entertaining or relaxing has become one of the most desirable priorities among more than 62% of homeowners. Building outdoor kitchens along with living and dining areas allows us to bring traditionally indoor activities into our yard and expand our living space significantly. Instead of relying solely on a single barbecue grill, these days many outdoor gourmet kitchens include pizza ovens, pellet smoke grills, as well as small refrigerators and counters with built-in sinks for washing and prepping food.   Dining areas can include plenty of outdoor seating as well as firepit tables and bars. Outdoor living rooms designed with comfortable conversation pit sofas, outdoor TVs, and gas fireplaces offer a heavenly refuge for relaxing, studying, or even working outdoors. Best of all, these outdoor spaces can be used year-round when enclosed in a pavilion or other structure that includes heating lamps and retractable Screens. In addition to expanding your outdoor living area, imagine yourself surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. Picture someplace that's restful, peaceful, and tranquil where you can go to meditate or simply enjoy nature. In July of 2021, Florine interviewed Master Gardner and Landscape Design Instructor, Paige Payne. If you want to learn more about the benefits of having a tranquility or meditation garden, please listen to Florine's interview with Paige.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How did Paige get involved in horticulture? What did Paige study in school for a career in horticulture? Paige's mother was a huge gardener, and her dad also grew a big vegetable garden. What is anthropology, and why was Paige initially interested in it? What are the three types of anthropology, and what is permaculture design? How can you get started in your own backyard using the resources you already have? How does permaculture affect our health positively and help us feel more tranquil and connected? Paige shares some tips for a beginning gardener on how to get started. What is a tranquility or meditation garden, and how can you create one? Tips for adding some great vegetables to grow, flowers to bloom, and meditation elements to create a space that's right for you. How to create a space that is intentionally designed for your environment.   Today's Takeaway: There is a reason why meditation and tranquility gardens have recently become so popular. Finding that personal “me time” away from the demands of the day really helps to improve our mood and our mental well-being.   Sometimes it's exhausting and mentally taxing to be “on call” throughout the day in response to the needs of others. But just taking five or 10 minutes to breathe, relax, and re-center ourselves mentally and emotionally can make all the difference. If you already practice meditation, you already know just how beneficial that time can be. But do you sometimes find it challenging to quiet your mind and begin your meditation practice? How much easier would it be to immediately achieve that meditative state if you had that perfect tranquil spot to get away from it all? Surrounding ourselves with beautiful greenery might not only help us to forget our problems, but it can also help us “reboot” after a stressful moment and transform the rest of our day.   Connecting with nature is one of the healthiest ways I know to sustain ourselves mentally and lift our spirits. So, remember to give yourself the gift of time and serenity by creating an outdoor space that's all your own. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “I knew I wanted to be outside, as nature has always been my happy place.” — Paige [4:22] “I really got the opportunity to learn from the ground up by observing and interacting with landscapes.” — Paige [6:04] “I did see how much joy gardening brought to [my parents]. So yes, it's in my blood.” — Paige [7:36] “I do think that there is a definite impact on people based on their natural environment and their connection to it.” — Paige [8:49] “In permaculture, we'd like to mimic nature in that way by creating a system where each component is connected to and supports the next component in the design.” — Paige [9:48] “We look to go a step further by making the homestead zero waste using the available resources, turning waste into energy, and working with the environment that's already there, rather than trying to recreate a system that is maybe not suited for that environment.” — Paige [11:21] “Each and every little eco ecosystem encourages us to connect with our natural environment, which creates a feeling of peace, calm, connection, and realizing that you're part of a larger whole.” — Paige [12:13] “The ultimate goal of permaculture is that it all becomes less work, more beauty.” — Paige [13:22] “It's tuning in to what brings you joy.” — Paige [16:12]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Paige Payne Online Landscape Designs

with Dr. Robyn Graham, host of The Robyn Graham Show and author of the book, You, Me and Anxiety.   Do you worry about what others think of you? Does the thought of public speaking make you physically ill? Are you someone who dreads dinner parties because you're so afraid of saying the wrong thing? Or, perhaps you worry about being humiliated because you've dressed inappropriately. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. We all have moments of doubt and at times, might question what others think of us. That's not uncommon. But if we're constantly worrying about what people think of us, that could make it harder to trust others or develop intimate friendships. The very thought of “being judged by others,” could make us unwilling to try new experiences because we're afraid of failing. It might even cause us to decline social invitations or avoid going out in public altogether. Living with the constant fear of how others might interpret your words or actions could actually cause you to miss out on life's best moments. While we may spend more time living our lives online, by doing so, we make ourselves vulnerable to negative commentary through social media.   In its most extreme form, if someone frequently experiences intense and unrealistic fears of being watched and judged negatively by others, that individual might be suffering from social anxiety disorder. But it's important to recognize that social anxiety or social phobia is a debilitating mental health condition that can begin in childhood and, if not treated, may only get worse with time. Can social anxiety be overcome? How can we learn to stop caring so much about what others think? If you want to learn the answers to these questions and more, you'll want to listen to my interview with Dr. Robyn Graham, host of The Robyn Graham Show and author of the book, You, Me and Anxiety. Robyn is going to share with us tips, tools, and strategies for our children who suffer from anxiety and how we, as parents, might help support them.   What You'll Hear in This Episode:  Why do we care so much about what others think? How do we “should” ourselves so much that we actually hold ourselves back? What makes someone get anxiety? What is a panic attack? How can anxiety manifest in physical symptoms? Are there people that are more susceptible to worrying about what others think of them? What can we do about teaching parenting in schools to help children understand and manage their anxiety? What was Dr. Robyn's experience with anxiety and how did she finally learn more about the brain to apply it in ways that would help her? What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how can it help someone? How can journaling help us change our negative thoughts to more positive ones? How medication along with therapy can prove helpful for those suffering from anxiety. How should we respond when someone says something that makes us feel hurtful? Possible signs of anxiety amongst children and teens, and the possible long-term effects of untreated anxiety.   Today's Takeaway: It's hard not to notice when someone says something rude or unkind about us because it's hurtful. Sometimes even if the comment was made in jest, we may find ourselves questioning if what they said has any merit. But just because someone said something mean doesn't make it true. They could have been teasing or perhaps were deliberately trying to hurt us out of anger or spite. Even if their words weren't spoken in anger but rather meant as constructive criticism, they might have been wrong in how they saw the situation. At the end of the day, it's within our control to determine how much credit we give their words. There's an old saying that states, “What someone else thinks or says about me is none of my business.” As odd as that sounds, it's true. They're only stating their opinion, which they're entitled to have. But we don't have to agree with it. In all likelihood, we can't change it, so the only thing we can do is let it go. Remember that every day is a gift and we have the gift of choice. If we are making healthy, honest choices for ourselves by behaving in a kind, intentional, and respectful manner towards ourselves and others, then there is very little anyone can say that will hurt us. Just hold your head high and keep doing the next right thing for yourself. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “There are a lot of physical manifestations. And so it's really important to identify what those are, and what you're experiencing, and then what's triggering those experiences or those symptoms.” — Dr. Robyn [7:01] “It wasn't until I was an adult that I actually got the help I needed to navigate my anxiety and manage my anxiety in a more positive way.” — Dr. Robyn [12:05] “You can catch those thoughts and start challenging them. This takes a lot of practice and intentionality.” — Dr. Robyn [16:01] “When you write down that negative thought and write the opposite positive thought next to it, your brain is going to see that positive thought, your brain will start to then be able to be better controlled. You will have more control over those negative thoughts to catch them sooner, and change them sooner so that you end up having more confidence and believing more in the positive situations in your life versus the negative.” — Dr. Robyn [17:10] “Keep in mind that anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.” — Dr. Robyn [20:47] “Sometimes we need that chemical change in our brain in order for our brain to accept that therapy.” — Dr. Robyn [21:02] “If someone says something to you that was hurtful, you can say, ‘You know what, I'm really sorry, you're having a bad day. If there's something I did to make you feel that way about me, could you tell me what it is because I would like to make it better'.” - Dr. Robyn [23:21]  “When anything happens to us in life, we have a choice. We have a choice to be positive, or we have a choice to be negative.” — Dr. Robyn [23:24] “The worst possible thing you can do is say, I'm sorry, but…” — Dr. Robyn [25:33] “We need to be aware of anxiety, and we need to stop the stigma around mental illness.” — Dr. Robyn [27:49]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Robyn Graham You, Me, and Anxiety The Robyn Graham Show

with Janette Ghedotte, licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder, and CEO of Accurate Body Language.    Have you ever heard the saying, “What a person doesn't say is often far more revealing than what they do say?” We may not be aware of it, but without saying a word, our posture or the look on our face can speak volumes. Even when we're not aware of it, we may give off subtle little signs that reveal our true thoughts and emotions. But when our body language conflicts with our words, it may have an adverse effect on our relationships with family and friends. Others may question whether we are being sincere in what we're saying to them. We may wonder if they're lying to us. It might even negatively impact our career as well. For example, our credibility in the workplace could be damaged if managers or co-workers suspect we're not being truthful. This may be especially harmful when working with customers or clients who rely upon our honesty. That's just one example of why reading body language is so important. Learning how to interpret those cues is what the study of body language is all about. If you want to learn more about the subtle non verbal signals that reveal a person's true feelings or if you just want to make sure your words match your own body language, you'll want to listen to my interview with Janette Ghedotte, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder, and CEO of Accurate Body Language, Janette is known for her ability to analyze a person's hidden emotions and determine whether a person is telling the truth or being deceitful.    What You'll Hear in This Episode: What is body language?  How did Janette first become interested in the study of body language?  What are some ways that we understand facial and body language, and what can facial expressions tell us about that person?  Why is it so important that a mother understands facial and body language?  How can understanding body language help us in business and as an employer?  It's important to remember that every body language gesture is just one piece of the puzzle. Some body language giveaways that someone is being dishonest.  An example of someone in the public eye whose mannerisms really don't match their verbal responses. The importance of body language in politics and business. Why are people suffering from addiction more likely to be deceptive?  How can someone practice their mannerisms to overcome nervous habits and movements?    Today's Takeaway: Lies and deceptive behavior occur everyday. We've all heard stories of being misled by false advertising or individuals who have been taken advantage of by a con man. Maybe you know someone who suffers from addiction and you've fallen for their deceptive behavior. We might fall for their lies simply because we truly want to believe that individual is telling the truth and besides, they would never lie to us. Or, would they? But just imagine if you could know when someone is deliberately lying to you. If we could learn the signs and behavioral clues that accompany and contradict their words, we wouldn't have to second guess ourselves. We wouldn't have to question whether we can trust them or feel betrayed afterwards. When we're at our job, body language awareness for both ourselves and others could lead to increased sales and a healthier, happier workplace. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from being able to know who we can depend upon for their honesty, integrity and truthfulness is a priceless gift. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes:  “Anything nonverbal is communicating often with greater trustworthiness and credibility than the spoken word, which can be manipulative, and deceitful.” - Janette [7:30]  “The way you move across the stage or onpoint helps put context and credibility to your verbal words.” - Janette [9:16]  “Women who raise their babies women typically are better at catching body language clues, because they have that practice with raising babies.” - Janette [10:08]  “If you don't know these clues, then you miss that opportunity to resolve the prospective discomfort, objections, or uncertainty. And what we don't know costs us more than we ever realized.” - Janette [13:10]  “The greater the motivation, the greater the amount of potential to lie.” - Janette [19:48]  “From head to toes, the body always shows the truth.” - Janette [24:49]  “When we know how to detect and decode body language, it is our superpower.” [25:18] - Janette    Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Accurate Body Language   

