Voice Aerobics Talking 2 You

Many older Americans suffer from acute and chronic communication disorders resulting from stroke, head and neck cancer, and neurological diseases, and although speech and language therapy can often improve symptoms and mitigate the impact of communication disorders, access to qualified providers may be limited for some patients due to: poor social supports, finances, or geographical constraints. For patients with limited physical access to speech-language pathology services, Telehealth, the process of providing services by videoconferencing or web interfaces is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for ensuring patients obtain necessary care from home. Join us as we explore the current and potential benefits and barriers for treating communication disorders using the telehealth platform. Guest/s: Erica  James, MA, CCC-SLP. The Voice and Swallowing Center, Waldo Hospital, Maine, the only program in the US to be accredited to provide speech telepractice training by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).  Erica is experienced in providing speech and voice therapy in person and via the computer using a secure telerehabilitation platform. David Poskanzer, MBA, is the Vice President of Sales and Customer Care for Constant Therapy and he has been instrumental in launching the Constant Therapy mobile app and providing ongoing training and guidance to patients, therapists and 3rd party payers who are invested in accelerating the recovery from stroke and traumatic brain injury.  As always, YOU can join the discussion by calling, sending an email to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet: @voiceaerobics#telepractice Disclaimer: Advertisement in print or audio is placed by Blog Talk Radio, and I apologize for its intrusion on listening to the podcast.

Many older Americans suffer from acute and chronic communication disorders resulting from stroke, head and neck cancer, and neurological diseases, and although speech and language therapy can often improve symptoms and mitigate the impact of communication disorders, access to qualified providers may be limited for some patients due to: poor social supports, finances, or geographical constraints. For patients with limited physical access to speech-language pathology services, Telehealth, the process of providing services by videoconferencing or web interfaces is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for ensuring patients obtain necessary care from home. Join us as we explore the current and potential benefits and barriers for treating communication disorders using the telehealth platform. Guest/s: Erica  James, MA, CCC-SLP. The Voice and Swallowing Center, Waldo Hospital, Maine, the only program in the US to be accredited to provide speech telepractice training by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).  Erica is experienced in providing speech and voice therapy in person and via the computer using a secure telerehabilitation platform. David Poskanzer, MBA, is the Vice President of Sales and Customer Care for Constant Therapy and he has been instrumental in launching the Constant Therapy mobile app and providing ongoing training and guidance to patients, therapists and 3rd party payers who are invested in accelerating the recovery from stroke and traumatic brain injury.  As always, YOU can join the discussion by calling, sending an email to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet: @voiceaerobics#telepractice Disclaimer: Advertisement in print or audio is placed by Blog Talk Radio, and I apologize for its intrusion on listening to the podcast.

John Pepper was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1992 and,ten years later, while serving as President of the South African Parkinson’s Association, he wrote the first edition of his book: There is LIFE after Parkinson’s. He developed the idea that exercise might help his condition and through self-experimentation he developed an exercise and movement protocol that includes vigorous walking. John's personal story about his journey through Parkinson's disease, his setbacks, achievements, discoveries, disappointments, and ultimate triumph, may fly in the face of how a Parkinson's diagnosis is viewed by others, who may see it as a grim prognosis of unavoidable and relatively rapid decline. John believes that the lack of hopeful information only feeds depression and negative attitudes, stating: "you cannot maintain or improve your quality of life if you don't believe it's possible." John was featured in Norman Doidges' book "The Brain's Way of Healing" as A Man Who Walked off His Parkinsonian Symptoms, and today at 82, years young he is devoting the rest of his life to sharing his story, teaching others with Parkinson's how he did it - how he reversed the most disabling of his symptoms and reclaimed his life. Please join us as John shares his personal philosophy and experience of being able to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s and live an active and positive life.      To visit John’s website: http://www.reverseparkinsons.net/             email questions before or during the podcast to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com, or call in and join the conversation! Send us a tweet: @voiceaerobics  

John Pepper was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1992 and,ten years later, while serving as President of the South African Parkinson’s Association, he wrote the first edition of his book: There is LIFE after Parkinson’s. He developed the idea that exercise might help his condition and through self-experimentation he developed an exercise and movement protocol that includes vigorous walking. John's personal story about his journey through Parkinson's disease, his setbacks, achievements, discoveries, disappointments, and ultimate triumph, may fly in the face of how a Parkinson's diagnosis is viewed by others, who may see it as a grim prognosis of unavoidable and relatively rapid decline. John believes that the lack of hopeful information only feeds depression and negative attitudes, stating: "you cannot maintain or improve your quality of life if you don't believe it's possible." John was featured in Norman Doidges' book "The Brain's Way of Healing" as A Man Who Walked off His Parkinsonian Symptoms, and today at 82, years young he is devoting the rest of his life to sharing his story, teaching others with Parkinson's how he did it - how he reversed the most disabling of his symptoms and reclaimed his life. Please join us as John shares his personal philosophy and experience of being able to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s and live an active and positive life.      To visit John’s website: http://www.reverseparkinsons.net/             email questions before or during the podcast to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com, or call in and join the conversation! Send us a tweet: @voiceaerobics  

