Changing your life is hard. There are so many obstacles that get in your way to prevent you from having a healthy lifestyle. 

Find out how to get motivated to exercise and hear from two athletes who have changed their lives through exercise. 

Also, learn about how Hilary Topper's book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete can help you change your life.

Guardians are critical in navigating Medicaid eligibility, overcoming common challenges in court, and implementing effective planning strategies for incapacitated individuals.

Today, a special guest is joining us, Eric J. Einhart, Esq., Partner at The Russo Law Group.

• Can you explain the role of a guardian in Medicaid planning for an incapacitated person and how it differs from traditional Medicaid planning?
• What are the primary challenges guardians face when navigating Medicaid eligibility rules, especially concerning the assets and income of the incapacitated individual?
• What are the key steps a guardian must follow to obtain court approval for Medicaid planning within a guardianship proceeding, and how long does the process usually take?
• Could you describe some common roadblocks guardians encounter when implementing Medicaid planning strategies, and how these obstacles can be addressed or overcome in court?
• Are there any specific Medicaid planning tools or techniques that are particularly effective in a guardianship context, and how can these be applied with the necessary court approval?
• How do the responsibilities and duties of a guardian impact the Medicaid planning process, and what should guardians keep in mind when making decisions on behalf of the incapacitated person?
• In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings about Medicaid planning within guardianship that you often encounter?
• What role does the court play in overseeing Medicaid planning within guardianship proceedings, and how can guardians ensure they are compliant with all legal requirements?
• Can you provide examples of successful Medicaid planning strategies used in guardianship cases that have effectively addressed complex eligibility issues?
• What advice would you offer to guardians who are just beginning to navigate the Medicaid planning process for an incapacitated person, and what resources might be helpful in this journey.

Thanks to our sponsors for making this show possible. The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm, PlayTri - Swim, Bike Run! – a retail and online bike shop and multisport specialist, Medi-Dyne -  injury prevention and pain relief products and Vimazi- pace tuned running shoes. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

Listen in as I talk with Stacia Moffett, the acclaimed author of the "Lost and Found in Tennessee" series. 

Stacia’s novels, including “The Missing Girl” and “Jessa is Back,” offer a compelling exploration of the South’s complex history, cultural dynamics, and enduring legacies. Born and raised on a small farm near Nashville, Stacia’s experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South deeply influenced her writing and her perspectives on racial and social justice.

Here are the questions I asked Stacia:

Reflecting on your childhood near Nashville on a small farm, how did rural life and your father's artistic spirit influence your worldview and writing?

·      How did the Jim Crow era shape your understanding of the South’s cultural and racial dynamics, both personally and in your writing?

·      How did witnessing segregation and white supremacy inspire the "Lost and Found in Tennessee" series?

·      Why is it important to address racial and social justice in literature today?

·      What message would you give to those who may not recognize ongoing racial injustices?

Before we move on, I am so appreciative of our sponsors and must thank them. Please support our sponsors and tell them you heard about them on Hilary Topper on Air. Special thanks to the Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm, PlayTri - Swim, Bike Run! – a retail and online bike shop and multisport specialist, Medi-Dyne -  injury prevention and pain relief products and Vimazi- pace tuned running shoes.

·      Stacia, back to you. What are your thoughts on the rise of book bans, particularly those targeting race and identity?

·      Do you believe diverse narratives should remain accessible for all readers? Why or why not?

·      For readers unfamiliar with "The Missing Girl" and "Jessa is Back," can you set the stage and explain how the two books are connected?

·      Why is the friendship between the girls central to the story, and how does it reflect themes like resilience, loyalty, and social dynamics?

·      Can you talk about your vineyard in Washington and how it connects to your love of nature?

·      And finally, Stacia, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about your books?

Thank you, Stacia, for being on the show! I’d also like to thank our sponsors once more. The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm, PlayTri - Swim, Bike Run! – a retail and online bike shop and multisport specialist, Medi-Dyne -  injury prevention and pain relief products and Vimazi- pace tuned running shoes. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

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In today's episode of Hilary Topper on Air, learn how to prevent injuries and alleviate existing conditions with an expert, Craig DiGiovanni, CEO of Medi-Dyne Healthcare Products. 

