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Is CBD just another health fad, or a medical game-changer?

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

Release Date: 02/24/2026

When Illness Changes Everything: Palliative Care, Grief & Emotional Support for Seniors & Caregivers | Annie Brashem, LCSW

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

Every family will face the intersection of illness, aging, and grief — but almost no one prepares for the emotional weight that comes with it. In this episode of Spotlight, Athena Quinones sits down with Annie Brashem, LCSW, a board-certified palliative care social worker and private practice therapist who has spent over a decade walking alongside patients and families through some of life's most difficult seasons. WHAT WE COVER: → Palliative care demystified: what it means to be board-certified and how it differs from regular therapy → Ambiguous loss: the specific grief...

Dementia Care & Burnout Prevention

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

Who is caring for the person holding it all together? When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, the focus immediately shifts to their medical needs. But what about the emotional toll on the spouse, the child, or the sibling? In this episode, Athena Quinones sits down with Alexandra Kaplan, Lead Caregiver Coach at the Institute on Aging (IOA), to discuss the "hidden" side of Dementia Care. From navigating anticipatory grief to accessing respite care resources, we explore how to support the caregiver so they can continue to provide care without losing themselves in the process....

Why "Tidying Up" is actually making you more disorganized

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

Are you facing the daunting task of downsizing a lifetime of memories, or is paperwork management causing a silent crisis in your home? In this episode, we reveal why organizing is less about "HGTV aesthetics" and more about protecting your family's mental health and safety during a senior living transition. In this episode of Spotlight, host Athena Quinones sits down with Jennise Mendoza, founder of Rescue Me Organizing, to unpack the emotional and logistical weight of life transitions. From the "Barbie doll" battles of family dynamics to the critical necessity of an "Emergency Password...

Is CBD just another health fad, or a medical game-changer?

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

In this episode of Spotlight, host Athena Quinones is joined by Cheri Sacks, a certified cannabis nurse and founder of Chronic Health Wisdom. With her background in neuroscience and diabetes education, Cheri explains why CBD health benefits the aging body in ways traditional pharmaceuticals often can't. We dive deep into the endocannabinoid system, the difference between hemp and marijuana, and why seniors are the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users. If you've been curious about using CBD for pain management, as a sleep aid, or for neuroprotection against Alzheimer's, this nurse-led...

Beyond the Dollar: Managing the Emotional Burden and Family Dynamics of Senior Care

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

In this episode of the Spotlight podcast about Senior Care, host Athena Quinones sits down with Francesca Vogel, partner at Hillendale Home Care. They move beyond "dollars and cents" to explore the holistic realities of the financial cost of aging parents. From the "invisible" cost of lost career opportunities to the physical risks of falls at home, Francesca explains how family dynamics and mental health are affected by the caregiving journey. Whether you are navigating home care or considering senior living, this conversation provides the resources and roadmap you need to move from...

$40,000 Stolen by Her Own Daughter—Why Every Senior Needs a Fiduciary

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

🚨 Elder Financial Abuse is Happening Right Now—Here's How to Protect Your Loved Ones Marina Ware, Licensed Professional Fiduciary, reveals the shocking truth about estate planning for seniors and why family members are often the biggest threat to your parent's financial security. In this must-watch interview, Marina shares a real case where a daughter stole $40,000 from her own mother's estate—and explains how a professional fiduciary could have prevented it. What You'll Learn: ✅ The #1 reason seniors need a fiduciary (even with loving family) ✅ Warning signs of elder financial...

What No One Tells You About Hearing Aids for Seniors

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

🎧 Understanding Senior Hearing Loss and Its Link to Cognitive Decline Did you know that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia in older adults? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Johnson, a leading audiologist specializing in senior care, reveals the critical connection between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline—and what you can do about it. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why 40-50% of seniors over 75 experience hearing loss ✅ The shocking link between hearing loss and cognitive decline ✅ Early warning signs of hearing loss in elderly loved ones ✅ How...

