Childrens Health

Bonus Families are the New Traditional Family: Here's How to Make Them Work

 
Dr. Jann Blackstone that specializes in child custody, co-parenting, divorce, and step family mediation joins eHealth Radio and the Family Health & Health News Channels. She is the author of multiple books on divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting.  Her newest book is The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families. 
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Jann Blackstone discuss the following:
What can co-parents do when they just can't get along, and every discussion or decision is fraught with tension and resentment?

How can you get exes to stop badmouthing each other? Do most people even know what badmouthing is?

Why is badmouthing so harmful for the children — what message does it send that co-parents miss?

When a child confides in one of their parents and asks them not to tell the other one, should that request be honored? What's more important — gaining the child's trust by keeping the secret, or keeping communication open between co-parents?
What happens when a judge issues a decision in a divorce or a separation — for instance about keeping to a rigid schedule — but it just doesn't always work for the co-parents?
What does "put your children first" really mean?
What if one co-parent starts dating again — should they tell the other parent?
If a co-parent wants to share that they've met someone important, who should they tell first — their children, or the other parent, and why?
Is there a single factor that can make blending the family more successful?
You coined the term "bonus family" — what does that mean, and why do you want people to use that instead of "step family"?
Many co-parents need some help with communication. What are some words to watch out for — that may seem they should promote positive communication, but in fact, they don't help?
What's a good strategy for co-parents who feel like they should be done trying to problem-solve together, but really still have challenges to face when it comes to the children? How do you convince them to work together?
Dr. Jann Blackstone specializes in child custody, co-parenting, divorce, and step family mediation. She is the author of multiple books on divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting, including Ex-Etiquette for Parents: Good Behavior After Divorce and Separation, Ex-Etiquette for Weddings, Ex-Etiquette for Holidays, and My Parents are Divorced, Too. Dr. Blackstone is also the founder of Bonus Families, a 501 c3 non-profit organization dedicated to peaceful coexistence between divorced or separated parents and their combined families. Her new book is The Bonus Family Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Co-Parenting and Creating Stronger Families. 
Website: https://www.bonusfamilies.com
Social Media Links: Facebook (Bonus Families): https://www.facebook.com/bonusfamilies Facebook (Jann Blackstone): https://www.facebook.com/jann.blackstone 
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EyeCare4Kids Helps Underserved Kids See Better

 
Joseph Carbone, a board certified optician since 1975 and the Founder and President of EyeCare4Kids™, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing as many kids who lack access to professional eye care services with comprehensive eye exams and glasses joins eHealth Radio and the Children's Health & Eye Health Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Joseph Carbone discuss the following:
Today we’re here to learn more about the importance of regular vision care in children. Is there significant unmet need in children and why are missed vision screenings a problem?
What is EyeCare4Kids and why did you start this non-profit organization?
How does EyeCare4Kids provide services to under-resourced children and their families?
Can you share a story of the impact your organization has on your patients? What are some of the immediate and longer-term benefits?
How can people learn more about EyeCare4Kids?
Summary:  Studies show that good vision is vital to a child’s success at school, among peers, and to participate in extracurricular activities. However, 1 in 4 children in the United States have imperfect vision in the United States, which is a problem given that 80 percent of a child's learning happening through the eyes. Further, vision problems are more than double than the national average in high-poverty neighborhoods. My advice to parents is to make sure that vision care is part of your child’s annual list of check-ups, either by visiting EyeCare4Kids directly, or finding a similar resource in your community.
A board-certified optician since 1975, Joseph Carbone is the founder and president of the non-profit organization, EyeCare4Kids™. Focused on rural and underserved areas, including indigenous, immigrant, and refugee communities mostly in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, and Nevada, with plans to expand into California and New Jersey, EyeCare4Kids provides professional eye care to low-income, visually impaired children and underserved families through five community-based clinics, annual school-based clinics, and a mobile vision van that travels to community locations across the southwest. Since its founding in 2001, the organization has helped more than 400,000 children whose families cannot afford or face barriers to seeking out regular eye exams and corrective glasses, when needed.
Website: https://eyecare4kids.org 
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyecare_4kids  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyecare4kids 
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The Art of Otoplasty: Expert Advice from Dr. Jordan