Here are some of the questions I asked him:

• Could you start by giving us an overview of Medi-Dyne and how it has evolved to support triathletes and endurance athletes?
• What are some common issues you see regarding injury prevention and recovery, and how do your products specifically address these challenges?
• Chafing is a significant concern for endurance athletes, especially during long races. Can you tell us about the 2Toms SportShield and how it works to prevent chafing?
• What’s the difference between 2Toms SportShield and the SportShield XTRA? In what scenarios would an athlete prefer the XTRA version?
• How should triathletes incorporate SportShield into their race day preparation to avoid discomfort and skin irritation?
• Calf injuries and tightness are common issues for runners and triathletes. Can you explain how the ProStretch Plus Adjustable Calf and Foot Stretcher helps with stretching and injury prevention?
• How does the ProStretch Plus differ from traditional stretching techniques, and why is it more effective in treating conditions like calf strains or plantar fasciitis?
• Many athletes deal with tight calves due to the repetitive nature of running and cycling. How often should they be using the ProStretch Plus to maintain flexibility and avoid injury?

• Plantar fasciitis is a debilitating condition for athletes. Could you discuss how your products, besides the ProStretch Plus, help alleviate the symptoms and speed up recovery?
• Do you have any upcoming innovations or lesser-known products that address plantar fasciitis that athletes might find useful?
• What advice would you give to a triathlete dealing with plantar fasciitis in the middle of their training season?
• Given the nature of triathlon training, how can athletes maintain a balance between training hard and preventing injuries like chafing and plantar fasciitis?
• What role does product consistency and routine play in preventing these common triathlete issues, especially with products like SportShield and ProStretch?
• And finally, Craig, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Medi-Dyne?

Need a discount code? Get 20 percent off any of the Medi-Dyne products including your favorites by going to https://medi-dyne.com/ and using code: ATDIARY20.

Thanks to our sponsors for making this show possible. The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm, PlayTri - Swim, Bike Run! – a retail and online bike shop and multisport specialist, Medi-Dyne -  keep people moving with injury prevention and pain relief products and Vimazi- pace tuned running shoes and the shoes that I train in. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

Find out what makes GoSleeves different in today's Hilary Topper on Air the Endurance Sports Edition podcast. See how Hilary has benefitted using GoSleeves and learn about the technology.

Here are questions that were asked:

1. Darren, welcome to the show! To kick things off, could you tell us about the inspiration behind GoSleeves and what motivated you to start the company?

1. I've personally experienced significant benefits from using GoSleeves during races in Chicago and Hudson Valley, especially with my knee issues. Can you explain the technology behind GoSleeves and how it specifically helps athletes manage pain and enhance performance?

1. GoSleeves has been a game-changer for me, providing support during my bike rides and helping me achieve a personal record. What kind of feedback have you received from other athletes who use GoSleeves?

1. With many athletes experiencing injuries, how do GoSleeves work to aid in injury prevention and recovery? Are there specific conditions or injuries where GoSleeves are particularly effective?

1. I'm curious about future developments. Are there any upcoming innovations or new products in the pipeline for GoSleeves that you can share with us?

1. Can you talk about the mission of GoSleeves and how it aligns with supporting athletes at all levels, from casual bikers to professional competitors?

1. Customer feedback is crucial for any business. How does GoSleeves incorporate user feedback into product development and improvements?

1. For listeners who may be dealing with chronic pain or are recovering from injuries, what advice would you give on incorporating GoSleeves into their training or recovery routines?

1. How do you see the role of wearable technology evolving in sports and fitness, and where do GoSleeves fit into this future?

1. Lastly, where can our listeners find more information about GoSleeves, and how can they get in touch if they have questions or need support?

Get 15% off any GoSleeve product by going to http://www.GoSleeves.com/Hilary.

Welcome to Hilary Topper on air. Today we will explore pivotal moments in medical history and their lasting impact on our world today. We will be delving into the story of polio—a disease that once gripped the world with fear and has since become a symbol of the power of vaccines. We'll discuss the polio epidemics of the 1940s and 50s, the groundbreaking vaccines that led to its decline, the emergence of post-polio syndrome, and the current status of polio globally.

