Talk! with Audrey

The leading U.S. medical and health organisations today called on the American people to stay home to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit its long-term health effect on our country.

John Wang, President /CEO of the Asian American Business Development Center, Inc. (AABDC) which he founded in New York City.

The president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) , Dr. Sandra Weber joins me to discuss the impact of Coronavirus on people with diabetes. Dr. Weber practices endocrinology in Greenville, South Carolina and is affiliated with Prisma Health System, where she serves as Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Chair of Continuing Medical Education.

Since COVID-19 was declared a global health emergency, Facebook has been working closely with global and national health authorities to promote credible information to keep people safe and informed my guest is Kang-Xing Head of Health, Facebook.

For the first time in three decades, PETA didn't unveil a celebrity "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" ad at Fashion Week. The animal rights group is celebrating the demise of the fur trade by ending its iconic campaign. Dan Mathews, PETA Senior Vice President who conceived of the ad in the 90's, joins me with how the world of fashion is undergoing a vegan revolution and how PETA has become a sustainability resource.

Learning you or your loved one needs open heart surgery can be frightening. The term "open-heart surgery" can be misleading. Open-heart surgery is sometimes called traditional heart surgery but today, many new heart procedures can be performed with only small incisions, Cardiac surgeon, Dr. S. Chris Malaisrie from the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in Chicago to talk about the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States - heart disease: what steps to take to halt its progress and what you need to know if a Doctor recommends surgery.

The medical community now has some of the most powerful tools in history giving us the opportunity to end the HIV epidemic; However, persistent disparities in care and treatment contribute to continued burden amongst African Americans. Dr. Eugene McCray, Director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and I talk about prevention and putting an end to this epidemic.

In celebration of Black History Month – listen to my full interview with Ruth Hunt, a genealogist, who was inspired by Alex Haley to trace her family's lineage. She has tips to help your trace your family roots.

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that is characterized by seizures that can be debilitating and even life threatening. Although epilepsy is widely recognized, few understand it – even those who know someone with the disorder.1 And this misunderstanding causes stigma that makes it harder to treat, while the number of adults and children challenged by epilepsy in the U.S. is increasing. Dr. James Wheless, Professor and Chief of Paediatric Neurology, Le Bonheur Chair in Paediatric Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers steps to mitigate deadly risks, reduce related healthcare costs and burden.

Did you know that the causes of a surprising range of health problems are hidden in everyday foods? Few people realize that a simple food prescription can help you tackle these problems and gently restore your hormone balance, with benefits rivaling medications. In his new book, Your Body in Balance, nutrition researcher and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Neal Barnard, shares the science behind how common conditions—are fuelled by hormones that are hidden in or influenced by the foods we eat.

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion for an entire family. But for the families of the more than 40,000 American babies born each year with congenital heart disease, it also brings fear and uncertainty. Dr. Jonathan Chen, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Cardiac Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) shares has details about the various treatment options that parents might not be aware of.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 45 million Americans can get the flu each year. With flu season upon us, infectious disease specialist Dr. Cedric Spak has information to help you avoid the flu and what to do if you get it.

Amy Goodson is a registered dietician and wellness expert and she shares her tips to help you kick off the New Year so that you can be the best you in 2020 and beyond.

Meat alternatives and plant-based options are one of the fastest growing trends in food. From casual dining and fast food restaurants to your neighbourhood grocery store, Americans are seeking out more vegetarian options. Ben Sussna, Head of Marketing at Quorn Foods USA tells me all about a new meatless option being introduced at Hooters restaurants across the U.S.: Unreal Wings made with Quorn!

If you have mixed emotions when it comes to your relationship with money, you're not alone. According to the new Relationship with Money survey conducted by financial services firm Edward Jones, nearly all Americans (92%) feel there's room for improvement when it comes to their financial health. Nela Richardson, Ph.D., Investment Strategist, Equity Research for Edward Jones has information about some of the tools you need for success.

Nearly 6.4 million people in the U.S. live with plaque psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a great deal of discomfort. Dr. April Armstrong, Professor of Dermatology & Associate Dean for Clinical Research joins me to talk about a recent survey by Sun Pharma of people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis revealed that while psoriasis appears on the skin, its overall effect on people can go much deeper having an invisible impact on people's everyday lives.

