Welcome to Hilary Topper on air. Today we will explore pivotal moments in medical history and their lasting impact on our world today. We will be delving into the story of polio—a disease that once gripped the world with fear and has since become a symbol of the power of vaccines. We'll discuss the polio epidemics of the 1940s and 50s, the groundbreaking vaccines that led to its decline, the emergence of post-polio syndrome, and the current status of polio globally.

In the mid-20th century, polio was a name that struck fear into the hearts of families worldwide. This highly infectious disease, caused by the poliovirus, would often lead to paralysis and even death, predominantly affecting children. The epidemics of the 1940s and 50s were particularly severe, with thousands of cases reported annually in countries like the United States. Public pools were closed, and parents kept their children away from crowds, hoping to protect them from this invisible enemy.

I talk about this topic because it actually affected me personally. You see, my mother, Phyllis Kahn Mass was a polio victim. Her parents thought she got it from a public pool. She was the only one in her class to have it and she was hospitalized for more than a year in an Iron lung.

For those of you unfamiliar, the iron lung is a type of negative pressure ventilator, a mechanical respirator that was widely used in the mid-20th century, particularly during the polio epidemics. It was a large, horizontal cylinder that encases most of a patient's body, leaving only the head exposed. The device worked by varying the air pressure inside the cylinder to stimulate breathing, effectively assisting patients who have lost control of their respiratory muscles due to conditions like polio.

The iron lung was invented by Philip Drinker and Louis Shaw in 1928 and became a crucial tool for treating respiratory failure caused by polio. During the polio outbreaks of the 1940s and 1950s, iron lungs were a common sight in hospitals, helping patients with paralyzed diaphragms breathe. Although largely obsolete today due to modern ventilators and the near eradication of polio, the iron lung remains an iconic symbol of the era.

I remember my grandmother telling me that she went to the hospital every day but was unable to go near my mother because she had to wear a type of hazmat suit, in fear that she and my grandfather would carry the disease. My uncle was a little boy. He stayed with various relatives.

When my mother finally got out of the hospital and came home, all of the friends she once had, were gone. They wanted nothing to do with her or her family. Everyone was a victim. A year or so later, they moved from the Bronx to Long Beach, Long Island.

In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk, developed the first effective polio vaccine. This injectable, inactivated vaccine was a breakthrough in medical science, offering hope to millions.

A few years later, Dr. Albert Sabin introduced an oral vaccine, which became widely used due to its ease of administration and effectiveness. These vaccines drastically reduced polio cases, turning the disease from a public health crisis into a manageable condition.

I remember my mother telling me about the march of dimes and how important they were to her. The March of Dimes, originally known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, played a crucial role in the fight against polio. Founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, the organization was instrumental in funding research and supporting the development of the polio vaccine. Through widespread fundraising efforts, including the famous "March of Dimes" campaign, the organization raised significant funds to support scientists like Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first effective polio vaccine. This vaccine, announced in 1955, led to a dramatic decline in polio cases and was a pivotal moment in public health history. The March of Dimes' efforts not only helped eradicate polio in the United States but also set the stage for its ongoing mission to improve the health of mothers and babies.

While the vaccines were successful in curbing new infections, many who had survived polio were left with lasting effects. Decades later, these individuals began experiencing new symptoms, a condition now known as post-polio syndrome (PPS). PPS manifests as muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain, occurring years after the initial recovery from polio. It's believed to result from the gradual deterioration of motor neurons that were previously damaged and then repaired during the original polio infection.

Although, polio has been nearly eradicated, thanks to the continued efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which began in 1988. Through comprehensive immunization campaigns, polio remains endemic in only a few regions. However, vigilance is key, as outbreaks can occur if vaccination efforts wane. The fight against polio continues, with a focus on reaching every child to ensure a world free from this disease.

The disease unfortunately still affects those who were victims in their childhood. Although their symptoms improved and many were released from the hospital, when they reached middle age, the symptoms returned as post polio syndrome.

Post-polio syndrome, or PPS, is a condition that can develop many years after a person has recovered from polio. It's estimated that a significant number of polio survivors experience PPS, where they encounter new symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain. This syndrome arises because the motor neurons that were once damaged and adapted to regain function gradually deteriorate over time. This deterioration leads to the recurrence of symptoms, often affecting mobility and quality of life.

Listen in to the rest of the podcast as I also interview Mary McManus, MSW, Author of A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From the Heart of a Warrior, available on Amazon. Mary was also inflicted with the disease and now lives with Post Polio Syndrome.

