eyeHeart Fitness: ZUMBA!

What can I say about the Latin-inspired international sensation of a fitness program that has swept the nation? One word: effective!

Since its inception in 2001, Zumba Fitness has been the platform of physical transformation for millions of people worldwide, which makes it the most successful dance-fitness program ever!

When founder Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot his aerobics music for his fitness class, he improvised with the music he had, creating a whole new way to lose weight and remain toned. He then brought it to Miami where he partnered with Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion to form a trademark unlike any other.

The Zumba Fitness brand not only includes classes, but also apparel, DVDs, music CDs, an academy to license others in instruction, and also video games.

When I visited the woman at Kingdom Christian Cultural Center in Yonkers, NY, they knew exactly how to get down with the Latin flavor. Take a look here at how the P.H.A.T. Ministry hosted an inspirational Zumba series to get the females in shape just in time for Spring. You might even see me and ♥ t i f f a n y working it out.



To enroll in Zumba classes in your area click here

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: www.zumba.com, Pic: wellnesscomunitylts.org

Continue Entry»

'Big Day' Diet Blitz

Down because your big day was ruined?

Did you ever consider the reason for the pitfall had to do with the food you ate?

Yes, that' right, the FOOD. According to a article from the Metro World News, eating habits can affect important situations we all face. Check out some of their suggestions. I found them to be helpful.

Situation: First Date (Ooh-la la)
Food to have: Wine & a light entree such as chicken (lowers inhibitions and will not slow you down). Try a sorbet for dessert to boost your energy too.

Situation: Job Interview (Yikes)
Food to have: Food with tryptophan such as tuna (helps the brain to perform well overtime). Be sure to bring a mint.

Situation: General BIG DAY such as a killer exam (Eek!)
Food to have: Foods with iodine to avoid fatigue like seaweed; or foods rich in choline such as yolks to help your memory.

Is this some food for thought or what? Thanks Metro!

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source: Metro.us, Dr. Gary Wenk, Ian Kernel
*I am not a physician or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release myself and elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

eyeWatch My Health: Birth Control

Hey! This is for all of you Queen Bees out there who may use Yaz or Yasmin birth control pills.

A recent study showed women who use these specific Bayer oral contraceptives, are two - three times more likely to develop blood clots than those who use pills that are more established.

There are over 5,000 reported lawsuits against Bayer's Yaz and Yasmin that could prove the pills cause harm.

Take note!

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source: metro.us

Continue Entry»

Eye Choose Inteligence

Guess what the U.S. found out?

A recent study showed that the same pesticides (known scientifically as Organophosphates) used in gardens and in bug repellent was discovered in newborns' blood cords.

These are toxic to young children. As the study noted, youth with this prenatal exposure to the pesticides have a lower competency score than their peers by the age of seven.

Take note! If you are pregnant in the summer, be cautious, and watch what you eat!

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source: metro.us

Continue Entry»

LET'S MOVE!

Being the most powerful country, doesn't mean we're healthiest.  In America, the obesity rate is the highest. You may remember First Lady Michelle Obama taking the initiative to do something about this. Just one year ago she teamed up with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation to help fight childhood obesity with her campaign Let's Move!

Many celebrities, from singers, chefs, and talk show hosts, have come together to help spread the message and do something! Beyoncé is one of them! She revamped her Swizz Beatz produced track, “Get Me Bodied,” to fit the cause of the campaign. In the Melina Matsoukas - directed video, Bey breaks a sweat through an instructional how-to on staying fit through dancing.

The Task Force recommendations focus on the five pillars of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative:

1. Creating a healthy start for children

2. Empowering parents and caregivers

3. Providing healthy food in schools

4. Improving access to healthy, affordable foods

5. Increasing physical activity

"In the end, as First Lady, this isn’t just a policy issue for me. This is a passion. This is my mission. I am determined to work with folks across this country to change the way a generation of kids thinks about food and nutrition."

We hope that the Let's Move! wave hits everyone hard and we exercise ourselves to being a healthier people. Happy watching and happy moving!





Video Link

Learn more about the Let's Move! campaign here

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Continue Entry»

eyeWatch My Health: Hair

Do you or someone you know work in a hair salon?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a warning has been issued about hair products that contain formaldehyde. Many salon workers have reported health problems, and overexposure can cause various forms of cancer (nose and lung).

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with the formula CH20, and is commercially used. We normally see it in household products, given that these items contain a safe level (no more than .02%) of the organic compound.

HOWEVER, some products contain way more, including the ones we use for our hair, and you should be aware. Most come in the form of straightening products, and when blow-dried, it vaporizes into the air, which is not good for you when breathing in.

Do you use these products?

