Optimal Health Seekers' Radio

"Take care of yourself. Let people in. Allow them to alert you to mood changes. Remember that an addict is always an addict, you can never become to comfortable in your sobriety."  ~ Natalie Jeanne Champagne Author of The Third Sunrise, Natalie Jeanne Champagne struggled with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder from the age of twelve, and then with addictions. She found her way into recovery, and has shared her difficult journey in heart-wrenching detail, through her book.  Natalie regularly contributes to mental health and addictions publications and is an advocate for mental health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada. Her website is www.thethirdsunrise.com. Join us as we hear of a childhood lost to Bipolar Disorder Depression, and addiction, then recovery and disclosure. Natalie Jeanne Champagne, author of The Third Sunrise - A Memoir of Madness eventually recovered and has written her story – vividly and openly.

"Take care of yourself. Let people in. Allow them to alert you to mood changes. Remember that an addict is always an addict, you can never become to comfortable in your sobriety."  ~ Natalie Jeanne Champagne Author of The Third Sunrise, Natalie Jeanne Champagne struggled with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder from the age of twelve, and then with addictions. She found her way into recovery, and has shared her difficult journey in heart-wrenching detail, through her book.  Natalie regularly contributes to mental health and addictions publications and is an advocate for mental health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada. Her website is www.thethirdsunrise.com. Join us as we hear of a childhood lost to Bipolar Disorder Depression, and addiction, then recovery and disclosure. Natalie Jeanne Champagne, author of The Third Sunrise - A Memoir of Madness eventually recovered and has written her story – vividly and openly.

"I want to inspire other people to overcome their physical boundaries; to enjoy every day, to stop asking “Why me?” and to feel strong and positive about themselves."  ~ Lorraine Kemble Born in London, England, Lorraine Kemble trained as a Montessori teacher. At the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumour. Many years of operations and rigorous rehabilitation followed. Prompted by her struggle, and the many obstacles and difficulties she has overcome, she created People with Potential. A Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Counsellor and poet, Lorraine currently lives in Hampstead, London, UK. Join us in learning how Lorraine Kemble not only survived several brain surgeries to remove a large tumour and persevered through an extensive rehabilitation process, but has gone on to help others cope positively with many types of disabilities.

"I want to inspire other people to overcome their physical boundaries; to enjoy every day, to stop asking “Why me?” and to feel strong and positive about themselves."  ~ Lorraine Kemble Born in London, England, Lorraine Kemble trained as a Montessori teacher. At the age of 22 she was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumour. Many years of operations and rigorous rehabilitation followed. Prompted by her struggle, and the many obstacles and difficulties she has overcome, she created People with Potential. A Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Counsellor and poet, Lorraine currently lives in Hampstead, London, UK. Join us in learning how Lorraine Kemble not only survived several brain surgeries to remove a large tumour and persevered through an extensive rehabilitation process, but has gone on to help others cope positively with many types of disabilities.

"What I do to keep positive and on track is that I have at least one area at work, in my home or where ever I am that is organized and clean. In those places I am able to sit without outside problems and calm down. Allowing myself to return my thoughts to happiness and what is most important at the moment."~ Lori Purdy Faitel Lori Purdy Faitel experienced a traumatic brain injury in 1986 when early in a promising career, she was involved in a serious auto accident.   After six years of recovery, she returned to college and in 1992 graduated as an O.T. assistant. She holds a current COTA license in Michigan. Lori has worked in therapy departments in Metro Detroit and specializes in working with clients who have brain injuries.  Lori's book documents her journey from inpatient to current life as a productive professional. She can be found online at www.AmIBrainDamaged.com. Join us as we talk with Lori Purdy Faitel, self-proclaimed “Brain Injury Survivor Authority”. Today, despite the residual effects of her injuries, Lori is a COTA who specializes in helping others with brain injuries.

