Simply Bowie Jan/Feb 2024

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Health & Wellness

Issue

TOPICS ON DIABETES, COUNSELING TEENS, AND CHILL CRYO WELLNESS SPA. TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEART!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Delicious Drinks To 8 4Consume When You’re Bored of Water

Kitchen Opens 10 Carolina Sixth Location with Delicious Plant-Based Menu Addition

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Readers Choice Awards 2023 Celebration Congratulations to All The Winners!

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Health & Wellness Achieve It Counseling & Consulting How a Maryland Doctor is revolutionizing Diabetes and Endocrine practice Through Care and Comprehensive Treatment DMV CHILL Cryotherapy Wellness Spa BeBalanced

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the Canal Walk in 30 Explore Downtown Richmond to visit as a couple 32 Museum for Valentine Ways to Take Care of 33 Six Your Heart Consumers Are 34 Why Choosing Electric Cars in 2024

PUBLISHER Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aya Furin-Campbell, Lauryn Forbes, Aiyana Fewell, McKenna Underwood

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tracey Marlene, Demetrice Jones, Veronica Fountain

LAYOUT & AD DESIGN Natthaphon Foithong Natt@simplymagazines.net

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Veronica Fountain Veronica@simplymagazines.net

302-373-5929 Having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This means also to help you in understanding each step of the buying or selling process. This commitment level has helped us build a remarkable track record of delivering results.

Nothing is more exciting to us than the gratifying feeling we get from helping people meet their real estate needs. You can count on us to always do what's in your best interest. We pride ourselves on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market.

We know how important it is to find your dream home or get the best offer for your property.

Therefore we will make it our responsibility to help you achieve those goals.

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, We can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse our website or let us guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing us to set up an appointment today.

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DELICIOUS DRINKS

to Consume When You’re Bored of Water Article by Fia Majumdar

Water alone will not suffice this time of year. You’ve been sipping from that reusable bottle all season, and even the tried-and-true tricks like adding a squeeze of lime or stirring in some muddled berries may not be bringing you much joy.

So, even if you have a lot on your plate, you can be the type of person who makes their own refreshing drinks. And you absolutely should! They are not only hydrating and delicious, but they also transform sweaty non-events like sitting on your porch or a park bench into legitimate activities that feel cool, comfortable, and fun. Here are 4 simple refreshing drink recipes to get you started. Make all of them before sweater season begins!

2-INGREDIENT STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

ICED PEACH GREEN TEA

This frozen strawberry lemonade could not be simpler to make! It only requires two ingredients and comes together quickly. Ideal for the summer!

Iced peach green tea is naturally sweetened, refreshing, fruity, and flavourful. There are no strange syrups or added flavours–just fruit and iced green tea!

Ingredients

Ingredients

• • • •

• • • • • •

2 cups lemonade 16 ounces frozen strawberries lemon wedges, for serving fresh mint, for serving

In a blender, combine the lemonade and strawberries. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frozen. Fill glasses halfway with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh mint!

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2 tea bags (green) 1 litre of cool water 2 peeled and chopped very ripe peaches 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon agave nectar Ice, for serving

Combine the tea bags and water in a sealable jar and keep it in the fridge overnight. The next day, remove the tea bags and pour the iced green tea into a blender along with the chopped peaches, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Blend until the peaches are liquified. Serve with ice and an extra squeeze of lemon if you like.

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FIZZY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DRINK

GRAPEFRUIT AND ROSEMARY INFUSED WATER

This apple cider vinegar drink recipe is bubbly and refreshing, and it’s a simple way to incorporate apple cider vinegar’s health benefits into your diet.

This grapefruit and rosemary infused water is an amazing way to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Ingredients • • • •

• • • •

6-8 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 6-8 tablespoon of organic lemon juice 6-8 cups of soda water Ice, for serving

Measure out 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and organic lemon juice per serving of the drink. Add it to the soda water and stir to combine. Add ice and serve.

SIMPLY BOWIE

MAGAZINE

Ingredients 6–8 cups filtered water 1 medium grapefruit, sliced 8–10 sprigs fresh rosemary Ice, for serving

Add water, along with a medium sliced grapefruit and some fresh rosemary to a pitcher and mix them to combine. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. Serve with ice.

