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Health & Wellness In Focus

Health & Wellness In Focus

By: Bryan Hudson
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 "Health & Wellness in Focus" provides information and insight on concerns related to health and wellness. We interview persons engaged in community based health and wellness. Your hosts are Bryan Hudson, D.Min., and Corey Jones, M.Div.Copyright 2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Dr. Stephen E. Gardner - Health & Wellness In Focus #19 - Our topic: Coping With Grief & Loss: Light in Your Valley

    Dr. Stephen E. Gardner - Health & Wellness In Focus #19 - Our topic: Coping With Grief & Loss: Light in Your Valley
    May 15 2025
    Health & Wellness In Focus Episode #19 – Coping With Grief & Loss: “Light in Your Valley”
Host: Dr. Bryan Hudson | Guest: Dr. Stephen E. Gardner Program Summary Dr. Gardner’s links: LinkedIN, www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-e-gardner-edd-ma-ct-6823b4b Everyday Consulting, www.everydayconsulting.org Crown of Hope International. www.crownofhope.org In this insightful episode of Health & Wellness In Focus, Dr. Bryan Hudson interviews Dr. Stephen E. Gardner—a pastor, theologist, veteran advocate, transformational coach, and independent scholar—on the theme “Coping With Grief & Loss: Light in Your Valley.” Key Highlights: 1. The Multifaceted Nature of Dr. Gardner’s Work: Dr. Gardner views his roles beyond the pulpit, engaging with the community on issues like death, loss, and personal transformation. His work with veterans especially involves shifting from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. 2. Understanding Grief Beyond Death: Loss includes not only death but also life transitions like job loss, shifting beliefs, or health setbacks. Grief is both emotional and neurological—highlighted by Dr. Gardner’s recommended book The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor. 3. The Four Tasks of Mourning (based on Dr. William Worden): Accept the Reality of the Loss – Acknowledge what has happened, even if heart and mind aren’t in sync. Process the Pain of Grief – Embrace emotions like guilt and sadness without rushing to “move on.” Adjust to a World Without the Deceased – Including identity changes, especially for spouses or long-term caregivers. Find a Way to Maintain Connection While Moving Forward – Through legacy, memory, or service. 4. Harmful Coping Practices: Telling people to “snap out of it” is unhelpful and often stems from discomfort or fear. Over-spiritualizing grief or using shallow platitudes can invalidate real feelings. 5. Integrating Faith with Mental Health: Faith is essential but must be paired with informed mental health practices. Spiritual responses should not replace therapy or professional help. Ministry of presence—being there without words—is often more healing than scripture alone. 6. Cultural Competence in Counseling: One-size-fits-all approaches fail across cultural lines. Dr. Gardner advocates for respectful, “user-centered” care that adapts to clients’ cultural and spiritual contexts. Professionals should ask: “How can I help you in a way that respects your culture?” 7. Encouraging Mental Health Careers: There's a great need for more culturally competent professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities. Churches and pastors should present these fields as mission and kingdom work. 8. Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health: Many avoid counseling due to fear of judgment or appearing “broken.” Seeking help should be normalized like seeing a doctor for a broken arm. 9. The Power of Meaning-Making: Healing accelerates when people can find purpose or meaning in their loss. Dr. Gardner shared his personal story of losing his mother at 18 and how he found strength through understanding her legacy and completing his life mission. Final Thoughts: Dr. Gardner stresses the importance of community, competent care, and courageous vulnerability when facing grief. Pastor Hudson reinforces that churches should be wellness hubs that connect people to the full range of care they need. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to share the episode to help others who may be experiencing grief or loss.
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    52 mins
  • Lora Henderson - Health & Wellness In Focus #18 - ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING: Releasing Worry, Embracing Peace & Stress Relief

