People have this misguided idea that giving everyone access to health care is more costly than the way we do it now in our Profit-First system. And those people are wrong. Just like they are wrong about immigrants being such a drain on the health care system in the U.S. The drain is the profit-takers who have to make insanely huge amounts of money off the misery of others.

For me, the “immorals” (the true criminals who make money performing procedures and tests not needed just to make profits and then deny needed care to others because they cannot afford to pay) in our health care system cost us far more than those known as “illegals” (any person without full, legal immigration status). The killers and the thieves are not the immigrants.

Immigrants actually subsidize care for native-born Americans, says one of the authors of a ground-breaking study on the issue. Won’t that just chap some serious hide among those who want to keep the fairy tale alive about how we cannot possibly stop killing people and driving them into bankruptcy in our market based system because we might have to cover those, well…those “illegal” people?

Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) sent out this press release:

***Immigrants heavily subsidize Medicare’s Trust Fund: Health Affairs study***

Harvard Medical School and Hunter College School of Public Health researchers find immigrants generated surplus contributions of $115.2 billion in 2002-2009, $13.8 billion in 2009

Immigrants, particularly noncitizens, pay billions more into Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund than they withdraw in health benefits each year, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School and Hunter College School of Public Health. The study is being released as a Web First by Health Affairs, and will also appear in the journal’s June issue.

In 2009 alone, immigrants paid $33.1 billion into the Trust Fund but used only $19.3 billion in health care paid for by the Trust Fund, yielding a surplus of $13.8 billion. About three-quarters of this surplus, $10.1 billion, came from noncitizens. The article concludes that reducing immigration would worsen Medicare’s financial health.

Payroll taxes are the major source of revenues for the Trust Fund, which mostly pays hospital bills. The overwhelming majority of immigrants are working age, have high rates of labor force participation, and hence pay substantial payroll taxes. Moreover, even undocumented immigrants often pay these taxes, usually under a borrowed or false Social Security number.

Trust Fund outlays for immigrants are low for several reasons. Few are elderly. Moreover, even some elderly immigrants are ineligible for Medicare because they have not worked the required 40 quarters in the U.S. under a valid Social Security number, lack legal status, or, if legal residents, do not meet the five-year (legal) residency requirement. Even among eligible immigrants, some may not use Medicare because they retire to their country of origin. Those who do enroll in Medicare use relatively little care, which probably reflects problems in access to care.

The study authors examined Trust Fund contributions and expenditures for each year between 2002 and 2009. They analyzed data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey to determine tax contributions, and used the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine medical expenses.

They found that immigrants contributed a surplus of between $11.1 billion and $17.2 billion per year, or a total of $115.2 billion dollars from 2002-2009. During the same years, U.S.-born persons generated a net deficit of $28.1 billion. In 2009 immigrants provided an average per capita surplus of $368, while native-born Americans generated a per capita deficit of $113. Noncitizen immigrants contributed a net subsidy of $466 per person.

“For years I have seen my immigrant patients be blamed for driving up health care costs,” said lead author Dr. Leah Zallman, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and staff physician at Cambridge Health Alliance, “and yet few acknowledge their contributions. Our study demonstrates that in one large sector of the U.S. health care economy, immigrants actually subsidize the care of native-born Americans.”

“The numbers completely contradict the widely held misperception that immigrants are a drain on the health system,” said Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, professor at Hunter College School of Public Health, visiting professor of medicine at Harvard, and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program. “Reducing immigration would worsen Medicare’s financial woes.”

Today’s count:
The 2013, to date:
U.S. medical-financial-industrial -complex system dead: 19,198
U.S. health care system bankrupt: 308,578

The topics for discussion on every many news programs and across the web seem to be largely concentrating on the genetic testing that can now be done to watch for the mutations that may signal impending cancer and on the benefits and risks of taking the route that superstar Jolie and other prominent women have taken.  Across the globe, the news of this piece has opened discussion, like in this piece in The Guardian.  That opening of dialogue is a good thing.

But what of the women like me who do not have insurance or enough money to take the brave actions Angelina took?  Are we less brave?  We are certainly less valuable in a world that would see any celebrity’s body and breasts as more worthy of attention on a daily basis much less when one of those famous souls must endure some bodily alteration through illness or by choice.  I don’t argue that point here.  Angelina is a gorgeous woman and one whose talents have provided her the ability to make health choices many of the rest of the women on this earth may not make.

As a two-time cancer survivor and a woman whose father died from pancreatic cancer and whose mother has already had three rounds of breast cancer, I was once asked by my oncologist if I wanted to have some genetic counseling surrounding my cancer risks.  I said no.  I said no for a couple of reasons.  First, it seemed clear to me that my family history combined with my own cancer history already told me that I was predisposed to cancer.  No news there for me.  But secondly, even if the insurance I had at the time would have paid for the testing, I surely would have been even more labeled for the future as someone that no one wanted to insure.

Now, as I face my late 50s without any health insurance unless, and until, I can access it again through my employment, or with the new health exchanges when they open, or hold out until I reach Medicare age, there’s no way for me to take any brave or bold stance like Angelina.  I will have to be brave in prayer.  I will have to be brave in trying to mitigate the potential cancer-causing environmental and lifestyle choices that I can.  I will have to be brave in moving on with my life and trying not to wonder if each and every symptom I feel or sense is the beginning of the next cancer battle for me or the end of my life.

If we in the United States truly valued health care as a human right, and began showing it by adopting an improved and expanded “Medicare for All” system, at least I would know that if I developed another cancer I could access care just like anyone else would.  No doubt the debate about genetic testing for cancer patients and what people may wish to do in response to test results will continue.  What I hope may also open up is the honest discussion about how far the Affordable Care Act and its mandates to purchase health insurance may leave us from the day when every woman’s breasts are considered as worthy of the medical attention and care as any Hollywood superstar’s.

If you’d like to follow my daily blog posts: http://donnasicko.blogspot.com/

Listen to our guest this week RN Jeff Breslin of the Michigan Nurses Association on The Safe Patient Care Act “Every Michigan resident deserves to receive safe care at every hospital, every time. Michigan’s nurses are simply asking for our leaders’ support to make that happen.” Jeff will talk with us about this important initiative that is sweeping the country.

Donna Smith and friends from NNU on last summer’s Medicare for All bus tour.

