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By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD
ere’s what the science says about this trendy superfood. Seaweed has long been touted as a superfood, and now sea moss, sometimes called Irish sea moss or Irish moss, has entered the wellness lexicon. Proponents have claimed that sea moss does everything from boost immunity and soothe digestion to strengthen joints and improve skin health. So does sea moss actually live up to the hype? Here are five FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 8
things you should know about this trendy ingredient.
SEA MOSS ISN’T NEW Sea moss is a type of algae, which has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. In addition to being consumed historically in places like the Caribbean and Ireland, sea moss has been used medicinally in other
cultures for decades, to treat conditions ranging from coughs and infections to low libido.
THE BENEFITS AREN’T WELL RESEARCHED The research is scant on the effectiveness and safety of sea moss for various health outcomes. This includes a lack of knowledge about potential side effects; interactions with medications, herbs, or other supplements; proper dosage; and precautions based on various medical conditions. Studies on the benefits of sea moss for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s as well as how it impacts immunity have been conducted in labs or with animals, and they haven’t use standardized forms of sea moss. This leaves unanswered questions about the ideal use of sea moss for humans.
THERE’S A LOT WE DON’T KNOW While there is a growing interest in algae as a functional food—a food with benefits beyond the nutrients it contains—there are many variables to consider. Algae may be rich in minerals and antioxidants, but the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients isn’t well understood. In other words, how much nutrition is absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, and how accessible and usable are those nutrients to our cells? Other question marks include the variability of nutrient levels based on where and how the algae is grown, and issues related to potential contamination with heavy metals or other environmental toxins
YOU CAN CONSUME TOO MUCH Sea moss is likely a rich source of iodine. (Although as
mentioned above, the levels may vary.) This essential mineral helps produce thyroid hormones. The goal with iodine is to consume a just-right amount, as both too little and too much can throw thyroid hormones out of whack. So yes, you can get too much of a good thing, and more isn’t better. If you consume sea moss, be careful not to overdo it.
IT MAY BE A SUPPLEMENT RATHER THAN A FOOD Sea moss is sold in several forms, including dried, ground, or in pills or droppers. Sea moss products sold as a dietary supplements aren’t regulated in the same way as prescription drugs. They do not have to be proven to be effective or safe before they are marketed. And there is largely no way of knowing if what is stated on the label is precisely what’s in the product. This isn’t to say that supplements shouldn’t be used. I believe many are beneficial, but it’s important to use caution, and to take supplements with the guidance of your doctor or a dietitian who can recommend the right form, dose, frequency, and length of use, or identify any potential precautions to be aware of. Bottom line: Adding some sea moss to an occasional smoothie or a plant-based pudding (note: sea moss has a natural thickening property) is probably fine, and may offer some nutritional advantages. But don’t overdo it, count on it as a cure all, or blindly accept all of the claims about its benefits, particularly from those profiting from its sale. Most importantly, seek out an independent expert before you incorporate any supplements into your daily or regular routine.
Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, is Health’s contributing nutrition editor, a New York Times best-selling author, and a private practice performance nutritionist who has consulted for five professional sports teams.
Sea moss is sold in several forms, including dried, ground, or in pills or droppers.
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down. Exercise for many isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good and putting themselves in a good place mentally. There are vets out there who find exercise as a way to cope with their PTSD. There are those who are sick or who have disabilities who need exercise to improve their health or rehabilitation. Some stopped using drugs and found their new drug of choice to be working out at the gym. Many depend on the gym and working out and would absolutely classify it as being “essential.” During these tough times, many in the industry have reached out for help, as they weren’t feeling like themselves. Some began to suffer from depression and unfortunately, some couldn’t get the help they needed and never made it out of the stay-at-home order and are no longer with us. Despite what people think, working out and going to the gym isn’t about flexing in the mirror and taking photos for Instagram. It’s a lifestyle and community. Unless you’re a part of it, you may never understand what the gym and working out means to people.
By Matt Weik For many, simply getting started with a fitness routine is hard enough. Throw in the fact that we have a pandemic on our hands and gyms have been closed, it’s like having the deck stacked against you. For some, they threw their hands up in the air and completely fell off the wagon during these tough times, while others got creative and found ways to still get in their workouts and stay on track.
A MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BATTLE NO ONE EVER EXPECTED TO BE IN When the country ultimately came to a screeching halt and businesses (including gyms) were told to close their doors, gym junkies were left trying to figure out what to do after just slamming their stimulant-filled pre-workouts and having endless amounts of energy flowing through their veins. Everyone is supposed to be social distancing, wearing masks, and ultimately, this turned our lives upside FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 10
For those who decided to forgo the home workouts and/or getting creative outdoors, they began to see their waistline increase, their strength decrease, and seemingly the world around them getting a little bit darker. Even though at this point some gyms are slowly being able to open back up, people are not rushing to go back in fear of contracting Covid-19 and potentially spreading it to their family. If this
>> For many, staying fit has become challenging during the pandemic with gyms remaining closed. But there are many ways to get the COVID-15 weight off, even in your own living room.
happens to be you and you’re looking for ways to stay in shape, the suggestions below are exactly what you should consider as well as implement.
HOW TO MINIMIZE THE COVID-15 AND TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS You’ve probably heard of the Freshman 15 – well, after several months of not hitting the gym, many are describing their recent weight gain as “The COVID-15.” Gaining weight and not feeling like yourself can alter the chemicals and hormones in your body. To combat these feelings and the effects of skipping workouts, here are some considerations worth trying to get back on track.
1. TRY A BODYWEIGHT WORKOUT Your body is one of the best forms of resistance out there. In fact, you use it every day to complete daily tasks such as squatting down to pick something up or lifting a box overhead to place it on a shelf. Essentially, those all mimic movements you would do in the gym without even thinking about it. Take those same movements and utilize them in the privacy of your own home. Bodyweight squats, lunges, calf raises off of a step, push-ups, sit-ups, planks, dips utilizing a sturdy chair – all great and effective ways to target your muscles and get in a good workout. If you want to kick things up a notch, use household items to add extra resistance to your exercises.
2. PURCHASE A RESISTANCE BAND KIT If you were to search on Google, you will find thousands of results on resistance bands. Websites like Amazon sell them by the truckload every day. A resistance band kit is one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can purchase – and it won’t break the bank. Not only is it great for at home, but you can even take it with you when you travel or go on vacation. Be sure to purchase a kit that has multiple bands of varying resistance levels in addition to handle
attachments, a storage bag, and anchoring attachments that you can secure the bands to a door. With a resistance band kit, you can target your entire body as if you were actually in a gym and with the varying resistance bands, you can push yourself by adding more resistance each week.
3. THE WORLD IS YOUR JUNGLE GYM Look outside. Everything around you can be used in a workout. A large (and sturdy) branch can be used as a pullup bar. Items laying outside of your home can be used to do biceps curls or shoulder presses. Hills are great for doing sprints and doing HIIT workouts. You can run the stairs at a local school stadium. You can go for a hike through the woods. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can be just what you need to clear your mind and get in a great workout. The key is to use your imagination and creativity with what’s around you and how you can implement it into your workouts. Even when everything around you seems to be weighing you down, there’s always a way for you to get in a great workout and stay on track with your health and fitness goals. FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 11
and sunshine also makes us feel happy. Self Care: Light some candles and take a long, hot bath. Do a facial or home pedicure. Pamper yourself because you deserve it! Focusing on just you, even if it’s for one hour a week, is vital to your wellbeing.
