Fat 2 Fit: Advisory Board Members

The bios for the Fat 2 Fit Advisory Board are listed here.

By: Carole Carson | Source: AARP.org

Edward Abramson, PhD   
Edward Abramson, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor emeritus at California State University, and former director of the Eating Disorders Center at Chico Community Hospital. His books include "Body Intelligence" and “Emotional Eating." Edward has appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including "20/20," "Hard Copy," and "The Joan Rivers Show." He is often quoted in publications, including The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, O Magazine, The Washington Post, and Us Weekly. During the Fat 2 Fit Challenge, he will provide insights and expert advice on the reasons for overeating and the best ways to address eating disorders.
 

Paul S. Auerbach, MD   
Dr. Paul S. Auerbach, a clinical professor of surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, is one of the world’s leading authorities on wilderness medicine. He edits the textbook, Wilderness Medicine, and his other publications include Medicine for the Outdoors, "Diving the Rainbow Reefs," "Bad Medicine," and "Management Lessons from the ER." Paul serves as the national medical consultant on hazardous marine animals to the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and is chief medical officer and chair of the Medical Advisory Board for Healthline Networks. For people who exercise outdoors, injuries and accidents are always a concern. Paul will give us advice on how to safely enjoy "green" exercise.
 

Maxine Barish-Wreden, MD   
Dr. Maxine Barish-Wreden, co-medical director of the Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine Program, writes a weekly column on integrative medicine for The Sacramento Bee with her medical partner, Dr. Kay Judge. Maxine holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Maryland and graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She has a long-term interest in complementary medicine, particularly the mind-body-spirit connection, and she strongly believes in the capacity of the human body, psyche, and spirit to heal, given the appropriate environment. She will guide the Fat 2 Fit Community on the positive effects of lifestyle changes—including better nutrition and exercise—on health and wellness.
 

Lolis Garcia-Baab, Multimedia Producer   
Lolis Garcia-Baab is a bilingual multimedia producer, writer, journalist, correspondent, and voice-over talent. She hosts the successful Texas-based women’s talk-radio show, "The Ladies Room with Lolis," which provides informative, entertaining, and inspiring programming and hosts guest interviews on a wide range of topics. A business and community leader, she supports numerous international and local organizations, including the Women’s Symphony League, the Ronald McDonald House, the National Charity League, the Miracle Foundation, the Nobelity Project, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni. She performs for young children at bilingual elementary schools, where she also teaches classical music. Lolis recently assisted in producing an educational CD called "La Sinfonica de Simón." Her outreach to the Spanish-speaking community on behalf of the AARP Fat 2 Fit Challenge is consistent with her personal philosophy: “Giving back is not only a responsibility; it is a privilege.”
 

Debra Granich, Management Executive   
As Chief Executive Officer of the Red Hat Society, Debra Granich looks after nearly 30,000 chapters in more than 25 countries. She heads worldwide business operations, including membership, product, travel, entertainment, and events. Previously, she held senior management positions with Contempo Casuals and with Walt Disney. Debra has launched several major health initiatives during her tenure at the Red Hat Society, including the "Step and Stride with Ruby" initiative, in partnership with AARP; a virtual health fair, in partnership with Aetna; and the "Go Red" initiative, with the American Heart Association. Debra’s organizational skills and creativity in promoting health and wellness will be a major contribution to the AARP Fat 2 Fit Community Challenge.
 

David R. Holbrooke, MD   
Dr. David Holbrooke has a 36-year background in medical practice, entrepreneurship, medical and financial management, and new-business development in health care services. David’s business acumen, and his medical training and experience in private practice, give him an excellent background to explain the changes happening in American health care. In addition to giving us advice as our Fat 2 Fit Community family doctor, he’ll help us navigate and understand health care and the intersection of medicine and business.
 

