Safe & Sound After Sandy

October 31, 2012

To all of my readers on the East Coast who have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy, my prayers and thoughts are with and your families at this time. Thankfully, my family and I were blessed to have not been directly affected by the storm. In fact, we never even lost power in our area. However, Ava kept asking, “Mommy, what’s that sound?” when she heard the strong winds slamming against our windows. Other than her slight jitters, we survived the storm trouble free.

While we were spared Mother Nature’s wrath this time, one can never be too prepared when disaster strikes. According to the American Red Cross, here are a few things everyone should have on hand (in an easy-to-carry kit) in case of emergency:

* Water — one gallon per person, per day (at least a three-day supply)
* Food — non­perishable, easy-to­-prepare items (at least a three-day supply)
* Flashlight
* Battery­-powered or hand­-cranked radio
* Extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
* Multi­purpose tool
* Sanitation and personal hygiene items
* Copies of personal documents (like passports, house deed, birth certificates)
* Cell phone with chargers
* Family and emergency contact information
* Extra cash
* Emergency blanket
* Map(s) of the area

Does your family have an emergency kit readily available? If you’d like information on how to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy please visit RedCross.org.

Category: Health, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

5 Steps to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

October 29, 2012

Although Breast Cancer Awareness month is winding down, don’t forget that there are steps that we can take year-round to help prevent the disease.

According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center here are a few things we can do:

Don’t Smoke. While this is a no-brainer, it still needs to be addressed. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women.

Keep Your Weight in Check. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).

Eat healthy. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.

Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.

Drink little or no alcohol. While having a drink every now and then, excessive drinking can pose a risk. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.

Check out this cool infographic:

Code Pink

What steps do you take to prevent breast cancer?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Goodbye Gummi Bears, 5 Naturally Sweet Alternatives!

October 16, 2012

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a major gummi bear obsession. During my weekly Target runs, I can hardly resist picking up a pack of Haribo treats from the candy aisle.

Once, a friend even bought me a giant size bear of sugary goodness for my birthday. Plus, I eat them so much that my 2-year-old probably thinks they’re part of a major food group!

That’s why before Halloween and the holidays roll around, I’m making a conscious effort to cut down on my candy intake by consuming healthier snacks. I want to be a good role model for my daughter and overall healthier person.

From banana chips to trail mix, I’ll be stocking up on healthy goodies instead of my yummy go-to gummies. I’m not giving them up for good (a treat every now and then is fine), but definitely scaling back! Wish me luck!

Check out a few of these naturally sweet alternatives:

Peeled Snacks Dried Fruit available here, for about $3

Regal Banana Chips available here, $2

Kashi Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars available here, $4

Craisins Dried Cranberries available here , $4

Bear Naked Mango Agave Almond Granola available here, $5

What’s your sweet-tooth weakness?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

BGG’s Top Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Picks

October 1, 2012

It’s a sobering stat that 1 in 8 women has a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. I’ve already lost three aunts to the disease and don’t want to lose anyone else.

Since 1985, October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the cure. During the month, retailers and companies donate a portion (and in some cases 100%)  of their proceeds toward breast cancer research.

From specially-designed brush sets to pretty lipstick shades, purchasing beauty  products for a great cause is always a good look!

Check out a few of my faves:

Mixed Chicks Special “Pink Cap” Leave-In Conditioner available here, $16.99 (From every purchase, $1 will be donated to Save the Ta Tas Foundation)

Ka’Oir ‘Survivor’ Lipstick available here, $19.99 (10% of the proceeds of every purchase will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation)

 La Mer ‘The Hand Treatment’ available here, $75 ($10 from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

 

Proudly Pink 5-Piece Purse Brush Set available here, $14.99 (For each purchase, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Coach ‘Poppy’ Lipgloss Set available exclusively here, $35 (20% from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Bobbi Brown ‘Pink Peony Set’ available here, $45 ($10 from each purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Have you ever purchased a product solely based on helping a good cause? Have you ever had a mammogram? 