By Sofia Rodriguez Between the pandemic, economic disaster and political turmoil, this year has been far from anything we expected. Thousands of “this will be my year” and “2020 vision” posts in hindsight, make us wish we could have stayed in 2019 instead. Besides the loss of jobs and physical inactivity, many individuals are facing novel depression and anxiety issues. Mental health is often overlooked, but so important in maintaining overall wellness. Add unprecedented circumstances to the mix, and you can guarantee a recipe for psychological disaster. Feeling tense about this situation and don’t know what to do? Below are 6 stress-reducing strategies you can try to get through these tough times: Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and doubts can help more than you think. Getting it out of your head and on paper is a great strategy to help reduce the feeling of anxiousness. Grab an old notebook or a stack of computer paper and start writing. There are no rules with journaling, just let your mind go free. Another alternative is texting it out on your phone or computer. Open up Microsoft Word, the notes section or some other app and type away. Meditate or Prayer: Closing your eyes and getting in tune with your spiritual side gives hope, which lifts your spirits. Whether it’s your religion, or deep thought, taking some quiet time aside and reflecting can be beneficial for your mental. Support System: Lean on people who love you during this time. Zoom call with your family, or go on a social distance walk with a friend. Vent if necessary to get any worries off your chest. Spending time with your loved ones, no matter in which manner, always makes things better. Activity: Get your sweat on and increase those feel-good endorphins with a run, hike or bike ride. It is well known that exercise is not only correlated with a decreased risk of disease, but also better mental health. Plus, being outside with fresh air More about Fitness & Health Expert, Sofia Rodriguez, at SoFITfia.com. FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 12
Music: Put on some smooth jams, uplifting tunes or solfeggio music, depending on what type of mood you are in and enjoy the vibes. Either way, music is the key to our hearts and can get someone through any tough situation life throws our way. Unfortunately, we can’t turn back the hands of time and have to take the cards we have been dealt. With such tumultuous current events, it’s best we maintain a positive attitude and push forward. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can master our reaction by practicing mindfulness and using calming mechanisms. Learn how to deal with your emotions so you can tackle mental health issues head-on and enjoy life to the fullest, even during a crisis.
By Stephan Labossiere
I know you’ve heard the saying some people come into your life for a season and some come for a lifetime, and when it comes to love it’s sometimes hard to distinguish between the two! Today I want to discuss knowing when a man is right for now, and knowing when he’s Mr. Right and the subtle differences that’ll make ALL the difference in the longevity of the relationship. Surprisingly what you’ll read below is more about YOU than it is about any single man!
MR. RIGHT NOW: • He will come when you’re lonely • He will come when you’re at your lowest • He will come when your heart is not fully ready
to love again
past relationship trauma He will come when you’re still in love with a man from the past He will come posed as a man, but end up being mentally abusive, manipulative and nothing
• He will come when you’re still dealing with •
•
like the man you met and fell for
MR. RIGHT: • He will come when you’re 100% in love with
yourself • He will come when you have your dream career, job, and life • He will come when your heart is 100% free of past trauma • He will come when you’re ready to love and your heart is free from any ties to past lovers
...The reason he won’t come is, because when you’re not the best version of yourself you’re willing to accept way less than you truly deserve and you attract Mr. Right now! But, when you’re at your best and emotionally strong, mentally ready, and where you want to be in life; Is when Mr. Right will seem to appear out of nowhere, because he’s ready and more importantly YOU’RE ready. You will naturally attract the best version of the GOD fearing man you deserve.
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By Sofia Rodriguez
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Across the nation, stay at home orders have been in place for months with most of us off of a regular schedule. Gyms are closed, social distancing is in place, and mask mandates are in full effect. With that, any exercise routine we had most likely has completely flown off our radars, leaving many out of shape and sedentary. Unless you are a fitness expert or personal trainer, chances are you don’t know where to start when it comes to home workouts. Leave the guesswork out and let us guide you on how to adjust your exercises to have an efficient workout at home.
Below we offer 5 movements you can do without a gym. Complete 2-3 sets, and at least 10-12 repetitions: Squat Overhead Press with A Book: Start with your legs shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Come down into a seated position and as you come back up, press the book over your head. Make sure to keep your core engaged and chest upright. Repeat 10-12 times. Pushups Using a Coffee Table: Get into a pushup position with your hands shoulder width apart on the table, and your toes on the ground shoulder width apart as well. Come down bending your arms 90 degrees, and push back up to the starting position. A modification, if necessary, is putting your knees on the ground instead of your feet, and doing the same motion. Repeat 10-12 times. Back Lunges holding Cans: Starting with your feet shoulder width apart, bring one foot back until both legs are at a 90 degree angle. Keep your core engaged and chest upright. Come back to the starting position, and alternate with the other leg. Repeat both sides 10-12 times. Frontal Raises using Water Bottles: Start with one foot behind you to stabilize your spine. Bring one arm up until it is parallel with the ground, palms facing downward, alternating with the other side. Avoid swinging your arms and keep your core engaged. Repeat each side 10-12 times. Russian Twists holding a Pillow: Start by sitting on the ground with your feet flat, and slightly lean back, keeping your core engaged. Bring the pillow from side to side, only moving at the core. To make it more challenging, bring your feet up into the air. Repeat 10-12 times, with one repetition counting as a left to right motion.
If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the days where you need a facility with traditional equipment are over. With a focused mindset and items at home, you can come out better than ever. Doing this routine at least 3 times per week, in addition to getting your cardiovascular exercise in and having a great nutrition regimen, can lead to not only a TONED body, but also a healthy lifestyle. The gym is within YOU. No gym, no problem!
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So I decided to ask people from different walks of life.... what exactly willpower meant to them. Everyone basically said the same thing. However I noticed different wording, from a few individuals. They spoke of willpower as wholeness not as division or separation of mind. After a collection of answers, I did more intensive research with the combination of my own experiences. Willpower definitely suited different parts of my life. So as I begun to write, variations of will power came to mind. I feel willpower is a conscious decision to take action in one’s life. Whether that’s to stop making excuses, complaining or blaming. Willpower is the wholeness of knowing oneself. Truly understanding the power that is held within. And the best way to test one’s willpower, is to set goals. Willpower may start with any part of your life. However, willpower has to be an entire movement to better yourself. You may start with focusing on wanting a better body, which means your eating habits will need to change. Also you will need to figure out a workout regimen to fit your
lifestyle. Which would help with becoming a healthier you, with patience and dedication your body will change. It starts with making a conscious decision, to take action to change your body and life. I also believe with willpower, it must extend to all parts of your life with one step at a time. What I’m saying is, willpower is balancing, changing, letting go of habits and behaviors that no longer service the version of yourself you wish to be. It all starts with making an intention, to be a better you. A commitment to honor your decision and embrace your willpower on the path to the best version of yourself. I’ll leave you with this quote that was told to me, when I asked what willpower meant to them: It’s the perseverance of one’s inner soul to stay viable. By E.A.
Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. -TEDDY ROOSEVELTFitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 18
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The goal of the H.E.A.T. Challenge is to educate individuals on the proper way to reach their fitness goals. Most of the time people lack motivation and just never start. And what better way to incentivize someone to do anything other than a CASH prize? The H.E.A.T. Challenge is a structured and progressive follow-along workout program, nutrition plan, accountability group, and weekly coaching calls.
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Crystal J. Before: 176 After: 147
PHOTOGRAPHY | Devin McAllister (Crystal J.)
