Behind every strong or successful man there’s a woman just as strong supporting and encouraging that man to become the person that he is or will be. For some men, that may be their wives. However, nobody cared and sacrificed more than the woman that many men like to call “momma.” Recently, we had the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart with the ambitious, sanctified, and beautiful Mayzelle Hill; the mother of the sensational R&B artist Lorenzo Owens.

She’s poised, sophisticated, and looking just as young and fresh as she wants to be, at the age of 55. Don’t worry; we got permission to say her age! We wanted to know her secret. How does she keep herself in such good shape? Mrs. Hill revealed to GIRLFRIENDS all her tips and tricks to maintain not only her physical health, but spiritual health as well. When asked to give us her workout routine, what we thought would be a complex answer was actually quite simple, “I do the treadmills for about 30 minutes and then the elliptical for about 25 to 30 minutes.” Wow! Only about an hour a day? A little walking here and there; maybe getting in shape isn’t so hard after all!

She started learning the importance of maintaining good health in 2001 after dealing with high cholesterol, “then with getting older, you know that stuff just started coming out.” Mrs. Hill is living proof that with a little dedication, you can get your health back on track by working out four to five days a week and eating the proper foods. She also revealed another powerful tool used to keep her healthy; Noni Juice. She shared her testimony, “Originally, from the age of 18 to year 2000, I was on meds because of asthma. I started working out and drinking the Noni Juice. I started the Noni Juice in January, and in May my doctor took me off of my medication and I haven’t taken any since! I take it religiously.”

Now, we couldn’t let Mrs. Hill leave the interview without talking about her handsome son, Lorenzo Owens. We had to know, what it’s like being the mother of an R&B artist. All she could was laugh and say, “I just enjoy seeing him do what he loves to do. He loves to sing! I just enjoy him doing what he wants to do.”Because of her spirituality, she knows that she wouldn’t have been able to fight cholesterol and defeat asthma without God. A member of  Metropolitan

Church, Mrs. Hill’s faith is what gave her the strength to raise three children, maintain a healthy marriage, and be the beautiful woman she is today. So, what advice does Mrs. Mayzelle Hill have for our girlfriends? “My advice to anyone is to always lean and depend on the Lord.  Bottom line; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.” 

To have vision is to have unusual discernment or foresight; something that everyone does not possess. There have been great things that have come from vision and this very magazine is one of them. Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color started as the vision of publisher Matthew Johnson. After the passing of his mother, Ida Mae Johnson, in April 2006, Matthew was inspired to do something.

Mrs. Johnson passed from congestive heart failure and Matthew, her youngest son, was by her side when she crossed over. As much as it hurts to lose your mom, this was the closure that he needed to move on. “I’d never thought I could even talk about my mother dying, nevertheless, thinking about it,” he confessed.

It was on a trip to Atlanta, three months later, there the idea of Girlfriends Health Guide was born. While there, he came across a similar magazine that he knew he could do better. He came up with the name on the plane ride back home. “What do women call each other that’s easy, that rolls off the tongue of every woman?” he asked. “Every woman calls her best friend her girlfriend.” And that’s how Girlfriends Health Guide was born, and it has been in existence for a little over a year now and shows no signs of stopping soon!

There’s been an overwhelming response so far. Women love it and the way that it has touched their lives. They’ve been able share their stories and bond with their sistas. They now know that all the hard work that they’ve done doesn’t go unappreciated and someone else is thinking of them. And what’s even better is that it’s the women themselves who tell their own stories. That’s what makes Girlfriends so unique. For the most part, all the women that are featured in Girlfriends Health Guide are everyday women, unlike other publications. With Girlfriends, it’s not about the celebrity woman, but the woman who works hard everyday and comes home and starts the second job of maintaining a household and taking care of her family. These women are famous in their own right amongst their kids, their husbands or significant others, and their families because they do the real work. “It is so important that I reach out to women because first of all, I love women. I love my wife, I love my daughters, my sisters; and all that comes from my mom,” said Matthew. “It takes a strong man to honor and love his woman, and for those guys out there who feel they’re giving up something, they just don’t understand that if the woman ain’t happy, they can’t be happy, and that’s just how it is.”

As the anniversary of his mother’s death approaches, as well as Mother’s Day, Matthew sees it as a celebration of his mother’s life. “I look at it as I’m celebrating her for what she’s accomplished, how she loved, and how her love still reigns amongst my brothers and sisters and my family, so her presence is still here,” he explained. He knows how important the blessing of a mother is and he was blessed to know and understand that at a young age. “Your mom is a person, too. She has her mistakes, she has all the things that make her; but one thing she is; she’s still yo’ mama!” he laughed. “And as long as she’s yo’ mama, she should be celebrated!”