Aphasia impairs a person's ability to process language, and/or their ability to speak and understand others, but does not affect intelligence. As a result of their difficulty communicating, people with aphasia may experience great isolation and frustration in their daily lives, which is often made worse by the lack of information that they receive about their condition, and the majority leave the health care system without referrals to resources in their own communities. Voices of Hope for Aphasia, is a community based program that was the brainchild of a patient and his wife, and it was designed to provide the communication bridges that will help people with aphasia do the things that are most important to them, and take part in their own life. Voices of Hope for Aphasia reconnects people, living with aphasia, with their lives through innovative programs. Guests: Jackie Hinckley, PhD, Executive Director, Voices of Hope for Aphasia, and Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, has over 25 years of experience directing clinical and research programs that specialize in the treatment of aphasia and related neurologic communication disorders. Dr. Audrey Holland, Professor Emeritus of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. Dr. Holland and has published over 125 research articles, textbooks and clinical tools including: Counseling in Communication Disorders: A Wellness Perspective If you are someone living with, or loving someone with aphasia, or, if you are a professional working with people with aphasia, please join the podcast with your questions for my guest.            

Aphasia impairs a person's ability to process language, and/or their ability to speak and understand others, but does not affect intelligence. As a result of their difficulty communicating, people with aphasia may experience great isolation and frustration in their daily lives, which is often made worse by the lack of information that they receive about their condition, and the majority leave the health care system without referrals to resources in their own communities. Voices of Hope for Aphasia, is a community based program that was the brainchild of a patient and his wife, and it was designed to provide the communication bridges that will help people with aphasia do the things that are most important to them, and take part in their own life. Voices of Hope for Aphasia reconnects people, living with aphasia, with their lives through innovative programs. Guests: Jackie Hinckley, PhD, Executive Director, Voices of Hope for Aphasia, and Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, has over 25 years of experience directing clinical and research programs that specialize in the treatment of aphasia and related neurologic communication disorders. Dr. Audrey Holland, Professor Emeritus of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. Dr. Holland and has published over 125 research articles, textbooks and clinical tools including: Counseling in Communication Disorders: A Wellness Perspective If you are someone living with, or loving someone with aphasia, or, if you are a professional working with people with aphasia, please join the podcast with your questions for my guest.            

Upon graduating from New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kathryn landed the ingénue lead in the classic Gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows, and later wrote My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the show. While writing the book and continuing her acting career, Kathryn launched Pomegranate Press, Ltd. Last Dance at the Savoy, her recent book, is a touching memoir and love story that chronicles the challenges of living with her husband’s medical diagnosis of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Kathryn’s active and creative life nearly came to a halt when her husband, Geoff Miller, founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, was diagnosed with PSP. PSP is often a Parkinson’s look-alike in the initial stages, but, once its unique characteristics are recognized, the course is often more rapid and less amiable to treatment. Unfortunately, PSP has not received the same attention as some related neurological diseases, and yet, as our population ages, prime-of-life diseases, such as PSP, will unfortunately increase. While Kathryn has made a point of including insights and practical suggestions for carepartners in the book, this is far from medical reading, but instead, from the first few pages the reader will be lured into a romantic story.Last Dance at the Savoy is a love story about how this couple's commitment surmounts the daily challenges of facing an unknown future together. Join the discussion by calling, sending an email to info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet: @voiceaerobics @kathleighscott #CurePSP   

Upon graduating from New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kathryn landed the ingénue lead in the classic Gothic daytime drama Dark Shadows, and later wrote My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the show. While writing the book and continuing her acting career, Kathryn launched Pomegranate Press, Ltd. Last Dance at the Savoy, her recent book, is a touching memoir and love story that chronicles the challenges of living with her husband’s medical diagnosis of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Kathryn’s active and creative life nearly came to a halt when her husband, Geoff Miller, founding editor of Los Angeles magazine, was diagnosed with PSP. PSP is often a Parkinson’s look-alike in the initial stages, but, once its unique characteristics are recognized, the course is often more rapid and less amiable to treatment. Unfortunately, PSP has not received the same attention as some related neurological diseases, and yet, as our population ages, prime-of-life diseases, such as PSP, will unfortunately increase. While Kathryn has made a point of including insights and practical suggestions for carepartners in the book, this is far from medical reading, but instead, from the first few pages the reader will be lured into a romantic story.Last Dance at the Savoy is a love story about how this couple's commitment surmounts the daily challenges of facing an unknown future together. Join the discussion by calling, sending an email to info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet: @voiceaerobics @kathleighscott #CurePSP   