Valdez H. Before: 162 After: 155
Laura B. Before: 183 lbs After: 167
Nike O. Before: 148 After: 140
Shaakira M. Before: 199 After: 178
ToCora R. Before: 198 After: 152
Venus M. Before: 190 After: 155
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Cover Story
By Dionne Davis-Frazier
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Ulisses and Sharah, the fitness entrepreneurs and power couple that all the fitness influencers respect and admire. You see them on social media giving us those free workouts on Instagram or getting your laugh on with TikTok. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. Together they have four beautiful children and have been married for over 20 years. Ulisses’ roots are in Freetown Sierra Leone and Sharah is from the lovely Carribean islands. The two met in New York and decided to start a new life together in Europe where they now reside. They took the time to talk with me on real issues and we had a blast on this interview. We laughed a lot and because we had such a good time this interview lasted about 2 hours via Zoom when it was only supposed to last a good 45min to an hour; but time flies when you’re having fun. They are the sweetest couple and I can’t say anything but nice things about them. Please enjoy the interview.
FF: How has the pandemic affected the both of you mentally and physically? Sharah: In the beginning, like in the first month I kind of realized that day in and day out I was doing the same thing. I wasn’t working out. I would just get out of my bed, sort the kids out and get back in my bed, watch the news all day. That became a thing for like a whole month. After that month, I just said this is the new normal, it’s not gonna stop. Ulisses: I was always traveling and it was tough just adjusting with everything coming to a stand still. They always say the successful are the people that adapt to change very well. Tik Tok is like for the younger generation and at first I didn’t like it because it reminded me of Snapchat. But this is the future of social media so you adjust and get with it even if you don’t like it build it a bit. So I adjusted and got into it and got a million followers on TikTok but the thing is it’s the same with this isolation or with anything in life. When something comes at you, you have to deal with the cards that you are dealt. If you sit there and mope
and get depressed things are not gonna change. Being positive is adjusting to it and making the best out of a situation. We trained from home and scheduling how we do things. Try to get the kids to do their homework. We motivate each other. FF: Sharah, what has been your biggest challenge in life and how did you overcome? How has it changed you in a positive light? Sharah: My biggest challenge in life has been my childhood with my parents. That has a lot to do with abandonment. My mom had abandoned me when I was three years old so I pretty much have grown up without that connection or relationship. And I was 11 when I met my mom for the first time and I think it affected me for like 14 years of my life. Our relationship has never been good. I never felt like I truly belonged in that family. I’ve got four children and the thought of leaving my child for one day and I think how could my mom have done that to me. I think the problem was that I never got the answers I truly needed but the breaking point was….well I was saying I can’t keep living like this
because I’m gonna be 50 years old still dealing with this and my husband was like, ‘come on, get over it. You’re forty something years old, that’s the past, move on. But I said, ‘you don’t understand what’s happening’. It’s like a deep wound that I can’t close, that I can’t fix. And he suggested going to therapy and I decided to do that like five years ago and it was something that he said that it was the breaking point of my life. He was an amazing therapist by the way. He would listen to me for a whole hour but he would record it. The next session he would say, ‘we’re not talking.’ So I said, ‘ok I thought this was supposed to be my whole hour to talk.’ He said, ‘no, you’re going to listen to everything you’ve said.’ And I have never listened to that little girl or that pain and everything that I’m feeling. Because it’s easy when you’re talking but to actually hear it back just broke me down. It was really getting deep into it and then one day he said something and I think it was the beginning of my breakthrough when he looked at me and said, ‘have you ever thought maybe your mum was never meant to be your mum? She was just meant to bring you into this life. Ride solo. Something FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 25
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amazing is going to come along.’ After he said that it took a little while for me to process. The relationship now is so different with my mom. I don’t see her as my mom. Even if there is a death in the family. Last year my grandmother died, the day before my birthday and then my uncle died. I don’t remember crying. I don’t remember having any emotions. I didn’t want to go to the funeral because I feel like I had been building up to this moment. But now, I talk to her and we can talk and laugh because I don’t have that attachment anymore. I see her for her own pain, her own journey, I can give her my input. Yes, I think that was awful what happened to me but maybe that just wasn’t meant to be my life. Ulisses: In my mind, when things happened to people it’s supposed to make you stronger and better. Once I’ve dealt with something, and I know it may come off as cold or a bit harsh but once I’ve dealt with it, I’m done with it. I think with women it’s slightly different. They want to sit and talk about it. Sharah: Yes that was a very traumatic experience from my childhood but I got through it and God blessed me with my children and a beautiful grandson. My husband stood by me through the years. I came out of that. He said, ‘you may not have family as far as mom and dad but I’m gonna give you something much greater.’ And I created my own family. Ulisses: I think family is always foundation. I was born in Freetown Sierra Leone. I was a young boy, five or seven when I went to the states. But at 16 I moved out and I’ve just always been on my own. Very independent and that’s where the cold side of me comes in because there was no mother figure there for me that could nourish so I don’t really have that nurturing side. If something is wrong, let’s fix it. I grew up that way and I can kind of relate with her because I did feel abandoned like I was by myself but in life I just try to be as smart as I can. To be honest, even with family when push comes to
shove you’re on your own. Growing up my dad was really tough on me. I try to instill a little toughness in the kids. I can be harsh on them but I’m harsh on them for a purpose. In Africa, you get a back hand and a slap and today it’s considered abuse and I get that however, I am very thankful at the way I was raised. He used to wake me up at 5:30 or 6 in the morning every single day to make his lemon tea. I’d make his tea, I shined his shoes, I’d do all of my chores. And then one day when I became an adult I asked him, ‘Dad, why did you used to wake me up at 6am?’ And he sat me down and said, ‘you know what? I didn’t do that because I wanted to be mean to you. I did that to teach you some discipline.’ And that’s maybe why I’m a bit head strong and it took dedication to get where I am. He laid the foundation to where I am today. I look at things from a different angle and make the best of the good. FF: Ulisses, because you have such a huge fan base so many of them come to you for advice and accountability but who do you go to for accountability and why? Ulisses: You’re right, when you have a big fan base people admire you but we’re all human and we all have our own problems and personal issues. So that question for me, I’d have to say probably my family. Even though I’m less of a talker and more of a doer. For example, when we talked about moving to the UK we talked about why we wanted to move and how it was the best option, buying a house. So for me I think I turn to family. I’m a firm believer of as you grow, grow the ones, whether it’s your wife, your kids, you have to build them up. You can’t do it forever. At some point you’re going to get older and if you leave a foundation for them they may look after you and take care of you as well. That’s why with social media, I try to do it with her, workouts together so for me my accountability is with my family. And many times if I’m wrong about something she’ll tell me. She’ll tell me, ‘I don’t agree with this’ and at times I’m like, ‘you know what? You got a point.’ And then other times I may be stubborn and say, ‘I’m gonna try it and test it anyway.’ And because I don’t have the extended family and all, this is my family. FF: Why did you guys choose the UK over the US? Ulisses: I had a job opportunity here in the UK to work with celebrities here. I’ve worked with celebrities in the states, like Harry Connick, Jr., Will Smith and other celebrities so I wanted something different. Our son, Charles was a teenager then and he was very roudy and it was very tough place to raise a kid in NY. Gang life, black family having black kids and I don’t care what people say, it’s not equal. Coming here to the UK we thought would help Charles a lot because at that time he started getting into trouble at school. We were kind of young when we met. British environment as opposed to the states and the worst that can happen is if you don’t like it, you can always go back to the states. Im thinking it will just be a better life here as far as upbringing. It’s little bit subdued here. They are not influenced by violence and guns. They have structure here. So it was a job opportunity and also gave us the opportunity to think and reflect about our lives. FF: As a married couple, what are your thoughts on black lives matter and what do you tell your children? Ulisses: We talk about it and I think it’s very important to know your history and know where you’re from. I think it’s also important to know that we don’t all start on the same line in life. As a black man and a black kid you have to be twice as better as they are before you’re considered equal. If you’re just FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 27
that that was my son but had I not been there how would he had treated him. I think the difference is in the states it’s so blatant but here it’s subtle. It’s still not acceptable. We just have to teach our kids how to respond to people because they are being judged. My dad would always have these little sayings, “you don’t fight fire with fire” so when someone is aggressive and hard on you, you be as calm and nice as possible. When you’re so nice and cool, he’s gonna reason and say ok he’s not like that, he’s cool. And he’ll write your ticket and go on your way. I never thought that in 2020 we’d be talking about black lives matter. However, this has been going on for so long and enough is enough and it needs to happen. And I hate when people say, ‘all lives matter’. We know all lives matter but you guys aren’t experiencing nothing. We’re saying black lives matter for a reason. If the tables were turned you would want us to be your allies. Wrong is wrong and right is right! FF: Did either of you have a health epiphany which made you change your lifestyle or have you always been health conscious?
