Research shows link between mental disorders and domestic violence

People with mental disorders more likely to have experienced domestic violence

CCFA: Restroom Access Law Highlighted in US News & World Report

CCFA: Restroom Access Law Highlighted in US News & World Report

Small easy changes can lead to sustainable weight loss and healthier eating habits

Small easy changes can lead to sustainable weight loss and healthier eating habits

New study better explains racial disparities in strokes

 New study better explains racial disparities in strokes

TV and furniture tipovers threaten kids

Rossen Reports: TV and furniture tipovers threaten kids

#1share1condom World AIDS Day 2012

Black Moms Are Raising Volume on Breastfeeding | Womens eNews

There is no question that when it comes to nutrition, breast milk is the best thing a mother can give her newborn. 
 Black Moms Are Raising Volume on Breastfeeding | Womens eNews

Today...Its OK to Be a Quitter

Most people who know me knows I am one who says a quitter never wins...but today being a quitter makes you a winner.  
The Great American Smokeout | American Cancer Society

Everyday Wisdom Kit - American Diabetes Association

Everyday Wisdom Kit - American Diabetes Association

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that is generally one that slowly develops over time. November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month...take some time to educate yourself more about it
Stomach Cancer

National Diabetes Month | NDEP

National Diabetes Month | NDEP

Mid-day Snooze

Napping May Improve Memory, Sleep, Problem Solving Skills and More - AARP

How to Talk to Your Doctor - Understand Medical Information - Health L... - AARP

How to Talk to Your Doctor - Understand Medical Information - Health L... - AARP

Your Smoke Dector May Not Go Off In Time

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Back in the day...a phone was just that...a phone

You've seen it...someone walking down the street and all of a sudden they disappear..they have fallen into the open man hole..OK...perhaps not that tragic..but no matter where you go there are lots of folks aimlessly walking and texting...paying absolutely no attention to what lies ahead. What happened to the good old days when a phone was just that...a phone. Read how teen pedestrian injuries are on the rise.
 Put down the phone and walk! Teen pedestrian injuries on rise

A Plan for better outcomes of the homeless and uninsured post hospitalization

Contrary to what one of our Presidential candidates think is the answer for the uninsured this article discusses the issue and a plan that could produce a better outcome. 
It Takes a Village :: Article - The Hospitalist

More than just a problem of who will pay...but will you be able to be seen

First I want to say this is not about whether I am for or against health care reform, but for those who are curious, I believe everyone has a right to access care. Today, September 10th, I tried to make an appointment for a problem a family member was experiencing, though not an emergency, I felt it was something that warranted being attended to timely. This was not a new patient appointment but a follow-up to a problem that had occurred the previous year, so I am thinking I would be able to get an appointment within a couple weeks. When the young lady on the other end of the phone so calmly told me October 24th, I of course was dumbfounded. I politely said to her that my comment to follow had no reflection on her because I realized she was doing her job but it things like this that are one of the reasons that the emergency rooms around this country are full of non-emergencies. Why would anyone concerned about their health wait almost six weeks to be seen? Even, I, who is so much against folks using the emergency room as a source of primary care, would instead of waiting six weeks, go to my nearest emergency room. So I say, America, we have a real problem -There are just not enough doctors to go around for everyone to be seen. Health Care Bill: Will Newly Insured Be Able To Find Doctors? - ABC News
It has become increasingly important that we all being to take personal responsibility for our own health. The preventive health  model is a huge step towards doing so. We can no longer rely on waiting till something happens (such as a stroke) before we take action (monitoring our blood pressure, watching our calories, getting off our couches).
I don't claim to have the answers but one thing is for sure...we all need to begin to look around at what is coming and what some possible solutions could be (A PLAN) before it hits the fan. 

App Helps Users Turn Good Intentions Into Good Habits | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

App Helps Users Turn Good Intentions Into Good Habits | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

Have a Question for a Physician? There’s an App for That | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

More than ever before, it is important to take an active role in your healthcare. Mobile apps are becoming a great tool to help accomplish this.

Have a Question for a Physician? There’s an App for That | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

Children and cholesterol screening

Learn more on this topic and the recommendations being made by the National Academy of Pediatrics.

September: National Cholesterol Education Month - TODAY'S TMJ4

Learn Your Lipids | Know Your Cholesterol Levels

Your numbers count and since September is Cholesterol Awareness Month it is a good time to check your numbers and understand what they really mean.