 
Dr. J Randall Jordan, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Faces, PLLC, near Jackson, MS joins eHealth Radio and the Plastic Surgery Information Channel. Dr. Jordan specializes in procedures that restore balance and harmony to facial features such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, browlifts, dermal fillers and more. On this episode he will share his expertise on otoplasty, also known as ear surgery.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. J Randall Jordan discuss the following:
Can you explain what otoplasty entails and the most common reasons patients request this procedure?
What makes someone a good candidate for otoplasty, and are there any age considerations?
Could you walk us through the typical patient journey for otoplasty, from the initial consultation to post-operative care?
Are there particular challenges in creating symmetry when only one ear requires correction?
What is the typical recovery period, and what are the dos and don’ts during this time?
Throughout today’s conversation, Dr. Jordan will explain what otoplasty entails, the most common reasons patients seek this procedure, and what makes someone an ideal candidate—particularly discussing any age considerations for children and adults. He’ll walk us through the patient’s journey, from the initial consultation to post-operative care, offering insights into what patients can expect every step of the way.</p.
Dr. Jordan will also address some of the challenges in achieving symmetry, especially when only one ear requires correction, and provide guidance on the recovery process, including the dos and don’ts for optimal healing. Whether you’re considering otoplasty for yourself or a loved one, this episode will offer valuable information to help you make informed decisions. Join us for an insightful discussion on how otoplasty can enhance confidence and create natural, balanced results.
Website: https://www.facesdr.com/ProcedureProcedure Discussed Link: https://www.facesdr.com/surgical/ears/otoplasty
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facesdrmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/faces.msYoutube: CLICK HERE
CONTACT INFORMATION: Faces, PLLC Dr. J. Randall Jordan 1115 Highland Colony Pkwy Ridgeland, MS 39157Call: (601) 607-3033
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The Importance of Strong Executive Functioning for Adults and Children

 
Dr. Anna Levy Warren, CEO and Founder of Organizational Tutors, a leading network of executive functioning tutors who offer specialized and individualized coaching across the country to students of all ages with diverse learning profiles joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Anna Levy Warren discuss the following:
Can you start us off with a real, practical example of why you need strong executive functioning to navigate daily life?
What is executive functioning for those who may not fully understand the term?
Could you share some practical tips or tools that parents can implement to support executive functioning in children?
For parents who are listening in who may feel frustrated or overwhelmed by their child's struggles with executive functioning, what advice or encouragement can you offer to them to navigate these challenges? How can they maintain a positive and supportive environment at home?
Using the impending chaos we all feel around the holidays, what would be your 5 expert tips on supporting kids with executive functioning struggles to access the joy of the season?
Tip: Your calendar is key. Develop a positive relationship with your calendar.  Take time to color code by activity and make sure that the colors fit the feeling that you want from that moment or experience.  Each week go over your calendar, making it a point to see how the entire week ahead lays out.  Develop a positive relationship with your calendar and embrace the benefits this organization can bring to your life and well-being.
Anna Levy-Warren is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Organizational Tutors. With over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology including a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Anna is a leader in the field addressing executive functioning challenges in students of all ages. With an expert understanding of diverse learning profiles and first-hand experience as a parent, Anna brings to Organizational Tutors a unique combination of clinical experience and a passion for empowering learners to develop skills to excel in all aspects of their lives.
In 2005, Anna established a network of experts with advanced degrees in cognition and education to help students and adults with executive functioning difficulties and other complex learning profiles. The student-centered aspects of this network came to be known as Organizational Tutors in 2014.
As the head of the Organizational Tutors network, Anna serves as matchmaker to connect individuals with the right tutors and actively supervises and manages the network. This integrative and innovative network of hundreds of tutors provides individual coaching, consultations and creative programming to students across the country. Additionally, as the Chief Executive Officer of Organizational Tutors, Anna oversees and leads on all areas of the business’s operations and strategy.
Anna is also the Co-Founder of Dwellness, which provides in-home and innovative in-person therapy and teletherapy to individuals, couples, and families. In addition, Anna offers executive functioning and leadership training for adults to executives, entrepreneurs, educational and business teams, and other professionals through a sister company, STEEL Advising.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, Anna has operated a New York City-based private practice since 2018. Through her practice Anna works with parents, couples and families, focusing on high-conflict situations and family systems struggling with dysregulation, learning disabilities and ADHD.
Anna regularly speaks to parents and teachers at schools and education-based organizations throughout the country, addressing a wide variety of topics including strengthening executive functioning skills at home and in the classroom, raising an organized child, supporting children with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, and managing stress and anxiety. Anna is published and licensed in the field of psychology and a member of the American Psychological Association.
Anna received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the City University of New York. Anna also attended Bank Street School for Children and the Dalton School. A native New Yorker and parent of three children, Anna currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Website: https://www.organizationaltutors.com 
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationaltutorsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTcoachingservicesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizational-tutors
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A Family Trip Around the Sun: 29 Countries in 366 Days

