Tomorrow, March 6th I will have the honor of interviewing, Autism advocate John Keaney.  Being on the spectrum does not mean the individual is unrelatable or incapable of being part of the norm.  Although Autism Spectrum Disorder may have you noticing the quirks that these individuals may possess, their quirks are what make them unique.

If you have no quirks in your personality, please stop reading this message, because the reality of life is we are quirky and that’s why no two snowflakes are alike and no two individuals are the same, maybe similar.

http://m.cleveland19.com/story/37642661/autism-advocate-seeks-marchers-in-upcoming-cleveland-st-patricks-day-parade

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John Jones

Please join us as one of our special guests at this year’s Annual Draft Party at the Basement in Sagamore Hills.  We will be introducing you to Cleveland Native, John Jones.  John is a former professional American football tight end in the National Football League. He attended the University of Pittsburgh. He played tight end with the Baltimore Ravens from 2000 to 2003.

After Further Review and Triple Threat CLE will be onboard all evening.  Check out their podcasts:
https://newclevelandradio.net/follow-after-further-review-do-not-miss-a-show/
&
https://newclevelandradio.net/follow-triple-threat-cle/

Join us at the Basement Bar & Grill in Sagamore Hills on Thursday, April 26th for our Annual NFL Draft Party.

We will settle in at 5 pm and hope you will join us for the evening when AFTER FURTHER REVIEW (https://newclevelandradio.net/follow-after-further-review-do-not-miss-a-show/)  and TRIPLE THREAT CLE (https://newclevelandradio.net/follow-triple-threat-cle/) will guide you through the NFL Draft.  We welcome you to not only join us but to participate in our live broadcast.

Special guests will be listed soon for your additional entertainment at this fun-filled night,

Today would have been my mother’s 98th birthday.   I am feeling sad today as it became a tradition that I would be celebrating my birthday with my mom and sharing a cake.  However, for the second year in a row, I am not traveling to Detroit or sharing cake and ice cream with my MOM DVasha.  Instead, I am thinking of her as I do every day.  98 years young she is celebrating with J Harmon Moss today!

Mom and Me at the Fat Ladies Club
(before Weight Watchers)

Things happen for a reason, and this morning on GMA, Dolly Parton sang her song, “Coat of Many Colors.”  Although I am not a huge fan of Dolly Parton, I was drawn to listening to the interview this morning, and I am glad that I did because this song (mentioned above) honestly made me think of my beautiful mother and her exceptional talents.
A Kiki Doll
(one of many from her doll creation)

My mother loved to sew and create.  Her talents are not just limited to her sewing but her baking as well.  Growing up as much as I appreciated my mother’s sewing creations, there were many times in my younger days that I wished I could just go to the store like my friends and buy new clothes.  Instead, my wardrobe grew when my mom sewed for me.  As beautiful and unique as her garments were too often they were selected in colors, patterns or fabrics of her choice, not mine.  One very vivid memory I have is when all my friends were wearing navy blue box pleat skirts.  My mother did sew me a beautiful box pleat skirt but, in turquoise, blue shade.  Although I wore the skirt, I hated it at the time because it was not navy blue.  TODAY I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING IF MY MOTHER COULD SEW ME A NEW SKIRT IN ANY DESIGN OR COLOR.

An early design from the KIKI Fashions collection
(Mom loved sewing pinafores)

This morning when I listened to Dolly sing “Coat of Many Colors,” I realized that I was a fortunate girl, having such a talented mother who was devoted to making me some beautiful clothes, that I often did not appreciate at the time.  What I did understand was all the love my mother put on my wedding dress.  As with so many other outfits she made me, she made it to her liking, but this one dress I was willing to have it be as much her dream as mine.  That’s when I started to mature.
Mom loved us all unconditionally –
I did not realize this most of my life!

Here are the lyrics to a “Coat of Many Colors.”  Although my garments were not made from rags, they often designed using remnants, leftover fabric from someone else’s outfit, or reconstructing pre-made clothing.  These words just resonant how much I truly appreciate all the love my mother shared with me.

