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Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser
Living with Alzheimer's: Rebecca Chopp's Inspiring Journey
In this podcast episode, Dr. Ron Kaiser welcomes Dr. Rebecca Chopp, a distinguished academic leader and author who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Rebecca shares her unique and inspiring journey of living with Alzheimer's and how she's refused to surrender to the disease. Her story is a testament to the power of attitude, lifestyle interventions, and resilience in the face of a challenging diagnosis.
Rebecca earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and had a successful career, including serving as the president of Colgate University and Swarthmore College. In 2019, she was the Chancellor of the University of Denver when she received the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Her first neurologist had outdated knowledge about the disease and painted a bleak picture of her future, but Rebecca's life took a different turn after getting a second opinion from a more positive neurologist..
Refusing to Surrender:
Rebecca discusses her initial struggles with the diagnosis and the stigma associated with Alzheimer's. Many people hesitate to seek diagnosis due to the fear and misconceptions about the disease. However, she emphasizes the importance of getting an early diagnosis and maintaining a positive attitude.
Rebecca outlines key components of her lifestyle changes to delay the progress of her Alzheimer's symptoms. These include diet, exercise, sleep, and creativity. She follows a Mediterranean-style diet, prioritizes sleep, and incorporates exercise into her daily routine. Creativity, whether through painting, music, or gardening, has been a vital aspect of her journey.
Recognizing Alzheimer's Symptoms:
Rebecca shares how Alzheimer's has affected her daily life, particularly her short-term memory and time management skills. She also discusses the gradual loss of her ability to drive, highlighting that Alzheimer's symptoms vary among individuals.
Rebecca's Career and Life Before Alzheimer's:
Rebecca's journey to becoming an academic leader, from her modest upbringing to her academic pursuits in theology and administration, is highlighted. She reflects on the joy she found in her career and her interest in spirituality.
Rebecca's upcoming book, "STILL ME: Accepting Alzheimer's Without Losing Yourself," is discussed. The book provides insights into her diagnosis, living well with Alzheimer's, the science behind the disease, and practical tips for those facing a similar journey. All proceeds from the book will go toward further Alzheimer's research.
Rebecca encourages individuals to seek a second opinion if they receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She recommends valuable resources such as the Alzheimer's Association and Us Against Dementia for information, guidance, and support.
Rebecca's story serves as an inspiration to those facing Alzheimer's and their families. Her message is clear: refuse to surrender, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and find joy in the journey. Her book and website are valuable resources for those seeking guidance and information about living with Alzheimer's
https://www.rebeccachoppenterprise.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-chopp-1a0225b0
https://twitter.com/chancellorchopp?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.chopp
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276. Overcoming Challenges and Thriving with Jon Chandonnet
40:26||Ep. 276In this inspiring episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes Jon Chandonnet, an empowerment strategist, author, and creator of the 7 Vibrants Well-Being System. Jon shares his extraordinary journey from a high-achieving MIT graduate and endurance athlete to navigating life with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite facing severe physical limitations, he embarked on an eight-year journey of self-discovery, developing a holistic system to optimize well-being by addressing physical, emotional, professional, financial, social, mental, and spiritual energy. His story, chronicled in his book Shadow Summit, demonstrates the power of resilience and intentional living.Jon discusses how his system applies to everyone, not just those with chronic conditions, and highlights the importance of eliminating energy leaks in daily life—whether through poor nutrition, negative thought patterns, or professional burnout. He emphasizes the value of taking small steps toward positive change, the role of mindset in overcoming adversity, and how his principles can benefit people of all ages, from young adults finding their path to older individuals seeking longevity and fulfillment.Throughout the conversation, Jon and Dr. Ron explore the intersection of mindset, health, and purposeful living, reinforcing the idea that taking action—no matter how small—can lead to transformative growth. Listeners are encouraged to check out Shadow Summit on Amazon and explore Jon’s Vibrant U Academy for deeper insights into optimizing their well-being.In this inspiring episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes Jon Chandonnet, an empowerment strategist, author, and creator of the 7 Vibrants Well-Being System. Jon shares his extraordinary journey from a high-achieving MIT graduate and endurance athlete to navigating life with multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite facing severe physical limitations, he embarked on an eight-year journey of self-discovery, developing a holistic system to optimize well-being by addressing physical, emotional, professional, financial, social, mental, and spiritual energy. His story, chronicled in his book Shadow Summit, demonstrates the power of resilience and intentional living.Jon discusses how his system applies to everyone, not just those with chronic conditions, and highlights the importance of eliminating energy leaks in daily life—whether through poor nutrition, negative thought patterns, or professional burnout. He emphasizes the value of taking small steps toward positive change, the role of mindset in overcoming adversity, and how his principles can benefit people of all ages, from young adults finding their path to older individuals seeking longevity and fulfillment.Throughout the conversation, Jon and Dr. Ron explore the intersection of mindset, health, and purposeful living, reinforcing the idea that taking action—no matter how small—can lead to transformative growth. Listeners are encouraged to check out Shadow Summit on Amazon and explore Jon’s Vibrant U Academy for deeper insights into optimizing their well-being.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonchandonnethttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00G99YXDQhttps://x.com/jonchandonnet275. Overcoming Food Cravings and Binge Eating with Dr. Glenn Livingston
