The Celebrity Twin Trend Continues

It's official! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are expecting twins. Jack Black let the news slip while doing a joint-interview with Jolie in Cannes to promote their movie, Kung Fu Panda. "You're gonna have as many as [the] Brady Bunch when you have these," he said during the chat with Today show's Natalie Morales. Asked by Morales if she is indeed having twins, Jolie replied, "Yeah, yeah, we've confirmed that already. Well, Jack's just confirmed it actually." Angelina will join a select group of celebrity moms who recently gave birth to twins such as Jennifer Lopez and Marcia Cross. Do you think they'll be bonding in a Mother of Twins support group?

They may want to listen to our guest this weekend. We'll find out what it takes to raise emotionally healthy twins with twin, mother of twins and psychologist Joan Friedman. She'll tell us how parents can raise twins to be individuals while encouraging them to cherish their special sibling relationship.

Got Sunshine?

Many people are suffering from something they might not be aware of. It affects about a billion people worldwide, yet treating it can be as simple as going outdoors. It's a health alert about Vitamin-D deficiency. The young, old and in-between all benefit from Vitamin-D. It's been found to reduce the risk of breast, colon and ovarian cancers. And new information indicates that lack of Vitamin-D may be linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle of spending our days inside in front of a computer screen is contributing to 60% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D.

We've talked about this issue before on Family Matters Radio, but it seems that every month new research finds additional links to Vitamin D and overall health. So, we wanted to know more. Just posted, our conversation with Dr. James Dowd, author of The Vitamin D Cure. He shares with us new details about the Vitamin-D connection to our health and well being. Why not download the free podcast in your favorite mp3 player and take a walk outside while you listen?

Seriously Stretching Your Grocery Dollars

A mom from a "well-to-do" suburb called into a national talk radio program the other day to relay her family's strategy to combat the higher food prices. She said " We just fix dinner for the kids and when their done, we finish whatever they didn't eat."

Seriously!

"I'm shocked." said the host. "Well, we just can't afford to buy dinner for all of us." replied the mom.

Seriously!

There are other ways to stretch you grocery dollars. And, according to experts, consumers could be paying higher grocery bills for another two years- so eating your child's scraps may not be the best long term plan.

This weekend on Family Matters, we'll revisit our conversation with Joe the Coupon Guy. He'll tell us how he typically saves 70% to 80% when shopping for groceries. Plus, he'll share insider secrets to saving money on family vacations and restaurants across the country. And, we'll get a sneak peek at a new service that may be the most simple way to help you save on grocery shopping.

Looking Forward to Growing Old

Some things in life are inevitable. Growing old is one of them. We may try to avoid the signs by purchasing various concoctions that promise the newest anti-aging secret but in the end time, like gravity, will eventually prevail. So imagine our surprise to read a new study that reveals the happiest Americans are the oldest. Not the teens that seemingly live life care-free, not the ambitious forty-somethings or even young adults who have not been crushed by disappointments. -according to the study, the odds of being happy increased 5 percent with every 10 years of age. It gives all something to look forward to.

This weekend on Family Matters we'll talk with National Geograhic explorer, producer and author, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones. We'll explore the secrets of the world's longest-living people and discover simple habits everyone can incorporate in their lifestyle to increase longevity and happiness.

The New High

You may have seen the new Anti-Drug PSA's- they use humor to convey a very serious message- that more teens are using prescription drugs lifted from their parent's medicine cabinet than illegal drugs found on the street corner. If that isn't enough cause for concern, the fact that many of these drugs have mind-altering properties that can have long term devastating effects is causing even greater alarm.
This weekend on Family Matters, we'll talk with investigative reporter Kelly O'Meara, author of Psyched Out about her examination into the use psychiatric drugs and school shootings and what she thinks every parent should know. Parents can make a difference- find tips and information here.

Join the Conversation

Back in the day, moms used to chat over a backyard fence, a cup of coffee at the kitchen table or on a front porch. We were lucky to grow up in a neighborhood where everybody knew each other- for better or for worse. Times have changed but the need to connect with people is still going strong. Today, social media communities are meeting the desire for some 32 million moms online to share, rave and sometimes rant about daily life. One such site that caught our eye is Opmom.com (operation mom) -it allows moms to stay in touch and offers other cool features like tools to organize the family’s medical information, find & rate local service providers, plan & book the perfect vacation, create & plan events and parties, plus find inspiration for tonight’s dinner.

This weekend on Family Matters Radio, we'll talk with web entrepreneur and creator of Opmom.com Carrie Pacini. She'll tell us why she developed Opmom and about the new program we're launching to help Family Matters Radio listeners to continue the conversation of our on-air topics off air at Opmom.com

We're jumping for joy with anticipation to connect with our listeners about issues we know you have questions about and opinions to share. So sign up today and join the conversation in our Off-Air with Family Matters Radio Mom Circle.

Let's Connect

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The Fat That Loves You Back

Fat is back and it's good for you. We're not talking about the fat in french fries, cake frosting or croissants- that fat can clog your arteries and cause multiple problems. The good fats are rich in Omega-3s. If that sounds Greek to you, you need to pay attention because new health studies have found extraordinary benefits to a diet rich in these oils.

This weekend on Family Matters, we'll talk with Dr. Keri Marshall a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women's medicine about new findings that indicate omega-3's help moms and their babies. And if you ever suffered from those monthly mood swings, these nutrients may be the answer to help you achieve a better balance. The body utilizes essential fatty acids for hormone production, which aid in reducing hypertension, migraine headaches, and arthritis. The best news- you don't need a prescription for this natural medicine.

