Tune in here to the show I did on 1/1/17 on About Health on KPFA, 94.1FM
2017 was a difficult year, causing many people to feel more stress, anxiety, and fear. We are faced with the reality that there are many things we can’t change….things out of our control, but there are things we can change. Are you wondering what will unfold on a global, local, and personal level in 2018? Join us to discuss how to set goals that are authentic and realistic to live happier and healthier lives….and stay strong and engaged to do what we can, to be conscious citizens of the planet.
Guest:
Marilynn Preston is the author of “All is Well, the Art and Science of personal well-being”. She is a journalist, healthy lifestyle expert, Emmy winning TV producer, and author of “Energy Express,” the longest-running syndicated fitness column in the US. In her 40 plus year career as a journalist, Marilynn spent 18 years at the Chicago Tribune as a media critic and feature writer. She is also an ACE-certified fitness trainer and certified Wellcoach. And isthe founding chair of Girls in the Game—a life-changing non profit that helps girls get the healthy lifestyle training they need to become strong confident women. To learn more about Marilynn go to http://marilynnpreston.com/
The holiday season can be difficult for people suffering from trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder…better know as PTSD. During this time of year some people try to avoid situations that trigger memories of a traumatic event, or they avoid people they feel uncomfortable around. Sometimes family or friends are involved in a history of trauma, and seeing a specific person can be really challenging. The holidays are “supposed to be joyful” but some people feel alienated for not pretending to be happy. And sometimes a person doesn’t even realize why she’s feeling down around this time of year. It can be really helpful to understand some of the causes that are influencing your emotional state, and also what to do about it.
Guest:
Rachel Walker received a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, where she specialized in Expressive Arts Therapy. In the past she worked with people with chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, with criminal offenders, and with people suffering from addictions. She has provided individual, couple, and family therapy to clients facing a wide range of clinical issues including: anxiety, trauma, addiction, divorce, grief, bi-polar, cultural and diversity issues, eating disorders and creative and professional blocks. She is trained in modern dance and contact improvisation and Authentic Movement. Rachel has also studied improvisational writing, theater, and voice. Currently she sees clients as an EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapist in Berkeley, California. She is a certified EMDR therapist and approved EMDR consultant. Go to http://rachelwalkermft.com/ to learn more about her work.
Being unhoused makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to access general health services. Poor health, addiction, mental illness, and violence are some things that lead to homelessness, and homelessness can make all of these things worse.
The majority of adults that experience homelessness have more than one health issue. They range from hypertension and diabetes to HIV and viral hepatitis, but the most significant reasons people go to emergency-rooms are mental illness and addiction. The sick and vulnerable become homeless, and the homeless become sicker and more vulnerable.
Guests:
Alejandro Soto-Vigil comes from a family of activists in the Bay Area. Last year he was re-elected to his second term on the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board. After 8 years working in the City of Berkeley as a legislative aide, Alejandro now serves as the program manager for the Berkeley Drop-In Center, an organization that has served Berkeley’s homeless residents for over 25 years. Alejandro majored in political sciences at UC Berkeley.
Jeffrey Seal is the medical director and interim director of Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry. He has worked at the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health. He completed his medical degree at Boston University, a psychiatry residency at UCSF, and a chief residency at San Francisco General Hospital. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, and currently lives in Oakland CA. He is a current California Health Care Foundation Leadership fellow and has special interests in public health systems, social determinants of health, re-entry populations, and trauma.
A stroke happens every 40 seconds in the U.S. and is the fifth leading cause of death, killing about 140,000 Americans each year.
The average person loses 1.9 million brain cells every minute a stroke goes untreated. Recovery from a stroke is a life long process, and there are many people, like my guest, Dr. Diane Barnes, who have a story to tell that might help you or a loved one with recovery and hope.
Common Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Guests
Dr. Diane Barnes is a third generation physician. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale University School of Medicine, and is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology. She left the practice of medicine in 2010. After surviving the catastrophe that inspired her one-women show, My Stroke of Luck, Diane Barnes discovered improvisation. Now a Meisner-trained actor, she also completed the American Conservatory Theater’s Summer Training Congress, and studied with Anna Deavere Smith, Ann Randolph, Keith Johnstone, and the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. You can find out more about her show, presented November 2-December 9, at www.themarsh.org, or call The Marsh box office at 415-282-3055
Patricia Gill, MS, MFT, is the Executive Director at the Schurig Center.