And later, a fierce leader, and one of our favorite guests, Healthcare and Human Rights Advocate Donna Smith, will join us. As some of you know, Donna has been leading the charge for the past 8 years for a universal healthcare system in our country. Donna was featured in Michael Moore’s film “Sicko.” For the past 5 years she worked as the Legislative Coordinator for National Nurses United. She is now the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado. We’ll talk with Donna about all things healthcare, a little politics, the effects of the sequester – particularly the ones you don’t hear about — and more. For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado, visit healthcareforallcolorado.org.

And don’t forget, our resident health and fitness expert Joanie Greggains with another edition of “Fit Happens.” We’ll also tend to email questions and a few “off-the-grid” jokes that only nurses can tell and insist they aren’t going to be bleeped!

Who didn’t love the amazing Jonathan Winters? He was the master of improvisational comedy.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, Casey and Shayne found some interesting gestures of generosity toward those in their profession. One in particular stood out:

It happened in Kearney, Nebraska. A beauty salon (that shall remain nameless) gave nurses free makeovers if they showed up in their scrubs!  Just what you want to do? Lets see…

“Hey Mary, my 12 hour shift is over and I heard X salon was giving nurses FREE makeovers. I think I’ll just swing by and get one.”

“Don’t forget to wear those dirty bloody scrubs you have on or they won’t give it to you!”

As they say, it’s really the thought that counts…

Donna Smith and friends from National Nurses United on last summer’s Medicare for All bus tour.

Listen to our guest this week RN Jeff Breslin of the Michigan Nurses Association on The Safe Patient Care Act. “Every Michigan resident deserves to receive safe care at every hospital, every time. Michigan’s nurses are simply asking for our leaders’ support to make that happen.” Jeff will talk with us about this important initiative that is sweeping the country.

And later, a fierce leader, and one of our favorite guests, Healthcare and Human Rights Advocate Donna Smith, will join us. As some of you know, Donna has been leading the charge for the past 8 years for a universal healthcare system in our country. Donna was featured in Michael Moore’s film “Sicko.” For the past 5 years she worked as the Legislative Coordinator for National Nurses United. She is now the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado. We’ll talk with Donna about all things healthcare, a little politics, the effects of the sequester – particularly the ones you don’t hear about — and more. For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado, visit healthcareforallcolorado.org.

And don’t forget, our resident health and fitness expert Joanie Greggains with another edition of “Fit Happens.” We’ll also tend to email questions and a few “off-the-grid” jokes that only nurses can tell and insist they aren’t going to be bleeped!

Don’t forget to check out Corine Mogenis and Patti Raya with this week’s “Medical Tips from the Inside“ on the Nurse Talk blog. And speaking of the blog, there are some great stories…Get-your-Kleenex kinds of stories that are courageous and inspiring.

Listen up nurses, if you’ve been thinking about getting your Master of Science in Nursing but just keep putting it off because you don’t have the money or the time, think again. Join our co-host RN Shayne Mason and our friends at University of San Francisco Online MSN Program for a free webinar about one of the best online programs available. We’ll be sending you an invitation to join Shayne on May 28th.

Listen to Nurse Talk on Progressive Voices with the TuneIn app, the iHeartRadio app, and iTunes as well as Nursetalksite.com, our flagship station, KNEW 960AM, San Francisco Castle Rock Radio, WHAN 1430AM/102.9 FM in Ashland, Hanover, & Richmond, Virginia and anywhere in between.

It wasn’t until several years into my previous, really good, job that a colleague pushed me to sign my husband up for his supplemental coverage through my employer-based plan. I had tried in the past, but somehow the paperwork never quite went through the HR department, and we had spent more than $300/month for four years on that coverage. That was more than $10,000 out of our pockets that might have been avoided, but no one ever rushed to cover my hubby and his health issues.

Then there is me. Being able to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange/marketplace will not change this scenario up much as premiums for people like me – over 55 and a two time cancer survivor – will be anything but affordable. Sure, insurance companies will be forced to write a policy for me, but they’ll also be able to charge me a huge amount – likely more than the $803 my health benefits under COBRA will cost now. And that cost is without dental or vision coverage. To add those features would push my costs to nearly $1,000/month in premiums. Add my husband? Now we’re talking almost $2,000/month for both of us even though Medicare remains his primary coverage.

So, you may ask, why would you opt to be in this situation knowing what our broken system does to heart patients and cancer survivors? Why not just stay in that good job with solid health benefits – at least for one of us? Well, that’s where life and love and being human enters the not so human or life-affirming medical-financial-industrial complex, as I call it, in America.

Last year as I looked cancer in the eye for the second time around, I was physically, mentally and emotionally spent. Working at the capacity required to keep my really good job became so difficult. One of the days when I was in the oncology infusion center with a laptop balanced in one corner of the recliner and my Blackberry working on the other side, and a nurse encouraged me to at least straighten out my arm so the meds could drip properly, I was taken aback by my own situation as a glanced at others in the room. I was alone with my work-related electronics and my fear. We lived thousands of miles from family, and my husband doesn’t do well being the calm, supportive sort at the bedside. There I was with my laptop (wireless available, of course) and my Blackberry and my terror. Other patients had books, fuzzy blankets, slippers, and friends or family along.

My terror was not about the cancer issues or the drip of the meds. My terror was that if I didn’t work hard enough, fast enough and without interruption, I would inevitably lose that good job to someone who would work harder and faster and never give in to such things as cancer or illness. Signals over the months from my employer had been mixed. Some folks were lovely, while other signals were ominous. The fear and worry were adding to my physical issues.

I made my decision that I would revamp my work life to make sure that when the next health crisis comes – and it will, as I am human and my husband is too – I will not be alone or terrified about my job. I made the decision to trade one constant terror for what seemed and seems to me to be a lessor one. But making that decision meant upheaval that we are yet unraveling.

My new job is wonderful in that I do not feel so terrified all the time about losing my job if I get sick or hurt to someone who is younger, healthier and stronger. Now I head up a small, non-profit fighting to advance a health care system in Colorado that would end the kind of situations I face today – and millions of other Americans face regularly.

