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Rapper Common reveals how Brooklyn’s black queens and faith influenced his wellness journey

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The generation that supported hip-hop culture’s journey from the inner-city underground to the worldwide mainstream is now middle-aged. It survived the tragic premature death of many rappers the likes of Biz Markie, Trugoy, Black Rob and more, who were the topic of an article within the New York Times Magazine last summer. On the opposite hand, Men’s Health magazine recently praised hip-hop artists who’re thriving – not only surviving – with a canopy of physically fit rappers including Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, Method Man, Busta Rhymes and Chicago’s native son, Common. As hip-hop ages, people of their 40s and 50s are making wellness their No. 1 priority in life, which is the central theme of Common’s latest book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self.”

A practical guide to self-care through food, body, mind and soul, Common’s third book arrives just in time for people trying to pick themselves up because they’re already dragging their feet on 2024 resolutions. In the week of its release, Common stood stage at Newark Symphony Hall and signed autographs for an extended line of devoted fans of the venue’s regular Living Out Loud literary series. The event, the kickoff to the book tour, also hosted black sororities and sororities — lots of whom wore Greek letter sweaters and varsity jackets — while Grammy-winning hits like “Southside” and “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” resounded across the room.

Shared signs copies of his latest book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self,” on January 25, 2024, at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey. In the book, Common discusses how rap influenced his thoughts on nutrition as a youngster. (Photo courtesy of Don Sherrill)

You first moved to Brooklyn within the late Nineties when the holistic health pioneer developed Heal Yourself for Health and Longevity Queen Afua influenced the local conscious community. How has this book influenced your health journey?

When I first moved to Brooklyn, it was stuffed with really conscious individuals who were conscious and artists. These artists included Erykah Badu, (designer) Ashaka Gives and (jeweler) Lorraine West. All of those women were powerful and talented. Queen Afua was like a pacesetter and inspiration to Erykah – just someone who helped shed light; they shared lots of information. This group of ladies really gained lots of information from the book “Heal Yourself.” I actually just learned from them. This is how I met Queen Afua, was in a position to meet her and be in her company.

It was really eye-opening for me because they were really adamant and disciplined in loving themselves. It was visible of their actions. It was visible of their skin. This was evident in the way in which they talked to one another and to me, and it became an awesome catalyst for me to know the facility I had.

Before I got here to New York, I probably only ate fish. Within a number of weeks, I became a vegetarian since it was just a lot access (to vegetarian food). It was 1998. There was a juice bar on Fulton Street. There was the Brooklyn Moon (cafe). It was a spot where black women and men were exalted. And there was a brand new awareness that was shared, that I used to be not introduced to, but that I sought.

Alicia Keys, Diddy and Angie Martinez ran the New York City Marathon. Is this your goal?

I actually have great respect for individuals who run long distances. This is a high level of discipline and commitment. At one point I managed to run a number of kilometers. But I never promised myself that I desired to run a marathon. My cardio workouts are more like playing basketball and moving around. I all the time say that it is important to seek out things that suit you and that you just enjoy, knowing that you’ll have the option to commit to it even should you get tired of it. When I saw Alicia Keys run a marathon, I assumed, “Man, you have a completely different attitude.” I actually have this attitude where I feel like I can do anything. But at that time I had no passion for running.

Does yoga practice fit into your wellness routine?

Widespread, popular book, And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Caring for Yourself, theGrio.com
(Left to right) Sportscaster Curt Menefee and Common discuss the rapper’s latest book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self” on January 25, 2024, “Living Out Loud: A Night with Common” at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Don Sherrill)

Yoga is something I actually enjoy, truthfully. I began going to yoga because a friend of mine from acting class said, “Hey, you have to go.” I used to be going through lots. She said, “Go to yoga with me.” I went and boy did I set free lots. I learned recent things about myself during yoga classes and I actually appreciated it. I’m not afraid to try various things, so I suggest this for somebody who wants to counterpoint their life and learn something that could be helpful to them, focused on them and still has a physical element. I do know yoga is a complete different level. But I actually liked going to yoga and I still need to do it. I need to support the various black yogis across the country.

You mention within the book how rap verses influenced your views on nutrition as a youngster. Did the Five-Percent Nation rappers influence your spirituality in the course of the same period?

