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Lifestyle Choices May Influences Genes; De Blasio's Daughter Talks About Substance Abuse, Depression; Utah Judge Allows Same-Sex Marriages; Massachusetts Military Couple Surprises Their Kids With Homecoming; Top Sports Stories of 2013
Aired December 24, 2013 - 15:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DR. DEEPAK CHOPRA, FOUNDER, THE CHOPRA CENTER: So you can dial them up in a way that's good for you, 500 genes that code for things like inflammation, many types of cancer, heart disease, many types of disorders associated with inflammation such as bronchial asthma.
These genes can be turned up in a way that you turn on the good genes and turn off the bad genes.
You can do that pretty rapidly, in less than three to four months, through choices that you make in how you think, how you feel, how you speak, how you behave, your personal relationships, social interactions, yoga, breathing, meditation, sleep, and exercise.
All influence the activity of your genes, not the structure of your genes. But that's what matters.
As far as future generations are concerned, yes, how you experience life and the choices you make and how you even interpret your life experiences will influence the behavior and even the psychology of future generations.
But that part of the research is very preliminary, and it's part of the science that we now call epigenetics.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: And neuroplasticity, which you've been teaching me a lot about, can you explain what that really means?
You did there, but maybe make it a little more simple for folks. And can it really reverse illnesses? I think that's what people want to know.
CHOPRA: OK. So let's talk about which illnesses.
So one of the most common illnesses today is heart disease, coronary artery disease, for which people get bypass surgery.
Now, it's a fact that only two percent of people with that benefit from angioplasty or bypass surgery. You can reverse coronary artery disease.
The answer is yes. You can reverse many types of disorders that are associated, as I said, with inflammation, including some types of arthritis, bronchial asthma, certain types of autoimmune illnesses can go back into remission.
The answer is yes. Again, according to my collaborative doctor, who's a genetics expert, only five percent of disease-related mutations are fully penetrant, only five percent, which means 95 percent of disease- related mutations are influenced, once again, by how we experience life.
PHILLIPS: And for those that are sitting back home going, oh, my gosh, what the heck did he just say?
In simple terms, how we live our life could now, because of interesting things that are happening in science, impact our biology and how long we live.
CHOPRA: Yes, you can transform your biology if you live your life in a way that is connected with other people.
If you live your life, if you make choices that enhance in you the experience of love, compassion, joy, empathy, peace, equanimity.
And, if those choices influence your life, whatever the choices you make, if those feelings because they connect you to the web of life, influence your choices, you'd literally transform your biology.
PHILLIPS: May we feel the peace in 2014.
Deepak Chopra, always intriguing talking to you, great to see you.
CHOPRA: Thank you, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: You bet.
The man who will take over leading New York City in just about a week is being overshadowed today by his daughter.
That's because she made a pretty stunning announcement. What she said and why she hopes it'll impact the lives of others, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Just eight days until New York city gets its first new mayor in 12 years. That's taking a bit of a backseat today to depression and drug addiction. Got your attention, didn't I?
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's office released a five-minute video of his 19-year-old daughter. That's her there in the fuchsia dress and the flowers in her hair hugging her father on election night.
In the video, she talks about her past substance abuse and battle with depression very candidly.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIARA DE BLASIO, NEW YORK MAYOR-ELECT'S DAUGHTER: I've had depression, like clinical depression, for my entire adolescence, so that's been something that I've always dealt with or not known how to deal with.
It made it easier, like, the more I drank and did drugs, to share some common ground with people that I wouldn't have.
It didn't start out as, like, a huge thing for me, but then it became a huge thing for me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: She said she suffered from depression through her entire adolescence.
And this is difficult for anyone, but she's been in the public eye in the biggest city in the country.
I want to bring in psychotherapist Stacey Kaiser. Stacy, first let's talk about the strength of a 19-year-old to go public with all of this. I mean, that cannot be easy, but at the same time, incredibly therapeutic.
STACEY KAISER, PSYCHOTHERAPIST: I give her so much credit. I mean, even though her father's in the public eye, she wasn't raised in the public eye, so for her to come out and be so open and honest is fantastic.
I'm hoping that she's a role model because she's now in recovery. And this is something that is indeed therapeutic.
It's really good to be able to tell your story so you have witnesses and you can get those kudos. She has worked very hard.