*Keratin Complex Express Blowout by Copomon (Coppola) 1.70 per cent
*Brazilian Keratin Treatment (Mint) - Royal Keratin Professional Line by Keratin Connection (also available in Chocolate and Strawberry) 1.54 per cent
*Veloce by La Brasiliana 0.35 per cent
*Zero (Apple) by La Brasiliana (also available in Clear and Mocha) 0.76 per cent
*Moroccan Hair Treatment by Inoar 2.84 per cent
*Original by La Brasiliana (also available in Original Chocolate)
*Domani by La Brasiliana
*Spruzzi by La Brasiliana
*Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Pro Skin Solutions
*Marcia Teixeira Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment EU by M&M International
*Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment EU by M&M International
*Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Solution by Brazilian Blowout 8.4 per cent
*Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 1.8 per cent
*Advanced Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 1.7 per cent
*Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment by Marcia Teixeira 1.6 per cent
*Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Treatment by Copomon (Coppola) 1.8 per cent
*Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry by Global Keratin 3.0 per cent
*Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant by Global Keratin 4.4 per cent
*Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave by Global Keratin 1.4 per cent
*Pro-Collagen RX Keratin Treatment 2.8 per cent
*IStraight Keratin (Advanced Keratin Treatment) by IBS Beauty 2.3 per cent
*Brazilian Thermal Reconstruction by Cadiveu 7.0 per cent


Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
(@yesitskareemab)
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Source: Canadian Press, National Cancer Institute

*I am not a physician or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

Eye Know This Already: Contacts

Did you know that you are NOT supposed to sleep with your contacts in overnight?

Unless a doctor tells you (which is rare or nonexistent) you:

1. Restrict oxygen from reaching your eye.
2. Wear the contacts out faster because it is exposed to added protein.
3. Risk permanent vision loss.

YOU KNOW THIS? Well then, I suggest you stop blinding yourself.

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemb


Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

Continue Entry»

EYE KNOW THIS ALREADY!

DON'T POP YOUR ZITS:

It can cause infection and scars that are hard to get rid of, and get worse if you mess with them.

You know this already? Well then stop doing it!

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee

@yesitskareemab

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

*I am not a physican or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

Pretty.Marvelous.Souls.

Feeling grumpy? Tense? Depressed? Are you crying a lot? Do you have a bloated stomach, acne, or slight weight gain?

You might have Premenstrual Syndrome or as we like to abbreviate it - PMS!

Often times guys make fun of us for it. But they have no idea it is very normal to experience PMS a few days before your period.

But did you know you can AVOID PMS (and not just by getting rid of the men in your life with a shotgun)...

Here are some common, yet helpful ways to check those hormones:

1. Eat less sugar and fat.


2. Eat less salts (helps to avoid bloating)


3. Drink less caffeine (helps to avoid breast aches, and feeling irritable)


4. Eat smaller meals during the day rather than big ones.


5. Sleep at least 8 hours a day.


6. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 4-6x per week.


7. Try to keep your work, sleep, and fitness schedule regular.

Hope these tips help some. Lord knows we all need it when it comes to the monthly!

After all, He created us uniquely and wonderfully made as His very own:

Pretty.Marvelous.Souls.

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Source: www.girlshealth.gov/Pic: pmsiloveyou.com
*I am not a physican or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

WHM Spotlight: Maudene Nelson

We love everyday heroes don’t we?

In honor of Women’ s History Month, International Women's Day and Nutrition Awareness Month, the next lady in the spotlight is Maudene Nelson. As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Director of Community Outreach at Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition, her expertise has saved the lives of many. Just last November, Nelson was featured in Essence Magazine, giving tips on common mistakes we make in our fridge, and healthier ways to shop for food.

She also takes time to inform others in the community about ways to lose weight and how important it is to be aware of your own bad habits. When she partnered with Sister-to-Sister International Inc., an organization geared toward maintaining the wellness of women of color, she provided several guidelines on how to shed pounds at a health fair.

You know I was going to share:

1. Write Everything You Eat Down.
2 Measure your food: you can use cups and spoons as a reference.
3. Make a calorie goal.
4. 4Plan your meals.
5. Eat you favorite foods: happy eyes = happy stomachs.
6. Get a buddy: share weight loss tips, compete friendly, and encourage one another.
7 Aim for variety: vary your choices, try a different cereal, etc.
8. Make substitutions when possible.
9. Embellish: grated parmesan over your food, a paper umbrella for your drink, etc.
10. Blue Moon Rule: every once in a while, treat yourself.

We are thankful to Maudene Nelson’s many contributions to her community and beyond.

Do you know a female who is a making a difference near you?
If so, drop a buzz....

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Pic: nbdiabetes.org

Continue Entry»

K.I.S.S. with the Weight Loss!

Who said weight loss had to be so complicated and so dang-on expensive?!