If the day you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you thought it was the end of the world, you need to tune into this month's podcast. Why? Because, John Baumann, diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 40, while practicing law, will tell you how, for him, a diagnosis of PD became a life saving event. John will reveal his success formula for living an amazing life-with or without Parkinson’s disease. “My basic message is that, whatever hand life deals you (whether your fault or not), whatever life-changing adversity you have to endure, you still have some control over it, to not just live well, but live an AMAZING LIFE. It takes faith in yourself, discipline, determination, desire, intensity, inner strength. For me, it was having Parkinson’s disease in my 30’s; I am 54 today and have very few symptoms. John, author of: DECIDE SUCCESS: Twelve Action Steps to Achieve the Success You Truly Desire, will join me to discuss the “secrets” of living well with Parkinson’s or any other adversity facing you. He will also put on is law hat and respond to questions about Parkinson’s and the workplace, social security disability, and other work place challenges individuals with PD may have confronted. As always, YOU can join the discussion by calling, sending an email to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet @voiceaerobics #PD #decidesuccess  Trust me when I say, whether you are a PWP, a carepartner, or professional, John’s message will resonate with all of you. You will laugh. You will cry. You will be inspired

If the day you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you thought it was the end of the world, you need to tune into this month's podcast. Why? Because, John Baumann, diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 40, while practicing law, will tell you how, for him, a diagnosis of PD became a life saving event. John will reveal his success formula for living an amazing life-with or without Parkinson’s disease. “My basic message is that, whatever hand life deals you (whether your fault or not), whatever life-changing adversity you have to endure, you still have some control over it, to not just live well, but live an AMAZING LIFE. It takes faith in yourself, discipline, determination, desire, intensity, inner strength. For me, it was having Parkinson’s disease in my 30’s; I am 54 today and have very few symptoms. John, author of: DECIDE SUCCESS: Twelve Action Steps to Achieve the Success You Truly Desire, will join me to discuss the “secrets” of living well with Parkinson’s or any other adversity facing you. He will also put on is law hat and respond to questions about Parkinson’s and the workplace, social security disability, and other work place challenges individuals with PD may have confronted. As always, YOU can join the discussion by calling, sending an email to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet @voiceaerobics #PD #decidesuccess  Trust me when I say, whether you are a PWP, a carepartner, or professional, John’s message will resonate with all of you. You will laugh. You will cry. You will be inspired

Research has shown that intensive singing practice can lead to long-lasting changes in both the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and for several years now, researchers have begun to  examine whether singing can be used to treat some of the speech-motor abnormalities associated with various neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, stuttering, and aphasia following a stroke. Join guests: Dr. Ludy Shih Assistant Professor of Neurology at  Harvard Medical School and Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Program and the Movement Disorders Fellowship Program, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Kathleen Hansen, who holds a master of music degree specializing in conducting, and Director of two choruses for the San Diego Tremble Clefs®, a nationwide program, supporting the view that choral singing provides therapeutic benefit through:  breathing, stretching, posture activities, vocal exercise, rhythm and movement, and a strong social support system. Please join the discussion and call in with your questions or comments. Send questions to:  info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com send us a tweet @voiceaerobics #singing #PD #neurodisease  

Singles now outnumber married people in the United States. In 2014 it was reported that, for the first time, the number of unmarried American adults outnumbered those who were married. One in 7 lives alone – about 31 million compared with 4 million in 1950 – and many of those are clustered in urban centers.   The growth in the number of men living alone is especially dramatic, rising from less than 6 percent in 1970 to more than 12 percent in 2012, according to a Census Bureau report released in 2014, fifteen percent of households are women living alone. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease rises sharply with age, and with a three- to fourfold increase in disease rate within the United States is expected to occur over the next ten years, what will it mean for those who live alone? As someone who lives alone, I experienced firsthand the turmoil an unexpected injury or illness can bring, when nearly two years ago I had a fall with a severe wrist fracture. As the sole earner, I was acutely aware of how quickly the dominoes could fall if I was unable to work and fulfill my life’s obligations. Do you live alone? Do you have Parkinson’s? How do you approach work, medications, and appointments? What are your concerns about the future?  We want to hear from you. Join me and guest: Dr. Paul Short, the Parkinson's Coach, a neuropsychologist specializing in work with individuals and families touched by movement disorders. Send a tweet: @voiceaerobics @PDpsych  #Parkinson’s #single

