Healthy Options | WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives

WERU-FM 89.9

Audio archives of spoken word broadcasts from Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill (weru.org)

  1. May 6

    Healthy Options 5/6/26: Update: Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses & how to avoid tick bites

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: – The spreasd of new tick species and diseases in Maine & the Northeast – Prevention is the best medicine! Keep ticks from attaching. Create a barrier with clothes. Using permethrin on clothes & gear (embedded commercially, or sprayed on carefully). – Use repellants on skin (deet, picaridin, lemon-eucalyptus) – Essential oils not effective for very long & may cause skin irritation – Symptoms of tick infections for Alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, Powassan virus & which ticks carry them – When doxycycline is used & most effective, & other treatments for tick illness – How soon can disease be transmitted after a bite (Powassan virus within 15 minutes!) Guest(s): Dr. Beatrice Szantyr on Lyme disease & other tick-borne illness, for an update on tick diseases & new tick species which are spreading here in Maine (& beyond), how we need to be tick-conscious to try to prevent tick bites, & the challenges in identifying and treating tick-borne illness. FMI: EPA info on effective repellents www.epa.gov/insect-repellents? EPA tool to find the repellent that is right for you www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you EPA info on repellent-treated clothing www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing? University of Maine Tick Lab?- Protect Yourself from ticks & tick-borne diseases?(Identify a tick for free; $20 to ID diseases the tick may contain) extension.umaine.edu/ticks/ Tick testing Amherst MA. (tests for more diseases): www.tickreport.com Maine Tracking Network- Tickborne Diseases?Improving public health with better information: data.mainepublichealth.gov/tracking/home Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center www.columbia-lyme.org/ Powered by patients. Home of Lyme Times and My Lyme Data: www.lymedisease.org/ TickEncounter  The University of Rhode Island Tick-borne Disease prevention Education web.uri.edu/tickencounter/ This article is brief enough for a patient to bring to a doctor’s visit for them to consider: The Management of Ixodes scapularis Bites in the Upper Midwest wmjonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/110/2/78.pdf ESPECIALLY FOR MEDICAL PROVIDERS: VectorWise CME: “Empowering clinicians through vector-borne disease education – free, virtual, accredited CME” vectorwisecme.org/ LymeCME: “Free, Evidence-based, AAFP-Accredited Courses that Physicians Can Trust” lymecme.info/ About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 5/6/26: Update: Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses & how to avoid tick bites first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    1 hr
  2. Apr 1

    Healthy Options 4/1/26: Brain health & how we can stay healthy & resilient – at any age.

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: – What exactly is healthy aging? – How stress affects memory & brain function, & how we can reduce the negative effects of cortisol. – Mild cognitive impairment, dementia, & Alzheimer’s disease explained. – How sleep affects the brain. – How does exercise (such as Tai Chi, walking, dance & yoga) affect our cognition & help our brain & body as we age? – Awareness of the effects of multiple medications on the brain. – What health care workers are learning about healthy aging. – Why “Forest bathing” and being in nature is so helpful to brain health & our sense of well-being. Guest(s): Geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. Susan Wehry, has been a passionate advocate for older people throughout her 40 plus year career, during which she has held a variety of clinical, administrative, academic and consulting roles across the country. Dr. Wehry had served as Chief of Geriatrics at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and for several years had been the Commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. As a clinician, educator, policy maker, advocate and advisor, Dr. Wehry has shared her work with students, professionals, older adults and family caregivers, throughout the United States and abroad.  FMI: Opinion: The Nature Pill 12/22/23 By Elizabeth Luo www.nuscimagazine.com/opinion-the-nature-pill Healing ourselves through nature: “The Nature Fix- Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” (Florence Williams, author) archives.weru.org/healthy-options/2017/11/healthy-options-11117/ Previous Healthy Options interview with Dr. Susan Wehry archives.weru.org/healthy-options/2023/12/healthy-options-12-6-23-brain-health-and-aging-well/ About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 4/1/26: Brain health & how we can stay healthy & resilient – at any age. first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    59 min
  3. Mar 4