with Melanie Brim, President and CEO of the Michigan Health Council.   Have you noticed it's increasingly difficult to schedule an appointment with a medical specialist? If you're calling for the first time, perhaps you're being told the doctor is no longer accepting “new patients.” Or, when they do offer an appointment, it's for a date several months in the future. If you're wondering why it's so hard to get in to see a doctor these days, it could be because our country is in the midst of a serious healthcare crisis. The entire healthcare industry is experiencing such a severe staffing shortage of trained, qualified employees that public health officials regard it as one of the nation's top patient safety concerns. For patients, the lack of trained hospital staff means longer wait times for emergency room visits, inadequate, or even subpar, patient care along with an increased risk of hospital-acquired infections. But the problem isn't just limited to hospitals.   Numerous clinics and healthcare facilities across the country have been forced to shut their doors because they lack the staff to keep them open. This means patients have to travel much farther for treatment. Although our healthcare system experienced staffing challenges prior to COVID-19, particularly among the nursing profession, the pandemic greatly magnified the problem.   The pandemic left our healthcare professionals mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted, and as healthcare workers began leaving the field en masse, that only increased the staffing shortage which led to additional stress and burnout for the remaining employees. Where does the situation stand today? What can we do to address and improve the healthcare staffing shortage? What does it mean for patient care? If you want to learn the answers to these questions and more, you'll want to listen to my interview with Melanie Brim, President and CEO of the Michigan Health Council. Melanie is going to speak with us about how the MHC researches trends and identifies solutions for these issues. We'll also discuss what lies ahead for patients and our healthcare industry.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What is the role of the Michigan Health Council? The educational role of the Next Generation Health Careers Academy and Scrubs Club programs is to get the next generations excited about leadership opportunities and careers in the healthcare industry. Where does the MHC get its funding? Melanie's concern about a much smaller labor force coming, and how to compete with other industries such as tech and engineering. Does MHC work with nursing schools? Are there health councils all over the country doing things similar to what the Michigan Health Council is doing? What impact has the pandemic had on healthcare professionals in Michigan? Why are patients being told that it can take several months to get an appointment to see a physician? What should patients do that need an appointment ASAP? How does the staffing shortage impact other employees such as pharmacists, home health care workers, or dialysis centers? With a shrinking talent pool, what steps can healthcare employers take to attract new employees while retaining current healthcare professionals? How can hospitals support healthcare workers more? While we wait to see the doctor, what can telehealth and telemedicine do?   Today's Takeaway:  Unfortunately, the pandemic caught us all by surprise and we were unprepared for the level of devastation that took place. While we hope to never experience a global event like that ever again, there are ways we can address some of the problems that still persist. It's important to recognize that our healthcare professionals are doing the very best they can with the limited personnel and the procedures they have in place. They're aware of the problems this presents for patients. While there are no easy answers to these ongoing issues, there are short-term solutions such as telemedicine options that can provide relief. Studying trends and forecasting staffing and other issues affecting the industry is an important part of our ability to continually improve the quality of healthcare for patients. By studying and compiling these statistics, we gain knowledge so that we're better prepared to implement procedures to offset upcoming gaps. Remember that every day is a gift and sometimes the very best gifts arise from the painful life lessons of the past. Today's problems give us the opportunity to learn and grow from our mistakes and provide a pathway for continued improvement and better solutions in the future. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “We have an educational program, particularly right now with a K-5 where we go into schools and introduce some concepts about health and wellness, but then also the careers that come along with those.” — Melanie [4:50]  “The earlier you start exposing students to the health careers, the more likely they are to decide to go into that as a field.” — Melanie [5:09] “We actually are a very unusual nonprofit, we actually have programs that generate revenue.” — Melanie [6:34] “We've been concerned that as a result of COVID-19 and all the media around it, young people might be kind of scared off from becoming American healthcare.” — Melanie [9:24] “During COVID-19, the turnover rate, meaning people leaving their jobs and changing jobs, or leaving the profession, increased almost 10% in one year, which is a pretty big increase during COVID-19.” — Melanie [14:13] “The workload for physicians is significant because they are trying to catch up with all those people who didn't get services during the year and a half at the front end of COVID-19.” — Melanie [16:03] “For the less urgent things, I really encourage people to manage their health care to know when they need to be seeing a doctor next, and trying to get themselves booked out as far as possible.” — Melanie [19:11] Today, you can actually make more at Arby's or McDonald's than you can as a direct care worker, as a home health aide.” — Melanie [22:06]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Michigan Health Council  

with Hilary Simmet, Marketing Specialist for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Michigan   When was the last time you visited your local park? If it's been awhile, you may want to reacquaint yourself with all of the wonderful activities available at the park these days. For example, right here in Southeastern, Michigan we have so many beautifully developed and maintained parks. They offer something for everyone to enjoy such as running, hiking, and biking trails and several even have lakes where you can spend the day at the beach and rent a canoe or kayak. There's no better time than summer to plan an adventure at your local park. Several parks even offer overnight camping so you could make it a summer vacation destination. Pack a picnic, toss a football and relax in the sun. Depending upon what your park offers, there might even be an opportunity to spend the day golfing, fishing, or playing on a waterslide with the kids. If you're looking for fun outdoor activities or perhaps something new to try, you'll want to listen to my interview with Hilary Simmet, Marketing Specialist for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Michigan. Hilary is here to tell us about all the wonderful activities available right now at the Metroparks.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What are some activities that you can do at the Metroparks? How much does it cost to rent a canoe or kayak for the day? How can someone sign up for the Trail Challenge? How many of the parks have golf courses? How did the Trail Challenge come about, and what can someone expect once they sign up? The amenities at the park, such as picnic shelters, picnic tables, barbecue grills and concession stands. What about the indoor spaces available to rent for a private event, such as a wedding? What are some of the most popular events that the park offers? How about some of the concerts and music events?   Today's Takeaway: Staying physically active and breathing in the fresh air outdoors is one of the best things we can do to maintain a healthy mind and body. We're so very fortunate to have the most amazing parks where we can enjoy a variety of fun, healthy outdoor activities throughout the year. There's so much to see and do and there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Maybe you can rent boats, play golf, ride bikes and horses, or if you prefer to stay indoors, many parks have Nature Centers and museums to visit. At the Metroparks here in Michigan, you can plan an evening picnic and listen to live music under the stars with their free Summer Concert Series. So check online in your area to find out what's available. Whatever it is that brings you a sense of enjoyment, your local parks are sure to provide it. Remember that every single day is a gift and the gift we get from spending time outdoors in nature with our loved ones is one of the most precious gifts of all! I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “There's so much to do, especially now that it's summer. We have a lot of aquatic facilities.” — Hilary [2:04]  “By logging miles, we mean you can hike, bike, paddle, rollerblade, push a stroller, etc. However you'd like to take in your miles, you can do it at the metro parks.” — Hilary [4:42]  “If you're looking for an event that is huge, has a lot of public participation, maybe it's a concert for kids or a concert for adults; maybe you want to do some dancing or put the kids in a bounce house and get them all tired before bedtime. We have an event for you this summer.” — Hilary [5:43] “It's always a great day at the Metro Parks. It doesn't matter the weather, you're always going to have a great day at the Metro Parks.” — Hilary [12:49]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Huron-Clinton Metroparks

With Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association   Did you know that the week of May 7th‒13th was National Hospital Week? During that week, we pay tribute to our healthcare workers and thank them for their service. Governor Gretchen Whitmer honored our dedicated hospital employees with the following message, “Whether you're preparing food for patients and staff, providing care at the bedside, doing rounds, performing surgery, or handling critical maintenance needs, the work you do keeps our hospitals safe and makes them more effective.” Although hospitals faced staffing and financial struggles in the past, those challenges have grown significantly since the early days of the pandemic. Faced with the frightening task of containing the deadly outbreak while caring for multitudes of quarantined patients, exhausted healthcare workers were pushed to the brink physically and mentally. With staffing levels already strained, hospital employees were subjected to significantly longer hours with fewer breaks. In addition to the increased threat to their own health and safety, employees may have faced childcare or other family issues resulting from COVID-19-related job loss or illness.   Thankfully, the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, but the aftereffects linger on. Staff shortages continue to plague hospitals and healthcare centers. One of the biggest reasons cited is employee burnout. The ongoing physical, emotional, and mental toll led to a huge increase in early retirement and employee resignations. So, how are local hospitals coping with these issues and what does this mean for the future of Michigan healthcare? If you want to learn the answers to these questions and more, you'll want to listen to my interview with Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Brian is here to talk to us about the current state of Michigan Hospitals and explain how the MHA supports our healthcare workers.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What is the Michigan Health & Hospital Association? How does the MHA advocate for hospitals? Do most hospitals belong to the Association? What impact has the pandemic had on hospitals in Michigan? Are we more prepared for a pandemic than we were in 2020? How do we encourage more of the younger generation to explore going into nursing and the caregiving industry? How has the nursing shortage changed partnerships between nursing schools and hospitals?  What are some of the other areas affected significantly by staffing shortages? What other problems do hospitals currently face? Why are people so violent against healthcare workers? How can we ensure the safety of our healthcare employees? In addition to major hospitals, how does the staffing shortage impact other care facilities such as nursing homes? If someone wants to contact the MHA, what is the best way to do so?   Today's Takeaway: Working in a hospital can be a very challenging environment. While performing these vital life-affirming jobs, our healthcare employees are on the front lines dealing with patients and their loved ones during the worst and most stressful times in their lives. They may have to treat patients who are delusional, in pain, or simply uncooperative. In addition to the patients themselves, they may encounter family members who are verbally or physically abusive. Just imagine how you would feel if you were physically abused or verbally threatened while you were simply trying to do your job. When we're in pain or a loved one is ill, it's important to respect the job of the healthcare workers and remember we are in their care. They have the knowledge and tools to help us recover. We need to let them do their job. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of health and recovery is wholly dependent upon our healthcare workers. So take a moment to remember how hard they are working to help us and don't forget to thank them for all that they do and the sacrifices they may be making. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Our hospitals, whether large or small, urban or rural, have been through an incredible challenge these last few years. And we're so incredibly proud of the work that they do every single day 24/7, 365, to care for all Michiganders.” — Brian [3:26] “We really do a number of things that can promote the health and well-being of our staff and the patients they serve.” — Brian [4:06] “When we walk into the governor's office, or a state senator or representative's office, we can legitimately say we are here as the voice of the entire field.” — Brian [5:07] “Efficiency is the enemy of preparedness.” — Brian [8:18] “I think we have to have a serious conversation about the financial viability of the rest of the healthcare infrastructure versus the pharmaceutical industry.” — Brian [18:38] “We're really doing whatever we possibly can to create the best possible workplace for our health care providers.” — Brian [23:55]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Michigan Hospital Careers  

