Mental Health

Apptomics, helping patients better manage chronic neurological diseases

Dr. Georgia Mitsi, Founder and CEO of Apptomics, a digital health company that is developing tools to help patients better manage chronic neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s Epilepsy, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s joins eHealth Radio and the Health Care & Technology Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Georgia Mitsi discuss the following:Sometimes companies are started due to a personal crisis or fundamental underlying capability. What promoted the formation of Apptomics?What kinds of patients can benefit from Apptomics technology?How do the tools that Apptomics is developing help patients with chronic diseases better manage their care?Are these tools just for patients?What is your vision for the company and how it can help patients?
Duration: 12:30
Apptomics LLC, is a digital health firm developing mobile applications and wearable sensors for neurological conditions. These conditions are characterized by complexity, poorly served by difficult access to care, long spans between visits, and ultimately limited data on which to base treatment decisions. Apptomics’s products offer a support system for patients and caregivers in between consultations allowing for active management of their condition and supporting the clinical decision-making with data. Our products allow personalized drug adjustments as needed and focus on other aspects such as exercise, diet, depression etc. They could lead to improved health outcomes and decreased costs. Our apps will be clinically validated and FDA approved where applicable. Collaborations with distinguished academic institutions will add credibility and strategic partnerships will support future growth and drive customer adoption.
Apptomics was founded in 2012 as a company specializing in transforming the current patient-physician interaction with the power of scientifically-designed and validated mobile applications. We are passionate about developing easy tools to empower patients and transform the traditional way of caring for chronic neurological conditions.
The company is led by Dr. Georgia Mitsi who has degrees in pharmacoepidemiology (PhD) and business (MBA). She is responsible for the vision and the strategy of Apptomics by leading the executive team to further disrupt traditional healthcare approaches. Dedicated wholeheartedly to patients, Apptomics is committed to improving their quality of life and health outcomes through scientifically valid mobile applications. The company has a strong scientific advisory board of leaders in neurological disorders.

Web Site: www.apptomics.comFacebook: facebook.com/ApptomicsTwitter: @apptomics

Fifty Years in Polygamy: Big Secrets and Little White Lies with Kristyn Decker

Kristyn Decker, author of her 2nd book, UNCENSORED "Fifty Years in Polygamy - Big Secrets and Little White Lies" joins eHealth Radio and the Family, Mental Health and Health News Channels.
Kristyn was the 12th of her polygamist father's 23 biological children. After she left polygamy, she wrote her 1st book and founded the Sound Choices Coalition that mentors boys and girls who have left polygamy.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Kristyn Decker discuss the following: Last fall, your first book was banned from the Tuacahn Market in St. George Utah. You gave your second book, that's recently been published, the same title as the first, other than the word: (UNCENSORED) in front of - FIFTY YEARS in POLYGAMY: Big Secrets and Little White Lies. Your book is full of vignettes that disclose secrets, lies and harms of polygamy. You wrote about discovering yourself, of leaving and becoming an educator to inform the public of the harms of polygamy. There are many books written by ex-polygamists. Why was your book banned and why did you use the word "Uncensored?"What was your childhood like, were you programmed to believe in polygamy also? Did you live polygamy – What was that like? You began writing your first book and published it in 2012, volunteered to help others leave, and also started a Coalition. Please tell us more about that. What is the most important message you would want the world and those who are still locked into that belief system to know and understand about polygamy?
Duration: 10:19
Kristyn Decker was born and raised in polygamy. She was the 12th of her father’s and prophet’s 23 biological children. Her mother was the first of his 13 wives. While living polygamy and raising her seven children to believe the same, Decker taught off and on for 18 years in the AUB private school. In 1991, with five kids still at home, she volunteered in her youngest son’s Head Start class and began taking college courses. She was an assistant Head Start teacher for four years, while acquiring her AS degree, and then became a lead teacher for four more years.
During and after this time Decker attended and sponsored in self-help groups, volunteered with Utah State School Age Child Care Association, and joined the Utah Children Association. In 1995 she began teaching CDA classes to Child Development Associate candidates at Children First and presented at Early Childhood conferences.
Right after that, Kristyn wrote her own business plan and received a half million dollar SBA loan to start a kid’s college. She graduated in 2002 with a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Southern Utah University, and began teaching K – 2 in public schools. Decker founded the Sound Choices Coalition after she published her first book Fifty Years in Polygamy – Big Secrets and Little White Lies. While Decker’s second book; UNCENSORED FYIP has recently been published, she continues to spend numerous hours volunteering in many aspects with the SCC and with other non-profit organizations to help end human rights violations due to polygamy and other forms of abuse.
For the past two years, Decker has been speaking and presenting through numerous media sources, at conferences, churches, book stores, civic clubs, and libraries across our country. (Many not listed here): S.L. Critical Issues; Facing Adolescents and Children, The Today Show, CNN Week-end News, Good Morning AZ., NPR Community Voices, The Fawn Rigan Show - WCCO – Minneapolis, KTAR Talk Radio, Jay Lawrence, KSL A.M. News.

