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Archive for the ‘Women’s Health’ Category

Empowering Our Sisters : Our Journey to Wellness

Saturday I attended the 3rd Annual Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit presented by the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Empowering Our Sisters: Our Journey to Wellness event was held at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center at the Christiana Hospital. 

I was invited to attend and to provide social media coverage by my “Sistah in Greekdom” Porsha Hargrove of Porsha Hargrove Consulting. 

Delta and Sigma Sisters

Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho

 

Arriving early Saturday morning, I followed the directional signs to the designated parking area, which was quite far from the actual venue.  However, there was a shuttle bus waiting to transport us to the front door of the Education Center.

 

Delta Wellness Summit

 

The lobby quickly began filling up with over 100 women of all ages and races.  The registration tables were set up front and each attendee was greeted graciously and presented with a name badge and a reusable bag. 

Inside the bag there were a few chatskis as well as a program folder which contained the full Summit Schedule, a Health Guide, Health Score Card, and Emergency Prepare a Kit, lined paper for notes and an Evaluation Form.

Registration Desk Deltas

Also in the lobby were Exhibitor tables with health and wellness information including FREE Health Screenings and an opportunity to get additional raffle tickets for the various prize drawings throughout the day.

Exhibitors at Summit health screeners Delta Wellness Summit

Long tables held Continental Breakfast goodies such as bagels, Belvita Biscuits and fruit, as well as WaWa Coffee which I made my way over to because you know me, my favorite flavor of WaWa coffee is Hazelnut.

lovely Deltas Continental breakfast

breakfast foods

The program began with a Welcome and Acknowledgements from Karen Bostick, Chapter President and Linda Thomas, President, followed by an Invocation by the Reverend Natalie Alford from Trinity AME Church in Middletown, DE. 

Delta Sigma Theta member Delta Sigma Theta member

Sarah Harrison, Health Summit Chair presented the purpose, objectives and an introduction of the moderator then the young ladies ages 11-17 relocated to another room outside of the auditorium. 

Delta Sigma Theta member

Their Empowerment Workshop Sessions was being presented by One Village Alliance, “Girls Can Do Anything”, and for those of us older than 18, we stayed in the main auditorium.

Delta Wellness Summit

Delta Wellness Summit

There were many wonderful speakers who spoke on various important health issues including the Top Cancers in Delaware and the Interconnectivity of Spiritual, Emotional/Mental and Physical Health and Wellness. 

Delta Health Summit

Microphones were set up on the floor giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions or respond to questions posed by the moderators. 

Delta Wellness Summit Delta's Wellness Summit presenters at the Wellness Summit

Love Congo, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor spoke of her journey and her inspirational message touched us all. 

breast cancer survivor testimonial

A mini break gave us an opportunity to visit the exhibitors, network, participate in the FREE health screenings or just grab another cup of coffee, water, juice or run to the restroom.

The “Prize Patrol” was on duty during the breaks and there were some really wonderful giveaways – unfortunately, I didn’t win any of them! Breast Cancer Wellness Summit Wellness Seminar Delta Wellness Summit

 

Lunch was provided by Zoup.com and it was a well prepared and delicious box lunch containing a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads. 

Zoup.com

The Keynote Speaker, Rita Choula, Senior Advisor, AARP spoke on “Empowering the Caregiver” which is a hot button topic in today’s society and Delaware is leading the charge on working with caregivers of cancer patients.

speakers at the summit

The highlight of the day was the Fashion Show, which was moderated by Cheris Lockett and Donametria Stallings, Miss DSU. 

 

The fashion show models were physicians, health care providers, survivors and young sisters all of which did their thing on the Runway, it was beautiful!

 

Fashion Show moderators

Fashion Show models Delta 33

 

I would like to thank the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Wilmington Chapter for hosting this Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit and look forward to next year’s event.  

Please use the hashtag #DeltaWellness2016 to see even more pictures posted to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Delta love

 

Delta Sorors

Delta Summit

A special thank you to my fellow Social Media Diva, Lorena and of course my “Sistah in Greekdom”, Porsha Hargrove for inviting me!

women doing it big in Social Media


Wine and Women’s Health

Is Wine Drinking Good for Women’s Health?

by Sarah Collins, Demand Media

I was going to share this article on a “Wine Wednesday”, but in honor of National Drink Wine Day, I decided to post today – hey it’s 5:00 on a Wednesday somewhere – or least it could be after a few glasses of Pinot Grigio!