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CAROLINA KITCHEN Opens Sixth Location with Delicious Plant-Based Menu Addition

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A spotlight spiraling through the night sky, visible from miles away added an air of excitement on Friday. At the source of the light show stood a line of exquisitely dressed people walking the red carpet to the entrance of Carolina Kitchen’s grand opening in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

Under a tented entryway elaborately decorated in black and gold with hints of red, more than 350 business owners, socialites, Prince George’s County representatives, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the grand opening and sample the new menu, which for the first time included a large selection of plant-based options.

Arriving fashionably late, Lance London,

CEO of Carolina Kitchen, greeted the crowd of hundreds like old friends. As he made his grand entrance to the main stage, he stopped frequently to high-five, hug, greet, and take photos with attendees.

Charismatic and attentive to the needs of his guests, London has built a strong reputation as a restaurateur.

“Lance is a shining example of Black entrepreneurship. He thinks with a view to the future– from the way he runs his restaurants to the way he trains his staff. Bringing his skill set to create jobs and provide training in Prince George’s County uplifts the entire neighborhood and gives people incentive to want to do what he is doing,” said his longtime friend Russ Parr.

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Call: 202-386-4454 Mackhomereno.com

Who we are At MACK Home Renovations, we take pride in every detail, ensuring your home reflects your unique style and needs. With our extensive knowledge of industry trends and the local market, we personally guide you through the entire process, from selecting the materials and finishings down to the finer details of our craftsmanship. We are confident in the value this investment will add to space and your overall home equity.

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1. BEST HOME BUILDER: CARUSO HOMES 2. BEST EENT PLANNER: HONEY DO PLANNERS 3. BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER: SERENITY INTERIORS BY TRENELL 4. BEST CASUAL DINING: CAROLINA KITCHEN 5. BEST CATERER: CRAVEABLES CATERING 6. BEST DENTIST: WOODVIEW ORTHODONTIC 7. BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS: DREM’S HOLISTIC WELLNESS 8. BEST VETERINARY: BOWIE TOWNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL 9. BEST ART: BLACK ART TODAY 10. BEST BOUTIQUE: CHI BELLA HAIR SALON 11. BEST ENTERTAINMENT: PARTY HEADQUARTERS 12. BEST LEADER: CLINTON TRUESDALE 13. BEST REALTOR: EBONY MCARTHUR REALTY GROUP 14. BEST DESSERT: THE DESSERT JUNKIE

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Achieve It Counseling & Consulting The Cruciality of Therapy and Representation

Article by Aya Furin-Campbell Photography by Tracey Marlene J a n ua r y/ Feb r u a r y 2024

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Life is full of constant ups, downs, and changes, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have found themselves feeling lost and seeking out mental health resources. Achieve It Counseling & Consulting, located in Largo, Maryland, was founded in 2016 by Lawrence Jones, who is wholeheartedly dedicated to healing and empowering his clients.

Previously a contractor, Jones decided to take a leap of faith and go into this field, not only because he had a passion for it, but because he recognized that this field lacks representation.

According to Zippia, 74.2% of mental health therapists within the United States are white. On top of that, therapy tends to be more womendominated, with women making up 70.4% of therapists in the United States, according to Cross River Therapy. Because of this, Jones recognized the importance of being a Black man in this industry and the appeal and comfort that he could bring to clients who wanted to speak to someone who looked like them and had the potential to understand and reach them in ways that other demographics may not be able to.

“I think as Black men we’re taught some common myths such as you have to be strong, you have to be tough, you have to be the strong person in the relationship,” Jones said, “So once I started getting into this work, whether that was starting up through mentor programs, I saw that there were a lot of young men, specifically those who grew up without a father, falling in that category.

So for me, I have a passion and strong purpose in trying to impact men who are fathers right now, but grew up without their role model.”

Jones provides counseling to all demographics and offers individual services and premarital counseling, as well as counseling specifically for teenagers, those impacted by trauma, and career counseling. Despite who he is working with, Jones is always cognizant of the importance of catering to those who may have a stigmatized view of therapy and feel uncomfortable when first starting counseling.

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“Sometimes it’s hard for a man to come to therapy in general,” Jones said, in speaking on how he works towards making his space inclusive during couples counseling, “So part of the barriers is that he’s going to feel like already on the losing side of the table if there are two women who he feels are somewhat passing judgment. I think that having a male in that space can sometimes help a man to be able to open up to his partner more.”

