HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Each monthly visit with our favorite veterinarian Dr. Phyllis Neumann is proof again and again how much our listeners love their pets. Apart from joining us this week with your pet health questions, we'd like to hear your stories of a pet that changed your life. Maybe it's the furry friend curled up in your lap right now or a pet you said farewell to years ago but still think about from time to time. Join us with those stories and your pet health questions at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240.

Join us for another edition of Headlines, when we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. We'll get an update from the City of Portsmouth as it faces a continuing series of challenges, including a newly announced $3.5 million budget deficit. We invite you to share your question, and comments by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

A series of bills seen as "anti gay" are drawing backlash across some southern states as corporations and organizations are threating to use their economic influence to block them. North Carolina has passed a measure that prevents cities from banning the discrimination of LGBT individuals and became the first state to pass a bill requiring students in state schools to use the bathroom that matches the gender on their birth certificate. Meanwhile, Georgia Governor Nathan Dall is considering a bill that would allow groups to deny service to LGBT people on religious grounds. Today we'll consider the impact of the passing of these bills, and if the organizations speaking out against them have the power to shape each state's legislation.

Today we'll get an update from the U.S. Supreme Court as they review the legality of the redrawing of Virginia's 3rd District, and we consider the impact an eight Justice court might have on the outcome of former Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell's, pending case. Later in the show we'll talk with author and Aspergian, John Elder Robison, about his experiences with pioneering treatment for Autism.

Segment A: National Nutrition Month

Eating healthy can be a real challenge, made even more difficult when out on the town! Everywhere from restaurants, to hotels and even senior living communities are on the lookout for chefs that can prepare food that is as good for you as it tastes. Today we'll talk with the chef heading up the Culinary Institute of Virginia's Culinary Nutrition Program about learn about how they're preparing a new generation of chefs to prepare healthy haute cuisine.

Segment B: Images of America: Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

We'll talk with local author, John Warren, about his new book that encapsulate the history of not only the inception of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel but also the ferry system that is replaced.

Local researchers are making inroads in decreasing the need of antipsychotic drugs in dementia patients. Known as The Birdsong Initiative, a partnership between Westminster-Canterbury, EVMS and Virginia Wesleyan College is exploring how computer engagement and access to content customized to their personal interests is decreasing patient dependence on antipsychotic medication. Today we'll go in depth on the initiative and explore how touch screen access to platforms like Facebook and Skype is positively impacting the lives of those with dementia.

Join us for another edition of Headlines, when we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. We'll get an update from the U.S. Supreme Court as they review the legality of the redrawing of Virginia's 3rd District. We invite you to share your question, and comments by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

One in four older Americans say that they—or a family member—have endured excessive or unwanted medical treatments. That's 25 million Americans who've undergone procedures, received medications and/or had medical tests they would have preferred not to have—a situation more likely to happen when you haven't made or can’t make your wishes known. Only one in four Americans has an advance directive, the two-part protection plan that lets family, friends and healthcare practitioners know what types of medical care you want and don’t want in a health crisis. Today we're joined by the organizers of a region-wide campaign to promote the value of advanced directives.

As you St. Patrick's Day revelers raise those glasses and shout out the words to your favorite pub song, have you ever considered the origins of those Irish traditions? Radio personality, and front man of the Irish rock powerhouse, The Fighting Jamesons, Mike Powers, joins us for a history lesson on the origins and meaning behind your favorite Irish pub songs; just in time for your St. Patrick's Day celebration!!

The clocks have sprung ahead one hour this past weekend, and the spring season officially starts in just a few days! Today we'll talk with HearSay garden guru Jim Orband about what you should be working on in your garden. Join us with your questions and let us know how you've been making the most of this beautiful weather!