Life Changing Questions

Even if you don't recognize his name, you most likely know the legacy of Richard Carlson. As the author of the bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all Small Stuff, he showed millions of people how not to let the small things in life get the best of them. When his life tragically ended suddenly in 2006, he left behind not only millions of fans but a wife and family.

This weekend on Family Matters, we'll talk with Kristine Carlson, about her life with Richard and her tribute book An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love, which is based on a prophetic letter Richard gave to her on their 18th wedding anniversary. The letter posed these challenging questions- If you had one hour to live and could make just one phone call, who would it be to? What would you say? And why are you waiting? It's inspiring thousands to take up the challenge to "live life in the moment" and treasure the gifts of love each and everyday. How would YOU answer?

Young and Obsessed

Howie Mandel and Mark Summers are two celebrities who deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a disease that, studies say, affects one in 200 children and one in 40 adults. They along with other OCD sufferers often recall a childhood that was difficult due to the unexplainable symptoms and lack of knowledge to support a path for treatment.
According to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, an international organization that provides support for OCD sufferers, "OCD is a neurological disorder defined by recurrent, unwelcome thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that OCD sufferers feel driven to perform." Many researchers believe that OCD is caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain, and some feel that it is genetic, though this is not conclusive. Fortunately, awareness and treatment options for OCD sufferers have improved greatly over the last decade.

This weekend on Family Matters we'll talk with Dr. Patrick McGrath, author of The OCD Answer Book. He'll offer tips for parents to help them recognize possible signs and issues related to OCD. As with any disorder a proper medical diagnosis is crucial to developing treatment therapies. It's worth mentioning that Mark Summers believes his considerable career success is tied to his OCD, since it was "a way for me to channel an aspect of my disease: my need to win, to be perfect, to be the best."

Mrs. or Ms. President?

As we loom closer to possibly electing the first female president, Hillary Clinton may need to think about her official title. But women who strive to break glass ceilings are faced with titles and names that have little to do with their achievements. New research reveals that the old stereotypes of gender and leadership are still prevalent, at least in the workplace.

According to the Work & Power Survey, about 33 percent of men and women would rather work for a man, while about 13 percent would prefer working for a woman. (The remaining 54 percent had no preference.) While those figures aren't earth-shattering, a deeper and more disturbing trend revealed in the study are the negative attitudes toward women who gain promotion and high-level positions.
This weekend on Family Matters, we'll talk with Carol Frohlinger, co-author of Her Place at the Table: A Woman Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success. We'll talk with Carol about why these attitudes exist and what needs to be done to change them. You can join the fight and gain new insight by visiting her coaching blog at http://www.thethinpinkline.com/

Take Time for YOU!

Most people dream of living a life of enjoyment once they retire - exciting travel, spoiling the grandchildren, leisurely lunches and maybe a golf and tennis club membership. The reality is that many of us are going to be left disappointed and will find ourselves scraping by to make ends meet. The problem is we're living longer and saving less. This issue is strikingly evident for women. According to the Administration on Aging, 12 percent of women over 65 are living in poverty, compared with only 7 percent of men. For divorced and widowed women, the poverty rate is higher, at 21 and 15 percent, respectively. More than 70% of all elderly persons with incomes below the poverty level are women.

The good news is that more attention is being paid to the issue and more companies are providing educational opportunities and tools to help women understand long term financial issues and empower their decisions.

We want to help. This weekend on Family Matters Radio we'll launch a weekly series called "Your Worth" brought to you by Genworth Financial. Each week on our radio program you can listen to our conversation with financial experts from around the country about everything from maintaining your health and wellness to understanding the importance of retirement planning and how to prosper in 2008. If you miss it or live outside the broadcast area, no worries, you can listen online on the Family Matters homepage. So tune in and share the news with your mother, your sister, your aunt and your best friend. It may be the most important investment you'll ever make.

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Now, we want to hear from you! Soon we'll be launching new programs on Family Matters Radio and we need your input.

Fill out this quick survey here and you could win a $100 Amazon gift certificate.

Stories Worth Hearing

Over the years we have aired numerous radio programs about the challenges families face when they are living with a loved one who has a disability or a chronic illness. In fact we were honored with two journalism awards for programs produced focused on this subject matter. It's an issue that is near and dear to our heart, so we welcomed the opportunity to talk with a man who has written a New York Times' bestselling book that offers inspiration to those with illnesses and disabilities.

This weekend on Family Matters we'll talk with award-winning journalist Richard Cohen (pictured here with wife and NBC anchor Meredith Vieira), author of Strong at the Broken Places. The book tells the story of five ordinary people trapped in the complex world of serious chronic illness. Cohen, who himself struggles with multiple sclerosis, authored the 2004 memoir, Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness.

Richard Cohen doesn't paint a pretty face on the daily challenges facing the people whose lives are chronicled in the book. Instead he offers countless images of strength, resilience and life-affirming appreciation. Their stories are examples of courage that should benefit all, healthy or not.

One Day at a Time

It's difficult to keep up with all the health news. One day we're told to avoid sun exposure to prevent skin cancer. Now a new study indicates that we need sunlight as it an important source of Vitamin D - aka the sunshine supplement. Multiple studies have found that Vitamin D plays a vital role in the prevention of many deadly illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, schizophrenia and heart disease. Health officials estimate that as many as 47,000 cancer deaths could be prevented each year in the United States if adequate vitamin D levels were attained.

So, how does one keep up with all the conflicting health stories? Finding a trusted resource is one solution. This weekend on Family Matters, we'll talk with Dr. Lynn Eldridge, author of Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time. She offers simple advice that can help you take action steps everyday to reduce the risk of cancer. Take her Cancer Quiz to test your knowledge.