Good morning everybody and welcome to The Balancing Act.
We are so glad you joined us.
I'm Julie Moran.
And I'm Olga Villaverde.
Alright, did you know in the U.S. more than 11,000 toxins are allowed in your skincare
items?
Whoa.
Isn't that amazing?
Well, today we're going to meet a breast cancer survivor who created a 100% natural toxin-free
botanical line after her bout with the deadly disease.
It's a great line that's safe for you, your family, and your skin.
That is so cool.
Very inspiring.
I can't wait for that.
Yes.
And plus, how Petco, we love Petco, is Being the Change for pet parents everywhere.
Find out how you can adopt a pet in your community.
That's coming up.
And how online education is changing lives.
The Balancing Act starts right now.
Stay with us.
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Imagine no matter where you're located in the world, you're studying, taking classes
and tests all towards getting your advanced education degree.
Again, no matter where you are.
That's the scenario when you get an education online.
But not all online education institutions are created equal.
Danielle Ripich, President of the University of New England joins us with some inside information
on how to get the best bang for your buck.
Welcome back.
Thank you for having me.
Online education, really growing.
I mean, big today, isn't it?
It is.
It's exploding, in fact, because everybody wants anytime anywhere education.
And when you say anytime anywhere, that then leads me to this question, which a lot of
people sometimes feel, "Oh, I'll never be able to finish."
You can now?
You can.
Self-directed learning is not for everyone, but for people who are focused on it, we have
97% completion rates in our online programs.
97%?
So, if you come to UNE and you want to study and you enter a program, we can almost guarantee
that you're going to get there because we have tutoring, we have supports that people
need, we talk to folks weekly and make sure that they're getting all the support they
need to complete their degree.
So, when they're looking into that online education, and you just said it's exploding,
so we have so much to choose from.
Tell me what one needs to know to choose the right one for them.
I would be really careful in differentiating.
The range of students who complete, I think, is the most important marker.
So, I would look.
How many students actually complete that degree in two to three years, how ever long the program
is supposed to last?
Because there's quite a variety out there, but as I said, we believe with the right supports
and the right motivation students can succeed at this.
And Danielle, what makes the online component at the University of New England so unique?
Well, I think the support we do provide.
We've grown our programs very carefully, and so they're all graduate degrees.
And so they're students who know how to learn, know what they want to accomplish, and we
provide them with all the support to get them there.
And let's talk a little bit about that support because when I went to school, way back when,
I really liked that one-on-one with the professor, and if I had any doubts.
So, the first thing I think of is if I had any questions, if I had any concerns, how
is the support there for me?
Well, I think when you connect with our online learning, people are interactive all the time
with the professor at every class.
So, it's not as if you used to probably sit in the back of the room, Olga, at times and
not pay attention.
You can't really do that in online because you're engaged all the time.
And then, as I said, we have weekly phone calls to say, "Have you ordered your books?
Did you study for your midterms?"
So, we give the coaching along that we all need.
We have physical coaches for working out.
We have different kinds of life coaches.
We really believe in this coaching model to help people get through online education.
And I think that one thing that's just so huge is the time factor.
You do it at your own time.
You can take your time, or you can expedite it.
That's right.
So you can enroll, we enroll students every 8 weeks.
So you don't have to wait for a semester to get a class.
So, we have a, we call it a carousel, so you can jump on and jump off.
If you have something happening: your sister's getting married, you're going to have a baby.
You can step out, but you've only lost 8 weeks sometimes, and people can jump right back
in.
So, we really try to make it student-friendly.
Now, let's not take away from the fact that the University of New England is also a gorgeous
campus, and you can physically be there as well.
And our online students come for graduation, and it's one of the most emotional days of
the year for the university because they come, and they really feel apart of a real university.
We have a special support for them and a special reception.
It's really wonderful.
It's very gratifying.
Another special note here is UNE has, whoa, several accolades for excellence in education.
Tell me about those.
Well, we were listed as one of the most affordable online programs in the country recently, and
our education program was ranked at the top, our Masters in Public Health.
So, a number of our programs have been nationally ranked for quality as well as affordability.
