In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright is joined by Dr. Sue Varma, MD, DFAPA, a renowned psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Varma is a trailblazer in mental health advocacy, serving as the first medical director of NYU’s 9/11 mental health program and a trusted voice on national media platforms. Her upcoming book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing, is set to inspire readers worldwide in early 2024.

In this episode, Dr. Varma dives into the long-term mental health effects of 9/11, exploring how trauma reshapes safety, trust, and community morale. She discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning in adversity can fundamentally transform individuals. Dr. Varma also introduces the idea of "practical optimism," an approach that demonstrates how optimism can improve physical and mental health, boost longevity, and reduce the risk of major illnesses.

The conversation highlights the balance between purpose, service, and self-care, incorporating insights from the Japanese concept of ikigai. Dr. Varma offers tools for processing emotions and shares how embracing self-compassion and rest can help individuals build resilience. This episode is packed with actionable advice on moving beyond survival to thriving and cultivating purpose and joy in daily life. Don’t miss this empowering discussion!

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Connect with Sue Varma:

Instagram: @doctorsuevarma

Website: www.doctorsuevarma.com

Pre-order her book: doctorsuevarma.com/book

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Make sure to follow Dr. Vonda Wright:

Instagram: @drvondawright

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vondawright

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374

Website: http://www.DrVondaWright.com

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If you enjoyed this episode, Subscribe to “HOT For Your Health” for more inspiring episodes.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-for-your-health/id1055206993

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2Al27D79jCLAyzp4hKBv?si=b62b374994884eed

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your comments or join the discussion on social media using #HotForYourHealthPodcast.

In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, a leading OB/GYN, integrative medicine expert, and author of The Menopause Boot Camp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age. A Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Gilberg-Lenz brings over two decades of experience blending conventional medicine with integrative and Ayurvedic practices. As the Chief Medical Correspondent for The Drew Barrymore Show, she’s a champion for women’s empowerment and public education.

Together, they explore the evolution of her career, the challenges of navigating a traditional medical system, and the transformative impact of listening to patients’ full stories. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz shares insights on menopause, empowering patients to advocate for themselves, and bridging conventional and holistic approaches in healthcare. The episode highlights her passion for fostering open conversations about women’s health and creating a grassroots network of support through initiatives like her Menopause Boot Camp retreats and certification programs.

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Connect with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz:

Website: https://www.thedrsuzanne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askdrsuzanne/

X: https://x.com/askdrsuzanne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askdrsuzanne/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askdrsuzanne/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@askdrsuzanne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askdrsuzanne/videos

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Make sure to follow Dr. Vonda Wright:

Instagram: @drvondawright

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vondawright

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374

Website: http://www.DrVondaWright.com

•••

If you enjoyed this episode, Subscribe to “HOT For Your Health” for more inspiring episodes.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-for-your-health/id1055206993

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2Al27D79jCLAyzp4hKBv?si=b62b374994884eed

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your comments or join the discussion on social media using #HotForYourHealthPodcast.

In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Teun Toebes, a 25-year-old nurse, healthcare innovator, and global humanitarian activist, whose mission is to revolutionize the way the world views and cares for people with dementia. Teun is the creator of the award-winning documentary Human Forever and author of the global bestseller The Housemates, both of which explore his unique journey living for over three years in a nursing home alongside dementia patients.

Teun shares powerful insights from his global research across 11 countries, offering a fresh perspective on prioritizing “quality of life” over “quality of care.” Together, they discuss the societal stigma around dementia, the emotional impact of human-centered care, and innovative approaches to integrating people with dementia into communities. From intergenerational schools in the U.S. to inclusive living arrangements in Moldova, Teun highlights the global need to replace fear and medicalization with dignity, identity, and belonging.

This episode is a call to action to rethink dementia care worldwide and embrace a more compassionate, inclusive future. Tune in to be inspired by Teun’s remarkable vision and unwavering commitment to humanity.

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Connect with Teun Toebes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teuntoebes/?locale=nl_NL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teuntoebes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teunentoebespraat/?locale=nl_NL

Website: teuntoebes.com

Article 25 Foundation: article25foundation.com

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Make sure to follow Dr. Vonda Wright:

Instagram: @drvondawright

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vondawright

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374

Website: http://www.DrVondaWright.com

•••

If you enjoyed this episode, Subscribe to “HOT For Your Health” for more inspiring episodes.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-for-your-health/id1055206993

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2Al27D79jCLAyzp4hKBv?si=b62b374994884eed

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your comments or join the discussion on social media using #HotForYourHealthPodcast.