Shows
Glass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.What is AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)?My guest for this Glass Half Full podcast episode is Patrick Regan. Patrick is a young man living in Alaska with SMA (spinal muscle atrophy) who uses AAC to communicate. We've gotten to know each other through online BORP classes -- Tai Chi and Pilates. Our communication previous to our Zoom podcast recording was through Zoom’s chat. Patrick is not able to speak and uses technology to communicate via text or assisted speech. Our podcast recording was the first time I actually saw him live since he usually has a photo of himself in the...2023-08-0225 min
Glass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Why is Movement my Medicine?I don’t know who coined the term movement is medicine, but it resonates for me. My early experiences with exercise were not joyful; grade school physical education was bad medicine. But once I started dancing with friends in high school – before carding and ID checks were mandatory – I experienced movement in a positive way. Shortly after college I started a yoga practice which was medicine for my body and mind. In this podcast episode I tell my story of what led up to the 2021 launch of the May Movement Challenge -- a month of free online moveme...2023-03-2742 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.We need innovative solutions when it comes to the rare (disease) community February 28th is Rare Disease Day. Twenty-five to 30 million Americans live with a rare disease. For more facts and figures related to rare diseases, check the NORD website. This podcast episode catches up with Aditi Kantipuly, a physician and advocate, immersed in the rare disease community. As a young girl Aditi learned about a child born with osteogenesis imperfecta – a rare bone condition – and has been captivated ever since. Her journey includes a masters program in public health, a Fulbright scholarship to small villages throughout India, and medical school. Currently she’s exploring the ro...2023-02-2730 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Driving Less Dazy: Responsible vs. Independent?When to stop driving a moving vehicle? That is the question to ponder; is it a toss up between being a responsible adult or maintaining a sense of independence? For many people, this is a difficult choice. If you live in an urban or suburban location you may have many options available if you give up driving. For others, a car may be a necessity -- one needed to get to gainful employment, purchase groceries, or use to transport family members more disabled than yourself. In this academic paper, physicians discuss health conditions that predispose patients for...2022-11-2817 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day September 15th is International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. To learn more about helping educate and advocate for Myotonic Dystrophy visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. The purpose of this Awareness Day is to garner the attention of the wider general public, policy makers, regulators, biopharmaceutical representatives, researchers, health care professionals, and anyone with an interest in changing the future of myotonic dystrophy. Raising awareness of myotonic dystrophy will help improve service provision, basic research, drug development, and policymaking related to the disease. Increased funding for myotonic dystrophy research will improve...2022-09-1517 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Uncover the stronger part of yourself... Liz Ann Kurdrna, Pilates instructor, feels like her emotional recovery from a rock climbing injury is ongoing yet "knowing that I have to show up for someone else…by teaching…it helps. It helps you uncover the stronger part of yourself." In this podcast episode, Liz Ann talks about her lifelong love of rock climbing as well as her participation in other outdoor activities such as swimming, snow skiing, and cycling. In Montana, where she's lived for the past 20+ years, she teaches online and in-person Pilates. Liz Ann has competed in local Triathlon even...2022-07-2234 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.The size of a grapefruit in your head; I’m grateful that I’m still here When you're told you have a tumor the size of a grapefruit growing in your brain, and you have it removed, and you live to tell the story about it without experiencing profound disability, then you have a lot to be grateful for. That's what happened to Amy. Learn more about Amy's health story in this podcast episode. She had no idea about a brain tumor until family members made an intervention and tests revealed the source of her various symptoms which taken individually caused no alarm for Amy. ...2021-12-1222 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Rare and Invisible Disability + Spoon Theory Traditionally the month of October is the time to become aware of people with disabilities -- either a visible or invisible disability -- but here we're drawing attention to all those who face physical and mental health challenges. With 1 in 10 Americans diagnosed with a rare disorder (whether it's a visible or invisible disability) and all of the others making up ~ 25% of Americans with chronic health conditions, let's practice an awareness on a daily basis. Sunny Ammerman, NORD Ambassador for Indiana, talks about spoon theory, her role as a Patient Advocate for NORD and...2021-11-0217 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.An Unusual Fall Falls don't always happen when you're standing. Although balance and fall prevention classes help increase your odds of preventing a near fall, some falls are just unusual accidents. Like sitting in a chair where the seat gives way and your derriere hits the ground. That's one unusual fall. Fortunately, movement and flexibility classes improve your chances of diminishing the impact of the fall. For more information on Balance and Fall Prevention, listen to this podcast episode with UCSF Physical Therapy Professor, Erica Pitsch. The Mat...2021-10-0509 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Five Years of Self-Care Self-Care, or radical Self-Care, is the theme for the 5-year anniversary of the Glass Half Full podcast. This short episode features my brand of self-care -- daily routines that are my sustenance, not just an end-of-the-week treat. Whether it's nutrition, movement, or attitude my waking hours are spent minimizing symptoms associated with a progressive neuromuscular disease and maximizing a limited supply of energy. As part of the anniversary celebration, join me in a streaming Facebook Live event on Sunday, March 21st at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. I'll be joined in a lively discussion on...2021-03-1514 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Media Representation: Do you see your life reflected in popular media? Do you see images of yourself reflected in popular media? As a person with a chronic health condition and/or disability, is your life reflected in movies, television, print, or social media? In this themed podcast episode you'll hear from Christophe Zajac-Denek -- an actor, musician, surfer, skateboarder, and little person -- whose podcast, I'm Kind of a Big Deal, explores the unique lives of people with dwarfism. Christophe has worked in Hollywood movies for 11 years but rarely do you see his face. Lindsey Kizer, recently diagnosed with narcolepsy...2021-02-0341 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Loneliness: How lonely am I and What can I do about it? Loneliness is a public health issue. It was before the COVID-19 epidemic forced us into social isolation. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness a “growing health epidemic,” and even wrote a book about it - Together: Why Social Connection Holds the Key to Better Health, Higher Performance, and Greater Happiness. In the United Kingdom they take this issue very seriously and now have a Minister of Loneliness. Sophie Andrews started an organization called The Silver Line which is a helpline for lonely and isolated seniors. Does lone...2020-12-0127 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.A Virtual Abilities ExpoAre you ready for three days of workshops, adaptive activities, and discovering resources and services to enhance your quality of life? Peruse the agenda, make plans for November 20-22, and register for the free Virtual Abilities Expo. President and CEO David Korse shares the 40+ year history of the annual event in this podcast episode as well as whets our appetite with the impressive lineup of Expo activities. There's something for everyone -- whether your interest is in disability rights, adaptive movement, or how to make your home...2020-11-1626 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Celebration!Believe it or not, this episode has nothing to do with the recent U.S. election. We're celebrating the 100th podcast episode of the Glass Half Full. But feel free to celebrate our right to vote in a democracy. All good! If you're a recent Glass Half Full listener, you can now peruse the archives of evergreen content that fall into these categories: Advocacy Alternative Healing Modalities Autoimmune Disorders Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Coping Disability Rights and Accessibility General Health Laughter Mental Health Movement Music and the Arts Nature Neurological Conditions Nutrition...2020-11-1026 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Put a Pink Ribbon on this Comic, Actress, Playwright, and TeacherOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Meet Susan Jeremy -- Comic, Actress, Playwright, and Teacher -- and breast cancer survivor. She's also an old friend from my college days. We reminisce about way back when...as well as hear about Susan's unfortunate experience at a New York medical clinic where she was told, "You’re over 40, it’s a cyst. Take aspirin." The tumor grew. Susan's diagnosis and treatment led her to make life changes. She became one of the 48 teachers in Manhattan working directly with medically-challenged students; 80% of them undergoing chem...2020-10-1628 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.I wanted to help people prevent chronic disease...Dalia Kinsey, RD, LD, SNS, chose to be a dietician because she wanted to help people prevent chronic disease; this was before receiving a diagnosis of Graves Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. In this first of a two-part interview, Dalia shares anecdotes of dealing with a chronic health condition in another country where certain modern conveniences, like continuous running water, are lacking. Her lived experience and academic training have shown her that many people make the false correlation between weight and health. Dalia believes, 2020-09-1822 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Hear Ye, Hear Ye: People with Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson's or Neuromuscular Disease If you, or someone you know, has a muscle or nerve condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson's Disease, or a neuromuscular disease (i.e. myotonic dystrophy, SMA, Charcot Marie Tooth, Becker's, ALS, etc.), here's an opportunity to participate in a research study. No trips to a medical center or donation of muscle tissue required. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center has a variety of studies with different criteria. For Factsheets produced by UW -- after a study has concluded -- check this...2020-04-1922 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Let's Rant: Unhelpful Advice It's April Fool's Day so we're mixing things up. One can't be positive 100% of the time. Now is the opportunity to share about all of the weird things people have said about our health conditions -- whether it was a friend, an aunt, or even a health care professional. Perhaps well-intentioned but definitely not insightful nor helpful advice. Most people with some type of chronic health condition have had this experience. A panel of three previous podcast guests share their stories -- from the hilarious to the frightening. Nancy, Melissa, and...2020-04-0146 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Coping with a Coronavirus: Trees, Yoga, and Essential Oils A retired nurse, physical and yoga therapist, and mental health professional offer strategies to cope with uncertainty, anxiety, and all those other emotions caught up in this season of the pandemic. Verla Fortier, author of Take Back Your Outside Mindset: Live Longer, Prevent Dementia, and Control Your Chronic Illness, speaks about her experience diagnosed with systemic lupus and the discovery of the healing power of trees. Tianna Meriage-Reiter, DPT, C-IAYT, owner of the Mind-Body Movement Center talks about her new live streaming yoga classes available at her YouTube channel.2020-03-2428 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.No Hugging Allowed: Tales of Covid-19 How is the threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus) impacting your life? Beyond fierce hand washing, are you changing how you relate to others? Is social distancing keeping you indoors? Are you second-guessing where you go, what you do, and with whom you spend time? You're not alone. People with chronic illness and/or compromised immune systems need to be vigilant as well as mindful. For a few practical tips, listen to this podcast episode as well as the earlier episode, The Flu is Not for You. Here's a recipe to...2020-03-0620 min
The Warrior Within Me PodcastThe Warrior Within Me Podcast– Episode 103: Interview with Leslie KrongoldLeslie Krongold Interview
Leslie Krongold lives with a rare disease – myotonic dystrophy.