46:54||Ep. 275In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes psychologist and author Dr. Glenn Livingston, who shares his personal journey of overcoming food obsession and binge eating. Dr. Glenn discusses how his experience working with the food industry and his struggle with weight led him to develop a unique method for defeating cravings. He explains the impact of the food industry’s marketing tactics, the role of the brain’s survival mechanisms in overeating, and how simple, structured food rules can help individuals regain control over their eating habits.Dr. Glenn provides insights into how behavioral psychology can help people break free from unhealthy eating patterns and create sustainable, long-term changes. He shares his practical approach to identifying and challenging destructive thoughts around food, as well as tips for gradually implementing healthier habits. Additionally, he discusses how parents can set positive examples for their children and the importance of avoiding extreme dieting cycles.In the conversation between Dr. Glenn and Dr. Ron, listeners will gain actionable strategies for overcoming cravings, developing a healthier relationship with food, and maintaining long-term success. Dr. Glenn offers free resources to listeners, including his book and coaching sessions, at defeatyourcravings.com. Whether struggling with binge eating or simply looking for ways to improve dietary habits, this episode provides valuable guidance on achieving food freedom and better health.More information on Dr. Glenn:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550719047966https://x.com/DYCGlennhttps://www.instagram.com/defeatyourcravings/https://www.defeatyourcravings.com/BlogMePlease/never-miss-an-episode-2/https://www.defeatyourcravings.com/https://www.defeatyourcravings.com/BlogMePlease/download-the-free-reader-bonuses/274. Preventing Lyme Disease: A Journey of Awareness and Protection with Dr. Nancy Fox
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40:01||Ep. 273In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Karen Rigamonti, a physician and executive coach, shares her journey of transforming personal adversity into a mission for fostering resilience, compassion, and well-being in healthcare and beyond. Dr. Karen reflects on a life-altering experience involving a preventable medical error during her son's birth, which highlighted the critical need for better communication, empathy, and listening in healthcare. Drawing from her 30+ years in medicine and organizational leadership, she emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments that empower individuals to thrive and prevent burnout through curiosity, collaboration, and connection.While recognizing that most patients receive quality treatment by caring providers, Dr. Karen discusses the systemic challenges within healthcare, including toxic workplace cultures, lack of proper support for staff, and misaligned priorities that compromise patient care. She advocates for small but impactful changes, such as better eye contact, meaningful interactions, and addressing practical barriers faced by patients and staff alike. Her work with leaders, teams, and organizations focuses on experiential learning to improve communication and build inclusive, energized communities. She also highlights the ripple effects of positive cultures, where engaged employees lead to better patient outcomes, reduced turnover, and increased organizational loyalty.The conversation between Dr. Ron and Dr. Karen underscores the universal applicability of Dr. Karen's principles, which extend beyond healthcare to other industries. From leaders fostering inclusive workplaces to individuals advocating for themselves in healthcare settings, the episode is a call to action for embracing curiosity, collaboration, and compassion in all areas of life. Dr. Karen's insights and tools, available through her website and social media, aim to guide listeners in creating meaningful connections and thriving in both personal and professional spheres.For more info on Dr. Karen:https://drkaren.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrigamonti/https://www.instagram.com/dr.karenrigamonti/https://x.com/karenrigamonti272. Encore Presentation with Dr. Monique Nugent" on REJUVENAGING
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14:02||Ep. 268As the year comes to a close, Dr. Ron dedicates this solo episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser to helping listeners reflect on the past year and prepare for a thriving 2025. Drawing from his expertise as a positive health psychologist, Dr. Ron emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control and creating meaningful goals that drive growth and positivity. He discusses the value of setting both basic and stretch goals, encouraging listeners to start small and build momentum towards significant personal achievements.Dr. Ron explains how human behavior and learning play a pivotal role in maintaining consistency, particularly when setting goals at the start of a new year. Using relatable examples, he advocates for incremental progress, highlighting the benefits of attainable objectives like daily hydration, regular movement, and incorporating healthy habits. He also touches on the importance of integrating fun and self-care into daily life, stressing that joy and personal growth can coexist with larger commitments to making the world a better place.In this motivational episode, Dr. Ron inspires listeners to take control of their 2025 by embracing a mindset of enthusiasm and resilience. By focusing on self-improvement, fun, and meaningful goal-setting, he reminds us that the potential for a great year starts from within. Join Dr. Ron on this journey of growth and transformation, and make 2025 your best year yet.More info:https://www.drronkaiser.com/