Livingwell april 2015 final revised

When Inner Beauty and Outer Beauty Become One Inside tips on healthy skin

A Stroke of Luck:

A story of Stroke and Survival

Dancing Away the Pounds

Learn why dancing is a total body workout

National Stroke Awareness Month and Women Mind & Soul Issue

Living Well Through Awareness

By Cathy Nedd Chief Operating Officer Michigan Chronicle

Welcome to Living Well. Recognized as the single most credible source of fitness, health and nutrition information for African Americans, each edition is crafted to provide insight into health disparities impacting African Americans and methods of prevention and treatment.

There is a growing need for health awareness in our community. The mission of Living Well is to provide our readers with a wealth of information that enables them to live healthier and happier lives. On these pages you will find content on health issues, healthy lifestyles and relatable personal stories from people in our community.

According to stroke.org, “African Americans are more impacted by stroke than any other racial group within the American population.” In honor of Stroke Awareness Month we spoke to Jessica Bennett who survived a stroke at the age of 25. She is a courageous woman who shared her story to help raise awareness of stroke.

Women are most often mother, sister, wife and everything in between. However, all of the hats worn by women can take a toll on self-esteem, awareness and health. This month Living Well sought women who could provide inside knowledge on balancing well-being and self-confidence.

Living Well isn’t just words on a page, it’s a lifestyle and the Michigan Chronicle takes pride in helping lead the way.

Be healthy and Live Well.

Table of Contents

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| A Stroke of Resilience | Dancing Away the Pounds | When Inner Beauty and outer Beauty Become One

| Strong Women Begin with Strong Girls

Publisher | Hiram E. Jackson Managing Editor | Tatiana Jackson Graphic Designer | Juan Sifuentes 2 LivingWELL • April 2015

Michigan Chronicle 479 Ledyard St. Detroit, MI 48201 Phone: (313) 963-8100 Ext. 301

Lace Up Your Sneakers for the American Heart Association Heart Walk at Detroit Riverfront “Ready, set, lace up your sneakers” is what the American Heart Association is encouraging southeast Michigan residents to do at the Detroit Heart Walk on May 2 at its new location—General Motors Head Quarters and Detroit Riverfront. Leading the campaign is Heart Walk Co-Chairs Dr. Jeffery Hess, corporate medical director for General Motors and Maurice Staten, UAW assistant director of Special Projects, GM Department. Festivities kick-off at 8 a.m. and runners take off at 9:45 a.m. followed by an opening ceremony at 10 a.m.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk campaign promotes healthy lifestyle choices and creates opportunities for people to improve their cardiovascular health. The campaign goal is $1.65 million and every donation helps the association raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.

Highlights include a one and three-mile walk, 5K run, Kids Zone and health screenings. The walk will be emceed by Amy Andrews of FOX 2 News and Deanna Lites of WWJ Newsradio 950.

According to the association, studies have shown walking and moderate activities provides multiple benefits if done for at least 30 minutes a day. The benefits of walking include enhancing your mental well-being, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and improving blood pressure and blood sugar to name a few.

“Walking toward a healthier lifestyle has multiple benefits and shouldn’t start and end at the Heart Walk,” said Staten.

The Detroit Heart Walk is free, however, walkers are encouraged to register at www.miheartwalk.org. Additionally, participants who raise $100 will receive a t-shirt and other incentives. For more information call (855) 229-4424 or email semi.heartwalk@heart.org.

Dr. Kim Logan, along with husband and professional therapist Arthur Nowlin, LMSW, CAADC, AAFLP, are Christian family therapists. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a Master’s of Arts in Family and Guidance Counseling, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Oral and Interpersonal Communication and Clinical Family CounselDr. Kim Logan ing.

Living Well asked Dr. Logan a series of questions to get an inside look into her profession.

Does stress affect the ability to make sound decisions?

In most cases stress does affect a person’s ability to make sound, rational decisions. We must be careful when we are in a stressful situation to allow ourselves the ability to regroup and make a paradigm shift so that we can have positive, healthy outcomes.

We do not want to make emotional decisions because the decisions you make not only impact you but others as well.

When feeling overwhelmed, what are some resolutions to help alleviate stress at home?

the “wrong partner”?

