For black folks Memorial Day is the official kick off to summer. This summer we will all enjoy barbecue hopping, amusement parks, beaches, backyard parties, and more barbecues. Here are 3 items that are absolutely essential during summer.
1. SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen protects against hazardous UVA /UVB Rays.
MYTH: Black folks don’t need sunscreen. Yes, it is true that our darker hue naturally offers protection from the sun and allows us to age gracefully, but it does not make us exempt from sun damage which can cause skin cancer. Aside from that, sunscreen minimizes long-lasting blemishes and discolorations which our skin is more prone to and allows our skin to age even more gracefully.
NEED TO KNOW FACTS:
-UVB damages the outer layers of our skin by causing sunburn; it can also affect the DNA within the skin which can cause skin cancer.
-UVA penetrates deep into the skin and causes pre-mature aging, wrinkles, discolorations, and age spots.
-The number assigned to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much longer you will be protected outdoors. For example, if you experience sunburn within 20 minutes of being outdoors an SPF of 15 will allow you 300 more minutes of protection in the sun (20min x 15SPF = 300 minutes of protection).
-The sun is strongest between the hours of 11am and 4pm.
-Apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure, because it needs to set into your skin in order to protect it.
-Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2-4 hours.
Ingredients to look for in sunscreen include: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and AvobenzoneAlmay Sun Protector for Body Spray, $6.99
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 15, $8.99
Burt’s Bees Chemical Free SunScreen $14.99
2. SUNGLASSES
UV Rays are not only harmful to your skin, but your eyes as well. Research has shown that daily exposure to very bright light can cause cataracts (cloudy vision) over time. Make sure the sunglasses you purchase are UV Protected.
Gucci Aviators, $265.99
Prada 19 LS, $179.99
Banana Republic - Sarena, $78.00
Urban Outfitters - First Lady, $14.99
Charlotte Russe - Plastic Aviators, $5.99
3. Insect Repellent Spray
Mosquitoes and ticks are the leading carriers of diseases. One bite from one of these insects can cause you to fall ill. Ticks cause lime disease and Mosquitoes can cause West Nile Viruses and other illnesses. So if you are going to be in wooded areas, parks, etc. Make sure you spray all day. NOTE: Insect repellent can reduce the SPF sunscreen by up to one-third. So increase your SPF and apply more often than normal.
Hey Mochas, get ready for an entertaining line-up of new reality shows featuring some of our favorite mocha celebs. Here's the roll call:
Keisha And Kaseem on the Oxgen Network
Featuring our favorite little kid from the Cosby show, Keisha-Knight Pulliam. After two years of dating, she moves in with her boyfriend Kaseem Penn. The show will be based on the two newly co-habitating, being young and rich. Kaseem is said to be a successful Caribbean entrepreneur based in Atlanta who got his start in real estate . The show is being produced by Tracy Edmonds and PullPenn Productions a company that the couple owns together. It will premiere the end of this year.
Fantasia Barrino from American Idol has inked a deal with VH1 to air her reality show. The show will depict her life as a single mother/singer and there’s also talk that she’ll be returning to school. The show is set to premiere early next year.
Comedian/Actress/Entrepreneur Monique has a late night variety show that will premiere on BET at the end of the year.
Monica - Still Standing, will highlight her life as a mom and her journey to re-establish her music career. Set to preview on BET at the end of the year. Click below to watch Monica cry as she hears her debut single "Still Standing" for the first time in the studio.
It's very touching...
I’ve been visiting a friend in the hospital for the past couple of days; luckily she’ll be fine as long as she changes her diet. At only age 29, she suffered a mild heart attack last week Thursday. This has been a wake-up call to my friends and I. She’s what you would consider a thick chick, which a lot of black females think is cute because the guys like it. But it isn’t cute when you’re up in the hospital suffering from heart disease. Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. I personally feel like African-American women do not take this disease seriously enough, and wait long before it’s too late. We have mostly our diets to blame, Mac & Cheese (my favorite), Fried Chicken, and Candied Yams are real good to our taste buds, but not good for our hearts. Foods high in saturated fats (mostly animal products, processed, and pre-packaged foods) are harmful to the maintenance of a healthy heart. Obviously, smoking is a no-no. I realize now-a-days African-American women are proud of their voluptuous bodies, which is absolutely great. But please realize that extreme obesity is just not conducive to your overall health.
Here are some facts you should know, according to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield:
•African-American women face a greater threat of death from heart disease than women of other races.
•The prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in African-American women is 44.7% compared to 32.4% in White Women.
•77.2% of African-American women 20 and older are overweight or obese.
•33.9% of African-American women are inactive compared to 21.6% of white women.
Care for your heart by limiting greasy fried foods, sweet desserts, and adding as much fruit, vegetables, and water to your diet as you can. Being active is a big plus! Leave the car at home sometimes and walk to the store or just walk around the block. For your heart’s sake!
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