While being an advocate for diversifying mental health spaces, Jones is also an advocate for the significance and importance of therapy and believes that everyone should try it. “Your mind is probably one of the strongest things that you have,” Jones said, “I believe that to not nurture it and not develop it is a disservice to yourself as an individual. I think it’s just a great investment if you want to develop how you think about things mentally and how you view the world.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BOWIE KETTLEBELL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MARVIN KING 301-463-4848 Website: Coachmarvinking.com Bowiekettlebellclub.com Email: BowieKBC@icloud.com

Coach Marvin King is a Martial Arts Hall of Fame Master and leading authority in the minimalist approach to managing Wellness for your life! His book, "The Art of Being Well," describes the simple mindset needed to adopt a lifelong Wellness strategy.

Health & Wellness

How a Maryland Doctor is revolutionizing Diabetes and Endocrine practice Through Care and Comprehensive Treatment

Article by Makenna Underwood Photography by Demetrice Jones J a n ua r y/ Feb r u a r y 2024

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When Dr. Barbara Onumah started her private practice in Largo, MD in April 2023, she had a vision for how she wanted to serve others.

“My vision was always to be able to provide access to quality care for people who live in my community,” she said.

Originally from Ghana, located in West Africa, Onumah’s parents moved to the United States when she was a teenager.

She completed high school, college and her medical training in New Jersey. After endocrinology fellowship training at the NIH - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda MD, she joined the Endocrine Division at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where she practiced clinical endocrine and served as a faculty member for the joint endocrine fellowship training program with Georgetown University Hospital in DC. She subsequently became a medical director, developing and growing a diabetes and endocrine program for Anne Arundel Medical Center (now Luminis Health) in Maryland. In April 2023, Dr. Onumah opened her own practice, The Diabetes and Endocrine Wellness Center, in Largo Maryland.

An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who treats people with hormone related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems and osteoporosis.

When asked why endocrinology, she says “it is the field that affords one the opportunity to be an expert but not limited to just a part of the human body, because the endocrine system does not focus on one organ but several, and practically the whole body. It is the perfect combination of science and critical thinking, and fosters long term physician/patient relationships.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is “a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot

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effectively use the insulin it produces. In 2019, “diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths”.

Onumah mentions that diabetes is manifested as high blood sugar but it is actually a much more serious illness than just the blood glucose. It is a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

“Diabetes results in more people having heart attacks, strokes and other complications including kidney problems. When uncontrolled it can lead to eye disease resulting in blindness, as well as nerve and circulation issues which can lead to amputation of limbs,” she said. Dr.. Onumah hopes to change that through education, comprehensive care and dispelling myths about diabetes.

Focusing on modifiable risk factors such as nutrition and exercise is the best way to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Onumah emphasized the importance of small sustainable lifestyle changes such as limiting the amount of sugar in food and drinks and limiting intake of processed high carbohydrate foods. She shares tips such as getting the majority of our food from the periphery of the grocery shop as opposed to the middle aisles of the grocery store” since many processed foods are in the middle of the store compared to the fruits and vegetables which are in the periphery.

Along with healthy eating, exercise is also an essential part of lifestyle adjustment. It does not need to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent. “American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity are minimum

J a n u a r y/ Feb r u a r y 2024

of 30 minutes, five days a week of moderateintensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) lasting 10-15 minutes each time. That’s a target and a goal you want to achieve, but any kind of movement is good – the key is to move more and sit less ” she added.

The treatment of diabetes continues to evolve at a rapid pace. A little over a century ago, the diagnosis of diabetes was a death sentence.

While there is still no cure, advancements in diabetes technology including continuous glucose monitors, integrated insulin pumps and automated delivery systems as well as various personalized diabetes platforms and newer, more effective medication continue to make it manageable.

Dr. Onumah maintains hope for future treatments or even a cure for diabetes.

“I’m very hopeful that we can find something close to a cure or something close to making life a whole lot easier for persons with diabetes. In the last two decades we have seen significant advancement in treatment options with development of effective medications and additional benefits that are independent of their glucose lowering abilities. Onumah said.

“Diabetes is a disorder, but thankfully, we have a lot of tools in the toolbox to manage it. And if a person is motivated enough, they can keep the disease under control, and they can control the disease instead of the disease controlling them.”

