NewCleRadio

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!

Today’s return of “When Is It My Turn?” will be delayed yet another week. However, the reason this show is so important is that it deals with real life.  Upon the return of this show, we will be discussing anxiety and depression and the reality of these syndromes (diseases.)  This winter has been cruel and not only has it brought upon us a Horrendous Flu Season, but it is also adding to the anxiety and depression levels of many of us.

If you want, you can sit there and deny it, but from my seat, I am noticing I am not alone feeling the blues.

To begin with, my partner Terry who does, “When Is It My Turn,” has spent much of the past few months fighting off bronchitis.  Of all people, Terry would not back out of a show or participate in life with those she loves and cares about except for illness.  Terry gives so much of herself to others that I am not surprised she has been ill.  It is not just because Terry is a grandparent caregiver for her grandson it is her devotion to so many that wears her down.  Today is her turn to care for herself; I only wish someone else would care for her as she does for others.

“When Is It My Turn?”  should not be just about we are down and out for the count, we need to be more aware of our needs and take our turn.

Anxiety is real.  It’s a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.  It is not unusual for an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome to cause this feeling.  These emotions can be stirred up from your past or something that is developing in your life; even if it has no connection to you.  Just turning on the news can make anyone anxious today!

Medically anxiety is defined as a nervous disorder.  You or I may be feeling excessive apprehension, uneasiness, or fear.  There are various levels of stress, however, when it becomes paralyzing that is when it is a problem, disturbing daily living.

When anxiety begins disturbing your daily routine, as it has mine, the condition can develop into depression.  Depression is when feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep overwhelm you.  It’s like Alice falling into the rabbit hole.  You feel like you are spinning out of control and often the words you may use to express what you are experiencing are just as confusing to you as they are to the others.

My anxiety and depression reared its ugly head this time due to many issues:

1. The medication I was taking to control it, I was weaned off.
2. The medication I was taking to control and alleviate my migraines was changed, and one of the new drugs made me feel suicidal.
3. All this came about around the holidays when I felt lonely, vulnerable and missing my mother who died one year ago.
4. I was overworking at the radio station, turning a love for my art into a demand that I did not want to meet.
5. Worrying about Alex’s happiness, once again trying to build newclevelandradio.net while assisting him with his documentary, looking for a full-time job, and just enjoying life.
6. Concerns for my husband forced into retirement even though this is not where he wants to be now while trying to keep him smiling.
7. The long cold, snowy, grey winter has genuinely made me SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.)

I am an open book, and I know that for me to resolve my anxiety and depression is to face it head on and allow those around me into my world.  I know that I cannot do it alone and through therapy, medication, and a willingness to get better I am on my way.  However, I will always have this condition due to a chemical disorder that must be treated.  Just like any other illness, it is real, and there is a structure for relief.

We will be discussing these issues in various broadcasts, and I am asking you to contact us to join in and share your story.  Karen at:  newclevelandradio@gmail.com

On Monday, February 12, 2018, “When Is It My Turn?” on newclevelandradio.net will proceed in a new direction.  Although we will still discuss from time to time the raising and supporting a special needs family member our focus will be on the individuals as we address the anxieties and depressions in our lives.

Everyone suffers from these conditions, but we all approach anxiety and depression in our manner.  Some of us are taught to ignore it (very difficult and for most of us impossible.)  Others are trained to let it grab you and take you down a dark, lonely tunnel.  Others express it and claw their way out of it.  But too often most of us don’t even know what IT is!

I have suffered from these conditions most of my life. However, my mother would not allow it, and she refused to acknowledge that what I was experiencing wasn’t much more than a temporary mood swing or her child being a “drama queen.”  I am not blaming my mother for not understanding because mental illness (anxiety and depression fall into that category,) was not something that was discussed, specifically among ‘good families.’