Here are some small ways to lose weight, and keep money closer to your pocket!

1. Eat more beans- People who eat beans tend to weigh over five pounds lighter than people who skip out on them. They also open the airflow if you know what I mean...hehe.

2. Drink more water-Adding at least four more cups of water can boost your weight loss.

3. Laugh at a Movie - A study has shown that serious movies cause people to snack more often than flicks that make you happy.

4. Leave during the commercials- It may sound crazy but people actually eat less junk food when they avoid commercials because it is not being advertised to them.

Who would have thought?




Urstrulee,


KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source: realage.com, Pic: shortcutsoffabulous.com
*I am not a physican or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

Spring Soup: Chinese Chicken

Hey Bizzybodies!

I don't know about you, but I can sure feel the onset of Spring- snow is melting, the temperature is rising, and of course my allergies are driving me nuts!

I try my best to attack the symptoms as they arise to avoid getting really sick.

For all of my fellow soup lovers, here's a dish I found that might help your sniffles!

Click right on the title to get the recipe!

Chinese Style Rice Soup with Chicken and Ginger

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source/Pic: FoodNetwork

Continue Entry»

March On Your Health!

Did you know March is not only dedicated to celebrating women, but also to several causes including education, the kidneys, the eyes, nutrition, and the American Red Cross? Throughout the month, I will take some time to highlight each of them. At the top of the roster:

National Kidney Month

At the age of 14, my cousin’s life changed when she found out she had kidney failure. She had a transplant not too long after. However, the new organ would not be enough to save her, and at 19, she passed away.

My family and I had no real knowledge about the kidneys, or the tremendous affect it has on the body. Had we known her status when she was younger, or that she may be at risk, her life may have been different.

Today, organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation strive to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health of people who have been affected by the disease, and increase the availability of all organs to receive a transplant.

One in nine Americans has chronic kidney disease, and spokespeople for this foundation such as comedian George Lopez, encourage families to educate themselves on kidney health.

Like many organizations, the acclaimed charity also holds a walk to raise funds for research, and also allows you to donate.

Screen check: Are you taking care of your kidneys?

Do you drink plenty of water?

Do you eat little animal protein?

Do you eat plenty of fruits such as cranberries, pomegranates, blackcurrants, and blueberries?

Do you drink pure grape juice or dandelion tea?

Do you eat ginger?

You might want to try to if you answered no to most, or all of these questions.

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source/Pic: kidney.org

*I am not a physican or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand & you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

When Billboards Go Too Far

When walking the streets of NYC's SOHO, there's a few things you can expect to see. Wacky outfits - sure, an anti-abortion billboard that reads

The most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.

 
- maybe that's pushing it. But this is no analogy, the billboard is real and was put up by Life Always. The pro-life company is riling up New Yorkers, and African Americans worldwide.

The Life Always website even goes far enough to say "There is a battle being waged in the United States that has taken more lives than any foreign war or act of terrorism." If you ask me, this goes without saying that African Americans are terrorists and their weapon of mass destruction is the abortion clinic. It's such a shame what measures people will take to gain some attention. There are better ways to go about being an advocate for pro-life. But to deface an entire race to do so isn't right at all. Take a look at the ABC video below as they speak with NY'ers who were shocked by the billboard. Happy watching!

We're interested in hearing your opinion on this issue. Comment!

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Video: ABC
Photo

The 'Write' Food

Spring is almost around the corner! Are you looking for a way to lose weight?

Here’s a tip: write your meals down!

I never thought of doing this until I began working on a film set and found myself constantly surrounded by food-GOOD FOOD.

Every hour on the hour, the craft service (small meal-makers) would bring out an assortment of petite meals to eat.

At first, I thought I was in Heaven. After all, a bite or two of a taco won’t hurt much right?

WRONG!

Besides the larger catering service that served an array of larger meals twice a day, I found myself running over to the serving table and looking forward to the next time I was going to eat.

Before I knew it, I had gained weight in places I never knew I could gain weight in!

To help ease my excitement for food, I began to write down every single thing I ingested into my body, and created a simple color-coded log with Microsoft Excel.

When I realized how much I ate, and how much of it was bad for me, I definitely slowed down, and was able to plan what type of foods I would eat and when I would consume them.

Though I did not write down calories, and other specific details, looking at the names of foods was enough for me to become conscious of what I eat, and why I should take better care of myself.

Now, you don’t have to create yours exactly the way I did, but a food diary or simple note taking of your meals can do the trick as well.

Try it out and then drop a buzz.

If would you like to see my copy, email me at kareema@elleelleeye.com

UrsTrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Pic: blogcritics.com

Continue Entry»

Need a Hand?

Hey Bizzybodies!

