Maria Veres | Her Nexx Chapter

Lucille Clifton—Poet, Children’s Book Author and Guiding Light

Lucille Clifton wrote poetry for more than two decades before it ever occurred to her to try publishing her work. In a field dominated by White men, she didn’t know of any poets who looked like her. She didn’t think publication was possible. Today, a young Black...

Feb 21, 2022

10 Ways to Work Out Safely and Reduce Your Risk of Infection

Avoiding nasty viruses this winter doesn’t mean you have to avoid your workouts, too. With a few simple precautions, you can keep yourself and your community healthy while you stay fit. 1. Choose a Safe Gym.Look for a facility that shares your standards for...

Dec 14, 2021

How a Simple Gratitude Practice Brought Me Peace and Helped Me Learn to Live in the Moment

It all started because I wanted to lose a few pandemic pounds. I’m not good at diets, so I picked up a book on mindful eating. One piece of advice jumped out. The author suggested a practice I gave up when I left home at 18 – giving thanks for my food. With nothing...

Nov 12, 2021

Ending the Stigma of Overdose with Healing for Loved Ones Who Carry On

Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy. But for people who lose a friend or family member to overdose, the burden of grief is even heavier. Besides processing their own pain, they’re forced to cope with the judgements and misconceptions of others who...

Aug 31, 2021

Ways to Show You Care and Lend Support When Someone You Love Is Grieving

In a culture where many of us aren’t comfortable talking about grief, it’s hard to know how to support someone who has lost a friend or family member. How much sympathy is too much? Will our well-meant words do more harm than good? What’s the best way to help?...

Aug 30, 2021

Hepatitis Can’t Wait! on This World Hepatitis Day 2021

Every 30 seconds, hepatitis-related illness claims another life. Many of these deaths could be prevented. But since hepatitis doesn’t usually cause symptoms at first, most people don’t realize they are infected. If you have untreated hepatitis, you’re at risk for...

Jul 28, 2021

Staying Grateful All Year Long

I own four beautiful gratitude journals. Most of them are barely used. Like many people, I eagerly start gratitude challenges when Thanksgiving draws near, but my momentum dwindles after winter sets in. A few years back, I decided I needed to find a better...

Nov 3, 2020

Go Orange on National Pumpkin Day

If you adore everything pumpkin, it’s time to celebrate. October 26 is National Pumpkin Day. Grown throughout the U.S., pumpkins are one of the most famous types of winter squash. They’re a proud member of the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers and...

Oct 26, 2020

National Women’s Health & Fitness Day: Buddy Up, Be Accountable

The last Wednesday of September is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. In these challenging times, the event is a perfect chance to join with our sisters as we focus on better health. National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is the largest U.S. health promotion...

Sep 30, 2020

Taking Charge of My Health Care

My path to becoming a more empowered patient started with a torn exam gown. Getting called back for a follow-up after my mammogram was bad enough. Receiving a gown with broken ties didn’t exactly make anything better. The technician shrugged off my complaint,...

Jun 6, 2020

10 Tools to Tame Your Phone

When we’re stuck at home, our phones can be a lifeline to the outside world. Unfortunately, they can also feed our stress. Unplugging now and then is vital, even if it’s not easy. Plenty of apps exist to help limit screen time. But your first line of defense is the...

May 12, 2020

Mini Meditations to Center and Calm

When you’re stressed, meditation is a great way to center yourself. But what if there’s no time for that? Fortunately, you don’t need a quiet room and a Zen cushion to reap the benefits of meditation. The simple strategies listed below take only a few minutes. They...

Apr 30, 2020

Living Free and Solo: We Have Just One Life, Dance On!

Thriving at an HBCU (Historically Black College & University): Zoë Shares Her Spelman Journey

Finding Hope and Strength During Seasons of Grief: Heather’s Story

Gaslighting and Psychological Abuse: Help for Victims of Manipulation and Bullying

My Journey of Self-Discovery: Unraveling the Paradigm of the “Rules of a Happy Life”