She started there in 2006 as a Teacher/Counselor and transitioned to Programs Director in 2007, and then Executive Director in 2009. Patricia earned a BA and MS in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University and has worked in research and clinical positions at UC Davis and UCSF. Other professional positions include management of an Alzheimer’s and Dementia residential program; administration of neuropsychological testing; teaching at the University of San Francisco; coordinating research projects at UCSF/USF; and providing psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups. Patricia is passionate about providing services that enhance people’s lives and ability to meaningfully engage with the community.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, high school soccer player, in the military, a victim of a traffic accident, or an elder who has fallen, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) will change your brain and often your life. At least 3.17 million Americans are living with long-term disabilities related to TBI. An integrative approach is essential to healing.
Dr. Dan Engle was my guest on KPFA.org, 94.1FM, Oct.23 2017, to discuss causes and treatments of TBI’s.
Dr. Dan Engle is a psychiatrist with a clinical practice that combines aspects of regenerative medicine, psychedelic research, integrative spirituality, and peak performance. His medical degree is from the University of Texas at San Antonio. His psychiatry residency degree is from the University of Colorado in Denver, and his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship degree is from Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Engle is an international consultant to several global healing centers facilitating the use of long-standing indigenous plant medicines for healing and awakening. He is the Founder and Medical Director of Kuya Institute for Transformational Medicine in Austin, Texas; Full Spectrum Medicine, a psychedelic integration and educational platform; and Thank You Life, a non-profit funding stream supporting access to psychedelic therapies.
Dr. Engle is the author of The Concussion Repair Manual: A Practical Guide to Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries, as well as his new book, A Dose of Hope: A Story of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy.
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of information in this podcast is at one’s own discretion, and is not an endorsement of use given the complexity inherent in these medicines, and the current variable widespread illegality of their usage.
Rachel Walker received a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, where she specialized in Expressive Arts Therapy. In the past she worked with people with chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, with criminal offenders, and with people suffering from addictions. She has provided individual, couple, and family therapy to clients facing a wide range of clinical issues including: anxiety, trauma, addiction, divorce, grief, bi-polar, cultural and diversity issues, eating disorders and creative and professional blocks. She is trained in modern dance and contact improvisation and Authentic Movement. Rachel has also studied improvisational writing, theater, and voice. Currently she sees clients as an EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapist in Berkeley, California. She is a certified EMDR therapist and approved EMDR consultant. Go to 
Alejandro Soto-Vigil comes from a family of activists in the Bay Area. Last year he was re-elected to his second term on the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board. After 8 years working in the City of Berkeley as a legislative aide, Alejandro now serves as the program manager for the Berkeley Drop-In Center, an organization that has served Berkeley’s homeless residents for over 25 years. Alejandro
Jeffrey Seal is the medical director and interim director of Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry. He has worked at the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health. He completed his medical degree at Boston University, a psychiatry residency at UCSF, and a chief residency at San Francisco General Hospital. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, and currently lives in Oakland CA. He is a current California Health Care Foundation Leadership fellow and has special interests in public health systems, social determinants of health, re-entry populations, and trauma.
Dr. Diane Barnes is a third generation physician. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale University School of Medicine, and is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology. She left the practice of medicine in 2010. After surviving the catastrophe that inspired her one-women show, 
She started there in 2006 as a Teacher/Counselor and transitioned to Programs Director in 2007, and then Executive Director in 2009. Patricia earned a BA and MS in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University and has worked in research and clinical positions at UC Davis and UCSF. Other professional positions include management of an Alzheimer’s and Dementia residential program; administration of neuropsychological testing; teaching at the University of San Francisco; coordinating research projects at UCSF/USF; and providing psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups. Patricia is passionate about providing services that enhance people’s lives and ability to meaningfully engage with the community.