Ultimately, Mr. Johnson sees Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color being the ultimate source for women, especially women of color, getting the information about their health and sharing it. When all is said and done Matthew wants the women of Girlfriends “to have experience, reading the magazine, attending one of our events, or just getting to know herself.”

For me, keeping peace, balance and clarity in my life is the key. Maintaining it is challenging, though not impossible. Here’s what helps me.

The first step to health for me is honesty. We have to be honest with ourselves about where we are and where we’re not….then we can draw lines and color them in. The beginning stage for me was to set some quiet time aside in the morning to be still. I light a candle, listen to my water fountain, open the windows, and let the morning love come in – whether it’s sunlight or rain. I have a cup of coffee and just get still so I can act on what the spirit voice or anointing tells me to do. This is the beginning of having peace in my life.

I also strive for clarity, realizing that no matter what, it’s always better to know what I’m dealing with than not. For example, in the beginning of my acting career, I would fall apart and go absolutely nuts about not booking an audition. If I didn’t get the job, I’d go to bed with my clothes on!  Chile please, I’d be right under those sheets! But it was clarity that allowed me to start dealing with the rejection and to be alright with it.  Clarity allows me to go one step at a time to get things done. It shows me that whatever I can control, I will and what I can’t, I must let go.  It reminds me that what’s for me, I’ll have, whether I try and get it or not.  It also reminds me that forcing something that’s not meant to be won’t work out anyway, so why bother?

And last, but certainly not least, exercise is major for me. I do Pilates which involves lots of stretching. It’s a way to wake up your body and create vitality. The end result is you get a body that reflects what health and fitness look and feel like.

Lets face it girls, the spirit can’t use you if you’re not healthy because in that case, you need assistance!! And by all means, let’s be healthy together!
-Kellita Smith, Actress

Greetings Girlfriends from Chef Deborah! In 2006, I was told I had borderline high blood pressure, 160/85.  I weighed 170 pounds! Prior to this, events in my life kept happening; a divorce and a broken arm from a bad fall; what else could happen?  I was scared because my mother had high blood pressure, which lead to so many other health complications prior to her death.  I had to take control of my own health!  So, now I eat less meat and more fruits, vegetables and fish.  I weigh 138 pounds, and my blood pressure is normal and I take no high blood pressure medication.  I took control of my health through my eating habits, and as the resident chef for GFHG, this is my commitment to give you tips on how to eat healthier with simple recipes that don’t compromise taste.

Savory Chicken Stuffed Red & Green Peppers with Brown Rice © 2004

Chef Deborah A Spriggs-Ross

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 4) May Reduce or Double Recipe

2 Red & 2 Green Peppers for fun!

1 lb of chicken breast cubed

Salt & pepper to taste

2 tbsp of olive oil

¼ teaspoon of almond extract

1 cup of quick brown rice to save time

½ cup of sliced mushrooms

1 tbsp of butter (or olive oil)

1 cup of low fat mozzarella cheese (reserve ¼ cup)

Directions

1. Boil green peppers for 8 minutes.  Set aside to be stuffed later.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, toss in almond extract, and brown in olive oil.

3. Prepare brown rice according to the box.

4. Brown the mushrooms with the butter or olive oil.

5. Mix in cheese, except 1/4 cup.

6. Then mix all ingredients together, except the cheese, which is for topping the peppers.

7. Cut tops off peppers and gently clean out seeds, then stuff the peppers, top with cheese, bake at 375 °F for 20-22 minutes.

When and how do you tell your mother or father they can no longer safely live on their own? Or worst yet, when do you tell your parent that his or her dementia is getting worse, or he or she isn’t coming back home after this latest hospital trip. Could I be talking to you?  Maybe, you’ve watched as your parents had to make these emotional choices with your grandparents. That’s where the “40/70 rule” comes in. I learned about it from one of my guests on FOX 6 Wakeup.

The rule is this: when either you hit 40 or your parent reaches 70 (whichever comes first), that’s the time to start having discussions about their finances, driving and living arrangements.

How many times have you heard the story about an older adult who gets an official-sounding call on the phone from someone posing as a lottery official. The victim goes to the bank and withdraws thousands.  After they mail the money, they ask an adult child about it. Only then, it’s too late. The money is gone.

Our senior care expert says a good place to start is by noticing your parents’ mail.  Are they keeping up with their bills? Offer your help with their banking and bill payments. Together, get an understanding of your parents’ financial situation. Set up a budget together.  Consider getting long-term care insurance to help provide for their care later, if necessary.

And here’s a heads up on this one–not talking isn’t going to make this one go away!

Have the talk sooner than later.  Ask for help.  For a lead on some resources, go to myfoxmilwaukee.com and search “Seen on Wakeup.”