 
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan an author, illustrator, and family photo curator, whose work combines personal passion for archiving with visual storytelling skills she honed over nearly two decades in brand marketing joins eHealth Radio and the Family & Parenting Channels.
She left corporate life to spend a year with her husband and two young children crisscrossing the globe, visiting 29 countries and six continents. She wrote about their adventures in Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Margaret Bensfield Sullivan discuss the following:
What exactly is a family gap year?
What inspired you to do this?
Where did you go? What lessons about parenting, travel and the world did you learn?
Do you have any advice for families considering doing something similar?
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan is author, illustrator, and family photo curator whose work combines personal passion for archiving with visual storytelling skills she honed over nearly two decades in brand marketing.
Margaret was a partner at WPP's marketing and branded content agency Group SJR, where she designed storytelling campaigns on behalf of clients like TED, Target, Disney, and USAID. She left corporate life to spend a year with her husband and two young children crisscrossing the globe, visiting 29 countries and six continents.
She wrote about their adventures in Following the Sun: Tales (and Fails) From a Year Around the World With Our Kids (December 5, 2023).
Website: https://www.margaretbensfieldsullivan.com 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaretbensfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretbsullivan  Instagram: @SullivanFamilyAdventure
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The Lost Coin: A Therapist’s Personal Adoption Journey and Insights

 
 
Dr. Stephen Rowley, Ph.D., a psychotherapist practicing in Bainbridge Island, Washington and author of his new book "The Lost Coin: A Memoir of Adoption and Destiny" joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Psychotherapy Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Stephen Rowley discuss the following:
What prompted you to write this book?
What's the one thing you want others to learn about adoption?
What was it like to find your birth parents over the course of your life?
What is a Zen kōan and how does it relate to the title of your book?
What advice to do have for those adoptees who struggle to find their birth parents?
What insight can you share with your fellow psychotherapists who are working with adoptees or the parents of an adopted child?
Stephen Rowley, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist practicing in Bainbridge Island, Washington. His professional past includes serving as an elementary school teacher and principal, and a school district superintendent in Washington and California. He has been a college professor at three universities, teaching courses in educational administration and organizational theory. He holds a Ph.D. in Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University. His new book is: The Lost Coin: A Memoir of Adoption and Destiny (Chiron Publications, Sept. 2023).
Website: https://stephenrowley108.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srowley108  Twitter: https://twitter.com/srowley108 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenrowley108 
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.
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Fight Against Domestic Violence and Assault

 
 
Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, the Executive Director for the Coalition for Family Harmony, dedicated to providing direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding violence against women, children, and men; and to prevent the cycle of violence joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton discuss the following:
Tell us about your non-profit’s mission and objective.

Now last month in October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month & of course it has recently come to an end; how should the community continue raising awareness?

Coalition for Family Harmony specifically serves Ventura County, CA, can you share some stats about CA in comparison to the rest of the country?