Medicare for all for life is the only way to go to end the cycle of abuse. I could not end the cycle by sitting smack dab in the middle of it. I was too weak in that position. And I will fight on to make sure my kids and my grandkids don’t spend some of their most productive years dancing the endless dance of profit and pain that our current health care system glorifies. Will you join me? Will you join Health Care for All Coloradotoday as a member or find another way to work to change this mess? Your life – and mine – depends on it.

Donna Smith last summer with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

This week one of our good friends returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. None other than Donna Smith is with. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

And—it’s time to get HIP about the issue of “low bone density.” That’s right it’s time to talk about your “bones.” And no one is more qualified than Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck. He is an author, lecturer and osteoporosis educator.

Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck

Dr. Howayeck is an author of books on self-care, including Bone Health Made Easy.. Here’s a jaw dropper–”If you break a hip and you are over 50, 1/4 will die in the first 12 months primarily from that injury!” Not good! Only three in ten osteoporosis sufferers actually know they have this “silent killer” affliction. For great information from Dr. Howayeck check out bonehealthmadeeasy.webs.com.

And from our Scrubs Magazine Top Ten , Interesting Hospital Fashion Moments: top of scrub pants rolled down complete with pink thong and muffin top hanging out…give me a break! Unroll the tops…it’s a hospital, not a nightclub!

Donna Smith last summer with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

This week one of our good friends returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. None other than Donna Smith is with. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

Get iTriage on your smart phone or tablet. Check out the symptom checker on at http://nursetalksite.com/itriage

Coming up next week, if you haven’t found this great app called iTriage, look no further than the Nurse Talk website—in fact here’s the direct link http://nursetalksite.com/itriage/.

iTriage is an amazing resource for everyone. For example: have a symptom? Go to the iTriage symptom checker. Need information about a disease? You’ll find complete clinical descriptions from A-Z. Is your medical issue an emergency or do you need to find a clinic or hospital near you? Yip, you guessed it; a complete directory of everything in your area including WAIT times. It’s incredible and we use it all the time. You should too, its free and it works. Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Wayne Guerra joins us for a conversation on this revolutionary tool.

Donna Smith with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

Our good friend Donna Smith returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

And—it’s time to get HIP about the issue of “low bone density.” That’s right it’s time to talk about your “bones.” And no one is more qualified than Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck. He is an author, lecturer and osteoporosis educator.

Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck

Dr. Howayeck is an author of books on self-care, including Bone Health Made Easy… Here’s a jaw dropper–”If you break a hip and you are over 50, 1/4 will die in the first 12 months primarily from that injury!” Not good! Only three in ten osteoporosis sufferers actually know they have this “silent killer” affliction. For great information from Dr. Howayeck check out bonehealthmadeeasy.webs.com.

And from our Scrubs Magazine Top Ten , Interesting Hospital Fashion Moments: top of scrub pants rolled down complete with pink thong and muffin top hanging out…give me a break! Unroll the tops…it’s a hospital, not a nightclub!

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturday at 11 am in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out our favorite apps featuring Nurse Talk for custom radio on your listening devices: Progressive Voices, TuneIn and iHeartRadio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

Donna Smith last summer with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

This week one of our good friends returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. None other than Donna Smith is with. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

Donna Smith last summer with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

This week one of our good friends returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. None other than Donna Smith is with. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

And—it’s time to get HIP about the issue of “low bone density.” That’s right it’s time to talk about your “bones.” And no one is more qualified than Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck. He is an author, lecturer and osteoporosis educator.

Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck

Dr. Howayeck is an author of books on self-care, including Bone Health Made Easy.. Here’s a jaw dropper–”If you break a hip and you are over 50, 1/4 will die in the first 12 months primarily from that injury!” Not good! Only three in ten osteoporosis sufferers actually know they have this “silent killer” affliction. For great information from Dr. Howayeck check out bonehealthmadeeasy.webs.com.

And from our Scrubs Magazine Top Ten , Interesting Hospital Fashion Moments: top of scrub pants rolled down complete with pink thong and muffin top hanging out…give me a break! Unroll the tops…it’s a hospital, not a nightclub!

This week Shayne goes home to Oklahoma! Well at least on the radio—as we give a big warm welcome to our new affiliate 1610 AM The LaZer, America’s progressive station in Cowlington, Oklahoma. Greetings and thanks for letting us into your great state.

Shayne: “Well, Casey I am just wondering if anyone else is as confused and tired of the drama that continues to play out in our nation’s capitol? First it was the “debt ceiling,” then it was the “fiscal cliff,” now it’s the 4-door Ford “Sequester.” Have we always had these themed dramas? Lord, I even found instructions on the Internet on what to do if the “fiscal cliff” happens. Check this out:

First, relax! Then call your representative in Congress. Then turn off the TV. Postpone spending. Get some cash ready.

Why didn’t I think of that?”

Donna Smith last summer with National Nurses United’s Medicare for All bus tour.

This week one of our good friends returns to Nurse Talk to talk about her new project, Healthcare for All Colorado. None other than Donna Smith is with. Donna as most of our listeners know, worked for five years as National Nurses United Legislative Advocate based in D.C. She just returned to her home state of Colorado and now serves as the Executive Director of Healthcare for All Colorado.

Having (successfully) gone through two bouts of cancer, Donna has great advice on how to make your insurance company accountable–at least to some degree. In her new role she will do what she has done for many years, advocate and educate people about what can be done to access healthcare and to eventually change the current system to a nationwide universal healthcare system.

For more information about Healthcare for All Colorado and National Nurses United visit: healthcareforallcolorado.org and nationalnursesunited.org.

And—it’s time to get HIP about the issue of “low bone density.” That’s right it’s time to talk about your “bones.” And no one is more qualified than Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck. He is an author, lecturer and osteoporosis educator.

Dr. Kenneth C. Howayeck

Dr. Howayeck is an author of books on self-care, including Bone Health Made Easy.. Here’s a jaw dropper–”If you break a hip and you are over 50, 1/4 will die in the first 12 months primarily from that injury!” Not good! Only three in ten osteoporosis sufferers actually know they have this “silent killer” affliction. For great information from Dr. Howayeck check out bonehealthmadeeasy.webs.com.

And from our Scrubs Magazine Top Ten , Interesting Hospital Fashion Moments: top of scrub pants rolled down complete with pink thong and muffin top hanging out…give me a break! Unroll the tops…it’s a hospital, not a nightclub!

