Precious Predicaments

The word Addiction can be a sensitive topic for many. However, many still refuse to believe that one can become addicted to Alcohol. It is known that 51.5% of adults 18 and older are regular drinkers. In our culture social drinking is acceptable and the norm. So when does drinking become a problem?

Alcohol related mortality is a leading preventable cause of death in the US. The deaths are most common among middle aged adults aging 35-64 years old. 76% are men and 24% are women. About 88 thousand people die every year in the US from alcohol related causes.

Millions of adults suffer from alcohol use. The age of first use can occur around the age of 12 in most cases. Most concerning is that many will later develop Alcoholism which is an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor. Such can lead to mental illness, compulsive behaviors and other problems in ones life resulting from Alcohol Dependency.

Alcoholism is considered one of the most serious form of problem drinking. Suffers will often become defensive or be in denial. Drinking can become the most important thing in their life. It can also be tricky to spot as many can be secretive or perhaps be a functional alcoholic. Social use, binge drinking and daily use can become confusing. The causes of alcohol use disorder is still unknown. However when one drinks it changes the chemicals in the brain. This is one reason why some feel a pleasurable feeling. However others can feel a different feeling. Such can also have a negative impact on family members and others.

Join me and my callers as I discuss Alcohol and its destruction on families. I will provide education, insight and resources to address this growing concern. Problem Drinking Versus Alcoholism. Also How To Tell If One's Drinking Is Out Of Control. The 5 common causes will also be addressed. Co-Dependent Behaviors will also be explored

All callers are welcomed.

Over the past several years single parent families have become more common than the nuclear family that consist of a mother, father and child. Today we are seeing all sorts of single parent families: headed by mothers, fathers, grandparent, adopted parents just to name a few. This leaves many to question, is being a single parent a choice? The United States has the highest percentage of single parents which is 25.8%. However in most cases it took two individuals to conceive the child. So what happen to the other parent? It is understandable when one of the parent has passed away. What is the reason in other cases? The absence alone causes a great impact on the child be it negative or positive.

Coparenting is a term were two parents work together to raise a child even though they are no longer together. In most cases this can be ideal. Now comes "Parallel Parenting." This is an arrangement in which parents are able to co-parent by means of disengaging from each other, and having limited direct contact. This may sound odd however, the parents have demonstrated that they are unable to communicate with each other in a respectful, mature or safe manner. In both cases the goal is to focus on the child. There are some benefits as the child does not feel abandoned, there is a sense of security and much more.

Being a single parent can be a challenge. However, in most cases the child endures most of the pain. Often the child will become angry at both parents. This includes the present parent. This is also not to say that the absent parent does not want to be a part of the child's life. However they may not know how. Let's have a dialogue to discuss healthy ways to parent children. Let's put an end to the stigma of being a Single Parent. Your child deservesto have both parents in their lives. If this is not possible one still should not have to parent alone.

When it comes to teens, tweens and the use of marijuana, what is your position? The brain is not fully developed until age 25. However, it is now being said that 1 in 7 teens reports using marijuana in the past month. Marijuana is also known as one of the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States by teens as well as adults. A recent public discussion about medical marijuana and the public debate over Marijuana's legal status is leading to a reduced perception of harm among young people. In addiction, some teens believe marijuana can not be harmful because it is natural. But not all natural plant substances are good for you tobacco, cocaine and herion also come from plants. 

This is a great topic for discussion, as many parents either once smoked marijuana and many may still smoke marijuana as they may think it is ok for their kids to engage in marijuana use. The problem is unfortunately marijuana is now more potent than what people were smoking 30 years ago. 

Many  pediatrician so are now taking better and more proactive steps to educate both parents and teens regarding marijuana use and addictive behaviors.

The drug landscape will continue to change with the times, but the one thing that will remain constant is the need for support and information. As a parent you are the most important and most powerful influence in your child's life. 

