February is recognized as Heart Health Month, making it a beautiful time to reflect on how Scripture invites us to cultivate a heart shaped by God’s love. Our heart is one of God’s greatest gifts, and this month is filled with symbols of love like the red heart emoji and Valentine’s Day. Heart Health Month is also an important reminder to nurture our physical well‑being.
 
Heart disease remains a major health concern, but small, consistent choices can help us maintain healthier heart and a stronger body for God’s service.
 
Heart‑Healthy Habits to Focus On This Month
 
•          Move a little more each day. A short walk, stretching, or light activity can support overall wellness.
 
•          Choose foods that nourish. Adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support heart health.
 
•          Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps your body function at its best.
 
•          Manage stress with prayer and rest. Quiet moments with God, deep breathing, or journaling can help calm the mind.
 
•          Check in with your doctor. Regular health checkups help you stay aware of your overall well‑being.
 
A healthy heart is more than physical—it’s spiritual. As we care for our bodies, we also nurture a heart filled with compassion, forgiveness, and God’s love.
 

 
As we step into a new year, remember this: Our bodies are a gift from God, and caring for it is an act of stewardship, not perfection. We don’t need a huge overhaul to make a big difference—just one small, consistent step at a time.
 
One way of re-setting is to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for the following:
 
Specific
If your goal is to exercise more, make it specific. Consider a goal of “walking for 30 minutes every day, for example.
 
Measurable
A goal to lose weight is too vague, but “losing 10 pounds in 12 weeks” is a measurable goal that you can track.
 
Attainable
An attainable goal should be relative to your current fitness level. If you have not exercised consistently in years, start with exercising 10 minutes for one week, increase to 15 minutes, and so on. 
 
Relevant
Relevant goals are those that pertain to you and are tailored toward your life, health, and fitness needs. Changes in eating habits are pretty relevant to us all, and we have talked about them repeatedly.
 
Time-bound
The final component of SMART goals is to set a specific period of time within which you plan to achieve your goal. Although there’s no hard-and-fast rule on how long your time frame should be, most SMART goals should aim to take 1–3 months to achieve.  
 
Intentionally increasing our time with God is an immeasurable goal. Whispering short prayers throughout the day, thanking Him for small things as they happen. Ending our day by giving thanks to Him.
 

 
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
 
Being the primary caregiver for a family member is rewarding, but can become draining. Making sure that you are taking care of yourself must be a priority. During the holiday season, it’s easy for caregivers to fall into the trap of doing everything by themselves. But, sacrificing rest and silencing their own needs can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Being a family caregiver isn’t about self-erasure—it’s about love, stewardship, and sustainability.
 
Asking  for help doesn’t mean that you care less. Make sure to delegate to other family members and friends – and try not to feel guilty in doing so. When someone offers to help, take them up on it. For instance, let them sit while you go out to shop for the groceries, instead of giving them the grocery list. Prioritize self-care by taking breaks. Even 5–15 minutes of quiet time can restore your energy.
 
Maintaining your health is crucial for being able to care effectively for your loved one in the home. Take care of your own health by focusing on nutrition, exercise, and sufficient rest. Regular self-care routines can help you stay strong and resilient in the face of caregiving demands. Remember, seeking support and taking time for yourself are crucial components of successful caregiving.
 

   
 
This month is set aside to acknowledge the warriors who are fighting and/or who have won the battle of breast cancer. We strive to educate our community about the importance of early diagnosis and to pray for a cure of this disease.
 
Woman and men alike should know how their breasts normally look and feel. Doing regular breast self-exams is a way to help you detect any changes in your breasts. Also viewing your breast in the mirror after bath or showering can afford the chance to see any changes. If you find a change in your breast, contact your health care provider right away. Keep in mind that you have more treatment options, and a better chance of recovery when cancer is found early. This includes any type of cancer - breast, prostate, lung, colon or any other type of cancer.
 
Breast self-exams should not take the place of regular screening mammograms or clinical breast exams, which are done by a doctor. By doing routine breast self-exams and having routine mammograms and checkups, you can help detect breast problems early. Women should begin practicing breast self-exam by age 20, and we should continue the practice throughout our lives, even during pregnancy and after menopause.  Changes to look for include:
 
A lump
Skin irritation
Dimpling, puckering, bulging, or ridges of the skin on the breast
Nipple retraction (nipple turns in)
Redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the breast or under arms
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, or nipple discharge
Change in color, shape, size or texture of a breast
 
Men can also develop breast cancer. Breast cancer in men is rare but real—about 1 in every 100 breast cancer cases in the U.S. occurs in a man. It is important that men also know how their breasts normally look and feel. Also, veterans who have been exposed to hazards such as asbestos, chemical agents and burn pits should be aware of  symptoms, and may covered under the PACT act.  Veterans with exposure may be able to receive VA disability if cancer is found. Remember early detection is key to successful treatment and/or recovery.
   