Taking the SAT can be intimidating for students, but it doesn't have to be. Priscilla Rodriguez, Vice President, College Readiness Assessments, The College Board tells us about the benefits of the taking the SAT and how the test can help students with applying to college.

California's insurers are financing the rebuilding of the state's wildfire-ravaged communities, but some insurers are reducing their exposure to the state's risks after 2017-18's disasters. Michael Barry, Senior Vice President, Head of Media & Public Affairs, Insurance Information Institute talks with me about the affordability and availability of homeowner's insurance in California as well as the trends impacting the state because of its recent wildfires.

Financial literacy is an important and necessary life skill. And my guest today is Dr. Billy Hensley, the president and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education. We're going to talk about the benefits of financial education in high school, and how to make it have the most positive impact.

The 2019-2020 Judicial Hellholes Report shines a light on the year's abuses in the civil justice system and the state legislative bodies. Joining me to discuss which states need the most judicial reform and what can be done to ratify change in the court system, Tiger Joyce, the President of the American Tort Reform Association.

For many, the end of a year ushers in a period of retrospection and reevaluation of life choices made in the previous year which leads to many making New Year's resolutions. However, only 8% of people accomplish those resolutions. Julie Brown - Life Time's Nutrition Coaching Program Manager is encouraging people to make a specific commitment to One Positive Action in 2020.

As people begin shopping for their loved ones this holiday season, there's a new study that reveals that authentic gifts bring the greatest joy and are valued the most. Dr. George Newman is an associate professor of Marketing & Management at the Yale School of Management, and we're going to talk about that study.

One way to make sure you experience the warmth of the season is to slow down and remember to acknowledge all the things and people in your life that make you feel grateful. With tips on how to show your appreciation this holiday season, stand up comedian, Tom Segura.

Did you know some 5 million American households with school-aged children don't have high-speed internet at home, with 96.5 percent of students reporting that they are expected to go online to finish their homework assignments? However, if you don't live in town, you'll find yourself paying more or getting less quality when you sign up for a ground-based internet service. Steven Mesnick, Vice President, Marketing and Pricing, Viasat Inc. has information about how consumers can stay online all the time, through high-quality satellite-based internet that can connect homes even in the hardest-to-reach locations.

Now in its sixteenth year, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign has transformed the holiday season into a time of giving thanks by raising awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude celebrity supporter, and Latin GRAMMY® Award Winning Singer Luis Fonsi and Diana, a St. Jude patient join me to discuss the campaign and what you can do to help!

Millions of women in the U.S. search the internet or flock to their favorite store for the perfect red, lipstick. While their "mainstream" red lipstick may look perfect, they may not realize that perfection comes at a cost to their health; Madame Athena Chang, ASE Beauty Chief Education & Intelligence Officer; International Health and Wellness Expert and I talk about what could be in your lipstick.

Home ownership has long been a part of the American Dream joining me with the results of their 2019 Homebuyer Insights Report, Kathy Cummings, SVP, Homeownership Solutions & Affordable Housing Programs at Bank of America.

IBM announced At the IBM THINK Summit in London that it is set to transform mankind's relationship with the ocean. . .. To cross the Atlantic with an unmanned, autonomous ship will push technology to its limits, like the Mayflower did in 1620. Brett Phaneuf, Managing Director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship has the details.

For more than a decade, the Coors Light Lideres program has recognized and highlighted the achievements of emerging Latino leaders through an online public voting competition, a national campaign, and robust community outreach. My guest is this year's winner, Sandra Raffaelli.

This National Caregivers Month, hear one family's journey from diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy to treatment with a new gene therapy.

In celebration of the National Dog Show and the Thanksgiving holiday, Purina invites dog lovers across the world to recognize the countless roles our dogs play in our lives Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Host Maria Menounos And Her Dog Whinnie are Teaming Up To Encourage Dog Owners To Join #DogThanking Movement, and about The Purple Leash Project, an initiative that raises awareness about the lack of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.

And while there have been many advancements in health care over the years, there has been little innovation in childbirth since the 1980s. But today, we can advance how women recover and manage pain after C-section through the use of effective non-opioid options that can greatly reduce, and sometimes eliminate, the need for opioids to manage pain after surgery. Dr. Elizabeth Cherot is an OB/GYN is my guest.