Last but not least-we want to give a big shout out to all of you who are listening to Nurse Talk on Progressive Voices, on the Tune In app, live streaming from the San Francisco Bay Area’s KNEW 960 AM, the iHeart Radio app, iTunes, Nursetalksite.com and everywhere in between.

Also with us is Transcendental Meditation instructor, Marjie Biller to talk about how TM can help nurses and healthcare practitioners to prevent and reverse burn out.

Marjie Biller

TM instructor Marjie Biller joins us to talk about the practice and a program specifically created for nurses and healthcare practitioners.”

Check out this recent article about the benefits of TM from Medical News Today: “TM should be part of government-funded health programs—From high stress levels to cardiovascular disease, the TM® technique has proven effective in treating and preventing a wide range of ailments. Said Dr. Vernon Barnes, ‘Adding TM practice at a young age could prevent future cardiovascular disease and save many lives, not to mention reduce the national medical bill by billions…’” With a “B.”

Both Oprah and Nurse Talk host Casey can vouch. Casey says, “I just happen to be practicing TM and I cannot say enough about the benefits.”

For more info check out the TM Women Professionals web site. You can also contact Marjie at 415-715-8778 or mbiller@tm-women.org.

And, just what is the “Fiscal Cliff” and what is it doing to our health? A great scientific experiment is unleashed as we listen to a few callers explain the “fiscal cliff.” Don’t miss it as we are sure you will be disappointed at our low-tech research and analysis. Then our good friend and Capitol Hill correspondent, Donna Smith joins us to weigh in on all things D.C. What does she say about the fiscal cliff, the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013? It’s all on Nurse Talk. Tune in.

Donna Smith

One of our favorite people and one of the most energetic and fierce healthcare advocates on the planet, Donna Smith. Donna is a frequent guest on Nurse Talk and for good reason. Donna and her husband Larry were introduced to us in Michael Moore’s film SiCKO. In SiCKO, Larry and Donna tell their story of going from middle class to broke due to huge medical bills. Since then Donna has become a force to be reckoned with in her advocacy for healthcare for all.

Donna’s with us to clarify this Fiscal Cliff business and the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013?

Marjie Biller

TM instructor Marjie Biller joins us to talk about the practice and a program specifically created for nurses and healthcare practitioners.”

Check out this recent article about the benefits of TM from Medical News Today: “TM should be part of government-funded health programs—From high stress levels to cardiovascular disease, the TM® technique has proven effective in treating and preventing a wide range of ailments. Said Dr. Vernon Barnes, ‘Adding TM practice at a young age could prevent future cardiovascular disease and save many lives, not to mention reduce the national medical bill by billions…’” With a “B.”

Both Oprah and Nurse Talk host Casey can vouch. Casey says, “I just happen to be practicing TM and I cannot say enough about the benefits.”

For more info check out the TM Women Professionals web site. You can also contact Marjie at 415-715-8778 or mbiller@tm-women.org.

And, just what is the “Fiscal Cliff” and what is it doing to our health? A great scientific experiment is unleashed as we listen to a few callers explain the “fiscal cliff.” Don’t miss it as we are sure you will be disappointed at our low-tech research and analysis. Then our good friend and Capitol Hill correspondent, Donna Smith joins us to weigh in on all things D.C. What does she say about the fiscal cliff, the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013? It’s all on Nurse Talk. Tune in.

AND we have some goodies in store for you with some all new Nurse Talk—coming up—one of our favorite guests, RN Marsha Podd, AKA The Baby Whisperer. Marsha will be talking about postpartum blues and much more. She’ll answer your questions, or those of your mother-in-law, to so call now 1-800-977-1863 and leave a question of any length for Marsha.

Joanie Greggains

And don’t miss our first installment of “Fit Happens” with health and fitness expert Joanie Greggains. Joanie will be with us on February 23rd to debunk some old myths, weight loss trends and more.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturday at 11 am in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out our favorite apps featuring Nurse Talk for custom radio on your listening devices: Progressive Voices, TuneIn and iHeartRadio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

Paul, John, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, George and Ringo

Casey: “Because I can’t think of the Beatles without thinking about the 70’s and I can’t think of the 70’s without thinking of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Maharishi achieved fame as the guru to The Beatles and other celebrities. He started the TM program in the late 1970s that claimed to offer practitioners the ability to levitate and to create world peace. The Maharishi is reported to have trained more than 40,000 TM teachers, taught the Transcendental Meditation technique to more than five million people and founded thousands of teaching centers and hundreds of colleges, universities and schools.

Marjie Biller, Transcendental Meditation instructor

And Shayne, I just happen to be practicing TM and I cannot say enough about the benefits. Later in the show we have TM instructor Marjie Biller with us to talk about the practice and a program specifically created for nurses and healthcare practitioners.” For more info check out the TM Women Professionals web site. You can also contact Marjie at 415-715-8778 or mbiller@tm-women.org.

And, just what is the “Fiscal Cliff” and what is it doing to our health? A great scientific experiment is unleashed as we listen to a few callers explain the “fiscal cliff.” Don’t miss it as we are sure you will be disappointed at our low-tech research and analysis.

Donna Smith

Then our good friend and Capitol Hill correspondent, Donna Smith joins us to weigh in on all things D.C. What does she say about the “fiscal cliff”, the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013?

Donna Smith

One of our favorite people and one of the most energetic and fierce healthcare advocates on the planet, Donna Smith. Donna is a frequent guest on Nurse Talk and for good reason. Donna and her husband Larry were introduced to us in Michael Moore’s film SiCKO. In SiCKO, Larry and Donna tell their story of going from middle class to broke due to huge medical bills. Since then Donna has become a force to be reckoned with in her advocacy for healthcare for all.

Donna’s with us to clarify this Fiscal Cliff business and the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013?

Also with us  is Transcendental Meditation instructor, Marjie Biller to talk about how TM can help nurses and healthcare practitioners to prevent and reverse burn out.

Paul, John, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, George and Ringo

Casey: “Because I can’t think of the Beatles without thinking about the 70’s and I can’t think of the 70’s without thinking of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Maharishi achieved fame as the guru to The Beatles and other celebrities. He started the TM program in the late 1970s that claimed to offer practitioners the ability to levitate and to create world peace. The Maharishi is reported to have trained more than 40,000 TM teachers, taught the Transcendental Meditation technique to more than five million people and founded thousands of teaching centers and hundreds of colleges, universities and schools.