 

   
Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and doesn’t cause early health problems in men who have it. You can have prostate cancer for months or even years without knowing it. This is why it is so important to get a prostate screening every year stating at age 50. However, men at a higher risk, such as Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider talking to their doctor about screening starting at age 45.
 
The most common screening test for prostate cancer is a blood test called a PSA. Some health care providers no longer perform the digital rectal exam opting for the blood test.  A slightly elevated PSA may be caused by other issues like urinary tract infection or benign prostate swelling. The only way to know if an abnormal test is due to cancer is to do a biopsy.
 
 The typical warning signs of prostate cancer include:
 

• frequent urination, especially at night
• trouble starting or stopping urination; a weak or interrupted urine stream
• blood in the urine or semen
• pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
• persistent pain in the pelvic, lower back, hips, or upper thighs

 
These symptoms are also common with other conditions, so it is important to contact your health care provider for an evaluation.
 
Treatment of prostate cancer may include:
 ► Close monitoring and follow-up visits
 ► Radiation
 ► Surgery to remove the prostate
 
The bottom line is to realize the importance of a yearly physical for both men and women. Early detection of potential health problems can help catch these issues early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
 

 
During the month of August, National Wellness Month observances encourage individuals to make self-care a priority. We are encouraged to build healthy routines, and support our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 
 
We must take the pledge to make this August our most intentional month yet. We can begin by praying for the self-determination to stick to our wellness journey. We can begin by adding physical exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques into our regime. Our goal is to improve our physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as encourage others in our lives to do the same.
 
Suggested Activities for August:

Social Media Cleanse: Taking a break from social media can improve mental health and free up time for more fulfilling activities.
 
Hydration Challenge: Aim to drink more water daily. Staying hydrated is crucial for physical health and can improve mood and energy levels.
 
Eating healthier: Have at least one meat-free day every week
 
Intermittent fasting: Do not eat anything from 7pm to 7am - consuming nothing but water during this time period.  – this time period makes it a little easier because it aligns with the normal sleep pattern. Intermittent fasting can potentially lead to weight management and improving metabolic health. From 7am to 7pm make sure you eat nutritious foods (fresh fruits, vegetable, lean protein, low salt and low sugar). Consult your health care provider if you have diabetes or other underlying health conditions.

Whether we are focusing on hydration, eating healthier, daily exercise, mindfulness, or simply slowing down, this month is our reminder to put our wellness first.

 

 
 
July 1 marks the start of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues affecting minority populations. During this month, we can come together to break down stigmas surrounding mental health, and spread knowledge about available resources for mental health issures.
 
According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African-Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population, yet we are less likely to initiate treatment, and more likely to end treatment prematurely. Christians with mental illnesses have a unique struggle due to our belief system. We believe God’s promises and cling to our faith as a source of strength in the midst of grief, chronic illness or other issues which may lead to depression or other mental illnesses.
 
Personal faith (including prayer) is a necessary and God ordained means to help ease symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. Studies show that a combination of treatment options - including therapy, psychiatric care, a personal prayer life, and strong support system, provide the greatest reduction of symptoms and long-term stability. We all have times when our mood is low, and through frequent private prayer we can typically overcome these feelings.  But when days or weeks go by without improvement, a believer should not feel ashamed or less faithful when choosing to seek professional help. We would never encourage someone with cancer to forgo medical treatment in favor of prayer alone. As Christians, our support, encouragement, and prayers for people struggling with depression and other forms of mental illness is key to improving mental health in our community. Attend a mental health event in your local area that focus on mental health and minority populations. Reach out to a friend or family member who may be struggling with their mental health. Let them know that you are there to listen and that you care .For access to services and immediate crises help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) AT 800-715-4225
 

 
This summer we have had record temperatures, with most days having a heat index in the triple digits. Our goal this evening is to ensure that we know how to keep ourselves safe, healthy, and protected from the intense heat.
 
During the summer, we must be proactive about staying hydrated, especially if we spend extended periods of time. Feeling thirsty is one of the most obvious signs of dehydration, followed by a dry mouth and lips, darker colored urine, and the need to use the toilet less often - the average person urinates about every 3 to 4 hours. In severe cases, you might start to feel lethargic, dizzy or even confused. In high heat, dehydration can become severe and even fatal.
 