    Healthy Options 3/4/26: Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County is community-based, with neighbors helping neighbors. They work closely with volunteers, families, and healthcare partners in their mission to help ensure that no one in Waldo County is alone when facing serious illness, end-of-life decisions, or bereavement. Their services include educational resources on grief, death, and dying; support for caregivers working with those at the end of life; workshops on end-of-life issues and advance care planning, and also, grief support services to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, whether or not that person has received hospice care. Guest(s): Flic Shooter, the Executive Director of Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County. FMI: Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County: hospicevolunteersofwaldocounty.org Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County Resources: hospicevolunteersofwaldocounty.org/resources The Conversation Project: theconversationproject.org About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 3/4/26: Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    57 min
  4. Feb 4

    Healthy Options 2/4/26: How We Can Stay Calm & Resilient Through Stressful Times

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: What is trauma resiliency and how do our nervous systems respond to trauma & stress? How the nervous system responds to accumulated trauma. How generosity & gratitude can enhance resiliency. What role tears and/or laughter may play when we experience distress or trauma. The iChill App & how it can help calm us during periods of stress. Guest(s): Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founder- and former Executive Director- of the Trauma Resource Institute, a notable nonprofit dedicated to promoting resilience and trauma-informed care. Under her guidance, the Trauma Resource Institute has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Community Resiliency Model and the Trauma Resiliency Model, both of which have become widely acknowledged interventions for addressing- and preventing- traumatic stress. She has led projects to help communities recover after earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and mass shootings. Elaine Miller-Karas shares her experience & insights in her writings on trauma-related subjects, as a regular contributor to Psychology Today, and as the host of the weekly podcast, “Resiliency Within”, which is heard on VoiceAmerica. She is the author of “Building Resilience to Trauma: the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models”, a work commended by the United Nations for its alignment with the U.N.’s sustainable development goals. She has shared her expertise and has given presentations at numerous prestigious institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control, the United Nations, the Global Fund, Catalyst 2030, and the Skoll World Forum. FMI: Trauma Resiliency Institute: www.traumaresourceinstitute.com iChill is a free app from the App store, or try it online HERE: www.traumaresourceinstitute.com/ichill Psychology Today- Article by Elaine Miller-Karas: How to Cultivate Inner Harmony in Stressful Times: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/building-resiliency-to-trauma/202601/how-to-cultivate-inner-harmony-in-stressful-times Elaine Miller Karas podcasts on VoiceAmerica: www.voiceamericamedia.com/show/resiliency-within/ April 2025 HEALTHY OPTIONS interview on the Trauma Resource Institute (with links to previous HEALTHY OPTIONS programs on the work of the Trauma Resource Institute): Healthy Options 4/2/25: Building Resiliency to Trauma: archives.weru.org/healthy-options/2025/04/healthy-options-4-2-25-building-resiliency-to-trauma/ About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 2/4/26: How We Can Stay Calm & Resilient Through Stressful Times first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    59 min
  5. 12/03/2025

    Healthy Options 12/3/25: Using Somatic Movement to Heal from Trauma, Grief, & Loss

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: 1. What is somatic movement? 2. Using movement to help us through grief, shock, stress & trauma 3. What is fright, flight and freeze? 4. How stress and trauma can affect our nervous system 5. How grief and shock can affect our nervous system 6. What is the difference between depression and emotional dysregulation? Guest(s): Donna Brooks, somatic movement therapist, counselor, coach, and educator, & yoga therapist. FMI: Donna Brooks’ links for info- Original Body Wisdom: originalbodywisdom.com Somatic Movement Therapy for trauma, grief, and loss: originalbodywisdom.com/somatic-movement-therapy-for-trauma-grief-and-loss/ 3 Ways Embodiment Helps navigate loss – blog post and video: originalbodywisdom.com/3-ways-embodiment-helps-navigate-loss/ Creating a GoodLife When a child Dies – blog post and video: originalbodywisdom.com/creating-a-good-life-after-a-child-dies/ Beauty in Grief and Loss – blog post and video: originalbodywisdom.com/like-the-cold-and-sparse-beauty-of-winter-there-is-also-a-beauty-in-grief-and-loss/ 8 Somatic Breathing Exercises to do today – blog post and video: originalbodywisdom.com/8-somatic-breathing-exercises-to-do-today/ Youtube Playlist for Grief: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvXmR7ZSV14&list=PL55fMwRPubVxTexQnuE9fCI9pkrdU2E3y YouTube Playlist for Breathing: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL55fMwRPubVyjc8xAK3MVpyBLExkhrFKF About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 12/3/25: Using Somatic Movement to Heal from Trauma, Grief, & Loss first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    1 hr
  6. 11/05/2025