Guests: Luis F. Riquelme, Ph.D, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Director, Center for Swallowing and Speech-Language Pathology ,New York Methodist Hospital, and Associate Professor New York Medical College, and Ed Steger, President, National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders.   Dysphagia (swallowing disorder) can occur during an acute illness, such as a stroke, or be the result of head and neck surgery, oral cancers or be associated with a chronic neurodegenerative disease. In all instances, a “failed swallow study,” can represent the beginning of a challenging time for many people, and for some set them on a quest to eat “normally” again. Dr. Luis Riquelme, a dysphagia researcher and speech-language pathologist will discuss some of the current research findings and treatment trends in dysphagia. Ed Steger will share what he has learned firsthand living with dysphagia and the insight gained from contact with hundreds of patients and caregivers who have contacted the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders looking for support and guidance. About NFOSD: NFOSD’s mission is to provide patient hope and improve the quality of life for those suffering from all types of swallowing disorders.Visit: http://www.nfosd.org Join the discussion by calling, sending an email or tweet @voiceaerobics @NFOSD #dysphagia  info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com

Could cultivating patience help you cope better with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD)? The majority of individuals with PD, responding to a 2015 Parkinson’s Alliance survey think so. They reported that patience helps them cope with their symptoms, and over half of the participants reported that patience increased their engagement in social activities. You may have been told by your parents or teachers that patience is a virtue to acquire, but, do you really know what patience is and how it might actually help anyone cope with disease? Join Guests: Carol Walton, CEO of the Parkinson Alliance, and Neuropsychologist, Jeffrey Wertheimer, PhD, who will discuss 2015 Parkinson's Alliance survey results on patience and exercise, and other aspects of physical and psychological well-being as it relates to individuals with PD. Join the discussion.

The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) is the unified voice of the Parkinson’s community in the United States, advocating for better treatments and a cure. In partnership with other Parkinson’s organizations and a powerful grassroots network, their mission is to educate the public and government leaders on better policies for research and about issues affecting quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s. PAN has a unique structure as the one organization in Washington, DC advocating on behalf of the entire Parkinson’s community. Research and innovation, access to care and medications, and data collection on Parkinson’s disease are among its many projects. About my guests: Michael J. Church, Executive Director, Movers & Shakers, Naples, Florida, and Adrienne O’Neill, M.Div., South Carolina, are both living with the daily challenges of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, but neither has time for feeling sorry for themselves, instead, they are actively working as their state’s representative to PAN. The issues that fuel their passions, the current activities of the national organization, and opportunities for your involvement, will be the subject of our discussion. “Advocacy is a year round activity undertaken with boldness and commitment to something bigger than ourselves.” Michael J. Church, Fl. State Director. Have a question for my guests? Call toll free (888) 787-5265 and touch 1 on your phone keypad. Send an email to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or @voiceaerobics #Parkinson’s #PAN

Parkinson’s look-alikes at first glance, many individuals with PSP, CBD, and MSA, often see multiple medical professionals before they receive an accurate medical diagnosis. Once diagnosed, they often sadly realize that their disease has a much more aggressive and less treatable course than PD. As patients, some impairment in speech and/or swallowing,is often an early symptom requiring referral to speech therapy. Individuals diagnosed with these rare neurodegenerative diseases are all struggling in their own way to cope with the daily effects of the disease on their body, family, and emotions. My Guest, Trish Caruana, MSW is Vice President of Programs and Education for Cure PSP, where she works to broaden and develop new avenues of support for those impacted by PSP/CBD and MSA. CurePSP provides education and public awareness about the impact of these diseases on patients and their families. Public awareness, advocacy,and improving accurate diagnoses and treatment are Cure PSP's goals. Ms. Cauana has created innovative programming and widened the reach of education and support services for patients, care partners and healthcare professionals, and is currently working to establish new international collaborations and partner with related entities to establish a Global Database. Please join us or email your questions to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or send a tweet: @voiceaerobics#CurePSP Re:Advertising: Advertising that appears before the broadcast has been placed by Blog Talk Radio, and I apologize in advance for any intrusion on content.

