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

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'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.

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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

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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

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Poetry Buzz

It's not everyday where you meet someone who can speak to you through the words on a computer screen. However, if you're a reader of elleELLEeye, you may have met Miss Kareema Bee. Not only is she a great blogger, but what you may have not known is that Kareema Bee is a filmmaker and poet.

Taking that it is National Poetry Month, it's only right that we celebrate this up and coming artist who will soon take the world by storm. She's a great talent with all the right intentions; looking to inspire those who she encounters.  She has a way with words and not only do they speak encouragement, but they are real. We have behind-the-scenes footage of Kareema Bee's poetisodes "The Love Game" & a look at her trailer for "In This Mind of Mine".  Be sure to watch the videos below and keep track of this buzzing bee as she continues to inspire. Happy watching!

Visit www.kareemabeeonline.com today!

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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EyeDonate: Prom Dress!

Community Service Month is still kicking just in time for prom season.
Like so many of us who keep that special dress we paid a ton for to party in for the last time in high school, dust soon creeps over it in our closet as we make our way to college.

Well, why keep it if you know someone else who can use it right?

Donatemydress.org is a national network that will locate different organizations in your city to donate your prom dress.

Take a look here!

Happy Helping,
KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

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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.

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Love, the Earth

Hey Bizzybodies in NYC! Check out it out:

Earth Day is not just a one-day event to raise awareness about the Earth. It is a celebrated commitment by environmentalists, artists, and green fanatics alike to expose us humans to the importance of our rich soil.

Since 1989, a non-profit called Earth Day New York has served as a catalyst for action to transform the way we treat the environment. They have several events going on during April in honor of their 'Be the E' campaign:

April 21st-23rd

Earth Day Indoors at Vanderbilt Hall

Grand Central Terminal

Film screenings, entertainment

April 22nd

Exhibits and C02 'E' Drive

Times Square

April 22nd-23rd

EarthFair Outfoors on Vanderbuilt Avenue

Grand Central Terminal.

Exhibits and entertainment

April 7th-22nd

"Be the E" Event Series

Old Soulz-eARTH sTREEt

Art & Activism: music, live painting, e-info booth, special screening of "be the e" & sneak preview of ...IN THE WOODS Experience

April 1st-30th

E Waste Recycling

10 Events and locations

Want to volunteer? Click here!

Happy Helping!

KareemaBee
@yesitskareemab
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Source: Earthdayny.com

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eyeTECH: Wii Up, Flip Down

Tech News for all of you Bizzybodies that use them, and all of you who watch your health:

Cisco (the makers of Flip Cam) has reported that they are discontinuing the hand-held devices due to budget cuts. The once popular item has been defeated by other electronics such as smart phones, leaving the CEO at Cisco no choice but to disband it in an effort to rebuild the company.

Still want one? Better hurry soon!

Oh wait, there's more!

A new study in Canada found that patients who suffered from stroke were more than three times likely to show improvement in arm and hand function when they played video games, versus those who received regular therapy.

This may lead to more digital integration for stroke victims in rehabilitation.

Where did 'Wii' think of that?

Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
(@yesitskareemab)
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Source: metro.us

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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.

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Called to Service!

Everybody needs a little help now and then right?

So in honor of Community Service Month, why not lend a helping hand?

For NYC Residents and those in the tri-state area, here is a list of some volunteer opportunities.

All others, here is an organization we all know and love who could use more help!

BIG BROTHER, BIG SISTER

More lists of places to help on the way!

Happy Helping!

KareemaBee

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Sister Friend: Dr. Maya Angelou

What can I say about the most critically acclaimed African-American female voice of our time?


The woman who has touched so many sisters with her words, and graced so many venues with her divine aura.


The woman who took her brunt with racial discrimination, sexual abuse, and economic hardship, and turned it into a series of award-winning novels that has translated messages of hope, faith and perseverance for others to be inspired by.


She is a beautiful living legend we are happy to honor during National Poetry Month: Dr. Maya Angelou.



At the sensational age of 83, Dr. Maya Angelou is still a celebrated poet, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist.

She has traveled the world sharing her talent with all walks of life, whether it was through dance as a member of the production of Porgy and Bess(1954-55), as an editor for a weekly publication in Cairo, Egypt (!960), as a professor at the University of Ghana's School of Music and Drama (196o), or as trailblazer alongside Dr. Martin Luther King in the U.S.


