What Will Medicine Look Like in 10 Years? You Need to Know!

Medicine is Changing -- Will it Work FOR You or Against You?

Evolving medicine means that we are learning new things and using new techniques constantly. How do you expect to stay at the forefront of your own health?

The Evolution of Medicine Summit will shine a light on the work of more than 30 innovators leading these changes, to set a vision for a more empowered, proactive and patients-value focused healthcare system.

Whether you're a health or wellness coach like me, or just someone who wants to be healthier, The Evolution of Medicine Summit will show you the future of healthcare. Plus, it's ONLINE and FREE from September 8-15, 2014.

Here are a few of the incredible presenters: 

• Deepak Chopra, MD, Best Selling Author; Ayurvedic and Mind/Body Medicine 
• Mark Hyman, MD, Multiple Best Selling Author, Chairman of IFM 
• "Food Babe" aka Vani Hari, Activist Blogger; Digital Innovator 
• Joe Cross aka "Joe The Juicer" 
• Larry Palevsky, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician

Navigate your way through the overwhelming amount of health information to elevate yourself and your family towards optimum health.

Come listen to The Evolution of Medicine Summit ONLINE for FREE from September 8-15, 2014. Be a force of change for the future of health and medicine! Register TODAY! 

Tweet me your thoughts and reactions to the sessions and use the #EvoMed hashtag to join the discussion.

Coordinating Care at Merck Social Health Hackathon

Here are the ideas from today's Merck Social Health Hackathon! We're creating 1-Health an app to coordinate care for caregivers. Our logo is

The Problem: 
Today, there is no dedicated platform among allied health professionals and doctors who are treating patients with chronic conditions, nor between caregivers (e.g., parents caring for children with special needs or adults caring for aging parents. As a result, patients receives treatment and other providers don't know what has occurred. Caregivers don't always understand medical terminology or protocols to help their loved ones adhere to treatment plans.

Our Value Proposition:
1-Health app will create enhanced communication between medical providers and allied health professionals to promote holistic health and improved adherence to treatment plans.

This is our team: Wendy, Lulu, and me! Looking forward to presenting our idea in a couple of hours.

1-Health team hard at work!

I Traveled 8 Hours to Give a 5-Minute Talk About My Fitbit

Data Makes a Difference was the tagline for the Strata Rx 2013 conference on using "Big Data" to drive innovation in Healthcare.  In my opinion, so does community ... and, of course, so do we as empowered patients ... make a difference, that is. This was an underlying theme for my #Ignite talk last week -- Fitbit: You Had Me at Smooches!

This is me speaking below. You can hardly tell that I had just traveled 8 hours to get to Boston ... from New York! I was so fortunate that the Amtrak train delay/power failure en route didn't cause me to miss my 5-minute appearance.



For those not already familiar with #Ignite talks, the format is you have only 20 slides and 5 minutes to tell your story. Even more fun for presenters is that your slides are automatically advanced every 15 seconds!

I've previously shared my journey to becoming an "urban datasexual" who has become part of the Quantified Self community by tracking my steps (and often my sleep) using my Fitbit. In fact, my June blog article was the basis for my #Ignite talk -- given the first time in Denver at the Healthcare Unbound conference (July), and last week at Strata Rx.

What's changed since July is that I'm now in Week 8 of my Couch-to-5K training, sustaining runs of at least 25 minutes long. As a result, my distance/steps have increased to an average of about 7,000 steps per run. My personal best day is 14,123 steps and 6.65 miles in one day in August. I've noticed that my motivation to run is also changing.

I'm still motivated by the personal challenge of running; yet, I'm also inspired by the "likes" I get on my Facebook page whenever I post my latest accomplishment. That's why I believe that community makes a difference in health care and our overall well-being. I heard that sentiment echoed in many of the Strata Rx presentations -- that our social connections impact our decisions and health behaviors. Observing our friends and family making positive health choices can lead us to do the same. And, of course, the opposite is true -- we're, perhaps, even more strongly influenced when we observe others making unhealthy choices.

I'll share the link to a video of my talk as soon as it's available. In the meantime, I'm curious about what makes a difference for your health? Do you have a "health posse"? What health behaviors are you looking to increase (or decrease)?

Could an Empowered Patient Environment be the Catalyst for Women Healthcare Leaders to Thrive?

In today's Health 2.0, the patient is empowered. It's the patient's right to be kept abreast of what's happening with their health, so they can make informed choices about their health care. And, still, we've read and heard about too many instances when patients' concerns, interests, needs, and priorities have been minimized by a healthcare system that often values efficiency over empathy.

According to a Harvard Business Review report Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers, "... women’s leadership potential sometimes shows in less conventional ways—being responsive to clients’ needs, for example, rather than boldly asserting a point of view—and sometimes it takes powerful women to recognize that potential. But powerful women are scarce." Or are they?