Web Site: KristynDecker.comTwitter: @KristynDeckerFacebook: facebook.com/PolygamyUncensored

Self-sabotage and how to stop it from keeping us from achieving our goals with Heather Hans

Heather Hans, a mystical healer of loving energy for the heart, mind, body and soul and author of the book, "The Heart of Self-Love" joins eHealth Radio and the Personal Development Channel. She discusses how to stop self-sabotage from keeping us from achieving our goals.


Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Heather Hans discuss the following:We’re talking today about self-sabotage and how to stop it from keeping us from achieving our goals.  What types of self-sabotage do you most often see in your work?Why does one beat themselves up per say? What does one do to get out of sabotaging themselves?What are some ways that people can use to identify what actions they are doing that are actually sabotaging their success?What can we do, specifically, to stop doing this to ourselves?In what ways can we reprogram our brains to clear out self-sabotaging thoughts?
Duration: 10:52
Heather Hans, a mystical healer of loving energy for the heart, mind, body, and soul is a visionary positive speaker who facilitates health and healing on all levels to create total well being and leads others in experiencing more love in their hearts.  She uses her expertise in the mind-body-spirit connection to empower people to resolve physical and emotional conflicts and discover the importance of thoughts, feelings and actions in achieving their goals.
Heather has traveled a journey of spiritual awakening and has combined her gifts, pain, and story to emerge as a channel for the divine to help people feel love, through her book The Heart of Self-Love: How to Radiate Confidence and production company where she creates inspiring and entertaining videos and digital services to uplift and encourage viewers to recognize their own worth and live up to their potential.
Heather holds master’s degrees in Social Work and in Business Administration; is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, Professional Intuitive Coach, Law of Attraction Advanced Practitioner, and holistic healer with over 20 years of experience in holistic healing, diverse spiritual studies, and goal achievement.  Heather left a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant and University Lecturer to pursue her passion of sharing the healing powers of love. Hans has a zest for wellness, self-development, and universal harmony. With a connection to Divine energy as a foundation, coupled with physical and mental health expertise, her audience is led to healthy and satisfying relationships with themselves and others.

Web Site: www.heatherhans.com
Facebook: facebook.com/HeatherHansTV
Twitter:@HeatherHansTV
YouTube:youtube.com/HeatherHans1

The Third Vision with Dr. Francis Vala

Dr. Francis Vala, author of "The Third Vision: The science of personal transformation" joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health Channel. Dr. Vala is a physician, public speaker, social entrepreneur and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Francis Vala discuss the following:Who are you and what do you do?Tell us about your book "The Third Vision". What is it about?Why did you write this book? In the book you identify issues with the current medical system, what issue needs to be addressed urgently?What can we do to prevent mental illness?
Duration: 12:18
Dr. Francis Vala is a physician, public speaker, social entrepreneur, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, and most importantly, an inquisitive life-time student. Born in Iran, he grew up in Greece, and is now residing in Canada. He does not believe in true geographic borders, and considers himself to be a ‘global’ citizen. Dreaming of a better world for future generations, his mission is to promote global education and awareness all across the world. His vision: “I am a global citizen, and we are all Earthians! I am not prepared to die without a contribution to the world—change for a better humanity, and a more peaceful planet!”
Francis is also the Author of “The Third Vision: The Science of Personal Transformation”, which introduces a new vision—a simple and comprehensive approach to understanding different aspects of life, and the complexities of this world, exemplified by a collection of extraordinary stories, and supported by a pile of science and evidence.