Since her diagnosis 18 years ago, she’s been facilitating support groups for adults with neuromuscular disease as well as training others to facilitate support groups. She also hosts the Glass Half Full podcast. Leslie joins Suzanne to tell her amazing story of strength, courage, and hope. Join us to get your own inspiration from the power of being positive.2020-03-0450 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Central & Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Sleep Hygiene In 2018, a research study found that at least 36% of Americans were sleeping less than seven hours each night. Inadequate sleep can lead to a number of physical and/or emotional conditions. Some common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, central or obstructive sleep apnea, and sleepwalking. Have you perfected your sleep hygiene behaviors to achieve optimal rest and sleep each night? If not, perhaps you'll want to hear what sleep specialist, Dr. Catherine Darley, has to say. In addition to Dr. Darley's advice, as well as the sleep...2020-01-0932 min
Becoming Parents - Birth Stories and Birthwork WisdomComing out as a lesbian in high school made it easier to find strength when she was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease she watched her Mom die from - with Leslie KrongoldLeslie and I discussed how she "came out" in high school, which set the stage for her being a strong woman who could handle what life dished out. Her Mom was diagnosed with a genetic condition in 1990 and passed away in 1992 at the age of 55, with brain and lung cancer, so there was never clear information for Leslie to fully understand the genetic condition. This genetic disease is a progressive neuromuscular disease and Leslie was diagnosed in her mid-30's. Fortunately, Leslie had adopted a radical self-care practice, as her disease has no cure or treatment. Diet, exercise, attitude...2019-12-241h 05Glass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.End-of-life: End Well, Bedside Yoga, and Death Doula End-of-life planning is a huge topic. In previous podcast episodes we've covered the donation of body tissue for scientific research and attending a life transitions retreat. With three fascinating guests you'll learn about an annual symposium which brings together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and others all "committed to generating human-centered, interdisciplinary innovation for the end of life experience," a yoga therapist who trains others to care for the dying with bedside yoga, and a death doula. Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, founder of End Well, speaks about her motivation and the need for the annual...2019-11-1150 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.The Power of Prayer What is prayer and how do we do it? How does prayer differ from meditation? How can prayer impact healing? These are a few of the questions addressed by three podcast guests. The Jewish perspective of prayer from a rabbi who has faced cancer and chronic pain. The Christian perspective of prayer from a Baptist pastor whose late wife battled autoimmune disease and young son is in remission from cancer. And the perspective of a yoga therapist who has studied Christian mysticism. To learn more about the Unity World Day of Prayer (September 12...2019-09-0653 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Audiology: all about ears & hearing loss Approximately 20% of Americans have hearing loss. This can be a result of any multitude of situations -- a symptom of a health condition, tinnitus, viral infection, acoustic trauma, or side effect from a medication. Dr. Lilach Saperstein, an audiologist with her own podcast, discusses issues related to the outer, middle, and inner ear. Learn how to best protect your hearing as well as communication strategies to use when there is hearing loss. This podcast episode -- as well as future and all previous episodes -- will be available with...2019-08-2333 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.When friends or family can't handle your chronic illness... If you have a physical or mental health condition that has altered the way you look or behave, it may scare people. Have you had friends or family members change how they interact with you or perhaps distance themselves? A recent incident with an old friend got me thinking about this topic. In the Glass Half Full Facebook group some have shared their stories. I invite you to share your experiences either in Facebook or in the podcast notes on the Glass Half Full website. 