For week 3 of our "Month of Love" series, Annette is joined by Dr. Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP to discuss the importance of self-love when it comes to healthy aging for women.

Annette starts the podcast by admitting that she used to feel pride in putting herself last -- working her fingers to the bone and going to bed absolutely exhausted every night. However, she has realized that this isn't what she wants to model for the people in her life -- for her daughter Caroline, her peers, her community, etc. Instead, she wants to model how to be healthy while also getting things done in a sensitive and balanced way.

Dr. Vivien Brown, family physician and author of "The New Woman's Guide To Healthy Aging: 8 Proven Ways to Keep You Vibrant, Happy & Strong," joins the podcast to discuss some practical ways we can make strides towards a healthier lifestyle.

She walks listeners through the importance of sleep, exercise, diet, heart and brain health, etc. As special needs parents and caregivers, it is more important than ever for us to be mindful of how we take care of ourselves in these ways.

"Data and science are very important, but if you don't know why you're doing something, it's hard to follow through with different programs and regimens," says Dr. Brown. "I want women to feel empowered and for them to understand the issues so it becomes easier to make follow up on healthy choices."

Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.