"What I do to keep positive and on track is that I have at least one area at work, in my home or where ever I am that is organized and clean. In those places I am able to sit without outside problems and calm down. Allowing myself to return my thoughts to happiness and what is most important at the moment."~ Lori Purdy Faitel Lori Purdy Faitel experienced a traumatic brain injury in 1986 when early in a promising career, she was involved in a serious auto accident.   After six years of recovery, she returned to college and in 1992 graduated as an O.T. assistant. She holds a current COTA license in Michigan. Lori has worked in therapy departments in Metro Detroit and specializes in working with clients who have brain injuries.  Lori's book documents her journey from inpatient to current life as a productive professional. She can be found online at www.AmIBrainDamaged.com. Join us as we talk with Lori Purdy Faitel, self-proclaimed “Brain Injury Survivor Authority”. Today, despite the residual effects of her injuries, Lori is a COTA who specializes in helping others with brain injuries.

"There will likely be tears on this journey. But if at any point you can find a small bit of humour along the way, laughing is more fun!" ~ Yvonne deSousa Yvonne deSousa was born and raised in Cape Cod, MA. She has worked as a crime victims advocate, library assistant, medical office assistant, and now a writer. Yvonne graduated from University of Massachusetts with a degree in English and started writing about Cape Cod history as a hobby. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, Yvonne uses humour to help herself cope and started writing to share her light-hearted attitude with others. You can read her blog at www.yvonnedesousa.com. Join us as we learn how Yvonne deSousa uses humour to cope with multiple sclerosis and writes to give others a smile. Published on Cape Women Online, the Provincetown Banner, and the Cape Cod Times, she has had blog posts published on MSrelief.com, MSworld, and Montel Williams' MY MS Diary Facebook page.

"There will likely be tears on this journey. But if at any point you can find a small bit of humour along the way, laughing is more fun!" ~ Yvonne deSousa Yvonne deSousa was born and raised in Cape Cod, MA. She has worked as a crime victims advocate, library assistant, medical office assistant, and now a writer. Yvonne graduated from University of Massachusetts with a degree in English and started writing about Cape Cod history as a hobby. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, Yvonne uses humour to help herself cope and started writing to share her light-hearted attitude with others. You can read her blog at www.yvonnedesousa.com. Join us as we learn how Yvonne deSousa uses humour to cope with multiple sclerosis and writes to give others a smile. Published on Cape Women Online, the Provincetown Banner, and the Cape Cod Times, she has had blog posts published on MSrelief.com, MSworld, and Montel Williams' MY MS Diary Facebook page.

"Always take FULL responsibility for articulating your needs and instructing others in assisting you.  Graciously accept 'NO' as a response.  Being disabled doesn’t entitle you to assistance, it entitles you to ACCESS!"~ Annie Laurie Harris Born with cerebral palsy, Annie Laurie Harris has cheated death more times than a cat with nine lives! She continues to live a full and active life in her 6th decade. After achieving her Master's Degree at Penn State University in 1985 she worked as a counselor and advocate for those with a history of chemical dependency. In 1990, she was recruited by the prestigious World Institute of Disability to be the Assistant Director of the first HIV/Disability Project. Her grant writing expertise is second to none as private foundations funded her innovative research again and again. Since returning to her home state of PA where she lives near her beloved alma mater, Ms. Harris continues to be involved in her community and avidly supports the PSU athletic program. Once again, her love of writing helps to supplement her income. Her groundbreaking memoirs, It's Easier to Dance, is provocative and thought provoking. Join us as Annie shares her perspective not only on life as a woman with a disability but as a black woman with a disability who was pushing for her basic human rights way back in the 60’s.