Marjie Biller, Transcendental Meditation instructor

And Shayne, I just happen to be practicing TM and I cannot say enough about the benefits. Later in the show we have TM instructor Marjie Biller with us to talk about the practice and a program specifically created for nurses and healthcare practitioners.” For more info check out the TM Women Professionals web site. You can also contact Marjie at 415-715-8778 or mbiller@tm-women.org.

And, just what is the “Fiscal Cliff” and what is it doing to our health? A great scientific experiment is unleashed as we listen to a few callers explain the “fiscal cliff.” Don’t miss it as we are sure you will be disappointed at our low-tech research and analysis.

Donna Smith

Then our good friend and Capitol Hill correspondent, Donna Smith joins us to weigh in on all things D.C. What does she say about the “fiscal cliff”, the implementation of Obamacare, Social Security and Medicare? And what’s in store for healthcare in 2013?

You’ve seen one of these, right? Call Nurse Talk 1-800-977-1863

Don’t forget to call in with your medical questions. It’s fun, it’s easy and if you aren’t sick — maybe your neighbor is — or the cashier at Target! Health is a collective thing you know. Call with your questions 1-800-977-1863, press 1 and roll.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturday at 11 am in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out our favorite apps featuring Nurse Talk for custom radio on your  listening devices: Progressive Voices, TuneIn and iHeartRadio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

Donna Smith

At the front of the fight on many of these issues was Donna Smith, NNU’s legislative and healthcare for all advocate. While Donna was literally marching on the streets for others she herself was once again diagnosed with cancer. After a bout with cancer in the mid 90′s that left Donna and her husband Larry broke — the cancer returned. Now it was her turn to fight once again for herself.

Donna Smith

Enjoy one of our favorites, originally broadcast June 2, 2012. Donna Smith, our National Nurses United D.C. correspondent brings us up to speed on all things Washington. Donna also shares a bit of personal news about her own health. Donna Smith is best known as one of the documentary subjects of Michael Moore’s 2007 movie, “SiCKO.” Her journalism career includes 15 regional awards from the AP Managing Editors. Donna now works as a national single-payer healthcare advocate and community organizer for National Nurses United, and co-chairs the Progressive Democrats of America’s national “Healthcare Not Warfare” campaign. She also blogs at MichaelMoore.com.

Marsha Podd, RN

And, it’s always a treat to have our friend RN Marsha Podd with us in the studio. A.K.A. the “baby whisperer”. When Marsha comes to the studio we all go to sleep. We mean that in a good way, as Marsha has one of the most soothing voices you’ll ever hear. Marsha, is the author of Secrets of a Baby Nurse. The book is getting rave reviews and if you know of anyone that is expecting a child, has babies or toddlers already, has looked at a child or even thought of a child–you need this book! To read more about Marsha and her advice for babies and parents visit her website at gotosleepbaby.com.

AND we must give a great deal of thanks to California Nurses Association, National Nurses United, Massachusetts Nurses Association and all of our other supporters. Without these wonderful organizations we would not have had the opportunity to bring a consistent radio voice to nurses and all who need and love them. It really is an honor to run in the same circles (figuratively speaking) as nurses. Not only an honor but I feel so safe—’cause I know one of them will pick me up if I fall!

You know how life sometimes brings you more than you think you can take? In the end though—what matters most is how well do we live, how well do we love, and how well do we learn to let go. This week the canine love of my life, Sherman, left this Earth and went to doggie heaven. He was five years old and full of love and life. He grew up listening to Nurse Talk and I swear to you he knew how to laugh. He knew he was cute too. While I am so present to his love, I thought I would share him with you.

Chatting with peers and experts on issues of the day just got easier. We’ll connect you!

Hey, don’t forget coming up is our series of interactive live chats…stay tuned for all of the details. If there is someone you want to hear from and chat with let us know by emailing pattie@nursetalksite.com.

Just one more rerun favorite until we have an all new season line up. This week Donna Smith on All Things D.C. and RN Marsha Podd, The Baby Whisperer originally broadcast June 2, 2012. On this show: a salute to teachers, great advice for parents of babies, defining lollygag and other popular sayings.

Donna Smith

Donna Smith, our National Nurses United D.C. correspondent brings us up to speed on all things Washington. Donna also shares a bit of personal news about her own health. Donna Smith is best known as one of the documentary subjects of Michael Moore’s 2007 movie, “SiCKO.” Her journalism career includes 15 regional awards from the AP Managing Editors. Donna now works as a national single-payer healthcare advocate and community organizer for National Nurses United, and co-chairs the Progressive Democrats of America’s national “Healthcare Not Warfare” campaign. She also blogs at MichaelMoore.com. You can hear a 3:20 short of Donna talking about the Robin Hood Tax here:

Marsha Podd, RN

And, it’s always a treat to have our friend RN Marsha Podd with us in the studio. A.K.A. the “baby whisperer”. When Marsha comes to the studio we all go to sleep. We mean that in a good way, as Marsha has one of the most soothing voices you’ll ever hear. Marsha, is the author of Secrets of a Baby Nurse. The book is getting rave reviews and if you know of anyone that is expecting a child, has babies or toddlers already, has looked at a child or even thought of a child–you need this book! To read more about Marsha and her advice for babies and parents visit her website at gotosleepbaby.com.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out our favorite apps featuring Nurse Talk for custom radio on your  listening devices: Progressive Voices, TuneIn and iHeartRadio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

Good old Mad TV—just love that. CHUAAAAAA you know whutt????? Uh uh!

National Nurses United Legislative Advocate, Donna Smith

Most of our listeners know…we love our Donna Smith. Since the start of Nurse Talk Donna has been and is—a remarkable contributor and a tireless advocate for single payer healthcare. She is a legislative organizer for National Nurses United and no one knows healthcare/political issues like Donna. And at the heart of the matter—she doesn’t really believe healthcare—and access to it—should be a political issue. Donna says, “It’s a matter of heart and humanity. It just is.” Having just been diagnosed with cancer (for the second time) Donna now faces what so many sick AND INSURED do—her insurance company is denying medications and treatment. Donna talks about this and more …coming up. Check out some of her blog posts at MichaelMoore.com.

