Mental Health

Chris Wang, Shimmer CEO: How ADHD Can Be Your Superpower

 
 
Chris Wang, the CEO of Shimmer, an affordable, ADHD coaching app which announced its launch out of beta earlier this year joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels. Shimmer coaches people with ADHD the strategies and skills needed to live with ADHD every day.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Chris Wang discuss the following:
Today we’re talking about how ADHD can be your superpower. Most of our listeners have probably heard different things about ADHD. Can you give us a concise, clinical definition of ADHD in layman’s terms? What is it like for someone to have ADHD?
Your organization Shimmer describes how “ADHD can be your superpower.” What are some of the more positive aspects of having ADHD?
How do people find out that they have ADHD? And what are the benefits / drawbacks of getting diagnosed?
You actually were in the middle of getting a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Health Degrees when you paused both to start Shimmer. What was the vision behind Shimmer that made you think, “I have to start this now”?
Describe for us the journey of a typical Shimmer app user. How much does it cost, and what does it entail? And what do they get out of it?
This last question relates to your background: as someone who has worked in consulting roles for many social impact organizations, in your experience, what is the biggest deterrent to social impact, and how do you get around it?
Chris Wang was pursuing her dual degree (MBA & MPH) from the University of California Berkeley Haas when she was diagnosed with ADHD. Wang took a leave to start Shimmer, an ADHD coaching app which announced its launch out of beta in October 2022. Shimmer teaches people with ADHD the strategies and skills needed to live with ADHD every day and how ADHD can be their superpower in a neurodiverse world.
Wang and Shimmer recently raised its $1.3 million seed round from investors such as Y Combinator, Honeystone Ventures, Koa Labs, CVS Health Vice President Megan Hall and Gaingels. Prior to Shimmer, Wang worked at Bain & Co. advising fortune 100 companies on social impact strategy and helping to launch consumer startups all over the world.
Website: https://www.shimmer.care
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://facebook.com/shimmer.health  Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/wangchristal  Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriswangstal 

Many Voices ONE TRUTH, a new book designed to block out the world’s negative noises

 
 
Tracy Taris, the Owner & President of Southern California based Healing the Mind & Spirit, a full service mental health center joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health & Relationship Channels. Her new book, “Many Voices ONE TRUTH” is currently available on Amazon.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Tracy Taris discuss the following:
Please tell us about your work as a marriage and relationship therapist in Southern California?
You are a woman of faith and your new book, Many Voices ONE TRUTH is a type of self-help book that combines your mental health sciences education with Biblical passages. Can you explain that for us?
n today’s noisy world, many people are facing depression and anxiety. Without giving away too much from the book, can you explain how your book addresses shutting out the negative noise?
As the eldest child in a large family, please tell us a little bit about the extreme responsibility that was placed on you and the fear and anxiety you felt at a young age and did this influence your becoming a therapist, speaker and author?
Although it is getting better, the negative stigma behind mental health issues and seeking help for personal problems still exists. How to you feel about this?
hat advice do you have for anyone suffering from depression, relationship conflicts, sleep deprivation and other personal issues where you might need a therapist?
Tracy Taris is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She is president and owner of Healing The Mind & Spirit, Inc. where she leads a team of counselors. Her group practice is located here in the Santa Clarita Valley where psychotherapy services are provided in the form of couples, family, individual, adolescent and child therapy as well as coaching services that cover a variety of topics from creative blocks, nutritional problems, and women’s issues.
Tracy’s service to the Santa Clarita Valley also includes work as a Contract Therapist for College of The Canyons’ (COC) Student Health and Wellness Center. She is part of a team of therapists who provide therapy to students at COC.
Tracy holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with and emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcasting from California Polytechnic State University.
Tracy completed her service as President for the Santa Clarita Valley California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists Chapter as well as her role in serving as Past President for the organization. Tracy is also a writer and has contributed to The Signal Newspaper as well as written workshops that she has taught for The City of Santa Clarita through the Seasons Catalog, her Private Practice, and for COC.
Website: https://www.healingthemindandspirit.com

Thriving with ADHD: A Guide to Naturally Reducing ADHD Symptoms in Your Child

 
 
Dana Kay, best selling author of "Thriving with ADHD: A Guide to Naturally Reducing ADHD Symptoms in Your Child", an international bestseller in five countries across multiple categories joins eHealth Radio and the Children's Health and Health News Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dana Kay discuss the following:
How is your book different from other books about ADHD?
You advocate for a food first approach to support children with ADHD. Tell us about it.
What are the worst foods for children with ADHD and why are they the worst?
What is the gut-brain connection and its impact on ADHD?
What are some other natural strategies that can help?
What overall message do you have for the parents of children with ADHD?
Dana Kay is a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, two times International best selling author, and the CEO and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute. As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child and the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes and Authority Magazine and on Medium, Influencive, Thrive Global, and various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting and ADHD summits and podcasts. Her mission is to help families reduce ADHD symptoms naturally so that children with ADHD can thrive at home, at school, and in life.
Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute  Instagram: https://instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute 

