Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine September/October 2023

September/October 2023

Featuring Speakers

Judge Carlyn Hicks

Ginger Edwards

Natalia Trotter

KeNosha Whitehead

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE

more inside…

I’m here to help you navigate Medicare in MISSISSIPPI

Get the answers you need and the support you want

If you’re new to Medicare or have some questions, I’m here to help you make sense of it all. Reach out to me for personalized support throughout the process, from learning about your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan options to enrolling in the right plan for you. I even offer house calls, bringing info and answers into the comfort of your home. Together, we can:

Get the answers you need and the support you want

• Look through MA plans specific to your area

• Meet at your home, my office or over the phone

If you’re new to Medicare or have some questions, I’m here to help you make sense of it all. Reach out to me for personalized support throughout the process, from learning about your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan options to enrolling in the right plan for you. I even offer house calls, bringing info and answers into the comfort of your home. Together, we can:

• Look through MA plans specific to your area

• Find out which providers are in-network for the plans you may be interested in It’s more than healthcare—it’s human care.

• Meet at your home, my office or over the phone

• Find out which providers are in-network for the plans you may be interested in It’s more than healthcare—it’s human care.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

JOANNE BELL

601-937-1230 (TTY: 711)

Call

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

JOANNE BELL

JBELL42@HUMANA.COM

601-937-1230 (TTY: 711)

HUMANA.COM/JBELL42

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

JBELL42@HUMANA.COM

HUMANA.COM/JBELL42

To view agent's online profile, scan this QR code using the camera of your smartphone or tablet or visit humana.com/ jbell42.

A more human way to healthcare™

A more human way to healthcare™

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese)：注意：如果您使用 繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 877‑320‑1235（聽障專線：711）

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish):

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese)：注意：如果您使用

I’m here to help you navigate Medicare in MISSISSIPPI

W H O W E A R E ?

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, The Kirkland Group is an educational consulting firm comprised of highly qualified instructional coaches who are experts in building teacher capacity and improving student performance

W H A T W E D O ?

The Kirkland Group takes pride in personalizing services to suit the needs of our clients We listen, assess, and design an action plan based solely on your needs and then provide highly skilled coaches who apply data-driven strategies to ensure improvement on all levels

TKG instructional coaches customize an instructional support plan based on the individual needs of each district, school, teacher, and student

Our professional development builds the capacity of teachers and leaders to raise and sustain student achievement Delivered by our team of experienced coaches

TKG provides highly-qualified English, Reading, Writing, Math, and Science experts who teach test-taking strategies, exam completion pacing techniques, and scaffolding and remediation based on skill deficiencies to maximize test scores.

Together, we have the strength.

Education

MCADV provides training sessions, special events and resource materials to all sectors of the community, including law enforcement, professional, civic groups, and services providers.

Public Awareness

MCADV conducts ongoing statewide media campaigns aimed at specific target audiences including action-oriented communications to victims and the public as well as building public awareness about domestic violence in various entities within the community at-large.

Technical Assistance

MCADV provides training, support, resources, and capacity building to member shelter programs and coordinates efforts between programs and other community service agencies to enhance the strategies and programs for victim service provision as well as provide referrals to domestic violence shelter programs and other available services.

Resource Distribution

MCADV maintains information on domestic violence resources and services including stalking, teen dating violence, domestic violence and the faith community, victims’ rights, and elder abuse.

Legal Services

MCADV conducts the coordination of legal services to victims of interpersonal violence associated with the shelter programs, such as family law matters and other non-tort legal services in civil court matters.

Virtual Assistant Christine Davis

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23 Alopecia Awareness: Mary Ford Banks

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All rights reserved. No portion of Woman to Woman with Joanne may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Woman to Woman with Joanne is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers. Woman to Woman with Joanne maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Woman to Woman is funded by advertising and sponsorship.

Joanne’s Desk

I Forgot To Consider Me

I forgot to consider me, who cares what I think or feel,

Be careful when you shoo your children away, It makes them believe their feelings aren’t real.