good or ok that’s not gonna cut it. You have to be where they’re thinking, ‘wow, this guy is really good’. As a Personal Trainer, working with celebrities I always felt like I have to go the extra mile. And I go the extra mile, because why? It’s never crowded. We talk about that all the time. I think it’s imperative that the kids know their history, learn about where they are from and know that it’s not a bowl of cherries. When the police stop you be as cordial, say yes sir, give them what they want, be polite. Sharah: The fact that we as black parents have to constantly reinforce that to our kids. My son had his hair cornrolled in braids and he asked me if I could get him a doorag and I asked him, ‘why do you want me to get you a doorag?’ He said, ‘because I want to keep my braids flat.’ So he would go outside with his red doorag and in my mind I’m like, ‘Whoa, what are you doing going outside with that on your head for’? All of that to think about and gets you worried. Ulisses: A few months ago my son went to the store to get something. I was sitting in the car and I told him to pick me up something and basically I remembered, oh I need to get something else so let me go in there with him to get it. I went in there, he was in the aisle looking but I saw the guy looking at what my son was doing. And when I spoke to my son, the guy moved away because he saw me and he saw FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 28
Ulisses: Well for me, I would say that I’ve always been health conscience. Wanting to be a Personal Trainer and wanting to learn about eating right, how to develop your physique and I took so many certifications I wanted at that point to teach others and help others. Growing up in Africa my uncle was into weights. They used to have the cement weights with the bar. It was crazy because you couldn’t adjust it. So I use to be a young kid watching my uncles train so I think maybe that was instilled in me and then when I went to the states I was very athletic and very sporty, and in the next phase of me working out I saw results right away and I wanted to learn more about it because I learned it’s not about just lifting weights, it’s also your nutrition. It’s different components of the dedication. You have to be motivated, you’ve gotta do the workouts and now along with the diet you go even further with supplementation. It’s like a puzzle. It’s the same thing with me and her, we motivate each other to train, we really push each other. Sometimes when I can’t train her she’ll do the online trainings. Sharah: Fitness is in my blood. I was very athletic so I was good in sports. But when I went to NY at 14, my grandmother had 14 kids so I was living in a small 3 bedroom flat with about five uncles and all of my uncles were into bodybuilding. Two of them competed so at 14 I was fixing their protein shakes. I would stay up every Mr. Olympia and stay up all night watching it. I was going to bodybuilding shows and I fell in love with it. So at 14 I knew how to do everything so it just grew from there. I took a drop because I ended up being a teenage mom so at that time between 1820, I went into a little depression but even though I went through that fitness is what brought me out of it. I went to a local recreational gym and I went in and said, ‘I don’t have much money, I don’t have anybody to watch my kids, I’ll just them in the corner please. I’ll just give them a bag of chips. They’re gonna be very quiet’. I’d put them in the corner and say, ‘you stay here’. And I would workout every single day
Fun Facts for 20 years. I have never stopped. It’s different for me. Everybody has this short term goal, like I’m gonna have this summer body. When I started at 20 years old, hands on my heart, I said to myself when I’m 40 I’m gonna look like I’m 20. Now I’m in my mid-40’s my next goal is when I’m 60, I want to look 35. I’m not looking at it for the short term. That keeps me motivated and disciplined. Fitness has been a blessing in my life. It saved my life. This is a lifestyle. I picture myself at 98 a hot mum. Ulisses: It’s like looking in the mirror because we have similar backgrounds. Even though she’s from Central America and I’m from Africa, we met in the U.S., now we’re here in Europe. FF: So what’s the one tip that you would give people for every day fitness? Ulisses: For me, I would say consistency. Be consistent. You may not see results right away but don’t quit. The minute you quit, a month and a half in you would’ve seen them. You’re right around the corner but then you stop. The only thing you have is your health. Without your health, you have nothing. Sharah: I say, know your why. Why are you working out? Visualize where you see yourself. Like me, I visualize at 60, this hot sexy woman. I already know what she looks like. Visualizing is so powerful and motivating. Always remember your why.
What’s your favorite game to play together? Monopoly Ulisses, what is the one thing that attracted you to Sharah? Her smile How many days a week do you workout? Sharah: 5 days a week Ulisses: 4-5 days a week If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? Ulisses: to be more romantic Sharah: More self-confidence Who’s the person you’d like to train but haven’t trained yet? Barack Obama
#BlackLivesMatter An organized movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality against African-American people.
By Corey Andrew
Dear White People,
our white counterparts.
I hope you will forgive the way I have opened this letter, seemingly addressing you all as one monolithic group. It is not my intention to insult anyone by corralling you all together as one singular presence. However, as over 47,000,000 black people in America must endure such generalizations every day, I trust you will survive a few minutes of similar treatment in the brief time it will take you to finish reading this letter.
My dear white people, I expect many of you will take offense to the statements mentioned above. However, let me assure you that you are not the victims in this equation, and I will explain why in this letter.