AND…listener Sharon B. gets some answers from Stanford nephrologist, Dr. Anjali Saxsena. Dr. Saxsena talks about Kidney disease—the symptoms, the treatments—and the National Kidney Foundation. Learn more at the National Kidney Foundation.

Hives in Phoenix…A listener is having a rough time—but keeps her sense of humor about it all. Gets nothing useful from the nurses—but—she probably knew she wouldn’t anyway!

Healthcare Trivia strikes again. This weeks question: What is the strongest muscle in your body? That’s right—that’s what we said. Here’s a hint—we all use it practically all through the day. You could win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks if you are the first to respond with the right answer. Call 1-800-977-1863 or contest@nursetalksite.com.

Trivia was brought to you in partnership with iTriage. iTriage was founded in 2008 by two emergency medicine physicians to empower people to make better healthcare decisions, and improve healthcare delivery. The company’s mobile healthcare platform offers a proprietary Symptom-to-Provider™ pathway that empowers patients to make better healthcare decisions.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Thursdays at 7pm Eastern on RadioOrNot.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

Remember, laughter is the best medicine.

AND…listener Sharon B. gets some answers from Stanford nephrologist, Dr. Anjali Saxsena. Dr. Saxsena talks about Kidney disease—the symptoms, the treatments—and the National Kidney Foundation. Learn more at the National Kidney Foundation.

Hives in Phoenix…A listener is having a rough time—but keeps her sense of humor about it all. Gets nothing useful from the nurses—but—she probably knew she wouldn’t anyway!

Healthcare Trivia strikes again. This weeks question: What is the strongest muscle in your body? That’s right—that’s what we said. Here’s a hint—we all use it practically all through the day. You could win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks if you are the first to respond with the right answer. Call 1-800-977-1863 or contest@nursetalksite.com.

Trivia was brought to you in partnership with iTriage. iTriage was founded in 2008 by two emergency medicine physicians to empower people to make better healthcare decisions, and improve healthcare delivery. The company’s mobile healthcare platform offers a proprietary Symptom-to-Provider™ pathway that empowers patients to make better healthcare decisions.

Terri Tate

On the show this week is RN, humorist, author Terri Tate. What makes all the wrong things funny? Terri Tate will tell you. Terri claims that humor saved her life. Most people wouldn’t find two bouts of disfiguring oral cancer, 30 plus hours of surgery, 7 weeks of radiation, endless complications and a 2% chance of survival all that funny. Terri wasn’t laughing the whole time but claims that her sense of humor never completely deserted her. Nineteen years after treatment—alive and laughing, Terri talks about her remarkable path and her new book, As Is.

Cameron Harris

Wiz kid Cameron Harris is stops by for a visit. Some of you may remember Cameron, at the ripe old age of sixteen, started a podcast company (Harwood Podcast Network) that now boasts over 900 different shows. The line up includes IN RANGE Cameron’s show with his advice about how to live a healthy active life with Type 1 Diabetes. Cameron himself was diagnosed at the age of eight.

Also with us is D.C. Correspondent and National Nurses United Legislative Advocate Donna Smith. Donna gives a great answer to the question–why don’t we see the following headlines in the media?

NNU’s Donna Smith

• “For Profit Healthcare Poses Threat to Medicare, Federal Deficit, and Overall Economy in Coming Decades”
• “Social Security Trust Fund Even Larger Than It Was Last Year”
• “Growing Wealth Inequity Will Lead to Social Security Imbalance Later This Century”

And of course…Lynn Ruth Miller talks about her mother’s use of vinegar in her award winning segment, In My Day. Casey and Shayne take some email questions, and at the end of the show Casey takes Shayne’s blood pressure to see if he is stable! Viola….he’s still alive!

Also, in partnership with our friends iTriage, we are adding a brand new feature to our show… Health Trivia come on down! Yip, that’s what we said. You’ll be surprised at what you will learn and the amazing speed with which you learn it. For example:

What state has the highest obesity rate..and why?
How Many People Go to the Emergency Room For Fireworks-Related Injuries Around the 4th of July holiday?
Do you know the risk factors for prostate Cancer?

Stay tuned to find out the answers to these fine questions and much, much more.

In the meantime—hope you are having a great summer.

Visit our friends Massachusetts Nurses Association and National Nurses United on the web for the latest news patient advocacy news.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

This show was originally broadcast May 5, 2012. We dedicate it to Casey’s father Robert S. Hobbs who passed away April 25, 2012.

Nurses are traveling throughout California to promote Medicare for All. Nurses are on the front lines every day with patients who cannot afford care. Now President Obama’s Affordable Care Act mandates that people buy health insurance, but the insurance companies are still in charge, able to set rates and deny procedures. Nurses in California support an improved Medicare for All, with everybody in, nobody out of health care.

Find out more at:

www.nationalnursesunited.org
www.calnurses.org

Click on the big red bus for a tour schedule and info on how you can get involved.

Volunteer Nurses and Donna by the Medicare For All Bus

Our good friend and D.C. Healthcare correspondent Donna Smith joins us from the road—on the National Nurses United Medicare For All bus tour. The bus pulled out of San Diego, CA last week with 22 stops along the way. The nurses are providing mobile blood pressure screenings, information about accessing health screenings and check-ups in their own towns and cities and about the Robin Hood Tax, (robinhoodtax.org). Good stuff peeps!!! Oh, and for anyone who thinks the Robin Hood Tax is a pipe dream…check out this article..13 European nations—led by Germany—are moving closer to signing onto this initiative.

Volunteer Nurses and Donna by the Medicare For All Bus

Our good friend and D.C. Healthcare correspondent Donna Smith joins us from the road—on the National Nurses United Medicare For All bus tour. The bus pulled out of San Diego, CA last week with 22 stops along the way. The nurses are providing mobile blood pressure screenings, information about accessing health screenings and check-ups in their own towns and cities and about the Robin Hood Tax, (robinhoodtax.org). Good stuff peeps!!! Oh, and for anyone who thinks the Robin Hood Tax is a pipe dream…check out this article..13 European nations—led by Germany—are moving closer to signing onto this initiative.