PHILLIPS: Well, if you read just the responses to the video, I mean, she's getting a lot of kudos and a lot of people saying, wow, you're a mentor for me and I love hearing your story.
She's 19. She's talking about all of this. She sounds so solid and so eloquent in the video.
But what's it going to take to remain strong and sober? Because she's still a teenager.
KAISER: Right. Part of what's challenging for teenagers is that they're still developing into adults. They're still being impacted by other people. They still care what people think.
So, she's going to have to have a really solid support system, and it sounds like she does. She's going to have to really stay focused on her sobriety.
And she's going to have to keep focusing on the positives, because there are so many more benefits to being clean and sober than there are to being an addict.
PHILLIPS: Dad, a politician. OK, he's now mayor. We're talking about a biracial family. Mom was very open about her homosexuality. She's now married to Chiara's dad. All this playing out in the public eye, that's a lot to take on as a teen. Could all of that help, hurt, a little bit of both?
KAISER: Well, part of a what we know is there's really two different kinds of depression.
There is situational depression that has to do with your life circumstances, and there's also chemical depression.
Based on the things that she's talking about in the video, I watched the whole thing, it doesn't sound like it's chemical depression. It sounds situational.
She was having a hard time and not feeling good about herself. This is something I see all the time.
These people when they're not feeling good about themselves, they think that the drugs and alcohol will make them feel better.
But actually, alcohol and drugs are typically a depressant, so they ultimately make them feel worse and it becomes a vicious cycle.
PHILLIPS: We talked about how this is already impacting other people that are seeing her story, but a candid and transparent video like this, what could it do for her? I could just -- I mean, she now has something where if she's having one of those days, she could just put that video on and look at it and remind herself, right, of how beautiful and strong and transparent she's being.
KAISER: Yes, 100 percent. One of the things we know about both depression and substance abuse is it really requires the person who's dealing with it to stay positive and focused.
So, the fact that she has been in such a good place and has said it out loud for everyone to hear is something she can reflect on and can use to boost herself back up when she has little dips like all of us do.
PHILLIPS: So let's say -- my final question, I'm curious about this -- that she didn't do this and some tabloid exposed it in an insensitive way. Got it as a scoop and turned it into a negative.
This was pretty proactive and smart to do it this way, right?
KAISER: Yes, that's how I saw it. I thought to myself, she probably and her family decided it was better for her to tell her own story.
You know, one of the things they talk about in any kind of addiction or mental health program is the importance of really speaking the truth about who you are.
So being able to do that herself and not have someone in the public do it for her is really empowering.
PHILLIPS: Stacey, thanks so much.
KAISER: Thanks.
PHILLIPS: Well, "On the Case" today, there are now 18 states where same-sex marriage is legal. Utah is the latest. A judge actually allowed marriages to go forward after a ruling yesterday.
It comes in a state where the Mormon Church has been fighting for years to limit marriage to just men and women.
CNN's Miguel Marquez says the state is not backing down either.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For gay and lesbian couples in Utah --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do.
MARQUEZ: -- those two little words are the sound of victory.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I now pronounce you bound together in the covenant of marriage. What God has joined together let no one put asunder.
MARQUEZ: On Monday, federal judge Robert Shelby ruled same sex marriages are legal, denying the conservative state's emergency request to halt them, calling the ban unconstitutional.
COURTNEY MOSER, MARRIED PARTNER IN UTAH: I never thought I would see this in my lifetime. I'm so grateful to finally have the protection of the state.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is it. It's go time.
MARQUEZ: Hundreds of LGBT couples now lining up at clerks' offices weathering frigid temperatures.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I braved the cold, all night long.
MARQUEZ: And long waits to tie the knot, getting their hands on marriage licenses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Try number four for us.
MARQUEZ: It's a victory nine years in the making since the state's ban in 2004. Utah now joins the nation's capital and 17 other states that have legalized same sex marriage.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a huge deal because for Mormons who have been spending these years fighting this battle, they've seen it happen across the country, but they really didn't expect to have it come to really their backyard.