To our sponsors for making this podcast possible -- The Russo Law Group, Vimazi shoes, Medi-Dyne, and PlayTri.

In this episode, I interview three amazing women in the LGBTQIA community. All are endurance athletes. Listen and learn about their stories, what drew them into the sport, and their experiences. 

Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air, a 12-year-old podcast that helps you grow both personally and professionally.  I’m Hilary topper, and today we’re exploring "The Evolution of Triathlon: From Origins to Impact." Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just curious about this fascinating sport, there's something here for you.

Let's kick off with a personal anecdote. Did you know that I never even thought about a triathlon until 2014, when I went to Sanibel Florida and the Tourism director told me about the Captiva Triathlon? Who would have thought that 10+ years later, I would be addicted. Today, we'll uncover that story.

Host: Let’s wind back the clock to the 1970s. It all began in sunny Southern California, where a group of friends wanted to settle an argument about who was the fittest athlete. This led to the creation of the first triathlon in 1974. But the real game-changer came in 1978 with the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, founded by U.S. Navy Commander John Collins and his wife Judy. The event transformed overnight into a global phenomenon, challenging athletes to conquer the formidable swim, bike, and run.

The Ironman wasn’t just a race; it was a test of human endurance and willpower, drawing competitors from around the world and setting the stage for the triathlon’s future growth.

Before we go any further, I want to thank our sponsors: The Russo Law Group, they are an amazing group of lawyers who really care about you and protecting your assets. Go to VJRussolaw.com. Vimazi, the shoes I love to train and race in. I’ve been really loving their walking shoe lately as well. Go to Vimazi.com and check out my website at ATriathletesDiary for a special discount code of 20% off!!!  Medi-Dyne, is an incredible company for all your injury prevention and pain relief products. I also have a discount code of 20% off for them as well! And, Playtri, your multisport specialists for all your triathlon needs. They have so many opportunities for franchising. If you love the sport of triathlon, check out Playtri.com and learn more about opportunities to get your own shop.

The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal for triathlon. As the sport gained momentum, media coverage helped propel it into the limelight. Televised events showcased the grit and determination of athletes, captivating audiences globally. Sponsorships poured in, and triathlons began sprouting up worldwide. Iconic events like the Nice Triathlon and the World Triathlon Championships played a significant role in its popularity. It wasn't long before triathlon became synonymous with endurance and athletic excellence.

I think it was in 1982 when Julie Moss competed in the Ironman Triathlon for her college senior research project. She competed in a grueling 140.6 mile combination of swimming, biking and running in one event. She was in the lead. At fifteen feet from the finish line, she watched her rival pass her and thirty seconds later, she crawled across the finish line. Inspiring millions of people. 

I hadn’t heard about Julie back then, but as soon as I started getting into the sport of triathlon, I quickly learned about her story and eventually read her book, Crawl of Fame. And, if you haven’t read it, you should. It’s a great book about motivation and inspiration.

Triathlon’s accessibility also expanded, with local races encouraging more people to participate, further cementing its place in the sports world.

When I started in triathlons in 2015, I was not an athlete by any means. I cut gym. I wasn’t athletic. But the thought of doing something that was so outside my wheelhouse, made me excited. And, after that first triathlon in Captiva, I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough of them. The thought of swimming, which I had to learn from scratch, biking, which I also had to learn from scratch, and running, which I knew very little about, thrilled me.

It wasn’t until I put the whole thing together that I realized that triathlons are much bigger than all of us and they need to be respected. A lot of people think, oh what’s the big deal and they sign up for a half or a full ironman, and then they realize that it’s not an easy feat.

Gwen Jorgensen was and still is my hero as well as Julie. Gwen won the 2016 Olympics for triathlon. That was so incredibly exciting, watching her fly through this sport. I think that she also pushed her boundaries and showed the world that anyone can do this, despite the fears. In my new book, which will be coming out in 2025, I interviewed Gwen and she told me about a fear that she had on the bike. I have a similar fear. By talking with her and reading her book, Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete by Meyer & Meyer Sport Publisher, you will be elighted by her. She talks about how she went on a motorcycle fast down a mountain and that helped her. It also helped me by just reading about it.

The rise of triathlon has had a profound impact on the fitness community. It’s not just about competing; it’s about transformation. Triathlon clubs have emerged everywhere, fostering camaraderie and support among athletes. The sport has inspired new training methodologies and even lifestyle changes.