Do you have certain programs and services that you have seen make a great impact?
What is one sign that someone might be in an abusive relationship?
Dr. Caroline Prijatel- Sutton has had a passion for working with victims of violence since she was an undergraduate Psychology student at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, GA. Caroline became a volunteer counselor for Children of War in Northern Ireland and continued her work with The World Relief Organization as an advocate for Egyptian refugees. She worked for the Mental Health Program for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at The Carter Center.
After completing her graduate work, Caroline began working for The Coalition in 2007 as The Child and Elder Abuse Hotline Director. In 2008 Caroline became the Crisis Response and Intervention Supervisor for the Rape Crisis Program and in February of 2011, Caroline became the Executive Director for The Coalition. Caroline has served on several county boards and committees including the Partnership for Safe Communities and the Ventura County Community Corrections Partnership.
Caroline holds a master’s in counseling psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Website: https://thecoalition.org
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Why Collaborative Divorce is a Route Worth Considering

 
Dr. Nikki Martinez, an Independent Medical Expert at the Federal level and has been an Adjunct professor for the past 13 years again joins eHealth Radio and the Psychology & Divorce Channels. Dr. Martinez also works as an Independent Consultant for Various Individuals, Groups, and Organizations, as she continues to see a small caseload of Individual and Couple patients through Tele-Mental Health Services on a regular basis.
Topic: Why Collaborative Divorce is a Route Worth Considering
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Nikki Martinez discuss the following:
To start things off, and so listeners understand, what is “collaborative divorce?”
How is it almost immediately apparent that collaborative divorce lawyers are different, or have a different agenda than what someone might think of in a ‘traditional divorce scenario?”
Are there limits to the settings and ways in which a collaborative lawyer can work?
Why is the contract the couple signs when they enter the collaborative divorce process so important?
Finally, what do you think are the benefits of this process, and why it is a type of divorce process couples should consider?
Dr. Nicole Martinez received her master’s and her Doctorate from Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship at Gateway Foundation in Lake Villa, Illinois. Prior to that she attended the University of St. Francis where she completed a double major in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation. Dr. Martinez has experience working with adolescents and adults in individual, family, and group treatment.
Her therapeutic style can be described as integrative, assessing the needs and style that will best serve the individual client. She typically has a mix between Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and various holistic approaches, with an emphasis in CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Positive Psychology. She believes in exploring the connection between the body and the mind to treat all the individuals’ needs. Her belief is that an individual must explore many areas of their functioning to ensure optimum health physically and emotionally.
She stresses the essential belief that the therapist and client relationship is collaborative in nature, and the two are 'partners,' who communicate from the first steps of designing the course and goals of treatment, as well as what the priorities will be. Dr. Martinez understands that it is just as important to identify any treatment styles, tools, techniques, or methods that 'did not' work, as did, so that the two of you can work together charting a new path and avoiding precious time and frustration on that which has already been proven to be a poor fit. Dr. Martinez also understands that each person is unique, there is no 'one size fits all,' and that the needs of an individual may not only change from the initial inception of a treatment plan, but from month to month or session to session, and that adapting and meeting the patient 'where they are at,' at any given moment is essential to both letting the patient know they are being heard and attended to, as well as positive treatment outcomes.
Areas of expertise: Medical and health psychology, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and neurodivergent considerations, LGBTQ populations, bereavement, forensics, substance abuse, addictive issues, couples work, MISA, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, sex offenders, special needs populations, and chronic medical issues and rare diseases. Evaluation and assessment of the above-mentioned individuals.
Website: https://www.drnikkimartinez.com
Resource: EverydayPower.com [key word “Nikki Martinez”]
Social Media: Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-martinez
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.
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Making It Through Your First Holiday Season After a Divorce

 
Dr. Nikki Martinez, an Independent Medical Expert at the Federal level and has been an Adjunct professor for the past 13 years again joins eHealth Radio and the Psychology & Divorce Channels. Dr. Martinez also works as an Independent Consultant for Various Individuals, Groups, and Organizations, as she continues to see a small caseload of Individual and Couple patients through Tele-Mental Health Services on a regular basis.
Topic: Making It Through Your First Holiday Season After a Divorce
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Nikki Martinez discuss the following:
What is a good way to deal with family and friends before getting together, to make sure that the holidays go as smoothly as possible for you as members of a couple?
What are some of the additional issues people should consider when children are involved?
How can the family be pre-warned and how can they help support children during this first holiday?
Why are the holidays especially hard for those who have broken up and the families that are dealing with their new normal? 