    Lora Henderson - Health & Wellness In Focus #18 - ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING: Releasing Worry, Embracing Peace & Stress Relief
    Apr 29 2025
    Guest: Lora Henderson, MA,MBSR,MEI, Beautiful Mindz LLC https://www.beautifulmindz.me Host: Min. Corey Jones Producer: Bryan Hudson, Vision Communications Media LLC Our guest is Lora Henderson, a highly experienced advocate in health, mental health, and community outreach. Henderson holds degrees in sociology and organizational management, is a certified mental health counselor and mindfulness coach, and has worked extensively with organizations like NAMI and the Department of Corrections. The episode is focused on the theme “Anxious for Nothing: Releasing Worry, Embracing Peace, and Stress Relief.” Henderson shared insights on mindfulness practices, emphasizing how faith and mindfulness intersect through biblical principles like stillness, peace, and trust in God. She explained mindfulness techniques such as box breathing, straw breathing, and guided meditation, highlighting the importance of gentle breathing and being present in the moment with God. Key points discussed included: Mindfulness as a biblical practice, not limited to other religions. Techniques like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for managing overthinking and stress. The importance of deep breathing for toxin release, emotional health, and stress relief. How children and adults alike can benefit from mindfulness practices. Common misconceptions about mindfulness, especially among people of faith. The use of nature walks, journaling, and mindfulness music as practical tools for emotional wellness. Lora Henderson also shared the RAIN method for handling overwhelming emotions: Recognize what’s going on Allow the experience Investigate with kindness Natural awareness (detach from the experience) The conversation concluded with encouragement to release worry, embrace stillness with God, and practice deep, mindful breathing daily for peace and improved health. Resources and contact information for Lora Henderson were also made available for those interested in mindfulness coaching and workshops.
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    30 mins
  • Jeanette Doaks, Breast Cancer Survivor | "Health & Wellness in Focus" Episode #17

    Jeanette Doaks, Breast Cancer Survivor | "Health & Wellness in Focus" Episode #17
    Mar 13 2025
    "Health & Wellness in Focus" program and podcast on Tuesday, March 18 Episode #17 theme: “A Survivor’s Journey: Caregiving and Breast Cancer Recovery” Podcast Summary: Health and Wellness in Focus, Episode #17 This episode of the Health and Wellness in Focus podcast, brought to you by New Covenant Church Health Hub and produced by Dr. Bryan Hudson and Vision Communications Media LLC. This episode focuses on the journey of breast cancer survivor Sister Jeanette. Hosted by Minister Corey Jones, the episode highlights faith, advocacy, and the power of community in overcoming health challenges. Also highlights the support of her granddaughter and caregiver Kiara Meadows. Key Themes and Discussion Points: 1. A Survivor’s Journey: ◦ Jeanette shares her personal experience from the moment she discovered a lump during a self-exam to her eventual diagnosis of stage one triple-negative breast cancer. ◦ She describes the emotional impact of receiving the news and how she turned to faith, prayer, and her support system for strength. 2. Faith as a Source of Strength: ◦ Despite facing disbelief, anger, and fear, Jeanette found solace in her faith. She emphasized how God provided her with the strength and people to support her through the process. ◦ She leaned on her church, Little Bethel Baptist Church, where her pastor and congregation continuously supported her. 3. The Role of Advocacy in Healthcare: ◦ Initially, doctors recommended a mastectomy, but Jeanette sought alternative treatments, advocating for herself to explore options to preserve her breast. ◦ The conversation emphasized the importance of seeking second opinions, voicing concerns, and ensuring patients take an active role in their treatment plans. 4. Caregiving and Emotional Support: ◦ Jeanette’s granddaughter, Kiara, served as her primary caregiver, accompanying her to treatments and providing emotional and physical support. ◦ She stressed the importance of caregivers being present, showing love, and keeping their loved ones engaged to prevent feelings of isolation and depression. 5. Encouragement for Others Facing Similar Battles: ◦ Jeanette and Kiara shared messages of hope, urging those battling cancer to lean on God, seek support, and not be afraid to advocate for themselves. ◦ Caregivers were reminded to offer emotional and spiritual support, ensuring their loved ones never feel alone in their journey. 6. Closing Message: ◦ The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to support, uplift, and pray for those battling cancer. ◦ Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast with those who may benefit from its message of hope and faith. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength found in faith, family, and community when facing life’s toughest challenges.
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    28 mins
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