But I do want to make note here that not all triathlons are associated with Ironman. There are so many amazing race companies out there including EventPowerLI, EpicRaces, Alpha Win, Integrity Multisport and the list goes on and on.

Don’t poo poo the smaller races. They are tough and they are inspiring as well. Once you do a sprint triathlon, you are a triathlete. You don’t have to do an Ironman or Half Ironman to be a triathlete.

I can’t tell you how many people find out I am a triathlete and the first question they ask me is “did you do an ironman?”

The other thing to note here, is that many of these smaller race companies do put on 70.3 races and also 140.6 races. These races are known as half distance and full distance races, especially if they are not Ironman branded.

It’s amazing when I go to the open water and see so many familiar faces. Or, when I go to an event, I feel like it’s a big party. I know so many people and people I don’t know, I meet either in transition or on the course or even at the after party. It’s so amazing to feel so connected with these folks.

The other thing that is incredible is that professional triathletes are approachable. I have friends who swam in the Olympics and friends who have competed in Kona as a professional triathlete. It’s pretty cool that you have that opportunity to talk with so many amazing people in this sport.

I have also read so many amazing books on people who have transformed their entire lives by doing a triathlon and realizing that anything is possible.

When you do a triathlon or any endurance event, you push beyond your limits and discover your true potential.

Fast forward to today, and triathlon is more dynamic than ever. Technology plays a huge role, with advanced gear and apps helping athletes optimize their performance. Social media has connected the global triathlon community, allowing for the sharing of tips, stories, and support. Triathlon is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle millions embrace.

I love looking at strava and seeing what my friends and acquaintances have done. It’s inspiring to me.

 As we look to the future, triathlon will continue evolving, shaping the fitness landscape in exciting ways.

As we wrap up, let’s recap the fascinating journey of triathlon. From humble beginnings in the 1970s to its current status as a global sporting phenomenon, triathlon’s evolution is a testament to human endurance and passion. We encourage you to share your own triathlon experiences or aspirations with us. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into [tease next episode topic].

[Outro Music Fades In]

Outro:

Host: Thank you for tuning in to Hilary Topper on Air. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with us on social media to keep the conversation going. Also, if you have a topic in mind, please let me know at [email protected]. That’s Hilary with one “L”. Until next time, keep pushing your limits and discovering new adventures.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Vimazi, Medi-Dyne, And, Playtri. Go to my website at ATriathletesDiary.com and click on discounts to get discounts. My cover page has all of the sponsors there and you can find out more about each one of them there.

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

What if everything we thought we knew about running shoes, from energy return to performance enhancement, was wrong?

• Can you explain what made you question the conventional wisdom surrounding running shoes?
• You mentioned that the concept of energy return in running shoes, which many brands highlight as a key feature, is fundamentally flawed. Can you break down why this idea is scientifically incorrect?
• Most people believe that the energy return from shoes, thanks to materials like carbon plates and special foams, helps them run faster. Why do you say this is a misconception, and what is the real impact of these materials on performance?
• You’ve explained that the human body, with its multiple joints, doesn’t behave like a rigid object. How does this biomechanical reality contradict the idea of energy return in shoes?
• If the energy from the shoe is balanced by the energy exerted by our muscles, leading to no net gain, why do so many people still feel like these shoes help them perform better? Could there be psychological factors at play?

• What are the potential risks for runners who rely on these supposed energy-returning shoes? How might they be inadvertently increasing stress on their muscles and tendons?
• You've designed a shoe technology that reduces the cumulative stress on muscles and tendons over time. Can you explain how your approach differs from traditional shoe designs, and what benefits runners can expect?
• With less cumulative stress from your shoe technology, how can runners expect this to impact their training and injury prevention in the long term?
• How do you see the future of running shoe design evolving now that we have a better understanding of these biomechanical realities?
• For runners who want to make informed decisions about their footwear, what advice would you give them to cut through the marketing noise and choose shoes that truly support their performance and health?
• And finally, Scott, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Vimazi?

In this episode, Hilary Topper, the host of Hilary Topper on Air, talks about a few of the long races she recently did and how she got thru them. She offers the audience advice on motivation and strategies to get through a long marathon, triathlon or marathon swim. 

According to the Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Awareness, an estimated 1 in every 50 people has an unruptured brain aneurysm. One of these aneurysms ruptures every 18 minutes. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of cases. Of those who survive, about 66% will suffer some permanent deficit.