BRINGING YOU HIGH QUALITY CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON The Diabetes and Endocrine Wellness Center, LLC. We will consider it an honor to participate in your care and the care of your loved ones. At The DEW Center, our provider is up to date on the latest techniques and technologies. Make an appointment with us today.

Barbara Mensah Onumah, MD Endocrinologist

Our Care Center is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland.

CALL FOR CONSULTATION : 240-825-3040 or BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE: DEWDOCTOR.COM SERVICES: • Diabetes –Type 1, Type 2, Prediabetes • Insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring and interpretation • Insulin resistance and related disorders including PCOS • Metabolic syndrome • Obesity

• Cardiovascular risk reduction • Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules) • Osteoporosis, Vitamin D deficiency, Paget’s disease and metabolic bone disorders

• Adrenal nodules • Hormone related hypertension • Lipid disorders • Pituitary disorders • Male Hypogonadism • Menopause • Endocrine disorders of pregnancy including gestational diabetes and thyroid disorders

Health & Wellness

Article by Lauryn Forbes Photography by Tracey Marlene

Silky and Verona Sullivan, the duo behind DMV CHILL Cryotherapy Wellness Spa, have brought a groundbreaking approach to Health and Wellness to the DMV area. Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, a treatment involving exposure to extreme cold, is renowned for its ability to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing without relying on medications. Noninvasive and with no downtime, Cryotherapy can be an option for those looking to resolve pain and various health issues in a natural and painless way.

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Their journey into the world of Cryotherapy began on a deeply personal note. While searching for Holistic solutions to aid a family member diagnosed with Dementia, they discovered Targeted Cryotherapy at a Health and Wellness Expo, “and it changed our lives,” they said. Seeing the family members’ progress, they were inspired to found DMV CHILL Cryotherapy Wellness Spa in 2021, becoming the first and only Black Owned Mobile Cryotherapy business in the Metropolitan area. Though serial entrepreneurs with both a vending machine and ATM business in addition, their heart and passion lies with Targeted Cryotherapy.

What sets DMV CHILL apart is their mobile approach. Silky explained, “We’ve adopted a revolutionary mobile device that allows us to provide Targeted Cryotherapy anywhere, anytime”. Whether it’s Pain Management or Aesthetic, it can be offered in the comfort of one’s choice of location. With an extensive catalogue of cutting-edge treatments, customers can expect services such as Pain Management to treat injuries old or new, Cryo-Slimming for weight loss, Skin-Tightening, Cryo-Aesthetics for skincare, Sauna Therapy, Vibration Therapy, and many more, all found on their website. With this, they offer tailored services and membership packages to ensure every client’s unique needs are met.

Their clientele spans a broad spectrum, including students, parents, the elderly, and individuals simply seeking natural pain relief - all ages can benefit. With six sons, the Sullivans understand the importance of alternatives to pain medications, especially in sports. They work with many student athletes, and are passionate about promoting Pain Management and Recovery in schools. Silky explained, “We’re initiating programs to assist communities, including inner-city and public schools to start Pain Management and Recovery programs” For those curious but uncertain about trying Targeted Cryotherapy, DMV CHILL Cryotherapy wants customers to be affirmed that “Targeted Cryotherapy is a natural and innovative way to manage pain and pain relief, as well as enhance overall Wellness.” While some may be reluctant to try due to the extreme temperature, Silky assures that customers always leave with a smile on their face - and that’s the goal at the end of the day.

DMV CHILL Cryotherapy Wellness Spa isn’t just a business; it’s a mission to enhance lives through innovative Wellness solutions. They are on a mission to spread awareness of this breakthrough technology throughout the community, as many are unaware of its existence and numerous benefits.

Silky and Verona’s commitment to educating and treating their clients as well as their vision for a pain-free future make them stand out in the world of Targeted Cryotherapy and Holistic health as a whole.

You can find DMV CHILL Cryotherapy Wellness Spa at 7375 Executive Place Suite 400 in Lanham, Maryland.

They offer free consultations to help those interested discover the best services for their needs. You can book services online at https://www.dmvchillcryo.com/, call at 202-677-5878 or 202-922-7193, or connect with them on Facebook or Instagram at @dmvchillcryo.