Join, listen or share regarding this topic. All callers are welcome. However respect is mandatory

With what is going on in our world today many individuals are feeling scared, hopeless, worthless or perhaps at a lost. If someone you loved was suicidal would you know what to do or say? If you yourself was feeling tired, exhausted, wanting to give up, depressed, addicted or had a case of the F.. It's , how would you handle it? With what is going on in our world as it relates to the floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and this heat, such is affecting the moods of many. Not to mention that millions are suffering with depression, other mental illnesses, financial, addictions, health or relational issues. 

Suicide does not discrimate it affects children, teens, adults and our seniors. It does not matter if you are rich or poor. 

It is said that depression and stress are considered as the major cause of suicide or self harm. Losing a loved one to suicide can leave a person feeling lost and alone. According to WHO 800,000 people across the world die by suicide every year and at least 65,000 people  attempt suicide as several others think about it. 

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Many individuals have been affected by the aftermath of suicide or have attempted suicide. If you are someone you know is struggling with life, a relationship, or just want to give up give me a call. The show is designed to provide resources, insight and encouragement despite what you are going through. 

Darkness can not exist where there is light. Life is precious and valuable. I saw a post that said, " God always has something for you, a key for every problem, a light for every shadow, a relief for every sorrow and a plan for every tomorrow. Let's talk about it and develop some sunshine. If I don't know how to do anything else, I know how to make you laugh.

As a parent, family member or caregiver you are your child's first and most important teacher. For many this can be intimidating especially when it comes to your child's education. For years many individuals depended and trusted the educational system to educate their children. As time past so did that belief. Other options were implemented such as home school, charter school and private school. And when it comes to preparing children for college thing can become more complicated. If you yourself as a parent obtained a college education one may believe that they know what is best based on their experience. I can confess to that as such blew up in my face. Then  when one's child enters college and the parent did not obtain a higher education knowing what to do to help your child can be frustrating especially when it comes picking a major or obtaining financial assistance. 

Whether your child is entering daycare or a graduate program join me and my special guest and other callers as we discuss, "Tips To Help Your Child Succeed In School."  Live Monday 9/4/17 at 12pm Pacific. This show is open to parents, students, teachers, individuals that work within the educational system, and any concerned individual. Let get together and help our children be safe, educated and productive individuals.

Today for some reason many families are out of control. And with what many watch on tv we are now even more confused. The word family by definition is a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children. It is a group that may dwell together or not or any group of persons that are related by blood or marriage. However, when it comes to the members within our family structure we do not get to choose who we want to be in our family which brings me to the topic for today's show. 

As one age one may start to believe and hope that once they leave home they will leave their family and childhood problems and trauma behind. However, many find that such is not the case. What happens is their childhood experience may continue to play a role into their adult life causing concerns in certain areas in their adult life such as with healthy relationships, communication, trust, respect, parenting, setting boundaries and handling financial resources just to name a few.

With that in mind has led individuals to explore the difference between a functional vs a dysfunctional family. We all have stories to tell. As such became our norm.

Dysfunctional families is a family which conflict, misbehavior and often some form of child abuse or neglect on the part of an individual, parent or other family member occur continually and regularly leading other members to accommodate, or continue such behaviors as one start to believe that such is normal. 

There are common features and behavior patterns as a result of what one experience within the family. Such may consist of lack of empathy or understanding towards other family members, denial, inadequate or missing boundaries, disrespect, unfair or unequal treatment, and extreme conflicts.

There are causes as well as solutions. So join me and special guest as we explore this topic. All callers are welcome. 8/28/17 at 12pm Pacific. This will be a 90 minute show.

I am not a politician, activist, nor am I trying to save the world. I am however a child of God, a woman of faith, a wife, mother, grandmother, therapist, a concerned citizen and to others many other things. However when I watch the news, listen to the radio, read my social media feeds, and observe individuals in the world and within my community it takes me back to Marvin Gaye song, "What's Going On?" 

Are we really Making America Great Again? I remember hearing my pastor saying several years ago, "We are living in our last days." Then I recall a man telling me when I was going through to read Psalm 37. And I witnessed it come true. I can also recall my mother telling me, " You can't win if you don't fight." She also told me not to be a punk. 