MARQUEZ: : The conservative state's refusing to back down. It filed an appeal in the 10th Circuit Court. the state's governor accusing Shelby being, quote, " an activist federal judge," and saying he's working to determine the best course to defend traditional marriage within the borders of Utah. MCKAY COPPINS, POLITICAL EDITOR, BUZZFEED: It's going to be that much harder for conservatives to make the case this can be stopped when Utah, one of the most conservative states in the country, has now legalized it.
Once the dominos start falling you won't be able to stop it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You may kiss.
MARQUEZ: Miguel Marquez, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Up next, take a look at this Christmas display. See if you notice anything alarming.
One person saw this and called police. We'll tell you what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPTAIN ALITA JOHNSON (ph): Hi, everyone. It's Captain Alita Johnson (ph) with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan.
I'd like to wish my husband Gino and kids a merry Christmas. I love you all. I miss you, all. I'll be back in March. Merry Christmas!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: OK. Some of the hottest stories in a flash. We've got a special Christmas Eve edition for "Rapid Fire" today. Roll it, Michael.
Are you looking forward to opening presents tomorrow? How about 22 Christmas trees. A South Dakota woman says it's her holiday tradition. Each tree has a different theme that she started planning in October.
In Georgia, another display on the outside of the home, see anything unusual? How about that man hanging outside the second story window?
It's actually a mannequin, but neighbors didn't realize that and one neighbor called 911, leading to police cars, fire truck, and paramedics.
They all showed up and urged the homeowner to take down the decoration. Our affiliate WSB says they put it back up by popular demand.
And we saved the big guy for last, Santa Claus. Looks like he's getting ready for his big night flying around the world, taking to the water.
This is him on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The evil Grinch got into the act, came along for a little jet ski ride.
His attempt to steal Christmas, though, didn't go so well, but he did get really wet. Are those reindeer?
All right, now a story that we never get tired of. I'll be home for Christmas takes on new meaning when both mom and dad are active duty military and haven't been home to see their kids in six months.
But a Massachusetts military couple made it home for the holiday, and their surprise arrival was picture perfect.
Here's Liam Martin with WCVB.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LIAM MARTIN, REPORTER, WCVB: It began like any other Christmas show with music and kids excited about Santa.
But waiting in the wings of this school, two soldiers who haven't seen their kids in six months.
DOUGLAS VALLANT, FATHER: Nice to see them. Give them hugs, kisses. Hold them.
MELISSA VALLANT, MOTHER: Very excited. It's been a long time. Like he said, the biggest thing is I can't wait to give them huge hugs.
We talk to them, FaceTime, but FaceTime, it's a great, but it's not the same as being there.
MARTIN: Douglas and Melissa Vallant are both in Army and it's been a long wait to see their 8-year-old James and 3-year-old Arianna, so they and the Methuen Community Kindergarten conspired together to surprise them.
D. VALLANT: We have a little personal bet who's going to cry first and how the kids will react.
MARTIN: After Santa had come in, the two kids sang "I'll Have A Blue Christmas Without You."
They thought it was being recorded to send to their parents.
And then the big reveal.
M. VALLANT: You miss your kids like crazy. You never really understand until they're gone and you feel it. It's hard.
JAMES VALLANT, SON: I was like super surprised. It just gave me the best Christmas ever. My wish came true. I wanted Daddy and Mommy to come and have holly-jolly Christmas with me.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Douglas Vallant, the dad that you just saw there, has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. His wife Melissa has just started her military training.
Lance Armstrong admits to doping. Manti Te'o makes "catfishing" a household word. And remember just -- those are two of the stories of the top 10 sports stories of the year.
See if you can guess number one. That's next.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LIETENANT JUNIOR GRADE LILLY BEAN (ph): Hi, my name's Lieutenant Junior Grade Lilly Bean (ph). I'm deployed on board "USS Harry S Truman" in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
I'd like to wish my brother Harrison and sister Stephanie and nieces Eva and Elsa a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Boston definitely discovered how strong it could be, while LeBron James reaffirmed his greatness, and Lance Armstrong took a fall he may never recover from.
So which was the top sports story of 2013? You pay close attention, too. We count down the top 10.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
VINCE CELLINI, BLEACHER REPORT: The year in sports included the gruesome, as in the horrific leg injury suffered by Louisville's Kevin Ware, and the gullible, as in Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te'o and his fake Twitter girlfriend.
But our look back begins with the plug being pulled on Super Bowl XLVII.