In the mid-20th century, polio was a name that struck fear into the hearts of families worldwide. This highly infectious disease, caused by the poliovirus, would often lead to paralysis and even death, predominantly affecting children. The epidemics of the 1940s and 50s were particularly severe, with thousands of cases reported annually in countries like the United States. Public pools were closed, and parents kept their children away from crowds, hoping to protect them from this invisible enemy.

I talk about this topic because it actually affected me personally. You see, my mother, Phyllis Kahn Mass was a polio victim. Her parents thought she got it from a public pool. She was the only one in her class to have it and she was hospitalized for more than a year in an Iron lung.

For those of you unfamiliar, the iron lung is a type of negative pressure ventilator, a mechanical respirator that was widely used in the mid-20th century, particularly during the polio epidemics. It was a large, horizontal cylinder that encases most of a patient's body, leaving only the head exposed. The device worked by varying the air pressure inside the cylinder to stimulate breathing, effectively assisting patients who have lost control of their respiratory muscles due to conditions like polio.

The iron lung was invented by Philip Drinker and Louis Shaw in 1928 and became a crucial tool for treating respiratory failure caused by polio. During the polio outbreaks of the 1940s and 1950s, iron lungs were a common sight in hospitals, helping patients with paralyzed diaphragms breathe. Although largely obsolete today due to modern ventilators and the near eradication of polio, the iron lung remains an iconic symbol of the era.

I remember my grandmother telling me that she went to the hospital every day but was unable to go near my mother because she had to wear a type of hazmat suit, in fear that she and my grandfather would carry the disease. My uncle was a little boy. He stayed with various relatives.

When my mother finally got out of the hospital and came home, all of the friends she once had, were gone. They wanted nothing to do with her or her family. Everyone was a victim. A year or so later, they moved from the Bronx to Long Beach, Long Island.

In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk, developed the first effective polio vaccine. This injectable, inactivated vaccine was a breakthrough in medical science, offering hope to millions.

A few years later, Dr. Albert Sabin introduced an oral vaccine, which became widely used due to its ease of administration and effectiveness. These vaccines drastically reduced polio cases, turning the disease from a public health crisis into a manageable condition.

I remember my mother telling me about the march of dimes and how important they were to her. The March of Dimes, originally known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, played a crucial role in the fight against polio. Founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, the organization was instrumental in funding research and supporting the development of the polio vaccine. Through widespread fundraising efforts, including the famous "March of Dimes" campaign, the organization raised significant funds to support scientists like Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first effective polio vaccine. This vaccine, announced in 1955, led to a dramatic decline in polio cases and was a pivotal moment in public health history. The March of Dimes' efforts not only helped eradicate polio in the United States but also set the stage for its ongoing mission to improve the health of mothers and babies.

While the vaccines were successful in curbing new infections, many who had survived polio were left with lasting effects. Decades later, these individuals began experiencing new symptoms, a condition now known as post-polio syndrome (PPS). PPS manifests as muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain, occurring years after the initial recovery from polio. It's believed to result from the gradual deterioration of motor neurons that were previously damaged and then repaired during the original polio infection.

Although, polio has been nearly eradicated, thanks to the continued efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which began in 1988. Through comprehensive immunization campaigns, polio remains endemic in only a few regions. However, vigilance is key, as outbreaks can occur if vaccination efforts wane. The fight against polio continues, with a focus on reaching every child to ensure a world free from this disease.

The disease unfortunately still affects those who were victims in their childhood. Although their symptoms improved and many were released from the hospital, when they reached middle age, the symptoms returned as post polio syndrome.

Post-polio syndrome, or PPS, is a condition that can develop many years after a person has recovered from polio. It's estimated that a significant number of polio survivors experience PPS, where they encounter new symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain. This syndrome arises because the motor neurons that were once damaged and adapted to regain function gradually deteriorate over time. This deterioration leads to the recurrence of symptoms, often affecting mobility and quality of life.

Listen in to the rest of the podcast as I also interview Mary McManus, MSW, Author of A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From the Heart of a Warrior, available on Amazon. Mary was also inflicted with the disease and now lives with Post Polio Syndrome.

To our sponsors for making this podcast possible -- The Russo Law Group, Vimazi shoes, Medi-Dyne, and PlayTri.