I decided to write this letter to tell you that Black Lives Matter and to explain why your response of All Lives Matter, is a gross insult in consideration of the past 400 years of injustice suffered by African American citizens. Our declaration that black lives matter does not suggest that other lives do not, but instead, its purpose is to demand that America finally acknowledges and rectifies its history as a white-patriarchial society, rooted in the racist practice of devaluing black people’s lives in comparison to
Initially, I wanted to write a very different letter, one that might make you uncomfortable, as I fully educate you about this country’s vile racist history with its crimes against black people such as white racist mobs burning down our progressive black-owned towns out of jealously. However, that information is readily available for you to seek when YOU are finally ready for the truth, so I opted not to exhaust my time writing that letter. Just Google “White mob, Black Massacres,” and you’ll be on your way. No, that letter would take far too long with each exhaustive example of inhumanity that has burdened African Americans, starting from the pillaging of our ancestry, with the
arrival of the first slave ships on these shores in 1619. It was the beginning of slavery as America’s brutal premier industry. If I wrote that letter, I would be concerned that even my most skillfully selected words could never convey the destitute existence of nothingness endured by the African slaves. For centuries these human beings–may ancestors, were deemed sub-human or humanoid and determined to be only 3/5 human by law in the U.S. Constitution at that time. At the hands of white slave owners, Africans’ lives consisted of little more than harsh, hard labor, beatings, starvation, poverty, death, torture, rape, and the selling of their bodies and their children, like cattle, from 1619 until their final emancipation in 1865. Alas, I decided not to write that letter because it would only infuriate me as I would have to recount the two hundred forty-six years of chainshackled bondage the Africans endured until their freedom. But then too, “freedom” had new FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 31
terrors for the Africans, most of whom were denied their emancipatory compensation of 40 acres and a mule. That is what each freed slave was supposed to receive, to begin a new life as free Americans. They instead were met with the continued betrayal of ruthless slave owners who created fraudulent grandfather clauses that kept Africans in further bondage for decades after the Emancipation Proclamation. In that letter, I was going to share the depravity of our racist founding fathers who forced ignorance and illiteracy unto the slaves. They actually made it a crime punishable by death for anyone who taught slaves to read and write. And further, I was going to share the heart-wrenching tales of how after working in forced labor to build the United States – without compensation, freed slaves received no post Civil War assistance from either side, the south, or the north. They were left to scavenge for survival, and many died of diseases like cholera, having been denied medical assistance. The nearly 300-year headstart of the white male hierarchy in wealth distribution was fully established, and it intentionally excluded those who were vital in
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building that the Africans.
wealth
–
Hopefully, you will appreciate that I opted not to write that letter to spare you from the full reality of the grotesque decimation of the African slaves who physically built this great union under the brutality of white racism. So, my dear white people, let me now bring you forward to address how the country’s racist, unresolved past still affects African Americans today in 2020. You see, right after the alleged “freeing” of millions of slaves in 1865, African Americans were not suddenly thriving and welcomed into society. On the contrary, they were immediately indoctrinated into America’s next phase of black oppression, the Jim Crow era. The name Jim Crow originated from a black minstrel show character. The minstrel shows themselves were hideously racist theater acts where white performers donned blackface makeup and mocked the African Americans, portraying them as ignorant buffoons. The painful irony was the same society that kept black people from literacy for 300 years was now mocking them for being illiterate. At
the
same
time,
the government that “freed” black people from slavery was now allowing individual states to enact and enforce Jim Crow laws, which served one purpose – to further marginalize African Americans. These laws lasted nearly 100 years after the Civil War, denying black Americans entrance into most businesses and restaurants, denying them voting rights, barring them from employment, housing, and denying them education (again). Nearly every opportunity for prosperity was denied to African Americans during the Jim Crow era through segregation, and anyone who broke those laws could be arrested, fined, and potentially sentenced to death. Under Jim Crow, African Americans merely wanting a drink of water or to use a restroom were met with signs that read “Whites Only,” or bathrooms marked, “No Coloreds.” These laws did not end in this country until 1968. Think about how recent that is and make no mistake about America’s history; from 1619 to 1968, it is abundantly clear that for those 349 years, white lives mattered, and black lives did not. In America, the socioeconomics of the past have spawned our current society of white male dominance, but at
its core, the truth is, the oppression of others obtained it. In contrast, all African Americans have ever asked for was a fair opportunity to get some of the wealth they helped create. However, instead of adequately addressing the inequities it created for 400 years, America has dealt with the disparity by becoming a land of biased law enforcement, with a prison system that operates to the demise of black people as if it were ‘Slavery 2.0.’ According to records from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, black inmates make up nearly 40% of the prison population but make up 13.40% of the total U.S.
population. Many white people like to use these statistics to support their distorted idea that black people are inherently more criminal than white people. That is inaccurate. There is data that supports claims that black people are more likely to go to jail for the same petty crimes and minor drug charges committed by white people. Additionally, research indicates that black people are often targeted and profiled frequently by police, specifically with traffic stops. According to a report by CNN, (CNN)A study of
recent nearly
100 million traffic stops from around the country has concluded that, on average, black drivers are 20% more likely to get pulled over than white drivers. The Stanford University study analyzed 93 million traffic stops from 21 state patrol agencies and 29 municipal police departments between the years of 2001 and 2017. Researchers then analyzed the traffic-stop data in relation to the number of people of driving age within each jurisdiction and controlled for demographics, gender, reasons for traffic stops and other factors to try to create the most standardized set of data possible. The results, which reflect experiences that have long been shared by people of color, revealed an observable racial bias in both traffic stops and subsequent decisions to conduct vehicle searches. America’s past systemic racism still prevails and fuels such situations of bias today, as noted by Stanford University’s study. In my lifetime, I have experienced first hand being thrown in the back of a police car for nothing, my civil rights wilfully discarded by the officers. It was unsettling to be racially profiled and detained by police who claimed I “fit
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the description” of a suspected criminal in the area. In these instances, though, I remained calm and collected because my mother, like most black mothers, had years prior given me “the talk.” My dear white people, please understand that your mothers don’t need to have “the talk” with your sons about how to survive and not die at the hands of the police who may pull you over for a routine traffic stop. My dear white people, you are likely never going to be pulled over by a cop for a traffic stop, but then end up hanging from your neck in a jail cell like three days later, like Sandra Bland. My dear white people, you will likely never feel the baton of four police officers beating you down until you are almost dead, but they keep hitting you anyway, just as we watched happen to Rodney King. It was all captured on video, and yet the officers were acquitted. My dear white people, you are likely never going to be gasping to say, “I can’t breathe” like Eric Garner as you’re being choked to death by a cop for the almost laughable offense of selling loose cigarettes on the street. My dear white people, you will likely never be shot in the back like Aumaud Arbery, who was
killed by two hillbillyass racists who hunted him down, trapping him like an animal, claiming he looked like a neighborhood thief - when there had been no recent robberies reported in that neighborhood. Then add to that the police department sided with the shooters to cover up the video evidence of the incident. My dear white people, you will likely never be sleeping peacefully in your bed like Breonna Taylor and get shot to death by cops who cared so little about her black life, that they never even confirmed if they had the correct address first before storming inside the wrong house, guns blazing, looking for a drug dealer. My dear white people, you likely will never experience a fate like George Floyd, whereby three officers held him down as a fourth embedded his knee into Floyd’s neck, as he begged them to stop because he couldn’t breathe. Still, they continued for almost nine minutes anyway, blatantly cutting off his lifeline to air. These are some of the reasons we march and chant, Black Lives Matter. But when we ask you to stand with us in solidarity against crimes of bias, some of you, my dear white people, cling to a favorite retort, “Well, what about black
on black crime? You guys are killing each other, and nobody says anything about that? My response to that misdirected deflection and defensive reasoning is that black on black crimes occur due to the over 400 years of economic disparity between blacks and whites that I have shared in this letter. It is no great revelation that a systemically oppressed group, denied it’s a fair share of an economy it helped to build, would succumb to the inevitable stealing, harming and murdering each other over the scraps that remain. So my dear white people, please let that one go. In closing, I hope I have given you a better context of the plight of African Americans today and why there are Black Lives Matter protests occurring in all 50 states and various countries. It’s because it is time for America to finally face its day of reckoning for its failure to make right the wrongs it has done, not only to Africans but also to the indigenous inhabitants of the country. In essence, we are not saying all lives don’t matter. What we are saying is that we are tired of trying to convince you that Black Lives Matter TOO!
