6/18/2024 RTIR Newsletter: Extreme Heat, Celebrating Eid, Orcas, Humpacks, Fin Whales and More!

01. Extreme Heat is Here – Keep an Eye on the Vulnerable
02. Pets Need Help With Extreme Heat
03. Bananas! Chiquita Found Liable in Colombian Murders
04. Millions Are Celebrating the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’
05. Scientists Are Blubbering Over Whale Sightings
06. The Mighty Mississippi: A State-by-State Summer Guide
07. Boomers Won’t Budge Because They Have Nowhere to Go
08. Cancer Survivor Shares ‘Road Map’ For Princess Kate
09. Is a Cure for Our Broken Political System Even Possible?
10. Forget About Bouncing Back. Bounce Forward!
11. Should You Be Taking Magnesium Supplements?
12. Does This Psychotherapist Hold the Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness?
13. Why the Biggest Domestic Violence Myths Continue
14. Is It Good to Stay in a Bad Marriage for the Kids’ Sake?
15. Make Summertime, Tea Time!

1.==> Extreme Heat is Here – Keep an Eye on the Vulnerable

Much of the country is bracing for a stretch of record-breaking high temperatures and hellacious conditions. A long-lasting and expansive heatwave is expected to linger over the Midwest and Northeast for at least the next week or longer. Besides being uncomfortable, the extreme heat is dangerous, especially for kids and the elderly. “The number-one issue is to stay well-hydrated,” says Wayne McCormick, M.D., a gerontologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Older people should drink lots of their beverage of choice: “It can be water, it can be lemonade, just whatever is wet,” Dr. McCormick says. If mobility is an issue and someone can’t easily get to a public cooling center or an air-conditioned space like a mall, Dr. McCormick recommends they head to their basement, or get “as low as possible” within their home. He’ll share other tips and tricks to stay cool but says if someone shows signs that they are weak, tired, dizzy or nauseated, seek medical attention immediately. Dr. McCormick is board-certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, public health and general preventive medicine. Contact him at (206) 520-5000; mccorm@uw.edu

2.==> Pets Need Help With Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for our furry friends too. Integrative Veterinarian Carol Osborne, DVM is available to share expert advice on how to best protect your pets when the mercury is soaring. She’ll remind listeners that if the pavement is too hot for them to go barefoot, then it’s too hot for your pet’s paws! They’ll get a homemade remedy to soothe and protect your dog’s foot pads, hear flea and tick prevention and treatment tips, and learn the symptoms of dog heat stroke, and when to seek medical care. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian, the director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic, and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She is a regular contributor to several TV shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” the “Today” show, Discovery’s Animal Planet and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com

3. ==> Bananas! Chiquita Found Liable in Colombian Murders

In what case litigants are calling the first time an American jury has held a U.S. corporation legally liable for atrocities abroad, federal jurors in Florida have found that Chiquita Brands International financed a Colombian paramilitary death squad that murdered, tortured, and terrorized workers in a bid to crush labor unrest in the 1990s and 2000s. The federal jury in West Palm Beach, Florida found the banana giant responsible for funding the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and awarded eight families whose members were murdered by the right-wing paramilitary group $38.3 million in damages. Terry Karl, who is currently in Colombia, says, “This groundbreaking verdict not only gives a measure of justice to those who lost their loved ones but also lays the basis for more victims to seek justice.” Karl, a Stanford University professor of political science emeritus and former director of their Center for Latin American Studies, filed an expert report in the Chiquita case. Contact her at tkarl@stanford.edu

4.==> Millions Are Celebrating the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’

Millions of Muslims in the United States are celebrating Eid al-Adha by spending time with loved ones, eating lamb and remembering their devotion to God. Not familiar with the holiday? Invite Mizra Yawar Baig, the imam of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts, to explain the “festival of sacrifice.” “The holiday commemorates the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael at the command of God. But just before the sacrifice was carried out, God substituted a lamb to kill instead. This was obviously, as you can see, a huge test of the obedience and loyalty of the prophet Abraham and his son,” Baig explains. “This is to commemorate and remind us as Muslims that our primary and whelming allegiance is first and foremost to our creator, to the one who created us, who we worship and therefore who we must obey,” he adds. Baig can discuss how the holiday is celebrated across the globe, and the role of meat and importance of charity during Eid. Contact the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts at (413) 788-7546; info@iswmonline.com