It wasn’t until the last couple of years (within the last 7) that I even realized what I have been suffering from my whole life.  I’ve been told I wear my heart on my sleeve and I am too sensitive.  I have been blamed for feeling moody at times when I could not even explain why I was feeling the way I was.  For most of my life, I have felt like the square peg that needed to fit into the round hole, and I thought I was alone.

Surprise!  40 Million adult Americans suffer from these disorders.  Statistically, only 36.9% are receiving treatment.  “Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.”  So how can you or I be blamed for what we are feeling?

I am starting a series on this internet platform (newclevelandradio.net) to discuss anxiety and depression.  I recently fell back into those confused feelings that have been trying to draw me in.  I am back in therapy and taking medication.  Not only is there a genetic component in my history but brain chemistry as well.  I will also admit life events hit me hard and losing my mother a little over a year ago is still affecting me.  My life changed drastically, and I will share more in our series.

Please contact me at newclevelandradio@gmail.com if you would like to be part of this healing series.

To evolve means to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.  Newclevelandradio.net is evolving and looking to accommodate you the listener.  You can listen to us live or via our podcasts all listed here on the website.

In order to continue our broadcasts and podcasts, we are looking for sponsors.   Each sponsor gets to create a podcast with us monthly to deliver and brand their services.  Contact us today at newclevelandradio@gmail.com to learn how affordable our sponsorship packages are.

If you are broadcaster or podcaster that would like to team up with us please feel free to also contact us and learn how together we can make a difference.

With many individuals busy and on the go sitting down to listen to one of our live broadcasts is difficult so we are expanding and encouraging you and our future listeners to come back to our website and listen to our playbacks at NO CHARGE!

Check out: https://newclevelandradio.net/podcast-replays/
or for entertainment
Check out: https://newclevelandradio.net/entertainment-interviews/

We have updated our website – trying to make it easier for listeners to find the right app to listen live or replay a show.  Check out the changes being made https://newclevelandradio.net/podcast-replays/  we currently have several programs listed under this tab that makes it easy for you the listener as well as the host to link to listen live or replay a show (podcast).

We are now looking to expand on our programming, leaving live music plays to our sister internet stations while we provide you thought-provoking subjects that will create a positive dialogue.  In advance, we are providing this disclaimer that often when subjects are discussed openly and honestly the subject matter may appear to be controversial or have a negative undertone.  It is our intention not to bring this into any of our conversations, however, we are human and passionate about our subject matters.

We encourage you the listener to share your thoughts and ideas with us, it is our purpose to bring you the listener with what you want to hear – we have many subject matters available, and we are not just Cleveland!

As 2017 is about to end, I find myself struggling with words.  As a communication’s major and show host on various programs here at newclevelandradio.net, I’m not sure what I should say or not as this year ends and 2018 begins.  This is not the first time I find myself in this situation.  Believe it or not, I dislike confrontation, and therefore I tend to hold back except when I don’t!

I tend to walk on eggshells and not disturb others, yet I agree we all should be able to speak our minds respectfully without being called out for our views or opinions.  However, it only takes one person to read what you (or I may post) on social media, to make us feel as if we should not have said anything at all.  Trying to play fair and be the kind person ‘all the time’ can often make one feel weak and sick inside and out, and I for one need to stop allowing others to shape my feelings.

Just like you, I want better outcomes for all of us as we move forward into the new year and the only way I will succeed is to stop wearing my heart on my sleeve.  If you can tell me how you feel, I should be able to do the same.  Feelings are a belief or an emotional state or reaction to something.  We all have them. Feelings are not right or wrong, they are personal, and until you truly know the person, you will never understand them or be able to walk a mile in their shoes!  It is how we react to those feelings is what sets us apart.

I come to all of you as one year ends and another begins and welcome you to explore your awareness of life and those around you.  Even though we may have much in common until we take the time to stop judging and accept our differences, we will not achieve the happiness we all deserve.  My mother used to tell me, “Make someone happy, and they will make you happy too…”  Well, my momma was not 100% correct.   What she should have said, “Make yourself happy, and when you do others will seek to be happy too!”