Stress impacts cognitive decline. Older African-Americans with higher levels of perceived stress have more rapid declines in global cognition than those with lower levels. (Am J of Geriatric Psychiatry) I can only imagine the effect of the stress of racism, over a lifetime.
Read MoreIf you are a health professional reading this, it’s time for you to step outside of traditions in medicine and take a look at Lifestyle Medicine…..for the sake of your patients, but more importantly for the focus of the care you provide your patients.
Read MoreAs I was building my arsenal of weapons to fight breast cancer 28 years ago, I came across an article by Herb Pierson, of the National Cancer Institute. He was doing a study on “phytochemicals” contained ONLY in plant foods that have formed the basis of folkloric recipes to evaluate the levels and effects of those phytochemicals on human health.
Read MoreResearch suggests that the stress that develops due to experiencing or witnessing racism can have long-lasting effects, increasing the risk of chronic disease and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression in both children and adults. Maybe, it’s time for us to do the work of healing our own wounded souls.
Read MoreOkay!!! The Holiday Celebrations have come to an end. And, we have entered 2024!!! Whooo Hoooo!! What a Blessing!! I know, some of yawl are already backing up from those resolutions you made. Here’s my take!!
Read MoreIf this is the year that you’ve embraced a plant powered diet, you might be a little concerned about your holiday options. Not to worry!! Auntie Donna’s got you covered with some of my favorites that have been tried and tested.
Read MoreFrom sea to shining sea, America don’t believe that Black folk are equal. Some Americans don’t even believe we are human. Laws changed during the civil rights movement, but not hearts.
Read MoreThose buses were making the rounds this morning!! School starts early down South where I live. I think it’s partly to avoid the heat (though it’s hot as the dickens right now, so I guess they mean the heat in June). And, it’s partly to make sure there are enough days to cover snow which shuts us completely down and partly the threat of tornadoes which has us running for cover.
Read MoreThis gardening journey has taken us through tillers, composts, critters, drought, worms, watering woes, bounty, volunteer plants, mislabeled packages and harvest. But, the power that lay in the seeds that we planted, burst through the ground and against all odds, did what it do……it grew.
Read MoreIf you are headed to the Family Reunion, I’ve got some tips to help you make it one of the best ever. But, first be sure to pack your supply of boundaries cause errbody ain’t done their “work” and you know how that can be.
Read MoreWhen you’re going through traumatic events, you may know that they are wrong, but you may not actually realize that they are traumatic……cause it’s normal in your family/community.
Read MoreTo those entering/serving racial and ethnic minorities and AI/AN communities…..leave your biases at the door…….enter each encounter with caution and care. Come with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information, and resources that honor our traditions......It’s life changing I tell ya!!
Read MoreWe are almost at the end of the first week of 2023!! Yawl alright!!! Still going to the gym and waiting to use equipment? Still guzzling down those green drinks?? I’m checkin in on you!! I don’t want you to be discouraged.
Read MoreIn a few days, we will celebrate all things new as we enter 2023, full of hope and great anticipation of something better. Don’t know how you will bring the New Year in, but I will be at church in worship. It’s an integral part of my culture’s celebrations…..dating back to Watch Night Services.
Read MoreFor many, the holidays are a sad reminder of what was. We are triggered by sights and sounds and smells. And, perhaps the worst part is the anticipation of how bad it’s gonna be. It can be. But, it doesn’t have to be.
Read MoreIf you’ve got any parties or other gatherings this Holiday Season, here are some great ideas to add to the buffet!! And, of course, they are all plant powered!!! If you’re looking for more delicious, plant powered recipes, visit our website and order a copy for yourself or to give as a gift.
Read MoreI was told by my physicians that because I was 37 and Black and the cancer was aggressive and had spread (6 of 17 lymph nodes) that the most they could guarantee me to live was 2-5 years max…… I got to thinking……I believe in a Creator God who MADE me!!! And, it was kind of hard for me to believe that He would determine my ethnicity and date of birth and make that a Risk Factor for disease and death!!!
Read MoreMy primary doc warned me that I shouldn’t tell people that if they changed their choices that they could change their health……but now I didn’t just know this theoretically. I was living it experientially and it was Somethin’ To Shout About!!!
Read MoreAs we were finishing our morning walk the other day, I slowed down to feel the cool morning breeze and the warm sunshine on my face. As I looked around, I saw a flurry of leaves falling from one of the many trees on our driveway. It was beautiful. I love seeing the change in season from summer to fall. And, as i watched, I was reminded of something I once heard “Fall, shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”
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