One Day Get Away (for ladies 21yrs old and older only)

BOSS Lounge (312 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35203)

Saturday August 14, 2010 from 1-5pm

Come join us for a day of a pampering that will include massage therapy, aromatherapy, mini facials, manicures, make overs, wine tasting, tips on being a healthy woman, finger foods, there will be also be a photographer to capture your day as well (all included in the price).
Extras will include K&K Fashions, a published author will have her books available, and jewelry by TKay and there will all be available for purchase, so b…ring extra money.

Tickets can be purchased at K&K Fashions in Centerpoint (205)401-6858, The Coffee Shoppe in 5 Points West (205) 202-5602 or from Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.com/tickets-external?eid=783827449&ref=etckt
Early Bird=$35, Day of Event=$40
We can only accomodate a certain amount of women for the day to be enjoyable for everyone, so get your tickets soon!

This event is sponsored by Natural Glam (Karen Harris) & TKay’s Collection (Tina Kay) with a portion of the proceeds going to help in the advocacy efforts for Sickle Cell Disease.

If you have questions or concerns you can email 1daygettaway@gmail.com or call (205)283-1682.

Your Purpose & Your Health

Debbie J. Hamby, FNP-BC

How many of you feel that not living out what’s deep inside of you is literally making you sick?

You know what to do, but you simply have not the courage to live it out.  Day in and day out you are urged from within to take that dreaded first step onto the known yet unknown path.  The path is known because you see it in your mind’s eye, you feel it, you experience it as real and familiar.  Yet the path is unknown for you have yet to truly live by FAITH guided by the spontaneous leadership of the Spirit within.

Think about it.  Which is better, to allow your purpose to perish with you or to courageously take the first step in full confidence that if you keep the vision, persistently act from that vision, that you will see it manifested in physical form.  This is healthy living!

One Big Happy Family?

I am starting to have a serious problem with the cable channel TLC. I endured the miserable marriage of Jon & Kate + 8, and have an enduring soft spot for the tulle and beaded embellishments of Say Yes to the Dress. I have made no comment on the somewhat morbid fascination the channel has with the lives of little people, little couples, or those with extreme large families. But yesterday morning I happened to catch One Big Happy Family. It’s an inside look at the Coles, an African-American family whose combined weight tops 1400 pounds. “As big as they are, their love for one another is even bigger,” the show’s profile tells us.

Wow.

Rather than taking an interventionist’s angle, the series introduces us to this family in all their cholesterol-be-darned, “why no, 14 pancakes per person is not too many” excess. Norris (340 pounds), the stay-at-home father who believes dinosaurs still roam the earth, sports beaded cornrows and shops yard sales to post items on eBay. Older daughter Amber (348 pounds) struggles to keep up as a member of her high school’s colorguard and shares that “food is [her] drug,” Tameka (380 pounds) is the long-suffering matriarch who works two jobs, and baby boy Shayne (308 pounds) admits that he was eating “fried chicken before he was two.” Food is comfort for this family, and they need a lot of it: heaping platters of butter-drenched pancakes, greasy chicken wings, and gobs of cheesecake on Family Truth Night.

The episode I caught shows the family at the Wet ‘n Wild water park, and (big surprise) they exceed the weight requirements to enjoy the more exciting rides. “At least they are attempting to get some exercise,” I thought…but all they were able to do was coast down the wave pool in innertubes.

What is the point of this show? No medical professional steps in to offer to help this family with their obvious obesity. This issue is generational and I am a little disgusted with TLC’s exploitation of this family. We see almost every inch of the effects of their extreme weight gain, and there’s really no way around that. But why did the network choose a black family to feed into (no pun intended) the race-crossing stereotype of fat, jovial people? The episode I watched cuts to an image of Shayne in a pool, alone, waxing poetic about his image and “associates” (rather than friends). But he looks pretty lonely and unconvinced of his own swag to me.

Before I get lambasted for judging this family, let me make it clear that I am not saying they need to be borderline bougie or even unrealistically thin. My complaint is that TLC never shows the other reality show participants it features in situations that are this unflattering or insulting (I take that back: Jon and Kate were an unmitigated trainwreck). Yes, I realize that the Coles signed up to participate on their own. The end result of filming, however, is a little disturbing.