National-Drink-Wine-Day-1024x512

 

Clink Clink Cheers – Drink Responsibly!

You might associate a glass of wine with girl’s night out or a way to relax after a difficult day — but you can link it to your health as well. Wine plays a role in your health in an obvious way when it comes to over consuming calories and making healthy decisions when you’re a little tipsy, but it can also benefit — and harm — your health in ways you may never have realized.

 

Protect Your Heart

Antioxidants known as flavonoids found in red wine might help protect women from cardiovascular disease, according to research published in 2007 in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Flavonoids come from the skins of grapes; white wine is made without the skins, so it’s a lesser source of these healthful compounds. According to Yale-New Haven Hospital, cabernet sauvignon, petit syrah and pinot noir have the highest concentration of flavonoids.

Don’t get too excited, though — bran, apples, pears, grapefruit, strawberries and chocolate, along with red wine, were all linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease in the study. In another study, published in 2011 in the “Journal of Wine Research,” women experienced a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that leads to heart disease — if they drank one glass of wine a day.

 

Breast Cancer: The Jury’s Still Out

Although alcohol has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, a study published in 2012 in the “Journal of Women’s Health” disputed the notion, particularly in the case of red wine. In the study, women were assigned to drink either red or white wine; researchers found that women who drank red wine had higher levels of aromatase inhibitors, which are used to treat breast cancer, due to the chemicals in the skin of the grapes used for making red wine. White wine didn’t appear to have the same effect. According to the co-author of the study, this doesn’t mean that white wine increases the risk of breast cancer, but it might not offer the same protective benefits as red wine. However, researchers note that more work needs to be done.

wine day

 

A Sharper Mind

If you want to stay sharp into your golden years, drinking a moderate amount of wine regularly may help. Research published in 2010 in “Acta Neurologica Scandinavica” looked at the cognitive performance of more than 5,000 men and women for a period of seven years. Although both men and women who drank wine moderately did better on the cognitive tests after seven years, the study found that woman who abstained from alcohol entirely had a lower cognitive performance on the tests.

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Watch Out for Overconsumption

A woman’s body processes alcohol, including wine, differently than a man’s body. This means women get drunk more quickly and show signs of liver damage earlier, according to an article by Amy Robach from ABC News. One serving of wine — the recommended amount per day — is just 5 ounces, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This amount of wine contains approximately 120 calories, depending on the variety — a few of those in one night can add up quickly, leading to weight gain and associated health risks.

 

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/wine-drinking-good-womens-health-10313.html


Summer: Golden Period To Get Healthy For Women {Guest Post}

In celebration of World Health Day

World Health Day

 

Summer: Golden Period To Get Healthy For Women

 

The long, hot, lazy days of summer are the perfect time to relax, and for women to take a few simple steps to improve their health. These warm weather health tips are easy and do not require a lot of effort. While you are lounging in the sun, with plenty of sunscreen on, you can also reduce stress levels and improve your overall health.

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Image: Shutterstock

Summer is the Golden Period for Women to get Healthy
These health tips are perfect for summer, and may even help you relax and enjoy the warm weather. Easy to implement into your daily routine, you might not even notice that you are taking the time to improve your general health.

1. Remember to enjoy summer berries.
Blueberries, strawberries, along with raspberries and black berries are common during the warm summer months, and are a healthy treat that many women look forward to. Not only are these berries delicious, the summer fruits are also high in fiber and antioxidants. Studies are showing that berries can help reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, and can also help repair tissue damage. As an added bonus, berries can also help to lower high cholesterol levels and improve your overall health.
Related Info: 11 Foods to eat When You Are Stressed

2. Reduce stress in the dirt.
One of the biggest health risks that most women face is stress due to daily life, and summer is a golden opportunity for them to relax. Many experts recommend using this time to “play in the dirt”, and nothing can ease stress like planting a garden. Whether it is one green plant in a pot or a flower and vegetable garden, plunging your hands in the soil can reduce stress levels to improve your overall health. Along with helping you to relax, it is also a good way to get a little exercise in during the hot weather.

3. Enjoy the warm weather outside.
After being cooped up indoors during the winter, summer is a golden period for women to get healthy outside. The fresh air can reduce stress and anxiety, and help to improve your overall mood. Enjoying the warm weather is also an excellent way to burn excess calories, though it is important to remember to stay hydrated. Walks and hikes, along with swimming and cycling can not only help you burn calories, it is also a great way to spend time with your family.