-Kim Murphy, Fox 6

 

 

In comparing healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, there are some key questions we can ask ourselves to determine whether or not we are in a relationship that is good for us. Taking time to address these questions now might, in the long-run, improve your overall mental health and the state of your friendships and/or dating relationships. Taking the time right now also may contribute to improved sexual and reproductive health as you come to recognize barriers that can prevent you from taking care of yourself and having your needs met.

Here are some widely-recognized questions to ask yourself when thinking about your relationships:

1. Do I feel respected in my relationship?

2. Do I feel safe and secure in my relationship?

3. Does my friend or partner value honesty/share similar values?

4. Do we have mutual interests and understanding?

5. Does my friend or partner respect my culture, faith and/or morals?

6. Can I trust this person to not cause me physical, sexual or emotional harm?

7. Do we have fun consistently, or is there more arguing than laughter?

8. Do I feel respect for myself? Can I set boundaries with my friend or partner?

If you answered “no” to several of these questions, it’s time to think about what needs changing.  Unfortunately, as adult women, we often identify and care for the needs of others before ourselves.  As healthy women…as powerful women…as self-aware women, we must begin by paying attention to ourselves and by asking important questions about our relationships.  And when the questions are sorted through and the problems are identified, we can talk to someone (counselor, physician, friend, etc.) who can help us begin to recognize what is better, healthier and happier.

 

                                                                       -Aimee Gironimi, M.Ed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         aimee.gironimi@ppwi.org

                                                                       

Hey Girlfriends!  Did you know that DEPRESSION is one of the most common mental health disorders among women of color?  It is the leading cause of suicide among women between 16 and 65 years of age!  At times we may not notice the signs and symptoms of depression.  As a result, we tend to experience emotional and physical problems on a daily basis.  Below, you will find a list that will assist you in recognizing the signs of depression.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEPRESSED?????!!!!!!!

1. I have trouble sleeping or I sleep too much.
2. A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or weight loss.
3. I am really tired and I lack energy.
4. Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt.
5. I can’t concentrate on anything.
6. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
7. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
8. I am agitated, restless, and irritable.
9. Withdrawal from daily activities.
10. My sexual appetite is gone. (Don’t touch me!!)
11. I am sad and tearful.  I cry often.
12. I just want to be left alone.
13. Lack of pleasure from activities that used to make me happy.
14. I have physical aches and pains, including headaches, stomachaches, etc.
15. Sudden changes in job or school performance.
16. I have sudden mood swings.
17. I don’t feel anything.  I am numb.

There are several risk factors for developing depression.  Depression often runs in families.  This may be due to your genes (inherited).  However, not everybody with a family history of depression will develop the illness.  In addition, depression can occur in women who have no family members with the illness.  This suggests that other factors such as chemical imbalances, environmental stressors, or psychosocial factors may play a role in the onset of depression.  Below is a list of possible factors that can lead to depression.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING DEPRESSION:

1. Alcohol or drug abuse.
2. Childhood trauma: abuse or neglect.
3. Chronic stress.
4. The loss of a friend, relative, or a pet.
5. Disappointment at home, school, or work.
6. The ending of a relationship (divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend).
7. Side effects of medications.
8. Medical and/or health conditions.
9. Nutritional deficiencies.
10. Overly negative thoughts about oneself and life, low self-esteem, and self-blame.
11. Involvement in a physically or mentally abusive relationship.
12. Involvement in an unhappy relationship with a partner, friend, family member, co-worker, or schoolmate.
13. Prolonged pain or having a major illness.
14. Sleeping problems.
15. Poverty, racism, injustice, or discrimination

If you believe that you are experiencing depression………………………………………

PLEASE DON’T WAIT!  SEEK HELP NOW!  IT’S IMPORTANT!

If unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor, OB/GYN physician, or health clinic for assistance.  You can also check the Yellow Pages under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,” “crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses.  In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.  Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services (National Institute of Mental Health, March, 2008).

Hey Girlfriends!!  I’d like to welcome you to another informative issue of Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color.  I have only been in this role since January and I have been blessed to meet so many powerful women who have inspired me. Sitting down to interview them wasn’t like doing a regular interview.  It was more like talking to a girlfriend and it’s ironic, but that’s what this is all about!

Talking to women like our covergirl, Ms.Chrishirella Warthen, made me realize that growing older is something to look forward to!  These women are beautiful, intelligent, independent, and powerful!  Can we say: DIVA!!!  Being that I am now 27, I am quickly approaching 30 and I’ve realized that I’m not getting old, honey, I’m gettin’ better!!!

This issue of Girlfriends deals with the issue of mental health; something we all know a little bit about, right?  Now you know sistas, we’ve all had those moments where we go a little mental!  This issue will enlighten you on some of the different issues surrounding mental health, like depression, healthy relationships and dealing with the illnesses that sistas face.  So take this issue of Girlfriends Health Guide for Women of Color and embrace it, learn from it, and share it with your favorite girlfriend!