As a whole, obesity seems to be a laughing matter to the Coles family. They visit a doctor, but Shayne blows off the necessity of the visit. Upcoming clips indicate that this family will re-examine their diet, exercise and make a commitment to adopt healthier behaviors and lose some pounds. But I’m still troubled by the fact that when TLC chose a family of color to profile, they picked one that portrays us (compared to the other families and individuals they regularly spotlight) in such thinly-disguised contempt (you can view the bad wigs, doo rags, moobs, unflattering camera angles and more ridiculousness for yourself HERE and HERE). According to the network’s website, “no nutritionist or personal trainer” will be offering support, advice or guidance to the family, and with such in-grained bad habits, how can they possibly succeed?

Jon & Kate received plastic surgery, hair replacement therapy, multiple book deals and endorsements off their reality show ride. And this family can’t even get a home gym, a Subway tie-in or a visit from Dr. Ian?

Yeah, right.

I’m going to keep watching; it’s great to see a family that loves and supports each other as much as this one does, and in truth, they are humorous.  It would be to the Cole family’s credit if they can motivate each other to healthier choices and success all on their own.

One Big Happy Family returns to TLC this summer.

FREE Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening

Debbie J. Hamby, FNP-BC

Hello Sistah’s!  I’m sure that many of you know of at least one person affected by cancer.  Not having health insurance is one of the reasons why many of us don’t get checked regularly or have a new breast lump checked right away.   The unfortunate result is finding cancer at later stages with possibly lower survival rates.  Fortunately, there’s an easy solution that’s available today!

Did you know that uninsured Sistah’s, may qualify for a FREE preventive health visit at La MammaSpa?

That’s right!  If you qualify, you will receive a complete history, physical exam, BMI, waist measurement, pap smear, and mammogram, which is scheduled the same day of your exam absolutely FREE!  Furthermore, La MammaSpa offers low cost preventive health labs.  These labs allow you to learn more about your risks for cardiovascular disease.  These labs includes lipid levels, thyroid function, blood count, diabetes screening, urine analysis, and comprehensive metabolic profile.

If you have a finding suspicious of breast or cervical cancer, you will be referred either for additional screenings, to a participating breast surgeon, or to a participating gynecologist for diagnostic work-up - FREE!

So, stop worrying about getting breast cancer or that lump you’ve found in your breast.  Instead, get the facts.  Let’s see if you qualify:

• Sistah’s 40 - 64 may be eligible to get full screening; Sistah’s under 40 with breast complaints may be  eligible to receive breast cancer screening service only.

• No insurance or underinsured. Underinsured is insurance that does not cover cancer screening (i.e. mammograms) or has a high deductible that the you are unable to pay.

• Meet these Income Eligibility Guidelines

(Effective March 20, 2009, until revised)
Household Size      Annual            Monthly
1                               $21,660           $1,805
2                              $29,140            $2,428
3                              $36,620            $3,052
4                              $44,100            $3,675
5                              $51,580            $4,298
6                              $59,060            $4,922
7                              $66,540            $5,545
8                              $74,020            $6,168

Do you or someone you know qualifies?  If so, call for your appointment today, 205.783.7293.

Already diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer and uninsured?

If you meet these guidelines and have a diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer and haven’t started treatment, you need to apply for Medicaid for cancer treatment!  So, don’t hesitate, let’s talk soon:  205.783.7293, email La MammaSpa@live.com, or complete the contact information below.

PASS IT ON!  SAVE A LIFE!

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It’s Your Time! Because when mama’s happy…

“It’s Your Time” is this year’s theme for National Women’s Health Week celebrated May 9 - 15, 2010.  National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health (OWH).  During this week, if you are a women, you are encouraged to make your health a top priority.  You are often the caregivers for your spouses, children, and parents and forget to focus on your own health.  According to research, by taking care of  you, the health of your family also improves.  You are encouraged to take the following simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life.

1. Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
2. Eat a nutritious diet - watch out for the carbs
   
3. Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
4. Avoid risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing seatbelt
5. Pay attention to your mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

Take these simple steps to enjoy a healthier, happier, and longer life.  Because when mama’s happy & healthy, everybody’s happy & healthy.

Debbie Hamby, FNP-BC

Ref:  http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/activity-planning/womens-health-week.pd

If you love me, going from an 8 to 18 shouldn’t matter.

How To Help Someone Quit Smoking – 12 of Life’s Best Idea To Help Someone Quit Smoking

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 01, 2010 – How do you exactly help someone, at often, people you care to quit smoking? It pains every time as you are constantly reminded of how your loved ones are trapped and imprisoned in this deadly habit. Smokers realize the harm they are causing themselves and to ensure their way to a smoke-free lifestyle would need them commit greatly. However, you are not entirely helpless when it comes to playing your part to help someone give up on their cigarettes. You can always play a decisive role in providing them support and motivations throughout their process for you to help someone quit smoking.

