RECOVERING FROM ADDICTION

GUEST:  Michael M. Miller, MD, general and addiction psychiatrist; Medical Director, Herrington Recovery Center at Rogers Memorial Hospital-Oconomowoc

When does the use of alcohol or drugs become an addiction?  On this program, Dr. Michael Miller describes the signs of addiction and how alcohol and drugs can destroy a person's life if left untreated.

The definition of addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.  It is characterized by the inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving for drugs or rewarding experiences, diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response.

Current treatment protocols are very effective in helping people recover from addiction, even if they are reluctant to admit their addiction or need for help.  Learn more about the possibilities for recovery from addiction on this program.

For more information, go to www.rogershospital.org.

OVERCOMING DYSLEXIA

Guests: Ann Malone, Director; Andy Anderson, Tutor, Children's Dyslexia Center-Madison

What do Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Cruise have in common?  They had dyslexia, a neurologically-based disorder that makes it difficult for 15-20% of the population to read, write and spell, processing language.  The Children's Dyslexia Center-Madison is helping children and adults overcome dyslexia and is having remarkable success, moving them from the difficulties of reading, writing and negative self image, to gaining academic skills and the self-confidence needed to succeed in school and life.

The Children's Dyslexia Center-Madison provides tutoring at no cost to the children and their families using a proven curriculum.

For information on the Center and their upcoming annual Walk, "Taking Steps Against Dyslexia," Saturday, May 18, go to www.walkfordyslexiamadison.org.

JUST DRIVE

Guests: Patty Hinderman, Emergency Dept. Director, Upland Hills Health; Hannah Laufenberg, survivor of distracted driving accident and her mother, Wendy Kalmerton; Sergeant Dave Bauer, Dodgeville School District

What is distracted driving? Anything that diverts a personal's attention away from the primary task of driving: talking to passengers, grooming, reading maps, watching a video, adjusting a radio or CD and, of course, texting.

Upland Hills Health's Emergency Dept. Director, Patty Hinderman and her co-workers have seen too many people come to the emergency room with injuries as a result of distracted driving.  So Upland Hills Health launched their Just Drive Campaign.  Helping them deliver the message is Hannah Laufenberg who shares how an accident caused by distracted driving has affected her life.  Sergeant Dave Bauer, Dodgeville School District tells us what Wisconsin law says.

Some tips to avoid distracted driving:  Don't try to multi-task; Put your purse in the backseat; Turn your phone off until you reach your destination;  Don't eat and drive.

THE STATUS OF WOMEN'S HEALTH IN WISCONSIN

Guests: Sara Finger, Executive Director, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health; Emma Hynes, Population Health Service Fellow & WAWH

What is the status of women's health in Wisconsin? Sara Finger and Emma Hynes preview the upcoming Wisconsin Women's Health Policy Summit, May 8-9, 2013 at the Alliant Energy Center. The Summit is open to health providers, advocates, policy and health care leaders, and members of the community who will come together to learn about the wide variety of policies affecting women's health in Wisconsin. Topics to be covered include an update on the Affordable Care Act, the State Budget's impact on women and girls, a series of presentations on critical Women's Health issues, and a selection of Workshops to learn to connect with legislators and the public on all levels.

On this program, Sara and Emma also highlight some of the main points under discussion in the proposed State Budget.

For more information on the Summit, go to www.supportwomenshealth.org.

UW HEALTH'S NEW FAINT AND FALL CLINIC - A UNIQUE APPROACH

Guest: Mohamed Hamdan, MD, Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin

UW Health has a new Faint and Fall Clinic, only the second one in the United States. The Clinic was established by Mohamed Hamdan, MD who had previously opened the first such clinic at the University of Utah.

On this program, Dr. Hamdan describes the importance of addressing fainting and unexplained or non-accidental falls as these can be warning signs for a serious medical condition. The unique approach of the Faint and Fall Clinic draws on the expertise of specialists in cardiovascular medicine, geriatrics and neurology in a patient-centered environment. Patients are seen at the Clinic within 24-48 hours of the faint or non-accidental fall. The specialists come to the patient and coordinate the need for any tests which can usually be completed in the one Clinic visit. The focus is to make the diagnosis as soon as possible to address any underlying medical condition and prevent future recurrences.