with Shawn Byrnes, Franchise Owner of StretchLab   When most of us think of stretching, it's something we might spend a few minutes doing to limber up before exercising, or afterwards to cool down. But did you know that stretching on its own is a great form of exercise? Not only does stretching build and tone your muscles, but it can help avoid injury, increase flexibility or agility, and maximize performance. It might even improve your posture! In professional sports, it's the job of the team trainer to keep athletes operating in peak performance mode. They do this by utilizing a strict regimen of pre- and post-game stretches. The trainer can manipulate and stretch the individual muscles and joints in order to minimize pain and discomfort, increase range of motion, or improve an athlete's speed. But these days, having a trainer stretch your muscles, manipulate your joints and optimize your physical fitness isn't just for professional athletes. One of the fastest-growing franchises in the nation provides group or one on one, stretching sessions with specially trained individuals who stretch and tone your muscles and joints for you. If you want to minimize muscle discomfort, increase your range of motion, and improve your circulation, you'll want to listen to my interview with Shawn Byrnes, the franchise owner of StretchLab, to explain why stretching could be the best exercise of all.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why is stretching so beneficial for our health and well being Is it more important to stretch before or after we exercise? How can stretching help us avoid and heal from injuries? How does regular stretching improve athletic fitness? Should we stretch every day, even when we don't exercise? What areas of the body should we focus on? What is “assisted stretching”? Why is assisted stretching more effective? What is StretchLab and how did Shawn become involved? How often should we stretch? Is it too late to start stretching, and how can it help us age well? What is M.A.P.S. technology and how does it work? What is a Flexologist?   Today's Takeaway: We tend to take for granted all the many ways we rely on our body, from brushing our teeth to basic household chores and picking up after the kids or pets, until suddenly, we hurt ourselves. When an injury prevents us from doing even the most basic of movements, our life is disrupted in ways we can't even begin to imagine. Suddenly we have to rely on others to do all those things for us. We may need help getting dressed, or have someone else walk our dog. But as we've heard today, most injuries tend to occur when muscles, ligaments, and joints aren't properly conditioned. Although a majority of injuries occur during sports-related activities, sometimes just stepping wrong as you get out of the car could cause an injury. Too much pressure or the slightest movement the wrong way might lead to ruptures or tears. That's why it's so very important to properly condition your body to maximize your range of motion. When a joint or ligament is too tight, it could snap when it's put under pressure. But if it's accustomed to a wider range of motion, that joint or tendon will be far more resilient and forgiving, even under strain. Taking a few extra minutes to stretch each day could save you from injury, not to mention the added mental benefit of giving yourself a few extra minutes to breathe deep and relax. Remember that every day is a gift and having a healthy body is a gift we can never take for granted. So cherish your body and do everything you can to condition it properly. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Certainly increasing our mobility in our flexibility helps humans do what we're really designed to do, which is to be in motion.” — Shawn [2:19]   “A body that's prepared and stretching via assisted stretching or stretching on our own helps us increase that range of motion and flexibility and prepares us to do those activities that we love to do and that we have to do.” — Shawn  [2:45]   “Stretching, first and foremost, should not hurt. And I think there was a common misconception for a time that if it didn't hurt, it didn't work.” — Shawn [10:11]   “I'm looking for things that can help me maintain my mobility and my flexibility, so I can do the things that I really enjoyed doing into my 60s and 70s. I think assisted stretching is one of those things that can certainly help.” — Shawn [22:15]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: StretchLab   

With Kathleen Grissom, Bestselling Author   Having a passionate dream and believing in yourself could transform your daily life. It provides a reason to spring out of bed in the morning and it can motivate you to keep going late at night, working overtime in pursuit of that dream. That passion may even change how we see the world by letting us imagine what our life might look like, if only things were different.   Maybe your passion involves the arts and your dream is to become a dancer or a singer. Perhaps you've dreamed of writing a novel and even submitted a written draft to a publishing company. Years ago, I dreamed about writing a book, and one day, that dream became a reality. When I was first approached about writing the memoir that eventually became my book, “Talk to The Mirror,” I was already a well-known businesswoman. I was fortunate to meet with several publishing companies in New York who expressed an interest.   But what if you're an unknown author? How do you get your foot in the door with a publishing company? How do you convince a publisher that your debut novel might just become their next bestseller?   When I'm reading a particularly enjoyable novel, I often wonder about the writer's process. How did the author come up with the theme for their novel? Where did they find the inspiration for their characters or come up with those shocking plot twists? If the author is writing a historical novel based on a real-life person, how do they go about researching the characters? If you want to learn more about what it takes to write (and publish) that bestselling novel, you'll want to listen to my interview with New York Times Bestselling author, Kathleen Grissom. Her very first novel, The Kitchen House, was originally published in 2010. It went on to become a bestseller and by 2016, her book was already in its 21st printing and had sold more than 400,000 copies. That's quite an accomplishment for an unknown author! Kathleen's with us today to talk about her newest historical novel, Crow Mary.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What was the inspiration behind The Kitchen House? What is the book about? Does Kathleen have any history with writing? Kathleen was raising cashmere goats before she became a best-selling author. What are the things Kathleen learned when studying the publishing industry? What types of research did Kathleen do when writing The Kitchen House? How did Kathleen find an agent? How did The Kitchen House develop legs? Did Kathleen go on book tours, go to book clubs, etc? What is Kathleen's book Crow Mary about? Is Kathleen disciplined in her writing process? What's the biggest challenge in writing a fictionalized historical account of an actual person? How does Kathleen balance the need for historical accuracy against the commercial desire for a readable and interesting storyline? How did Kathleen go about recreating Crow Mary's life, and obtaining such detailed information about the language, the clothing and the food, and the customs? What does Kathleen want readers to take away from Crow Mary?   Today's Takeaway: Crow Mary provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives, customs, and rituals of Native American culture during the late 1800s. It's based on the true story of a brave woman and the personal sacrifices she made standing up for what she believed in to protect the lives of others. Kathleen's passion for strong women and their place in history led to her career as a bestselling author. Following your passion won't always lead to becoming a bestselling author. But finding something that brings you pleasure and enjoyment can be its own reward. In addition, you might find others to connect with who share that same interest or passion. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from following our passion can bring excitement, joy, and fun into our daily lives simply by spending time doing something that we enjoy. And sometimes, if we're very lucky, we might even get to pursue our passion to the point where it becomes a full-time endeavor and financially rewarding as well. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “A movie started to play in my head and in my mind's eye; I was just pulled right into the story.” — Kathleen “I came home and I sat down and I said, ‘Where are you?' And with that, the movie started to play. I picked up my pencil and I followed behind. So that's how I came to write “The Kitchen House.” — Kathleen “I was ill-equipped to write when I think back now. I really was.” — Kathleen “I just knew from the beginning that I was meant to get it published. And so I studied the publishing business.” — Kathleen “My main concern was that I would stick to the facts. The rest of it, I pray, and I asked for guidance.” — Kathleen “I didn't know that I could become a writer. I thought those were extraordinary people. And then I discovered that writers were just ordinary people who might write something extraordinary. I realized I could be a writer.” — Kathleen / Susan Isaacs “I needed to be able to understand the nuances and the subtleties of her [Crow Mary's] culture, to be able to allow her voice to authentically come through. And so that was my goal, to really authentically understand the culture.” — Kathleen   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: The Kitchen House Crow Mary Kathleen's Website   

With Dr. Jonathan Fellows, Board Certified Neurology Specialist   No one could have anticipated in March of 2020 the staggering toll COVID-19 would have on the world as millions lost their lives and others continue to suffer long-term health consequences. But now, more than three years later, the public health emergency has expired in the U.S. Even though the W.H.O. still classifies COVID as an ongoing global health threat, there is cause for optimism as we are at long last reaching a point where increased levels of immunity may soon lead to a reduction in virus-related deaths.   But what can we expect going forward and what about the ongoing impact on patients still experiencing long COVID symptoms? How are those individuals doing today? What are the more common long-term symptoms and are these patients finally doing better and feeling some relief? If so, what treatments have proven effective in treating long COVID? Here's what we do know today: while the range and severity of symptoms can vary greatly from one patient to the next and a small minority of patients continue to suffer from ongoing kidney, cardiac, and circulatory issues, most patients diagnosed with long COVID experience less severe symptoms.   In addition to a loss of smell or taste, some of the most common symptoms include chronic fatigue and brain fog, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues, and headaches. For patients suffering from these long COVID symptoms, a number of different medications are recommended that could help reduce brain fog and chronic fatigue and may help with inflammation and provide relief from long COVID body aches and pains. In addition to these medications, doctors recommend that patients adopt an anti-inflammatory diet, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and manage their stress — all of which have been shown to reduce symptoms of long COVID. If you want to learn more about the possible effects of long COVID and how it can be treated, you'll want to listen to Florine's interview with Dr. Jon Fellows, a board-certified neurology specialist who talks about specific neurological symptoms experienced by those patients diagnosed with long COVID.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What are the most common neurological symptoms that COVID-19 patients are experiencing? What does “brain fog” mean? Can you have “brain fog” without having had COVID-19? Does the vaccine help with long-hauler COVID-19 symptoms? Why do only certain COVID-19 patients experience severe neurological symptoms? How much does obesity factor into developing neurological diseases and conditions? Should people who have had COVID-19 still get the vaccine? Are diabetic people more at risk for COVID-19? What, if anything, can help these symptoms disappear? Dr. Fellows mentions other common neurological diseases. What are movement disorders? What danger does the new variant present? What are Dr. Fellows' thoughts on those who are hesitant to vaccinate? Why hasn't the FDA fully approved the vaccine? Important stroke warning signs and symptoms to look out for.   Today's Takeaway: With many of us returning to work, socializing with friends and family, eating at restaurants, and attending sporting events, life is feeling very different from a year ago! But not all of us are so fortunate. For those COVID-19 patients who are experiencing ongoing symptoms, they feel like they're still in the thick of this pandemic.   As we've heard, while most of these symptoms will disappear or improve over time, there are things we can do to minimize our symptoms. Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in some form of exercise, controlling stress, and getting good rest and sleep are important steps. If you're one of the lucky ones who stayed healthy during the pandemic and didn't get sick, that doesn't mean you weren't affected. Perhaps the lack of social interaction affected our mindset and we experienced a cognitive slump this past year. Do you feel as if you lack energy and focus? It's easy to drift into a sort of malaise when we're not being mentally stimulated by work and social activities. So, how can we re-engage and strengthen our cognitive abilities? Reading, playing trivia games, assembling puzzles, or whatever you can do to stimulate your brain are ways to sharpen your skills and improve your critical thinking. Remember that every day is a gift and your brain needs exercise just like the other muscles in your body. So stimulate and challenge your mind! Get out there and try new things. Experience new places, make new memories, and just enjoy every moment! I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes:   “A day doesn't go by that I don't have a patient come in that had COVID-19 weeks ago and is still having symptoms, and probably the biggest one is that brain fog.” — Dr. Fellows   “This is so this long hauler syndrome is not unique to COVID-19. We've seen this forever.” — Dr. Fellows   “Studies have shown that the patients that have the greatest immunity against infection, or really reinfection, in this case, would be patients who have had COVID-19 and then went on to get the vaccine. That's the magic bullet right there.” — Dr. Fellows   “Brain fog, by and large, is one of the most common complaints that patients who have had COVID-19 complain of.” — Dr. Fellows   “In general, patients are getting better about a month after COVID-19.” — Dr. Fellows   “About 10% of all patients who get COVID-19 will go on to develop long-hauler syndrome.” — Dr. Fellows   “The patients that are most at risk for long-term health problems are the patients that are more likely than not to develop the long-hauler phenomenon.” — Dr. Fellows   “The single best thing we can do in terms of brain health is activity.” — Dr. Fellows   “I would say that the vast majority of patients show improvement to complete resolution.” — Dr. Fellows   “What I tell patients is that it has been my ticket to enjoy life a little bit. I can feel very comfortable going places being around people just knowing that I'm vaccinated and that I have that layer of protection.” — Dr. Fellows   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode:  Dr. Jonathan Fellows at Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND)  

