The American Birkebeiner (Birkie) is an annual cross-country ski marathon located in Hayward, Wisconsin that people from all over the country participate in. The Birkie is made up of several events in addition to the 51K and 55K Birkie marathon races and the 24K Kortelopet race (the second largest ski race in North America). It spans 50 kilometers from Cable, WI to Hayward, WI for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers. In 2020, skiers from 49 States and 27 countries participated.

This year, the Birkie will take place the week of February 22 – 26, 2023. In addition to the annual Birkie event, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Ben Popp is with Michelle to talk all about it!

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Between all the chapped and cracked skin, and frizzy or damaged hair, this is the time of year to pay extra attention to self-care and beauty routines. Beauty & Fashion Expert, Emily L. Foley is here with a few tips to help us look and feel our best during the colder months.

Joe Hart is the President and CEO at Dale Carnegie Training, the most experienced training organization in the world, celebrating 110 years since its founding with operations in over 75 countries and having provided training to tens of millions of people globally. Hart regularly has his writings appear on Newsweek, HR.com, and Rolling Stone, a popular speaker, and co-author of the upcoming book, “TAKE COMMAND: Find your INNER STRENGTH, BUILD ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS, and LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT” released January 10th, 2023 with Simon and Schuster. The book is inspired by the iconic best seller “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and named after the Top 50 ranked Leadership and Management Podcast Joe hosts, “Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast,” which has included guests ranging from Fortune 500 CEOs to Hall of Fame athletes and fast growing company CEOs. Joe talks to Michelle about how to take command of your own life.

Cardiologists at Northwestern Medicine are using AI to identify patients with advanced heart failure who require specialized care, including those who might need ventricular assistance devices or transplant. Heart failure is a common, costly condition affecting over 6 million U.S. adults. That’s about 1 in 250 people. When a patient reaches advanced heart failure, medications no longer work. That’s why it’s vital to catch the problem early.The Center for Artificial Intelligence at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute oversees an expansive research and clinical AI program targeting cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Faraz Ahmad is a cardiologist and associalte director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institiue's Center for Artificial Intelligence. He talks to Michelle about what Northwestern Medicine is doing to help patients.