So with all that we were taught to believe, feel and have witnessed what are we now to do? For myself I had to learn how to fight differently. I recall telling an individual when he shared with me about racism when I was in my mid 20's that I grew up in Compton and was never discrimated against. He gave me a valuable educational session. That open my eyes and taught me how to fight differently. I learned that my family also tried to shield me as best as they could.  Then I reflected on the educational system in Compton and developed a greater respect for Dr. Lawrence Freeman, The Black Panther's and many others that tried to make a difference. Yet many lost their lives, were placed in jail, and that is just to name a few things that happen.

Let's discuss this topic in a respectful, mature dialogue. Let's move mountains. Hate requires to much energy. Racism is learned and fueled with fear and the unknown. Anger can be used to motivate or get people in trouble. When one is concern one can seek to obtain resources, educate, motivate and demand change. Let's Talk

What does it mean to tell the truth? Will the truth really set you free? Can individuals really handle or accept the truth? Is being honest just one's opinion? The questions that ponder in the minds of individuals can go on and on. However many individuals do not understand why people lie. Whether they are lying to themself or another individual. The individual could be a spouse, partner, boss, family member, a leader, public figure or perhaps your child. So what is a person to do? One might try to confront the lie, where another may just go along with the lie. Then come trying to comphrend the motivation behind the lie. 

Lies can destroy relationships, marriages and families. It could result in lost of employment and destroy ones reputation. Yet however many continue to engage in such behavior. As I child, I learned that there was both a payoff and consequence for lying. So if you want to learn the truth about lying or perhaps want to develop skills to stop lying join me and my special guest on Monday August 14, 2017 at 12pm Pacific. Why Lie When The Truth Will Do? Not to mention one lie will lead to another

Many individuals are looking for love. Yet they often look in all of the wrong places. What do the word Love really mean? Who taught you how to love? This is a very important question because when it comes to it are we being honest with ourself and the individual that we are telling that we love? Many times it could be perceived as a mixed message.

As a child, many was taught to believe that our parents loved them.Only to learn that there are several different types of love. Then one later engage in relationships with others being left with scars and baggage. Many individuals go on to date and some believe that they are ready to marry.  And some find that when they believe that they are in love with another they will invest and put everything into that individual yet often neglect themself. Then they are left questioning if they are being loved in return and their own happiness?

That takes it back to, What Is Love? And Who taught you how to love? Many songs have been written about love. Many of us also enjoy watching love movies. This however can be educational for some yet more confusing for others. Then comes my next question. How can I say that I love another when I find it hard to love myself? Self Love is the regard for ones own well being and happiness. You truly can not love another until you learn how to love yourself first. 

Join me and my special guest and callers as we talk about love and loving ourself. Let's learn how to pour and invest in ourself then we will be capable of loving another and engage in a more enriched and happier marriage or relationship. Monday 8/7/17 live at 12pm Pacific.

Mass Incarceration is now being called The New Jim Crow. This is becoming a true epidemic in the United States.However what many individuals may not be aware of is the social and moral cost of mass incarceration especially in African American communities. Many of us may know of someone that has been involved with the criminal justice system. And the sad part is that there are still youth out there that sadly believe that going to prison is a rite of passage. Many books and articles have been written about this matter. Millions of individuals  go to the theaters and pay to watch movies that focus on crimes and life of individuals in jail or prison. And watching the news and television shows has increased in the number of viewers. I am not saying that individual that are committing crimes should go unpunished. However in poor and disadvantaged communities there may well be a tipping point at which rigorous crime policies and laws can do more harm than good. 

Join me and my special guest Alexis Miranda as she provide information regarding her upcoming project and Aaron Harvey as he share his experience and upcoming projects. Education, resources, laws, families, and support is very important when it comes to reducing crime and keeping our communities safe. When our love ones go to jail the entire family suffers especially the children and the community.

Call in and share your experience and knowledge. All callers are welcome. Monday 7/31/17 at 12pm Pacific.