Learn Your Lipids | Know Your Cholesterol Levels

AGING WITH GRACE

One of the things I look forward to in life is aging gracefully. I look around at older individuals and realize that aging brings with it a wealth of history, knowledge and oh so much humor that can be shared with others. My mother at her youthful age of 85 never seems to amaze me. In order to help ensure the ability to live life to its fullest as we age requires that we invest in keeping our body in the best shape possible along the way. September marks Healthy Aging Awareness Month. Check out Healthy Aging to get lots of helpful tips.

Amazing Health - 8 Laws of Health

In Reach

Boomers will be in need of mental health care, report finds

This post is not to alarm those of us who are gracefully moving towards midlife but more to make you aware of what I see as an urgent need for action. There is a growing need for more individauls trained in to care for the aging population for both their physical and their emotional well being. 
Boomers will be in need of mental health care, report finds

Hand Dance: A Capitol Swing

Like First Lady Obama says...we need to keep it moving and that is not only for youth but us old boomers as well...check out a fun and easy way to keep things stepping.

Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes

General Mobility Exercises

General Mobility Exercises

App May Help Parents Get Kids to Eat More Vegetables

Getting kids to eat more vegetables can often present a challenge...help may be found with the new application Kiddio. Check out more about it in news from the USDA Agricultural Research Service...Kiddio

Consumer Alert: Deadly Cosmetics

Today women, as well as men, use a variety of products to enhance their appearance but did you know that some products contain ingredients which can be harmful to your health. Read about these at Consumer Alert: Deadly Cosmetics

Fruits & Veggies More Matters

It has been so hot here in the DMV and for me, the first thing that comes to mind to eat is either a bowl of fruit, some veggies or a smoothie. I am often puzzled on how to select and store them. Learn how to at Fruit & Veggies...More Matters

Why Self-Compassion Matters, and How to Develop It

Lose It! App Wins Surgeon General’s Healthy Apps Challenge | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

Lose It! App Wins Surgeon General’s Healthy Apps Challenge | Highlight HEALTH 2.0

First line of protection from the sun - clothing

Often when you think of protection from the rays of the sun you reach for the sunscreen. Although a good sunscreen is very important, the first line of protection is the clothing you wear. Learn more about how clothing can be an effective sun protector. Clothing - SkinCancer.org

Do Your Homework - Protection from the Rays of the Sun

Here in the DC area we are expecting temperatures to soar to the 100 degree mark this weekend and even as an African American, protection from exposure to the rays of the sun is vital, both against burn and skin cancer. Unfortunately the new label requirements set forth by the FDA for sunscreen manufacturers will not be met until next year so it is up to the consumer to do their homework and learn what sunscreen will provide adequate protection. Visit EWG (Environmental Working Group's) site to make a comparison of your chosen sunscreen.  Key also for protection is to use enough sunscreen and apply often when exposed. For protection more is definitely better.

Eating disorders rise as baby boomers crawl toward menopause

At one time eating disorders were mostly associated with teens and young adult women but today a new group of individuals are struggling with them...BABY BOOMERS. Eating disorders at any age can lead to serious health problems and for some, even death. Read more about this disorder in the baby boomer population to learn more.
Eating disorders rise as baby boomers crawl toward menopause

Sleep-texting? You’re not dreaming

Getting adequate sleep is important for overall good health. It is known that electronics such as computers should not be a bedroom companion but another hazard especially for teens is the cell phone. 
Sleep-texting? You’re not dreaming

Stress, Health and Wellness

Stress is the body’s reaction to life events or physical threats which cause the arousal of the adrenal system which triggers changes in the body (Hart, 2009). God in His wisdom designed us this way as a means of protection and support. Such changes in the body are what helped our ancestors survive in the wilderness as they faced life or death situations. Situations like caring for a chronically ill loved one can trigger the same type of responses. In small doses, stress can be positive, motivating us to give our best and stay focused (Hart, 2009). When demands exceed our ability to cope, it creates a state that can become a threat to both our physical and emotional well-being. Situations which trigger the adrenal systems arousal, known as stressors, if not addressed lead to stress. Stress not properly managed can lead to distress, where you begin to see some physical manifestations. If we allow the process to continue this can lead to stress disease which is the point where the effects on our state of wellness are no longer reversible (Hart, 2009). The effects of stress are cumulative, beginning as something minor as neck pain, progression on to a more serious event such as a heart attack. Stress is like a crack in the foundation, what begins as something small, if ignored, can cause the whole building to collapse. Unfortunately, we do not have a built in automatic system which differentiates between situations where the biological changes in the body when needed and turn on, but if not needed are suppressed. The key to getting a handle on this is to be aware of process, the sources and effectively control them. Fortunately, today there are tools that can be utilized that not only help a person become aware of stressor but also assist them in learning to properly manage or eliminate them from their life. In working with clients it would be helpful to start by identifying things that could be stressors in their life. On the website Mind Tools there are good tools to help identify stressors, stress management techniques and coping strategies to assist the coach and client through this process. Tools, such as the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, help to identify the long term effects of stress, whereas the Stress Diary deals more with identifying short term effects. No matter what tools we utilize, to overcome and manage this condition we must Stop Think, Review, Examine, Signs and Symptoms of events in our lives which threaten our quest to reach a state of optimum being. It is only in first knowing and then doing, can we bring about positive changes for living a healthier lifestyle (Arloski, 2009). References Arloski, M. (2007). Wellness Coaching for Lasting Lifestyle Change. Duluth, MN: Whole Person Associates, Inc. Hart, A. and C. (2009). The Stress Epidemic: Battling the Enemy of Wellness. Retrieved November 20, 2011 from the World Wide Web: www.luonline.com