Dr. Maya Angelou has a list of published verse, non-fiction, and fiction works that totals more than 30 bestselling titles.


She is a Grammy-award winning artist that has served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and has received over 30 honorary degrees.


What more can I say?


As a fellow poet, Maya Angelou is hands-down my biggest influence in writing. From a young child, her work was placed in front of me, and I fell in love.


Still, she continues to be a creative force, encouraging self-freedom and awakening our consciousness.


Dr. Maya Angelou, you are a Phenomenal Woman I aspire to be like one day.


Thank you for your contribution to the world.


Urstrulee,
KareemaBee
(@yesitskareemab)
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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When Love Hurts...

I was sitting on the phone with a friend who was having trouble in her relationship. Like any serious argument, she became flustered, cried, and expressed anger. She also sounded extremely tired.

Not long after she vented to me, her nose began to bleed. Now I’m not saying that her conflicts with her “boo” caused this to happen, but I was reminded of one thing when it comes to love: it may hurt at times, but it should never kill your spirit.

I understand the saying that “nothing worth having isn’t worth fighting for”, but if you find yourself investing emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, and mentally into another person to the point it takes a toll on your body, you may want to revaluate your situation.

Excuse me while I take it there: the Bible says that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7).

Nowhere in there does it say “abuse”. Now you may not be a Christian, but I am pretty sure that most religions do not include settling for anyone that says “I love you” in their doctrine either.

Yes we are human beings who make mistakes so no one is capable of having the “perfect” lover. And yes, sometimes there will be conflict.

However, we must hold each other accountable, and be real with ourselves if we are not truly happy in a relationship.

Do not make excuses for someone’s wrong behavior toward you.

Your well-being is worth more than someone else’s insecurity, unresolved childhood issues, or bad habits.

It’s true: A study from the University of Texas conducted with rabbits found that healthy love can reduce plaque buildup in your arteries, which reduces the overall risk of heart attack.

So just imagine what bad love can do to you….

Transform and renew your mind, and no one else's.

Your heart was created for you as a gift.

Therefore, the person you give it to should always cherish the present.

Ya dig?

UrsTrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: Yahoo! Health, Pic: tvtropes.org

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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

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Aid a Friend: Spread the Message

Although National Black HIV/AIDs Awareness Day has passed, your consciousness shouldn’t. According to the CDC, African-Americans are the leading cause of all HIV/AIDs cases in the United States.

As of 2006, African-American men counted six times higher than white men for cases of new HIV infection, and African-American women counted nearly a whopping 15 times higher than white females.

Furthermore, from 2005-2008, the rate of HIV diagnoses rose from 68/100,000 to 74/100,000 making this number the largest increase of infection in a given ethnicity/race.

Seriously, what’s the buzz?

It is my belief that socioeconomic factors affect African-Americans harsher than other races, which contribute to high numbers. In other words: Poverty → poor housing → lack of healthcare → lack of education on prevention → not using protection or sharing of needles during drug use → infection spreads → fear (people will not seek help because they are afraid of others finding out) → death → HIGHER NUMBERS.

So what can we do? It’s simple: spread the message by educating yourself and others. 

Ways HIV is spread

*Sexual Intercourse

*Anal sex

*Oral Sex

*Injected drug use

*Blood transfusion

*Mother-to-child breast milk

Ways to prevent

*Abstinence: 100% proof against catching HIV/AIDs.

*Be in a monogamous relationship: Communicate with your partner and be honest about your sexual history. It can save your life and his/hers.

*Safe sex is unlike the rest: Any condom with spermicide for anal, vaginal or oral penetration. Lesbians may wish to use a dental dam, a thin latex square, for oral sex.

*If you work in healthcare: I’m pretty sure they drill this but you are at risk as well. Wearing medical latex or non-latex gloves when you come into contact with a patient’s urine, blood, or semen, or feces can protect you.

*Do not share needles: Ever!

*Stop with the stereotypes: HIV/AIDs doesn’t discriminate and neither should you.

*GET TESTED! If you are sexually active, you need to check your status, and more than once in a year.

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

Source: CDC, Pic: Ithaca.edu

*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.

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