Author Kimberly Plante debuts her true story about child abuse in her new memoir, ’Worthy’

 
 
Author Kimberly Plante who debuts her new memoir, Worthy, a true story about her child abuse starting at the age of three, at the hands of her mother joins eHealth Radio and the Health News Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Kimberly Plante discuss the following:
Kimberly, I am shocked at the level of abuse you suffered from as a toddler and then a child. Can you tell our listeners how you came to live with your mother, who abused you?
Can you share a story from the book for our audience?
It’s unfathomable to me that no-one noticed your child abuse and stepped in to rescue you. Did you ever tell anyone about what was happening to you, in school or to a friend’s parents?
Tell us how you kept a glimmer of hope alive, and survived such a terrifying ordeal that took up your entire childhood?
You wrote this book as an adult. How long did it take to write and then get the book published, and which was harder: writing the book or getting it published? Also where is the book available?
What tips can you share for survivors of abuse who would like to tell their story in a memoir?
Plot synopsis
Kimberly is just three years old and living peacefully with her grandmother in Connecticut, when her mother unexpectedly appears and turns her world upside down. Kimberly quickly realizes that life with her mother is going to be very different from anything she’d ever known.
Ridiculed, beaten, locked up, and neglected daily, Kimberly is denied food, bathroom privileges, and other basic necessities. She’s often left alone to look after her infant brother and faces regular beatings for nonexistent infractions. She grows up hearing and believing her mother’s lies and that she should have been aborted. Throughout her life, she faces not just abuse, but also loss, rejection, exclusion, and failure. But just when things finally seem to settle down, she uncovers a truth she had never counted on, and it changes her life forever.
Kimberly Plante is currently the Director of Respiratory Therapy at a children’s hospital in Boston. She has completed many levels of education, including a master’s degree in healthcare administration. Because she loves bedside patient care, she also works part time as a respiratory therapist in Fall River, Massachusetts. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, taking her three dogs for long walks, and spending time with her family.
Website: https://worthymemoir.com 
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Worthy-A-Memoir Instagram: @worthy_memoir

Cerē’s Physicians Share How the ”Ceremony of Self” Can Boost Mental Health Faster Than Exercise

 
 
Dr. Amir Marashi, a board-certified cosmetic Gynecologist and Founder of Cere, the first sexual wellness brand with pleasure care essentials developed by physicians joins eHealth Radio and the Sexual Health Channel.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Amir Marashi discuss the following:
Dr. Marashi, you are well-known around the world for your work and have earned the distinguished title of "The Vagina Whisperer", first and foremost, how did you get the honor of this unique title?
The work that you have done focusing on female anatomy is remarkable. You are on a mission to help folks understand that a big part of self-care is sexual health! How is sexual health and mental health related?
You are on a mission to normalize the conversation around having a healthy sex life and more importantly making sure women know how to achieve a "real" orgasm. Can you educate us on the percentage of women that don't actually experience a real orgasm and why?
As part of your mission, you have developed an intervention to help bring science back into the bedroom, through Get Cere! Tell us about it and how it's empowering women and couples alike?
Lastly, you want to make sure folks are educated on this topic.... where can we get more information?
The “Vagina Whisperer'' Dr. Amir Marashi is a board-certified cosmetic gynecologist/pelvic pain specialist licensed to practice in New York, California, Texas, and Florida. He is the founder of Cerē, the first sexual wellness brand with pleasure care essentials developed by physicians. Dr. Marashi is a pioneer in the field of women’s sexual wellness. In an effort to destigmatize female sexual enhancement and pleasure, he authored A Woman’s Right to Pleasure, a 2020 BlackBook release with forwards by feminist icons Erica Jong and Roxanne Gay. He and Cerē’s research and development partner Dr. Kimberly Lovie are widely considered the “Masters and Johnson of the 21st century,” expanding the known realms of female sexual pleasure with doctor-developed products that bring pleasure, physiology and anatomy into harmony. Their lineup includes the first-ever physician-formulated arousal gel featuring a proprietary blend of l-arginine, l-citrulline and chamomile rigorously tested through an original clitoral ultrasound protocol created by the Cerē doctors.
Born in Iran during the Iranian Revolution, Dr. Marashi encountered the field of medicine as early as 4 years old. He spent nearly every day observing and assisting his father - the region’s only orthopedic surgeon - with triage care for war-torn civilians and soldiers. He went on to attend medical school in his home country, during which time he began receiving multiple inquiries from female patients about hymenoplasty (the restoration of the hymen, which was required to be intact for marriage). Dr. Marashi was troubled by the vastly different sexual standards for women as compared to men - not just in Iran, but across the world. His studies of biomechanics and sports medicine led to a natural shift into an entirely new field: the biomechanics of intercourse.
Dr. Marashi has since become an internationally-acclaimed OB/GYN, whose decades of experience diagnosing and surgically amending complex vaginal issues earned him the title of “Vagina Whisperer.” His original VagilangeloⓇTM procedure has helped hundreds of patients regain the confidence that comes from a healthy sex life. Through his self-funded International Obstetrician and Gynecologist organization, he helped provide vital OB/GYN care to underdeveloped countries, including during the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. His commitment to advancing and destigmatizing the “taboo” field of women’s sexual wellness has led to international recognition for campaigns such as the (now infamous) Designer Vagina Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2017.
Website: https://getcere.com 