Do I matter? Am I allowed to feel this way?

Whether I am allowed to or not, I feel this way every day.

I forgot to consider my feelings, I was taught to put yours before mine, But in the process of putting you before me, I forget about me everytime.

Until I find myself isolated, sad, depressed, Upset, mad, scared; under so much duress.

Is it fair for me to expect you to consider my feelings when I don’t?

If I don’t consider me, you most certainly won’t.

Choosing myself is imperative to my wellbeing and success, I have to choose me first, to keep away the stress.

As we prepare for our 7th Annual Empowerment Conference titled, “Choosing Myself,” it has really been an internal struggle for me. I have always been taught to put everyone else before yourself. To bear the burden of others and you take what’s left. The problem is, there is never anything left, and we repeat that cycle day in and day out.

While meeting with a friend one day, I was made to realize that I always consider other people, but I never consider myself and how I feel. I push my feelings aside.

While in prayer, God gave me the title poem, I Forgot To Consider Me, and I want to share it with you.

I choose to honor me, I choose to respect me, I choose to protect my heart, I choose myself freely as a child of God, He chose me from the start.

Choosing myself is self-care, choosing you first is not. Because if I don’t take care of me first, there may not be a “me” if I don’t stop.

Selfcare is not selfish, it is wise. Choose To Love Yourself.

Love ya much!

Joanne

Breast Cancer Awareness

Source: Centers For Disease Control Prevention

Wondering when to start or how often to get screening mammograms? Ask your doctor when you should get a mammogram.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Are you worried about the cost? CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. Find out if you qualify.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Some main factors that affect your chance of getting breast cancer include—

• Being a woman.

• Being older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older.

• Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

How Can I Lower My Risk?

You can do things to help lower your breast cancer risk.

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

• Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation.

• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include—

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

• Pain in any area of the breast.

• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).

• A new lump in the breast or underarm.

If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.

• Breastfeed your children, if possible.

Fast Facts About Breast Cancer

• Each year in the United States, about 240,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease.

• Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.

• Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Domestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds. Most Americans don’t realize just how real domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it.

Most of these cases are left behind closed doors. That’s why the Domestic Violence Awareness Month was introduced to not only educate and raise that awareness but bring the support and strength that domestic violence victims need.

Domestic violence awareness month was first introduced back in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic violence.

It was created not only to bring more awareness to others but to connect and unify the millions of affected victims that had been battered due to domestic violence.

Its hope is to break the chains of violence that currently have such a strong grip on our nation.

Source: Domesticviolence.org

Every year, right around 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, which equates to just about 20 people every minute. Those are some pretty big and startling numbers.

It affects not only women, but men and children, of all different races, status, religions, and culture. No one is immune to it.

Domestic violence shows itself in a number of different forms, whether it’s punching, slapping, choking, or threatening, manipulating, yelling and many others. No matter the situation, domestic violence is never okay.

Violence Against Women Act

Huge strides have already taken place ever since 1994 when the Violence Against Women Act was put in place.

So many programs, services, and shelters have been made available to domestic violence victims, thanks to the issues that had been addressed to our legislation.

Just between the years of 1993 and 2010, the overall domestic violence rate had dropped dramatically by nearly two-thirds, and that’s not all.

State legislation and laws have been reformed to tackle certain issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, employment discrimination, stalking and more.

When is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

Ever since 1987, October has been the month where domestic violence and its victims are observed.

The purple ribbon is used for a number of other important causes, but it’s also in honor of domestic violence victims and support for the growing awareness.

Domestic violence is usually done in secret, but let’s shout it from the rooftops.

For the whole month of October, we are capable of making a change by informing others and providing our resources to go towards services that help domestic violence victims.

Be an Advocate (Ideas)

Another alarming statistic for us to look at is that as many as 3 out of 4 Americans know of another person that has, or is being abused by another individual, but a lot of times nothing is done about it.

Action needs to take place, where an advocate is willing to speak up when others can not.

If you know of someone that is being abused, are you willing to be their voice? It’s time that we stand up to domestic violence and tell it enough is enough.