4. Don’t forget about oral hygiene.
Brushing and especially flossing is not something that most women think about during the summer, but it is still important for good health. Ice cream and other frozen treats are common when it is hot outside, and the added sugar can be detrimental to your oral health. Along with remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, regular flossing can help keep your teeth strong and white.

tropical vacation scene

5. Enjoy vacation time.
Between work, family, and daily life, women often suffer from high levels of stress. Not only can this cause physical problems, but it can also affect a woman’s mental health. Summer is the perfect time of year for women to take a vacation. Whether you stay at home or go to a special destination, the most important aspect to remember is for women to take some time for themselves. Spending time relaxing can reduce high stress levels, which can have amazing benefits on women’s health. Along with improving heart health, the lower levels of cortisol in the body can also help reduce body fat.

6. Watch alcohol intake during the summer
While the summer is a perfect time to relax with friends and family, and throw plenty of outdoor parties it is important to watch your alcoholic intake. Dehydration is always a concern during the summer, and alcohol beverages can increase a person’s risk of developing heat related complications. Even though you are supposed to take this time to relax and enjoy yourself, overindulging in alcohol can cause more health complications. Health care experts recommend avoiding hard liquor if you have to drink, and instead choose lighter beverages such as a watered down wine spritzer or a lite beer.

7. Get plenty of sleep.
The most important thing a woman can do for her health during the summer is to get plenty of sleep. While the extra hours of daylight and general playful atmosphere might entice women to stay up later, this will only add to the already high levels of stress, giving sleep problems. Instead enjoy having the option of catching up on your sleep, along with seeing an improvement in your energy levels. Catching up on your sleep can not only improve your overall health, it can also help you look and feel younger.

Summary
These simple tips will help women take advantage of the summertime to improve their health, while enjoying themselves. Easy to implement in your daily life these tips can help improve your overall health, along keep you young and energetic so you can truly enjoy your summer.

Author Bio
Kelly Everson (@kellyeverson12) is an American author and MA in English literature. She is a health article writer who has written numerous articles/online journals on stretch marks, pregnancy, sleep disorders, female health and joint pain problems. She is also passionate about health, beauty and fitness. She is contributing to Consumer Health Digest from 2011. Examiner from 2013, Epochtimes & Healthline from 2014

 

Disclaimer: This Guest Post was written by someone other than the author of DeDivahDeals. The author of this post, has submitted their article to DeDivahDeals for the purpose of being published on this blog as a Guest Writer.


“The Other Talk”: Changing the Conversation about Postmenopause

After we reach age 50, are there still some things that mom knows best? Well, as you’ll see in this funny video “The Other Talk”, the answer is a resounding YES, especially when it comes to postmenopause.

The Other Talk” uses the premise of ‘the talk’ recognized as a cultural event in life where mothers talk with their teenage daughters about sex. “The Other Talk” expands this coming of age tradition to the next generation with a hilarious take on how that conversation unfolds some 40 years later!

“Until recently, I was unaware that many women are uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss symptoms of postmenopause, and therefore, suffer in silence,” says Emmy-nominated actress Brenda Strong, who is known for her role on Desperate Housewives and Dallas. “That’s why I welcomed the opportunity to work with Pfizer on the “Let’s Talk About Change” campaign to help transform the way we think and talk about postmenopause and empower women to take action to find relief.”

She also encourages women to take the following steps to help manage the physical changes that happen after menopause and change their mindset about aging and postmenopause.

CHANGE YOUR AWARENESS

Both menopause and postmenopause are a normal part of aging. Menopause is what happens when a woman’s menstrual period stops for 12 months in a row, typically around the age of 51. While each woman’s experience is different, some women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, night sweats, moodiness and urinary problems. However, postmenopause also brings changes to women’s bodies. Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (or the thinning of vaginal tissues) can occur, and without treatment, symptoms can worsen. Symptoms may include: severe vaginal itching, burning and dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and painful urination.

CHANGE THE DIALOGUE

If you’re experiencing these postmenopausal symptoms, you’re not alone! Nearly one third of women experience these symptoms after menopause. To help find relief, it’s important to speak openly and honestly with your healthcare professional as well as your partner. Find some tips for starting these conversations here: Change the Dialogue.

CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK

What else can you do to help manage the stress that can sometimes come with menopause and postmenopause? Laugh! Menopause is a normal, natural event—not a disease—so why not have a little fun with it? Check out “The Other Talk,” which features Strong to help raise awareness about the symptoms of postmenopause and encourage women to speak up and take action to find relief.

 


From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to this week’s feature of  “Wellness Wednesday”.

October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates.   Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which means I will also be scheduling my first colonoscopy.  Hubby’s recent diagnosis and ultimate surgery for small intestinal cancer made it even more of a priority for me.

colonoscopy

After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day.  It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.

2013 annual mammy

Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!

I don’t care how old I am how long I’ve been having these procedures done, I never look forward to either.  However, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are, these vital exams must be done, no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so if you haven’t made an appointment for your annual mammogram, please use this as a reminder to do so.  We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.

 To get a FREE copy of the eBbook The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer, just click on this link

FREE eBook download

Have you ever taken part in a Breast Cancer Walk?

breast cancer walk I did this one in memory of my cousin Debra and Aunt Hazel.  

“Cancer Don’t Care!”

Shop For Pink Ribbon Jewelry Now To Cure Breast Cancer!

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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a mom blog community!

 

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I am not a medical professional and these posts are not designed to promote or give any medical advice.  Please check with your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your own health.


Love/Avon Army of Women | Guest Post

Each year, 19,000 new cases of breast cancer occur among African American women. That’s 19,000 too many.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer for African American women is 77%, compared to white women’s rate of 90%. In addition, African American women are more likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age, and we tend to develop more aggressive tumors, which are harder and more expensive to treat.

Enter Dr. Kathleen Arcaro from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She studies breast cancer by studying breastmilk, which is full of breast cells key in figuring out how breast cancer develops. Over the past ten years she’s worked to improve our understanding of breast cancer risk, and her findings may lead to new screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.

The problem? Black women are underrepresented in the research. As a result, findings that work for white women or women with less aggressive forms of breast cancer, don’t work for the majority of black women grappling with the disease.

To ensure her findings are applicable to women of all races, she has been working to recruit African American women for the Love/Avon Army of Women, a project aiming to recruit one million women to sign up to participate in breast cancer research (if they choose to do so). By signing up, participants will receive an email newsletter with breast cancer research opportunities. Some research is as simple as a questionnaire or a phone interview.

Having African American women well represented in the breast cancer research is key, for her research and many others.’ So Dr. Arcaro hopes black women will sign up for the Army of Women (and be sure to select “breast milk study” as the referral type to help track the impact).

You can learn more about Dr. Arcaro’s work, and see if you or other women you know might qualify for one of her studies, at the website of the UMass Breastmilk Lab, and follow the lab on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

 

Join the Cause


Vanessa Williams, Handbags & Hearts

vanessa williams

“Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment today.  Vanessa’s passion for heart health education is a personal one – both of her grandmothers died from heart attacks at a young age, which has been the driving force behind Vanessa’s own healthy and active lifestyle. ”

Vanessa has teamed up with Bayer HealthCare, the makers of Bayer® Aspirin to support the Handbags & Hearts campaign, which urges women to take the Handbags & Hearts pledge to carry aspirin at all times to be prepared for a sudden heart attack.  You too can lend your support in many ways including sharing a story of  how heart disease may has affected  you or a loved one.

Click on the logo below to learn more as well as print a coupon for Bayer Aspirin

prohealth

I made a donation for a ProHeart Kit and am spreading the word via Facebook and Twitter.

I  encourage you to learn more about Handbags and Hearts Bayer Aspirin Campaign.

Stay Healthy – Smooches!

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Vanessa Williams, Handbags & Hearts

vanessa williams

“Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment today.  Vanessa’s passion for heart health education is a personal one – both of her grandmothers died from heart attacks at a young age, which has been the driving force behind Vanessa’s own healthy and active lifestyle. ”

Vanessa has teamed up with Bayer HealthCare, the makers of Bayer® Aspirin to support the Handbags & Hearts campaign, which urges women to take the Handbags & Hearts pledge to carry aspirin at all times to be prepared for a sudden heart attack.  You too can lend your support in many ways including sharing a story of  how heart disease may has affected  you or a loved one.

Click on the logo below to learn more as well as print a coupon for Bayer Aspirin

prohealth

I made a donation for a ProHeart Kit and am spreading the word via Facebook and Twitter.

I  encourage you to learn more about Handbags and Hearts Bayer Aspirin Campaign.

Stay Healthy – Smooches!

dedivahdeals signature