Web Site: www.francisvala.comFacebook: facebook.com/Dr.FrancisValaTwitter: @better_humanity

4 Resources Every Parent Needs to Know About to Stop Child Abuse Now

Cindy Sunday Powell the Executive Director of PACN (Pregnancy Assistance Center North) located in Spring and Conroe Texas joins eHealth Radio and the Mental and Children's Health Channels. Cindy discusses four resources every parent needs to know about to stop child abuse now.


Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Cindy Sunday Powell discuss the following:What are some factors why parents abuse their children?What should parents do if they feel like hurting their child?How can child abuse be prevented?What are the effects on survivors of child abuse?What should you do if you suspect a child is being abused?
Duration: 12:34
Cindy Sunday Powell is the Executive Director of PACN (Pregnancy Assistance Center North).  She has been with PACN for 23 years.  Before working at PACN, Cindy worked in marketing for an international company, TRW.  She lives in The Woodlands Texas with her husband, Dan.  Cindy is the mother of two and grandmother of three.  Her passion is for the underserved in her community.
4 Resources Every Parent Needs to Know About to Stop Child Abuse Now:
1. National Parent Hotline (www.nationalparenthelpline.org); 1-855-427-2736; parenting skills and crisis line.
2. Prevention & Early Intervention Program; home visitations for mentoring and educating.
3. Safe Haven Laws-places parents can take and leave their infants without facing criminal charges.
4. Child Help (childhelp.org); 1-800-422-4453; 24/7 hotline and crisis intervention, information and referrals.

Web Site: www.pacncommunity.orgFacebook: facebook.com/PACN.org 
Twitter: @GoPACN

The common affliction of Pee-Shy with Dr. Frank Spinelli

Dr. Frank Spinelli is board certified in Internal Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Phsyicians. He is also the author of Pee-Shy and joins eHealth Radio and the Children's Health and Mental Health Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Frank Spinelli discuss the following:Why did you write your book, Pee-Shy?Can you explain why most victims don’t come forward sooner and when they do they’re usually an adult?Being “pee-shy” is a common affliction, but having it chronically is no laughing matter. How seriously can it affect a person’s life, and what feelings does it cause when you’re struggling with it in a social situation?If there is one misconception about child molestation you’d like to clear up what would that be?Do you think oversexualizing children promotes child molestation?
TIPS:
Facts for parents regarding child molestation
1. Child molesters are often someone the child or the parents know. 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are molested by age 16. Stranger abduction occurs 1 in 1.5 million.2. Talk to your children about their adult interactions with teachers, coaches, priests and neighbors.3. Sexual predators often communicate with children on line posing as other children.4. Monitor your child’s social media (Facebook, twitter), emails and texts.5. Certain on line games allow your child to play with people they don’t know. Question your child about their on line activity. For example if they are being asked to send pictures or if they are being directed to chat rooms or websites.What to do if you suspect a child is being molested.TATTLE = TATLT – TALK to your child. Ask them specific questions especially if you notice changes in their behavior (becoming withdrawn, bed wetting, decline in school performance).A – Go to the AUTHORITIES. Child molestation is a crime. If you suspect your child is being molested speak with the police. Do not go to the principal, head coach or Monsignor.T – THERAPY. Early professional psychological counseling will prevent years of shame, guilt and pain your child will experience.L – LOVE your child. Let them know they did nothing wrong. Tell them it wasn't their fault and that you are there for them.
Duration: 11:09
Dr. Frank Spinelli is a licensed and board certified internist at Chelsea Village Medical in Manhattan. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at New York Medical College and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Spinelli is a board member of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center. He is the author of Advocate Guide to Gay Men’s Health and Wellness, published in 2008 by Alyson Books.
Dr. Spinelli appeared as himself on several episodes of Sesame Streethelping Murray define the Word on the Street. Currently, Dr. Spinelli appears monthly on Sirius Radio’s Morning Jolt, and co-hosted a two part show, Speak Out: Real Talk about AIDS on Sirius Radio. In 2012, he was featured in two documentaries, Positive Youth and the Emmy nominated, 30 Years from Here. His second book, a memoir entitled, PEE SHY was published by Kensington Books in January 2013. This spring Dr. Spinelli hosts, Dueling Doctors for Veria Living.

