Authors

• A recent survey revealed 81 percent of people feel they have a book inside of them. However, getting that booked published is another story. But today's authors have more choices than going through a traditional publisher. Patricia Ruth, author of the self-published novel "Holly Heights", joins us to talk about the benefits of self-publishing. She'll talk about some of the issues facing today's authors and what you need to know about becoming a self-publisher.

Cooking and Entertainment

Education

Family

• Many women feel guilty for taking a few minutes for themselves, but Self Magazine's Beauty Director Elaine D'Farley shows us how we can create a home spa and sneak in a few minutes each day to pamper ourselves. Elaine covers everything from taking care of our skin and hair to having a perfect smile.

Finances

• If you're stressed over debt, you're not alone. Millions are feeling the pressure of wondering whether or not they will be able to pay their bills. Worrying about money is more than a financial issue, though. Financial stress can cause health issues, marital and relationship problems, and simply cause overall unhappiness. Kim McGrigg, Community and Media Relations Manager for Money Management Int., joins us to talk about the impact money has on our life and how we can gain control of our finances. She'll talk about changing spending habits and how debt can be used responsibly.
• According to a recent survey, 55% of small business employees work from home. Today's technology has made it possible more than ever to work from home and some employees say they are even more productive. Others, though, say they would be too distracted to work from home. Organizational expert Jodie Watson joins us with simple tips for creating a great working environment in your home, maximizing your productivity, and saving on common business expenses. Regardless if you're working from home for yourself or someone else, Jodie says with a little hard work, you can be successful.
• It's an important topic, but one that is hardly ever discussed between adults and their parents. In fact, 36 percent of adults say they NEVER talk about their parents' ability to retire. Wade Mayo, President and CEO of Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, joins us to discuss why it's so difficult for children to talk to their parents about their financial retirement plans. He'll share ways to approach your parents with the subject, how to calculate your needs, how to protect yourself in this economy, and why it's important to be realistic about retirement planning.
• America's Family Financial Expert, Ellie Kay, joins us today to share tips for graduating college debt free. From choosing the right school to applying for scholarships, Ellie will explain how these small steps can add up to big savings. She'll also talk about making a budget and sticking to it and how to encourage smart spending.

Health and Beauty

• Medco Pharmacist Paul Reyes joins us to talk about a recent survey, "America's State of Mind", which shows Americans are increasingly turning to medication to ease their mental stress. He'll discuss various reasons why people are experiencing mental woes and what medications they are turning to.
• Winter is here and it can be especially tough on our skin and nails. While some dislike this time of year because of the snow, wind, sleet, and ice, others dread this time of year because of the drying effects on their skin and hair. Nationally renowned dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio joins us to talk about the best ways to protect and moisturize your skin.
• Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis are at a higher risk for fracture, expecially during the cold winter months. Dr. Andrea Singer from Georgetown University Medical Center shares ways to reduce the risk of fracture and why postmenopausal women are at such a higher risk. She'll also talk about treatments available and why men should also take notice.
• If you're looking to stay in shape during the holidays and after, it's going to taske a mix of exercise and diet. Registered Dietician Lisa Dorfman joins us to talk about getting the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals without sacrificing on taste. She'll also talk about incorporating more exercise in our routine during the winter months.
• The dreaded cold and flu season is here, but a few simple steps can keep you and your family from getting sick this year. Dr. Yael Halaas, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, joins us to share tips to keep everyone healthy this season. Dr. Halaas discusses steps you can take to prevent getting sick, what you should do if you feel the cold or flu coming on, and the importance of diet and exercise for staying healthy.
• The CDC is launching a comprehensive program to help prevent infections in cancer patients. Each year, it's estimated that 60,000 cancer patients are hospitalized for chemotherapy-related infections and some even die. Dr. Alice Guh joins us to talk about the effects of chemotherapy on the body and why it puts cancer patients at a greater risk of developing serious infections. She'll also talk about the new program and how it aims to help patients.
• Have you ever fainted? Did you realize that fainting spell could signify something more serious? 1 in 2 Americans are unaware that fainting could signal a potentially life-threatening heart condition. Renowned cardiac eletrophysiologist Dr. Nicholas Tullo and Trudie Lobban, founder of STARS, a patient advocacy organization that educates people about the dangers of fainting, join us to talk about these dangers and why you should be concerned. Dr. Tullo will explain the link between fainting and heart health, warning signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatments. Trudie discusses the organization and why you should be proactive.
• We hear the claims the beauty products make, but can they really stand up to the hype? Beauty and Style Expert Jamie Krell stops by to talk about some of the products that actually deliver on their promises. From moisturizing your skin to controlling frizzy hair to looking younger, Jamie shares the products that will help you achieve the look you want. She'll also talk about one product that will not only help you, but help kids fighting cancer as well.
• Millions of Americans are living with glaucoma and don't even know it. Dr. James Tsai, Chair of the Department of Opthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University, and Scott Christensen, President and CEO of the Glaucoma Foundation, join us to talk about some of the warning signs of glaucoma and why it's important to catch it early. They'll explain why it goes under diagnosed, who is at risk, and how it's detected. They'll also talk about managing glaucoma and preventative steps you can take to preserve your eyesight.
• People are always looking for ways to save money. But when it comes to looking good, they're afraid to cut corners. Beauty expert Jenn Falik joins us to share ways we can still look good without going broke. She'll show us ways we can not only save money, but save time as well by taking care of our beauty needs at home.
• Mental Health America, the nation's largest mental health advocacy organization, has launched a new national program to help people with mental illness plan ahead for their own pyschiatric care. Dr. David Shern, President and CEO of Mental Health America and Dr. Delaney Ruston join us to talk about this new initiative and what it means for those affected by mental illness. They'll talk about the importance of planning for the future and pyschiatric advance directives.
• If you suffer from dry eyes, light sensitivity, or excessive blinking, you're not alone, but it may be something more serious. Blepharospasm is a rare neurological disorder that causes abnormal, involuntary spasms of the muscles around the eye and is often misdiagnosed. Nilda Rendino and Dona Norton join us today to talk about their experiences with blepharospasm and how they have managed the disorder. They discuss the symptoms and how it's treated and why it can take months if not years to get a proper diagnosis.