Growing up in Chicago and attending a church that was non-denominational, our pastor is a revolutionary. His name is Reverend Jeremiah Wright and the church I attended was Trinity (Christ) United Church. When you walk in, it says “Unapologetically Black, Unashamedly Christian.” So I had no problem in search of Christianity within the Bible. What I liked about church and the pursuit of spirituality was that we were welcoming. For example, Farrakhan has spoken at our church before.

Hearing Brand Nubian, Poor Righteous Teachers, and Rakim talk in regards to the Five Percent Nation, calling themselves gods and lands, made me start in search of more. My father named me Rashid. At one point I also had to look and find every thing I could within the Quran. Because my father did it for a reason. I felt I could learn lots from this. And I still apply what I learned from the gods to this present day. It is an acknowledgment of the God who exists in each of us. I feel that is something we would have liked. I feel it played a key role in me becoming a stronger and greater person.

Featured Stories

What are your aspirations for Broadway? You have already got an Emmy, a Grammy and an Oscar. You’re only one Tony away from EGOT.

Last yr I played on Broadway. I used to be in a play called “Between Riverside and Crazy” written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, writer of “Jesus Hopped on the A Train” and “Motherf-r with the Hat.” He’s an incredible playwright from New York. And I played with probably the greatest casts I could ever play with. It was an incredible experience, and I intended to perform much more on Broadway. But within the meantime, I’m producing “The Wiz,” which will probably be on Broadway this spring, and we’re very enthusiastic about it. It will probably be amazing. It debuts in April.


Miles Marshall Lewis (@MMLunlimited) is a Harlem-based author and cultural critic whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Rolling Stone, and many other magazines. Lewis is currently completing a cultural biography of comedian Dave Chappelle, the sequel to Promise That You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Health and Wellness

Health matters: WNBA star Napheesa Collier on her commitment to women’s reproductive health

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Napheesa Collier will not be only a WNBA superstar for the Minnesota Lynx and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but additionally the mother of her daughter Mila and an advocate for women’s reproductive health rights.

It recently decided to partner with Opill®, the primary and only every day contraceptive pill available over-the-counter within the United States. This breakthrough represents a major step forward in women’s health care by providing a convenient and accessible contraceptive option. With Opill, women not need to visit health care facilities for prescriptions, making it easier than ever to take control of their reproductive health.

The collaboration relies on Opill®’s long-standing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). “One of the reasons Opill® partnered with the WNBA is the great passion of players who use their platform to support causes they believe in,” said Leila Bahbah, leading women’s health brand at Perrigo within the US. “Napheesa exudes this passion, and together we plan to educate and empower people to take control of their reproductive health.”

Collier advocates for girls and says she is willing to have conversations, even in the event that they are difficult. “I just truly believe in everything they do at Opill®. I believe it’s important to talk to people who may become pregnant and to women about the reproductive health and contraceptive options available to them,” Collier tells ESSENCE.

He continues: “I want people to know that if they want contraception, Opill® is a great option. It is the first over-the-counter drug approved by the FDA. It is inexpensive, available. You don’t need a prescription to get it. I think that’s a key thing in today’s climate.”

Collier notes that within the off-season, he tries to travel to various colleges to talk to students about their reproductive freedoms. “Talking about this topic is essential to remove the stigma as it should not be considered a shameful topic or something that should not be discussed openly. My mother was a nurse, so it was casual to talk about it in our house, and I want to pass it on to other people too, so I’m very excited about it,” she says.

In the present political climate, many ladies with daughters are concerned about their future and reproductive health. Collier, included. “Especially because I am the mother of a young girl, it is very important to me to be able to raise her in an atmosphere where she knows her reproductive rights and health, that she has access to affordable health care and contraception if she wants it and that she can ask me these questions and have open conversations.”

Collier continues: “It’s back to education. Again, I think it’s harmful that we can’t have open conversations about birth control and other issues that are usually taboo. I think it’s harmful. I think this does a lot of harm to women. It hurts. This is harmful to our society. Being able to talk about these issues and empowering women to learn about their rights and bodies creates a safer and healthier society.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Yes, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok, you still need to use sunscreen

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Summer is nearly here. But as an alternative of using sunscreen, some TikTokers just do that encouraging followers throw it away and forgo sunscreen.