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scholarly articles on the topic of racial discrimination and health confirmed a strong association between discrimination and mental health outcomes. These findings demonstrated that discrimination correlates with poorer mental health outcomes, i.e., depression and psychological stress, as well as diminished self-esteem, control, and life satisfaction.2
By Attorney Arnold Lizana he recent round-the-clock coverage of the tragic murders of black men and women by police officers has generated wide recognition that the subtle and systemic forms of discrimination are jeopardizing the lives of black people around the world. Since racial bias in employment is now generally acknowledged as a powerful social determinant that negatively impacts health, it is no longer considered an exaggeration to say that racial discrimination is slowly and surely killing Black people. Although most stressful experiences do not increase vulnerability to illness, certain kinds of stressors are particularly harmful to your health, especially those that are as unpredictable and intractable as racism. Being the target of racial discrimination can stir strong emotions, including sadness, anger, and embarrassment. Such experiences can often trigger a physiological response of elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Numerous healthcare studies have confirmed that the detrimental effects of discrimination are visible across a range of physical fitness and mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, anxiety, depression, obesity, hypertension and potential risk factors for disease, i.e., high blood pressure and substance abuse1. A 2015 meta-analysis study reviewing over 200 FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 36
Some researchers have described physical health outcomes linked to discrimination as “stress responses.” The stress response models conceptualize discrimination as a social stressor that sets into motion a process of physiological responses. These heightened physiological responses over time can have devastating effects on your health3. The routine workplace discrimination experienced by many racial minorities has become a chronic stressor that is effectively eroding their protective resources and increasing their vulnerability to physical illness.
COPING WITH DISCRIMINATION If you find yourself battling discrimination in the workplace or just “job hunting while Black,” take a deep breath, center yourself, and make strategic decisions about how you should respond. The most impactful responses generally take into account the preservation of your health (first and foremost) as well as defending your core beliefs and personal commitment to effect change4. In these moments, it is critically important that you prioritize your mental and physical
health so that you are well equipped for sober reflection and decision-making. Try to remain mindful of what is happening to you, mentally and physically. Neurologically speaking, when you experience discriminatory conduct, your brain shifts into a protective posture and immediately floods your bloodstream with a stress hormone called “cortisol.” Cortisol elevates your heart rate, shallows your breathing, warms your head, stimulates your sweat glands, and diverts blood flow away from your brain. Functionally, these rapid physical changes are preparing your body for a “fight or flight” response. The blood flow diversion from your brain impairs your ability to formulate any rational or wellreasoned response5. At such times, your emotions can quickly get ahead of you, and cause you to respond in ways you might later regret. The good news is that if you quickly recognize what is happening to you mentally and physically, you can assert some measure of control over your neurological response by deliberately slowing you’re breathing or using other relaxation exercises to calm your body’s stress response. After that, you will be able to think more clearly about how you want to respond. One common mistake victims of discrimination make is allowing themselves to become isolated. Talk to your family, friends, therapist, or an attorney to help you process the discriminatory conduct and gain some valuable perspective on how you should respond. You can also join a support group of like-minded persons
concerned about workplace discrimination, locally or online. It can often help to dialogue with others who have experienced similar discrimination to gain some insights regarding ways of responding that you may not have considered. One factor that makes workplace discrimination particularly dangerous to your mental health is that people often internalize others’ negative beliefs about race, even when they are false6. For this reason, restorative and affirming meditation or prayer can be effective for maintaining your sense of self-confidence. Professional therapists who specialize in helping employees manage workplace stress are generally well qualified to help you keep an objective view of your self-worth. However, some organizations are more specifically equipped to address the particular needs of Black people who have experienced workplace discrimination, like the Massachusetts-based African Diaspora Mental Health Association. Shameka Brice, a therapist at the association who conducts tele-medicine counseling commented, “Black people are constantly aware when they walk into any room, be it a store, our workplace, or a social gathering, that they are immediately seen as threatening, which is sufficient by itself to trigger stress responses that can damage our physical and mental health.” Brice accurately described one of the daily challenges of living in dark skin, and since the state of your mental health is often a key determinant of your physical health, victims of workplace discrimination are well-advised not FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 37
to underestimate the importance of seeking professional counseling. Another coping strategy that can motivate you to succeed during such difficult times is to focus your attention on your core values, beliefs, and perceived strengths. This strategy can be particularly useful in buffering some of the adverse health effects of bias when we pause to recognize the ancestral source of our strength, values, and beliefs. We know that we stand on the shoulder of resilient ancestors who endured far more egregious oppression and discrimination than we will likely encounter in our lifetimes, and it is comforting to know that we have access to that same well of strength and endurance. Through their example, our ancestors have taught us that overcoming hardship builds resilience and better prepares us to face the challenges ahead. Accordingly, we must commit ourselves to overcome all discriminatory obstacles by whatever means necessary to honor the memory of our resilient ancestors7. You may find it necessary to complain to the HR, file a lawsuit, lead a protest, or perhaps withdraw your energy from the matter entirely to focus on your health. The critical factor is that you will have afforded yourself time and space to make a rational decision about what is best for you and your family. Once you have performed your self-care, sought professional help, and responded FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 38
appropriately, at some point, you will have let it all go. This is much easier said than done because we all have a human tendency to ruminate and rethink things over and over, wondering if we should have responded differently. The problem with rumination is that it only makes matters worse. Clinicians refer to rumination as a “silent” mental health problem because its impact is often underestimated. Studies have shown that while traumatic experiences are a significant cause of anxiety and depression, people who ruminate those negative thoughts and experiences report even more stress and anxiety8. We have full and productive lives to live that must not be held captive to the rumination of someone else’s racial bias towards you. If you allow yourself to obsess over mistreatment by persons who do not appreciate your worth, your oppressor has succeeded in victimizing you twice. Your employer may have attempted to kill your spirit, but you are certainly not obligated to assist them in doing so. Chose healthy responses to discrimination and defend your health at all costs.
(Williams et al., 2019)1
(Carter et al., 2017)2 (Bailey et al., 2017)3 (Holt & Sweitzer.,2020)4 (Carlson & Agerström, 2016)5 (Coley et al., 2017)6 (Snyder & Schwartz 2019)7 (Quillian et al., 2019)8
By Basheerah Ahmad MS, MHR, CPT, CSNC
ne of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou says: “If one has courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within”. I believe that this quote can serve as a very appropriate reminder to all of us facing the unprecedented historical crisis that 2020 has become. We’re only 7 months into the year and it has already turned out to be one for the record books! First a deadly Pandemic and now a Racial Revolution that’s been brewing for centuries. Although we are still in the middle of all this chaos, it’s important that we take moments to recognize the amazing people that are still operating in excellence each and every day. This is exactly what “Black Girl Magic in the Fitness Industry” is about. We showcase courageous, intelligent and beautiful women of color, who have devoted their lives not only to their own health, but also to serving as role models to their communities. Rikki Dee Brown Founder of #EbonyFitness IG: @rikkideebrown After fracturing her foot and undergoing surgery in 2013, Rikki didn’t walk for 16 weeks. She lost a lot of weight and wanted to get into the best shape of her life by her 30th birthday, so she started lifting and fell in love with it. This gorgeous mother FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 40
Rikkie Dee Brown
and wife created one of the very first Black fitness accounts on Instagram called Ebony Fitness because she was tired of not seeing women of color featured on other popular fitness profiles. Today the hashtag #EbonyFitness has been used nearly 1 million times, and still inspires countless
honestly say that I have experienced ALL the ups and downs in the body image business! I have gone from an athlete, to becoming overweight, then a single parent and working mom to becoming a figure competitor and beauty pageant contestant. At the peak of my fitness career I had several injuries leading to 5 surgeries within a 3-year time frame. I can relate to women who struggle w/ taking time out for themselves to help improve their overall fitness goals. I believe I’m also unique because I want people to understand the basics and educate them on how important it is to make it a lifestyle change opposed to a quick fix. My clients appreciate my approach, sincerity and passion for their health goals.” She’s the proud mother of a young black man in college. Shakelle Oneal
black women across the globe. When asked what make her unique as a role model she said “I am unique in that I promote what I call Whole Person Wellness. That is, taking care of your physique, your mental health and your overall wellbeing. It isn’t all about abs and muscle. After all, what good is a six-pack if you’re sad, stressed and unwell?”
