Each weekend, Manny Munoz discussed important national topics with experts, newsmakers, and organization working to make a positive difference in communities across the country.

Health Kits and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Northwest Battle Buddies and BEER

For thousands of veterans in our country, the toughest battle doesn't end when they leave the military — it continues as they transition back into civilian life and the workplace. I discussed the issues affecting Veterans in the workplace, with Shannon Walker, CEO of Northwest Battle Buddies AND there are few things better on a hot summer day than an ice-cold beer. And it just so happens that August is International Beer Month. Dr. Malcolm Purinton, Beer and World History scholar at Northeastern University, told me about the history of Brewskis.

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Highway Safety and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men. The good news is that screening, diagnosis, and treatment have all advanced significantly in recent years. Gina Carithers, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation told me where we’re still failing. AND, already this year, 12 children in the United States have died after being left in or becoming trapped inside hot cars. Laura Dunn, Senior Safety Specialist with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, explained how it happens and how we can prevent a tragedy.

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Bone Cancer and Sept. 11th

July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, shining a light on a group of rare cancers that many Americans have never even heard of, despite thousands of people being diagnosed every year. I spoke with Raymond Rodriguez-Torres, Chairman of the Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation AND, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we're reminded that for many people, the health effects of that day are still unfolding. Dr. Leigh Wilson, Medical Director, NYC Health + Hospitals WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence explained why and told me about where they could get help.

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Food Labels and Project Yellow Light

It is arguably one of the most misunderstood things in our country. Food labels and what they do and DON’T mean. I got some clarity from Dr. Bryan Quoc Le a food scientist, food industry consultant, and author of the book 150 Food Science Questions Answered. AND, distracted driving continues to take thousands of lives every year in our country, but one program is working to change that by letting young people deliver the message to their own generation. Julia Garner, founder of Project Yellow Light, told me about the effort.

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America 250

As we celebrate our 250th anniversary, it's a great time to revisit some of the stories we all think we know. Historian Kenneth C. Davis - author of the Don’t Know Much Series of Books – joined me to separate myth from history. AND the Smithsonian is treating our 250th like it like more than a birthday party. Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education, explained the ‘Our Shared Future: 250’ program.

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Elton John AIDS Foundation and The USAO

More than 40-million people worldwide are living with AIDS….more than a million contracted the disease last year alone….and well over half a million died even though tens of millions were treated for the illness. I discussed the fight and how much further we have to go, with Anne Aslett global Chief Executive Officer of the Elton John AIDS Foundation AND, as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary I looked at the best-known group that supports our military, the USO - United Service Organizations - with Kimberly DeVries, a 24-year Army veteran who now helps lead USO operations across Central and South Florida.

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Heart Disease and Social Media

In the U.S., someone dies from heart disease every 33 seconds. Men face a higher risk, yet many are reluctant to see a doctor for regular screenings. I spoke with Dr. Jane Wilcox, associate chief of cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, about why Father’s Day is the perfect time to encourage dad to take care of his heart health. AND, raising a kid in this day and age is arguably more difficult than it has ever been. Whether it is screen time or social media, to on-line bullying and AI porn leading to unhealthy sleep and body-image issues, to depression......or even suicide. I discussed it all with Dr. Tiffany Munzer, the lead author on our digital ecosystem policy for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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National Gun Violence Awareness

June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the numbers continue to raise concern. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, while millions more young people are exposed to gun violence each year. David Hayes Cox, a certified firearms instructor, has written a new book which aims to combat the issue. It is titled: This Is a Gun AND, firefighters, police officers and EMS crews depend on their hearing every day, but the constant exposure to sirens, radios, alarms and emergency equipment can take a real toll over time. Dr. Ryan Potter, Vice President of Audiology at HearingLife joined me to discuss that and the overall issue of hearing loss.

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The World Cup and No Kid Hungry

The World Cup is like the Olympics, Super Bowl and March Madness all rolled into one — a global event that stops entire countries in their tracks. It gets under way this week and millions of Americans who may not normally watch soccer are suddenly getting curious about what makes the sport so beloved around the world. I discussed it with Nick Greene - who explores the world-wide fascination with this sport in his new book How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius. When school lets out for the summer, many thousands of kids across our country lose access to something families may rely on every day: school breakfasts and lunches. Food security. Rachel Sabella, with No Kid Hunry.ORG, explained how widespread the issue is and what we can do about it.

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