with Lisa Lapides Sawicki, Certified Life Coach   What do you think of when you hear of a “conflict” between two people? Do you automatically roll your eyes or feel your stomach clench with anxiety? Or, is your first impulse to try and “smooth things over” and diffuse the conflict before things escalate any further? While that might give the parties a chance to cool off, it doesn't resolve the underlying issue. Having a disagreement with someone doesn't have to lead to a conflict and on occasion, a conversation about a difference of opinion can prove beneficial. Sometimes conflicts actually identify hidden issues and bring to light disagreements that can ultimately strengthen relationships or bring about creative solutions that move a project forward, allowing both parties to feel as though progress has been achieved. But how you approach the other person and address that conflict can make all the difference. If you want to learn more about how to successfully resolve conflicts and hear tips for strategies on having conversations that can produce solutions and promote a win-win feeling for both parties, you'll want to listen to my interview with Certified Life Coach, Lisa Lapides Sawicki.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What are the various types of conflict? Why there are just some people that you can't resolve conflict with. How healthy conflict and resolution can be good. What are some common reasons that people have disagreements? Why family conflict tends to be harder to resolve. When do you need outside help to resolve your conflict? Where can someone go to find a professional to help them resolve their conflict? What is meant by the term “conflict resolution”? Why should we focus on the issue at hand, rather than the words? What should you do if the other person keeps pointing the finger at you? Why is writing things down on a legal pad or whiteboard much better than just keeping it in conversation? The importance of empathy in resolving conflict. What are some great strategies for handling conflict in the workplace?   Today's Takeaway: When we're living or working with others, we bring our own unique vision and experience to a situation. But if our approach differs on how we accomplish something or what needs to happen, it may inevitably lead to disagreements or conflicts. That's especially true when communicating with others if we express our needs, wants, or desires without regard for what the other person is thinking or feeling. That single-minded, narrow focus is often the cause of many disagreements that can lead to conflict. While it's important to communicate our own feelings and needs in a calm and forthright manner, it's equally important that we actively listen to those around us to understand their point of view. If the goal is to resolve the conflict in a way that serves the needs of both parties, focus on the actual issues and try to come up with a compromise rather than escalating the conflict itself by assigning blame and allowing our emotions to get in the way. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from learning to listen and pay attention to the needs and feelings of those around us even when we disagree, could lead to fewer misunderstandings and help us identify and resolve the issues that divide us. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Conflict happens when two people or more disagree, and it escalates and becomes kind of an elephant in the room, or something that there's disappointment or has to be negotiated or compromised.” — Lisa [2:12] “Every issue is not worth being processed. So you have to really understand and clarify what's worth confrontation, what's worth resolving.” — Lisa [2:42] “Conflict resolution with family members is really a high-level communication.” — Lisa [8:26] “In a conflict, there can be two unreasonable people, and you need outside help.” — Lisa [9:01] “You have to be really great with human nature to get to resolve. It's not black and white.” — Lisa [11:51] “When we focus on the facts, we start to be able to dissect cleanly and fairly and objectively what's really happening.” — Lisa [14:37] “The words get in the way. So we have to go down to facts, to start to really resolve the problem at hand, and to negotiate and collaborate and come to some kind of compromise and understanding.” — Lisa [15:15] “Empathy is hugely important to be somebody who can effectively have conflict resolution.” — Lisa [17:14] “We always have to negotiate in little ways, and big ways.” —Lisa [26:32]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Lisa Lapides Sawicki Family Conflict Factsheet Strong Tips for Healthy Family Management

With Christina Beck, Director of Content for Supportiv   What do you do when you're tossing and turning in the middle of the night, panicking about a situation or suddenly overcome with anxiety? Your first thought might be to reach for the phone to call a family member or friend… only it's three o'clock in the morning and you don't want to wake them or cause them to worry. But as you sit there alone, feeling more anxious and desperate and counting the hours till dawn, you're finding it harder and harder to calm yourself. Instead, what if we could contact an anonymous stranger who actually understands our concerns because they've experienced the very same thing? Sometimes just talking openly and honestly about our feelings is exactly what we need to feel better. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could anonymously talk about our fears and challenges and not concern ourselves with how our words might be misinterpreted by the other person? We could vent openly without fear of judgment and perhaps even learn how the other person handled their own situation. If worries about relationships, family dramas, or struggles at work are keeping you up at night, then maybe talking about the situation with someone who experienced those same challenges might help. Even if their situation isn't identical to what you‘re experiencing, it could help to speak with a like-minded person who shares your concerns. That's the idea behind Supportiv. Supportiv is a digital peer-to-peer network that matches you with a specially trained moderator who will connect you with the right support network team members. If you want to learn more about what Supportiv is and how it works, you'll want to listen to my interview with Christina Beck, Director of Content for Supportiv.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What is Supportiv? How did the idea for Supportiv come about? Do you see each other on the chat, or is it completely anonymous? What privacy does Supportiv guarantee the user? Is it really 24/7? What are the steps that you can take to reach and talk with someone? What is the wait time before you are connected with someone on the service? What is precision peer support? How does Supportiv differ from traditional forms of mental care or group therapy? Is Supportiv covered by insurance? What is the typical cost of a session? How does someone become a moderator, and what kind of training do they receive? What are some of the common situations in which Supportiv could provide help for their users?   Today's Takeaway: When we're in the midst of a crisis or a challenging situation and don't know which way to turn, our emotions get in the way when we're overwhelmed by feelings of anger, insecurity, sadness, or grief. Listening only to the voice inside our head, we might not see the situation clearly. But if we talk with someone who experienced a similar situation, we may find comfort and validation just knowing we're not alone. By talking things over, we might sometimes figure out an answer, soothe our hurt feelings, or lose at least some of our anger. It might help to have a neutral third party listen and empathize. It's certainly preferable to keeping things bottled up inside which only allows the situation or feelings to fester and grow. Perhaps the best thing about the Supportiv network is that it's not just a one-way street. For the individual on the other end of the phone, it provides an opportunity for them to look back and relate how they've come out on the other side. Sharing their story of recovery and growth can be very rewarding. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from supporting and being there for others is not only helpful for them, it can bring us a sense of purpose and personal clarity. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “That part of the mission is to allow people to seek help on their own terms, when and how they need it. That means you don't have to use just the right vocabulary. You don't have to disclose or receive a diagnosis or download an app. You don't have to schedule around your unpredictable life.” — Christina [3:07] “Being anonymous makes it easier to just be vulnerable and seek help in the first place.” — Christina [4:05] “We look at chat as sort of the great equalizer. Anybody, a Ph.D. or a high school dropout can still connect over a similar issue.” — Christina [4:40] “Precision peer support is really the patented cutting-edge technology that allows Supportiv to match you with the best peers for whatever topic you want to discuss. It's basically almost magic just based on your answer to that one question: what's your struggle?” — Christina [8:53]  “Online peer support at Supportiv isn't a replacement for therapy. But it can be a much more flexible and comfortable option when you really need immediate support.” — Christina [11:31] “In these roles are people who have been through difficult experiences and who really feel how powerful it is not just to feel listened to but to feel heard.” — Christina [15:03]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Supportiv  

With Sinziana Luchian, Director of Healthcare Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce    One of the biggest challenges employers have faced since the early days of the pandemic is reassuring employees that their workplace is not only safe but that changes have been implemented to ensure a healthy work environment. But what is meant by the term “healthy work environment?” These days in addition to making sure that employees feel secure and valued in their jobs, many employers are also taking steps to encourage the ongoing health and well-being of their workforce. A wide range of supportive services are available to companies that want to create an inclusive and cohesive work environment. For example, activities and information that promote a healthy lifestyle and forming good habits may help reduce employee stress and burnout. When employers demonstrate that they take their employee's health and well-being seriously, it might result in a more productive effort and an increase in employee engagement. If you want to learn more about how companies and employees can work together to create a healthier work environment, you'll want to listen to my Sinziana Luchian, the Director of Healthcare Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.    What You'll Hear on This Episode: What is a healthy work environment?  What is the role of the Detroit Regional Chamber in promoting a healthy workplace?  From a productivity standpoint, how are healthy work environments more successful?   Where could a company start to start implementing taking health and well-being more seriously?  Does it have to cost a lot to start these initiatives, or are there low-cost options?  What are some of the benefits that membership in the Chamber offers small businesses? What can employers do to model wellness and encourage health in their employees?  Is there a correlation between companies with a solid wellness strategy and fewer employee sick days? Why does the Chamber recommend that companies include a social element as part of their health and wellness culture? How companies can support the physical, mental, and emotional health of their employees.    Today's Takeaway: There is a saying that “good health is good for business.” When employers cultivate a positive healthy workplace, they make it easier for employees to adopt and maintain healthy habits. In addition to increased reports of physical illness, job-related stress can also lead to increased rates of depression and anxiety. Employees who “love their jobs” are more likely to be found working at companies that score highest in promoting a work environment where there is less stress and where they feel valued. But having a healthy work environment goes beyond supporting the physical and mental health of their employees. It's also about creating and ensuring an environment that is emotionally safe, and free of gossip, intolerance, or harassment. One way to promote a sense of inclusivity is by scheduling offsite team events where management can participate alongside their employees and everyone can “compete” on an equal basis. The advantages for companies that prioritize wellness is that in addition to a healthier, happier workforce, may have increased productivity and engagement, less stress and even the potential for a reduction in group plan insurance costs, all of which might lead to an improved bottom line. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from feeling our best physically and mentally could help us perform better at work and still have plenty of energy left over to enjoy our time with family and friends. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”     Quotes: “A healthy workplace is flexible. It's inclusive and supportive of each employee's health and wellness journey. And really, the way to do this is to communicate with your employees and find out what's important to them regarding their well-being.” - Sinziana  2:09   “Happy and healthy employees are more present and engaged day to day, as well as more productive in their jobs.” - Sinziana 4:36  “Really try to engage your workforce in health and wellness activities, and see what's important to them, what's working, what's not working, and go from there.” - Sinziana 11:34  “I think that's the important part, is creating the culture. It has to trickle from the top down.” - Sinziana 11:40 “Health-focused environments need to trickle from the top down for them to be successful.” - Sinziana 11:55  “Companies who invest in their employees through a wellness strategy see fewer sick days, medical leave and see a more productive and engaged workforce.” - Sinziana 17:29  Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: The Detroit Regional Chamber sluchian@detroitchamber.com    

With Beth Thayer, Director of Henry Ford Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention   When you are diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Type 2 Diabetes, some lifestyle changes may be in order. But the good news is that by adopting healthy habits and with careful blood sugar monitoring, you will not only feel better but you could avoid the potential for long-term complications. One of the biggest complications associated with diabetes is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease which could result in heart attacks, stroke, or even sudden death. Obesity is a contributing factor to developing cardiovascular disease because the additional weight puts an increased toll on the body's ability to function safely and efficiently. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries are just a few of the metabolic changes associated with excessive weight gain. In addition, when you're morbidly obese, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems may develop. That's why it's important for anyone diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. If you want to learn proven tips on how to successfully manage Type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and increased physical activity, you'll want to listen to my interview with Beth Thayer, the Director of the Henry Ford Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: Why is maintaining a healthy weight so important for people living  with Type 2 diabetes? Beth shares some foods to incorporate into your diet that can help stabilize blood sugar. What role does diet play for someone diagnosed with diabetes? What is insulin resistance, and how does it make it harder for a person to lose weight? Are there foods we should eliminate to balance our blood sugar? Are all breads bad? Do we really need to cut out carbs? What is the plate method and how does it help us balance our meals? Beth walks us through a wonderful, satisfying, and healthy look at what a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner can look like. What if someone wants to go gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan? How can they make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need? Ideas for meal planning when one child has been diagnosed with diabetes and his or her siblings don't have diabetes? What suggestions do you have for healthy snacks and desserts for people with diabetes? Why is it so important for people with diabetes to incorporate daily activity or exercise into their routine? What is “pre-diabetes”? What is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with this condition?   Today's Takeaway: Losing weight may be one of the best and most important ways to protect our health and guard against developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many other long-term health complications. While it would be great if we could simply lose weight at the drop of a hat to look our best and be the healthiest we can be, the truth is that there are no easy shortcuts.   While it's not a quick fix, the best way to lose weight continues to be watching what we eat, exercising portion control, and getting plenty of activity each day. The ideal meal plan should incorporate foods that are nutritious and protein-rich along with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables. The sign of a great weight loss plan is one that helps you learn new eating habits and change your lifestyle in ways that you'll want to continue so you can keep the weight off. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, increased physical activity may be the key to losing weight and keeping it off. Regular exercise not only helps you lose body fat, but it can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Best of all, research has shown that regular physical activity can help you control your diabetes better by reducing the amount of sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream and decreasing insulin resistance. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift we get from losing excess weight and optimizing our health is truly the gift of a lifetime — a lifetime that can be spent loving ourselves and enjoying how we look and feel. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.   Quotes: “In some cases, weight loss is actually enough to restore blood sugar levels to normal. So even if it doesn't get your blood sugar completely back to normal, it might lower your need for insulin therapy, or other medications that control your diabetes.” — Beth [4:34] “No, don't eliminate carbohydrates. You need carbohydrates for energy, your brain needs it to function. And then we need the nutrients that carbohydrate foods like whole grains, fruits and dairy, and even vegetables can provide.” — Beth [9:09] “So when we're looking at someone who has diabetes, it's not only the right foods, that's a key piece. But it's also looking at the amount that you're eating of these foods, and how you note that food throughout the day.” — Beth [11:07] “Don't, don't be shy with those vegetables!” — Beth [15:20] “So instead of stigmatizing the child or anyone who has diabetes, adjusting the meal plan for that person who has diabetes, for the whole family is going to be really important.” — Beth [21:32] “Physical activity is so important for all of us. But with someone who has diabetes, it's especially important.” — Beth [23:06]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Henry Ford Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention  Henry Ford Blog Diabetes Helpline 313-874-7495