For more information about the Faint and Fall Clinic, visit UWhealth.org/faintfall, or call 608-890-8400.

A NEW NORM IN DEMENTIA CARE

GUESTS: Kristin Larson, Director of Development; Jessica Archiquette, Professional Training Specialist - Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin

ON this program, Kristin Larson and Jessica Archiquette describe the unique programs and services the Alliance provides to those in Wisconsin who are impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementias. While a cure has not been discovered, there are strategies and treatments throughout the course of the disease that can help create the best quality of life for those who suffer from dementia and those who care for them.

The Alliance's newest initiative is its partnership with the Dane County Long-term Care Unit to pilot the concept of Centers of Excellence to raise the bar of excellence in dementia care.  Dementia Specialist training is at the heart of Centers of Excellence; however, the Centers include the participation and training of owners and management of long-term care settings and the people associated with them:  volunteers, outside providers, housekeeping, dietary, families and care staff.

For more information on the many services of the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and for details on their 6th Annual Wine & Roses Festival, April 20, 2013, go to www.alzalliance.net or call 608-232-3400.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SERVES CONSUMERS

Guest: Kimberly Hazen, Southwest Wisconsin Regional Director, Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit association of accredited businesses and is equally committed to consumers and businesses. The BBB is not a government agency and receives no public funding. What the BBB does very well is to provide Business and Charity Reviews to help consumers make informed decisions.

On this program, Kimberly Hazen shares tips on hiring a home contractor, preventing identity theft, avoiding investment fraud and common scams, and assessing charitable giving. Shredding important papers is key to preventing identity theft. Free shredding will be available on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. at 2424 Rimrock Rd.

For more information on all of the Better Business Bureau services, go to www.wisconsin.bbb.org.

SISTER SIMONE CAMPBELL - NUNS ON THE BUS

Guest: SISTER SIMONE CAMPBELL - LEADER, “NUNS ON THE BUS”

Sister Simone Campbell speaks out on her work as Executive Director of NETWORK, where she lobbies on issues of peace-building, immigration reform, healthcare and economic justice.

As leader of the “Nuns on the Bus,” she led a tour of nine states to oppose the “Ryan Budget” because of the cuts to programs for those in need. You can find more information on their website, www.nunsonthebus.com.

ROTARY CLUB OF MADISON CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

GUESTS:  Linda Baldwin, Steve Goldberg, Rich Leffler, Renee Moe, Laura Peck, Jim Ruhly, Wes Sparkman, Rob Stroud

100 years ago this month, a small group of businessmen gathered for lunch in downtown Madison to organize what became the Rotary Club of Madison.  Today, Downtown Rotary, as it is often called, has risen to become the 7th largest Rotary Club in the world (out of 34,500 clubs), and its presence can be felt in all corners of Madison life.  Through their Madison Rotary Foundation, the Club contributes over $500,000 each year in Community Grants and Scholarships.

On this program, a group of current Downtown Rotarians reflect on their Club's relationship with Madison over the past 100 years.  As a 100th Anniversary gift to the community, the Rotary Club of Madison has created a Centennial Plaza near the Children's Museum and is establishing an annual Summer Palooza family fair which will be launched this June.

GILDA'S CLUB: CANCER'S JOURNEY IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

GUESTS: Lannia Stenz, Executive Director, Gilda's Club Madison

Kris Berman, Cathy Helmsing, Cancer Survivors and Gilda's Club Members

Gilda's Club Madison is a cancer support community for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer - men, women and children, their families and friends - at any stage of the cancer experience.  Here, away from the emotionally-charged health care setting, cancer survivors, those living with cancer, and their families can just be themselves and find inspiration, support and fun with each other through a wide assortment of programs and activities. Services are free to members. On this program, cancer survivors Kris and Cathy describe just how important this is as they move forward with their lives. 

Upcoming Gilda's Club activities include the Midwest Young Adult Cancer Conference on March 23rd and the Backyard Barbeque on June 27th.  In May, Second City Chicago will be coming to Madison to present a special program as a tribute to Gilda Radner and the Club named in her memory.   Look for details!

For more information, visit gildasclubmadison.org, or call 608-828-8880.