Not long after Beyonce amped up the crowd at half time, the Superdome in New Orleans was blanketed in darkness when a sensor monitoring the electrical load cut off power.
For 39 minutes, they were put on hold.
With one second remaining, it appeared as though number one Alabama and number four Auburn were headed to overtime. What happened next is a play for the ages.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Fifty-six-yarder, does not have the leg.
Chris Davis takes it in the back of the end of the end zone.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There goes Davis!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh my god!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Davis is going to run it all the way back. Auburn's going to win the football game! Holy cow! Oh, my god! Auburn wins!
CELLINI: LeBron James has separated himself as the greatest player in pro basketball and a worldwide brand as evidenced by appearances like that one in China
Back home, James made good on the promise of multiple championships for Miami when the Heat won a second straight titles with James winning back-to-back league and finals MVPs.
They were both Miami Dolphins, yet one felt more tortured than teammate, when Jonathan Martin accused Richie Incognito and others of bullying, a voice mail from Incognito which used a racial epithet and the words "I'll kill you" surfaced.
Incognito remains suspended. A probe continues. And more importantly, we're re-examining the pro football work place.
Intimidation and aggression are a fabric of the sport, but where does the locker room end and real life begin?
He was an American hero, cancer survivor, a seven-time Tour de France champion, but Lance Armstrong could no longer deny the allegations of a doping scandal.
OPRAH WINFREY, TV HOST: In all seven of your victories, did you take banned substances or blood dope?
LANCE ARMSTRONG, PRO CYCLIST: Yes.
CELLINI: Armstrong was stripped of his titles, lost endorsements and was banned for life from cycling.
Gay athletes have long participated in major team sports, but did so in silence. Jason Collins has emerged as a voice.
The 34-year-old center said he spent a lifetime in secrecy but had to be true to himself and others.
A free agent, he may never again play in the NBA, but his announcement is a contribution far more important than points and rebounds.
It's been a stain on America's pastime, the steroid era. Former MVP Alex Rodriguez was among 14 players linked to a clinic which dealt in performance-enhancing drugs.
Rodriguez has denied the accusation and has appealed an unprecedented 215-game ban.
While baseball judges A- Rod today, time will ultimately determine his place in history.
ERIN BURNETT, CNN ANCHOR, "ERIN BURNETT OUTFRONT": The troubled past of Aaron Hernandez.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN HOST, "AC360": Aaron Hernandez charged with first-degree murder today.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR, "AROUND THE WORLD": Oscar Pistorius, a South African Olympic star, accused of murdering his girlfriend.
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR, "NEWSROOM": The man known as the Blade Runner wiping away tears.
CELLINI: How does a successful athlete get charged with murder?
The "Blade Runner," Oscar Pistorius, claims he mistakenly shot his girlfriend in his South African villa and will stand trial in March.
And former New England tight end, Aaron Hernandez, who not long ago signed a $40 billion contract, is also awaiting trial
Prosecutors say he orchestrated the execution-style shooting of an acquaintance, an accusation Hernandez denies.
A $765 million settlement between the NFL and ex-players over concussion-related injuries was a good first step. Next is saving the game.
The league hopes committing millions to research and implementing new rules promoting safety will ease concerns about head injuries in a sport that will always be violent and never risk-free.
In April, a Boston tradition turned tragic.
CELLINI: The bombings challenged a city and a baseball team to move forward, and they did. The slogan "Boston Strong" was a rallying cry
And five days after the bombing, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said what many were thinking.
DAVID ORTIZ, RED SOX SLUGGER: This is our (inaudible) city.
(CHEERING)
ORTIZ: And nobody is going to take our city.
(CHEERING)
Stay strong.
CELLINI: A World Series victory showed us all just how strong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: And thanks again to Vince Cellini.
You can vote on the top ten overall stories of 2013 if you like. All you have to do is go to CNN.com/YIR. That's "Year In Review."
All right, I'll tell you what. It is going to definitely be a white Christmas in Washington, D.C. The snow is falling. It's beautiful.
Live pictures of the White House there, the president enjoying Christmas in Hawaii while everybody there in his working home is going to have a beautiful snowy Christmas.
"THE LEAD" starts right now with Dana Bash filling in for Jake Tapper.
