FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

YES, you can survive heart surgery and heart disease with the right resources, information, and dedicated attention from medical professionals. I learned this invaluable lesson 30 years ago as a young woman facing a rare heart disease issue that left many doctors puzzled. At that time, the WomenHeart organization was not in existence, so I felt incredibly isolated in my struggle. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky women who was able to advocate for myself and convince my doctor(s) that I was experiencing an unusual problem, characterized by severe and persistent pain in my heart. My determination to seek answers was driven by a desire to understand what was happening to my body, especially since I was not yet in menopause and felt overwhelmed by the lack of information available to women like me. This experience ignited a passion within me to raise awareness about women’s heart health and the importance of listening to one’s body, ultimately empowering others in similar situations to take charge of their health journey.

Today, women have access to resources for support and knowledge.

WomenHeart Info

Source: WomenHeart (https://www.womenheart.org/about-us/#Our-Story)
The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease was founded in 1999 by three women, Nancy Loving, Jackie Markham, and Judy Mingram who had heart attacks while in their 40s and faced many obstacles, including misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and social isolation.

Learn more about the organization and subscribe to their Newsletter at the link below:
https://www.womenheart.org/subscribe/

Do you know there are serious gaps in how heart attacks are diagnosed and treated in women under 50 years old?

Learn more at https://myheartsisters.org/

All the best in Wellness!

Black History Month 2026 100th Year!

Happy Black History Month… This year celebrates the 100th year of it’s creation by Asalah. Here are a few things you might also be interested in.

2026 Black History Calendar
https://black-art.com/products/2026-black-history-calendar

The Black History Flyer that I found at Emerson College
https://guides.library.emerson.edu/BlackHistoryMonth/2026

Activities
https://calendarnest.com/black-history-month-2026-theme-and-activities/

Beauty and Wellness Trends from Essence:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/the-beauty-and-wellness-trends-essence-editors-are-practicing-in-2026/ar-AA1UjnKF?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Celebrate!

All the best in Wellness!

Books & Magazines I LIKE

Happy New Year 2026!

I haven’t shared with you in quite a while some of the new Magazines and Books I’m living with, and I think it’s about time to dive into the wonderful world of literature that inspires and motivates us. As we start a New Year, I am definitely sticking with authors of wellness print, as their insights and guidance resonate deeply with my personal journey towards better health and well-being. Truly Crunchy Magazine offers unique perspectives and practical tips that not only uplift my spirit but also equip me with the tools to navigate my wellness regimen in a new way. Take a look – this is surely “News You Can Use,” as these pages are filled with ideas that are new and creative.

You might also want to read about what the Healthline website says are the benefits of reading books regularly 🙂

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books

Photo by Lisa from Pexels on Pexels.com

All the best in Wellness!

Holiday Dressing & Makeup for the Climate :)

Purchasing clothes and makeup that are sustainable products not only supports climate advocacy but also promotes ethical practices in the fashion and beauty industries, which have significant impacts on our planet and communities. I have shared insights and useful tips on these topics in the past, helping others to make informed choices. This month, I am pleased to introduce you to websites I discovered that focus on sustainable clothing and makeup.

What is sustainable clothing? Find out why you should care at the link below:
https://greencitizen.com/blog/what-is-sustainable-clothing/

Sustainable and cruelty-free beauty products are not just better for the environment; they are better for you as well.
Source: https://www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/eco-friendly/7-reasons-to-choose-cruelty-free-and-sustainable-beauty-products/

By exploring these platforms, you can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle, making purchasing decisions that reflect your values and support climate advocacy.

All the best in Beauty & for OUR Planet!

Celebrating Native American Beauty

November 15 is Roc Your Mocs Day.….

Hairblues is celebrating this holiday by recognizing Indigenous-owned beauty brands.

https://www.glam.com/1133403/indigenous-owned-beauty-brands-that-should-be-on-your-radar/

Photo by Bill Salazar on Pexels.com


Treat yourself to learning more about these products by clicking the link.
https://www.purewow.com/fashion/indigenous-owned-fashion-beauty-brands

Rock Your Mocs is an annual event that encourages Native American and Indigenous Peoples to wear their moccasins and share their photos on social media. Founded in 2011 by Jessica Jaylyn Atsye, the event aims to promote cultural pride and unity among Indigenous communities. Participants wear moccasins to honor their heritage and share their stories, creating an online photo album that celebrates Indigenous culture. 
The event is celebrated during National Native American Heritage Month, typically from November 13- 19, and has grown into a global movement encouraging self-expression and cultural awareness. 
Source: https://www.mcnaa.org/rockyourmocks

ROC YOUR MOCS!

All the best in Wellness!

October Focus – Breast Cancer Focus

During October Breast Cancer focus gets attention to the on-going fight many of our family and friends have been confronted with because it’s personal. However, Women – in my opinion – should be a ‘united front’ against combatting this life interrupter. And, we should do all we can to learn more how to focus on our own health diets, stress levels, and the ‘facts’ which may help to give us ‘tools we can use’ .