Back through the years
I go wonderin’ once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
Every piece was small
And I didn’t have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin’ every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of
As she sewed, she told a story
From the bible, she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldn’t wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss

After I wrote yesterday Post/Blog, I thought I was about to get a return of my migraines.  Although I was happy with the temporary results, I began guarding myself in anticipation of the pain, pounding, and discomfort.  However, this time I did something a bit different.  I kept that little voice available in my head (where the pain settles) and reminded myself to breathe, hold my posture in erectly and to stop waiting for something to happen!  If it happened, I would deal with it, then.  I do know that my migraine medication states to take it immediately upon onset of symptoms, but I was determined to work through it without a prescription.  In fact, I typically have had no warning in the past of a migraine, and my MO is taking the Imitrex after the pain has increased and is almost unbearable.

So, what happened yesterday.  A headache did not manifest.  I started my day involved in numerous activities including house cleaning, laundry, writing, and researching.  As the pain increased, I took steps back, and although I did not revert to a dark room hiding under the covers, I readjusted my workload and took a little extra time to stop in between focusing on relief.

What I am doing is acknowledging that I must take control of my wellness and listen to my body.  The same as I determine each night when I ride my stationary bike that although my goal is a minimum of 4 miles per night, when I can push it I can go 5, 6, even 10 miles.  However, sometimes just going 4 with more tension is beneficial than riding the 10 miles leisurely.  Riding the bike is part of my daily regiment, and it has taken time to accept how much I need to do this, whether I am losing weight or not.  Just like washing my face, brushing my teeth and other personal care routines, riding the bike is part of my life cycle.

I have begun adding walking on the treadmill, joining AnyTime Fitness™.  As a senior citizen, my membership is free with my AARP medical plan.  Although I am still hesitant about going to the gym and working out among the ‘beautiful’ people, I push myself to go walking at least once a week.  I plan to be prepared and start walking outside every day once the weather is warmer when there is no ice on the roads!  I would also like to run, jog, or walk a 5K this summer and being headache free or at least reducing them will enable me to follow through on my goals.

We all need to focus on a positive goal and find the happiness that we can create for ourselves as we take one step at a time.

On Thursday, 2/22/18 I started a new treatment for my migraines. As I have shared previously, I have been a migraine sufferer for approximately fifty years. (http://mixlr.com/new-cleveland-radio/showreel/healthy-living-with-dr-mack-22218/ – Karen & her headaches – https://newclevelandradio.net/join-my-journey-2-reduce-chronic-pain/). The past few months have been harrowing and although I cannot say my migraines produced my anxiety and depression symptoms during this time, what I can say is that the stress and pain generated from them may have been a catalyst. However, I am aware my depression is associated with a chemical imbalance and migraines can be as well.

Tuesday of this past week I decided that after fifty years of treatment and being down for the count, my choice was to try some unconventional (maybe), natural and holistic. Due to my association with Dr. Mack & Staff, my decision was to schedule an appointment to review my options for relief. (Please note I am not expecting a cure, especially knowing what I do about migraines, anxiety, and depression.

Let me once again day, from walking in the door at Brecksville Physical Medicine until the moment I walked out the door; my experience was more than pleasant. The form I filled out on my medical history was comprehensive, and before being seen by the PA (physician assistant), it became apparent once brought back to the room that he had reviewed this extensive questionnaire. However, the one-on-one (without touching me!) proved to me that this PA (Michael) knew the right questions to ask without making assumptions of what my medical problem is and the course of treatment that Dr. Mack would most likely recommend.

Dr. Mack took the time to review all the notes, ask me a few additional questions and proceeded to put together a plan to reduce my headache pain. The first day of treatment has worked like a charm even though later in the day I came home and had an accident. Somehow I lost my balance and fell backward into my front closet door, breaking it while bruising my right arm and shoulder blade. However, I have not had a headache since treatment. I am less guarded in my movements (maybe that’s why I lost my balance.) I am doing some of the minimal exercise movements we discussed at my appointment and be consistent with posture, movement and triggers are helping me remain pain-free at least for now.

Treatment is not over; I will be visiting Dr. Mack at Brecksville Physical Medicine for additional adjustments, deep tissue massage, and educating me on how I can live a less painful life. Although to reduce and change my pain triggers it is necessary for now to have regular appointments. However, the aim in the treatment is to teach me to care for myself and return to BPM as needed, such as when anxiety, accident, or daily life encourages me that I need a tune-up.