Kandeel "Kay" Judge, MD   
Dr. Kay Judge, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, brings her interest in traditional practices to her patients. She received her medical training at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. She currently practices internal and holistic medicine at the Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine Program in Sacramento, Calif. Kay spent five years in India, where she developed a passion for alternative treatment, including meditation, yoga, and Ayurvedic medicine. Kay helps her patients find balance of mind, body, emotions, and spirit, so the patients can attain their fullest potential. She gives health recommendations based on a combination of conventional, or Western, medicine, health and lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatment options. Kay will provide the benefit of her insights and experience to our Fat 2 Fit Community.
 

Daryn Kagan, Web Site and Documentary Producer  
Daryn Kagan created and hosts the award-winning DarynKagan.com, an uplifting Web site, the purpose of which is to "Show the World What’s Possible!" Previously, she served as a news anchor and correspondent for CNN. In her first book, "What's Possible! 50 True Stories of People Who Dared to Dream They Could Make a Difference" (Meredith Books, 2008), Daryn shares the life experiences of individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve their dreams. Her first television film, "Breaking the Curse," aired on PBS stations across the United States in 2007 and received the 2008 Gracie Award for Outstanding Documentary. Daryn's second TV film, "Solar Town USA," is airing on PBS in 2009. Her commitment to sharing uplifting stories that demonstrate the possibility of reinventing ourselves at any age will provide inspiration to us all.
 

Harry Lodge, MD   
Harry Lodge, a nationally recognized physician who serves on the medical faculty at Columbia University, has written two best-selling books: "Younger Next Year" and "Younger Next Year for Women." He writes frequently on health, science, and public policy topics. Harry believes that everyone can understand the medical and scientific issues affecting their lives. He will guide our discussions about the challenges and opportunities surrounding health and weight loss, and how we can, through exercise and changes in our eating habits, make our bodies physiologically younger.
 

Barbara McPherson, RN   
Barbara McPherson has pretty much done it all. She’s been a nurse, real estate agent, public relations coordinator, technical writer, magazine editor, and small-business owner. In 2005, she founded (and now directs) the Granny Basketball League, a nonprofit organization. Our Community will benefit form Barbara’s example of how to live an active life whatever your age and how to organize your own exercise teams—including a Granny Basketball team.
 

Margaret "Coach Meg" Moore, Wellness Coach    
Margaret Moore is a health and wellness coach. After serving as CEO and chief operating officer of early-stage biotech companies, she shifted focus from the high-tech side of medicine to prevention and well-being. In 2000, she founded Wellcoaches Corporation, a strategic partner of the American College of Sports Medicine that helps to build the professions of health coach, fitness coach, and wellness coach. Margaret collaborated with Edward Phillips, MD, to help physicians learn more about coaching their patients. This collaboration led to the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Margaret cowrote the Coaching Psychology Manual for Physical & Mental Health Professionals. She writes about the importance of changing habits to lose and control weight and discusses how professional coaches can help with America's obesity epidemic. "Coach Meg" will guide our Community in gaining control over weight.
 

Julie Silver, MD   
Julie Silver, a Harvard physician and cancer survivor, specializes in rehabilitation medicine with a focus on physical recovery from injury and illness. An award-winning writer, Julie’s books include "Understanding Fitness," "Super Healing," and "After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Better, Stronger." Her work has been featured on the "Today" show, "The Early Show," ABC’s "News Now," AARP Radio, and on National Public Radio. Julie’s three children were featured on the "Today" show for publishing two children’s books with the American Cancer Society called “Our Mom is Getting Better" and "Our Dad is Getting Better." Committed to helping others achieve optimal health, Julie will share her expertise and experience to answer Community questions about illness, recovery, and health.
 