They argue that it’s healthier to forgo sunscreen to get the complete advantages of the sun.

Here’s what the science really says.

How does sunscreen work?

Due to the acute UV environment in Australia, most individuals with pale to olive skin or other risk aspects for skin cancer must accomplish that protect yourself. Applying sunscreen is a key approach to protecting areas that aren’t easily covered by clothing.

Sunscreens work by absorbing or scattering UV rays before they reach the skin and damage DNA or supporting structures corresponding to collagen.

In this photo I (Katie) apply sunscreen only to the appropriate side of my face. Sunscreens absorb and scatter UV light (right side), although it can’t be seen with the naked eye (left side). The photo on the appropriate also shows where sun spots (dark spots) accumulate on my skin and where I do not care to apply sunscreen evenly – under the attention, on the cheek and completely missing the ear.
The creator provided/UQ

When UV molecules hit DNA, the surplus energy can damage our DNA. This damage might be repaired, but when the cell divides before the error is repaired, it causes a mutation that may lead to skin cancer.

The energy of the UV particle (photon) causes the DNA strands to break and reconnect incorrectly. This causes a tumor within the DNA strand, which makes accurate copying difficult and might introduce mutations.
NASA/David Herring

The most typical skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is less common but most definitely spreads throughout the body; this process known as metastasis.

Two against three At least the Australians will one skin cancer during their lives they usually reconcile 80% all cancers in Australia.

About 99% of skin cancers in Australia are attributable to overexposure to UV radiation.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation also affects the looks of the skin. UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into the skin, where they break down supporting structures corresponding to elastin and collagen.

This causes signs premature agingcorresponding to deep wrinkles, brown or white spots and broken capillaries.

Sunscreen may also help prevent skin cancer

Consistently used sunscreen reduces the danger of skin cancer and slows skin aging.

In Queensland studyparticipants either used sunscreen day by day for nearly five years or continued their usual use.

After five years, the danger of squamous cell cancer was reduced within the day by day group 40% compared to the second group.

Ten years later, the danger of developing invasive melanoma was reduced within the group of individuals taking the drug day by day 73%

Do sunscreens block the health-promoting properties of sunlight?

The answer is a little more complicated and involves a personalised risk-benefit trade-off.

First, the excellent news: spending time within the sun has many health advantages don’t rely under the influence of UV radiation and aren’t affected by the use of sunscreens.

A woman applies sunscreen
Sunscreens only filter out UV rays, not all light.
Ron Lach/Pexels

Sunscreens only filter UV rays, not visible light or infrared light (which we feel as heat). Importantly, a number of the advantages of sunlight are obtained through Eyes.

Visible light improves mood and regulates and possibly reduces circadian rhythm (which influences the sleep-wake cycle). myopia (myopia) in children.

Infrared light is being researched as a treatment for several conditions skin, neurological, psychiatric AND autoimmune disorders.

So what is the good thing about exposing your skin to UV radiation?

Sun exposure produces vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bones and muscles.

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common amongst Australians, peaking in Victoria at 49% in winter and lowest in Queensland at 6% in summer.

Fortunately, individuals who deal with sun protection can avoid vitamin D deficiency taking a complement.

Skin exposure to UV radiation could have advantages independent of vitamin D production, but these haven’t been proven. It may reduce the danger of autoimmune diseases corresponding to multiple sclerosis or cause the discharge of a chemical that may lower blood pressure. However, there aren’t enough details about these advantages to say whether sunscreen can be an issue.

What does this mean for you?

Exposure of the skin to UV radiation may provide some advantages that could be blunted by sunscreens. This determines whether it’s value giving up these advantages to avoid skin cancer how susceptible you have skin cancer.

If you have pale skin or other aspects that increase your risk of skin cancer, try to use sunscreen day by day on all days when the forecast UV index reaches 3.

If you have darker skin that rarely or never burns, you might want to skip using sunscreen on daily basis – although you’ll still need protection when you’re outdoors for prolonged periods of time.

For now, the balance of evidence suggests that it is healthier for people susceptible to skin cancer to proceed using sunscreen, supplementing with vitamin D as needed.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Via Griffin/Getty Images

Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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