ACB Focus: Health and Wellness

20260724 1800 Strong Minds, Safer Lives - Mental Health and Self-Defense Fundamentals 2

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Building on the virtual fundamentals session, participants practiced self-defense skills through guided, interactive exercises. Activities addressed awareness, reaction time, personal boundaries, and assertive communication in difficult situations. The hands-on session emphasized empowerment, safety planning, realistic strategies for everyday environments, simple defensive techniques, scenario-based responses, and physical and mental readiness.

Presenters: Amy Wilson; Ricardo Salazar, ACBS president, Miami, FL; Gregg Wandsneider, ACBS board member, Waukesha, WI

20260718 1230 Strong Minds, Safer Lives - Mental Health and Self-Defense Fundamentals 1

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Amy Wilson led a virtual session connecting mental well-being and personal safety. The first half addressed managing fear, setting boundaries, and developing assertiveness to support emotional resilience. The second introduced self-defense fundamentals, including awareness, prevention, and simple protective responses. The session combined psychological insight with practical safety education and offered tools for school, work, travel, and social situations, emphasizing confidence, independence, preparedness, and the right to safety and respect.

Presenters: Amy Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation, Warrensburg, MO; Ricardo Salazar, president, ACBS, Miami, FL; Gregg Wandsneider, ACBS board member, Waukesha, WI

20260716 1830 LVA Presents the Importance of a Low Vision Evaluation

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Carlos L. Grandela, OD, FAAO, joined Low Vision Alliance to explain low vision evaluations, what they involved, and why people should obtain one. The session included time for questions.

20260716 1530 The Power of Small Behavior Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Brenda Jagatic, a certified diabetes care and education specialist, discussed small behavior changes that could slow or prevent progression from prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes. The presentation cited estimates that one in three U.S. adults and half of adults over 65 had prediabetes, and that 90 percent of affected people did not know it. It addressed the misconception that little could be done to avoid or delay diabetes at that stage. Healthy-lifestyle suggestions also applied to people already diagnosed with diabetes and those seeking healthier lives. Two group members shared their experiences of changing the course of their diabetes.

Facilitator: Patricia Maddix, ACBDA Board member, Vancouver, WA

Presenters: Brenda Jagatic, BScN, RN, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist President, HSH Lifestyles Healthier-Stronger-Happier, Marquette, MI; Jeff Bishop, ACBDA First Vice President, Tucson, AZ; Bonnie Robertson, ACBDA member, Minneapolis, MN

20250709 1430 Meal Planning for a Healthy Life with Diabetes Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2

Three dietitians and diabetes educators from Pennsylvania Hospital joined us and shared ideas for planning tasty, fun, and interesting meals following eating recommendations for health with diabetes. Deciding what to eat for your meals and snacks every day is certainly a daunting experience and even more, so, when you're stopping to think about carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nutrition labels, etc. Participants joined us to help pick up some new tips to help make everyday meal planning easier and enjoyable. There was time for attendees to share their own suggestions and ask any questions about diabetes.

Facilitator: Patricia Maddix, ACBDA Board Member, Vancouver, WA

Presenters: Abigail Chesterson, MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES, Director, Diabetes Education Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA and Carolyn Ramondo RD, LDN, CDCES, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

20250709 1300 ACBDA Presents Advocating for Mental Health Techniques in Action Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 3

Participants joined Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW and Stephanie Ash, MSW, LSW, Esq. as they reviewed techniques for how people with diabetes can advocate for their mental health! We reviewed ways to identify and combat stigma and stereotypes, learn techniques to successfully engage in self-advocacy with family, friends, and providers and discuss signs of diabetes distress/burnout and how to seek help. Participants had an opportunity to put learned techniques into action through guided role-plays during the last half of the session and left feeling empowered to take action to advocate for their mental health!

Facilitator: Randy Knapp, Board Member, ACBDA, Rockville, MD.

Presenters: Stephanie L. Ash, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH and Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH.

20250708 1430 Accessibility of Diabetes Tools Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 3 This session explored the latest advancements in diabetes management tools designed with accessibility in mind for individuals who are blind or have low vision. We discussed the features and benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMS) such as the prescription-based Freestyle Libre 3+ and Dexcom 7. We also talked about the over-the-counter options like the Dexcom Stelo, Abbott Lingo, and Abbott Freestyle Rio. as well as InPen and the Prodigy Meter, highlighting their compatibility with various accessibility needs. Additionally, the session also covered accessible insulin pumps and how they are transforming diabetes care for individuals who are blind or low vision, focusing on the tools' usability, features, and the support they provide in managing diabetes independently.

20250708 1300 Whats Late and Great in the Diabetes Management Space for 2025 Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Discussion of the new standards of care for diabetes for 2025. This session focused on updates in diabetes care and management. We highlighted new drugs to market and delved into navigating the ongoing shortages of GLP1 medications. Updates were provided on continuous glucose monitor technology, including the Stelo Glucose Biosensor system by Dexcom, available Over the counter, without a prescription, Insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery system advances were also presented. There was be ample time for open discussion and questions and answers. Facilitator: Tom Tobin, ACBDA Member, Cleveland, OH Presenters: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Co-Director, Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland, OH and James Montgomery, PharmD, BCACP, Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cleveland Clinic - Solon Family Health Center, Cleveland, OH

20250706 1730 Discovering the Five Love Languages Connecting Through Care Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Did you know that everyone has a Love Language, the way they best give and receive love? Whether in friendships, family, professional or personal relationships understanding the Five Love Languages can transform how we connect with those around us. Participants joined us for an engaging and interactive event where we explored the Five Love Languages: Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Gifts. We broke down what each Love Language means, how they show up in daily life, and how simply learning someone's Love Language can help you build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Plus, we heard from individuals who shared how their Love Languages help to shape the way they connect with others. Sponsored by: ACB Next Generation Presenters: Terrilynn Higashi, Ewa Beach HI and Amanda Selm, Louisville KY.

20250706 1030 The Color of Resilience A Talk and Painting Demonstration with John Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants joined internationally acclaimed blind artist John Bramblitt for an inspiring session where he shared the remarkable story of his career. Hear how he overcame the loss of his sight to become a celebrated muralist, speaker, and author. Through heartfelt storytelling and personal insights, he explored themes of creativity, resilience, and inclusion. The session also featured a live painting demonstration, offering a unique look into John's innovative techniques. Don't miss the opportunity to ask questions during the Q and A at the end.