This statement caused me to wonder: Could an empowered patient environment be a catalyst for women physicians and other female health practitioners to thrive?

There is data to support a difference in leadership abilities and traits between men and women. According to a 2011 survey of more than 7,000 leaders by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, women were voted to outrank men in 12 of 16 top leadership competencies.

These top leadership competencies include the ability to:

• Display high integrity and honesty
• Inspire and motivates others
• Build relationships

I've teased out these three competencies in particular as they correlate well not only with creating an empowering environment for their fellow colleagues, but also one for their patients. Equally important are other competencies in which women were viewed to excel in this survey, which one may argue could help to change the landscape of the healthcare system on a broader level, including the ability to:

• Take initiative
• Develop others
• Drive for results
• Champion change

Sounds great? Perhaps ... until we explore deeper to uncover the one competency in which women were ranked to excel less than men: the ability to develop a strategic perspective. Why were women perceived to be less strategic?

Is it a result of long-held stereotypes? Is it because of a lack of women in top leadership positions? Or, perhaps, both of these factors have led to a phenomenon called second-generation gender bias? As suggested by Herminia Ibarra, Robin Ely, and Deborah Kolb: "This bias erects powerful but subtle and often invisible barriers for women that arise from cultural assumptions and organizational structures, practices, and patterns of interaction that inadvertently benefit men while putting women at a disadvantage."

Is there a second-generation bias in healthcare? To answer that question, I suggest we explore the proposed criteria and any data that may support or disprove this assertion. Some of the data can be found in the 2013 XX in Health report: The State of Women in Healthcare.

• A paucity of role models for women

While 78% of the healthcare industry are women and 70% are administrators, only 19% are hospital CEOs -- and there are NO women CEOs that lead Fortune 500 healthcare companies

• Gendered career paths and gendered work

In addition to the above, women are not represented well at the board level -- where they would have more opportunity to make strategic decisions about the direction of their organizations and the industry at-large

• Women's lack of access to networks and sponsors

Many women are not perceiving the healthcare workplace to be supportive of their career goals -- 39% reported leaving their previous employers because of the company culture.

• "Double binds" 

Ibarra, Ely, and Kolb describe this concept as: "The mismatch between conventionally feminine qualities and the qualities thought necessary for leadership puts female leaders in a double bind." Perhaps this explains the low ranking for strategic abilities in the Zenger-Folkman study.

So, what do you think -- is there second-generation bias in healthcare? If, so will it impact women healthcare leaders ability to thrive and succeed?

I've written this article in recognition of XX in Health Week, to explore the issue of gender diversity in health leadership. I welcome your thoughts and reactions to this information as well as what you see happening in your organization. I'd encourage you to continue the dialogue here -- and to participate in (or initiate) discussions about this gender diversity in your city and community.

Why I'm Focusing on Your Health & Wellness

As I prepare to attend the Health Datapalooza conference in DC, the fourth annual national conference designed to liberate health data. The conference is a forum that features the newest and most innovative and effective uses of health data by companies, start-ups, academics, government agencies and individuals. (their words)

My registration has been gifted since I applied to be part of the consortium’s Consumer & Patient Circle. I shared in my application what I've been working on and how participating could benefit my target audience. I thought it would be appropriate to share with you more context for my application and my commitment to wellness services. You can view this as a manifesto of sorts -- revealing my intentions and vision for where I'd like to see my business to head.

The "Magic Bullet"
I've mentioned before that in 2006, I went to the doctor for a routine check-up while experiencing chronic indigestion and stomach pains. At the time, all other tests were "normal." The doctor gave me a Rx for over-the-counter acid re-flux medication. When I asked him how long I'd need to take it, he said: "We'll see." I felt I was too young for a pill/day for the rest of my life for a non-life-threatening condition.

Soon after, I got word of a certification program in Coping with Work & Family Stress TM at Yale University School of Medicine. I signed up not because of my condition, but because I thought it would be a good addition to my business toolbox. It hadn't been a great year, and I was looking for the "magic bullet" that would reinvigorate my business.

It's so ironic to me now that I hadn't even considered the connection between the stress of running my relatively new business and my own condition. Little did I know that the "magic bullet" was really about improving my own health and well-being so I could help others do the same.

My A-HA! Moment
My A-HA! moment came as I didn't bring enough of the Rx with me for my weekend stay after my certification program, and I ended up going off the medication accidentally (although we know in life there are no real accidents).

I'd spent time in the course learning more about the link between our thoughts and perceptions of our life/situation and our physical and emotional responses -- and finally it hit me: maybe there's some connection between my anxiety/worries and my condition ... I know, DUH! :-)

That was the beginning of my mind-body-spirit odyssey that's taken me from stress management certification, to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping) training, and now to Ayurveda nutrition/science with Zrii.