2019-07-2619 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.I Am Not A Pretzel: Accessible Yoga Any style of yoga can be made accessible and provide healing for someone with a physical challenge, someone experiencing anxiety and/or depression, or someone with a larger body. Three yoga teachers - skilled in making yoga more accessible - share their stories. Rose Kress, of LifeForce Yoga, experienced relief from years of anxiety and chronic pain when she began a yoga practice. Her teachings focus on mood management incorporating both yoga nidra and the use of mudras, or hand gestures. Erica Chaney, of Big Bliss Yoga, began her...2019-07-1334 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Life After Cancer: It's a Time of Reflection (3 of 3)In this third of a series podcast episode, Valerie Sans shares how her cancer experience had a dramatic impact on her life. After surgery and chemo treatment, she left a career of teaching to co-found a travel company, French Escapade, and explored alternative healing modalities including the Budwig Protocol, homeopathy, immunotherapy, Beljanski Protocol, acupuncture, Papimi, and a more plant-based diet. For those of you unfamiliar with sophrology -- which includes me -- here's an introduction. Valerie talks about meeting with a sophrologist as routine in the French healthcare system.2019-04-1038 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Life After Cancer: There was no some day, it was today I'm going to...(2 of 3) In the second part of this podcast episode series Jeanette Marin shares her story about a thyroid cancer diagnosis and how it changed her life. Jeanette is married with 4 children and a stand-up comic. To see Jeanette perform, follow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 2019-03-2116 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.It's not that easy being RARE...February 28 is International Rare Disease Day. There are over 6,000 rare diseases or disorders with 80% having genetic origins. Global events are planned to draw attention to the need for medical research. This brief, light-hearted podcast episode shares a few less critical aspects to having a rare disease. For a deeper dive, check out last year’s Rare Disease podcast episode. Make sure you become a Subscriber to our YouTube channel. All subscribers are entered into Glass Half Full give-aways. Picture yourself sipping your favorite warm beverage…2019-02-2707 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Do It Yourself: Cannabis Need help with sleep? David -- resident DIY expert -- explains how to decarb, squish, and infuse cannabis. Unfamiliar with these terms? No worries. These terms, and more, are explained for the novice. Podcast episode, and complementary YouTube video, demonstrate the processes involved with creating cannabis tinctures and infusions for making edibles. An earlier podcast episode features six people sharing how cannabis helps with their physical and/or emotional challenges including cancer, depression, muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, bone fracture, and bipolar disorder. Once you're familiar with the...2019-01-1827 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.My Favorite Things: Conscious OptimismHolidays can be tough; that's why we're focusing on our favorite things. Peni, Laurel, and Kristl share their voices and 22 previous podcast guests tell us how they beat the funk when dogs bite or bees sting. Since this is the shortest podcast episode ever...check out these previous episodes all about optimism: Passion: Motivation to move through the bad stuff and experience joy Skydiving, Triathaloning, and Mountain Climbing New Year's Resolutions: You must do the things you think you cannot do Music gives me a peace bubble 2018-12-2011 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Giving Back: How Do You Do It?How do you give back? In previous podcast episodes we heard from Amy - a music philanthropist - who sings to raise money for causes she believes in, Chris - a software engineer - who has been involved with a nonprofit organization that helped him as a youth, and Hazel - a retired government employee - who teaches others about service dogs. Today's episode features Susan, diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, who helped the Women's Cancer Resource Center thrive; first as a volunteer and then as its first executive director.2018-12-0130 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Gratitude & Thinking SmallTis the season to be thankful, grateful, and appreciative. But how does one get to a place of gratitude if you're feeling miserable -- physically, emotionally, or both? Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick (Second Edition): A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers, talks about gratitude as it relates to the Four Sublimes States of Buddhism. A brief introduction to Robert A. Emmons', Ph.D. research on gratitude is presented on the physical, psychological, and social benefits to a gratitude practice. Emmons has written a number of books but here is a q...2018-11-1430 minGlass Half Full with Leslie Krongold, Ed.D.Caregiving and Stroke: Two Topics MergeNovember is the time to recognize Family Caregivers. One man's caregiving story leads to a conversation about strokes - one of the most debilitating medical conditions - and stroke recovery. Erica Pitsch, PT, MPT, DPT, NCS, of University of California, San Francisco, explains what happens during a stroke and what may be involved with stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Caregiver Resources include an earlier podcast episode with three family caregivers. You may also want to check out these national organizations: National Alliance for Caregiving and Caregiver Action Network. Be extra kind to your family caregivers this month. ...2018-10-3137 min