Links: www.frankspinellimd.com

Roles the senses play in a person’s life with Natalie Robinson Garfield

Natalie Robinson Garfield a psychotherapist in private practice for over 30 years working with individuals, couples, and parent counseling in New York City and the author of The Sense Connection, How Your Five Senses Determine Your Effectiveness as a Person, Partner, and Parent joins eHealth Radio and the Dating and Relationship Advice Channels. She works with with individuals, couples, families and institutions as a consultant.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Natalie Robinson Garfield discuss the following:
What is the most common complaint or issue people come to you for?What role does medication play with your patients?Do you subscribe to the mind body theories that are now the vogue?What roles do the senses play in a person’s life?Do you think there is a foundational reason so many get depressed after Christmas and suicide rates are up?
Duration: 14:29
Natalie Robinson Garfield has been a practicing psychotherapist in Manhattan and Long Island for over thirty years, specializing in parent-child education. Holding a degree in Infant and Toddler Development and Administration, Garfield has had an extensive career working in individual, couple, family and group therapy. THE SENSE CONNECTION, based on the theory of sense channel hierarchy, draws on her experience working with private patients and conducting large conferences, discussion groups and workshops. Garfield has primarily focused on psychological and developmental work, but she also has a background in program design, staff training and administration.

Garfield was part of the New Age movement in the 1970s, working with The Association for Humanistic Psychology, which sought to move toward a more aware and humane global society. She also designed and directed various programs within the Children’s Aid Society, which provided education for families about subjects ranging from childbirth preparation through parenting. Garfield has also served on the United Nations Commission for the International Year of the Child, bringing awareness to problems such as malnutrition and lack of educational access, affecting children around the world.

She has had over forty years experience as a consultant, supervising and training staff for various institutions, including AT&T, American Express, The Gesell Institute for Child Development, The Montefiore Medical Residency Program, The Gestalt Learning Center, and the Kings County District Attorney’s office.
Garfield is a founding member of the Association for Parent Education and is a featured expert on various television documentaries and radio shows, such as WYNY, CBS Documentary, CBS Evening News, Current Affair Extra, and ABC Eyewitness News. She is also frequently interviewed by news media such as New York Magazine, Self, Working Woman, Cosmopolitan and Parents Magazine. She lives and works in New York City.

Links: thesenseconnection.wordpress.com

Bitsy's Brainfood, teaching kids to eat smart and be smart

Alex Voris and Maggie Patton, founders of Bitsy's Brainfood, a natural foods company joins eHealth Radio and the Nutrition and Mental Health Channels.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guests Alex Voris and Maggie Patton discuss the following:What is Bitsy’s Brainfood? How did Bitsy’s Brainfood come to be? What sparked the idea? What makes your product stand out from the rest?What do you see as industry trends?What's the biggest challenge for a company like Bitsy’s?Where can Bitsy's Brainfood be purchased?
Duration: 7:49
Alexandra Buckley Voris and Maggie Jones Patton are co-founders of Bitsy’s Brainfood, a natural foods company committed to the idea that healthy bodies and healthy minds are connected and that learning to eat smart should be fun.
Patton and Voris met while working at generationOn, where they first launched Building Healthy Communities, a childhood obesity prevention curriculum that was endorsed by The Alliance for a Healthier Generation and among the first federally funded programs of its kind. Their work together with children and experience as mothers inspire their desire to make the world healthy, smarter, better and more fun through creating Bitsy’s Brainfood for real families like their own.
Patton is a graduate of the University of Virginia. Voris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in Education from New York University.

