Body

Gone Viral

March 4, 2020

It’s on every channel, in every newspaper, all over the Internet, and the topic of several memes on social media. It’s become a public health emergency and a possible pandemic. It’s the cause for travel fears, and empty store aisles that usually contain facial masks, hand sanitizer, Lysol, and bleach. By now, you've figured out that the culprit I’m referring to is the Coronavirus. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being unnerved at how quickly this disease has gone viral. But what concerns me more is the fact that we are still very reactive when it comes to our health and well-being. Colds, influenza, and other viruses have been in existence since the beginning of time. That’s not to make light of their impact,...

Above All Else, Guard Your Heart

February 26, 2020

Body, Fight Disease

If you’ve ever been to a doctor’s office, it’s safe to say that you’ve had your blood pressure taken. You may not have understood what the numbers meant, or even asked what the numbers were, but I’m certain you knew that those numbers were significant to your overall health and wellbeing. As the daughter of two hypertensive (high blood pressure) parents, with countless relatives who are also hypertensive and/or have cardiovascular issues, I am at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. I have managed to maintain a healthy blood pressure, but it’s not without effort. Since the only jeans I control are the ones I purchase in the store, I am very diligent about making sure that I know my numbers. Not only do...

5 Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

February 4, 2020

Body, Eat Healthy, Stay Motivated

Your heart is important. Very, VERY important. Just take a minute to think about how NECESSARY your heart is. Your heart pumps all the blood, delivering oxygen to your body, keeping your mind sharp for you to tackle the day. We put so much emphasis on being healthy, we need to make sure that our muscles are healthy and strong. So how do we keep our Hearts Healthy? Eat Healthily How does our food affect our heart? Your diet plays a role in your risk of coronary heart disease. Food-related risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and a diet high in saturated fats. Therefore, if you are already at risk, it is important to implement a low-saturated fat, high-fiber, high plant food diet as...

How this Cancer Survivor Turned Her Pain Into Purpose as a Holistic Healer

January 31, 2020

Body, Fight Disease, Uncategorized

This month for our partner highlight, we are honoring LaDawn "Khetnu Nefer" Frasier. Although she did not plan on being a “healer” looking back she realized that she always had a high intuition for the needs of others. Khetnu Nefer is a Gullah/Geechee holistic health practitioner originally from John's Island, SC who is a passionate womb warrior and women's health advocate. After spending 8 years in the army, she began her healing career as a massage therapist. Through her work as a massage therapist, she gained a more personal connection with her clients, taking her healing beyond the physical. Through her own personal experience, she learned the importance and impact of holistic wellness. During her own battle with uterine cancer, she took it upon herself to...

13 Ways to be Healthy this Spooky Season

November 1, 2019

Body, Eat Healthy, Uncategorized

Here are 13 Tips to Stay Healthy this Halloween Season: Exercise. If you are going out, if possible, use this time (Trick or Treating) or not, and get some exercise. Especially if you are with little ones, use this as a time to get some exercise. Be Sanitary. If you are passing out candy this Halloween, be mindful of germs. Use hand sanitizer and when you get the change, wash your hands. Do not overeat. Although Halloween is one day and Halloweekend is 3, the candy sales seem to last forever. Everything in MODERATION is okay, but remember, portion control is key, especially as it pertains to sugar. Hydrate yourself. Especially if you choose to indulge in a few alcoholic beverages, hydrate yourself with water....

Advocating for Your Breast Health

October 16, 2019

Body, Eat Healthy, Fight Disease

We’ve all been taught that if you see something, say something. But what if you feel something? Do you say something or do you remain silent? I was 31 years old when I had my first mammogram. I remember describing what I felt as a heaviness in my breast. I wasn’t sure if that translated well to my Gynecologist, so her examination was critical to ensuring that we were on the same page. She didn’t feel that there was any real cause for concern, but sensing my anxiety [and having a paternal great grandmother with breast cancer] she thought it would be a good idea to get screened. Being Type A, I immediately called the Radiology Center to schedule an appointment for a mammogram. My conversation with...

Working Remotely: A Guide To Your Health

October 10, 2019

Body, Stay Motivated

Working remotely is a desired perk that Millennials and Gen-Z look for when on the hunt for a job. Luckily, employers aren’t disappointing! Because of the staggering benefits of working remotely, 50% of the US population spend part of their week working outside of their office. However, adjusting to a work-from-home schedule can be difficult and it’s important to maintain your health to keep your productivity and happiness high. Have an “office” Having a dedicated space to get your work done is extremely important for productivity and your health. Don’t allow yourself to sit in your pajamas and work in your bed all day because it can hinder productivity, ruin your sleep, and ultimately isn’t the right environment to get work done. Even if you live in a...

Christie Champaign: “My Mission is to Connect As Many of You As I Can to Someone that Can Help.”

October 4, 2019

Body, Eat Healthy, Fight Disease, Look Good, Stay Motivated

This week’s Black Girl Health Partner Spotlight goes to Ms. Christie Champaign. Back in 2008, Christie was dealing with unexplained health issues that were impacting her quality of life. She was the classic case of “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” and decided that it was time to reclaim her health and wellbeing. Through her journey of healing her body naturally, she created Your Health Connect. This movement is all about connecting people with the resources they need to live their best lives. If you are looking for better health, and don’t know where to turn, it’s time to connect with Your Health Connect. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIk8CRo5WW4&feature=youtu.be[/embed] "One day, I got out of bed to get ready for work and I looked in the mirror...

Your Top Essential Oils You Need this Fall

September 20, 2019

Body, Fight Disease, Stay Motivated

As fall approaches, we want our homes to smell good to create a warm comforting environment. But what exactly are they and what do they do? According to heathline.com, essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They are created through the process of distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Essentials are mostly used through the use of aromatherapy, but can also be used inhalation, or by diluting the oil then rubbing the oil on the skin. When the oils are inhaled, the fragrance of the essential oils can stimulate parts of your limbic system which is the system of your body involved with motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Because the limbic system has been linked to the formation of long-term...

The Pros and Cons of Kombucha!

September 17, 2019

Body, Eat Healthy

If you follow popular health trends, you have probably heard of this popular drink called Kombucha. Like many health fads, people rave about the various health benefits of Kombucha but is Kombucha truly the all-powerful healing drink that people make it out to be? To start, what even is Kombucha? In short, Kombucha is simply a fermented green or black tea that is combined with various ingredients such as sugar, yeast and bacteria. (Yes, you read that correctly, bacteria). We figured out what it is, but why do people drink it? Many individuals claim that drinking Kombucha can: improved digestion, increase metabolism, build immunity, improve liver function, increase heart health and more. Based on the research, Kombucha can contain some of these properties but it truly depends on...