PHOTOGRAPHY | James Pratt (Lenee), Tommy Mystro Bedford (Shak)
Shakelle Oneal, ACSM-REP, R-OT, NC IG: @S.H.A.K.fit Even though this curvaceous beauty works a full-time job, she always finds the time to continue to do personal training and group exercise classes in her community. She’s also fortunate to work w/ local orthopedic physicians in assisting surgical candidates on losing weight so they can have surgical procedures. Her business motto is Shaping Health by Applying Knowledge or (Body by S.H.A.K). When asked what makes her unique as a role model, Shak replied “Well I can
Lenee’ Adkins Former Miss Model Fitness America IG: @shugafit
Lenee’ Adkins
After a good friend suggested that she should enter Fitness Competitions, this professional dancer not only entered but also won the coveted title of Miss Model Fitness America, an honor few black women have shared with her. From that point on she knew that a career in fitness was for her. Lenee’ went on to win titles in Fitness Bikini and Figure Competitions. She also became a certified personal trainer. Lenee’ believes that you shouldn’t just preach to people about what they should do but you lead as an example. She even uses her job as a flight attendant to teach people how to cook healthy as they pack for their trips. Although she leads a very hectic lifestyle, she still finds time to motivate neighbors, friends, and even people on planes to be healthy. When asked what makes her unique as a role model Lenee’ replied “I genuinely care about people. I want to help them get to their goal, to help them get off of their blood pressure medication, and to help them change their diets. Being a role model is more than having a great body. It is to care, to listen, to inspire and to walk their walk with them. If I can touch one person and know that I changed their life in anyway is unique enough for me.”
(Basheerah Ahmad is an international celebrity fitness expert, who has a heart for wellness, business and her community. Find out more at www. basheerahahmad.com) FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 41
Interviewed By Dionne Davis-Frazier You expected to hold your baby in your arms after delivery, but you may not have expected to also be holding on to lots of extra fluid all over your body. Swelling after giving birth is par for the postpartum course — as normal as it is common. I had the pleasure of talking with Personal Trainer, Sherrell Duncan of The Good Thick as she walked us through her journey of dealing with postpartum edema and her pregnancy journey. Sherrell and her husband had a beautiful little girl named Royal. Babies are a blessing from God. FF: So let’s talk about your post pregnancy in dealing with Postpartum Edema. SD: Basically what happens, it doesn’t happen to all pregnant women but it happens to a lot of pregnant women. It’s a lot of fluid that builds up in your legs and your hips and it can go all the way up to your shoulders. I had it in my legs, ankles, my calves, my hips. FF: Does it go away? SD: It does, I find that when I exercise it’ll go down but in the morning when I wake up it’s really hard to move and when I get out of the bed it takes me awhile because my feet are hurting. The pain from the fluid, I would still feel it in my feet so normally it’ll probably take me a minute to go to the bathroom but now I have to stand there. FF: Let’s pregnancy.
talk
about
during
SD: My pregnancy was so rough. When I tell you that I am so grateful for my daughter, I keep it real, that was just FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 42
the worst thing that I went through. I was unexplainably sick the first trimester. I was hospitalized five times for dehydration and they were concerned because of the laws we had here before. They monitored me. They gave me medicine for nausea and it didn’t work. I couldn’t walk. I mean it was so bad. My water broke in the middle of me getting my hair done. It was so funny because the girl who was doing my hair called me and she asked me if she should still come. And I’m like girl yes my hair is a mess plus I had pregnancy carpal tunnel which doesn’t allow me to do anything. There was a burning fire sensation in my hand. This pregnancy threw me for a loop! FF: But you forget all about it once the baby is brought into this world? SD: I was still in a weird zone because I had to have an emergency C-section. I had been in labor from like Thursday to Friday night and we tried to wait it out but my uterus started to swell and she was trying to come out of old incision. I was very hurt behind that because my birth plan was to have her natural but it just didn’t happen. I was in lot of pain afterwards. After you’ve had a c-section they want you to walk around and that pain was so crazy. FF: So take us from the time you had the baby and brought the baby home. What was that like for you compared to your “normal” life? SD: To be honest, my life stopped being normal once I found out I was pregnant. I wasn’t able to work. I was no bed rest and I was gaining weight rapidly. The day I had my daughter I was 318 lbs. When I brought her home it was a surprise. But when I finally got her home I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s really you’ and I still say that when I look at her. I was just so
grateful and not knowing if we would ever have a child and to be totally honest with you the thoughts of her not making it still lingered. I had faith but you just never know. You think in your mind you’re making a plan, and then it doesn’t go that way. Fast forward, she gave us a run for our money. She did not sleep. But now she’s sleeping. Her bedtime now is 12:00 am and she’ll wake up at 6am or 7am. That was a gift for us. Because normally her bed time would be between 6am and 8am and she’ll wake up at noon. Stay awake and go to sleep for a little while and then wake up at 9pm and stay up until like 8am. That was for the first 2 months she was born. If we weren’t in a pandemic, my husband would’ve been tired if he had to go to work. And he puts her to sleep at night. It’s so good now. FF: Talk about the time when you found out you were pregnant. Seeing how you had already experienced a miscarriage. Where were you and your husband mentally? SD: To be honest when we found out we were pregnant we were going through a really hard financial situation. We had both lost our contracts with our businesses. He started applying for jobs because it started to get really bad for us. One day I woke up and was feeling very emotional. My granny had gotten sick at that time and I was going to take care of her and then coming home and having to get on the laptop trying to find jobs all day and trying to figure out how we’re going to pay these bills. It was a lot going on. So one day my daughter was in camp and I had an appointment to go see about my knee the next day so on my way to pick her up the Doctor called me and said we see something abnormal in your test. Before you get this MRI we need you to take a pregnancy test before you come. I said there’s no way I’m pregnant.
So I go to Dollar Tree and I get five pregnancy tests. I went to Gabby’s camp and used their bathroom and took the test and one was positive but that didn’t nothing, then I got to the fourth one and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I was losing my mind in that bathroom. I took the last and final test and of course it was positive so we get home and I tell Gabby to go upstairs in her room and take a bath and stay upstairs until I tell you to come down. My husband is out on the patio so I go out on the patio and I had on workout clothes so I didn’t have any pockets so I put all five pregnancy tests in my pants. I reached into my pants and I laid them on his laptop and he looked at me and said, ‘For real?’ ‘Pregnant?’ And I said, ‘yes’. He said, ‘are these accurate’? Our response this time was not the response that we had in 2018. In 2018 we were so excited! But this time, though she was a blessing, the season we were in…Ok God, a baby? For about a week we were both in shock. We had tour dates lined up but I got extremely sick as soon as I found out I was pregnant. And I was sick up until the 5th month. They wanted to send me home with in home IV’s. It was a tough pregnancy but we got through it. FitFigures Summer/Fall 2020 43
FITNESS is like a
RELATIONSHIP. you can’t cheat and expect it to work..