This month, I’m sharing suggestions from Dr. Andrew Weil for a diet that can support our breast health.

Newsletter and Websites FYI
https://weilnutritioncorner.substack.com/p/one-day-anti-inflammatory-meal-plan?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

https://www.drweil.com/blog/bulletins/faster-walking-greater-health-benefits/

Please share this article – and please donate – what your lifestyle can support to help in the continued ‘fight against breast cancer’.

All the best in Wellness!

Makeup Remover – Guidelines

Wirecutter is one of my favorite places to get recommendations for various items. Their thorough reviews and user feedback help simplify the decision-making process, especially when it comes to products we use daily. In a recent article, they focused on the topic of Makeup Remover, which is something many of us consider essential for maintaining healthy skin. With the vast array of options available, choosing the right one can be quite overwhelming.

In the article, they shared their findings on several top-rated makeup removers, evaluating factors like effectiveness, skin compatibility, and price points. This kind of detailed analysis not only highlights the best products but also provides insight into what makes a makeup remover truly effective, such as its ability to break down stubborn makeup without harsh chemicals.

I couldn’t help but share the link with you because we are always looking for guidelines that are beneficial for our skin and pocketbook. Having reliable recommendations can lead to better skincare choices and ultimately save us from spending on products that do not meet our needs. I hope you find the article as informative and useful as I did!

September is Suicide Awareness Month

Do you know that September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day? This important day is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and its prevention. It serves as a reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and the various resources available to individuals in need.

Nowadays, there are so many resources available for you to use and learn about, including hotlines, support groups, and educational materials. Many organizations provide training and information to help individuals recognize the signs of someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Engaging with these resources can empower you to support others and to seek help for yourself if needed.

Moreover, it’s crucial to foster an open dialogue about mental health issues. By talking about these topics, we can help decrease the stigma that often surrounds them. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Take time on this day to educate yourself and others about suicide prevention, because together, we can make a difference.

Here are some links to help you learn more.

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2025

https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/world-suicide-prevention-day-2025-theme-history-and-significance-article-152742753

FYI National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)
Warning Signs of Suicide
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide/warning-signs-of-suicide.pdf

Stay Alive APP
https://www.suicideandco.org/support-links/stay-alive-app
https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/stay-alive-app-grassroots-suicide-prevention/
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stay-alive/id915458967

All the best in Wellness!

Essential Oil Blog Post Sharing

As many of you know who follow HairBlues, I often share information about Essential Oils because I am a NAHA Certified Aromatherapist. Recent news about essential oils and the wellness and well-being benefits of using them (after checking with your doctor of course) 🙂 are one of the Wellness “Top Topics” nowadays.

I have shared the Essential 3 blog with you before, but this month, they have included a fascinating review that dives deep into the benefits of one essential oil in particular—Patchouli. Often recognized for its rich and earthy fragrance, Patchouli is not just a relic of “hippie news” from the past; it is an essential oil that truly deserves to be highlighted for its numerous benefits.

The benefits of Patchouli extend beyond just its aromatic qualities. Historically, it has been known to support emotional balance and contribute to a sense of grounding. When used in aromatherapy, Patchouli can help uplift mood and alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety. Moreover, it possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable in skincare. It can assist in the healing of minor cuts, burns, and rashes, contributing to overall skin health and appearance.

If you’re curious about how to incorporate Patchouli into your wellness routine or simply want to learn more about its applications, I highly recommend checking out the Essential 3 newsletter this month. They provide thoughtful insights and practical ideas on how to utilize this remarkable oil effectively.

Here is the link for you to read at your convenience:
https://essentialthree.com/patchouli-benefits-home-mind-body/

Embrace the wisdom of nature and explore how Patchouli can be a transformative addition to your essential oil collection. Happy reading!

All the best in Wellness !

Self-Care Using Herbs & Therapy

BIPOC Mental Health Month is celebrated in July, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, People of Color when it comes to mental health and wellness. Below is a link to an insightful article I discovered, which delves into the self-care tools and practices that African Americans have historically utilized to nurture their mental health and emotional well-being. These time-honored strategies not only reflect resilience but also offer us a glimpse into the cultural significance of self-care in the Black community.

You can learn more about Minaa and the Wellness ideas she provides at her website: https://www.minaab.com/


Do you know that the Abolitionist Harriet Tubman was an Herbalist ?

https://www.bbg.org/article/black_herbalists_harriet_tubman_emma_dupree

You can learn more about BIPOC Mental Health Month and Resources at my Wellness Connections Podcast, Episode 79. This podcast is available on Apple, Amazon Music, BuzzSprout, and other platforms.

Click the link below:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2349931

All the best in Wellness!

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