5 minute read
HEALTHY MIND
Necessary By Julie Maddock
Girl's trips are a powerful thing. They can make you feel happier, stronger, connected and appreciated. which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system." The article also referenced a study that examined Even planning and anticipating the trip triggers euphoria—you crave the hours you'll spend laughing, talking, venting and unwinding with those who know you best. What we girls have known all along—that a weekend getaway with your best friends is good for your mental and physical health—is backed by science. According to an article by Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School), the health benefits of connecting with others can "relieve harmful levels of stress, the data collected from more than 309,000 people, which found "that a lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50%." Yikes! The message is clear: We need, deserve and thrive when we build and nurture strong connections to others. And a girl's trip is the perfect way to do that! The Mental Benefits Taking a vacation—even a short one—improves your mood, reduces stress and alleviates anxiety. Doing so
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with close friends provides an extra WHY GIRLS TRIPS ARE dose of relaxation, laughter and new memories. When we're with our girl squad, we feel safe: they get us, we get them and there's no judgment. It's a free pass to be yourself and be accepted. This exchange provides a boost to our mental health and emotional well-being. Spending time with those we love increases oxytocin levels—that's the hormone responsible for making you feel happy and content. Your tribe speaks a special language: girl talk. It can lift a load from your shoulders, inspire you to think creatively and build your confidence. Your girls keep it real, helping you to see yourself—the good and the bad— realistically. And you end up burning scores of calories from laughing so hard you cry. By the end of the trip, you are so filled with happiness it is literally seeping from your pores. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and gather up the girls—it's just what the doctor prescribed!
Deirdre Nero
shares her journey with Alopecia Areata in honor of Awareness Month
During September, focus falls on an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata. My name is Deirdre Nero, and I serve as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and an Advocate for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). For those who have never heard of this disease, Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that affects almost 7 million people in the US alone of all ages, races, and genders. It causes hair loss that can range from small round patches of hair loss, to total scalp hair loss, and even loss of all hair on the head, face, and body. Alopecia Areata can begin suddenly and rapidly progress.
As for me, I began my journey with this disease over 23 years ago when I was 21 years old and found my first bald patch. Over the 23 years that followed I went from varying severity of patchy hair loss (Alopecia Areata), to total scalp hair loss (Alopecia Totalis), and finally to total loss of all my hair including my eyebrows, eyelashes, and even my nose hairs (Alopecia Universalis). All are forms of what we refer to collectively as “Alopecia Areata” (commonly just called “Alopecia”). This year, I am writing this message for Inspire Health magazine in hopes of bringing more awareness to the disease, especially during September which is Alopecia Awareness Month.
In these times of a pandemic, I have been unable to host the fundraising events I typically hold on an annual basis in the community in order to both raise awareness and funds for the disease. I was lucky enough to join with the Coral Gables Woman's Club (CGWC) in hosting our second annual “Gringo Bingo” night party in June at a beloved local restaurant, Clutch Burger, who hosts this monthly CGWC event. Despite COVID-19 related limitations, that event was a success and gathered people in the community for a night of bingo, food, music, and fun!
With recent spikes, other fundraisers for NAAF scheduled for September and November have been put on hold; however, what cannot be put on hold are the needs of those suffering with Alopecia Areata. This disease grips a person’s self-esteem, self-image, and self-worth in its clutches and is emotionally painful for those affected
Deirdre at a 2019 NAAF fundraiser night at Marlins Stadium with a young girl, also living with Alopecia Universalis. Deirdre Nero with Eric Gros-Dubois and her family at the last larger fundraiser before the pandemic - a wine paired tasting dinner at Someone's Son restaurant in Dec 2019.
as well as their loved ones. Alopecia makes a person stand out physically and be visually different. For those navigating through difficult periods, such as one’s teenage years, it is extremely hard when at that age, many are judged by their looks. During a time when we are dealing with the pandemic and cannot congregate normally, those suffering with Alopecia can feel even more isolated. My hope is that this article will encourage readers to reach out and become better informed about this disease. If you would like to contribute to NAAF, the premiere patient foundation offering support, research, and advocacy for the disease, please visit http://support.naaf.org/deirdrenero. ––––––––––––––––––Deirdre Nero is an Immigration Attorney in Coral Gables, FL and owner of NERO Immigration Law, PL. She has served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of NAAF for the past 5 years, and as one of NAAF’s patient advocates and legislative liaisons since 2013. Deirdre is also the NAAF support group leader for South Florida. She can be contacted at dnero@neroimmigration.com.
