November 30, 2007 by Victor Volkman.

Juanita Watson of InsideScoopLive interviews Dirk Chase Eldredge, author of You’ve Gotta Fight Back! Winning with Serious Illness, Injury, or Disability. Dirk’s latest book features thirteen in-depth profiles of other people’s medical adventures that had life-altering affects for those involved: patients, their families, friends, and caregivers. Some lived on. Some died. All left a priceless legacy of lessons on how to make the most of the hand one is dealt. While far from autobiographical, the book is buttressed by Eldredge’s experience recuperating from eight major surgeries including two open-heart operations.Listen to the PodCast!

The seriously ill, their friends and family will gain priceless advice on coping, dealing with depression, how to partner with the medical profession, the tremendous value of self-help groups and the vital importance of attitude. Those with disabilities will learn how others have successfully played the hand they were dealt and managed to live successful, fulfilling lives. The disabled and those with serious illnesses can learn from each other. There are no silver bullets buried in these pages, just the sound, useable experience of others. Caregivers, be they family, friends, or health professionals will gain great insight from the in-depth stories of survivors, the bereaved, and those who died with grace and even style. The heart of this book consists of thirteen, riveting, in-depth stories of people who fought back with courage, humor, and a positive attitude. In doing so, they have provided valuable guidance for you, the readers of this inspiring work.

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Posted in aging, disabilities, health | No Comments »

November 12, 2007 by Victor Volkman.

We are very proud today to have a special Veteran’s Day reading from Elizabeth Quynn, author of Accepting the Ashes: A Daughter’s Look at PTSD  .  Please take a moment today to thank a friend, acquaintance, or relative who has served their country with honor. Listen to the PodCast!

”Accepting the Ashes” was written by Quynn Elizabeth, daughter of a two-time Viet Nam ( also spelled as Vietnam ) veteran in the year of her father’s death and the escalation of the war in Iraq.Due to her father’s experiences in war he struggled with Post Traumatic Stress, heart sadness and alcoholism all his adult life even though he didn’t get diagnosed with PTSD until 1992. In “Accepting the Ashes” Quynn shares her personal story so that other loved ones and soon-to-be veterans, who are fighting right now, might not have to wait 30 years to heal their painful feelings often caused by experiencing war-related stress. Listen to the PodCast!

Posted in PTSD, psychology | No Comments »

November 9, 2007 by Victor Volkman.

David W. Powell, author of the award-winning memoir My Tour In Hell: A Marine’s Battle with Combat Trauma, shares his unique insights into the nature of warfare and its impact on the human psyche with patients and staffers at the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System (SAVAHCS). Listen to the PodCast!!

Upon returning to civilian life after a two year enlistment in the Marines, David found himself with nightmares during sleep, intrusive thoughts while awake, a hypervigilant stance combined with an exaggerated startle reaction, and a seeming inability to control basic emotions like anger and sadness. The price he paid for what would only be diagnosed decades later as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was broken marriages and relationships, inability to hold a job, uncontrollable rage, and finally bankruptcy. David’s journey of redemption will be inspirational to anyone who is a veteran or has a loved one who has served.

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