By Jacob Olesen The word Gerascophobia is derived from Greek ‘tha geraso’ which is a phrase that means ‘I am getting old’ and phobos meaning dread or deep fear. To an extent, most of us are afraid of growing old. No one wants to lose their youthfulness, develop wrinkles and face other health problems that are inevitable with age. Right since the dawn of mankind, humans have been searching for the mythical “fountain of youth”. The tales and exploits of Spanish and American explorers in search of the waters of this fountain are quite well known. In extreme cases of Gerascophobia the sufferer experiences persistent, irrational and constant fear of getting old. This fear can lead to several consequences including interference with social and personal life, lost job opportunities and almost every other daily aspect. Often, the phobic realizes that the fear is unwarranted but s/ he is completely powerless over it.
CAUSES OF GERASCOPHOBIA Why does one fear of aging? Often, to ‘normal’ people, it may seem quite odd that one can fear such a natural phenomenon. However, the fear of getting old phobia actually tends to have deeper roots. Most common underlying factor behind such a fear is anxiety. By nature, Gerascophobic individuals are anxious or high strung. They tend to have certain underlying health issues, which may or may not include hormonal imbalances, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid related problems and so on. In the United States, hundreds of thousands of elderly people live alone. The fear of getting old, and being unable to care for self or falling down and not being able to get up or call out for help etc can terrify the phobic. Getting old also means retirement, death of near and dear ones etc. The thought of losing a spouse, losing one’s income, not being able to support self or loved ones financially are depressing thoughts that may lead to the phobia. Gerascophobia can also be attributed to firsthand or secondhand negative experiences related to aging. The phobic might have seen the difficulties faced after getting old. Possibly, his parent might have developed debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AMD or other age related degeneration. They even might have been sent to a retirement home or required full time assistance. Growing old thus translates to becoming dependent on others, losing one’s self esteem and “being weak”. All these factors play heavily on the phobic’s mind.
SYMPTOMS OF THE FEAR OF GETTING OLD PHOBIA Different people have different reactions to the fear of getting old phobia. Some are so overwhelmed by the thought of aging that it leads to a full blown anxiety/panic attack with following symptoms:
• • • • •
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Feeling dizzy, fainting Shaking, shivering, developing chills Thoughts of death or dying, Palpitations and rapid breathing Inability to think or express oneself clearly- feeling disconnected with reality Feeling total loss of control- feeling as if one is going mad.
Naturally, all these symptoms can greatly affect one’s day-to-day life and cause one to become completely withdrawn and depressed. Excessive worrying also leads to stress which can cause health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease. Naturallt, the phobia affects one’s personal and professional lives. TREATMENT FOR THE PHOBIA It is completely possible to get over Gerascophobia using a combination of self-help techniques and medical intervention. However, the cure for this phobia mainly depends on how the phobic accepts aging as a natural part of life. Few of the recommended therapies for overcoming the fear of getting old include: Exposure therapy– This is closely related to CBT or cognitive behavior therapy. It includes 5 steps-Evaluation, Feedback, Developing fear hierarchy, Exposure and Building upon the rationalization steps. CBT or Exposure therapists help the patient rethink his thoughts and responses about getting old in order to control them better. Exposure may also include, in varying degrees, stimuli that involve seeing pictures or videos about old age and then using the flooding technique to overcome the Gerascophobia once and for all. Energy Psychology or the Emotional Freedom TechniqueThis is a form of acupuncture therapy without needles. It helps get to the bottom of the phobia by removing negative association with getting old. Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy are two other techniques of overcoming Gerascophobia once and for all. The phobic’s loved ones should also support the individual as much as possible. Self help techniques like yoga, meditation, positive visualization along with modern medications can also help overcome the fear to a great extent. Many modern techniques and remedies are similar to the mythical fountain of youth; they are proven to help retain one’s beauty and health longer. That being said; it is essential to accept aging as a natural process and consider life as a gift. By aging gracefully, living for others and finding one’s passions in the form of good books, drama, art etc one can look at things in a positive manner and overcome the fear of getting old.
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Mental Health... involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in:
• Productive activities
(work, school, caregiving)
and cope with adversity
• Healthy relationships • Ability to adapt to change Mental Illness...
refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving:
• Significant changes in thinking,
•
emotion and/or behavior Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society. Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes. And mental health conditions are treatable. We are continually expanding our understanding of how the human brain works, and treatments are available to help people successfully manage mental health conditions.
Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Mental illness is common. In a given year:
• nearly one in five (19 percent) U.S. adults experience some
form of mental illness
• one in 24 (4.1 percent) has a serious mental illness* • one in 12 (8.5 percent) has a diagnosable substance use disorder Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.
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Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race/ethnicity, religion/ spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24. Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as certain phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-ismental-illness
By Tami Forman
The way self-care is portrayed today is completely and utterly backward. First, self-care as a concept is almost exclusively aimed at women (generally wealthy white women who can afford the goods and services that get marketed to them as selfcare). The not-so-subtle suggestion is that women need to be reminded to care for themselves because, after all, they are so busy taking care of everyone else. And the even lesssubtle suggestion is that while we should be taking care of ourselves, that doesn’t absolve us from taking care of everyone else. Which brings me to the second way that the current portrayal of self-care is backward — it’s characterized as an indulgence. This means both that the practice of self-care is something we are occasionally allowed to indulge in and that self-care should feel like an indulgence. Think expensive bath products, luxurious chocolates, spa appointments. When we spend more time talking about the self-care power of high thread count sheets than we do about getting enough sleep we’ve wandered pretty far from anything that can be remotely considered healthy for either mind or body.
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Self-care is not an indulgence. Self-care is a discipline. It requires tough-mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and a respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with.
If we are being honest, self-care is actually kind of boring. Which is why self-care is a discipline. It takes discipline to do the things that are good for us instead of what feels good in the moment. It takes even more discipline to refuse to take responsibility for other people’s emotional well-being. And it takes discipline to take full and complete responsibility for our own well-being.
For example, self care is:
Turning off the TV instead of watching another episode of “The Crown” because the alarm is going off at 5am so you can get to the gym. Declining the second drink at the office holiday party. It might even be declining the first drink. Saying “no” to the thing you don’t want to do even if someone is going to be angry at you. Maintaining financial independence. Doing work that matters. Letting other people take care of themselves.
Self-care is also a discipline because it’s not something you do once in awhile when the world gets crazy. It’s what you do every day, every week, month in and month out. It’s taking care of yourself in a way that doesn’t require you to “indulge” in order to restore balance. It’s making the commitment to stay healthy and balanced as a regular practice. Ironically when you truly care for yourself, exercising all the discipline that it requires, you are actually in a much stronger place to give of yourself to those around you. You will be a happier parent, a more grateful spouse, a fully engaged colleague. Those who take care of themselves have the energy to take care of others joyfully because that caregiving doesn’t come at their own expense. And those who take care of themselves also have the energy to work with meaning and purpose toward a worthy goal. Which means they are also the people most likely to make the world a better place for all of us.
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