Here are the 12 ways on how you can provide support in a meaningful and fun way to show how much you care for loved ones.

1.   Be the listener. Do not tend to give in advice or demand unless asked by them. It is always better to ask them what they think, or get their suggestions. Just be there to listen wherever they need someone.

2.   Don’t nag or criticize them. Let them instead know that they are worth it and whatever they are doing the right thing to quit. Let them know just how important they are to you. They will feel overwhelming to know that their life means so much to somebody, in favor, they will tend to stick on their goal to quit much more effectively.

3.   Encourage them to talk and open up their feelings be it bad or good. If you talk to them, make it as lighthearted and enjoyable as possible. Refrain from frowning or looking worried, but invoke up the goodness of their well being in the near future to come.

4.   Provide an enjoyable moment as they go along. Suggest silly things to do or maybe watching a comedy. The more fun they are in the going process, the more they will take their heads off of the craving.

5.   Encourage their effort, maybe a little reward as they go along.

6.   Never blame them for what they have become. Remember, nicotine and smoking is the fiend not the smokers themselves. Never use words such as “should have”. Instead of pointing the fingers at them, blame it on nicotine and continue to care.

7.   Provide genuine praises for their effort. Say something like “Anything that is worthwhile doing takes effort and you are doing well on that.”

8.   Make yourself available. When helping someone to quit, be prepare to always be there by them. Take the effort to see how they are progressing to assure them that they always have you to be around.

9.   ‘Tickle’ or ‘tease’ them.  Let them know that learning to quit smoking does not necessarily means it’s the end of the world. You could try leaving on small tickles notes stating ‘good onya’ comments on common ground easily spotted by them.

10.   Help occupy their time and keeping them busy. Often boredom one of the main reason why they smoke therefore, keeping them away from it would distract them of their temptation to smoke.

11.   Try not to take their ‘outburst’ personally. Better yet, give them a hug or some reassurance whenever they these bothersome stuffs happen. Be aware that they are going through an emotional and physical change and at times could be hard on them. Always remember when you help someone quit smoking, despite their moods, they want to feel secure you are there to help keep their motivation going.

12.   Be ‘strict’ and steer them away from their temptation. Constantly remind them of their goals and commitment. But that doesn’t mean it has to be done seriously. Point out the obvious, such as, “We’re going to this pub tonight, because it’s smoke free.” Or “Don’t forget you’re a non-smoker now.” … say when some others in a meeting go out for a smoke.

These are exactly the steps that have to be taken as a support if you are trying to have someone quit smoking. Now remember that support and motivation is the key. Being fussed up and tensing the situation will do both no good. I hope you have benefited from this article and I can assure you that you will be doing a huge valuable favor when you help someone to quit smoking.

Smoking kills! To find out more on how to quit smoking effectively and get a hold of yourself on a free copy on the oldest and guaranteed 5 days proven action blueprint, Go Here http://best-way-to-quit-smoking-for-good.blogspot.com Now !

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Raising Awareness on Health Impacts of Botox Application

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My kid’s not fat…he’s just “big-boned”

We scour the net all the time looking for intriguing articles…and this is definitely one…check this out:

Obesity In The Inner City

I know first hand what it means to not have the right foods and sometimes not even having food to eat all. I have been blessed to cook for some of the biggest names in the world. While being exposed to the best of the best meats and produce. That has not always been the case my biggest concern I had to deal with was gangs, drugs and all out warfare in my community.

EVO - Bootcamp for Men kicks off April 13, 2010

Men play time is over! Stop wasting your time in the gym getting no results, trying to do the workouts you see in the magazines, not pushing yourself to the limits, just doing bench presses and arm curls, and doing routines that you only do for a couple of weeks…You really want to be challenged when you workout? If you are not afraid to sweat, or get pushed to your limits, check out my brand new program EVO MEN “MEN’S ONLY” Boot Camp. It’s an intense circuit workout featuring intense conditioning, power moves, and functional moves,become stronger, build stamina and melt away extra pounds? DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? If YOU think you do come try it out. Go Hard or Go Home. I guarantee that you will get the best workout you’ve had in years.

TO SIGN UP OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT   CURTIS AT 205.558.2004 OR EMAIL evo.fitness@yahoo.com

EVO watch your body evolve
2012 Magnolia South Ave R-2
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
205.558.2004

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