With Meryl Comer, Award Winning Journalist and TV Producer   When you're a caregiver for an adult with a cognitive disability such as Alzheimer's or dementia, there could be numerous challenges involved in taking that individual out in public. Simple errands such as going to the grocery store or dining out at restaurants can prove to be an exhausting endeavor, filled with unpredictable behaviors. Parents of autistic children often experience the same thing. When you're the parent of a child with autism, a big part of their recommended treatment plan is establishing a comforting daily routine. Along with providing a safe and familiar home environment, it's equally important to allow for regular social interaction, time spent outdoors in the fresh air, and keeping the child engaged with regular activities.   Sensory overload or unfamiliar circumstances can be upsetting and confusing. The disruption in an individual's daily routine could lead to a public meltdown with tantrums, or violent outbursts. For the caregiver witnessing these behaviors is not only unsettling and embarrassing, but it also requires knowing how to safely extricate the child or adult from that situation and find a way to calm their outburst. It helps to have on hand a tool kit of soothing items such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget devices, and anti-bacterial wipes that might distract them. For a cognitively impaired adult, understanding the source of their anxiety or removing the trigger could help, as well as re-focusing their attention on you. The most important thing is to remain calm. Raising your voice or demanding that he or she calms down, will only make the situation worse. Instead, experienced caregivers often carry a small pocket card that they hand out to restaurant employees or others explaining that the person has dementia and that they're simply having a “bad day.”   If you would like to learn more about the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, you'll want to listen to Florine's 2022 interview with Meryl Comer. A former award-winning journalist and TV producer, Meryl is well-versed in caring for a loved one with cognitive disabilities.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: What are some of the things people can do to reduce their risk of dementia? What are some of the risk factors for dementia? How does it affect men or women more? What are some of the symptoms of early dementia? Could Alzheimer's be genetic? Dementia has become the leading cause of death for women in the United Kingdom and Australia surpassing heart disease. In the United States, women over the age of 60 are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's as they are with breast cancer. Meryl discusses both her mother and husband developing Alzheimer's and the physical, emotional, and financial toll it took on her family. Meryl talks about Us Against Alzheimer's, and why feels so passionately about their mission. What is the current research behind Alzheimer's, and are we making any headway against solving it? How does medical insurance typically handle covering Alzheimer's, and why can it take such a financial toll on families? What treatments are there today for someone diagnosed with early onset of the disease? Why is so little known about Alzheimer's compared to other diseases? Meryl talks about the personality shifts that often accompany an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Why is it so important to establish a daily routine for the patient? Why are women so often misdiagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease?   Today's Takeaway: Currently, two-thirds of all Alzheimer's patients worldwide are female. Dementia has become the leading cause of death for women in the United Kingdom and Australia, surpassing heart disease. In the United States, women over the age of 60 are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's as they are with breast cancer. The sad truth is that many women's health symptoms are often ignored, misunderstood, or even dismissed. As women, we might be led to believe that mild cognitive impairment or forgetfulness is just our hormones or a normal sign of aging. But what if that's not the cause? In women, early symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease might be attributed to brain fog, fatigue, depression, or simply distraction due to rigorous family and work schedules. But knowing your family history and paying attention to the early warning signs are critical for proper diagnosis.   It's also important if you are the one caring for a family member or loved one with dementia that you establish a strong support network. As a primary caretaker, the toll upon your own health and wellness can be enormous. Make sure you have others who can pitch in to help and that you connect with a local caregivers group with whom you can ask questions and share advice. It's important to note that not all symptoms of dementia lead to an Alzheimer's diagnosis. There are a variety of treatable conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms such as untreated sleep apnea, Lyme disease, thyroid problems, or even vitamin deficiencies. But it's vitally important to consult a trained medical professional to properly evaluate the symptoms and determine the cause in order to begin proper treatment. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.   Quotes: “No one is prepared for the cost of this disease.” — Meryl [6:41] “That age of 50 to 70 is a really critical period for identifying risk and resilience — Meryl [7:09] “All you're doing is really staying healthy until science catches up. That's your target.” — Meryl [7:38] “If you have a loved one in your home, you'd better show up at unexpected times. And you'd better show up and watch what's going on and pay close attention.” — Meryl [20:54] “For those listening who are on the frontlines of the care, you live with very small victories, just getting through the day. Don't get so far ahead in the disease because you shut yourself down. You need the stamina.”  — Meryl [33:18] “I just want honesty from the doctors. I think we have to push the doctors to tell us what's going on.” — Meryl [37:50]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Meryl Comer  Slow Dancing with a Stranger Us Against Alzheimer's  

With Jessie Garrison from GreenPath Financial Wellness   One of the most challenging situations a person can experience is financial hardship. Few things keep us up at night more than the fear of not being able to pay our bills. A sudden change in financial circumstances could jeopardize our ability to pay our mortgage, buy groceries, or even put gas in the car. A financial crisis may result from a variety of reasons such as unexpected medical bills, the sudden loss of a job, a death in the family, or a divorce. Any one of these events might abruptly lead to financial insecurity. Even the cost of rising inflation or high credit card balances could put us in financial jeopardy. But as the mountain of bills continues to accumulate, we may feel as though we are sinking underwater without a life raft. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome a sudden financial crisis. A good first step toward resolving this situation is seeking the aid of trained experts who specialize in working with individuals struggling with financial issues. They advise their clients of all the different options available to them so they can satisfy their creditors and ultimately regain their financial independence. With their help and guidance, clients have been able to consolidate their balances, pay off creditors, and turn their finances around. My guest is a perfect example of someone who did exactly that.   As a 21-year-old college student, Jessie Garrison was literally drowning in credit card debt and planning to declare personal bankruptcy. But at the last minute, she was encouraged to contact a credit counseling agency, GreenPath Financial Wellness. That phone call not only saved her financial future, it ultimately led her to a wonderful career path that would not have been possible had she not gone through the experience she did.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: How did Jessie get herself in a financial bind at such a young age? How did Jessie turn things around and start working for GreenPath? What are the typical consequences of someone falling into serious debt? How can these financial hardships affect someone mentally and emotionally? What are counseling sessions like at GreenPath? What is a certified financial expert? Where is Jessie now in her financial wellness journey? What type of work does GreenPath do? What would she say to someone who is feeling overwhelmed? Jessie reminds us that you don't have to go through financial troubles alone. How can GreenPath help someone get back on the right path to financial freedom? What advice would Jessie have now for her 20-year-old self? Are there any long-term negative consequences associated with being on a Debt Management Plan? Jessie was able to improve her credit score to be in the top-tier category, and she now pays off her balance immediately rather than letting it rack up.   Today's Takeaway:   The threat of a financial crisis can feel overwhelming. When you are faced with losing your home or rental property, you worry about where you will go next and how you can afford to live. If you can't pay your bills, how will you support your family and put food on the table? But as we've heard today, even the most dire financial situations can be overcome. Jessie's story is proof that just because a person is deep in debt today, it doesn't mean that it will always be that way. There are solutions available and trained professionals who can help you. Following their advice, payment plans can be agreed upon with creditors and financial stability can be restored. You will learn that you are not alone and there is a solution. A trained professional can help you navigate the obstacles to financial freedom and understanding all of your options can help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety and show you a path forward. There's light at the end of the tunnel. It will take time and discipline and sacrifices may have to be made but the end result is worth it. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of achieving financial stability is a gift that is truly priceless for you and your family. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.   Quotes: “I ended up using credit cards to support my living expenses.”— Jessie [4:00] “Maxed-out or late payments can make it more difficult to secure new loans or credit cards in the future. Or, it could be more difficult to get a mortgage or more expensive if you do get new loans.” — Jessie [7:03] “Financial hardship weighs heavily on people. It can impact their self-worth. It can lead to anxiety, depression, or negative impact on relationships.” — Jessie [8:03] “Our financial situation is so closely tied to our safety and our feeling of security. As a result, financial hardship has a significant mental and emotional toll.” — Jessie [8:33] “You really do not have to be alone navigating a difficult financial situation.” — Jessie [9:03] “Today, I feel like I'm in a much better place financially. I truly believe because of that one conversation with GreenPath. It changed my life.” — Jessie [13:48] “Every type of conversation is geared to help our clients understand and work towards financial wellness.” — Jessie [16:05]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: GreenPath Financial Wellness