We lost Shayne to Oklahoma this week..but he called in from the streets of Colon (population 800),  to give us the lay of the land on healthcare in his home state. He tells us access to care is difficult to non-existent in many areas, diabetes and heart disease are disproportionally high, and night life? Well…Shayne will tell us all about that when he returns to the show next week.

Our guest co-host shows us once again that “talk is cheap!” We paid her nothing and she talked all through the show…no dead air time on this one!

Volunteer Nurses and Donna by the Medicare For All Bus

Our good friend and D.C. Healthcare correspondent Donna Smith joins us from the road—on the National Nurses United Medicare For All bus tour. The bus pulled out of San Diego, CA last week with 22 stops along the way. The nurses are providing mobile blood pressure screenings, information about accessing health screenings and check-ups in their own towns and cities and about the Robin Hood Tax, (robinhoodtax.org). Good stuff peeps!!! Oh, and for anyone who thinks the Robin Hood Tax is a pipe dream…check out this article…13 European nations—led by Germany—are moving closer to signing onto this initiative.

WANTED…preferably alive! Nominees for the Nurse Talk Golden Bed Pan Award. Yes…we know it’s not particularly P.C. but we do like to celebrate those silent heroes out there. Send us those worthy people or organizations—even if it’s you! Email Pattie@nursetalksite.com.

Want some fun at your next event or conference? Bring in Nurse Talk Live. Its entertaining, informative and just damn funny!

Comedian Lynn Ruth Miller, Nurse Talk Co-Host Shayne Mason, Nurse Talk Co-Host Casey Hobbs, Fitness Expert Joanie Greggains. Photo credit: Taylor Lockard

Contact pattie@nursetalksite.com to find out how easy it is.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Thursdays at 7pm Eastern on RadioOrNot.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

And, remember, laughter is the best medicine.

Volunteer Nurses and Donna by the Medicare For All Bus

Unrelenting and not fearful of any CEO’s rage or the loss of a political contribution, cancer, illness and injury march on. It is with that sort of fearless and unwavering force that the nurses of National Nurses United and the patients for whom they advocate are advancing the cause for healthcare justice.

We’re on the road in California bringing the message that it doesn’t really matter what the Supreme Court announces about the Affordable Care Act’s mandate that we all purchase private insurance or pay fines for not doing so.

I know, I know. All the hoopla. All the drama. All the buildup by the Republicans and the Democrats and the media falling all over themselves to say what the Supreme Court’s ruling means for November’s presidential election. But you know what? My cancer doesn’t care.

It doesn’t matter which way the Supremes take this. So long as the private insurance giants are in my life and in my body, those insurance companies do what they do to keep their costs down and make money. Making me healthy and whole again is not their concern or their primary motivation.

The nurses care, though. And that is why the bus tour through California is bringing the message of the only way we can begin to make our care truly be our care – Medicare for all for life. Improved, expanded and providing a single standard of high quality care Medicare for all for life. For all and without financial barrier. That’s healthcare. And that’s care that will help me and millions of others facing cancer or other illness and injuries know that we are the ones who are served by our healthcare system not any presidential candidate her or other politician or media giant. Healthcare. Not Supreme Court decision care.

So join us. We’re making our way through California, and we’d love to have you join us. Tonight in San Bernardino and then on to a city near you – Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Chico, San Rafael, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Glendale, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Covina. All in the next few days. Watch for the bus.

Because until our demands are louder than the billows of hot air, the counting of profits, and the shouting of the pundits and surrounding all the political maneuvering, cancer doesn’t care. Do you? I do. Let’s do the right thing so that if and when illness strikes, we aren’t waiting for any judge – in black robes or in business suits working for the insurance companies – to say what our healthcare will be.

NNU's Donna Smith

Donna Smith, our National Nurses United D.C. correspondent brings us up to speed on all things Washington. Donna also shares a bit of personal news about her own health. Donna Smith is best known as one of the documentary subjects of Michael Moore’s 2007 movie, “SiCKO.” Her journalism career includes 15 regional awards from the AP Managing Editors. Donna now works as a national single-payer healthcare advocate and community organizer for National Nurses United, and co-chairs the Progressive Democrats of America’s national “Healthcare Not Warfare” campaign. She also blogs at MichaelMoore.com.

And, it’s always a treat to have our friend RN Marsha Podd with us in the studio. A.K.A. the “Baby Whisperer.” When Marsha comes to the studio we all go to sleep. We mean that in a good way, as Marsha has one of the most soothing voices you’ll ever hear. Marsha, is the author of Secrets of a Baby Nurse. The book is getting rave reviews and if you know of anyone that is expecting a child, has babies or toddlers already, has looked at a child or even thought of a child–you need this book! To read more about Marsha and her advice for babies and parents visit her website at gotosleepbaby.com.

Being a nurse is hard work! There are the perennial issues of not enough…staffing, time, appreciation. But on the blog this week, Love Your Nursing Life RN author Bobbi McCarthy writes about one of the ways nursing renews the spirit in The Gift in Room 3.

Alison Whitaker in Vital Signs

Attention anyone reading this! If you are in or around the San Francisco Bay Area, pick up your phone or send us a quick email to win 2 free tickets to RN Alison Whitaker‘s great play, Vital Signs. Opening at the Marsh Theater June 8 thru July 21. For more info on Alison’s play visit nursealison.com. SO…win those tickets, there are only 4 sets of two so rock on cause the first to call or email gets them. Call 1-800-977-1863 or email pattie@nursestalksite.com.

And a huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters at National Nurses United, Mass Nurses Association and California Nurses Association. AND to our listeners in Boston and San Francisco and all places in between.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

AND REMEMBER…laughter is the best medicine.

Wiz kid Cameron Harris is stops by for a visit. Some of you may remember Cameron, at the ripe old age of sixteen, started a podcast company (Harwood Podcast Network) that now boasts over 900 different shows. The line up includes IN RANGE Cameron’s show with his advice about how to live a healthy active life with Type 1 Diabetes. Cameron himself was diagnosed at the age of eight.

Also with us is D.C. Correspondent and National Nurses United Legislative Advocate Donna Smith. Donna gives a great answer to the question–why don’t we see the following headlines in the media?

• “For Profit Healthcare Poses Threat to Medicare, Federal Deficit, and Overall Economy in Coming Decades”
• “Social Security Trust Fund Even Larger Than It Was Last Year”
• “Growing Wealth Inequity Will Lead to Social Security Imbalance Later This Century”

Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for our new co-host, Shayne Mason.