It is important to drink plenty of fluids before you attend outside activities. If you start these activities while dehydrated, it’s even harder to replenish what your body has lost. The amount of water that we need varies by person, and depends on our health and activity level. Experts generally recommend drinking several glasses of water per day to meet your hydration needs, but that can be too much for someone, for instance, on a fluid restriction. One way to tell if you’re drinking enough water throughout the day is to monitor the color of your urine. If it’s the color of lemonade, you’re good to go. If it’s closer to apple juice or sweet tea, you may need to drink more water.

Water is the most healthy source of hydration because it contains no additives, calories, sugar, or other ingredients. However, if you do not like the taste of plain water, try adding a few slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or oranges to your bottle of water. While drinking water is very important, fresh fruits and vegetables contain a large amount of water too. Try to have oranges, peaches, grapes, watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, salad greens available for snacks as opposed to chips, cookies, ect.

By following these tips, you can effectively stay hydrated and maintain your health during hot weather. Remember, hydration is crucial for regulating our body temperature, supporting brain function, and keeping our joints lubricated.
 

 
Everyone has most likely experienced loss. Loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of income. With loss comes grief. Grief is a natural response to any kind of loss, and it does not follow any timeline or schedule. Grief can become a mental illness when the intensity and duration of grief symptoms significantly interfere with daily life and functioning. Grief is often described as passing through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.

To further explain the stages of grief:
Stage 1: Shock and/or Denial: This is a coping mechanism -  a state of shock,  disbelief and numbed feelings. You might pretend the loss isn’t happening. For instance, you may be unable to show emotion or cry at a loved one’s funeral. As you move out of the denial stage, the emotions you’ve been hiding will come out. Think of it as your body's natural defense mechanism.
 
Stage 2: Anger
Anger has a masking effect. This anger may be redirected at other people, the person who died, or even God. While your rational brain knows the object of your anger isn’t to blame, your feelings at that moment are too intense to act according to that. Remember this is normal, and this is where our relationship with God can really help us. Be faithful in prayer, and understand everything is in his planning and in His will.
 
Stage 3:  Bargaining
Followers of Christ may to try to make a deal or promise to God in return for relief from grief and pain. “If only I had called her that night, she wouldn’t be gone.” “If only we had gone to the doctor sooner, we could have stopped this.” We relive things we may have said, things we did not mean, and wish we could go back and behave differently.
 
Stage 4: Depression
This is where grief may become prolonged and unhealthy. We start to feel the loss of our loved one, and might find ourselves retreating, being less sociable, and reaching out less to others about what we are going through. There may be an intense and persistent yearning or longing for the deceased to the point of wishing to join them. If this stage is prolonged, in addition to prayer, we may benefit from counseling. If a friend or family member seems to be having difficulty with grief, please suggest that they seek help.
 
And the final Stage, 5: Acceptance
When we come to a place of acceptance, it is not that we no longer feel the pain of our loss. We can view acceptance as a way to see that there may be more good days than bad. There may still be bad — and that’s OK.
 
Just keep in mind that prayer can provide a sense of comfort, hope and a feeling of being supported during your season of grief. There’s no exact time frame for each stage. You may have ups and downs, go from one stage to another, and then circle back. This is natural. It takes time to go through the grieving process. Matthew 5:4  “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
 

 
There are still health conditions that affect us more than other races. Sometimes health education can seem redundant, but continuing to educate ourselves can help improve our overall health.
 
There are five major health issues in the Black community:
Hypertension, Diabetes, kidney failure, cancers especially breast and prostate, Obesity, and mental health issues are very prevalent in our community.

Psalm 139:14 highlights the intentional design of the human body and encourages us to appreciate it.  We must be vigilant about our health. Preventive self-care is one way to stay healthier.  We must get to know our bodies by being in tuned to changes that alert us that something is wrong. A new pain, swelling, rash, change in stool or urine appearance – all of these symptoms must be addressed without delay. Early detection allows timely intervention, and this can improve chances for a successful outcome, especially with conditions like cancer.
 
Fitness, along with proper nutrition, is essential in manifesting lifestyle changes. Nowadays, you might hear doctors recommending exercise as part of treatment. For something like hypertension, a good doctor will include exercise in the plan, not just medication. Years ago, it was all about the meds, but now it’s more holistic - with physical, mental, and nutritional health all working together.
 
So, let’s be an active participant in our health. Write it down; seeing our goals on paper makes a huge difference. Keep a food diary and track your body measurements. This helps us understand where changes need to be made and whether your habits align with your goals. Start small, like losing 2 to 5 pounds instead of aiming for 30 in two months. Just like our prayer life or spiritual growth, daily engagement builds consistency. We can take charge of our health journey with small steps, consistency, and the right mindset.