And I know it was important to note as we did last time you were here that it really
is a great return on your investment.
Yes.
The value added.
You hear about return on investment, ROI.
We talk about ROE, return on your education.
So, that's what we're about at UNE.
I love that.
Thank you so much.
It really has been a pleasure to have you throughout these months with the University
of New England.
And for our viewers out there who'd like to learn more, and actually I'm going to look
into it, too, what's the website?
UNE.EDU.
Truly a pleasure.
Thank you, Danielle.
Come back anytime.
Thank you.
And, of course, if you'd like more information on UNE.EDU, which is The University of New
England, you can go to our website which is TheBalancingAct.com.
(music).
Our next story is about a personal journey of one inspirational woman that has led to
a new career path which will soon be benefitting women and families everywhere.
Joining me is Gina Maisano, two-time breast cancer survivor and creator of an exciting
new skincare line, and Dr. Randall Feingold.
Also, Dr. Ron Israeli from New York Breast Reconstruction Associates, who helped Gina
along the way so much more than just medically.
Good morning to all of you.
Good morning.
Gina, I want to start with you, and thank you so much for being here.
It's my pleasure.
Your story is so powerful and inspirational to so many women out there who have faced
breast cancer.
Tell me what happened.
I was first diagnosed in 2001, and I did the chemo and the radiations and the surgery,
and I thought I was all done with it.
And then it came back five years later.
And so I had more chemo and more radiation, and I started to notice that my skin took
a toll, and my hair was awful when it grew back.
And so it led me to look for ways to make myself look better as I was healing.
And it then led to me creating our skincare line.
God bless you.
Dr. Israeli, let bring you in because so many women out there can relate to this, and I'm
sure you've seen many women out there like Gina experiencing these side effects during
treatment.
Why is it?
Yeah.
I have seen many women like Gina, and what happens with cancer treatments is that they
damage the skin.
There's chemicals in chemotherapy, radiation can damage the blood supply to the skin, and
fortunately products like Gina's, I've seen them work and be so effective for patients
without having any of the toxins that so many of the products that are available today have.
And Gina, did you try to use regular products while you were going through this, and is
that why then you came up with your own line?
I did try to use other products, and I found they were very harsh and irritating.
Then, I looked them up and I did a lot of research, and I saw that they were actually
toxic and could cause cancer.
So, I made a little lab in my kitchen, and made things that had nothing harsh in them,
nothing that was toxic because here I am fighting cancer with all of these drugs, and then I
was putting toxins on the largest organ in your body which is your skin.
Sure.
So, I didn't want to add to that.
I wanted to make it better.
Before we talk about the product, Dr. Feingold, let me bring you in because I want my viewers
to look at this statistic right now, and I'm going to read it for them.
And it's really a fascinating one that I've found.
There are more than 1,000 toxic skincare ingredients allowed here in the United States, and they
are completely banned elsewhere, some potentially cancerous.
So, are there no FDA regulations on this because that's alarming?
FDA does not regulate cosmetics the way it regulates medications.
And as Gina said, once you put it on your skin, it's going to rapidly absorb into your
body.
So, we were very careful to omit many of the common cosmetic ingredients that had the potential
to cause cancer or to alter hormone metabolism and raise estrogen levels in our patients.
That would not be good for a breast cancer patient.
Of course.
So, let's talk about this.
What is it called?
Beterre.
That's beautiful.
What does it mean?
Where did you get that name?
It's "better from the Earth."
Oh, that's fabulous.
Because all of our ingredients are plant based, but they're also studied ingredients.
This is a natural product line that works.
It has been studied.
We worked with a botanical chemist and created a line that does what it says, but it doesn't
hurt you.
And Doctors, what I love about this, it's an experience that she had which led to create
an amazing line which can benefit women everywhere.
Yeah.
She was diagnosed 14 years ago, and since then she's done everything she can to help
other women.
You know, she's had two critically acclaimed books that she's written on breast cancer
recovery.
Wow!
She went on Capitol Hill to talk about breast reconstruction awareness, which is another
important topic.
And this is the kind of dedication and passion that she brought to this project.