Let’s give a warm welcome to our new co-host RN Shayne Mason. We are so glad to have him with us and just to show our appreciation we had all kinds of studio chaos waiting for him. Three in-studio guests, advice from our retired co-host Maggie McDermott, technical difficulties and more. Shayne took it like a pro! Not to mention he brings to the show a wealth of medical expertise and, of course, a grand sense of humor.

Shayne holds an RN, BRN, NP, is an instructor at USF (University of San Francisco) and a psych nurse at a clinic in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. That psych background will come in handy!

Terri Tate

On the show this week is RN, humorist, author Terri Tate. What makes all the wrong things funny? Terri Tate will tell you. Terri claims that humor saved her life. Most people wouldn’t find two bouts of disfiguring oral cancer, 30 plus hours of surgery, 7 weeks of radiation, endless complications and a 2% chance of survival all that funny. Terri wasn’t laughing the whole time but claims that her sense of humor never completely deserted her. Nineteen years after treatment—alive and laughing, Terri talks about her remarkable path and her new book, As Is.

Cameron Harris

Wiz kid Cameron Harris is stops by for a visit. Some of you may remember Cameron, at the ripe old age of sixteen, started a podcast company (Harwood Podcast Network) that now boasts over 900 different shows. The line up includes IN RANGE Cameron’s show with his advice about how to live a healthy active life with Type 1 Diabetes. Cameron himself was diagnosed at the age of eight.

Also with us is D.C. Correspondent and National Nurses United Legislative Advocate Donna Smith. Donna gives a great answer to the question–why don’t we see the following headlines in the media?

NNU's Donna Smith

• “For Profit Healthcare Poses Threat to Medicare, Federal Deficit, and Overall Economy in Coming Decades”
• “Social Security Trust Fund Even Larger Than It Was Last Year”
• “Growing Wealth Inequity Will Lead to Social Security Imbalance Later This Century”

And of course…Lynn Ruth Miller talks about her mother’s use of vinegar in her award winning segment, In My Day. Casey and Shayne take some email questions, and at the end of the show Casey takes Shayne’s blood pressure to see if he is stable! Viola….he’s still alive!

Now you can advertise your business with Nurse Talk for as little as $500 for six months! Unbeatable we say.
If you want to spend more..that’s o.k too. Contact pattie@nursetalksite.com.

Have you heard about the iTriage Thank a Nurse Contest? Would you like to thank a nurse for the impact he or she has made on your life? Visit the iTriage Facebook page to make a nomination.

Check out our new strategic partner, iTriage

Upload a picture of a nurse you’d like to thank with a story describing why he or she deserves to be recognized. The winning nurse and nominator will both win a $75 Massage Envy gift card and a $100 Scrubs & Beyond gift card for the winning nurse. Go to www.facebook.com/iTriage.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 am in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

We dedicate this show to Casey’s father Robert S. Hobbs who passed away April 25, 2012.

A big highlight of the conference isAnna Deavere Smith. Ms. Smith, called by Newsweek “the most exciting individual in American theater” will be performing a new stage monologue (as only she can) called, Tell Me Where It Hurts, Stories from the Front Lines of Nursing.

Anna Deavere Smith

We do manage to talk to our friend Donna Smith about the recent Supreme Court healthcare hearings, the upcoming May 18th Staff Nurse Assembly in Chicago (get ready to rumble) lets see—dancing in the streets, flash mobs and of course some serious business as well.

A big highlight of the conference is Anna Deavere Smith. Ms. Smith, called by Newsweek “the most exciting individual in American theater” will be performing a new stage monologue (as only she can) called, Tell Me Where It Hurts, Stories from the Front Lines of Nursing.

AND…the KNEES have it! Does anybody out there (not you twenty or thirty-somethings) escape the popular conversation of bad knees? It may be our age (o.k. mine) but everyone around us either has a knee injury, has had a knee surgery or replacement or is thinking about it just for the hell of it! Well, we thought we would call in an expert.

Photo credit: Lesli Lundgren

Dr. Lesley Anderson joins us to talk about the number one cause of knee problems, the treatments and how they have advanced and a “fresh blood platelet” treatment that is used very successfully on shoulders and knees. “I’ll have a chef’s salad and some of those “fresh blood platelets.” Check it out.

Have you heard about the iTriage Thank a Nurse Contest? Would you like to thank a nurse for the impact he or she has made on your life? Visit the iTriage Facebook page to make a nomination.

Check out our new strategic partner, iTriage

Upload a picture of a nurse you’d like to thank with a story describing why he or she deserves to be recognized. The winning nurse and nominator will both win a $75 Massage Envy gift card and a $100 Scrubs & Beyond gift card for the winning nurse. Go to www.facebook.com/iTriage.

Stay with us throughout the spring because some of our favorite guests will be back. RN Marsha Podd, aka the Baby Whisperer will join us, RN and humorist Terri Tate joins us in the studio for a look at what makes things funny. We’ll hear from The Yoga Nurse, a late in life poet, and much more.

You can listen and laugh every week on Saturdays at 11 a.m. in the Boston area on station WWZN 1510AM or live stream at www.revolutionboston.com and in the San Francisco Bay area on KNEW 960AM or live stream at www.960knew.com. Check out the iHeartRadio app for free and live custom radio. You can also download and listen to any show anytime here at NurseTalkSite.com or on iTunes. Like us on Facebook, and you can listen there too.

AND she’s back. Our friend and D.C. correspondent Donna Smith is with us. No one can articulate the D.C. health care news like Donna. She makes sense where there is no sense to be had. Ever wonder when you might hear about single payer health care again—good , bad or indifferent? How about Social Security and Medicare? Education? Listen this week for an update.

Later we talk with Canadian Musician Singer/Songwriter Brian Asselin. When a family member of Brian’s was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—Brian wanted to make a contribution to help others going through the same thing. He did what he knows best—wrote a song to pay tribute. Listen to I Will Remind You.

And we have with us Bill Fisher. Mr. Fisher is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada, since 1987. Like many involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, Mr. Fisher has a personal involvement with dementia, having lost both his grandmother and mother-in-law to Alzheimer’s.