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Health & Wellness

BeBalanced

When tackling challenging topics like weight loss, hormones and pre, post and peri menopause and andropause symptoms, the journey often feels like navigating through a complex textbook. At BeBalanced Crofton the narrative takes a refreshing turn, guided by the passion and commitment of its Owner and Wellness Coach, Rachelle Polk and her Team.

The BeBalanced approach revolves around sustainable and holistic weight loss methods, aiming not just to transform bodies and minds but to change lives! We do this by educating and empowering women and men to embrace a clean and healthy lifestyle long after they’ve achieved their goals.

Established in 2015, BeBalanced distinguishes itself as an innovative business with a focus on natural hormone balancing for weight loss and symptom relief. This approach not only aids in

shedding pounds, it also addresses symptoms from pre, peri, and post-menopause along with andropause for our gentlemen. Symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, depression, anxiety and low libido. According to Polk, the key lies in working with the body’s natural hormones, steering away from traditional hormone replacement therapy. “It’s balancing, not replacement” she asserts, debunking misconceptions that might deter potential clients.

Polk’s personal journey, having started as a BeBalanced client in 2017 during a stressful period in her life, serves as a powerful connection to her clients. “I remember how frustrated I was, it’s that pain that getting the word out to women that they don’t have to suffer like this anymore, like our mom’s did, has become my mission!”

What sets BeBalanced apart is its commitment to an all-natural, holistic approach to weight loss, offering a range of benefits beyond just shedding pounds.

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Their signature program, Becoming Balanced, adopts a comprehensive strategy, incorporating a whole food diet, natural supplements, relaxation and other natural techniques. Naturally balancing blood sugar, Cortisol, estrogen and progesterone are all considered factors. Polk proudly shares that clients typically experience an average weight loss of 15 -21 lbs. in the first 30 days, accompanied by a reduction in hormonal symptoms. It’s not just a diet, it’s a program that will change your life!

While many clients fall within the 35-65 age range Polk shares, the benefits extend to any gender and age. Her client-focused Spa like Center places a strong emphasis on one-on-one private coaching,

offering personalized support. BeBalanced aims to be a transformative journey, going beyond weight loss to reshape lives and perspectives.

As the new year approaches, with weight loss often topping resolution lists, BeBalanced Crofton is open to new clients, encouraging them to take advantage of a free consultation. This 30-minutes session helps her, and her Wellness Coaches learn more about a client and their needs in an effort to make the best program recommendation. This shows BeBalanced and Team Crofton’s commitment to personalized and passionate support for those looking to embark on a transformative journey to Balance.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/AnnapolisBeBalanced.

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Lawrence T. Jones, LCPC Clinical Director www.achieveitcounseling.com

Therapy for Men

Request an Appointment

Therapy for Teens

9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100, Largo, Maryland 20774

Pre-Martial Counseling

Supervision

240-701-1109

achieve@achieveitcounseling.com

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Health & Wellness

Issue

TOPICS ON DIABETES, COUNSELING, CHILL CRYO WELLNESS SPA, TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEART AND MORE!

Trendsetter ELECTRIC CARS FOR 2024

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Winners...

Local Community, Social Media, Digital Media Events, E-Newsletter, Podcasts, Website, Mobile

Explore the Canal Walk in Downtown Richmond ENJOY A WALK, BIKE RIDE OR A RIVERFRONT CANAL CRUISE ALONG THE HISTORIC CANAL WALK! The Canal Walk has been a staple of Richmond for decades, entertaining visitors and residents alike.

Located along downtown’s riverfront, the Canal Walk stretches 1.25 miles along the James River and Kanawha and Haxall Canals, and has access points at nearly every block between 5th and 17th Streets.

The Canal Walk is used for walking and biking by visitors, residents and people enjoying a break from working downtown. Did you know that you can explore the canal by boat, too? Find out more about Riverfront Canal Cruises.

There is so much to learn about Richmond’s history along the Canal Walk. On your walk you’ll see public art, statues and exhibits. Learn all about the Riverfront Art here.

Visit exceptional restaurants along the Canal Walk, like Southern Railway Taphouse, Casa del Barco and Bottom’s Up Pizza.

