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