Pets

• When times are tough, people start making cuts in their spending habits. Often times that comes at the expense of their health or the health of their pets. But it doesn't have to. Dr. Karen Halligan shares an inexpensive way we can protect our pets from fleas and ticks, how not to cut corners when it comes to feeding our pets, and how to keep your pets entertained and exercised without spending a lot of money on toys. She'll even explain why spaying and neutering your pets will save you money in the long run.
• According to a new survey, 80% of respondents say they treat their dog as an equal member of the family. This has been a growing trend over the last few years as more and more people consider themselves pet parents instead of pet owners. Pet Lifestyle Expert Wendy Diamond joins us to talk abobut this growing trend and how to provide the best possible life for the furry members of our family. She'll talk about trends in pet parenting, how to make your home pet friendly, and treats that are good for your pet.

Technology

• More people take more time to make sure their home, car, and other important purchases are protected, yet spend little time making sure the information on their computer is protected. A recent suvey found 39% are at risk for a catastrophic data disaster yet few are prepared and taking the necessary steps to back up their computer. David Friend, Chairman and CEO of Carbonite, joins us to talk about the importance of backing up your data, how easy and affordable it is, and why more people don't take the time to properly back up their data.
• Social media is playing a bigger role in our lives from staying connected with family and friends to conducting business. It's also playing an increasing role in travel. Ron Callari, Vice President of Business Development for Flip.to, joins us to explain how social media is changing the way people travel. In the past people would rely on a guidebook or online review to find the best places to stay or eat. However, it was hard to tell if the reviews were written by the owner themselves or if a business had to pay to be featured. Now with social media, people are able to get honest reviews from actual travellers. Ron shares his favorite travel apps and websites, shows us how to find the best travel deals and incentives, and discusses the future of travel.
• In today's digital age, it's not uncommon for people to transfer their digital photos onto their computer but then do nothing further. However, what happens if your computer crashes, you lose your computer, your house is burglarized, or you have a fire. What happens to all your memories then? Beth Jordan, Vice President of Communications of AVG, joins us to talk about backing up all your data to the cloud. Beth says it's more than just family photos that can be saved to the cloud, all of our important documents can be kept there. Plus having your documents, photos, and more in the cloud allows you to access them from anywhere, not just from the comforts of your own home. Beth also talks about the importance of protecting your computer against attacks.