In this episode, I interview three amazing women in the LGBTQIA community. All are endurance athletes. Listen and learn about their stories, what drew them into the sport, and their experiences. 

Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air, a 12-year-old podcast that helps you grow both personally and professionally.  I’m Hilary topper, and today we’re exploring "The Evolution of Triathlon: From Origins to Impact." Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just curious about this fascinating sport, there's something here for you.

Let's kick off with a personal anecdote. Did you know that I never even thought about a triathlon until 2014, when I went to Sanibel Florida and the Tourism director told me about the Captiva Triathlon? Who would have thought that 10+ years later, I would be addicted. Today, we'll uncover that story.

Host: Let’s wind back the clock to the 1970s. It all began in sunny Southern California, where a group of friends wanted to settle an argument about who was the fittest athlete. This led to the creation of the first triathlon in 1974. But the real game-changer came in 1978 with the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, founded by U.S. Navy Commander John Collins and his wife Judy. The event transformed overnight into a global phenomenon, challenging athletes to conquer the formidable swim, bike, and run.

The Ironman wasn’t just a race; it was a test of human endurance and willpower, drawing competitors from around the world and setting the stage for the triathlon’s future growth.

Before we go any further, I want to thank our sponsors: The Russo Law Group, they are an amazing group of lawyers who really care about you and protecting your assets. Go to VJRussolaw.com. Vimazi, the shoes I love to train and race in. I’ve been really loving their walking shoe lately as well. Go to Vimazi.com and check out my website at ATriathletesDiary for a special discount code of 20% off!!!  Medi-Dyne, is an incredible company for all your injury prevention and pain relief products. I also have a discount code of 20% off for them as well! And, Playtri, your multisport specialists for all your triathlon needs. They have so many opportunities for franchising. If you love the sport of triathlon, check out Playtri.com and learn more about opportunities to get your own shop.

The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal for triathlon. As the sport gained momentum, media coverage helped propel it into the limelight. Televised events showcased the grit and determination of athletes, captivating audiences globally. Sponsorships poured in, and triathlons began sprouting up worldwide. Iconic events like the Nice Triathlon and the World Triathlon Championships played a significant role in its popularity. It wasn't long before triathlon became synonymous with endurance and athletic excellence.

I think it was in 1982 when Julie Moss competed in the Ironman Triathlon for her college senior research project. She competed in a grueling 140.6 mile combination of swimming, biking and running in one event. She was in the lead. At fifteen feet from the finish line, she watched her rival pass her and thirty seconds later, she crawled across the finish line. Inspiring millions of people. 

I hadn’t heard about Julie back then, but as soon as I started getting into the sport of triathlon, I quickly learned about her story and eventually read her book, Crawl of Fame. And, if you haven’t read it, you should. It’s a great book about motivation and inspiration.

Triathlon’s accessibility also expanded, with local races encouraging more people to participate, further cementing its place in the sports world.

When I started in triathlons in 2015, I was not an athlete by any means. I cut gym. I wasn’t athletic. But the thought of doing something that was so outside my wheelhouse, made me excited. And, after that first triathlon in Captiva, I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough of them. The thought of swimming, which I had to learn from scratch, biking, which I also had to learn from scratch, and running, which I knew very little about, thrilled me.

It wasn’t until I put the whole thing together that I realized that triathlons are much bigger than all of us and they need to be respected. A lot of people think, oh what’s the big deal and they sign up for a half or a full ironman, and then they realize that it’s not an easy feat.

Gwen Jorgensen was and still is my hero as well as Julie. Gwen won the 2016 Olympics for triathlon. That was so incredibly exciting, watching her fly through this sport. I think that she also pushed her boundaries and showed the world that anyone can do this, despite the fears. In my new book, which will be coming out in 2025, I interviewed Gwen and she told me about a fear that she had on the bike. I have a similar fear. By talking with her and reading her book, Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete by Meyer & Meyer Sport Publisher, you will be elighted by her. She talks about how she went on a motorcycle fast down a mountain and that helped her. It also helped me by just reading about it.

The rise of triathlon has had a profound impact on the fitness community. It’s not just about competing; it’s about transformation. Triathlon clubs have emerged everywhere, fostering camaraderie and support among athletes. The sport has inspired new training methodologies and even lifestyle changes.