My Commitment
Being human, I still have my missteps and uncover new revelations about my own mind-body-spirit alignment.

And that makes me even more committed to help others like you achieve your BEST health and manifest your BIGGEST dreams.

The path is sometimes blurry and unclear. Yet, I know I must continue to learn how to let go more quickly, wait more patiently, trust more deeply, and believe in our collective journey -- which will lead us all to:

• Better health (eliminate diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc.)
• Better relationships (reduce anger to eliminate mis-communication and violence)
• More peace -- inner (from reduced stress, anxiety) and outer (from reduced violence)

Will you join me? 

Share Knowledge. Take Action. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2013

Did you know:

• Women make up 24 percent of HIV diagnoses among adults and adolescents in the United States.
• At some point in her lifetime, 1 in every 32 black women and 1 in every 106 Latina women will be diagnosed with HIV.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health will sponsor the eighth annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10, 2013. This year, participants are invited to Share Knowledge. Take Action.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day seeks to galvanize the women, public health advocates, and communities fighting this disease. Although the observance is March 10, the Office on Women’s Health encourages organizations to hold events and activities throughout the month of March. 

Getting involved is easy. On March 10 and throughout the month you can:

Take Action

• Get tested for HIV by visiting a local event.
• Invite a friend to attend an event with you.
• Contact your local government and ask them to sign a proclamation to declare National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day an official day in your community.

Share Knowledge

• Send an e-card to family, friends, and coworkers to encourage them to get involved and get tested.
• Update your Facebook profile and your Twitter account with the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Facebook cover photo and Twibbon.
• Post some of the suggested Tweets or Facebook posts using the #NWGHAAD hashtag.

By participating in National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, you will unite with others in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Feel free to share what you're up to here in the comments or tweet me on Twitter.

Stress & Diabetes: Learn About the Risks on November 14

Did you know that the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol can cause a build-up in the blood stream of people with diabetes?

Stress has been proven to play a significant role in many health concerns – from asthma to migraines, cancer to heart disease, and now diabetes. And, believe it or not, the way you think about your life affects your stress level – and therefore your health.

Join me on Wednesday, November 14 -- which also happens to be World Diabetes Day for my upcoming talk on Chronic Stress: The Hidden Health Risks & How To Reduce Them.

I will be discussing how to recognize your stress triggers, and to include simple stress reduction habits (like meditation and affirmations) into your daily routine so you can be more resilient, and live a healthier life with less tension and anxiety. For example, it has been shown that simple stress management techniques can have a significant impact on blood glucose control for people with Type 2 diabetes.

My talk is part of the ongoing Masters of Health & Wellness Speaker Series in the tri-state area sponsored by Turtle Shell Health, designed to explore important matters concerning today’s preventive health movement. It will be set in the beautiful state-of-the-art Farber Center for Radiation Oncology, founded by Dr. Leonard Farber to provide cancer patients with a warm alternative to the sterile and often daunting hospital environment without compromising quality of medical care.

Also speaking will be culinary nutrition pioneer, Stefanie Sacks MS, CNS, CDN on The Role of Food in Preventing Illness & Restoring Health.

Proceeds from this event will benefit The Seeds of Care Foundation, founded by The Farber Center, which provides local support services for cancer patients during and after treatment including professional nutritional counseling, classes, transportation, language assistance, educational workshops as well as financial support for integrative therapies, palliative and end of life care.

If you will be in the New York City area on Wednesday, November 14, join us for this empowering event to celebrate World Diabetes Day. You can purchase tickets online HERE and/or reserve your spot to pay at the door. Don't wait -- claim your spot today!

Be Mindful to Beat Your Stress

Have you been wondering how to manage your stress and anxiety in today's fast-paced world, where it seems there aren't enough hours to get everything done? Or, how to balance multiple roles and responsibilities while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Good news! You CAN incorporate healthy habits into your routine to achieve a healthy mind and well-being! Your thoughts are just that ... thoughts -- they don't have to control you.

Don't let the dark clouds of avoidance, anxiety, procrastination, or worry overshadow you today. Tune in for easy, practical stress-busting techniques you can use right away from my recent appearance on Turtle Shell Health Radio.

Plus, you'll learn why I've personally decided to help people like you to better manage your stress -- particularly those of you who are coping with or are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. This keeps me passionate about sharing relevant tips and to exploring new ways we can track, monitor, and manage our stress for better overall health ... maybe an app for that??

Listen to the recording in the widget below, and let me know what ideas were most helpful for you. Feel free to share your comments and stress-related questions here, or tweet me so we can keep the conversation going!

Listen to internet radio with Turtle Shell Health on Blog Talk Radio

How Can Brooklyn Drive Down Diabetes?