The FREE Service That Takes Seniors to Appointments Uber Won't

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

How do seniors who can't drive get to the doctor or the grocery store? This non-profit organization offers FREE, door-to-door transportation for seniors (60+) and veterans of any age in Contra Costa County. In this vital episode of Spotlight, Athena welcomes David Benet from Mobility Matters, a life-changing non-profit organization. David reveals how their volunteer services provide essential, free transportation for seniors and veterans assistance for those who cannot use services like Uber or Lyft. This isn't just a ride; it's an escorted "door-through-door" service that...

The Hidden Lifetime Care Benefit No One Told You About

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

In this episode of Spotlight, Athena interviews Laura Welsh from Nuclear Care Partners to discuss the unique challenges and support available for atomic workers. They explore the history and mission of Nuclear Care Partners, the types of care provided, and the impact of this support on former atomic workers and their families. Takeaways Nuclear Care Partners was founded in 2009 to provide in-home healthcare for former atomic workers. The program offers free medical benefits and compensation up to $400,000 for eligible workers. Care is available for a range of conditions, including cancer and...

The Hidden Emotional Toll of Senior Moving & Relocation

Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

In this conversation, Kim Falahadi, founder of Family Matters Moving, discusses the unique challenges and emotional toll of moving for seniors. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate support during the downsizing process, detailing the services her company offers to assist seniors in transitioning to new living spaces. Kim shares insights on customizing moving plans, the significance of hiring experienced movers, and the necessity of treating clients with empathy and understanding. The discussion highlights the complexities of moving for seniors and the need for specialized services...

More Episodes

We dive deep into the endocannabinoid system, the difference between hemp and marijuana, and why seniors are the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users. If you've been curious about using CBD for pain management, as a sleep aid, or for neuroprotection against Alzheimer's, this nurse-led conversation provides the "do’s and don’ts" for safe, effective use.

Key Topics Covered

✅ The Science of Balance: Understanding the endocannabinoid system—the body's internal feedback loop.

✅ Cannabis vs. Hemp: Clearing up the confusion between THC and CBD.

✅ The Chain Reaction: How reducing inflammation leads to better mobility, exercise, and restorative sleep.

✅ Methods of Consumption: Choosing between fast-acting tinctures, topical lotions, and long-lasting gummies.

✅ Safety First: Critical medication interactions (blood thinners and heart meds) and how to "start low and go slow."

✅ Quality Control: How to avoid "gas station CBD" and find reputable products using QR codes and lab reports.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Cheri Sacks of Chronic Health Wisdom
2:00 - From Candy Striper to Cannabis Nurse: Cheri’s Background
4:47 - What is the Endocannabinoid System?
6:14 - Marijuana vs. Hemp: The THC and CBD Distinction
8:00 - Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum: What Seniors Should Know
9:30 - Why Seniors Use CBD: Pain Management, Sleep Aid, and Brain Health
11:46 - The Holistic Health Chain Reaction: Moving from Pain to Mobility
14:07 - Tinctures, Gummies, or Lotions: Which is Best for You?
18:42 - Dosing and Safety: Interactions with Heart Meds and Blood Thinners
23:11 - When to Avoid CBD: Heart Attacks and Immunotherapy
25:05 - The History and Stigma of Cannabis: Why It Was Removed from Medicine Cabinets
32:18 - How to Spot Quality: Avoiding Synthetic and Unregulated Products
34:24 - Trusted Resources: Where to Learn More

About Cheri Sacks

Cheri Sacks is a certified cannabis nurse with decades of experience in neuroscience and chronic disease management. Through her company, Chronic Health Wisdom, she provides education and coaching to help seniors and their families navigate the therapeutic use of cannabis for a better quality of life.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chronichealthwisdom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronic_health_wisdom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherisacks/

About Spotlight

Spotlight, hosted by Athena Quinones, is a dedicated space for exploring the most vital issues in senior care. From healthcare innovations to financial planning, Athena brings on experts to empower adult children and seniors with the wisdom they need to thrive.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Spotlightbyathenaquinones
Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/spotlight-by-athena-quinones/id1818136225
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0E1iDvJaLXTicCYKwX6lbv?si=khbUIgFDTIi40nl7z_7G4g
Website: www.spotlightbyathenaquinones.com/podcast

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