Undoing the Damage from Adverse Childhood Experiences

 
 
Ronni Tichenor who has a PhD in sociology, specializing in family studies, from the University of Michigan, and Jennie Weaver, who received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health & Health News Channels. Their new book, Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guests Ronni Tichenor & Jennie Weaver discuss the following:
Why did you feel called to write this book?
What do you mean when you use the term "childhood trauma?"
How can siblings help each other heal from childhood trauma?
What advice do you have for people trying to support someone who is healing from childhood trauma?
What do you want people to take away from your story? 
Ronni Tichenor has a PhD in sociology, specializing in family studies, from the University of Michigan. Jennie Weaver received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health. Their new book, Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond (HeartWisdom LLC, April 5, 2022), shares their inspiring and hopeful story of healing from their painful upbringing.
Website: ronniandjennie.com
Social Media Links: Facebook: https://facebook.com/theheartandsoulsistersInstagram: https://instagram.com/ronni_and_jennie

The MindZen Method™, a mindset wellbeing program for challenging times

 
 
Dr. Steve Woodbury, Founder and Director of the MindZen Method™, providing personal and group-based Mind and High -Performance Well-Being programs joins eHealth Radio and the Mental Health and Health News Channels.
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Steve Woodbury discuss the following:
Tell me about your passion(s).
What motivates you in your work as a MindZen Practitioner?
I know you are also a best-selling artist. How do you integrate your MindZen practice with your creative pursuits as an artist?
How does your approach differ from other countless services currently available for mind and mental heath challenges?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on health and the wellbeing of your clients and the people engaging your professional help?
How important are mentors/coaches in your personal and professional growth?
Dr. Woodbury is an award-winning MindZen practioner who creates well-being solutions for people and their organisations.
Before we commence our program he conducts an assessment of an individual’s current position across the domains of personality, social connectedness, physical health, and mental health.
Dr. Woodbury works with each person to uniquely identify how their current lifestyle is preventing them from achieving their goals and then an individualized program is developed in consultation with them to plot, review, and achieve individual well-being.
Contact on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephen-woodbury-699b76243
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.

Ava Otto Helps Other Kids Keep a Healthy Mindset

 
 
Ava Otto, the 12 year old daughter of Limp Bizkit's John Otto and recently also appeared on the CBS dance show, Come Dance With Me who is a big advocate for anti-bullying and is using her voice to help other young kids' mindsets joins eHealth Radio and the Bully Information Channel. 
Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Ava Otto discuss the following:
Growing up with a famous father, how did that play on your mental state as a child and being around kids or even parents who may have been jealous of your lifestyle?
You were bullied by other parents. How did you overcome this? What is your advice to other kids today?
You also give back through your own foundation, Passion Project X, tell us more.
Why do you love to inspire and bring joy to others via social media? Why does that keep you in a healthy mindset overall?
Ava Otto is a Los Angeles-based professional actress, dancer and model. When she was 5 years old, Ava performed a song and dance for her elementary school talent show. That was the moment she fell in love with performing. That same year, 2015, Ava booked her first job singing with Grammy award winner Darlene Koldenhoven. The following year she began her acting career and joined her first competition team at the local dance studio. Ava has earned numerous national titles, top placements, and top scholarships.
Ava excels in many forms of dance, including contemporary, ballet/pointe, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical, as well as in musical theater. She also studies ballroom and aerial arts. She is a natural contortionist and intermediate/advanced tumbler. Ava has choreographed with and danced in various concept videos with industry leaders. She has appeared in commercials, an independent film, various print campaigns, TV interviews, podcasts, and more.
Currently, she is dancing alongside her famous dad, John Otto, drummer of Limp Bizkit on a new CBS television show Come Dance With Me. The show is produced by LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell.
Ava is a highly sought-after dance photography model. In 2020, she was chosen to be an AS Dancewear Mentee by brand owner and renowned ballerina Alison Stroming. She enjoys modeling for the brand and supporting other young artists. Ava is passionate about empowering others through her nonprofit Passion Project X. The organization focuses on providing various forms of support to others who are pursuing their dreams.
Ava is equally ambitious about her academic career. She is in her final year of middle school and is currently enrolled in college courses. In her free time, Ava enjoys gaming, shopping, and spending time with friends, family, and beloved pups. She also enjoys vlogging, cooking, long road trips, and even longer naps!
Website: https://www.avaotto.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/avalillianaotto 