    Healthy Options 11/5/25: AGEISM: Disrupting & Challenging Internal & Societal Beliefs & Actions

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: -We ALL will get older; how we deal with this reality is important for each of us to face in a positive, life-affirming manner -Age-positivity & how to reframe aging -Why & how do positive views of aging produce healthier outcomes? -The difference between a “health span” and a “life span” -Pervasive age-related stereotypes in society, systemic ageism, & internalized, self-perpetuated ageism -What is internalized ageism & how is it detrimental to all of us as we get older? -The stigmatization of using the term “memory loss” & how it can be used indiscriminately & incorrectly -How older people are treated differently than middle-aged & younger people in health care settings, based on perceptions of their age, versus their well-being & vitality. -Economic disparities & bias that may manifest as we age, in being female and/or a person of color, resulting in a lack of resources and poverty -Downsides of individual responsibility as we age vs. benefits of collective responsibility in communities -What can we learn from other countries in relation to addressing the needs & credits of older citizens? -How older people who want/need to work, & have skills & experience, can aid the employment shortage in Maine -The Leadership Exchange on Aging as a participatory learning experience for leaders in all fields; 350 have graduated from the program, in Maine (see link, below). Guest(s): Jess Mauer, Executive Director of the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA). FMI: Maine Council on Aging (MCOA): mainecouncilonaging.org Northern New England Geriatric Education Center programs: www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/nnegec/programs#GITT-PC mainecouncilonaging.org/agepositiveme/ Learn about/Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging: www.agefriendly.community Leadership Exchange on Ageism mainecouncilonaging.org/leadership-exchange-on-ageism/ About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 11/5/25: AGEISM: Disrupting & Challenging Internal & Societal Beliefs & Actions first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    1 hr
  7. 08/06/2025

    Healthy Options 8/6/25: The Power of Music & Song as a Healthy Option

    Host/Producer: Rhonda Feiman Co-Producer: Petra Hall Technical Assistance: Joel Mann Healthy Options: For Well-being & Being Well This month: 1. Experiencing the physiological effects of music & song, and how different aspects of melody & rhythm can resonate with heart rates & the nervous system. 2. Music creating connection & community as well as personal empowerment- even if you were told at any early age you were not a singer. 3. Singing as natural for us as humans, vs. how it has become seen as a business and not as a personal expression to use and share. 4. The power of singing in groups, how it feels to sing with others, and what happens to our emotions as we sing together and experience songs & melodies. 5. Songs can remind us we are not alone, and we are connected to others whether with shared experiences, or with new insights, bringing empathy about others’ lives. 6. How it is used as an outlet to express reactions to injustice, and empowers people who are banding together to work for social change. 7. Effects of various kinds of music on growing plants (“Kids! Try this at home!”). Guest(s): Claudia Schmidt, singer-songwriter, folk & jazz musician, & poet, www.claudiaschmidt.com Claudia Schmidt (with Sally Rogers), sallyrogers.com/concert-booking/sally-and-claudia/ FMI: Giving Voice Chorus. www.givingvoicechorus.org Creating joyful choral communities for people living with dementia. The Healing Power of Music. aish.com/the-healing-power-of-music/ Music Care. www.musiccare.org Music care is the intentional use of music by anyone to improve health and well-being. About the host: Rhonda Feiman is a nationally-certified, licensed acupuncturist practicing in Belfast, Maine since 1993. She primarily practices Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, using gentle and powerful non-insertion needle techniques, and also utilizes Chinese acupuncture and herbology. In addition, Rhonda is a practitioner of Qi Gong and an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan in the Yang Family tradition. The post Healthy Options 8/6/25: The Power of Music & Song as a Healthy Option first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

    1 hr

About

Audio archives of spoken word broadcasts from Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill (weru.org)