Shirley Murdock, the inspirational mind behind Girlfriends theme song, “I Can Love Me Better Than That,”will also serve as a contributing columnist. In each issue, Ms. Murdock will provide readers with words of spirituality to revitalize your soul and well-being.

I think ministry is more than just praise and worship. It’s encouraging people with their faith in God, with their fellow man. Somebody might be getting their head whooped up. It’s got to get better than that! You need to take your joy back. It’s about your self-esteem and taking your dreams back. READ MORE

Desiree is a certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer for the national organization, World Instructors Training School (W.I.T.S.) and she has received numerous continual education credits from NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association). She is currently certified in the following areas of fitness- Cardio-Kickboxing, Personal Training, Fit Kids, Breath, Stretch and Relax, Sit To Be Fit, Plyometric, Step Aerobics, Can I Get a Better Body, Fitness Guidelines.

Not only helping people achieve their personal needs, but also their spiritual needs, Desiree provided services for several religious establishments and community organizations in the City of Milwaukee for over 10 years.

Her goals in 2007 are to connect with other organizations like “Girlfriends” to promote better ways for people to have fun while exercising and to acquire her Yoga certification. READ MORE

Obesity and depression among women of color is at an all time high. Sixty-three percent of African American women are obese and overweight. Sixty percent of African American women suffer from symptoms of depression. Many Psychologists have found that obesity and depression go hand in hand.

Some of the signs of depression that can lead to obesity include, increased appetite, weight gain, excessive sleeping, loss of energy, loss of interest in activities, and loss of sexual appetite. Women of color who experience these symptoms find it difficult to implement a physical exercise routine or establish a healthy diet, which will increase the risk of weight gain. READ MORE

Spinach Dip with Mushrooms
Ingredients

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups fat-free sour cream
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
3 green onions, chopped

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well, cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled with a variety of raw vegetables. READ MORE

Ladies, spring is a perfect time to emerge from winter’s hibernation and renew your mind, body and spirit, so get up, get out, and do something good for yourself!

As women of color, we rarely make time for ourselves, and more times than not, our health suffers for it. There are so many simple and fun ways to start your fitness regimen while you enjoy the great state of Wisconsin. In Door County, a stroll through the Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor provides you with 1,440 acres of native wildflowers along rustic trails and bridges. In Baraboo, Devil’s Lake State Park offers miles of hiking trails and mountain biking for every degree of ability. In many of Wisconsin’s coastal cities, you are sure to find some great spots to walk along Lake Michigan. Learn more about Wisconsin’s State Parks at www.wiparks.net. READ MORE

Blood Pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood at right angles to the walls of the blood vessels. Unless indicated otherwise, blood pressure refers to systemic arterial blood pressure, i.e., the pressure in the large arteries delivering blood to body parts other than the lungs, such as the brachial artery (in the arm). The pressure of the blood in other vessels is lower than the arterial pressure.

DID YOU KNOW…
• High blood pressure affects about one-third of all African American women. READ MORE

Arthritis in Women Provided by the Arthritis Foundation
(Wisconsin Chapter)
Nearly 46 million Americans have some type of arthritis or a related condition. That’s one in three people! The term “arthritis” encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues. Arthritis can cause mild to severe pain in the joints, as well as joint tenderness and swelling.

The various forms of arthritis and related conditions can affect anyone, no matter what your race, gender or age. However, it is especially important for women to be educated about these diseases since they affect women at a much higher rate than men. Sixty percent of all people who have arthritis are female, and several of the more common forms are more prevalent in women. READ MORE

“Think Health, Act Now!”
Vivian decided years ago that it was time to take control of her mind, body and soul by making a lifestyle change. She wanted to prevent herself from developing health problems associated with being overweight or obese by keeping her weight in check. Her family had a history of obesity and bad eating habits.

Her time is a premium due to her hectic and busy schedule as the Health Opeations Director for the City of Milwaukee Health Department. However, she finds the time to be active. Being overweight or obese is not an option for her. She identifies ways to reduce weight through daily exercise, proper rest and reduction in caloric intake. READ MORE

Our bodies have over 60 trillion cells with each needing to communicate with one another. Hormones are the chemical messengers that travel through our blood stream, enter cells by unlocking a door called a receptor, and flip the switches that govern growth, development, and mental and physical functioning. The exact chemical structure of the body’s hormones is incredibly important, because in order for hormone therapy to fully replicate the normal functioning present in the human body it must match the original structure of that hormone exactly. READ MORE

Until a few years ago, I had no idea heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. I didn’t know nearly all of us are at risk. I didn’t know my personal risk factors, even though my grandmother died from heart disease.

I know now, thanks to the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 4 or 40. You have to take care of your heart. The truth is, by the time many of us realize we have heart disease, the damage is done. The good news? READ MORE