With Gayle Schindler, Chef, Author, and Food Blogger   With the skyrocketing cost of grocery bills, it's more important than ever before to shop wisely and avoid food waste. Instead of eating out, ordering in, or a last-minute trip to the grocery store, you can save time and money by having everything you need on hand to whip up delicious meals. While strategies such as cutting coupons and buying sale items in bulk help reduce food costs, you can save even more money with careful planning. Using items you already have on hand in your pantry, you can prepare multiple dishes with common ingredients, expand your meal options and avoid unnecessary purchases. Plus, eating at home is a great way to ensure that you and your family eat healthy meals. Great meals begin with a well-stocked kitchen and pantry and if becoming a more organized cook and reducing your food costs is important to you, you'll want to listen to my interview with Gayle Schindler, Chef, Food Blogger and author of the new cookbook, Stocked: Flavor Bombs and Staples For Your Kitchen. Rather than simply providing recipes, Gayle's cookbook teaches you how to shop, stock, and prepare meals. It's a “one-stop shop” for everything you need to know, to set up an organized, efficient kitchen and pantry so you can begin enjoying a variety of delicious meals with ingredients you already have on hand.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: Stocked isn't your typical cookbook. How did Gayle come up with the idea and such a unique format for this book that she calls a “cooking book”? Why was it important to focus more on shopping, storing, and prepping food rather than simply providing recipes? What are some of the most important things to keep in your pantry?  How can stocking your kitchen save you money and time and help you eat healthier? What things does Gayle always keep in her pantry? Why does Gayle take things out of their original packaging when she gets home from shopping? What can you do with leftovers? The importance of food safety in your home. What do “sell by” and “use by” labels really mean? What is a “flavor bomb”? What are some of Gayle's favorite meal prep shortcuts? Most of us fall back on the same tired old meal choices. How can we get out of that rut?   Today's Takeaway: During the course of our conversation last year, when I initially interviewed Gayle, she realized that not everyone knows how to properly stock their pantry and organize their kitchen. Sometimes the universe provides us with an opportunity in the most unexpected way. Gayle recognized that and it led to her journey of writing this cookbook. She not only discovered a gap in the market for a unique approach, but she also brought her wealth of knowledge and personal experience. Writing this book allowed her to share her passion for cooking and love of food with others. She wrote this book as a guide to show that food prep and meal planning don't have to be a chore. Instead, it can be fun and enjoyable as well as a time-saving, cost-efficient way to prepare our meals. The next time you're struggling to come up with what to make for dinner, before you run to the store or order takeout, why not raid your pantry first? Gayle's cookbook provides plenty of delicious meal suggestions using ingredients you already have on hand. For example, that can of condensed tomato soup combined with a bit of Tabasco, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire, and mustard might make a terrific sauce for frozen fish. In addition, using food you already have in the house, can help reduce your overall grocery costs. Remember that food doesn't just nourish our bodies. When we create healthy and enjoyable meals to share with our loved ones, we also feed our souls. Every day is a gift and the gift we get from taking the time to plan ahead and think about how we shop, cook and prepare those meals is a gift we give to ourselves but it also sets a wonderful example for our loved ones on how to stock their own kitchen and pantry. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.    Quotes: “Making sure that you have what you need in your kitchen is a much more natural way to work through your kitchen.” — Gayle [4:20]  “The packaging that comes into the store it's not always the best one to store it in.” — Gayle [10:41] “A flavor bomb is my sort of my vernacular for ingredients that add a ton of flavor to your foods that are not sugar or salt.” — Gayle [21:51] “This is not a cookbook, it is a cooking book. And it's really a book about grocery shopping. And when you talk about grocery shopping, you have to talk about reading labels.” — Gayle [25:42] “All natural doesn't mean anything. Arsenic is natural too and it's not anything you want.” — Gayle [26:55] “Always having something ready to go, always having those fresh vegetables so I can always throw a salad together with something on top of it.” — Gayle [33:02]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Gayle Schindler, Chef, Food Blogger, and author  Stocked: Flavor Bombs and Staples For Your Kitchen  

With Michael Bertaut, Health Care Economist and Straight Talk blog author with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.   We're fortunate to live at a time when we have so many different health insurance plans available, but why does choosing a health insurance plan have to be so complicated? Sadly, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all health insurance plan. The most cost-effective plan for one person could lead to significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for someone else, based on different medical issues or ongoing care needs. Sometimes even when you've had the same insurance coverage for years, things happen in life that suddenly require a brand new insurance plan. For example, if you recently changed jobs or experienced another qualifying life event it can be confusing to know what to look for or determine the best plan for you and your family. This is especially true when that change requires switching from an employer-paid plan to private-pay insurance. Understanding all the different factors that come into play when determining the best plan is confusing and may even result in your selected insurance plan not covering medically necessary procedures or treatments. That's why it's important to take the time to carefully research all your different options and fully understand the benefits of choosing one plan over another.   If you want to learn how to select the best plan to meet your specific healthcare needs, you'll want to listen to my interview with Michael Bertaut, Health Care Economist and Straight Talk blog author with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: Why is choosing health insurance so complicated? Why do we need health insurance? Are there insurance plans that pay for almost all of our medical care costs? What are the three most important factors to consider when choosing a health insurance plan? What is a deductible? What is considered an “emergency” for care, and can someone really be turned away if they are experiencing a medical crisis? The difference between a premium vs. a deductible. What is a Health Savings Account or HSA? What is an FSA? What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO? What if you can't afford insurance or your work doesn't offer it? What is COBRA and how does it work? What medical screenings are provided free of cost?   Today's Takeaway: When we're dealing with a health crisis, we don't even want to think about the resulting financial burden. At that moment, all we care about is the health and well-being of ourselves or our loved ones and the last thing we want to hear in the midst of a medical emergency is that the best possible treatment option isn't available because our insurance won't cover it. But while we're focused on getting the best possible care for ourselves or our loved ones, the meter keeps ticking and emergency room visits or hospital bills, even for a short stay, can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. With every bandage or pill dispensed, the tally keeps growing.   Surgery, extended hospital stays, and ongoing care can easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's no wonder that the first thing we are asked for when scheduling a doctor's appointment or entering an emergency room is our insurance card. Without adequate insurance, a person's finances or even life savings could be wiped out. That's why it is so very important to do the research, ask the right questions and seek out professional advice when necessary to ensure that you are getting the best possible coverage available for you and your family.   Although insurance is something we purchase hoping we never have to rely on it, it's critical to have it if we ever do need it. Remember that every day is a gift and the security of knowing that you and your family are properly insured is a gift that can literally save a life. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.   Quotes: “Here in America, we have managed, kind of accidentally, to create what I call the most expensive health care system on Earth, that nobody can afford to pay for out of their own pocket.” — Michael [2:33] “There are plans that are out there that will let you pick how much risk you want to pull onto yourself.” — Michael [5:54] “Typically, people start thinking hard about their health insurance as they get a little older and perhaps get married, or have children or move to another state or change jobs. Those are the things that we see are big trigger events.” — Michael [7:12] “I can literally call healthcare.gov during open enrollment. And I can be sitting in a center getting chemotherapy while I'm on the phone. It doesn't give them any right to ask me a single medical question. In 2023, they can't ask me a thing.” — Michael [11:17] “Health insurance is a mess, right? We know it. It's complex. It's a messy system. It's almost the most heavily regulated form of insurance on the planet.” — Michael [37:16] “So we know it's tricky to explain. We work really hard to do everything in plain English, stay away from insurance jargon, stay away from medical jargon, and just keep it simple.” — Michael [37:46]   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture michael.bertaut@bcbsla.com   Mentioned in This Episode: Straight Talk  https://www.straighttalkla.com  

With Ross Douthat, Author, and New York Times Opinion Columnist   With spring approaching, we look forward to the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. But while we're enjoying the warm weather and sunshine, we also need to be aware of the heightened risk of contracting tick bites. Although tick exposure might occur any time of year, ticks tend to be at their most active during the warmer months of April through September and we need to be extra cautious. Reducing our exposure to ticks isn't simply about avoiding an annoying insect bite, it's about the very real threat of contracting a serious tick-borne infection such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.   According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the most frequent tick-borne infection with over 300,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States. Keep in mind that since the ticks that transmit Lyme disease, deer ticks, are roughly about the size of a pinhead when they come out in late spring and early summer, they're often difficult to see. That's why it's so important to avoid getting bitten. The CDC recommends a number of simple precautions we can take to avoid tick bites while still enjoying our time outdoors. One of the best ways to protect ourselves is by being careful to avoid tick habitats. Ticks love to hide in areas of tall grasses and heavily wooded areas. When hiking, it's best to stay in the middle of the trail and avoid uncut, grassy edges where ticks may be lurking. Since ticks get Lyme disease from mice, it's important to do everything we can to eliminate mouse habitats and avoid attracting them to our gardens or campsites. This includes eliminating mouse-friendly wood piles and rock piles where mice live and breed.   Try to avoid going barefoot and whenever possible, wear long-sleeved clothing. Apply and re-apply insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET. Another recommendation is to use Permethrin, a commonly-used tick pesticide that can be applied to clothing and will safely remain on clothes for months without having to be reapplied. It's equally important to protect our beloved pets. Dogs are especially susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Work with your veterinarian to discuss Tick prevention. In addition to keeping our pets healthy and tick-free, we are also guarding against them unwittingly bringing these nasty insects into our homes.   One of the most frightening aspects of Lyme disease is that it is often hard to diagnose and if left untreated, it can lead to horrific long-term consequences. That's what happened to New York Times columnist, author, and podcast host, Ross Douthat. If you have any questions as to how debilitating and serious a tick bite can become, you'll want to check out Florine's December 2021 interview with Ross as he discussed his book, The Deep Places, which documented his five-year journey and ultimate recovery from Lyme disease.   What You'll Hear on This Episode: How was Ross's life before his illness? How did the symptoms begin? When did Ross first get the diagnosis of Lyme disease? What treatment did Ross get, and did it help? Does Ross know when he got bit? What inspired Ross to write his book Privilege? How writing runs in Ross's family. Was Ross healthy before his illness? Why does Lyme Disease persist so badly in people? How did Ross's geographic location affect his diagnosis? Did doctors dismiss Ross's symptoms? How Lyme disease treatment can be very costly. How did his illness impact Ross's family? Did Ross try any homeopathic approaches? How long did Ross suffer before he got any relief? Is there a chance that Ross's illness will come back? How did Ross get through the dark times? What would listeners be surprised to learn about Ross? What brings Ross happiness these days?   Today's Takeaway: At a time, when so many people are still recovering, from the coronavirus, and still, exhibiting neurological symptoms, months, after contracting the virus, our definition, of what it means, to live with an ongoing chronic illness has changed. We no longer see chronic illness, as the unique, or rare exception, that perhaps we once did. Instead, we now know, it to be far more common than we might ever have imagined. When the medical profession may not have the answers, or our symptoms fall outside the norm, many patients, choose to do the research themselves to find other treatment options. We may find relief, from our symptoms, outside traditional medicine, but whatever it is, that works for you and offers relief, is worthy of exploring.   There is no better gift, than the gift, of a healthy body and a healthy mind. The lesson to be learned from Ross's experience is that there is hope, for someone diagnosed with a chronic illness. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway”.    Quotes: “I probably saw 10‒15 doctors in the span of two or three months and none of them had any clear idea of what was going on.” — Ross “If you have one of these chronic conditions where there isn't an official CDC approved approach to treating it, then they are less likely to be able to help you.” — Ross “I was healthy. I was 35 and I'd had a few things here and there, but I'd never been sick for probably more than a week-and-a-half in my whole life.” — Ross “I was accustomed to having my body do the things that I asked it to do.” — Ross “Lyme disease is famous for this bullseye rash that develops around the tick bite.” — Ross “Before I started getting better, in the period when I was just sort of trying things desperately and unable to find something, the sense that things were just falling apart was incredibly, incredibly strong.” — Ross “A whole network of people, but especially spouses, carry a particular kind of weight with these illnesses.” — Ross “One lesson is that things can get better. It's important to have faith and confidence that they can get better even when things are at their worst.” — Ross “Hope is essential for human existence, but not hope alone. You also have to act.” — Ross “In the end, other people can help you, but when it comes to illness, only you understand your symptoms at some level; only you will know when you get better, and you have to fight for that.” — Ross   Brought to You By: Gardner White Furniture   Mentioned in This Episode: Ross Douthat Ross Douthat for NYT Opinion The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery, by Ross Douthat Privilege: Harvard and the Education of the Ruling Class, by Ross Gregory Douthat  

