Living Well with Robin Stoloff

Overcome Addiction and Move On With Your Life - Dawn Belamarich - CEO Recovery Centers of America

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY UPDATES
If you are struggling with addiction, it is good to know you are not alone. If fact, there has been an increase in people needing treatment since the beginning of the pandemic.  Dawn Belamarich is CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse in Mays Landing, NJ.  She explains their inpatient and outpatient programs based on the 12 Steps of Recovery, and how RCA is adjusting their protocols to continue to provide care during this challenging time.
Dawn Belamarich is an experienced leader and advocate within the community, recently assuming the role of CEO at Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse. After achieving two master’s degrees and having worked in various social service and treatment settings, Dawn found a permanent home within the social service fabric of South Jersey. For over a decade, Dawn has been an influential leader within the field, carrying roles such as therapist, supervisor, administrator, and now Chief Executive Officer. She developed an unrelenting passion for working with those in need. Dawn is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and has certifications to work with those struggling with gambling addiction and trauma. From working with adults in a state prison environment to working with youth in intensive outpatient and aftercare modalities, Dawn has not only developed a concrete understanding of how addiction works but has also developed the most important characteristic in addiction and mental health treatment; knowing how to best guide individuals on their journey to bring about positive, sustainable change. In her role as CEO at RCA Lighthouse, Dawn hopes to continue to aid individuals in bringing about positive change on their path to recovery.

Are You Drinking Enough Water? Nutrition Counselor, Stacey Venneman, Explains Why You Should Be Drinking More

A simple glass of water...seems so easy right?
We all know we need to drink plenty of water every day, but the truth is, most Americans just don't get enough. When you feel thirsty,  you are already on your way to getting dehydrated. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. It can also improve how well our brain functions, the quality of our sleep, and even our mood.
 
Stacey Venneman, owner of Stacey Venneman Nutritional Counseling in Linwood, NJ, is a nutrition counselor with a master's in nutrition, who develops customized plans for her clients to help them reach their nutritional goals.  She breaks down easy steps to stay hydrated as well as the food and beverages that help us stay hydrated and the ones that sabotage us...could it be beer or soda?  Here's what you need to know.
 
 
 

Could You Recognize The Warning Signs of a Mental Health Problem? Here's How

Just as we need CPR training for physical problems, Mental Health First Aid offers valuable training for us to recognize and help people with mental health issues. This global, lifesaving program is now taught in a one-day online course.  I took Youth Mental Health First Aid and plan to take Adult Mental Health First Aid Soon. Jaime Angelini, Director of Consumer Services for The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, explains why we all need this important program. 
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
WHO THEY HAVE REACHED
More than 2 million people across the United States have been trained in Mental Health First Aid by a dedicated base of more than 15,000 Instructors.
 
Mental Health First Aiders are…
Teachers, first responders and veterans. They’re neighbors, parents and friends. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one They’re First Ladies and Mayors. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.
 
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation and having thoughts of death, dying and/or suicide, contact the following resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Crisis Text Line: text the word “BRAVE” to 741-741
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ specific crisis line): 866-488-7386 or text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200
Veteran’s Crisis Line (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
 
Jaime Angelini, MA, DRCC
Jaime Angelini is the Director of Consumers Services at the Mental Health Association in NJ. For close to two decades Jaime has worked as a mental health advocate and mental health educator. She pvides support, education and advocacy to individuals in NJ living with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
Jaime is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, QPR Instructor, Parent Educator, and Disaster Response Crisis Counselor. She is Co-chair of the Atlantic County Hoarding Task Force and has a special interest in working with individuals living with Hoarding Disorder. Additionally, Jaime spends a considerable amount of time at high schools and colleges educating students and young adults on the topic of mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the importance of self-care.
Jaime has strong ties to the community and participates in a variety of boards and advocacy committees. When Super Storm Sandy hit in 2012, she was very actively involved in recovery efforts for more than 3 years.  In recent months, Jaime has spent a lot of her time providing emotional and mental health support to those impacted by COVID19.
 
 
 
 
 

Welcome To The New World of TeleHealth - Margie Barham of Angelic Health Explains

We are all now living in a virtual world and visiting our healthcare provider online is a new experience for most of us. However, many people are finding TeleHealth or TeleMedicine easier and much more convenient than ever before. Margie Barham, Director of Public Relations at Angelic Health explains why and how to use it. 
Angelic Health is a leader in providing comprehensive Hospice, Palliative, and Transitional care, house call primary medicine, and TeleHealth services to New Jersey patients, and professional support to their families.
Their hospice is proud to be endorsed by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), which reflects our agency's dedication and commitment to meeting the standards that demonstrate a higher level of performance and patient care. 
Margie Barham, is the director of public relations and giving for Angelic Health.  She has been an area leader in marketing communications and fund development professional in Southern New Jersey working in healthcare, education and public service organizations. Additionally, she has been a television producer and writer. She holds an MBA degree from  The University of Phoenix,  and Bachelors in Communications from Rowan University. 
 

Lose Weight For The Last Time With Nicole Simonin of Shape It Up Fitness

You should be great at losing weight...you've done it many times!  If you are tired of the roller coaster of losing and gaining weight, you need this practical advice from Nicole Simonin, who helps people over 40 "lose weight for the last time."  I am happy to welcome her as my VERY FIRST podcast guest!
Since 2006, Nicole has been helping women lose weight for the last time. Nicole is an ACE Personal Trainer, ACE Health Coach, host of Shape It Up Over 40 podcast, founder of Shape It Up, LLC, author of “The No Fuss, No Mess Shape It Up Cookbook”, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and former professional ballet dancer. Nicole has been featured in Racheal Ray in Season, Bicycling Magazine, Real Simple and MSN. To learn more, go to ShapeItUpFitness.com