~NaMia Moore

Editorial Manager

As women of color, we do it all.  We are mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, cousins, aunts, girlfriends, and friends.  All of this, while having careers, holding down the household, and taking care of the ones we love.  As if we were Superwoman, we tend to take it upon ourselves to do it all!  Even though, while doing this, we neglect ourselves.

Chrishirella Warthen, University Director for Pre-college programs for Cardinal Stritch, is a sista who knows all about that and is making time to do what she has to while getting to know herself – the good, the bad, and the ugly!

In education for about 14 years, Chrishirella has graduate degrees in educational leadership, and her work is based on working with young people in grades K-12; something she loves. 

Chrishirella has a very demanding professional career.  Not to mention, she’s currently completing her doctoral studies and will be conferred in May with her Ph.D.  Yeah, sista girl has got it going on!

It was an unexpected bout with fibroids that woke her up and made her realize that she needed to pay more attention to her health.  “When I had those fibroid tumors, it scared me to pieces!”  Now, she makes sure that she does what she has to do to prevent those fibroids from coming back.  She takes a shitake mushroom extract and certain herbs on a regular basis, but it’s the frame of mind that’s most important for her.  Addressing her whole self; mind, body and soul, is what has helped

Chrishirella become healthier.

Mind – Every morning Chrishirella wakes up and meditates on an affirmation.  She finds something that speaks to her and takes hold of it and meditates on it.  It’s what helps get her day going. “It helps me to focus my day, it quiets my thoughts,” she explained.  “Because when you wake up in the morning, you’re thinking about the millions of things that you have to do.”

Taking care of her mind is one way that Chrishirella relieves stress.  Spoiling herself is another.  Whether it’s going to the movies by herself or indulging in a luxurious bubble bath, this diva loves doing her and spoiling herself.  She doesn’t expect others to treat her to those special things; she does it for her!  She even has a little acronym for stress:

It’s a

Sister’s

Time to

Rejuvenate,

Exfoliate those negatives, and get in the

Spirit of

Self!

Body – Not only does girlfriend take care of her mind, but she’s exercises to take care of her body.  Chrishirella has been doing Fat Burning Pilates for four or five years. “Its high energy and then I can do the routine!  I don’t feel like I have two left feet!” she laughed.  Chrishirella also makes sure that she eats the right foods. The vegetarian is now incorporating raw foods into her diet.  She credits her vegetarian mother for making sure that she knew the value of nourishing her body with good food.

Soul –

Chrishirella knows that it’s not enough to just nurture the mind and body, but she has to get the soul too!  That’s why she keeps some nurturing sistas around her.  She explained that she has an enormous “sister girlfriend” base!  “My grandmother always said, ‘You surround yourself with the people you wanna be like’.   And my sister friends are just a beautiful potpourri of that,” she explained.  Girlfriends are the ones that are there to push you when you need it and celebrate you and all your accomplishments.  “There’s nothing that I’m ashamed of that I can’t share with my sister friends, and I think those are the kind of sister friends you want.”

The most important friend that Chrishirella keeps close is God.  She grew up knowing to ask the Lord to give her strength. The power of prayer and the fact that she allows God to order her steps is what keeps her spiritually healthy.  “I am very aware of the Creator and the power of the Creator.  I recognize that and that’s where I get my strength,” she said.

At the end of the day, Chrishirella Warthen uses the analogy of a flower to describe herself.  “I like to be in bloom!  I love me when I’m radiant!”  Radiant she is and this diva knows what she’s got to do to keep blooming.  Because for her, everything is in divine order.  When asked to give our girlfriends some advice, the answer that resonated the most was:  “As sisters, we are queens and we need to act, speak, and behave in that way towards ourselves and each other.”

Sweet Corn & Three Cheese Chowder

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 4) - Easy to double this recipe!

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of butter
• One 1/2 of both red and yellow onion
• 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
• 2 large cloves of garlic minced
• 1/4 cup of baby portabella mushrooms (optional)
• 1 large potato
• 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of cream
• 1 1/2 cup of vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup of fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cups of fresh corn off the cob (4 Ears)
• 1/4 cup of Colby cheese, 1/4 cup of sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup of parmesan, all grated
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped Italian parsley to garnish

DIRECTIONS

1.  Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan.  Add the onions, red bell pepper, and garlic, mushroom and potato.  Saute over very low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes.

2.  Stir in the flour and cook for about 30 second.  Slowly add the milk, cream and stock.

3.  Add the broccoli and corn, bring all to a soft boil, stirring constantly.  Lower heat and simmer for about 25 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

4.  Add all cheese’s, stir until all is completely melted.

5.  Season with salt and pepper.  Spoon into bowls and top off with parsley to garnish.