"Always take FULL responsibility for articulating your needs and instructing others in assisting you.  Graciously accept 'NO' as a response.  Being disabled doesn’t entitle you to assistance, it entitles you to ACCESS!"~ Annie Laurie Harris Born with cerebral palsy, Annie Laurie Harris has cheated death more times than a cat with nine lives! She continues to live a full and active life in her 6th decade. After achieving her Master's Degree at Penn State University in 1985 she worked as a counselor and advocate for those with a history of chemical dependency. In 1990, she was recruited by the prestigious World Institute of Disability to be the Assistant Director of the first HIV/Disability Project. Her grant writing expertise is second to none as private foundations funded her innovative research again and again. Since returning to her home state of PA where she lives near her beloved alma mater, Ms. Harris continues to be involved in her community and avidly supports the PSU athletic program. Once again, her love of writing helps to supplement her income. Her groundbreaking memoirs, It's Easier to Dance, is provocative and thought provoking. Join us as Annie shares her perspective not only on life as a woman with a disability but as a black woman with a disability who was pushing for her basic human rights way back in the 60’s.

"Believe that there are ways to do things that may seem at first as impossible. You need to be willing to try, fail, and try again." ~ Kristeen Kristeen Hughes began reading talking books and braille in early childhood. She quickly embraced computers, both Apple and PC, learning and teaching software and hardware, speech synthesizers and other assistive technology, such as the Kurzweil reader.  Later she provided telephone support for Microsoft Windows. Kristeen recently received her ATACP (Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program) certification.  Today she provides training primarily to persons who are blind or visually impaired who want to have greater access to computers and other assistive technology. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kristeen Hughes, a social worker and computer professional who finds creative solutions for living with cortical blindness and sensory integration disorder.

"There will be plenty of times when you have no choice but to learn ‘on the job’ so that you can make necessary quick decisions. Putting a game plan together that will allow you to do this requires adopting a fundamental tenet of modern living: information is power." ~ Dietrich “Diet” Stroeh In addition to caregiving for his wife who had pancreatic cancer, J. Dietrich “Diet” Stroeh is a founding partner of CSW|ST2, a civil engineering and design firm. His book, Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing, offers personal insight, practical tips and guidance to anyone dealing with terminal illness, especially for caregiving spouses. Visit him online at www.threemonthsbook.com. Join us as we learn about the challenges of being a family caregiver from Dietrich Stroeh, who cared for his wife as she struggled with pancreatic cancer. Diet is a civil engineer and author of "Three Months: A Caretakers Journey From Heartbreak to Healing.

"It’s not the chronic illness per se, but more how you HANDLE your chronic illness which will determine the “happiness factor” of your life." ~ Michael A. Weiss As a result of 25+ years battling the chronic incurable auto-immune illness, Crohn's Disease, Michael A. Weiss has been hospitalized over 200 times and has endured approximately 20 major surgeries.  Michael practiced Entertainment and Health Law for 15 years and has an MBA. Today he shares with other patients around the world to help them cope with and manage their chronic illness. Michael’s blog is www.HospitalPatient.com. Join us as Michael A. Weiss shares about the “happiness factor” of life with chronic illness. Michael has lived with Crohn's Disease for over 25 years, using perspective and humor to help him cope and thrive.

Optimal health and wellness is a choice and an inherited right. When you provide the body with the necessary tools and get out of the way, miracles regularly occur. This is truly our gift! ~ Glen Depke After coping with seizure disorder for ten years with no answers from conventional medicine, Glen Depke journeyed into natural health. Today he has no seizures, nor takes medication for seizures.  Glen is a leader in hormone balancing, nutrition and enzyme therapy and holds a Doctorate in Naturopathy, BS in Natural Health and a Diploma in Holistic Iridology.   He is trained in the Kalish Method of Functional Healing, German Drainage Therapies and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Join us as we learn from Glen Depke about the role of balanced adrenal function in optimal health. Glen is a Traditional Naturopath and a leader in hormone balancing, customized nutrition and enzyme therapy.  Read more about Glen Depke at  www.depkewellness.com and  www.askdepkewellness.com.