FDA Turns Down Corn Refiners Association, Declines Use of “Corn Sugar” For High Fructose Corn Syrup | Highlight HEALTH

Be in the know about terms used in regard to sweeteners for your better health
 FDA Turns Down Corn Refiners Association, Declines Use of “Corn Sugar” For High Fructose Corn Syrup | Highlight HEALTH

“Wheat Flour” Whole Wheat, And Why Does It Matter?

There is much talk about the benefits of whole wheat but do you know why it makes a difference? 

  Is “Wheat Flour” Whole Wheat, And Why Does It Matter? | Highlight HEALTH

Heat danger: 500th child dies in a hot car

Not having been challenged with the task of being the busy mother/father of a small child it is hard for me to really relate to how someone could forget and leave their child in the car but I accept the fact that it can/does happen and believe that it is not that difficult to do under certain circumstances. So I, as I hope those who could not fathom this happening to them, will not sit in judgement but hopefully by calling the attention to this tragic event can give a few things that could help a busy parent avoid something like this happening to them as the temperatures begin to soar. Read about some simple techniques and devices that can help parents remember a child left accidentally in the car or visit the Sisters of Invention website to see how you can join in to be part of the solution.

TAKING YOUR DIP SAFELY

Within days the local pools will officially open to signal the beginning of water activities begin. An important consideration should be given to recreational water illness and injury and what can be done to help ensure everyone's safety.

Fatty Liver-Teens - ABC News

Fatty Liver-Teens - ABC News

The Incredible Egg

If  you are like me, on your  refrigerator door is where you put your eggs...not in the carton but in that built in rack or if yours is like my refrigerator there is only a bin so all my eggs are just placed in the bin . To my surprise from my participation in the Daily Challenge I got the 411 (sorry mom you were not right on this one) this is definitely not a safe place for eggs. So here are some safety tips on the incredible egg.

• First you want to be sure to always check the expiration date on the side of the cartoon and intend on using all of the eggs by that date. 
• If you buy eggs from a market where there may not be a date on them you can hold the egg up to a bright source of light and check for an air bubble at the round part of the egg. A smaller bubble indicates a fresher egg.
•  If you have eggs that are questionable about being fresh enough to eat you can do the cold water test. The freshest egg will sink and remain flat, the older the egg the pointed end will begin to tilt upwards, if it float it is time to throw that one out.

 Now..to store your.eggs...they should be kept in your refrigerator in the original carton purchased in (helps protect them from absorbing odors of other foods in the refrigerator), rounded end up and on the bottom shelf toward the rear of the refrigerator. Eggs on the door are exposed to variations of temperature every time you open the refrigerator and this has an effect on the stability of their freshness.
To read more on egg safety visit Egg Storage Chart

Sugar and Brain Function

Sugar and Brain Function

National Women's Health Week by the Numbers: 20.4 Million | The White House

National Women's Health Week by the Numbers: 20.4 Million | The White House

Got Nausea...Get Ginger

Essential Oils Effectively Treats Postoperative Nausea 

Childproof Your Windows

The air is warming and it is that time of year that we like to open up the window to let in some fresh air, hear the birds singing or just gaze out at nature's beauty, but this can also be a very dangerous time, a deadly time, if we fail to protect children and toddlers from falls from windows. It takes only a second for an inquisitive child to move a light piece of furniture and climb up on it to look out.  If the windows are not secured, not by screens since weight against a screen will not be a support barrier, the results can be tragic. Just today in the DMV area there was a toddler who feel from a second floor window. Praise God she was not seriously injured. Find out
How to Childproof Your Windows

THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION

Saturday Is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day « CBS DC

Don't dispose of those unused or expired drugs improperly. Find out about how and where you can do it the right way: Saturday Is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day « CBS DC

RECYCLING MEANS A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT

Part of living a healthier lifestyle is being environmental friendly...that means recycling as must as possible...check out these
10 common household items you can reuse – Savings Challenge Quiz - AARP

Switch Out: The Easy Solution to Shedding Pounds

Study: Switching to water or diet soda leads to weight loss

What Does My Body Mass Index (BMI) Mean? | Highlight HEALTH

Q&A: What Does My Body Mass Index (BMI) Mean? | Highlight HEALTH

Sexual Assault Awareness

 April marks Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month! Every 2 minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted, but you have the power to make a difference. Visit the RAINN website to learn how you can play a part. 

How Heavy Is Your Handbag?

As we all begin to think about spring cleaning...perhaps a good place not to overlook is that ton of stuff you carry around everyday. Unless you are planning on going on "Let's Make a Deal" during the day...do yourself and your body a favor...lighten up. Also there may be things lurking on that bag that you may not want either...read what they may be....
How Heavy Is Your Handbag?

Whooping Cough Epidemic

Yes...this is 2012 and most of us would never think that a nagging cough that seems to be lingering could be "THE WHOOPING COUGH"...but it is very possible. Several states have already declared an epidemic and one would deduct unless measures are taken to contain it, it will continue to spread across the United States.
I fully understand there are those who are definitely opposed to vaccines but when it comes to being able to prevent an outbreak that is potentially fatal to newborns and young babies...my choice, although I am not in close contact on a daily basis with the susceptible aged group (infants and young toddlers) I think this is something important enough for me to do my part...get a booster. Hope some of my readers will feel the same way. You can read more about the current outbreak...
Whooping Cough Epidemic

FocusDriven

Distracted driving is the cause of senseless fatalities...this month marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month...if you MUST use a cell phone while exercising the privilege/responsibility of operating a motor vehicle...find a safe place to pull over so that conversation or text does not becomes your last one or end another persons life. Advocate for cell free driving...I do...see how at FocusDriven

IBS Awareness Public Service Announcement

5 Ways to Manage Day-to-Day Depression - Beliefnet.com

5 Ways to Manage Day-to-Day Depression - Beliefnet.com

Half of all cancers are preventable: study

Half of all cancers are preventable: study

Restore Balance

How We Restore Balance in Life - Beliefnet.com

FOOD CRAVINGS

Fight the lure of sugar, salt and fat as told in the Diabetes Forecast

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR DIABETES NEWSLETTER

http://tcoyd.org/my-tcoyd-newsletter/2012-1st-quarter.html

Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Education - Prevent Cancer Foundation

Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Education - Prevent Cancer Foundation

Diet Soda Consumption Linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke

Diet Soda Consumption Linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke

Women's Heart Disease - Improve Heart Health, Reduce Stress - Dr. Oz - AARP

Women's Heart Disease - Improve Heart Health, Reduce Stress - Dr. Oz - AARP

Dimensions of Wellness

According to SAMHSA wellness means overall well-being. It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. Each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life, so it is important to consider all aspects of health. This is especially important for people with mental and substance use disorders because wellness directly relates to the quality and longevity of your life.

Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
Financial–Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual —Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods and sleep
Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
Spiritual—Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
Visit SAMHSA Wellness Effort to learn more!!!

What Do You Know About Heart Health

Get some quick facts concerning your part in your hearts health.

Daily Glass Of Beet Juice Can Beat High Blood Pressure, Study Shows

I have never been a fan of beets but this article grabbed my attention as something to incorporate into my own healthier living routine.
Daily Glass Of Beet Juice Can Beat High Blood Pressure, Study Shows

Just Pick a Date-To Induce or Not Induce

The birthing process usually occurs naturally but there is a process where labor can be forced to begin artificially through medical intervention. Recently there has been a rise in what is called elective induction for convenience or to accommodate schedules. Before making this choice you might want to read Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway article "5 Questions Every Pregnant Woman Should Ask Before Being Induced" first.

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Cervical Cancer Awarness...time to take the pledge

This year, more than 12,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. And more than 4,210 will die. Now, Take the Pearl Pledge and help protect yourself and other women from this preventable disease!

