Health and Wellness
More US schools are taking breaks for meditation, teachers say it helps students’ mental health
REX, Ga. (AP) — Third-grade students at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School had just a couple of days until summer break and an hour until lunch, but they’d no trouble focusing after they walked into class. They were ready for certainly one of their favorite parts of the day.
The children closed their eyes and moved their thumbs from their brow to their hearts as a pre-recorded voice guided them through an exercise called shark fin, a part of an everyday classroom meditation routine.
“Listen to the bells,” said teacher Kim Franklin. “Remember to breathe.”
Schools across the U.S. have introduced yoga, meditation and mindfulness to assist students manage stress and emotions. As the depth of scholars’ mental health struggles became clear within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed schools’ use of the practices last 12 months.
Research has shown that mindfulness programs in schools will be helpful, especially in low-income communities where students struggle with high levels of stress or trauma.
The mindfulness program got here to Smith Elementary School through a contract with the Clayton County Public Schools system, where two-thirds of the scholar body is black.
GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a network that connects communities with local nonprofits, helps Georgia school systems fund a mindfulness program offered by Inner Explorer, an audio platform.
Joli Cooper, executive director of GreenLight Fund Atlanta, said it was necessary to the group to support a company that’s accessible and relevant to communities of color within the Greater Atlanta region.
Children across the country struggled with the results of isolation and distant learning as they returned from schools closed as a result of the pandemic. The CDC reported in 2023 that greater than a 3rd of scholars felt persistent sadness and hopelessness. The agency really helpful that schools use mindfulness practices to assist students deal with their emotions.
“We know that our teens and young adults are really stressed in terms of their mental health,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen told The Associated Press. “There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure they’re coping with big emotions.”
Mindfulness approaches are a type of social-emotional learning that has turn out to be a political flashpoint amongst many conservatives, who say schools are using them to advertise progressive ideas about race, gender and sexuality.
But supporters say this system helps focus much-needed attention on student well-being.
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“If you look at the numbers, unfortunately in Georgia the number of kids of color with suicidal ideation and success is quite high,” Cooper said. “If you look at the number of psychologists available for these kids, there are not enough psychologists of color.”
Black youth have the fastest-growing suicide rate amongst racial groups, in response to CDC statistics. Between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate amongst black children and youths ages 10 to 17 increased by 144%.
“There’s a stigma around being able to say you’re not OK and you need help, and being able to ask for help,” said Tolana Griggs, assistant principal at Smith Elementary School. “With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how different cultures feel and how different cultures respond to different things, it’s important to be well-rounded in everything we do.”
Across the country, children attending schools predominantly attended by students of color have less access to psychologists and counselors than children attending schools predominantly attended by white students.
The Inner Explorer program guides students and teachers through five- to 10-minute sessions of respiration, meditation, and reflection several times a day. The program can be utilized in Atlanta Public Schools and greater than 100 other districts across the country.
Teachers and administrators say they’ve noticed a difference of their students since incorporating mindfulness into their routines. For Aniyah Woods, 9, this system helped her “calm down” and “not stress out anymore.”
“I love myself as I am, but Inner Explorer helps me feel more like myself,” Aniyah said.
Malachi Smith, 9, practiced at home while his father helped him meditate.
“You can relax by looking at a shark fin, and once I calm down, I realize I am a brilliant scientist,” Malachi said.
After completing their meditation, Franklin’s class shared their feelings.
“Relaxed,” one student said.
Aniyah raised her hand.
“It made me feel at peace,” she said.
Health and Wellness
He came to the US with $100; He is now a mental health expert
Meet Honor Sithole, a renowned Black mental health advocate and licensed skilled caregiver who immigrated to the United States in 2000 with just $100 in her pocket. He has now released a compelling recent book titled , chronicling his extraordinary journey as a Zimbabwean immigrant to becoming certainly one of the most influential mental health professionals in America.
Sithole, founder and CEO of Inside Fitness 360 Professional Counseling and Life Coaching, has been in his own practice for over 10 years and has transformed the lives of over 30,000 people through his counseling sessions, becoming a leading voice for mental health. His practice was recognized in 2018 as a Face of Mental Health for its progressive approach and exceptional impact, and in 2022 he was a podcast guest.
weaves Sithole’s inspiring personal narrative with practical strategies for private transformation. The book offers readers a comprehensive plan for achievement, specializing in self-knowledge, harmony of mind, body and spirit, and authentic living.
“My journey from coming to America with just $100 to building a successful practice and being recognized by the Texas State Senate has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and personal growth,” says Sithole. “By doing so, I share these insights to help others overcome their own challenges and achieve their dreams.”
Sithole’s experience has earned him quite a few accolades, including:
• 2023 Immigrant Career Excellence Award
• Named certainly one of the Top 100 Black Therapists by the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (2022)
• Texas Senate Proclamation on Supporting Men’s Mental Health
• Award named after Richard E. Hopkins “Torch” 2020
Company impact and leadership development
goes beyond personal development to include key workplace well-being strategies. Sithole’s corporate training programs have helped organizations create a psychologically protected environment, leading to:
• Greater worker satisfaction and retention
• Better communication and cooperation inside the team
• Reduced stress and burnout in the workplace
• Developing emotionally intelligent leadership
As a trusted advisor to government entities, skilled athletes and corporations, Sithole brings over 20 years of leadership experience to his work supporting mental health. His approach to corporate well-being and leadership development has revolutionized the way organizations look after employees’ mental health, creating psychologically protected workplaces where teams can thrive.
The book is available at Amazon.