Another startling statistic is there are almost 500,000 deaths worldwide each year caused by brain aneurysms, and half the victims are younger than 50. This month is Brain Aneurysm Awareness.

In this episode of Hilary Topper on Air, I interview Dr. Christopher Kellner, a fantastic neurosurgeon at Mount Sinai Health System Department of Neurosurgery. Full disclosure: Dr. Kellner was my neurosurgeon after discovering an unruptured aneurysm in the back of my head. And he did an amazing job. At my last angiogram, 95% of the aneurysm was gone. So I am truly grateful to him.

Here are some questions I asked: 

• ·      When did you decide to go into neurosurgery?
• How do you balance the technical demands of neurosurgery with the emotional and psychological needs of your patients?
• ·      How do you build trust and a strong doctor-patient relationship, especially when dealing with life-altering diagnoses?
• ·      With many conditions like aneurysms and vascular malformations not always requiring surgery, how do you approach the decision-making process with patients and their families?
• ·      How do you personally handle setbacks from a patient?
• ·      How do you handle (juggle) the demands of your job with raising your own family?

·     Dr. Kellner, back to you. Thank you and the Mount Sinai Health System Department of Neurosurgery for sponsoring The Lori Weiss Memorial Fun Run/Walk on September 14th. This is supporting The Bee Foundation.

• ·      How do events like the run/walk contribute to raising awareness and funding for neurosurgery research and patient care?
• ·      Reflecting on your journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a neurosurgeon so far?
• ·      Finally, what is the one message you hope every patient takes away after working with you, regardless of their diagnosis or treatment?
• ·  

Special thanks to our show sponsors: The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

As our lives become more entwined with digital assets—from social media accounts and online banking to cherished family photos stored in the cloud—it's crucial to consider what happens to these digital possessions should something happen to you.

Today, we are joined by Diana Lattanzio, a partner at the Russo Law Group, who will guide us through the legal frameworks and tools available to help you manage your digital legacy effectively.

• So, Diana, welcome to the show! Can you start by explaining what constitutes a digital asset in today's world?
• What led you to focus on the importance of digital assets in estate planning? Was there a personal or professional experience that highlighted this need for you?
• Can you provide some examples of common digital assets that people might overlook?
• How do these digital assets differ from traditional physical assets in terms of management and inheritance?
• Why is it crucial to protect your digital assets in your estate plan?

• Diana, back to you. What are the first steps someone should take to ensure their digital legacy is secure and accessible to their loved ones?
• Can you share any best practices for organizing and documenting digital assets for estate planning purposes?
• What role do digital executors play in managing digital assets, and how can one designate a digital executor?
• Can you share any real-life examples or case studies where proper digital estate planning made a significant difference for families?
• What are some immediate steps our listeners can take today to start planning their digital estate?

https://vjrussolaw.com/wp-content/uploads/digital-assets-chart-150814mwc.pdf 

For more information on how to protect your digital assets go to: http://www.vjrussolaw.com/

Thanks to our Show's Sponsors:

The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. 

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

Brain aneurysms are often called 'silent killers' because they typically show no symptoms until they burst, leading to life-threatening conditions. It’s estimated that about 6 million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, and every 18 minutes, a brain aneurysm ruptures.

Today, we are joined by two remarkable individuals who are deeply involved in raising awareness and advocating for the prevention and support of brain aneurysms. Erin Kreszl, the Executive Director of The Bee Foundation, and Tricia Scobey, a survivor of a life-changing brain aneurysm and the race director of the run series, which raises money for the Bee Foundation. 

• Erin, can you share the mission and vision of The Bee Foundation and how you became involved with it?
• What are some key initiatives and programs The Bee Foundation is currently focused on?
• Tricia, can you share with us your story and the experience of surviving a life-changing brain aneurysm?
• Tricia, what role did organizations like The Bee Foundation play in your recovery and ongoing support?
• Erin, what resources and support do you offer to survivors and their families?
• Tricia, how has your life changed since surviving the brain aneurysm?
• What are some of the key lessons or insights you have gained from this experience?

• Erin and Tricia, back to you. We are organizing a 5K run, run/walk, or walk on Saturday, September 14th, at Heckscher Park in honor of my late sister, Lori, who passed away from a brain aneurysm. Let’s talk a little bit about the event.
• Erin, what are the primary goals for this 5K event in terms of fundraising and awareness?
• Tricia, who can join the Lori Weiss Memorial Fun Run/Walk?
• (For you – answer this question: What can our listeners do to support the 5K event on September 14th, whether they are participating locally, virtually, or looking to sponsor?)
• Finally, how can people register for Lori Weiss Memorial Fun Run/Walk or learn more about The Bee Foundation?

