Caring for a loved one is stressful. There are new situations, new issues, and new decisions to make. When you don’t know what to expect or what questions to ask or who to call, it can be a frustrating feeling, and your emotions often affect your decisions. Debbie Miller can help. Debbie is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, and Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” which is full of information she has collected over 30 years’ of working with seniors, including several of her own relatives. She’ll share 40+ questions to ask an assisted living facility, must-have information you need from your loved ones before they become incapacitated or die, and how to figure out what to sell, donate or give away when downsizing a parent’s home. Debbie Miller is The Retiree’s Home Transition Expert, a Certified Senior Advisor, and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Contact her at (703) 328-0143; debmillr@hotmail.com
Category: Senior Issues
Proven Tips to Slow Aging and Stay Healthy Longer
It happens to us all and it’s happening every day: Aging. As we age, the various ways our bodies break down create our vulnerability to illness. Research now shows that stress speeds up the aging process. So along with all the other issues related to stress, it is the leading cause of most illnesses. Interview psychologist Stephen Sideroff and discover nine steps to slow the aging process to stay healthy longer and extend your health span. Listeners will learn how each step can help 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 is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Reach Dr. Sideroff at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
How to Use Your Brain to Heal Faster
Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
Health Screenings: Which Ones to Get and When
Many Americans wait until they get sick to focus on their health. According to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty, we have it backward. “The problem in our society is a lack of emphasis on preventative care,” he says. “People need to get routine screenings at various stages of their lives, as opposed to waiting until a problem occurs.” Allen has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine. Contact Allen Daugherty at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
How to Immunize Yourself from the Virus of Change
The past two years brought lots of changes to most people’s lives in ways that could not have been anticipated. In fact, the pace of change has been accelerating exponentially and is likely to continue doing so. That‘s why Tim Winderswants to prepare your listeners to meet future challenges by building up their immunity to “the virus of change.” Tim can offer advice on embracing change so that it doesn’t knock you off course to your hopes and dreams. Ask him what three words help build immunity to change? How can you use the concepts those words illustrate to be better prepared? How did the idea for comparing change to a virus come to you? Tim has over 25 years of experience as a strategic coach for leaders and leadership teams. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast and has written his debut novel, “Coach: A Story of Success Redefined,” which tells the story of an executive who contemplates ending his life after personal failures and business problems that could potentially send him to jail but turns his life around when he learns three timeless principles from a mysterious mentor. Contact:Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest
Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
It’s one thing to overlook paying a bill, or to misplace your keys, or to be unable to remember a stranger’s name. It’s another thing to become so forgetful that you can’t complete a task you have done a thousand times. Or to forget how to find your way home. When such things happen, especially to a loved one who isn’t even 60, you may wonder if it’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can strike as early as 30. Discover more about the disease and how to spot its symptoms, when you interview Carlen Maddux. A former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in the award-winning book “A Path Revealed,” Carlen is determined to helpothers with information and been-there advice. His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Carlen will discuss his family experiences, and what it was like to become his wife’s caregiver. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of media interviews. Ask him: Who might be susceptible to early-onset Alzheimer’s? Are there unmistakable signs? Is the disease ever mistaken for something else? Is this the latest boomer pandemic? What does caregiving involve? What treatments are available to enhance health and quality of life? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
Telemed: How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Telemedicine had already been around before COVID-19, but it took off by necessity once the pandemic shut down medical offices along with everything else. And while it’s not always the best way to treat health issues, telemedicine a safe option that will likely remain popular even after the COVID crisis. Invite Anne McAwley-LeDuc to discuss ways to make the most of and prepare for virtual appointments. From managing your time on the call to sharing information about your medical history, you’ll learn how to take more control of your health care to make sure you and your loved ones get proper treatment and stay safe. Anne is a retired registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (APRN) board certified in adult medicine, with 43 years of varied experience in the medical field. An experienced radio, TV and podcast guest, she is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at AMcAwley@rtirguests.com; (860) 300-1603
Tony Bennett’s Family Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
For four years, legendary singer Tony Bennett and his family have kept his secret. Now, they’re breaking their silence. Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of age-related dementia. It’s not easy for families to talk about a loved one’s diagnosis because of the stigma surrounding the disease. As a devoted caregiver and husband of someone who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in her fifties, Carlen Maddux can discuss what it’s like to have a loved one who fades away even as they continue to live. He can share early warning signs and treatment options along with the biggest challenges for loved ones and tips for caregivers. Maddux has appeared on numerous shows. He’s the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
The One Thing You Never Saw Trump Wear and Why It’s Important
During his campaign and presidency, you never saw Donald Trump wear sunglasses or glasses of any kind. And it’s not because he has perfect vision (he made reading goofs despite the availability of a Teleprompter) or never appeared outside in the bright sunlight. According to vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson, Trump’s lack of eyewear reveals something important about him just as President Joe Biden’s fondness for Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses says something about him and the seriousness with which he takes his health. As Linda will tell your listeners, “The eyes are porous and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Ask her: Why aren’t sunglasses just for summer? Why do you need them on cloudy days? What does she have in common with Bono? Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
Combat Winter Blues: Put More Yay in Every Day
We all experience the winter blues in one form or another. But, one of the things that have saved many of us and will continue to save us through 2021 is having a hobby or two. For those who have procrastinated on finding one or still aren’t giving enough time to what brings them joy listening to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese could be a lifesaver. Mary’s own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications, Mindalia TV, iHeartRadio and podcasts. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Her latest project, “The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper” is a trilogy that will be published this summer. Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com