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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
Research

Giving as Medicine for the Soul

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.

Health Awareness Month Calendar

From Pain to Passion: Karla Mingo’s Journey Inspires During Cancer Survivors Month

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
Women

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

Health Topics

West Nile Virus This Summer: A Growing Threat

West Nile Virus This Summer: A Growing Threat
Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash
Beth Frutkin
By Beth FrutkinJul 09, 2024
Beth Frutkin
Founder and driving force behind Divine Health, Beth combines her expertise in marketing and technology to make health information accessible, engaging, and impactful. Her passion for health education stems from personal experiences and a desire to bridge the gap between science and everyday wellness, ensuring readers have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Through Divine Health, she curates and shares valuable insights on nutrition, fitness, mental health, medical advancements, and emerging health trends.
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As the summer of 2024 unfolds, the threat of West Nile virus (WNV) looms large, with recent reports indicating a surge in cases across several states in the U.S. West Nile virus, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, has become a significant public health concern during the warmer months when mosquito activity peaks.

In 2023, Colorado experienced one of the worst West Nile virus outbreaks in the United States, with a combination of wet weather and increased mosquito activity contributing to the spread (UCHealth). This trend appears to continue into 2024, with states like Nevada also reporting high levels of mosquito activity and positive WNV tests in mosquito pools (Home). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted that mosquito season, which typically spans from June through fall, is the critical period for WNV transmission (CDC).

Health Impacts

West Nile virus can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. While many infected individuals may not show symptoms, about 1 in 5 will develop fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases, which occur in about 1 out of 150 infected individuals, can lead to neurological issues such as encephalitis or meningitis, potentially resulting in long-term complications or death (CDC) (UCHealth).

Prevention Measures

Given the lack of vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus, prevention remains the best strategy. Here are some key steps to protect yourself:

  1. Avoid Mosquito Bites: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk).
  2. Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty items that collect water, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters.
  3. Use Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Public health officials continue to monitor and address the spread of West Nile virus through surveillance and mosquito control programs. Staying informed about local mosquito activity and taking personal precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

For more detailed information on West Nile virus and ongoing updates, you can visit the CDC's West Nile Virus page (CDC) (CDC).

By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, we can collectively minimize the impact of West Nile virus this summer. Stay safe and vigilant to protect yourself and your community from this growing health threat.

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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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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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Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D., a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, is dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to the best possible options for their breast surgery.

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

For many breast cancer patients, surviving the disease is just one part of the journey. The path forward often includes physical healing, emotional restoration, and reclaiming one’s sense of self. That’s where oncoplastic surgery is changing the landscape—offering women not only life-saving procedures but also renewed confidence and dignity.

This innovative approach blends oncology (cancer surgery) with plastic and reconstructive techniques, allowing surgeons to remove tumors while reshaping the breast for a more natural appearance. The result? A holistic healing process that honors both survival and self-image.

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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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