Did you know that in 2007-2009, that Brooklyn had an adult obesity rate of 25% and a diagnosed diabetes rate of 10.2%? [NYC DOHMH Community Health Survey]

Well, the folks who are part of the Brooklyn Partnership to Drive Down Diabetes (BP3D) do and they are determined to achieve lasting health policy and environmental changes over the next two years. BP3D is a collaboration between CAMBA, the Greater Brooklyn Health Coalition and is guided by a coalition of over 40 public and private stakeholders. They took on a social marketing campaign last year to promote healthy eating on the community level: Our Health is in Our Hands.

I attended a strategic plan meeting yesterday at Brooklyn College, and learned more about BP3D's 5 Strategic Goals to help Brooklynites gain more access to healthy food options and safe places to exercise so we can more effectively manage our weight and prevent/reduce diabetes. The goals are to:

1. Address linguistic and cultural/ethnic barriers to healthcare
2. Build partnerships and coordinate among service providers and health promotion programs
3. Increase knowledge of and access to healthy options
4. Build capacity of faith-based and community centers to address health needs
5. Create sustainability of BP3D and partner programs

I was honored to be able to share the findings from our workgroup, after an hour-long brainstorming session to determine our Top 3 Recommended Action Items to Achieve BP3D Goal 3:

• Change and enforce school food and physical activity policies -- ensure that this includes parent education and awareness; stimulate connections between students and local community gardens; ensure school water fountains work; create age-appropriate nutrition and health awareness curriculum that demonstrates connection between physical activity and academic performance
• Expand existing city initiatives, e.g., healthy bodegas and play streets -- ensure that this includes social media strategies to increase awareness and strengthen connections; maintain cultural sensitivity
• Establish and expand workplace wellness programs -- ensure that this includes healthy eating options in worksite cafeterias; create company health fairs and employee health competitions; facilitate public/private partnerships to link business owners with nutrition and health awareness resources

As a Brooklyn resident and entrepreneur, I'm excited to be part of this endeavor, and look forward to sharing more about our efforts going forward. Share your thoughts and comments here on the blog, or tweet me using the #BP3D hashtag.

Get Beach Ready & Support Wellness In The Schools - May 24

Did you know that:

• Nearly 75% of NYC adults report no regular physical activity and 9 out of 10 don't eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables?
• More than 20% of students in NYC public schools would be considered obese?
• At least 40% of all cancer is diet related?

The GOOD news is that YOU have the power to change your habits and develop a healthy lifestyle!

Are you ready for summer? It's right around the corner! If you're in the New York City area, come check in with our wellness experts on Tuesday, May 24 from 6-9 pm to make sure you're on your way to a fantastic, glowing, healthy YOU this summer!

You can Spring into Summer Wellness, and participate in our RAFFLE to support our charity partner, Wellness in the Schools (WITS).

 Wellness In The Schools inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for kids in New York City's public schools. Through public/private partnerships with school leaders, teachers, chefs, coaches, and parents, WITS creates hands-on programs such as:

• Cook for Kids -- healthy meals prepared from scratch plus education for kids and parents about the benefits of eating whole, unprocessed foods
• Green for Kids -- introduces bio-based, effective cleaning products that are not harmful to kids or the environment
• Coach for Kids --  trained coaches work with kids in the recess yards of NYC public schools to encourage fun, physical activity and help combat bullying

So, for only $10, you'll have the chance at winning one of our great prizes (including a Spring into Summer Wellness Package) AND support the healthy development of New York City public school students!!

SPRING INTO SUMMER WELLNESS! | CONNECT-EMPOWER-SHINE ON MAY 24TH!

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My NEW NYU Faculty ID

I was pleasantly surprised today when I peeked at the photo on my new NYU ID and it didn't look like I'd just walked 15 blocks in 80+degree weather. Why did I walk so far to get a new NYU ID? Well, I've recently joined the adjunct faculty at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service to teach a course on Managing Diversity this Fall!

The course, Managing Diversity - An Evidence-Based Approach will help build students' skills in diversity management and cultural competency. In this semester, the primary audience will be nurse leaders enrolled in the MS in Management program; although the course is open to other health policy students at Wagner as well. Specific topics will include: Strengthening Workforce Diversity; Expanding Diversity of Leadership Teams; and Culturally Proficient Healthcare.

I'll be facilitating classroom sessions with Tim Mulvaney, President of The Mulvaney Group, Inc. It will be cool to collaborate with him again, as we did for a few podcasts and his Courageous Conversations program.

I'm really excited to return to my alma mater in a teaching capacity! We've posted our syllabus online (access via my profile) and created our Blackboard page with the initial assignments. I'm looking forward meeting my students. Will keep you posted on how it goes and what compelling issues are surfaced.