ADHD. Where Did It Come From and How Can We Treat It?

 
 
Dr. Walt Karniski, MD, a developmental pediatrician, trained at Boston Children’s Hospital joins eHealth Radio and the Children's Health & Health News Channels. Over the forty years he has been practicing, Dr. Karniski approaches each child as a unique individual, with distinctive strengths and weaknesses, where the diagnosis does not matter as much as understanding the specific needs of that child. His new book is ADHD Medication: Does It Work and Is It Safe?
Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Dr. Walt Karniski discuss the following:
Many people have suggested that ADHD is a fabricated diagnosis, invented by doctors and pharmaceutical companies to sell more drugs or invented by schools that can’t teach or by parents who can’t parent. How do you respond to that
What should be done to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD?
What causes ADHD? Is it too much time on their phones? Not enough sleep? Poor diet?
You imply that medication should be used in almost all cases of ADHD. Shouldn’t counselling or behavioral management strategies be used first? And instead of medication, couldn’t ADHD be treated with changes in diet?
Do children outgrow ADHD? Do they outgrow their need for medication?
With so many different medications available, how does a doctor choose which medication is right for a child?
Dr. Walt Karniski, MD is a developmental pediatrician, trained at Boston Children’s Hospital. He was director of the Division of Developmental Pediatrics at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, for fifteen years. He then opened a private practice and for twenty years, evaluated and treated children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities, and other developmental difficulties. During that time, he developed and operated three private schools for children with ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities.
Over the forty years he has been practicing, he has evaluated and treated close to ten thousand children, conducted numerous studies of brain activity in children, and has been director of a child abuse program and a program for enhancing development in children born prematurely.
Dr. Karniski approaches each child as a unique individual, with distinctive strengths and weaknesses, where the diagnosis does not matter as much as understanding the specific needs of that child. His new book is ADHD Medication: Does It Work and Is It Safe? (Roman & Littlefield, May 15, 2022).
Website: https://adhdmedicationbook.com 

Brilliant Ways to Use Small Group Adventure to Connect to Nature

 
Captain Dan Blanchard, the owner and CEO of UnCruise Adventures, a leading small ship adventure travel company that creates connection to nature, and sustainable travel joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Mental Health Channels.
Listen to host Eric Dye & guests Captain Dan Blanchard discuss the following:
With such a unique business, how did the idea for your business come about?
Why is small group adventure such a key way to connect to nature and boost our mental and physical health?
Your mission states that your company goal is "To provide our guests an enriching adventure travel experience and inspire an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world." How did you build a successful customer base that loves nature and adventure as much as you do?
How do you market your business and what tactics have been the most successful?
What motivates you personally/how do you define success?
What other ways can people connect to more adventure and nature, even when not on your small ship cruises? What do you personally do to connect?
When it comes to Captain Dan Blanchard—he's the real thing. Dan grew up in Washington State, living and working on boats since he was a kid. He received his ship master's license at 18 and has gone on to travel the world and live a storied tale from the owner of Blanchard Marine to Captain of sightseeing vessels to Director at Cruise West and Vice President of Operations.
In 1999, he joined American Safari Cruises, and went on to acquire the company in 2008 launching Innersea Discoveries which is now known as UnCruise Adventures. A lifelong adventurer, he connects with nature and culture wherever he goes and promotes in his small ship adventure company.
In May 2013, he was adopted into a native Alaskan Tlingit tribe for his passion for conservation and the support of the local communities. He's living the dream he built around his passions and wouldn't have it any other way."
 
Website: https://uncruise.com  
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://instagram.com/uncruiseFacebook: https://facebook.com/UnCruise Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/un-cruise-adventures Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnCruise  Youtube: Click Here