Especially during the month of October, make sure that you support domestic violence survivors and help to get the word out about the destructive threat that domestic violence has on so many homes all across America.

Pay attention because soon it will be breast cancer awareness month!

Domestic violence is never okay,

the circumstances. If you or someone you know is in desperate need of help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

no matter

Stronger Together

JUDGE CARLYN HICKS

Judge Carlyn Hicks serves as Hinds County Court Judge for Sub-district One. A lifelong resident of Jackson and Hinds County, Judge Hicks has had an equal longstanding commitment to the community and public interests. Widely honored for her work to improve the lives of Mississippians through access to justice and civil legal representation, and beyond, Hicks’ entire legal career has been dedicated to serving the public. A recipient of numerous awards and honors for her service to children, families, and the legal profession, Hicks is the only judge and only African American in the state of Mississippi who is a Certified Child Welfare Specialist, accredited by the American Bar Association and the National Association of Counsel for Children. She has implemented several new programs, initiatives, and juvenile justice interventions to assist young people who have behavioral and mental health challenges and find themselves in need of services.

Hicks presides over the Hinds County Youth Court, where she serves the children, youth, and families of Hinds County. In the time she has served the citizens of Hinds County in this capacity, she has proven she has the skills, knowledge, and ability to bring efficiency without delay of justice, is committed

to community, and holds impartiality, integrity, and fairness as her guiding principles each day. Hicks has a passion for service and making a difference, which drives her commitment to the community.

Judge Hicks is a proud alumna of Jackson State University and Mississippi College School of Law. Hicks holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi College, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, having been initiated at Gamma Rho Chapter at Jackson State University in 2004. Judge Hicks is the wife of Derrick L. Hicks, a military veteran, information technology professional, and local business owner of Carlyn Photography. They are active in Jackson Public School’s Parent Teacher Associations and other civic and community efforts to help improve conditions for children and families in our communities. The couple have one daughter, Leigh, and they attend the historic Mount Helm Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Ginger H. Edwards

Ginger Edwards resides in Madison, Mississippi and is married to Jason Edwards. They have a beautiful blended family with six children between them and two grandchildren.

She is a self-taught building consultant/designer and she has been in business since 1993 doing a wide range of projects from building custom homes, remodeling existing homes, design and drafting floor plans. Her passion is using her wide range of experience to help people with the design of their home from start to finish, and helping them make their dream a reality.

She loves being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and cooking and eating good food. She is devoted to her own personal growth and desire to share her love for Jesus with others. Having walked through many personal trials, God has given her a desire to walk alongside others in their struggles. “One thing that I have learned through many personal trials is that I am not the only one who struggles. I am learning that hardships come in many shapes and sizes and we never have to go very far to find people who are hurting.”

What does “Choosing Myself” mean to you?

Making a choice to see myself as Christ sees me. I am loved I am worthy I am not alone

Psalms 103 – Only God can love like this.

In 2009 my emotional health spiraled out of control. Fear began to rule my life until I became physically sick. It was several years before I was able to name what the root was behind the fear. My healing journey began in 2012.

The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it full. John 10:10

What we do today will determine our tomorrow. How we think will determine how we feel. What we feel will determine how we speak. How we speak will be a reflection of our heart. Speak life over yourself and others around you! Make a decision today to TRUST God completely no matter what happens.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

NATALIA TROTTER

Natalia Trotter, AKA Dynamite Done Trainer Trotter is a certified personal trainer, a certified nutrition specialist, a cognitive behavior coach with 15 years of training . experience. She is 3 time Fitness Figure 1 st Place Champion and a National Qualifier. She is a momma of two and wife of 25 years.

In her professional capacities, she has worked as a Physical Education teacher at Clinton Christian Academy, worked to educate people about proper nutrition, meal planning, and the relationship between proper nutrition and training. Natalia has implemented personal training programs for efficiency and lasting results, and founded Executive Order Fitness as a personal trainer and online coach.