"I never considered my disability to be a reason to not work and contribute to this world.  While I’ve worked in a number of settings, it all eventually led to helping persons with disabilities become or remain who they are." ~ Annette Bourbonniere   Having difficulty: Finding the job that's right for you? Discussing accommodations with an employer? Responding to co-workers' questions about disability?  Annette Bourbonniere, an Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant who has had a disability for over 40 years, provides training to businesses and persons with disabilities and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Visit her on the web at www.accessing-ability.com.  Join us as Annette Bourbonniere offers valuable tips on self-advocacy in an employment setting.

"Embrace technology. It can be a vital tool to improving the quality - and sometimes the length - of your life!" ~ Peg Ball Peg Ball has a significant disability that affects her mobility and her breathing. She is currently providing coaching services at the MOH-Club and you can view her profile here: www.MyOptimalHealthClub.org. She can be reached at coachpeg@myoptimalhealthclub.org Are you seeking answers for breathing challenges? Are concerned about the possibility of respiratory problems in your future? Join us in discussing the challenges of living with significant respiratory limitations. Peg Ball, a Health/Life Coach who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, uses a power wheelchair and ventilator, will share how respiratory technology has impacted her life and how to access it to benefit YOUR breathing!

"I realized that it was my job – my journey – and my choice to learn what I could, to educate myself, to do the research, and figure out how to heal. And, that’s what I did!" ~ Sue Ingebretson Sue is an author, speaker, certified holistic health counselor, and the director of program development for the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Research and Education Center at California State University, Fullerton. Her book, FibroWHYalgia: Why Rebuilding the Ten Root Causes of Chronic Illness Restores Chronic Wellness, has been an Amazon bestseller and details her own journey from chronic illness to chronic wellness. Join us as Sue talks about the “Restoration Trio” and how nutrition, fitness and emotional wellness can help rebuild the body and transform chronic illness into chronic wellness.

"If someone ... has a disability and is looking for work, remember to not let your disability define who you are.  We like to focus on people’s abilities and strengths, not just their disability." ~ Paula Reuben Viellet   Paula Reuben Vieillet is President of Employment Options Inc., a Social Security Administration Employment Network ranked in the top 5% of Employment Networks in the Ticket to Work program because of their successful placement rate.   Paula has been helping people disabilities find jobs for over 20 years. She is on the Board of Directors of the National Employment Network Association.  Paula recently published Employment Options: The Ultimate Resource for Job Seekers with Disabilities and Other Challenges. Company website: www.MyEmploymentOptions.com   Join us as we hear from Paula Reuben Vieillet, business owner and rehabilitation counselor, explaining how and why it is a great time for people on disability benefits to be looking for work.  

"I want people to understand that chronic mental illness is not a life sentence, people do recover. Recovery from addiction is also possible---it just takes patience and a lot of work."  ~ Natalie Natalie Jeanne Champagne is the author of The Third Sunrise. At the age of twenty-six, after many years of struggling with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder from the age of twelve, and addictions and disordered eating, she walked the road less travelled and somehow found her way home. A regular contributor to mental health and addictions publications, Natalie is a passionate advocate for mental health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada. The Third Sunrise is her first book. Join us as we learn from Natalie Jeanne Champagne, author of "The Third Sunrise - A Memoir of Madness", of her journey through Bipolar Disorder and Depression, leading to addiction, and finally to living day by day in recovery.

"Having a disability is not the same as being disabled.  Don’t let the disability define you." ~ Annette Bourdonniere Annette Bourbonniere is an Accessibility & Inclusion Consultant providing training to businesses and persons with disabilities and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.  Having had a disability for over 40 years, Annette was employed in healthcare for 25 years and has owned several businesses. She is an active member on committees and councils dealing with disability issues. Annette is working on a Ph.D. in economics, focusing on the economics of disability and disability policy. More info at www.accessing-ability.com. She can be reached at Annette.bourbonniere@verizon.net. If you would like to have Annette talk with your organization, you can make arrangements through www.bestkeynotes.com.  Ever find yourself feeling intimidated by your healthcare provider? Want to work with your doctor as a partner rather than an adversary in your care? Join us as we learn from Annette Bourbonniere some tips on self advocacy and taking charge of your healthcare.