If everyone does all these steps, can they expect everything to go smoothly?
Dr. Nicole Martinez received her master’s and her Doctorate from Illinois School of Professional Psychology and completed her pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship at Gateway Foundation in Lake Villa, Illinois. Prior to that she attended the University of St. Francis where she completed a double major in Psychology and Therapeutic Recreation. Dr. Martinez has experience working with adolescents and adults in individual, family, and group treatment.
Her therapeutic style can be described as integrative, assessing the needs and style that will best serve the individual client. She typically has a mix between Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and various holistic approaches, with an emphasis in CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Positive Psychology. She believes in exploring the connection between the body and the mind to treat all the individuals’ needs. Her belief is that an individual must explore many areas of their functioning to ensure optimum health physically and emotionally.
She stresses the essential belief that the therapist and client relationship is collaborative in nature, and the two are 'partners,' who communicate from the first steps of designing the course and goals of treatment, as well as what the priorities will be. Dr. Martinez understands that it is just as important to identify any treatment styles, tools, techniques, or methods that 'did not' work, as did, so that the two of you can work together charting a new path and avoiding precious time and frustration on that which has already been proven to be a poor fit. Dr. Martinez also understands that each person is unique, there is no 'one size fits all,' and that the needs of an individual may not only change from the initial inception of a treatment plan, but from month to month or session to session, and that adapting and meeting the patient 'where they are at,' at any given moment is essential to both letting the patient know they are being heard and attended to, as well as positive treatment outcomes.
Areas of expertise: Medical and health psychology, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and neurodivergent considerations, LGBTQ populations, bereavement, forensics, substance abuse, addictive issues, couples work, MISA, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, sex offenders, special needs populations, and chronic medical issues and rare diseases. Evaluation and assessment of the above-mentioned individuals.
Website: https://www.drnikkimartinez.com
Resource: EverydayPower.com [key word “Nikki Martinez”]
Social Media: Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-martinez
The beliefs, views, ideas, thoughts and opinions expressed on any program are those of the persons appearing on the program and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the eHealth Radio Network.
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How to Take Some of the Worries out of Babies and Sleep

 
 
Brent Wolkin the Vice President of Colgate Mattress that was founded nearly 70 years ago on the values of integrity, loyalty and honesty, and they remain the cornerstones of the company join eHealth Radio and the Children's Health and Sleep Health Channels.
Topic: How to Take Some of the Worries out of Babies and Sleep
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Brent Wolkin discuss the following:
What is one of the most worrisome parts of being a new parent?
For any new or expecting parents tuning in today, what would be your key advice or message regarding their baby's sleep environment?
Are all crib mattresses the same and is there anything to look for specifically when shopping for one?
How does a baby’s body change and will this affect the type of mattress required?
Are there specific materials that are used in crib mattresses and are there any that should be avoided when choosing a crib mattress?  
What's been your proudest moment at Colgate? 
Brent Wolkin, the Vice President of Colgate Mattress, represents the third generation of Wolkins to lead the company. Established by his grandfather, Sol Wolkin, Colgate Mattress was founded nearly 70 years ago on the values of integrity, loyalty and honesty, and they remain the cornerstones of the company.
Brent graduated from the University of Georgia and went on to earn a Master's degree in mathematics from Georgia State University. Before joining the company in 2008, Brent taught middle school math for several years.
At Colgate Mattress, he began as credit manager and then moved on to serve as plant manager for 14 years giving him a unique perspective on manufacturing and quality control for the company. In his current role as Vice President, Brent is instrumental in driving the business’ direct-to-consumer growth and guiding Colgate’s production operations.
Brent is married to Amy and has two adorable children, Ethan and Shai, both of whom were raised on Colgate mattresses.
Website: https://colgatekids.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colgatemattress  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colgatemattress  Twitter: https://twitter.com/colgatemattress 
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