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Giving as Medicine for the Soul

According to Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, giving is about more than just money—it’s about offering your time, your talent, or whatever is meaningful to you.

Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich
A woman in a sleeveless green dress stands at a clear podium, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long, dark hair and wears a pink ribbon pin, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. A projection screen behind her shows a live feed of her speech.

Breast cancer survivor Karla Mingo shares her journey to inspire women and emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection.

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
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Health Topics

Changing Lives, One ‘Mo’ at a Time: The Heartfelt Power of Movember

Changing Lives, One ‘Mo’ at a Time: The Heartfelt Power of Movember

November is more than just a month to celebrate autumn; it’s also the time when men worldwide unite under the banner of “Movember.” This annual campaign, combining mustaches and men’s health awareness, has taken the world by storm. It’s a unique and engaging way to address some of the most pressing health issues faced by men. Movember is more than just facial hair; it’s about sparking important conversations and creating lasting change.

The Movember Movement


Movember is a movement that originated in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003 when a group of friends decided to grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, spreading its message to over 20 countries. The central focus of Movember is to raise awareness and funding for men’s physical and mental health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges such as depression and suicide.

The Mustache: A Symbol of Change

One of the most recognizable aspects of Movember is, of course, the mustache. Participants, affectionately known as “Mo Bros,” commit to growing and grooming a mustache throughout the month of November. The mustache becomes a conversation starter, allowing Mo Bros to explain the purpose behind their facial hair transformation and the importance of men’s health awareness.

The Power of Conversation


Movember is more than just a hairy endeavor. It encourages open and honest conversations about men’s health issues that are often stigmatized or overlooked. By sporting a mustache, Mo Bros spark discussions with friends, family, and colleagues about prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. These conversations play a crucial role in reducing the stigma associated with these issues, prompting men to seek help when needed.

Movember is also a fundraising initiative. Participants are encouraged to seek donations from their communities and social networks, with the proceeds going to a range of men’s health programs and research. These funds support various organizations that are dedicated to improving the physical and mental well-being of men worldwide.

While prostate and testicular cancer are significant concerns, mental health issues have become an increasingly critical aspect of Movember’s mission. The campaign emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health challenges and promoting mental well-being in men. Depression and suicide are issues that affect countless men, and Movember strives to make a difference in their lives.

Movember is more than a month-long journey of mustache growth; it’s a movement with a powerful purpose. By fostering conversations about men’s health and raising funds for crucial programs and research, Movember has made a substantial impact on the lives of countless men. This annual campaign inspires positive change, encourages men to take control of their health, and reminds the world that the journey towards a healthier, happier, and mustachioed future is a shared one. So, whether you’re growing a mustache or supporting someone who is, remember that during Movember, every ‘stache tells a story and contributes to the journey of change.

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A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages

From Burnout to Balance: Why Black Women Must Prioritize Self-Care at Work

By the time Alexis walks into the office, she’s already exhausted. She was up before dawn making sure her kids had what they needed for school, checking in on her aging mother, and answering a few work emails before she even stepped out the door. At work, she’s the go-to problem solver, the reliable one, the woman who “somehow does it all.” But beneath her polished exterior, she carries the weight of unspoken expectations, microaggressions, and the constant pressure to prove herself. The stress lingers in her tight shoulders, her pounding headaches, and the emotional eating she turns to late at night when the world is finally quiet. Like so many Black women in the workplace, Alexis is running on empty—because somewhere along the way, she learned that taking care of herself came last.

As Black women, we've inherited a complex relationship with self-care. From being celebrated as the "strong Black woman" to carrying the weight of our families and communities, taking care of ourselves often falls last on our endless to-do lists. As someone who gained and lost over 700 pounds before finding freedom from stress eating, emotional overeating, and yoyo dieting, I understand this struggle intimately.

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Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access

Kimberly VanYsseldyk, MN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, ACGN, CGRA — a highly respected Nurse Practitioner —works diligently with the National Consortium of Breast Centers to improve information about Cancer Genetic Risk Assessments.

Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life-changing for any woman, but for many women of color, it often comes with additional challenges—limited access to healthcare, cultural and language barriers, and a long history of mistrust toward the medical system.

Why Genetic Testing Matters

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Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters
New England Cord Blood Bank

Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters

Every July, Cord Blood Awareness Month brings attention to a powerful, life-saving resource that many parents may not even realize they have access to: cord blood. This observance promotes education about what cord blood is, its potential uses in medicine, and the importance of banking or donating it for future treatment options. While often discarded after birth, cord blood contains stem cells with the power to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases, making it an invaluable asset in modern medicine.

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth. This blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, the same type of cells found in bone marrow. These stem cells have the ability to develop into various types of blood and immune system cells, which is why they are often used in stem cell transplants for treating blood-related conditions.

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UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks
Photo by Daoudi Aissa on Unsplash

UV Safety Month: Why It Matters and the Rising Tide of UV-Related Health Risks

Every July, UV Safety Month serves as a critical public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of sun protection. Sponsored in part by organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this awareness campaign aims to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of skin cancer and other UV-related health conditions.

Why UV Safety Matters

UV radiation, a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds, is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays reach the surface and pose serious health risks.

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Rest is Revolutionary: Why Overworking is Wrecking Your Health

Rest is Revolutionary: Why Overworking is Wrecking Your Health

In our quick-moving world, many see rest as a treat, not a must-have. We praise non-stop work, look up to those who put in long hours, and show off how tired we are. But the truth? Working too much does more bad than good. Not getting enough rest has an impact on health leading to burnout, ongoing stress, and worse overall health.

Despite what many think, rest isn't being lazy, it's key to a healthy balanced life. Making time to rest has an influence on mental health just like working out and eating well. Without it, our bodies and minds take a hit making it tough to be at our best. You need to know the importance of rest for mental health.

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