There are times in our lives when we may feel our “baggage” is valuable, the things we feel to be essential. Some of the things we consider significant or necessary may need to be reassessed. In some situations our family origins play a major role in the type of partner we select.

For example, is verbal abuse something I need to re-evaluate and eliminate from my relationship? Just because my parents communicated that way, do I have to?

Once married, how do you maintain your own identity?

The rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit ensures us that our relationship with God is a continual reminder of the sense of well-being, joy and peace we brought into the marriage and must be maintained.

Be open to change for yourself as well as your spouse. Embrace who you are becoming. Have a positive attitude about your life and be willing to address negative issues that may prevent you from excelling.

If the problems you are experiences are causing distress in your life, you must be able to move yourself out of the way and be objective. If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed and you can no longer handle the day-to-day activities in your life, when your coping skills are no longer effective, and you have thoughts of abusing yourself or others to help to alleviate your symptoms, it is time to seek help.

Also, when someone has noticed a change in your behavior and temperament, you are engaging in gambling, negative Internet activities, constantly checking social media to avoid addressing your problems, and if your anxiety, depression or whatever is causing you to function poorly, these are sure signs it is time to seek help.

For more information, contact Kim Logan-Nowlin at www.drkiminspires.com or call (313)664-4900.

How can one identify when the level of stress has gone from normal to a level that requires professional attention?

1. Identify the source of the stress and seek help 2. Avoid stressful situations and people.

3. Recognize your triggers 4. Take a personal inventory of your progress or lack of 5. Express your feelings, hurt or anger in a positive and productive manner 6. Be proactive 7. Eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of water 8. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine 9. Laugh because it is medicine for the soul 10. Pray What advice do you have for women who are always on the go and want to slow down, but aren’t really sure how?

As women we must strive for balance in our lives. We are pulled in so many directions and wear many hats. We have to learn how to prioritize and allow time for relaxation and healing. We have to develop a plan and stick to it so that we can develop healthy patterns in our lives and eliminate old patterns that cause stress. You deserve it so now do it.

When it comes to dating, what causes attraction to LivingWELL • April 2015 3

A Stroke of Resilience In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, Living Well spoke with stroke survivor Jessica Bennett. At the time of her stroke, she was a mother of a 5-month- old and 4-year-old, enrolled full-time in college and worked a full-time job. We asked her to share her story of stroke and survival.

By Jessica Bennett My Life was everything it was supposed to be. I always stayed active, with my family, working and perusing my Human Resources degree.

The day before I began to have a headache, I was sensitive to light, nauseous and off-balance. On Nov. 27, 2012 I woke with the same headache. I was extremely tired, and something didn’t feel right. I was in the middle of cooking and my balance was off so I decided to lie down.

While laying down I started to feel pain in my right arm that felt like a blanket of bricks on my body. It was such a scary feeling. I tried to get up to check on the food, but could not move. After a few minutes, I could feel and move my left side, but I had no sensation in the right side of my body.

My boyfriend, Rohan, took me straight to the hospital, which the doctor said was critical in saving my life.

I had three neurologists. They took a series of tests and blood work to pinpoint the cause. As results came back inconclusive, my physician told me to prepare not to be able to use the left side of my body again. I was in a daze, trying to comprehend that I could perhaps never walk again. It didn’t kick in until I was admitted.

I stayed in the hospital for a week, taking physical therapy and having my blood pressure monitored every day. The fifth day after being admitted, I was able to lift my left arm. The strength was measured from 3-5 out of 10. This was a huge accomplishment since I was told I would never be able to move my left side.

After a week I was transferred to a rehabilitation center for six weeks. That was the worst part because I was away from my children. The youngest person in the nursing was 67 and I was 25. The experience at the rehabilitation center was difficulty due to the age barrier. However, the age for stroke patients is getting much younger.

I took physical and occupational therapy every 4 LivingWELL • April 2015

day. Occupational therapy is working on daily and living work skills in everyday life. Physical therapy works on body functions. I did exercises with my legs using a walker or cane. I had to learn how to do everyday functions with the walker and the cane.

During an occupational session my therapist suspected I had brain damage. She gave me a test where I was asked a series of questions to see if they could be remembered in 60 seconds. I was only able to remember two words out of two question.

Doctors confirmed I had damage to the right side of my brain, which affected my social communications.