Frank Scafidi of the National Insurance Crime Bureau has NICB's annual Hot Wheels report, which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States and tips to make sure you are taking the proper measures to protect your vehicle.

Dr. David Aron of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Research & Development joins me to discuss the exciting advances in VA research on the topic of Diabetes and all the new scientific discoveries from within the VA.

Cate Kortzeborn, the Deputy Regional Administrator at The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in San Francisco has information about Medicare Open Enrolment and Medicare's new Plan Finder.

Can't sleep? Dr. Phyllis Zee, the Chief of Sleep Medicine with the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University has the results of a survey recently conducted and presented at the 2019 World Sleep Congress. It's called "How America Sleeps and Wakes."

Before we know it, the winter chill will be here and it's important to know how to tackle those chilly days safely and with ease. With snowfall and rain resulting in black ice, even walking outside can be hazardous. On the road, it's especially dangerous. Kirk Langley regional vice president with Discount Tire covering the Minnesota region tells us why it's important to turn over your all-season tires for winter tires and he has road safety tips to keep you safe.

Pulmonologist and COPD expert with GSK, Dr. Tom Corbridge and Candace Norris, who's living with COPD join me to talk about the importance of having an open conversation with your healthcare provider about COPD symptoms and how a management plan could potentially improve long-term care.

Chef and cookbook author Letícia Moreinos Schwartz is helping those with type 2 diabetes improve their eating habits during American Diabetes Month. She's working with Merck on A Touch of Sugar, it's a documentary narrated by acclaimed actress, Viola Davis that dives into America's type 2 diabetes epidemic and Letícia joins me now to discuss her role in the film and how type 2 diabetes impacts the Hispanic community.

As we approach the end of the year, several forces continue to create caution in global markets. To help us all make sense of some of the issues that could impact the market in 2020 . . . Gene Goldman, Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research for Cetera Investment Management.

Medicare's new Plan Finder makes it easy to review and compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Plan Finder provides a personalized experience to help you learn about different options and select the coverage plan that best meets your needs. My guest is Seema Verma, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Today the food industry is facing many challenges, fraud, contaminations and complex supply chains. Susanne Livingston, director of the IBM Food Trust Network, joins me with information about block chain technology and how it's improving the global food supply and working to ensure your plate is safe from foodborn illnesses.

It's no secret men can be notoriously bad about keeping up regular doctor's visits. This November marks National Men's Health Awareness month, a time of year when Northwestern Medicine encourages men to take charge of their health. Dr. Joshua Halpern, Urologist and assistant professor at Northwestern Medicine is Audrey's guest.

In the aftermath of another Election day, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford is hoping that Americans will pause to remember just who it is that makes it possible to freely choose our elected officials.

It's important people with Medicare understand their coverage options and select the plan that best suits your health needs. This is an important decision for our nation's Veterans, as they have the opportunity to maximize their coverage by electing to enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2020 that will complement any Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits they may have. Ed Sandrick, Director of the Veterans Channel for Humana is my guest.

Did you know that, a Stroke is a "Brain Attack" and can happen to anyone at any age? Dr. Andre Fredieu, medical director, Oklahoma Stroke & Neurological Institute, Hillcrest Medical Center joins me to talk about the signs of a stroke and what you should do if someone you know experiences a sudden onset of symptoms.

Marissa Price, senior strategist for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) joins Audrey to talk about why they feel it's important to discuss the effects that animal agriculture has on our environment and how the leather industry is contributing to world-wide climate change.

Approximately 30 percent of women diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer will eventually develop a form of the disease for which there is no cure – metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Dennis Slamon, Director of Clinical/Translational Research of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA and Jamil Rivers, a metastatic breast cancer patient have information about the latest clinical trial data and what it could mean for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, you only have until the end of Open Enrolment, December 7, 2019 to make changes to your 2020 plan. We talked with Ray Hurd, Regional Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and he'll talk about everything we need to know about the Medicare Open Enrolment period.

As a busy pet parent, it's important to check in with our pets regularly to ensure they stay happy and healthy. When it comes to helping Fido enjoy life to the fullest, there are some things to keep in mind. My guest is veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Lippman has tips to help us keep our furry friends safe as the cooler weather approaches.