Links: www.bitsysbrainfood.com

Addiction and Relapse Prevention National Recovery Month with Ben Brafman of Destination Hope

September is designated as Addiction and Relapse Prevention National Recovery Month. On this episode of eHealth Radio and the Mental Health Channel, we have Behavioral health expert Ben Brafman, the founder and CEO of Destination Hope, a full-service mental health and substance abuse treatment facility located in Fort Lauderdale, FL with gender specific treatment.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Ben Brafman discuss the following:September is the 24th annual National Recovery Month, but for those suffering from addiction even those who have been in recovery a long time, each month is recovery month. What is the significance of having a national recovery month and do you think recovery month has made an impact on substance abuse education and treatment over the last 24 years?This year's Recovery Month theme is Pathways to Wellness, highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being as part of the recovery process. This is something you've been focused on throughout your career and something that you have made a tenet of your treatment programs. Why is overall wellness such an important part of substance abuse and mental health recovery?  What can be done to improve an individual's overall wellness while in rehab?One of the things we keep seeing in behavioral health research is the value of family, friends, and community members throughout the recovery journey. How can family members help loved ones suffering from addiction improve their wellness and overall health?On that note, your center, Destination Hope offers intensive family counseling weekends. Why did you start holding these family weekends? What impact have you seen from these weekendsIn the past 24 years how do you think the behavioral health field has changed? What do you see happening in the future?
Duration: 16:19
Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP, is the Clinical Director, President and CEO of Destination Hope, a nationally recognized substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  With more than two decades of hands-on experience in the field of substance abuse and addiction, Ben is a leading authority on substance abuse, addiction and treatment protocols.  A licensed behavioral health counselor and certified addiction professional, Ben has grown into an industry expert, educating both healthcare and public audiences on issues in the field of addiction.
In 2007, Ben founded Destination Hope, a new model in full service addiction recovery. Combining his experience as an addiction tech, behavioral health counselor and clinical director, Ben developed treatment protocols that focused on individualized treatment, versus an all in one approach.  His unique approach, to treat an individual as a whole instead of a set of symptoms by addressing the psychological, physical and emotional issues related to substance abuse set a new standard in addiction treatment.  Destination Hope was an immediate success, and today has expanded into multiple treatment programs including separate female and male treatment programs.
Ben has experience serving clients and leading therapy programs at a variety of residential, clinical and outpatient behavioral health programs.  Ben is a Member of the Mental Health Association, the Broward County Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol and a member of the Dual Diagnosis Association.  He is a nationally certified counselor, a certified addiction professional, a licensed mental health counselor and an anger management specialist.  Ben has served as an expert witness in DUI/drug cases.
As a behavioral health counselor, Ben is dedicated to helping those beyond the treatment facility.  He is an active volunteer with Community Friends Association, and co-founder of Southern Lights A.I.D.S. project.  Ben has been awarded community service commendations from the Salvation Army – 1990’s Community Service Person of the Year and the Spirit of the Community Award in 2000.Ben Brafman holds a BA from Syracuse University and a MA from Barry University in Mental Health Counseling and Family Therapy. He and his wife live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with their three wonderful children.   He has completed three marathons and is training for a triathlon.



Links: www.drugrehabfl.net

Sleep Problems in Children with Dr. Anandhi Narasimhan

Dr. Anandhi Narasimhan, a double board certified child and adult psychiatrist who practices in Los Angeles, who will be discussing the topic of sleep problems in children joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health Channel.

Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels & guest Dr. Anandhi Narasimhan discuss the following:What are some of the reasons children have difficulty with sleep?How can a parent help a child sleep better?Are there specific medical problems that can cause sleep disturbances in children?What is the difference between sleep terrors and nightmares?What to do if sleep problems persist?Duration: 8:30Anandhi Narasimhan, M.D. is a double Board Certified Physician accredited by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology specializing in Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Narasimhan completed her adult psychiatry residency training at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, and completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship training at University of California Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Narasimhan has distinguished herself in child trauma and neuroimaging research and has published her work including co-authoring a book chapter, "Child and Adolescent Responses to Trauma." Dr. Narasimhan currently  runs a private practice in Westwood, Los Angeles, and serves as a child and adult psychiatrist for two non-profit mental health agencies, Aviva Family and Children's Services and Masada Homes. Dr. Narasimhan has had several media appearances including CNN, Fox News, USA Today, and CNN International.
Links: www.doctoranandhi.com