  Are you a therapist, nurse or other Health Care Professional feeling overworked and underappreciated?      Do you sometimes have difficulty setting boundaries with patients or their families?   Are you frustrated by patients who cannot or will not follow through with recommendations?       If  you answered "yes" to the above questions, you will want to join me and my guest, Clinical Pscyhologist,     Dr. Angelo Domingo. Over the course of his clinical career, Dr. Domingo has gained an awareness for the ways in which mental and physical illness, and environmental stressors combine to impact an entire family. Individualized treatment plans may include: stress management, psycho-education, relaxation, meditation, and traditional talk therapy based on each patient or family's individual needs. With an active psychology practice at Parkinson Place, in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Domingo has also developed a skill for helping other health care professionals set healthy boundaries with patients and families. When memory problems or dementia impact a patient's participation in treatment, he can help therapists develop behavior modification strategies which may improve patient adherence.   Face it, we wouldn’t be working in health care if we didn’t care about people, but, sometimes,we need a little self-care.  So, grab your lunch, and join the discussion.   Call in toll free number, send a confidential email: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or tweet @voiceaerobics #givemeabreak  

By the age of 70, the average adult will have taken 600 million breaths, and for most individuals, breathing is taken for granted. But acute or chronic pain, anxiety, and even depression, can cause a disruption in the normal physiological process. When psychological factors dominate over physiological processes, breathing rate may increase (hyperventilation), and a disordered pattern of breathing can become the norm. When altered breathing patterns become habit they can contribute to health problems, including anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain, setting up a vicious cycle of health concerns. Christopher Gilbert, PhD, is a clinical psychologist currently associated with the Kaiser Permanente Chronic Pain Management Program, located in San Francisco, California. Dr. Gilbert has co-authored the book: Recognizing and Treating Breathing Disorders and published articles related to hyperventilation, anxiety and panic. He will discuss techniques which may be of benefit to patients, including: self-regulation of breathing and breathing re-training, and the use of bio-feedback. Listen to the program live on your computer or tablet, or by phone, call: (347) 838-9137. If you have a question for the guest, call in on the toll free number (888) 787-5265 and press 1 on your phone keypad. You can also email your confidential question/s to info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or send  a tweet @voiceaerobics #anxiety #breathing                  

Guests: Kimberly Kuman, Charles (Charlie) Reavis, and James (Jim) Anderson Kimberly Kuman, has served as the Executive Director of the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association since 2005. She joined the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation in 1992, and served as Director of Operations for the Alexian Neurosciences Institute in 2002, where she managed the Movement Disorders and Alzheimer’s clinics. Charlie holds degrees in electrical and industrial engineering, with a vast career in telecommunications and management. He was diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD) in 2001 and receiving his first Botox treatment soon after diagnosis. He joined the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association as a Board member in 2002, and in 2010, he was elected as President. Jim is a 51 year old retired firefighter, who recently obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. His symptoms of adductor SD began during his senior year in high school, and his first Botox treatment was received at the Greater Baltimore Medical Clinic. Jim has been active in community politics, and also co-leader of the Tampa Bay SD support group. Jim helps to organize an annual fundraiser and works to increase awareness among the public and professionals about appropriate diagnosis and treatment for persons with SD. As always, YOU can join the discussion by calling in on the toll free number, sending an email or tweet. Listen, learn, and join the discussion. Call toll free: (888) 787-5265 or SKYPE (Press 1 on your phone keypad to speak to the host). Email your confidential question to info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or send a tweet: @voiceaerobics#spasmodicdysphonia

Guests: Deborah (Debbie) Dalin Guyer, MA Executive Director of the Greater St. Louis American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), and Kelly and Pete Gaylord, co-facilitators of an active Parkinson’s disease support group located in Punta Gorda, Florida. Ms. Guyer has been the Coordinator for the Information & Referral Center of the APDA at Washington University School of Medicine, one of eight APDA Centers for Advanced Parkinson Research, and served previously on the Board of Directors for 10 years, chairing the patient services committee.Her educational background includes a Masters degree in Speech Pathology, and she has been involved in running support groups and advocating for individuals with communication, voice, and swallowing deficits. Pete Gaylord was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001 at the age of 46, and he made a key decision to meet the disease head on, doing whatever he could to slow the progression. Pete lives by example, teaching weekly exercise and balance classess to persons with PD. Pete and his artist wife,Kelly are actively involved in the community, and two years ago began a PD support group that is growing strong.  Please join me and my guests as we discuss the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a PD support group. Join the discussion by calling in on the toll free number. Email your confidential question/s to:  info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com or send a tweet: @voiceaerobics#PDsupportgroup