5. ==> Scientists Are Blubbering Over Whale Sightings

Professional whale watchers are excited about the apparent health of the mammal population in the Northeast. Researchers on a recent air survey off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and southeast of Nantucket reported more than 161 ‘dazzling’ whale sightings of seven distinct species, including orcas. “it’s not unusual that there are a lot of whales in the area this time of year,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spokesperson Teri Friday says. “But catching such a large aggregation with such a variety of species on one of our flights is the exception rather than the rule.” On this flight there were 93 sightings of endangered sei whales, three dozen humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The research allows NOAA to track whale patterns to help in setting boat speed restrictions to reduce the number of whales hit by vessels and entangled in fishing lines. Contact Teri Frady at teri.frady@noaa.gov

6. ==> The Mighty Mississippi: A State-by-State Summer Guide

From Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River travels 2,340 miles across ten states – Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. ‘Mississippi Valley Traveler’ podcast host Dean Klinkenberg will guide listeners through the life of this mighty river, the people and habitats that define it, and the flora and fauna that make it their home. Traveling state-by-state, Klinkenberg can share accessible ways to learn about and engage with the river’s stunning natural wonders. In addition to sharing the best places to hike, paddle, and bike on public lands, he can highlight natural history museums, aquariums, and places for food and lodging. Since leaving his career as an academic psychologist, Dean Klinkenberg has focused much of his writing and research on the Mississippi River. He has driven virtually all of the Great River Road, hiked and canoed the river on multi-day expeditions, and cruised on the American Queen steamboat as a guest lecturer. His new book is “The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

7. ==> Boomers Won’t Budge Because They Have Nowhere to Go

It used to be the norm that Americans downsized as they retired, moving into smaller, more manageable homes. But baby boomer empty nesters currently own twice as many of the country’s larger homes compared with millennials with kids. And they’re not budging. Some seniors are perfectly content in their big houses, but many say downsizing simply doesn’t make sense financially. “You’ve got a pure housing mismatch for older homeowners. They are mismatched physically or functionally with the house that they’re in,” says Gary Engelhardt, an economist at Syracuse University who studies aging and housing markets. “that’s because it’s multi-floor living. It’s stairs. It’s also other upkeep.” Engelhardt says there are basically two policy approaches to deal with what’s happening. First, provide subsidies or tax credits for home modifications that allow older adults to age in the homes they have. That would make seniors’ current housing safer but won’t put those houses back into the market. Engelhard says the second approach would involve building housing that’s better suited to older Americans. Engelhardt can discuss the pros and cons of the various approaches and some creative ways to boost different types of housing in every neighborhood so seniors can age in their own communities. Contact him at (315) 443-4598; gvengelh@syr.edu

8. ==> Cancer Survivor Shares ‘Road Map’ For Princess Kate

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was all smiles as she made her first public appearance Saturday morning since announcing her cancer diagnosis about three months ago. Kate has a few more months of chemo left and says while she is making good progress, she has good and bad days. As someone who’s been on this journey multiple times, Sharian Tom says, “The cancer journey is easier with a trusted roadmap.” She adds that while the medical world is great at treating one’s physical body, they often ignore the mind/spirit connection, which is an integral healing component. Sheriann left the corporate world to launch the Cancer Journey Institute, which trains coaches to work with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, cancer stages, and walks of life to discover their inner strengths. She has been featured on KGO-TV in San Francisco and in the “Wall Street Journal” and “Stanford Medical Magazine.” She is the author of “The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation.” Contact Shariann Tom at (415) 480-3264; stom@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Is a Cure for Our Broken Political System Even Possible?

Many people are unhappy about the rematch between President Biden and ex-President Trump. What’s more, 75% of independents, 54% of Democrats, and 95% of Republicans believe America is headed in the wrong direction. What can we do about it? Find out by interviewing Rodger Friedman, author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” who has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic, someone willing to tell the truth no matter whom it makes uncomfortable. “Erasing America” chronicles the dramatic increase in socialist policies coming out of both Washington, D.C., and blue states across the nation, spearheaded by politicians who care more about advancing themselves than about the American people. Friedman is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; eocritic@protonmail.com

10. ==> Forget About Bouncing Back. Bounce Forward!

Most of us are overwhelmed by daily stressors and when bad things happen — we lose our jobs, marriages, or health — we hope to bounce back. However, according to psychologist Stephen Sideroff, bouncing back is outdated because it puts you right back where you started instead of growing and learning from life’s stresses. Invite Dr. Sideroff on your program to explain the concept of bouncing forward: what it means and how to accomplish it. He’ll provide actionable steps your listeners can take to reduce chronic stress, build resilience and achieve success. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Reach Dr. Sideroff at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu

11. ==> Should You Be Taking Magnesium Supplements?