It is believed that once you lose brain cells, you can’t get them back and that’s not necessarily true. If you constantly practice you will be able to regain them. They gradually came back. I practice as much as possible and also tried to regain some of the emotion that was lost from the stroke. I had to learn to write with my left had since I could not use my right hand anymore.

Today, I am still working on the emotions where I am not connected with other people emotions.

I take it one day at a time. I have to be very understanding and those around me have to give a grace period to calculate the correct emotion.

I have slowed down a lot because I don’t want to have another stroke. My family says I am back to normal.

As far as school, that situation changed my life.

I wasn’t happy with human resources. I found my passion from having this stroke. Now I have a passion for physical therapy and I changed my major.

I have four months left before I graduate and take the National Physical Therapy Exam to get my license.

I want to have my own practice and travel to Third World countries because they have no idea what physical therapy is and I want to be able to give back to those in need.

Dancing

away the pounds Everyone can benefit from being active. Exercise comes in many forms, from parking further from the door to walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Although small steps go a long way in enhancing healthy habits, what about steps to a routine? Dancing is an excellent way to stay physically fit and develop social skills, thereby improving mental health. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “The qualities and benefits offered by dancing depend on the form concerned but as a general rule, it improves physical health by developing strength, suppleness, coordination and balance in varying amounts.”

Living Well spoke with Miss Angie B (Blocker), founder and CEO of Studio Detroit, a local dance studio designed

to fit every woman’s lifestyle, including private fitness sessions.

“Learning to dance targets multi muscles at the same time while increasing confidence and self- image,” said Blocker who tailors fitness plans including diet consultation.

Dancing expedites getting in shape by utilizing many muscles at one time, thus producing a total body workout.

In addition to private lessons, Studio Detroit offers Zumba and Afro-Cuban dance for adults starting at $8 a class. “Fantasy Fitness” themed parties are completely designed by clients and start at $15 per person.

For a complete list of classes and rates contact Miss Angie B at studiodetroit313@gmail or call 313-401-6771.

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Wearing makeup is a personal decision. There are many reasons to wear it. Facial cosmetics can be beneficial to the skin by providing sunscreen and providing protection from the elements. Although wearing makeup will cover blemishes, it is very important to cater to one’s specific skin type and stick to a routine regimen.

This month Living Well sat down with Talya Ashford, founder and CEO of Beauty Box by Talya, for inside tips on maintaining healthy and beautiful skin.

Living Well: Why do feel wearing makeup improves a woman’s confidence?

Talya Ashford: As a woman who wears makeup and specializes in makeup application, it’s about what you want to say about yourself and an expression of how you feel. It also accentuates the positive features you have.

Makeup is an accessory. It’s the extra touch to complete the look you are trying to achieve.

LW: Is it true wearing makeup protects your skin?

TA: Yes, makeup acts as an extra layer, which protects your skin from things that are naturally in the environment and some have SPF to protect from sun damage. Makeup does not ruin the skin. Lack of cleansing the skin of makeup and impurities will cause damage by not unclogging pores.

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LW: How important is it to cleanse the skin after wearing makeup?

TA: It is very important to allow the skin to breath. Skin care is the first step to makeup application. First find a good facial cleanser. Pond’s cold cream is a good cleanser to try; it removes make-up, dirt, cleanses the skin and doesn’t dry the skin out. After cleansing, apply a moisturizer. Everyone should wear a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. I recommend Embryolisse Lati-Crème Concentre. Once a week, apply a mask and exfoliate the skin.

Exfoliation takes off topical textures, blackheads and dry skin. Use microround beads, not apricot or natural scrubs with sharp textures; these tend to scrape African-American skin. Any clay base mask will bring impurities to the front and tighten pores. Then apply makeup.

LW: For those who do not wear makeup, what are some good starter points to know?

TA: The best product for full coverage is, which can be, manipulate the most. Crèmes can be made as sheer or opaque and are great for all skin types.

LW: What are three important areas in which makeup can be applied and give a finished look?

TA: Eyebrows, mascara and lips. Bring attention to your eyebrows; they frame the face. Mascara opens the

eyes and lipstick adds color. As a bonus, bronzer helps pull the look together. Use a 2-face bronzer; try Eman tri color red, coral, and bronze.

LW: What are some guidelines to properly sanitizing makeup and brushes?