The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. 

If you want more information on the show, visit our new website, hilarytopper.com or find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

As technological advancements and market demands continue to evolve, keeping our knowledge and skills current has never been more critical.

Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air. Today, we have a special guest joining us, Andy Atzert, Dean of Adelphi University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

• So, Andy, welcome to the show! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role at Adelphi’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies?
• What makes Adelphi’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies unique compared to other institutions?
• Why is lifelong learning becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing economy?
• How are universities like Adelphi responding to the growing need for lifelong learning?
• Can you elaborate on the different types of programs that Adelphi offers to support lifelong learning, such as non-degree, undergraduate, and graduate programs?
• How do flexible online programs contribute to making education more accessible for lifelong learners?
• How does Adelphi ensure that the knowledge and skills taught in its programs align with what employers are looking for?
• With so many educational options available, how can people make wise choices about which programs to pursue?
• What kind of support can learners expect from educational providers like Adelphi to ensure their success?
• Could you share some success stories or examples of individuals who have benefited from Adelphi’s programs?
• And finally, Andy, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Adelphi?

You can reach Andy by going to www.Adelphi.edu. Look at academics, continuing education and you will see all the programs.

The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

Find us on Spotify, iTunes or Google Play. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time…

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There are more than 43 million people ages 12 and over who suffer from substance abuse across this country. With these starting statistics, you probably know at lease one person who has struggled, I know I have.

Combatting substance abuse is crucial as it impacts individuals, families, and communities deeply. It involves treating those affected and preventing future cases through education, awareness, and support.

Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air. Today, we have Paul Vecchione, President and CEO of Long Island P.R.E.P. as our guest. Here are the questions I asked him:

• Can you share your background and what inspired you to start Long Island P.R.E.P.?
• What is the core philosophy behind the organization, and how does it differ from traditional approaches to substance abuse and addiction?
• Can you describe some of the key programs and initiatives that Long Island P.R.E.P. offers to the community?
• What strategies do you use to build self-esteem and confidence in children to help them resist drugs and alcohol?
• How has social media impacted our youth?
• What impact have you seen from your efforts since its inception?
• Can you share a success story or a memorable moment that stands out from your work with Long Island P.R.E.P.?
• What are your long-term goals for Long Island P.R.E.P. and the broader fight against substance abuse and addiction?
• How do you collaborate with schools, parents, and other community organizations to address substance abuse and mental health issues?
• How can individuals and organizations get involved with or support Long Island P.R.E.P.'s mission?
• What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work every day?
• And finally, Paul, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Long Island P.R.E.P.?

The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.

Hiring the right people is one of the most crucial aspects of building a thriving organization. Talent is a company's most valuable asset, and identifying, attracting, and retaining top performers is more critical than ever. Many companies struggle with this essential task, resulting in costly mishires and missed opportunities.

Today, we welcome Scott Mesh, a seasoned expert in hiring and talent management to the podcast. With over 20 years of experience, Scott is a Topgrading Professional at Topgrading, Inc.

• Can you tell us about your background and how you got involved with Topgrading?
• For those who are unfamiliar, can you explain what Topgrading is and how it differs from other hiring methodologies?
• Can you describe the key components of a Topgrading Scorecard?
• Why do you believe that hiring usually doesn’t work out well for many companies?
• Can you explain the importance of establishing a clear Scorecard in the hiring process?
• What are some effective techniques for getting candidates to tell the truth during the interview process?
• Can you discuss the huge costs associated with a mishire and how it affects a company?
• What are the most common hiring mistakes companies make, and how can they avoid them?
• Could you share some examples of companies that have successfully implemented Topgrading and seen significant improvements?
• In your opinion, how will the field of hiring and talent management evolve in the next few years?
• And finally, Scott, how can our listeners get in touch with you or learn more about Topgrading?

Contact Scott with questions or for more information visit www.scottmesh.com. 

The Russo Law Group, P.C. - Long Island's Signature Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs law firm. For additional info visit vjrussolaw.com. And Buddha Bath - a natural bath and body care company. For more info visit buddhabath.net. And last but not least, I’d like to thank our listeners for tuning in.