May is Lupus Awareness Month

It is a time when we rally together to shine a spotlight on this often misunderstood and invisible disease. Let’s dive into what Lupus Awareness Month is about and how you can get involved! 🌟

1. What Is Lupus Awareness Month?

   • Lupus Awareness Month, observed throughout May in the United States, is a dedicated time to increase understanding and knowledge about lupus, an autoimmune disease. This month, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are organized to educate communities, dispel myths, and advocate for individuals impacted by lupus. The goal is to raise awareness about the symptoms, treatments, and challenges of living with lupus and to promote support and research efforts to improve the lives of those affected by this complex and often misunderstood condition.
   • Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can impact various organs and systems in the body. While its symptoms are not always visible outside, they can wreak havoc internally, affecti...

It may sound strange, but people who have lived with abuse for many years may not even realize that they are being abused.

If you have grown up in a family where abuse occurs almost every day, you may think that hitting, pushing, or constant yelling are normal ways to treat the members of your family and other people.

Every family has arguments, but when yelling goes too far or lasts too long or when disagreements turn physical, that is abuse, and abuse is not normal or healthy.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 18-24, 2021

If you have been hurt—physically, sexually, emotionally, or due to neglect—you are a victim of abuse.

 

Abuse and neglect can affect the way you view yourself and the rest of the world.

You might—

Feel afraid, anxious, angry, confused, or sad.
Fear being hurt again.
Have trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating.
Skip school or not do well in school.
Have lots of headaches or stomachaches.
Use drugs or alcohol.
Feel ashamed or even blame...

It is common to want to have a sense of belonging. When women belong, we are established as part of the group. That sense of belonging is a normal human need, just as food and shelter. If you feel like you belong, you feel your life has value. And you cope with your emotions better.

Sometimes, we lose our sense of belonging, though. This can be for a myriad of reasons. Traumatic events could influence a person’s self-compassion and self-esteem. Trauma can leave survivors out of sync with the world. They feel lonely, overwhelmed, in turmoil, and have emotional pain that creates a different sense of anxiety.

Humans are social beings. The quality of our relationships is affected by our emotional, mental, and physical health. Researcher and author Brené Brown says, “A deep sense of love and belonging is a fundamental requirement of all men, women, and children. Biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually we are wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.”

Regaining a Sense ...

I can hardly believe we are already a month into 2021. Did you struggle in 2020? Has the first part of this year been a struggle? I want to openly admit that I did not have an easy year myself. I had such plans for 2020. But, it was such a struggle to 'get by' at times – seemingly for the whole world. Our struggles are not always a bad thing. It just means we have the opportunity for growth.

I reenforced one of my big life lessons this past year: you MUST keep showing up even when you do not want to, or when you are struggling. Keep writing down your goals, planning out your financials, meal prepping, taking care of yourself, and believing! Write out your daily to-do lists that align with your goals and create action behind them. 

Was health or wellness on your list of 2021 resolutions? Well, here we are a month into the year, and I know that the initial excitement of resolutions fades. Being successful and making a change does require the proper organization of thoughts and fa...

The High Price of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

While most people know that drinking too much alcohol can lead to injuries and deaths in car crashes, many people do not know that drinking too much alcohol also can increase the chances of cancer, suicide, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other negative health outcomes.

Consult your personal health care provider if you feel you or someone you know has a drinking problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service, available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.

What is excessive drinking?

Excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.

Excessive alcohol consumption is known to cause about 79,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, but a study releas...

Sleep Is Important to Help Your Body Fight Colds and Flu This Season

Sleep, can you recall a time in your life when you did not get enough? 

For many of us, this happens from time to time. We are staying up late to study for finals in school. Or how about those many sleepless nights after welcoming a newborn. Or maybe you suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia. Think back on one of those times. Chances are that those were also times when you were more likely to catch a cold or come down with the flu or a stomach bug.

On the flip side, making sure you get plenty of quality sleep can serve as a sort of insurance policy.

It strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight off any type of infection or treat that comes its way. In addition, your body will be able to heal itself faster should you come down with something if you get plenty of rest. That is why your doctor often orders plenty of rest and fluids when you have a cold.

But why exactly is sleep so important...

Embracing God’s truth in every area of life is about spiritual growth and living a healthier, more fulfilling life. Our mindset shapes how we approach our health, relationships, stress, self-care, and gratitude. By aligning our thoughts and beliefs with God’s Word, we unlock the fullness of life He desires for us—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

A Truth Mindset impacts health and well-being, from hydration and nutrition to managing stress and building healthy relationships. Let’s revisit the core principles that have guided us and reflect on how we can continue to live with a Truth Mindset in every season of life.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” - Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 reminds us that what we dwell on m...

Stay Healthy Through Good Diet and Exercise

Some of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick - and not just from cold and flu, but anything else out there that is contagious - is to keep your body as strong and healthy as possible. Two of the best ways to do that are to eat a healthy diet and exercise daily.

Here is what that may look like. 

Tips for Eating Healthy

Improving your diet to eat healthier can seem like a challenge. But, there is a lot you can do. The key is to start and make small improvements as you go along. A great place to start is by cutting out sugar and processed foods. Replace them with whole food options where you can. For example, have an apple instead of a candy bar when you need a snack. Fix some scrambled eggs instead of pouring a bowl of sugary cereal in the morning. Skip the fast-food burger and fix a salad to take to lunch. You get the idea.

From there, I would encourage you to add more fresh fruits and vegetables. Try somet...

Hydration is important to living healthy. National Hydration Day, recognized on June 23, was created to honor the late football coach Victor Hawkins. He had created a special hydrating mouthguard to keep his players healthy on the field.

Drinking enough water each day is good for overall health. 

Plain drinking water has zero calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing caloric intake when substituted for drinks with calories, like sodas.

Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, lead to constipation, and kidney stones.

Exercise can be for your health, but working out while dehydrated is not healthy. Water provides your body with the fuel you need to get through a workout or a busy afternoon outside.

When you are properly hydrated, you are able to exercise in a healthy way, making your mind and your body happy.

Water & Nutrition

The Institute of Medicine ...

3 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System This Winter

We all have times when we could use a little extra boost to our immune system. Cold and flu season is certainly part of that time. Or, the long winter weeks when we are stuck inside and more likely to catch something. It is also important anytime you board a plane or when your kids start school.

Check out the CDC's info on the flu season.

Here are simple things you can do daily:

This brings up a good point: For best results, implement daily. 

Let’s start. 

Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

All systems of your body work best when they are properly fed. This includes your immune system. Stick to a mainly whole-foods-based diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you feel like you might be a little under the weather or suspect that you may have come into contact with someone sick, increasing your intake of Vitamin C may help as well. Eat a few citrus fruits. Broccoli, cauliflower...