Keep the Conversation Going - Voices of HIV

Everyone is so different, after all we are uniquely and wonderfully made. Why wait for World Aids Day, awareness month or a celebrity affected by the virus in order for us to bring out the alarms? For those living with HIV/AIDS, the health regimen serves as a daily reminder.

The Center for Disease Control has a wonderful campaign - Let's Stop HIV Together. Let's be sure to share as HIV/AIDS is still a disease that needs to be stopped.

Where Do You Stand - High Blood Pressure?

One in three adults has high blood pressure and many are unaware. It is very important to get your blood pressure checked, it is good to know where you stand. The Center for Disease Control has created an animated series that explores the importance of understanding your blood pressure levels and how important it is to follow the instructions on lowering and control high blood pressure - preventing life threatening outcomes. Hypertension - be informed.

♬ A Change Will Do You Good ♬ Bye, Bye, Trans Fats :-)

Hooray to the Food and Drug Administration for improving our health and wellness. The media is all a buzz about the latest move by the FDA to ban trans fats. While arteries rejoice :-)

Dr Thomas Frieden the director of the Center for Disease Control sits with PBS Newshour Judy Woodruff to explain this very important health change. Change is good..........

Breastfeeding in Public - A Mother's Choice

What's all the fuss about Beyonce breastfeeding her baby in public? Is it really that big of a deal in this day and age where we claim to be a progressive society?

As a mother who breastfed all of my children, I know when it's feeding time, my breast begins to prepare for it and my baby wakes up simultaneously. It is the most incredible experience ever! It is also a moment where I find a spiritual connection of how amazingly equipped I am - I can give birth and nurture my off spring. So for me it did not matter when baby/nature calls, I respond.

What's most startling, is the fuss made about mothers breastfeeding in public. There are special brassieres made for mothers to breastfeed without exposing their full breast and in some cases where mothers have completely covered the baby with a blanket - still met opposition.

It is common knowledge that breast milk provides the baby with the essential nutrients to help with not only growth but also equips the body with the antibodies necessary to protect the baby from illnesses.

Furthermore, studies have indicated that breastfed babies have a decreased chance for allergies and dental caries. Breastfed babies are overall - healthier babies.

So whether you think that Beyonce fed her baby in public as a way to stand with the other mothers or she just knew it was time to feed her baby and that was all that matters - it's her choice to breastfeed Blue Ivy. Breastfeeding is not about being trendy, fashionable or fancy.

I just hope that our society wakes up and really get's it together. The news headlines with expressions of outrage for breast feeding in public is simply ridiculous. In my opinion, the benefits far outweighs the ignorant reactions.

For more information on breastfeeding and the initiative to promote and increase the number of breastfed children:
Center for Disease Control on Breastfeeding
World Health Organization on Breastfeeding

Prime Season for Hantavirus

When all seems right with the world, things can suddenly go all wrong. Dr. David Hartstein, a 35year old husband and father of three young children began to feel sick with flu like symptoms that escalated to a high fever.In addition, he complained of having shortness of breath. At first it was thought to be a bug or Lyme disease but it all came to an abrupt end that left everyone in shock.

It all began to manifest after Dr. Hartstein cleaned his basement. It is there that health officials believe that he contracted the hantavirus. Hantavirus is transmitted from inhaling airborne desiccated mouse droppings. In fact, further testings from the Suffolk County Health Department and the CDC has confirmed that Dr. Hartstein's death was due to the hantavirus.

As we cover many health and wellness topics, we want to explore the ones that are sometimes overlooked. Many of us wont think twice about sweeping or cleaning our attic, basement or other areas that have we feel needs to be organized/maintained. However, we do not consider the potential dangers/risks that may affect our health as our goal is to clean up so that we may avoid any potential health hazards. In fact, Dr. Hartstein was cleaning after a flooding in their basement and had no idea that his life would end within the next two weeks.

Review the steps to prevent Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

It Can Happen to You - A Stroke

A new interest on strokes has surged with recent passing of famed saxophonist Clarence Clemons Jr.known for his amazing sound with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The Big Man as he is also called has accompanied many other artists from Aretha Franklin, Twisted Sister, Grateful Dead, Ringo Star and most recently Lady Gaga. The news of his death was met with great sadness as fans spontaneously gathered to pay respects

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 137,000 Americans die of a stroke each year. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Everyone is at risk, however, as we get older, the chances of having a stroke increases.

As many mourn the loss of this musical icon, we must be informed about the disease and also encouraged by others who have survived.

Clarence Clemons and Bruce Springsteen

Life Saving Information from Dr. Carolyn Brockington



A Survivor's Journey