As a side note, I am icing every day, including my injuries from my loss of balance. Today I am returning to the “Anytime Fitness,” to walk the treadmill and as a side note I have been riding the stationary bike nightly (with or without a headache.)

Life can be too short if we do not focus on the wellness that will provide us with a quality of life. Our life quality is unique, and we all must find what makes us happy, smile, and produces relief. I may never be 100% pain-free, but I can learn to appreciate my ‘new normal.’

Join me on my journey!

Think positive – words we hear a lot. But when you have chronic pain it is often difficult to think positively! The pain can be so grueling, and yet on the outside, you can look just fine. In fact, at one time many of us who suffer from chronic pain were labeled “hypochondriacs.” Although, some of the 100 million Americans suffering may sound like complainers, until you have experienced it, please do not judge!

Chronic pain, unlike acute pain, is persistent and signals of this condition fire warning signs to the brain (yes, it’s in our head,) causing an interruption in daily life. What many others may take for granted those with chronic headaches, muscle and joint complications, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cannot!

I have been suffering from chronic migraines since the age of 18, although today we may have identified through conversation and unraveling of my medical history that the source began at the age of 17. In just under two weeks I will be celebrating my 68th birthday which means I have been battling with chronic pain levels for fifty years.

I have sought out medical help over the years despite many who told me I was just plain crazy there was no way in H E double hockey sticks that I could be suffering as much as I indicated. And despite my suffering, I have made every attempt to live life to the fullest including birthing and raising two sons. When I was trying to get pregnant with Alex, I was told I could not and if I did my migraines would get worse.

Although my headaches have worsened over the years, I still have chosen to live rather than the giving into the pounding, blinding pain, I just accepted it as part of my chemistry,

However, Healthy Living with Dr. Mack and Staff, made me realize I did not have to suffer any longer. I needed to take the next step to wellness and find pain relief. Any pain relief would be welcome.

I started my journey today. I was able to point out on a chart exactly where my pressure points are. With some pressure point therapy, traction and a little manipulation (which I never believed in before!) a headache I walked into the office with has dissipated. This is not a miracle cure, and it is just one of many treatments I will need in addition to relearning how to sit, stand, move and maybe change some of my eating habits too. It is a journey, and I am asking you to join me on it.

Please read these words and then go to your favorite site to hear the song sung.

As I was driving in my car today I heard this beautiful song and I thought we need to do more than Imagine!

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today  (Living, not Killing, or hating or plotting!)

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you  (Living life in peace, being allowed to be accepted for the person we are, not judgment, there for no hate or plotting or KILLING!)

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one  (To be as One all we have to do is become aware and allow ourselves to accept the dream as REAL!)

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you (YOU CAN DO IT – JUST DO IT!)

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one  (Please consider PEACE and LIFE)

Songwriters: John Winston Lennon Imagine lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Thank you for listening (Karen KIKI Hale)

Happy Valentine’s Day- hoping that you all are taking care of your heart health. Valentine’s Day should be a reminder that we all must take a moment to maintain our physical being as much as our emotional self. Do not assume that your beating heart is healthy, take this time to ensure you are preserving a healthy body.

Cardiovascular disease is a symptom of my family tree, and today I once again ensured that I am in good health. For some of us, it begins with a visit to a cardiologist someone who specializes in heart disease and other ailments including high cholesterol, hypertension, and even depression that can cause heart problems.

I have been open and honest about my experience with anxiety and depression, another medical malady that has a hereditary component. I know if I want to enjoy each day on earth it is crucial for me to be aware of my body, mind, and soul. Along the way, I need a little help from my medical team to assess my condition beyond my ability. Today I did just that.

Although I appear to be in good health, I exercise every day and I intend to increase my exercise levels again, there are a few tests I need to take to confirm my initial exam. I am determined to work on all the components that will provide me with the healthiest life I can live for a long time.

I am sharing my journey with you because I want you to be well too! Take the time to make that call to your medical provider today and let’s celebrate the DAY of the Heart!