WITH Dr. Don Grant, 2022 President of the American Psychological Association, Society for Media Psychology and Technology and Chair of the American Psychological Association, Device Management and Intelligence Committee and National Advisor of Healthy Device Management for Newport Healthcare          Did you know we're currently in the midst of a national mental health crisis for teens and young adults? Sadly, it's true. Over the past few years, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of teen suicides along with soaring rates of teenage depression, substance abuse, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and self-harming behaviors. Suicide is now the third-leading cause of death among 15‒24-year-olds, exceeded only by accidental deaths and homicide. A 2021 study found that 48% of young people admitted to struggling with mental health issues and more than one-third of those went untreated. A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Health indicated that for young children diagnosed with depression and anxiety, approximately half of their mental health issues were evident by age 14.   Although psychological counseling and medication are available for children as young as five years of age who have clinically diagnosed mental problems, roughly two-thirds of these children have not received treatment or proper medical intervention. Perhaps now, more than ever before, we need to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms so that vulnerable, at-risk young people can feel supported and understood and get the early intervention they may need.   If you want to learn more about how we can help young people who may be struggling with mental health issues, please listen to my interview with Dr. Don Grant, 2022 President of the American Psychological Association, Society for Media Psychology and Technology, and Chair of the American Psychological Association, Device Management, and Intelligence Committee.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What are some of the primary mental health disorders for teens and young adults? What happened in 2012 for us to see a spike in depression, anxiety, and suicide? What are some of the symptoms that parents and educators have to watch out for? What are some of the primary mental health disorders for teens and young adults? How to notice if your kids are suffering from what Don calls #compare and #despair. What to do if you notice a difference in your child's social media. How can filters on social media damage a teen's self-confidence and self-image? How can parents talk to their kids about online bullying? What is the online disinhibition effect? What are cyberbullying and cyber aggression? The three different people that can be involved in a cyber-aggressive act, whether it's in real life or online. What parents need to know before they give their kids their first device.   Today's Takeaway: A variety of factors such as poverty, fear of global warming along with the pandemic, and excessive consumption of social media have contributed to the rise in mental health issues for young people and adults. Increased rates of low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety have left this generation far more vulnerable to incidents of bullying, fears of being ostracized, and chronic depression. Young people who experience recurring incidents of abuse or chronic neglect or witness domestic violence, or parental mental health or substance abuse problems are particularly vulnerable. The increasing number of children as young as ten years old attempting suicide is a particularly alarming statistic. There is help available but early intervention is critical. Teaching young children to modify their thoughts and behavior is far more effective at an early age. Inpatient programs may offer the best chance of success. It's important we don't allow shame or stigmatization to take precedence over obtaining early treatment and intervention for a young person in crisis. Remember every day is a gift and the gift we get from recognizing when a young person is struggling and getting them the help they need can make a huge difference not only in their childhood but also in their mental health as an adult as well. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Look at your kids and their behavior. If you see a big change, then certainly investigate what's going on.” — Don “We have to remember, social media is completely self-curated, we can create that store window in any way we want.” — Don  “If anyone, and especially a teenager is posting anything on social media, what do they need? Why are they putting it out there? — Don “It's the kid and adults as well. They have FOMO. They're feeling like they're not current. They're feeling like they're not relevant.” — Don “Cyberbullying is part of cyber aggression, and it can look a lot of different ways.” — Don “The first thing I tell parents is: model behavior.” — Don “There is no seat belt for social media.” — Don   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: American Psychological Association

With Bridjet Morris, Influencer and Lifestyle Blogger   There was a time when we relied exclusively on newspapers, TV, or radio for the latest news updates. If we wanted information on the latest fashion and makeup trends, we'd spend hours gazing at colorful magazine ads or watching television commercials. But as magazine revenues plummeted and TV viewers began fast-forwarding through commercials, advertisers had to find new ways to get their products before the public. Thus began the golden age of the product “Influencer.” Influencers are all over the media, promoting product endorsements and touting the newest fashion trends. But what is an influencer and how can you become one? If you're already in the public eye or a well-known celebrity, companies are beating down your door to get you to promote their products. But if you're not a celebrity, can you still be paid to sponsor products? If you're just starting as an influencer, how do you expand your following or find sponsors? If you want to learn what it takes to become an influencer and build a brand, then you'll want to listen to my interview with popular women's empowerment mentor and motherhood and lifestyle blogger, Bridjet Morris.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What exactly is an influencer? Bridjet's 3 Es of blogging and influencing: Educate, Empower, and Entertain. Bridjet walks us through the process of developing her brand and how she finds companies and people to partner with. Should someone have a niche or can you be an influencer in a broad sense? Who inspired Bridjet to blog and create content? What are the qualities that make influencers successful? How does someone make money being an influencer? What does a motherhood influencer talk about? How does someone gain more followers? What are the common questions she gets? What does it mean to be a micro-influencer? What kinds of brand partnerships does she do?   Today's Takeaway: Unless you're already a well-known celebrity with a huge social media following, you're not going to become an internet sensation overnight. It takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and commitment to build a brand and become a successful influencer. You need to know your audience, be relatable and get them to engage with you. Especially if you want your followers to rely upon your sponsored product recommendations or tips on how to make their lives easier. As we've heard from Bridjet, once you've identified your platform and area of expertise, it's important to establish that sense of authenticity that allows your audience to see you as someone they can trust, relate to, and connect with on a regular basis. It's also important to recognize that you're cultivating a community of like-minded individuals and sometimes it takes a village to validate and support each other. Remember every day is a gift and the gift we get from being vulnerable enough to reveal our true selves to others may very well encourage them to be just as real in return with us. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.   Quotes: “To be honest with you, I kind of think we're all influencers in our own way.” — Bridjet  “Honestly, it's just about having really vulnerable conversations because I think that's how my audience connects with me.” — Bridjet  “My platform and my mission is to help inspire other women who feel alone and like they are the only ones going through something.” — Bridjet  To be honest with you, my personal brand is ever-evolving, just like I am so you know just constantly cultivating that.” — Bridjet “The people that influenced me the most were the old school influencers, fashion bloggers.”  — Bridjet “To be a blogger, you need to show some consistency, you need to use your voice, and you need to assert yourself as a thought leader.” — Bridjet “I try just to be authentic and honest. And that's, I think, where the true connection comes in.” — Bridjet   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: Bridjet Morris Bridjet Morris Instagram  

With Dr. Valerie Young, Co-Founder of Imposter Syndrome Institute   Are you familiar with the term Imposter Syndrome? It's cropping up all over the media these days. But what does it really mean and who is most likely to experience it? More importantly, are there ways we can overcome it?    It's not unusual for women (and men) to suffer from occasional feelings of self-doubt, especially if we're tackling new challenges or doing something for the first time. But all too often, as women, we may fall into the trap of believing we need to be perfect. But trying to live up to our own impossibly high standards may actually be sabotaging our chance for success. Going through life feeling like a fraud and fearing the stigma of exposure is an emotionally exhausting and unsustainable way to live. But it doesn't have to be that way.   If feelings of self-doubt are interfering with your day-to-day life because you truly believe you're less qualified, talented, or intelligent than others think you are, then you may be suffering from “Imposter Syndrome.”   If you want to learn how to overcome the negative beliefs and feelings that may be creating barriers to your success, you'll want to listen to my interview with Dr. Valerie Young, the Co-founder of Imposter Syndrome Institute. After obtaining her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, where she studied internal barriers to women's occupational achievements, she worked in corporate management for a Fortune 200 Company. Today, recognized as one of the foremost experts in treating Imposter Syndrome, Valerie is uniquely qualified to counsel other women on how to recognize the signs and overcome the feelings associated with this syndrome.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What exactly is imposter syndrome? How our family messaging and upbringing affect whether or not we experience imposter syndrome. Why are so many of the obstacles women face in achieving success, “internal”? How we tend to conflate competence and confidence. What are some of the symptoms of imposter syndrome? Dr. Valerie talks about what drew her to the field and her passion for understanding why so many capable women suffer from imposter syndrome. What does The Impostor Syndrome do and who are the type of people they work with? How can people move through their imposter syndrome and have the confidence to go after what they want? Why does talking to ourselves in a positive manner matter? How can we build up more confidence? Everyone loses when bright people play small.   Today's Takeaway: Almost everyone suffers from self-doubt on occasion but if you frequently struggle with the belief that you're less talented, competent, or qualified than others believe you are, you could have Imposter Syndrome. By constantly questioning your abilities, you may actually set yourself up for failure based on your unrealistic self-defeating expectations.   Asking for help to overcome the shame and stigma that could be  preventing you from achieving the kind of success you desire isn't a sign of  weakness or incompetence. Instead, it's the first step toward healing. If you  are seeking to overcome these negative self-defeating thoughts,  Imposter Syndrome Institute may be able to help.   For example, instead of telling yourself you're not deserving of a particular job, you can learn to believe you've been given this role for a  reason and that you are the best and most qualified individual. You can learn  when you don't know something, how to recruit someone who does have the  information or the ability and with their help, you can both succeed. Remember every day is a gift and the gift we get from believing in ourselves and knowing when to reach out to others and ask for their assistance is  not a sign of weakness but a sign you're already on the path to success.  I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.   Quotes: “In my experience, there are men who painfully experience impostor feelings, but I find it tends to hold women back more.” — Dr. Valerie “We tend to conflate competence and confidence.” — Dr. Valerie “If you belong to any group for whom there are stereotypes about competence or intelligence, you're going to be more susceptible to impostor feelings.” — Dr. Valerie “If I'm going to overlook your 30% I want you to overlook my 30%.” — Florine “What if we spent as much time focusing on both feeling more confident, but also projecting it even when we don't feel it?” — Dr. Valerie “The more positive you feel, the more confidence you're going to have.” — Florine “The key is to not wait until you feel confident. Feelings are the last to change; you have to change your thoughts first and then your behaviors.” — Florine “Who do you think you are to not go for it?” — Florine   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: Impostor Syndrome Institute  

WITH Miriam Sherk, a board-certified music therapist   Has there ever been a time in your life when you were in a bad mood and you found yourself singing along to a song on the radio and when the song ended, you just felt better? Listening to music, playing an instrument or singing can soothe us mentally and emotionally by reminding us of happier times or comforting memories.   That's the goal of music therapy; to use music and melodies to connect with or process emotions in a healthy and beneficial manner. Mental health experts are discovering the benefits of music therapy as an alternative to standard therapies of counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy for patients who suffer from depression and anxiety.   Although music therapy is not a cure for depression or anxiety, music is a powerful mood stimulant that can make a big difference in how a patient responds to treatment. Music can bring about positive changes in a patient's mental and emotional well-being when used in a therapeutic setting.   Music therapy can improve the patient's ability to communicate and interact with others as well as help the patient develop coping and relaxation skills. For example, the physical act of strumming a guitar or playing the piano is soothing and may temporarily offset feelings of depression and anxiety.   Even if the patient has no prior history of musical ability, music therapy can improve a patient's concentration and self-confidence. Listening to music also releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone that can induce happy moods or help relieve pain. Using music to improve a patient's mental or physical state is not new. During World War II, soldiers of war experiencing PTSD or painful physical injuries responded well to traveling musicians who volunteered to play their instruments for wounded veterans. Doctors noted a significant improvement in the patient's physical and mental condition and as a result, hospitals began to hire these musicians.   In 1944, Michigan State University became the first college in the world to offer a degree program in music therapy. If you would like to hear more about how music can be used in a therapeutic setting to address mental and physical challenges, then you'll want to listen to Florine's 2021 interview with Miriam Sherk, a board-certified music therapist and the founder of Ann Arbor Music Therapy.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: How Miriam got into music and started playing the bassoon. What is a Certified Music Therapist? What goes into the training of a Music Therapist? Miriam shares her experience of playing in an orchestra. What inspires Miriam to use music as therapy and to make it her career? How can music therapy help dementia patients? How does a music therapist determine what type of treatment is appropriate for the client? What types of instruments are used in music therapy?   Today's Takeaway: Music has the power to make a real difference in people's lives. Just listening to music brings a smile to my face and puts me in a better frame of mind. But I've also personally experienced how music can help heal us too. Years ago, when I was recovering from surgery, I became allergic to pain medication and instead, I used music to help manage my pain.   Now, when I think of music, I think of all the ways it can literally transform the lives of others! Being able to communicate and feel a connection with others is one of the greatest joys in my life. I can't imagine how difficult it is for someone who can't speak or communicate. But if music could help someone express themselves, just think how amazing it would be for that individual and their loved ones!    Using music to unlock communication skills, calm our emotions or trigger memories might be just the beginning of what might be possible. Connecting people through music is what music therapy is all about. Helping a stroke patient who can't verbalize words but can communicate their thoughts through song is truly a miracle!   We've all had times when we struggle and feel depressed or out of sorts. Instead of giving in to our anger or sadness, why not put on some music and dance your cares away? It may not make your problems disappear but I know you'll feel better! It really worked for me! So go ahead, give yourself the gift of music, and sing or dance as if you're a star on Broadway!   I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “Something music therapists often speak of is that we give ourselves in a very vulnerable personal way by engaging in music.” — Miriam   “All of us came to music therapy as musicians. It's what we love, and that's what we get a lot of joy through.” — Miriam   “The wonderful thing about music therapy training is that it is such a diversified training.” — Miriam   “It's very important for me as the music therapist, not to be prescriptive about music, but to assess what music is most engaging, most connecting and connected to their own lives in a meaningful way.” — Miriam   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: Ann Arbor Music Therapy  