Health and Wellness
Alexis Donald becomes the first physician and published author in her family
Bow. Alexis Donald, pioneering African American physician and advocate for empowering young minds, is happy to announce the release of her long-awaited kid’s book, Based on her own extraordinary journey, this fascinating story encourages children to dream big, consider in themselves and fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
As the first doctor in her family, Dr. Alexis has all the time been driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her inspiring story begins with childhood dreams and takes readers on a heartfelt journey of determination, resilience and triumph.
is a beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of the true story of Dr. Alexis Donald. With relatable characters and a gripping story, young readers will probably be inspired to pursue their dreams, irrespective of how big or audacious they could seem.
This charming book not only highlights Dr. Donald’s personal achievements, but additionally showcases her exceptional academic achievements. As the valedictorian of her highschool, she became the first person in the history of her highschool to be awarded the prestigious Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. Undaunted by the challenges, she continued her educational journey, completing her undergraduate studies at Jackson State University and Meharry Medical College, earning her master’s degree and medical degrees.
Dr. Donald, now a successful family medicine physician, has a mission to encourage the next generations to dream big, consider in themselves and fearlessly pursue their passions. He hopes to instill in young minds the importance of perseverance, self-belief and the limitless opportunities that await them.
Thanks to its strong message and fascinating illustrations, it’ll immediately change into a favourite book of kids, parents and teachers alike. This uplifting story is a reminder that dreams can come true through dedication, exertions and unwavering determination.
Dr. Donald invites readers of all ages to affix her in celebrating the release of her kid’s book. This extraordinary book is now available on the market in leading bookstores and online stores.
For more details about Dr. Alexis, her inspiring journey, and her mission to empower young minds, visit her website AuthorAlexisMD.com
Her book is offered at Amazon.
Health and Wellness
Alycia Baumgardner About faith, femininity and breaking barriers in boxing – Essence
Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom
Alycia Baumgardner has at all times had a fighting spirit. Growing up in a family of fighters, she didn’t just learn methods to box – she embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed super featherweight champion began long before she ever placed on gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was only 4 years old when she first wrestled, and then eight when her dad asked the query that defined her future: “Do you want to box?” Her answer was easy and confident: “Yes, I will box.” Looking back, she recalls the innocence of the choice and notes, “I didn’t even know what I was getting into, but it just felt right.”
Living in Fremont, Ohio, Baumgardner’s introduction to boxing didn’t come from watching legends or studying tapes. Instead, her skills were influenced by family influences and a gaggle of coaches who saw her potential and helped her refine her craft. “I didn’t grow up watching boxing much,” she said. “Because of my athleticism and the teachers I worked with, I was able to really shape my style.” Her combat is flexible – she will be able to fight, move and outsmart her opponents with technical finesse. But what really drove her forward was her belief that “one day they would have to respect that.”
This respect intensified as the favored athlete quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles by 2022. Her technical and relentless style made her a fearsome opponent. But outside the ring, she also accepted something that is commonly marginalized in boxing: her femininity. As ESSENCE says, “It’s important to accept it because that’s who I am as a woman.” For her, it’s about balance – the mix of beauty and beast. “You can be a beautiful woman and fight at the same time,” she says, capturing the duality that makes her a novel figure in women’s boxing.
Outside the ring, Baumgardner’s interests are as diverse as her boxing style. He finds time to maintain a diary. It’s a habit he maintains at the very least twice every week and documents the ups and downs of his life. “It’s just updates on my life,” he explains, seeing it as a method to reflect and grow. She can be a passionate advocate for well-being, each spiritual and physical, and is proud to offer back to her community. From teaching self-defense to women in Detroit to handing out turkeys through the holidays, she strives to be a positive influence on those round her. Her recent visits to HBCUs to encourage young fans are a testament to this commitment as she encourages them to develop into confident and pursue their dreams.
For the talented boxer, her place in athletics goes beyond titles and belts. “Being the face of women’s boxing is a blessing,” she says. “Because of my story and what I can offer outside the ring, I can reach so many people. It’s more than just a sport.” He sees his role as a legacy creator, known not only for his victories, but also for the words he shares and the impact he makes. “People won’t remember me just because of the stripes,” he insists. “They’ll remember what I said, what I told that young girl who dreamed of being a champion one day.”
However, her journey is just not without obstacles. As a black woman in a male-dominated sport, the boxing star faced challenges, often feeling like she stood out in a world where she didn’t see many individuals who looked like her. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, “Being a young black girl with muscles wasn’t common. But I at all times believed that someday people would respect my work ethic. This belief continues to drive her as she tries to balance the demands of her sport with the pressures of being an influential figure.
Last September, Alycia faced an unexpected defeat during her highly anticipated match against Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The fight was fierce and she was determined to defend her undisputed super featherweight title. In the fourth round, a cut to Persoon’s right eye – attributable to an accidental clash of heads – forced the ringside doctor to declare the fight, resulting in a no-contest ruling. Although the choice was unexpected, she viewed it as a brief setback fairly than a setback, exuding the identical resilience that has defined her profession.
Looking ahead, the 30-12 months-old’s goals remain clear. She is committed to her craft, her community, and inspiring the following generation of warriors. And although the challenges ahead could also be difficult, she is grounded in her faith and her purpose. “Prayer is important,” he says. “I always believed I was destined to become something great, and through obstacles I learned to overcome them.”
Baumgardner’s journey is characterised by fortitude, grace and undeniable strength – a real testament to her belief that, in boxing and in life, every defeat is a chance to rise again. As she continues to coach, mentor others and push the boundaries of the game, she shows that her fight goes far beyond titles; it’s about redefining life’s possibilities.
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