•Mascara is the number one culprit of eye infection.

Change every 4-6 weeks and don’t pump the mascara; you’re putting air in the tube, which begins to create bacteria.

•Eyeliners can be sanitized by sharpening or dipped in alcohol.

Makeup courtesy of Talya Ashford, founder and owner of Beauty Box by Talya, 248-504-4419.

Strong women begin with strong girls Loretta A. Morman is a licensed therapist, adjunct professor and performing arts coach with degrees from Michigan State University (B.A. in psychology) and University of Chicago (M.A. in Social Service Administration).

Morman is the founder and owner of Life Beyond the Norm and author of “Hello, My Name is Beautiful.”

She specialize in holistic therapy, provides etiquette classes and workshops and she is an experienced keynote speaker. She is an advocate for helping young girls gain a healthy and wholesome sense of self-esteem.

Why is it so important to start early when instilling confidence in young women?

I’m a firm believer that in order to be an empowered woman, you must first be a confident girl. Studies have shown that stronger girls create stronger societies. Studies have also shown that when we instill confidence and leadership skills in girls at a younger age, they will reach optimal results in their futures.

If we do not instill confidence in our girls, the alarming statistics of low self-esteem will continue to exist. One study in particular conducted by Dove found that only 11% of girls globally are comfortable using the word beautiful to describe themselves and 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful. So we can see from these statistics alone that this is not just a local issue, but a global one that needs to constantly be addressed.

What issues do you most commonly see in young ladies when it comes to self- image and self-awareness?

The comparison of their body image and outer appearance with their peers and media images. Girls seem to look to their peers and the media for approval and acceptance, and if they do not feel that they fit in, insecurities will begin to set in.

How do you motivate and inspire women, particularly tweens and teenage girls?

I motivate and inspire women, particularly tweens and teenage girls by speaking to them with transparency, humor and confidence. I am a firm believer that in order to empower girls,

that I myself must be empowered. Therefore, every day I make an effort to make improvements within my own life in order to be the best example and role model that I can be.

It is my hope that my book, “Hello, My Name is Beautiful,” the self-esteem workshops that I host, and my confidence coaching will continue to motivate and inspire girls all over the world to be the best that they can possibly be.

What are some ways that women can motivate and inspire each other and their daughters?

A few tips are: 1) Have confidence in yourself Your children and your peers will emulate your behavior. This includes things like making negative comments about your own weight or appearance or casually mentioning that you feel insecure about a particular body part. Try demonstrating healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, enjoying treats in moderation, exercising (without complaining) and embracing your body the way it is.

2) Choose your words carefully Mothers, sisters, daughters and friends have immense influence on the younger girls around them and words are powerful.

Think twice about commenting on somebody’s appearance, whether in a positive or negative way. Negative comments invite young girls to create an unhealthy sense of beauty. Overly positive comments may inflate the importance of a particular characteristic that your daughter or peers may lack. Therefore, insecurity can emerge. Allow your words to lift up those around you and the self-esteem of the girls you influence will follow.

3) Be a Cheerleader You have an opportunity to be your daughters’ and your peers’ biggest fan by encouraging them, recognizing their beauty and helping them discover their gifts and talents. Make an effort every day to tell them that they are beautiful and to look at them with loving, rather than critical eyes.

4) Empower When your daughter and/or peer places value in the world’s opinion, chances are, their self- esteem will decrease. You can empower them by encouraging their individuality and uniqueness. You can also celebrate when they excel at something they enjoy doing.

Having something that you are good at (whether it’s a hobby or talent) helps build confidence. Therefore, be there for your daughter and/or peer and help them to see just how powerful they really are.

5) Talk openly about the Media Be open to talking honestly about the false sense of reality that the media consistently portrays as beauty.

Have talks about these images and how they misrepresent real life women. When you are able to see that the media is presenting a one-sided story, you will be able to help other women and girls to do the same.

Are there programs available to young ladies who wish to improve their self- esteem?

There are a lot of local programs that are available to young ladies who wish to improve their self-esteem.

Groups like Pretty Brown Girl, American Girl Scouts and even after-school programs are available for girls.

I also personally provide confidence coaching and self-esteem workshops throughout the year.

For more information, you can contact the school program director for a list of programs in your area.

For more information please visit lorettaamorman. com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ lorettaamorman.

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