She also an Ambassador and does volunteer work with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Industries of Mississippi.

Natalia was educated in Ukraine, graduating as valedictorian of her class, then went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Accounting, ranking in the top 5% of her graduating class.

She is an avid community advocate and a graduate of Clinton Leadership program of 2023.

What does “Choosing Myself” mean to you?

As a servant at heart I had to sit and ponder what choosing myself really means to me. If you had asked me this question 15 years ago, my immediate thought would have been that choosing myself is a negative and very selfish thing to do. For generations females in my family had placed everyone else before themselves, they took care of other people’s needs before even thinking of their own. Most of the time they denied and rejected the fact that they had the right to have their own needs, as if that was something to be ashamed of.

I didn’t have a chance to know my grandmother, as she passed away before I was born, but I know my mother very well. To this day I think she hasn’t fully grasped the concept of what choosing yourself means. She is very shy and hesitant on choosing to take time or do something just for herself, even if I pay for it.

My personal experience of choosing myself started 15 years ago and it completely changed my world. I understood that choosing myself is a reflection of the individual’s intent of his or her driving forces. In other, words choosing myself can take a positive or a negative connotation depending on the reasons behind the actions. In the midst of health, spiritual and emotional crises, uncertainty and difficult experiences I had 15 years ago, I chose myself, because I knew if I could not depend on myself, if I couldn’t make my daily life a success. That very same energy would have spilled over onto my family here and overseas, and that would have been a huge disappointment to myself and a disservice to my family. One must prioritize themselves in order to sustain success for themselves and to support others.

Do you remember the expression: “You can’t give from an empty wagon.” I would also like to add that you can’t serve well from a worrisome, exhausted, tired, heavy heart. So first thing first, let’s start thinking that choosing yourself, weather by reintroducing the hobby you let go of back into your life, going to a spa, taking extra time for self care, catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee or tea, or adopting health and fitness into your daily routine, the energy you gather is going to boomerang back to you as well as to people around you.

I personally choose myself daily by never stopping growing mentally, spiritually and physically.

In return people tell me that I am a joy to be around, to which I reply with a bright smile:”I chose to do that!”

KENOSHA WHITEHEAD

KeNosha “Nosha” Whitehead, is a uniquely-made, Jesus-lovin’ woman who finds deep joy in inspiring people to rise and shine.

Nosha is married to her best friend and favorite comedian, Johnny, and they have two children: four-year-old Sky, the sweet and spicy one of bunch, and one-year-old Auggie, the coolest toddler around.

Nosha is a Black woman living with albinism in Mississippi, an experience that has distinctively and profoundly shaped her. She has been remarkably blessed to share her uplifting story of embracing authentic beauty and belonging through various print and entertainment media worldwide.

Nosha is a graduate of Millsaps College, Oral Roberts University, and Mississippi College School of Law.

She currently serves as Corporate Legal Counsel for Cru, the world’s largest mission organization, and she side-hustles as Creator and CEO of KeNosha, INK., a professional writing services firm. For respite and reflection, Nosha studies Scripture, writes, supports important causes, listens to audiobooks on drives alone, and creates digital content about her family’s medical journey.

without apology or compromise.

Amidst a personal financial crisis and my then 18-month-old daughter’s diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome, I chose to invest in my health— physically and mentally. I worked diligently and desperately with a health coach to remove unhealthy weight and to establish healthy habits. I also dug my heels into the mental and emotional work of facing my hard things. As a result, I began to show up as the confident, focused, and energized version of myself who fiercely advocated for my daughter and successfully strategized a plan for financial recovery and stability for my family.

Do not be afraid to choose you. And do not be apathetic about choosing you because YOU are an urgent matter. As the flight attendant warns, you must secure your oxygen mask first before assisting others. In other words, you can only care well for others in a sincere and sustainable way by first caring well for yourself. The notion of choosing yourself may feel counterintuitive, but constantly sacrificing yourself is counterproductive, and honestly, sis, disregarding and dismissing yourself and your needs is not noble. Daily pouring the last drops from your nearly empty cup and running on mere fumes is no way to live. God has called you to have quality of life in your quantity of days. And you are absolutely worth cultivating and contending for that indispensable quality and inspiring other women to do the same.