With Danielle Todd, Executive Director of Make Food Not Waste.   How often do you go through your pantry and refrigerator discarding perishable food items based on their “sell by” or “use by” dates? Do you rely on those dates to determine whether an item is “safe to eat?” Or, do you pay no attention and regularly eat food well past the posted date? Would you be shocked to learn that those dates have absolutely nothing to do with consumer food safety? It's true! “Sell by” dates are designed to help grocers manage their inventory and rotate stock on their shelves. It has nothing to do with food safety. As a consumer, the only date you may wish to look for in stores is the “use by” dates. However, keep in mind those dates merely indicate when the product is at its peak for quality and flavor. Although these “use by” dates have little to do with actual food safety, many of us assume that once this date has passed, the item is not safe to eat. Into  the bin it goes, where it will eventually wind up in a landfill, further contributing to the needless waste of food that could otherwise be safely  consumed.   Recent statistics reveal that Americans waste 40% of the food that is grown in this country. Most of that waste comes from consumer homes and commercial restaurants and stores. Although most of us would  assume that the majority of wasted food comes from restaurants; in reality, the biggest source of food waste occurs at home. But it doesn't have to be that way and there are simple things we can all do to reduce the problem of food waste. For example, are you familiar with the term “food upcycling?” One of the best ways to reduce our grocery bills is by adopting a “zero waste” strategy and finding new ways to re-purpose items we would normally consider waste in delicious and nutritious recipes.   If you want to learn more about reducing waste through food upcycling and perhaps lower your grocery costs, you'll want to listen to my interview with Danielle Todd, the Executive Director of Make Food Not Waste.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Danielle's passion for food waste reduction and more about her background before she started Make Food Not Waste.  How can food reduction be good for environmental issues, especially climate change? Why has food waste become such a problem for the planet and the community? About how much food ends up in landfills each year in the United States? Danielle shares some great ideas for composting and using our food waste in a resourceful way. What do “sell by” and “expired” mean, and when should we really get rid of our food? What is methane, and what does it do to the environment? How much money does the typical family of four waste on unused food each year? What is food upcycling? How can someone become part of the Make Food Not Waste community?   Today's Takeaway: One of the biggest changes we've seen over the past few years has been the increased cost of groceries. Grocery prices rose 13 percent over the last year outpacing the annual 8.2 percent inflation rate for all consumer products, according to the most recent Labor Department data. The price of fruits and vegetables increased by 10.4 percent, while milk increased by 15.2 percent and eggs soared by a whopping 30.5 percent. There are numerous reasons why prices rose including supply chain and transportation issues, the war in Ukraine, and extreme droughts throughout the U.S. While we can't do much to control the increased cost of groceries, we can take steps to ensure that we utilize every item of food we buy and stretch those dollars to the fullest potential.   There are so many ways to maximize our food dollars by taking the scraps we would normally discard as waste and turning them into healthy, delicious meals. For several years now restaurant chefs have been learning to reduce their overhead by doing more with the food that they purchase. Yesterday's roast chicken dinner may be today's White Chicken Chili special. The same strategies chefs employ to reduce waste can prove just as efficient in our homes. Be creative, plan ahead when you go to the grocery store, and think in terms of multiple meals you can freeze and store. If you find that you have a surplus of fresh produce or pantry items you can't use, you can always donate to “Make Food Not Waste” or a local food pantry. Remember that every single day is a gift and the gift we get from learning to upcycle food not only benefits our wallet but it can provide a wonderful gift to others in the community and it may very well help save the environment and our planet. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes:   “Food waste reduction is considered one of the best solutions to climate change.” — Danielle   “The only date that is required by the federal government to have a true expiration date is on baby formula. So everything else is really up to manufacturers, grocery stores, the state, everyone has different rules, there's a lot of inconsistency.” — Danielle   “Use your senses. If you give it a sniff and it smells bad, don't drink it.” — Danielle   “When we think about climate change, we really think about transportation energy, and we don't realize that what we do every day has a real impact.” — Danielle   “The average family of four throws away about $2,000 a year in food that they could eat.” — Danielle   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: Make Food Not Waste   

With Courtney Stevens, Director of Virtual Care at Henry Ford Health   Are you familiar with the term “telemedicine?” Perhaps you or a family member have used telemedicine in the past for non-emergency medical issues. But if you're not familiar with Telemedicine, it's the ability for medical personnel to consult, treat, and monitor their patients remotely using advanced telecommunication tools. Instead of waiting days or even weeks to get in to see your doctor in person, Telemedicine offers the ability to be seen, diagnosed, and treated within hours. Using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, patients can simply download an app and communicate “face to face” with their doctors, nurses, and therapists. The reassuring presence of a doctor who can provide immediate medical care and advice in diagnosing and treating a variety of non-emergency medical conditions is an enormous benefit for both the patient and the medical staff. Patient information remains confidential, costs are reduced, and the overall patient experience can be greatly improved by eliminating the commute and time spent in the doctor's office waiting to be seen. Telemedicine can help the medical team by alleviating the stress of healthcare professionals who are overwhelmed trying to keep up with increasing patient demands. By improving overall efficiency in seeing and treating patients in a timely manner, many physicians are now offering their patients 24/7 access to medical care with an “on-call doctor.” If you are looking for ways to gain increased access to your medical care provider, then you'll want to listen to my interview with Courtney Stevens, the Director of Virtual Care at Henry Ford Health.   What You'll Hear in This Episode:  What is Telemedicine, and how does it work? How does someone make an appointment for the first time on Telemedicine? How does Telemedicine protect our privacy and security? Do most doctors at Henry Ford Health offer Telemedicine? How has Telemedicine evolved over the past couple of years? What are the reasons for most Telemedicine visits? What is the typical fee for a Telemedicine visit? What is the average turnaround time from requesting a telemedicine visit to being able to speak with a doctor? What are some of the drawbacks of Telemedicine, and how can these be solved? What is digital literacy? What are the many specialties and medicines that Telemedicine can offer?   Today's Takeaway: Over the past few years, medical care providers are learning how they can greatly improve patient care and follow-up through the use of Telemedicine. Being able to offer their patients an option for 24/7 care and monitoring alleviates much of the strain on overburdened medical staff and it creates a cost-effective and immediate response for many non-emergency medical issues. Veterinarians are now even beginning to offer virtual services as well. Although Telemedicine allows you to discuss non-emergency medical care with a doctor by phone or online at a time that's convenient for you, it doesn't always replace the need for in-person doctor visits. There are certain services that cannot be provided through Telemedicine. For example, healthcare professionals don't have the ability to perform routine lab work on blood or urine samples, or test a patient's heart rate and blood pressure. If you want to ensure that you are getting the best medical care available, use Telemedicine services in combination with your in-person doctor visits. You can take advantage of Telemedicine while still having your in-person physician provider oversee your medical care. Remember that every single day is a gift and the increased accessibility that Telemedicine offers is the gift that allows us to give our physical and mental health the priority it deserves. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes: “What we're really referring to is a provider and a patient connecting, breaking down the barriers of space and time so that they no longer need to be in the same clinical room, or even the same geography.” — Courtney “We can offer convenient and excellent health care for patients from the convenience of their homes.” — Courtney  “Think of it as a virtual urgent care.” — Courtney “They don't need to come to a physical brick and mortar, they are able to do that from the convenience of their home or their local gym or work and still get that care they need to be on the road to recovery.” — Courtney  “It's readily available, which is a great opportunity.” — Courtney  “And that's the beauty of being able to offer, the scheduled option with any of our providers across the organization is you're able to have that continuity of care with the provider and be able to see them from either in-person to a video or virtual visit.” — Courtney   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: Henry Ford Health Courtney Stevens  

With Dr. James Bragman, Sports Medicine & Geriatric Specialist   What do you think of when you hear the word retirement? Do you think of all the things you have wanted to do but didn't have time for? Or, does the idea of retirement scare you because you can't imagine not having a meaningful job to do each day? It's not uncommon that as we age, we may experience memory loss. But did you know that one of the most important ways you can protect your brain and mental health is through daily exercise? Not only does regular exercise help us maintain our muscle tone, physical strength, and balance, but it also helps to strengthen our immune system and stay mentally fit as well. Numerous studies have shown that as we age, staying physically active and fit in our senior years is one of the best ways to protect our brain health and improve our memory. Numerous studies have shown the rate of mental slowdown is almost twice the rate for inactive adults compared to those who are active.   If you want to learn more about the many benefits and ways we can stay physically active throughout our life, then you'll want to listen to my interview with Dr. James Bragman from West Bloomfield Internal Medicine. Dr. Bragman specializes in both sports and internal geriatric medicine. He is a Full Clinical Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Michigan State University. In addition, he has more than 20 years of experience, including working as a national medical expert for CNN radio.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: What does a sports medicine physician do? Why is stretching of paramount importance, and how can we build stretching into our everyday routine? What is cognitive decline and what are some ways to prevent it? How we can eat to support our mental and physical health? How to maintain a sharp status even as we age. What can cause cognitive impairment in people? What are some great coping mechanisms for stress reduction? Is it ever too late to start moving and getting exercise? What is the recommended number of days per week we should be exercising? What types of mental exercises are the most effective for maintaining a healthy brain?   Today's Takeaway: There are numerous advantages to staying physically active. In addition to maintaining our fitness level, balance, and physical strength, staying active can help reduce blood pressure, lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and may even help with blood sugar for diabetics. In addition, there's evidence to suggest that it may also reduce the risk of certain cancers. But as we've heard today, now there are more reasons than ever before to incorporate regular exercise sessions into our weekly routine because it also helps to keep our brains healthy. There is nothing that ages us faster than cognitive decline. Having a healthy and fully functioning brain helps us feel younger, more vital, and more connected to our lives and our loved ones. Staying active doesn't have to be a chore. You can take up yoga, pilates, or any other activity that gets you moving. Have fun while increasing your physical and mental fitness. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of staying physically active may just be the key to prolonging your life expectancy and improving the quality of your life as you age. It's all up to you. I'm Florine Mark and that's “Today's Takeaway.”   Quotes:   “You have a lot of options. Not everyone is able to do a standing toe touch like your mother.” — Dr. James Bragman   “It's a learned skill, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.” — Dr. James Bragman   “It's the old proverbial if you don't use it, you lose it.” — Dr. James Bragman   “The more physically active you are, it's part of the underpinnings of what I call Aging Gracefully in 2023.” — Dr. James Bragman   “It's committing to something that you are happy doing and can do for the rest of your life.” — Dr. James Bragman    “People need coping mechanisms, and exercise is a fantastic way of doing it.” — Dr. James Bragman   Brought to You By: Florine Mark   Mentioned in This Episode: West Bloomfield Internal Medicine 248-855-7453