Gina, is this only for cancer patients, if I may ask?
Oh, no.
See, when we first started, I started it for people who were in treatment.
And they brought it home, and their families started using it, their friends started using
it, their husbands started using it.
I see you're holding the foot cream.
I am.
I noticed foot cream because I'm a runner, and I don't want anyone to look at the bottom
of my feet, but they're not attractive.
Okay.
So, the foot cream originally was created for the burning you get in your feet when
you go through chemo.
And then all the athletes were using it.
It smells beautiful.
And if you keep it in the refrigerator and then you put it on after a run.
It's cooling because it's got a lot of peppermint in it, and it just makes your skin super soft.
It smells lovely.
Dr. Feingold, I noticed that it's packaged in glass.
Is there a significance with this?
There is.
It didn't make sense for us to create toxin free products and then put it in potentially
hazardous packaging.
Even the plastic in bottled water can create dangerous byproducts when exposed to heat
in sunlight, so we thought it was safer to use glass bottling even though it's more expensive.
Great point.
Gina, it's must be so rewarding to hear from cancer survivors who are using it.
I get them also from their friends and family who don't have cancer.
They love using the product.
I was looking at this one, real quick before we say goodbye.
This is the Golden Elixir.
Tell me how to use this.
I just spray it?
You just put a few drops on.
Ooh.
It's a marvelous oil, and you can use it from the tips of your toes to the tips of your
hair.
Oh, I love it.
To my hair?
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
This is great.
Alright, for information on this fabulous line, where do our viewers go?
Beterre.com.
We're selling it on Beterre.com as well.
Beterre.com.
Thank you for your story.
God bless you.
Thank you.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Loved having you.
Come back again.
Oh, sure.
Dr. Feingold, thank you so much.
And Dr. Israeli.
Thank you, appreciate it.
And, of course, if you'd like -- oh, it smells so good -- if you'd like more information
on this line of products, Beterre, go to our website, TheBalancingAct.com.
(music).
It's time for our fabulous tech tips, and with me once again, our absolute favorite
tech guru here on the Balancing Act, Elizabeth Little of iRULU technologies.
It's so great to have you here again.
Thanks for having me.
You know, I've got to tell you, these hybrids are some of my absolutely personal favorites.
They're great alternatives to laptops because laptops can be really expensive, right?
Right.
And I love them, too.
They have laptop power, but they have touch screen/tablet functionality.
Yes.
And I brought a few to show you today.
These all have intel processors.
They're powered by Windows operating system, and they include a subscription to Office
365.
Fantastic.
This first one is called the W1002, and it has a keyboard that's built into a protective
cover.
The screen is detachable.
I love the hot orange.
Yeah.
It also comes in green and black as well.
Perfect.
This next one is the W1005, and this is like a mini laptop.
And this screen is actually a removable touch screen that you can use as a tablet.
And then this last one is the W1101, and this has 360 degree rotation for the screen.
Cool!
So you can use it as a tablet and it's its own stand.
This detachable keyboard is so cool.
Tell me about how this is benefit.
Well, at the end of the day, you can kick back and relax playing video games and watching
movies.
Or a glass of wine, I have to say.
Let's talk about price.
You do a great job of keeping quality high and prices low.
We keep our prices low by selling 100% online, and we do no traditional advertising.
And these tablets range between $100-$200.
That is just unbelievable.
You always have such great pricing, and where can our viewers go to find out more.
They can find us on iRULU.com and get free 2-day shipping there.
Love that.
We're also available on amazon, ebay, and new egg.
Thank you for coming in.
You always have goodies for us.
Love it.
Thanks.
And if you'd like to find out more about today's tech tip, visit us at TheBalancingAct.com,
or get your digital dialed in.
Get social.
The holidays are coming.
Logon to Facebook/TheBalancingActFans.
(music).
Mommy, can we have the cat?
Mahatma Gandhi may have said it best: "You must be the change you wish to see in the
world."
On today's Be The Change, we'll discover how Gandhi's words are resonating with one company.
Joining us is Susanne Kogut, Executive Director for Petco Foundation, an organization dedicated
to positive change for pets, people, and communities.