What does “Choosing Myself” mean to you?

To me, “choosing myself” means intentionally and consistently locating my identity and worth solely in the unconditional and unfailing love of God, which then empowers me to, in every instance, to appropriately prioritize my needs and well-being

KeNosha Whitehead, Esq., M.Div. Creator and CEO

DSC Training Academy thanks ALL truckers, both men and women, who help improve the quality of our lives EVERYDAY.

CAMILLE MAGEE

It was our pleasure to speak with Mrs. Camille Magee about her journey with Alopecia, and it is our honor to share it with you. Mrs. Magee has been a teacher for 25 years.

In addition to teaching rising scholars, her passion for teaching has afforded her the opportunity to mentor countless studentteachers throughout the state and has also garnered her a plethora of distinctions which includes being a six-time recipient of Teacher of the Year as well as The Outstanding Educator Award, Nominee for Jackson Chambers Teacher of the Year, The Black Girls Rock Award, and The Community Service Award. Additional distinctions include indie-publishing a coming-of-age memoir titled A Butterfly’s Journey and receiving a Society of Children’s Book writers and Illustrators JambaLAya Kidlit Conference Diversity Scholarship.

Married to her best friend Lawrence Magee, their blended family consists of five children and seven grandchildren. She and her husband are members of New Horizon Church International.

Here is her story:

Please share with us your journey with Alopecia. What made you decide to be yourself and embrace Alopecia?

In full transparency, it came with Maturity. When we are young, we are so full of what other people think of us. Acceptance is something we all want. Then there’s this standard of beauty that we’ve all been told our entire lives, that includes our hair being our crown, our hair being

a part of our womanhood. For many years I believed that, but as I matured and got older, and began to get closer to God, I realized that He made me who He wanted me to be, and that we are made in His image, and in rejecting myself I was rejecting Christ, and who was I to do that?

In every part of our being there is a message, and I came to realize that my having Alopecia is a testimony. It’s a testimony of the goodness of God, it’s a testimony of trusting Him, it’s a testimony of taking my eyes off of me and my outer being, and keeping my focus on, what does my heart look like.

I had to take “me” out of the equation and focus on, what do I want people to see? Do I want them

to see me with a wig on for the rest of my life, with make up on and beautiful clothes, is that the lasting impression that I wanted to give to them, or was I designed to be such a light so that I could be used to bring others to Christ?

That’s your own inner joy, your heart, your peace, that’s what you will get to. Do I regret embracing Alopecia and wearing my head bald? Not for a moment, and I can walk with such confidence now because I’m not so overwhelmed with hair for that matter. God made me who He wanted me to be.

In this season of our life, I tell everyone, be who you are. If you are comfortable in your skin that is fine, that is not an indictment on anyone who chooses to wear their hair in whatever fashion they desire, it is not our outer appearance, it is your spirit. However you choose to wear your hair, that won’t interrupt your testimony, that won’t interrupt your praise, but for me, it was interrupting my praise.

This is also a lesson that I try to bring to the classroom as well, because body image is such an important thing with our children. And for me, the message to them is I am accepting who I am. Christ loves me just the way I am, with or without hair. I want the students that I teach to also feel that way about their bodies; that it’s ok if we’ve got curves, if we’re thin, whatever image we have, it’s ok, but we have to look inwardly at ourselves to see, are we paying that much attention to how we are in our spirit, and in our heart and in our soul and how we treat other people.

MARY FORD BANKS

A few years back, my hair started thinning just a little and over time the thinning grew. So, instead of going to a dermatologist or someone who could tell me why my hair was going through these stages, I started wearing weave, wigs and braids. Over a period of time it only added stress to my hair, so I decided years later to see a dermatologist and that’s when I was told I had alopecia. I also went to see an esthetician to seek treatment to see if there was a possibility that my hair would be restored.