Do you need help measuring your food? Well your HANDS are right there to help you!

Check it out!

Fist = 1 cup (Rice, pasta, fruit, veggies)

Palm = 3 ounces (Meat, fish, poultry)

Handful = 1 ounce (Nuts, raisins)

Thumb = 1 ounce (peanut butter, hard cheese)

Thumb tip = 1 teaspoon (Cooking oil, mayo, butter, sugar)

Want more info? Check out Prevention Magazine!

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: Prevention, Pic: debracenter.org

Continue Entry»

Eye luV a Gud MeaL!

Hey Bizzybodies!

Feeling under the weather? Well here's a scrumptious meal I wanted to send your way courtesy of Food Network chefs, Partrick & Gina Neely. If a runny nose and cough is keeping you in this weekend, their classic "Mama Jean's Chicken Noodle Soup" may do the trick!

UrsTrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Pic & Source: Foodnetwork.com

Continue Entry»

eyewatch myHealth: Anorexia Nervosa

Fat, big pig, quick-sweat roundhouse, porky-looking slob blob couch potato is what 1% of the nation who suffer from anorexia nervosa see in their reflection when they look in a mirror. Not a big deal if the number is low right? Well did I also mention that number is growing?

Though some statistics have shown that 50% of girls in their mid-teens feel they are overweight, and over 60% diet, unfortunately, it is hard to determine more because so many people hide it.

Whether you are white, black, yellow, or blue, male, female, Hindu or Christian, you are not exempt from fearing the thought of gaining weight, obsessively exercising or dieting, and starving yourself. Thus, resulting in the life-threatening disease that can harm your body.

Without proper treatment, anorexia nervosa can lead to depression, phobias, panic attacks, post-tramatic stress, substance abuse, and even death.

There are many forms of treatment, including seeing a physician, receiving support from loved ones, and going to therapy. You may also consider these options.

Do you know someone who is struggling with this? Have you felt like it may be time for a change in how you view yourself?

Drop a Buzz.

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: Health.com, Mirror-Mirror, WebMD

Pic: whatthehealthmag.wordpress.com

*I am not a physican or health professional. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. By reading this you understand you release elleELLEeye from any warranty or liability for your use of this information. We are a blog created to spread love, live life and inspire readers to help themselves and others.

Continue Entry»

November is: American Diabetes Month

During November, I will do my very best to address different health observances. First on the list: American Diabetes

Facts:
-Diabetes is a common disorder from trouble in the endocrine system (your hormones like insulin, & other chemicals)
-Diabetes comes in two types: 1 & 2.
-Non insulin-dependent (Type II) is not only preventable, but in many cases curable.

Did you know?
-Over 20 million adults and children have diabetes in the U.S.
-According to the American Diabetes Foundation, about 50 million more people have ‘prediabetes’ and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
-What’s worse is that the death rate of diabetes has risen over 40% since 1987 compared to other diseases that have declined.

But have no fear bizzybodies!

I’ve researched some ways you can prevent your sweet tooth from getting you into trouble. Also, remember for those of you who have family members with it (such as myself) make sure you check to see that it is not genetic!

1. Take care of your teeth! Did you know that chronic gum disease is often associated with diabetes? It can make it difficult for your body to control glucose levels.

2. Overweight? Physical activity is a proven remedy to avoid many health problems. Keep it consistent.

3. Chill out! Stress as well as certain foods leads to high blood pressure, which puts you at great risk for type 2 diabetes as well as other medical catastrophes.

4. Puff! Puff! Pass! …NOT. Need I have to say why smoking is bad for you? Okay then, moving on…

5. Substitute the licorice for spinach-well not exactly. However, since of many of you, like myself, may have a problem getting rid of dessert all together, replacing a fruit for a piece of pie can save a slice of your life.

These tips always seem like common sense right? Well then why the heck are so many people affected by it in the U.S.? That’s another story…Celebs like Bret Michaels & Patti Labelle provide ways to live healthier lives since they deal with diabetes as well.

Know any other tips? Drop a Buzz…
Urstrulee,
KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Source: American Diabetes Foundation, WebMD

Continue Entry»

eyeWatch My Heath: Loco For Lokos?

According to theroot.com, Washington state attorney general Rob Mckenna is pushing for the FDA to ban the popular alcoholic beverage Four Loko nationwide. This push is the aftermath of a recent incident where 50 Central Washington University students became sick from drinking Four Loko's at a house party.

Four Loko is said to contain as much alcohol found in a six pack and as much caffeine as in five cups of coffee. I don't know about you guys but, this just sounds like a bad combination to me. Although, this is a cheap quick fix I truly believe its not worth risking your own health.

My Four Loko days are dead and gone, what about yours?

Stay True,
Riss

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Continue Entry»