 

Category: Beauty, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Gabrielle Union Speaks on Skin Cancer Prevention

August 20, 2012

Although summer is coming to a close, that doesn’t mean that we should ditch our sunscreen. In fact, we BGs need to make our sunscreen usage a year-round routine. Far too often we think that once temps start to dip, it’s ok to skip the SPF.

According to a recent survey conducted by Neutrogena, only 46% of African-American women use sunscreen in comparison to 76% White and 63% of Hispanic women.  That’s why actress and Neutrogena spokeswoman, Gabrielle Union, urges us to take our skin’s health more seriously.

Photo Courtesy: Neutrogena

“Just because summer is ending, sun-safe behavior should not,” says Union. “Skin cancer is the one cancer that’s preventable, yet it’s still on the rise. I’m glad that I can help Neutrogena educate people by spotlighting common sun protection myths and spreading the word that it doesn’t matter the color of your skin; everyone can get skin cancer.”

Watch Gabrielle Union speak on sun-safe behavior.

Here are a few facts according to Neutrogena and Dr. Darrell Rigel:

Cases of skin cancer in people with darker skin are often not detected until later stages, when it is more dangerous. The overall melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91 percent for Caucasians.

Sun’s harmful rays are as deadly during the colder seasons as they are during summer. In fact, even under cloud cover, it is possible for the sun to harm your skin and eyes, so it is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing even in cloudy weather.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults aged 25 to 29. It is also increasing faster in women ages 15 to 29 than in men of the same age group.

Do you forget to wear sunscreen during the cooler seasons?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 2 Comments

Giveway: Aveeno Sun-Protection Prize Pack

June 5, 2012

Sitting poolside soaking up the sun getting a pedicure is definitely on my summer agenda. Before I plan my fun days in the sun, I’ll need to fill my tote with a few sun-protecting essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun-shielding hat.

Thanks to Aveeno, I want to make sure that you’re covered for summer too. I’m giving away one prize pack to a lucky reader filled with the following: Wide-Brimmed Hat, AVEENO Hydrosport Sunscreen SPF30, AVEENO Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Mositurizer SPF 30, a pair of 100% UV-Protecting Shades, and One Month of ACUVUE OASYS Brand Contacts.

If you’re wondering how contact lenses fit into this summer bundle, well that’s because most contacts don’t offer any UV protection. These offer the highest level of UV blocking available in the marketplace.

For more information on how the sun affects vision, be sure to take a listen to HealthVision with Dr. Val’s podcast here.

While those warm sun rays feel good beaming down on our bodies, we need to take the proper precautions to prevent skin cancer.  Sometimes we BGs forget that like our fair-skinned counterparts, we’re also susceptible to the disease.

Simply leave a comment sharing your summer vacation plans for a chance to win the prize pack. **Exam and fitting fees not included. Winner must present current, valid prescription for ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses. Please note that this giveaway is only open to U.S residents. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, June 11th. 

Category: Giveaways, Travel & Lifestyle | 9 Comments

5 “Berry” Good Reasons to Eat Berries

May 31, 2012

Balmy weather, beach bumming, impromptu barbecues, and delicious berries are the cornerstones of summer. All fruits have outstanding health advantages, but berries are the crème de la crème when it comes to wellness and beautifying benefits.

Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, minerals, and more, these scrumptious bites can enhance complexions, contribute to weight loss, and even help prevent certain cancers. From strawberries to blueberries, berries are always at the top of my grocery list. Plus, they’re the perfect snack for my 2-year-old daughter who can eat them by the carton!

Check out what these tasty, nutritious treats can do:

1. Antioxidants found in blueberries have been proven to soften skin, decrease inflammation, and reduce the onset of wrinkles.
2. Cranberries and blueberries contain compounds that help ward off bladder infections.
3. Blueberries and raspberries contain lutein, which help improve vision.
4. Blueberries’ anthocyanins attack cancer-causing agents.
5.  Strawberries are used topically in traditional medicines to treat burns and other skin ailments due to their astringent properties.

What’s your favorite berry?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 2 Comments