Here I am receiving treatment but I guess I was too far gone without treatment to get any growth. So I’m still wearing wigs but underneath I had a bald head.

Every evening I got home from work, I took my wig off and looked in the mirror and questioned myself. Why me? I had such beautiful hair.......

With the encouragement, prayers and lot’s of crying I decided to put my wigs away and show the world what I had been hiding.

Everyday before that day, I had daily affirmations I would recite preparing myself for the day I would stop

hiding the real Mary.

I say to those that have alopecia that’s not ready to share it with the world; You will know when you’re ready. Just continue to love yourself and be ready for that day!

In closing, anyone can be confident with a full head of hair, but a confident bald woman - there’s your diamond in the rough.

As the month of September comes to an end, If I tell you my hair loss experience was easy, that would be a lie. There were many nights that I

would sit up and cry. Questioning why did it have to be me? This no cure disease almost took my self esteem, just as it did my hair. There’s light shining on what used to be a dark place MY BALD Is BEAUTIFUL !

WORLD HEART DAY

In a world where knowledge about heart health is limited and policies are insufficient or lacking, World Heart Day is a global and multilingual campaign that aims to shatter barriers and empower individuals to take control of their well-being and this year, it is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use ❤️ i.e. the heart emoji. Since cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death worldwide, World Heart Day is a reminder to everyone around the world to take care of their hearts and this year’s campaign focuses on the essential step of knowing our hearts first.

To increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their prevention and their global impact, World Heart Day is observed and celebrated annually on September 29.

World Health Day was first founded in 1999 with the World Heart Federation (WHF) collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The idea of an annual event was conceived by Antoni Bayés de Luna, the president of WHF from 1997-2011. Originally, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday of September, with the first celebration taking place on September 24, 2000.

According to the World Heart Federation, “World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD,

including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.”

This year, the theme of World

prevent and control heart conditions by emphasizing the role of healthy behaviors in preventing CVDs and providing information on factors like smoking cessation, regular physical activity, healthy eating and managing stress. While some healthcare facilities offer free or discounted heart health screenings and check-ups that help individuals assess their risk of heart disease, other health organizations, governments and non-profit groups organize awareness campaigns and events to educate people about the risk factors associated with heart disease and the importance of hearthealthy lifestyles.

Heart Day is “Use ❤️ Know ❤️” i.e. use and know how best to use heart emoji since visual language is a part of our daily lives where emojis are one of the most popular forms of communications today, especially amongst younger generations, to help retain people’s attention and transcend language barriers.

On this day, individuals and communities take proactive steps to

This is done through advocacy efforts by activists urging governments to implement policies that promote heart health such as regulations on tobacco and unhealthy food, using heart health using specific hashtags on social media platforms, conducting educational sessions and workshops that focus on the importance of a balanced diet, reducing salt and sugar intake and making heart-healthy food choices. Another way is through walkathons, cycling events and fitness classes that encourage people to participate in physical activities and exercise events to promote heart health on World Heart Day.

- Source: msn.com Hindustan Times

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.

• If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

• You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

• Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide

• Being Prepared for a Crisis

• Read our guide, “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”

• What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide

Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.

While suicide prevention is important to address yearround, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address this difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.

Advocate

Join our movement to advocate for a better mental health care system by signing up for advocacy alerts and taking action when opportunities arise in your community.

Share Key Fast Facts

These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please use these facts and others, including the “It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide” infographics on our website, to encourage discussions with your community through social media or other forms of outreach.

Individual Impact:

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.

• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition

Community Impact:

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, high risk populations:

• U.S. Adults: 4.8%

• Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%

• Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%

• Young adults aged 18-25: 13%

• High school students: 22%

• LGBTQ youth: 41%

• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed bynonHispanic whites

• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.

• Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared tothe general population.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources. Source: NAMI

"Fear was my Friend" addresses the disappointments in life that creates fear in our spirit. Readers will identify with the author's experiences and be encouraged to disown the fear that hinders us from accomplishing our best."

Brenda Wilder