TODAY NOT TOMORROW

Guest: Jeanne Erickson, Director of Operations, Programming & Community Outreach

Today Not Tomorrow, Inc.

Taking on difficult challenges is not new to Jeanne Erickson who brings her skills as a social worker, registered nurse, and certified youth development specialist with emphasis in early childhood brain development to Today Not Tomorrow. This small non-profit agency does big things - including planning for the National Night Out - America's Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 2nd at Penn Park on Madison's South Side. Last year over 37 million people across the country participated in this unique event which increases awareness of drug, gang and related violence and what we can do to insure the safety and security of our community.

"We've Got Your Back" is the theme for National Night Out as well as another initiative of TNT focusing on Anti-Bullying. Jeanne tells of the enormous impact of bullying on children, leading to lower school attendance, depression, and in some sever cases, escalating to school violence or suicide. In a pilot program with the Boys and Girls Club, Today Not Tomorrow is teaching young people about bullying in training sessions this summer with the intention that they will take this new knowledge into the classrooms in our community - creating healthier environments and respect amongst students.

"We couldn't do what we do without the help of so many dedicated partners and individuals," said Jeanne. To offer your help or to find out more about all the ways Today Not Tomorrow is improving the lives of children and families, call 608-770-2049.

LIVING LONGER, HAPPIER LIVES

Guest: Dan Buettner, author
Blue Zones: Lessons on Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest
Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

Working with National Geographic, the National Institutes on Aging and AARP, Dan Buettner discovered the areas of the world where people live the longest, happiest lives. The secrets he uncovered were not found in a magic pill or a mysterious potion (unless you put a little red wine in that category!). Nor did he bump into a mass of sophisticated fitness equipment. What he did find were communities of people whose eating habits, inconvenient lifestyles, social engagement, and sense of purpose provided the foundation for extraordinarily long and healthy lives. There is more to it than that, and Dan Buettner highlights the 9 Powerful Secrets of Living Longer his research uncovered on this program. He also discusses his continued investigation into what makes people happy, and where in the world people are the happiest.

With the hope of laying the foundation for better health and longevity in communities across the United States, Dan Buettner joined with Albert Lea, Minnesota in a pilot program to make the community healthier. The results were outstanding with significant increases in projected life spans and decreases in health care costs. You'll hear more about these amazing outcomes on this program.

More information is available in Dan Buettner's books and at www.bluezones.com - including tests to determine your own levels of health and happiness.

COMPLETING THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

Guests: Pete Gunderson, Owner/President, Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care
Kathleen Ford Roberts, Assoc, Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care, UW Health; Grief Support Associate, Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care

Including planning for how you want your life to be celebrated upon your death is increasingly included in end of life discussions. "The emphasis today is on celebration and making it personal," says Pete Gunderson, the 3rd generation of Gundersons who has served the expanding Greater Madison community. Pete and his staff at six locations work closely with individuals in their own personal planning and with the families who carry out the wishes while experiencing their own grief.

"After death bereavement is a huge issue," states Kathleen Ford Roberts who works with the Gunderson Care Team in helping people through the process.

Tune into this program for insight on how to begin your own discussions.