When It Come to Care for Your Loved One A Bargain Is Not The Best Deal

At some point in life, many will be faced with the task of finding in home help to provide care for their loved ones. Though not limited to the aged population, with the advance of medical technology, people are living much longer and middle aged adults are faced with the responsibility of ensuring the adequate care and safety of their aging parents. This present challenges even for those whose parents were wise enough to plan ahead for this need by obtaining a long term care policy in the younger years.
This scenario came knocking at my door recently and my first thought was I would just look to private hire a trained individual to come into our home to provide care. Thankfully before making what could have turned out to be a very unwise decision, I did some research and came across an article,"Hiring Private Duty Home Care Workers: Why Work Through An Agency? which helped to enlighten me on the subject. Of course the main reason families tend to private hire is because of the financial aspect of it; the hourly rates are often lower but along with that they assume a certain liabilities and tax responsibilities. There is also the added risk of abuse and exportation, especially if the person who is being cared for lives in another location distant from their family members.
Although it will take time and effort to contact various home care agencies to find the right help needed for your loved one, in the long run this is the better choice, really the only choice to protect both yourself and your loved one. There are several internet services to assist caregivers navigate throughout this process. Elder Care locator is a good resource that can connect you to a variety of services in your geographical area. My choice turned out to be Chevy Chase Home Care, a minority, woman owned business serving the metropolitan Washington DC area. From my first contact with them their director, Dr. Nataliya Lakiza, showed great care and concern for what my family’s needs were. Their company also works to gain funding for the less fortunate who are not able to pay for in-home care by partnering financial sponsors with families who simply cannot afford the care. They will be hosting several fundraising events for this purpose and Bees Wellness Lounge will definitely share in this effort.

Environmental Birth Defects

The birth of a healthy baby requires the mother to take action long before conception. One thing that can have a huge impact on the outcome is her environment. January is Birth Defect Prevention Month. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to premature births and miscarriages but it also increases the risk for delivering a baby with a birth defect. Read some of the data Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Birth Defects in Offspring.

As my associate Dr. Linda Burke Galloway says "a healthy pregnancy doesn't just happen...it takes a smart mother to know what to do"...check out her Smart Mother's Guide to a Better Pregnancy.

GoPillow - Breastfeeding Pillow - Nursing Pillow - Baby Blanket- Toddler...

In an effort to provide a product that would help to change the feelings of uneasiness about breastfeeding and provide comfort for both mother and baby, a young mother, Tangela Walker-Craft came up with the idea of the Go Pillow. I think after you have viewed the video you will not only think this is both a useful and practical product for breastfeeding.



Visit Simply Necessary to make purchase of this great product. Be sure to mention you learned about the pillow at Bees Wellness Lounge.

Mommie...what are those for????

As we move into another week of the month of January, I pondered on what to blog about for Birth Defect Prevention Month and it came to me…breast…more specifically breast feeding. In the United States breast have seemed to have more recognition sexually than for their physiological purpose, which is for nourishment. This attitude has led to the discomfort of many around the issue of breastfeeding, which has many medical and psychological benefits for both mother and baby. I stumbled on an article “Got Milk? Not in Public!” by Jacqueline Wolf, which comments that as far back as the 1960s a woman whose father was an obstetrician responded to her breastfeeding her baby saying “you will ruin your breasts you know”. Now years later, right here in DC, where laws are made everyday, the breastfeeding debate made the news when a mother breastfeeding her baby in a government building (Department of Motor Vehicles) was told she could not do so because it was considered “indecent exposure”.
The uneasiness around breastfeeding will continue unless there is a collective effort to promote its acceptance by the public at large and programs to support this effort. You can read more about the statistics and what is being done to foster change in “Hospital Support for Breastfeeding”.

Check out Breastfeeding.com for some good resource information.

For helpful information to help you with having a healthy pregnancy/baby...check out my colleague Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway's site The Smart Mother's Guide to a Better Pregnancy.

Let’s get some dialogue started on this one…leave a comment on your thoughts.

When Health Begins

January marks Birth Defect Prevention Month and there are many things to consider to ensure a healthy baby. Learn more about When Health Begins and what you can do.

Pose without injury

As I entered into the year of 2012, I found myself desiring to return to the practice of yoga. Yoga is a great choice to add to your wellness plan but there are several important factors to consider to help prevent the injuries that could occur.
Find out more in the article Preventing Yoga Injuries.

Having a Positive Attitude Can Add Years to Your Life - Beliefnet.com

Having a Positive Attitude Can Add Years to Your Life - Beliefnet.com

It's Not About A Diet...It's About A Healthy Lifestyle

10 DIET DERAILERS TO AVOID (for YOUR HEALTH & BODY CONFIDENCE

The Difference Between Good & Great

212: The Extra Degree | 212: The Extra Degree

Tips for Lasting Happiness

Tips for Lasting Happiness - Beliefnet.com