If you follow news about health topics you have probably seen an increase in the number of media outlets discussing the benefits of magnesium. The mineral is having a moment and perhaps it’s time to bring the topic to your audience’s attention by interviewing naturopathic health practitioner Hester Ladewig. Hester can talk about the role magnesium plays in hundreds of enzyme processes, the reasons why you may be low in magnesium (taking certain common prescription drugs, for example), and ways boosting magnesium levels may be helpful if you have insomnia, migraines, chronic pain, and other common problems. She can also explain what you need to know about magnesium supplements. Hester is the author of “Strengthen Your Immune System and Boost Your Resistance to Disease” and the upcoming “12 Steps to Walk Away from Chronic Pain and Take Back Your Life.” Hester Ladewig has studied and practiced in South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland, where she was part of a team of physicians at the Paracelsus Klinik Lustmühle. Contact her at hester@embracelifewithhester.com or through WhatsApp at +27716438191

12. ==> Does This Psychotherapist Hold the Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness?

What if we could stop every disagreement over religion, from fighting with your uncle at Thanksgiving to full-scale holy wars? Author and psychotherapist Joe Masterleo reveals the universal constant that not only encompasses all religions but also bridges the gap between spirituality and science. Until now, he says, the only “solution” we’ve found is to agree to disagree – a theory not everyone subscribes to, and one that only puts off arguments rather than ending them. Ask him: How can God be everywhere at once? Why do you say that heaven is real? What is the all-inclusive theory that unites nature and religion? Are dogs a reflection of God? A psychotherapist for over 50 years, Joe has worked with hundreds of people to help them reconcile their inner conflicts and contradictions along mental-spiritual lines. Joe’s commentaries have appeared in the “Syracuse Post Standard.” He is the author of ” The Ambient Christ: The Untold Story of God in Science, Scripture and Spirituality.” Contact Joe Masterleo at (315) 509-3740 or jmasterleo@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Why the Biggest Domestic Violence Myths Continue

Many of the realities of domestic violence, including how common it is, remain hidden in darkness and secrecy. Without understanding, many people believe that women should “just leave” their abusers. The reality is that leaving is not that simple for many trapped in abusive relationships. Phoenix Rose understands that reality on a personal level. She shares her personal story with your audience on escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life, and offers real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. The author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Michelle provides secure, empowering steps for women that will help them break free and achieve a stronger, more purposeful life. She’ll also discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. Contact Phoenix Rose at (808) 201-2784 or prose@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Is It Good to Stay in a Bad Marriage for the Kids’ Sake?

It’s a dilemma many people face: divorce or suffer the remorse of having stayed in a bad marriage for the sake of the children. Pat Allen knows this from experience, having married at 19 and endured an unhappy marriage for 14 years because she thought she owed it to her young son and daughter. Leaving the marriage was the best thing she ever did despite the rough times of having the phone cut off and working two part-time jobs. Pat is an inspiring example for anyone who is stuck in a bad situation and afraid to do something about it. The author of “Hurdles in a Girdle: Holding Life Together When You’re Bursting at the Seams,” Pat says, “Jumping the hurdle to end a marriage knowing something or someone better is on the other side can lead to a fulfilled and joyful life.” Inspirational, funny and insightful, her life’s journey has taken her from a barefoot country girl living on a dirt road to a lady in suits and high heels who created a multimillion-dollar real estate firm. Ask her: Why do you say staying in a bad marriage is a worst-case scenario for families with children? What are some of the biggest hurdles you had to leap over and what advice did you glean from doing so? Contact Pat Allen at (828) 200-9179; therealpatallen@gmail.com

15. ==> Make Summertime, Tea Time!

Looking to adopt some healthier habits this summer? Examine the role tea can play in living a longer, healthier life with Gladstone Etienne, an herbs expert who can spill the tea on the lifestyle lived by the people who live in the idyllic Caribbean nation of Dominica, a natural paradise where he grew up amid its pristine environment and organic foods. Gladstone claims that the citizens there live longer, and stronger, as a result. “According to the BBC, Dominica has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world,” he says. He also gives credit to herbal medicine, which he began studying as a child. Gladstone went on to develop a line of teas, to make it easier for Americans to gain the wondrous health benefits of herbs. He is the founder of ZABIOLife herbal tea company. Contact Gladstone Etienne at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com

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