But I do want to make note here that not all triathlons are associated with Ironman. There are so many amazing race companies out there including EventPowerLI, EpicRaces, Alpha Win, Integrity Multisport and the list goes on and on.

Don’t poo poo the smaller races. They are tough and they are inspiring as well. Once you do a sprint triathlon, you are a triathlete. You don’t have to do an Ironman or Half Ironman to be a triathlete.

I can’t tell you how many people find out I am a triathlete and the first question they ask me is “did you do an ironman?”

The other thing to note here, is that many of these smaller race companies do put on 70.3 races and also 140.6 races. These races are known as half distance and full distance races, especially if they are not Ironman branded.

It’s amazing when I go to the open water and see so many familiar faces. Or, when I go to an event, I feel like it’s a big party. I know so many people and people I don’t know, I meet either in transition or on the course or even at the after party. It’s so amazing to feel so connected with these folks.

The other thing that is incredible is that professional triathletes are approachable. I have friends who swam in the Olympics and friends who have competed in Kona as a professional triathlete. It’s pretty cool that you have that opportunity to talk with so many amazing people in this sport.

I have also read so many amazing books on people who have transformed their entire lives by doing a triathlon and realizing that anything is possible.

When you do a triathlon or any endurance event, you push beyond your limits and discover your true potential.

Fast forward to today, and triathlon is more dynamic than ever. Technology plays a huge role, with advanced gear and apps helping athletes optimize their performance. Social media has connected the global triathlon community, allowing for the sharing of tips, stories, and support. Triathlon is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle millions embrace.

I love looking at strava and seeing what my friends and acquaintances have done. It’s inspiring to me.

 As we look to the future, triathlon will continue evolving, shaping the fitness landscape in exciting ways.

As we wrap up, let’s recap the fascinating journey of triathlon. From humble beginnings in the 1970s to its current status as a global sporting phenomenon, triathlon’s evolution is a testament to human endurance and passion. We encourage you to share your own triathlon experiences or aspirations with us. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into [tease next episode topic].

[Outro Music Fades In]

Outro:

Host: Thank you for tuning in to Hilary Topper on Air. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with us on social media to keep the conversation going. Also, if you have a topic in mind, please let me know at [email protected]. That’s Hilary with one “L”. Until next time, keep pushing your limits and discovering new adventures.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vimazi, Medi-Dyne, And, Playtri. Go to my website at ATriathletesDiary.com and click on discounts to get discounts. My cover page has all of the sponsors there and you can find out more about each one of them there.

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

What if everything we thought we knew about running shoes, from energy return to performance enhancement, was wrong?

• Can you explain what made you question the conventional wisdom surrounding running shoes?
• You mentioned that the concept of energy return in running shoes, which many brands highlight as a key feature, is fundamentally flawed. Can you break down why this idea is scientifically incorrect?
• Most people believe that the energy return from shoes, thanks to materials like carbon plates and special foams, helps them run faster. Why do you say this is a misconception, and what is the real impact of these materials on performance?
• You’ve explained that the human body, with its multiple joints, doesn’t behave like a rigid object. How does this biomechanical reality contradict the idea of energy return in shoes?
• If the energy from the shoe is balanced by the energy exerted by our muscles, leading to no net gain, why do so many people still feel like these shoes help them perform better? Could there be psychological factors at play?

• What are the potential risks for runners who rely on these supposed energy-returning shoes? How might they be inadvertently increasing stress on their muscles and tendons?
• You've designed a shoe technology that reduces the cumulative stress on muscles and tendons over time. Can you explain how your approach differs from traditional shoe designs, and what benefits runners can expect?
• With less cumulative stress from your shoe technology, how can runners expect this to impact their training and injury prevention in the long term?
• How do you see the future of running shoe design evolving now that we have a better understanding of these biomechanical realities?
• For runners who want to make informed decisions about their footwear, what advice would you give them to cut through the marketing noise and choose shoes that truly support their performance and health?
• And finally, Scott, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Vimazi?

In this episode, Hilary Topper, the host of Hilary Topper on Air, talks about a few of the long races she recently did and how she got thru them. She offers the audience advice on motivation and strategies to get through a long marathon, triathlon or marathon swim.