Gabrielle Reece, Athlete   
Gabrielle "Gabby" Reese is considered one of the best beach volleyball players in the world. In 1997, competing with beach volleyball players from all over the world, Gabby’s four-person team took first place at the Beach Volleyball World Championships. Named the WBVL’s Offensive Player of the Year and Blocks Leader, Gabby led the league in kills during four straight years, from 1993 to 1996. Women’s Sport & Fitness named Gabby one of the "20 Most Influential Women in Sports" in August 1997. Gabby also cowrote "Big Girl in the Middle" and has written articles for Women’s Sports & Fitness and Elle magazines. Gabby brings her fitness expertise, ideas on family fitness, and inspirational skills to our Community.
 

Heidi Roizen, CEO    
Heidi Roizen, the CEO of SkinnySongs, produced the first-ever collection of radio-hit-quality music with lyrics designed to motivate people to reach their weight and fitness goals. Heidi wrote all the lyrics, and then recruited music industry veterans David Malloy and George Daly to bring the project to life. Heidi has been featured on "The Martha Stewart Show," CBS "The Early Show," "Oprah and Friends Radio," and CNBC’s "Big Idea." For the past 10 years, Heidi has been investing in start-up companies. She has served on more than 20 boards of companies ranging in size from 1 to 2,000 employees. She says that besides being a valuable addition to our exercise activities, music touches our feelings. Heidi brings her inspirational music to the Community.
 

Michael F. Roizen, MD   
Michael F. Roizen, MD, has written numerous books, including The New York Times Best Seller, "You: The Owner’s Manual," which he cowrote with Dr. Mehmet Oz. Other popular books cowritten with Dr. Oz include "You: Staying Young" and "You: On a Diet." Regularly featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," the "Today" show, "20/20," "Good Morning America," and CBS's "Sunday Morning," Dr. Roizen also has produced four TV specials for PBS fundraising events. Besides holding patents on several of his inventions and lecturing prolifically, his writing has appeared in numerous scientific papers, textbooks, and medical books. He chairs The Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Roizen's extensive experience in educating people on the care of their bodies so they can achieve optimum health will guide and inspire the Fat 2 Fit Community.
 

David A. Sabgir, MD   
Dr. David Andrew Sabgir, a board-certified cardiologist, founded the "Just Walk! A Walk With a Doc" program in Lewis Center, Ohio. Dr. Sabgir’s seven pillars of good health—exercise, nutrition, family, friends, education, humor, and charity—are the foundation of this physician-led, community-based walking program. "Just Walk!" has been featured in U.S. News and World Report, Cooking Light, Walk! Magazine, Travel Host, and other print, television, and radio media outlets. Dr. Sabgir received the "Columbus' Health Care Hero" award and serves on multiple advisory boards in Central Ohio. He will share his common sense, proactive approach to health care with members of our Community.
 

Nedra Kline Weinreich, Communications Expert   
Nedra Kline Weinreich, the president and founder of Weinreich Communications, is widely recognized as an expert in the field of social marketing. Before founding Weinreich Communications, she designed health-education and communication programs for public and private organizations. She earned her master’s degree in health and social behavior from the Harvard School of Public Health. An editorial consultant to the Journal of Drug Education, Nedra also has served on several federal advisory panels and expert committees. She lends her marketing and advisory expertise to our board and will guide the Community on matters of social behavior.
 

Marisa C. Weiss, MD   
Dr. Marisa C. Weiss is the founder, president, and guiding force behind breastcancer.org, the world's most-trafficked online resource for medically reviewed information on breast health and breast cancer. A breast cancer oncologist who has run an active practice in the Philadelphia region for 20 years, Marisa is regarded as a visionary advocate for her innovative and steadfast approach to informing, empowering, and treating patients with breast cancer. Author of the acclaimed book, "Living Beyond Breast Cancer," Marisa has been honored several times by the American Cancer Society. She is a regular contributor and guest speaker for various media outlets. She currently practices at Lankenau Hospital in the Philadelphia area, where she serves as director of breast radiation oncology and the director of breast health outreach. Dr. Weiss will guide the Fat 2 Fit Community on improving our health and fitness to reduce our risk for cancer.