And with her are Bonnie and Clyde.
We are so excited you're here today.
Oh, thank you.
And we're also excited to be here.
Your new motto for Petco is "Love Changes Everything" right?
"Love Changes Everything."
You know, it's three little words, but they have a big meaning for us, and it's really
our love for animals that really drives us with a determination to make sure that we
do everything that we can to make sure they have the best life ever.
First and foremost, we really believe that we have to make sure that all of the animals
in animal shelters throughout our country all get loving homes.
I mean, who wouldn't want to take Bonnie and Clyde home?
Oh my gosh, can I hold Bonnie?
Or Clyde?
Either one.
Oh.
Come here, Bonnie.
Oh my goodness.
Yeah, you sit right here with me.
Now there must be so many deserving pets out there.
How many are really in need of homes?
Well there's usually about 7 and a half million animals that come in the shelters every year,
about 5 million of those are looking for homes.
And we really work with our shelters and our non-profit organizations throughout the country
to come up with community solutions and help animals get adopted.
So, we've over time, since the Petco Foundation has been around, we've invested $130 million
dollars.
Wow!
That's incredible.
Good for you.
Yeah, and we have animals available for adoption in our 1,400 Petco stores throughout the country.
You can go and if you are looking for a new friend or a new love in your life, you could
just go there and get one.
Well you know, we visited one of your stores in South Florida, and let's talk about Petco's
adoption days.
Love to hear about that.
Well, everyday is actually an adoption day for cats at most of our Petco stores.
So, we have cats always available at Petco.
We also have some of our stores that have adoption centers, large centers, that have
cats, dogs, puppies, kittens available for adoption.
Oh my gosh.
And then on the weekends we work with our partners to bring in even more animals.
We've been trying to really identify some new innovative ideas and solutions.
So, we've been working with one company that has a facial recognition technology for pets
to help reunite lost pets, and help them get back to their owners.
We've invested in another organization that's developed a cat cafe, and this is where you
can go and get your tea and something to eat, but yet there's a room with cats available.
A very important part of this has to be spay/neutering, correct?
Absolutely.
And if you adopt an animal, they're usually already spayed and neutered, and you're all
set.
That's amazing, and cancer research also for Petco is a big priority.
It is.
You know, cancer is the number one disease related killer of pets, so we've invested
over $6 million dollars through the year in universities and clinics to help them research
the causes and to find cures for cancer.
We've also invested in organizations that help people that are in need that may not
be able to afford the cancer treatments.
And I just want to say I might just have to take Bonnie home, but what do adoptive parents
need to know?
I like to say first and foremost when you bring a pet into your home, enjoy that experience.
Some of them may be a little bit shy, a little bit uncertain.
Just give them a little time.
Be patient.
Oh, Bonnie.
And how can our viewers make a difference and be part of Be The Change?
Everyone can be the change by small acts, big acts.
Everyone can be part of it.
So, if you wanted a new pet, we encourage everyone to adopt.
If you can't adopt, you can foster.
Just maybe take one in your home temporarily.
And it could be little things like if you find an animal in your neighborhood, knock
on the doors of your neighbors and see if it's their pet, and just bring it right home
and really help your community.
We think it's a community coming together, and we will be able to solve this issue and
find all the animals a home.
Oh my gosh, Susanne.
This is my favorite segment I may have ever done.
Little Bonnie is licking me, and she's just being a little doll.
I just thank you so much for coming in.
There's so much we can do, and pets really do bring us all together, don't they?
They really do because their love changes everything for us.
Changes everything.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
So great to have you here.
And remember there's additional information on this life-saving program at TheBalancingAct.com.
Or, share with us your favorite pet adoption stories.
Make us laugh, make us cry by logging onto Facebook/TheBalancingActFans.
(music).(music).
Thanks for
starting your morning right here with us.
Always.
And if you need more information, always head to our website, TheBalancingAct.com.
And always remember we're on Facebook and Twitter.
Until next time.
Do I say it?
Yeah.
Okay.
Always remember to find your balance.
So long, everybody.
(music).