Photography by Veronica Fountain

The History of the Canal Richmond, lying on the fall line of the James River, was destined for a history steeped in canal navigation. George Washington, a staunch proponent of canal transportation, appeared before the Virginia General Assembly in 1784 to support legislation to create a waterway to bypass the falls. By linking the James River with the Kanawha River in western Virginia, which in turn flowed into Ohio, he hoped to improve transportation and trade with the western region. In 1785, the state incorporated the James River Company, with Washington as the honorary president. The James River Company set to work constructing the first towpath canal system in North America. The first section of the canal system to be completed circumvented the seven-mile falls near Richmond.

By 1800, the Great Basin was situated in the heart of the city. Partially located under the present-day James Center, the basin was a hub of activity surrounded by mills and warehouses.

The Tidewater Connection was completed in 1822, and boats could enter the canal below the falls. Wooden locks and the Richmond Dock connected the lower James to the Great Basin via canal to the upper James. The locks, however, would soon decay and be replaced.

In 1820, the James River Company signed their charter over to the state, which controlled the company until 1835, when the James River and Kanawha Company took over the canal effort.

Museum to visit as a couple for

Valentine

O Museum in The Mansion (OM) is an independent nonprofit museum. Our programs focus on the arts and social justice to educate, generate compassion, and fuel understanding. We are dedicated to serving cultural, scientific, and educational growth. We foster inner strength and peace through diversity.

The Importance of Arts in the Community We all witness the ravages of stress on our health and happiness. O Museum (OM) focuses on inspiring creativity, and imagination through limitless exploration and healing, through the fusion of the arts.

The arts provide an outlet to get thoughts and ideas into the open. They inspire us to be better people. Music, art, science, and sports have no boundaries, no lines between race, religion and nationality. Everyone knows Beethoven, Einstein, and Mother Theresa, but does anyone remember who was in power when they lived?

The arts are an expression of hope and love that has a lasting effect.

An “artist” is a spiritual carpenter and a craftsman.

Everyday they go to work to apply their knowledge and create new artistic visions - solving complex problems by imagining the unimaginable. Without music, the arts, sports, scientific discovery - and a vision of hope - we would be birds without wings.

Why We Do It Guided by our mission and the stories of millions of people we have touched - and who have touched us - we harness purpose, to elevate the human spirit. Dreams do inspire reality. Creativity manifests itself in many different forms. It’s not about the end result, it’s about the process.

OM was created for everyone to share and collaborate within - then go out into the world, where anything is possible - if we dare to be different.

SIX Ways to Take Care of Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, up to 80% of heart disease is preventable and there are many things you can do to reduce your risk.

February is recognized as American Heart Month. This month, and year-round, the university offers programs and resources that can help reduce your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure (also called hypertension).

Here are six ways to improve your heart health:

Raise your awareness

Knowing your blood pressure numbers and whether you are at risk are important. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but only about half have it under control.

• Check in on your health: One way to understand your current health is by taking MHealthy’s confidential health questionnaire (HQ) on the MHealthy Portal. In about 10 minutes, you’ll see which well-being areas are thriving, learn which may need attention, and get a tailored list of resources to support you. For 2023, active, benefitseligible faculty and staff can also earn a $75 reward by completing the HQ by May 31, 2023.

• Know how to help in an emergency: According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. To raise awareness, drop-in hands-only CPR and AED trainings are scheduled for Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Shapiro Library Lobby and Feb. 20, 6 – 7 p.m., at Crisler Center.

Get moving

Experts recommend striving for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Even small bouts of daily activity add up and can have lasting heart health benefits.

• Move more from anywhere: No matter where you’re working – onsite, remote, or somewhere in between – there’s an MHealthy physical activity class option for you. MHealthy has returned to offering in-person classes, while still offering free virtual classes on Slack and through its video library on the MHealthy Portal.

Manage stress

It’s no surprise that stress can trigger high blood pressure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular risks.

• Lift your mood: If you need a little support this winter, check out these virtual presentations, mini workshops and support and discussion groups offered by the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office. Topics include creating healthy boundaries, understanding anxiety, dealing with divorce, exercising forgiveness, and more. The Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience also offers a variety of workshops and educational sessions to support you and your colleagues.

• Talk to someone: No-cost counseling services are available to staff, faculty, retirees, and adult dependents.

• Access health plan coverage: U-M health plans cover mental and behavioral health services like counseling, therapy and substance abuse treatment.

Eat healthfully and reduce your sodium intake Eating healthier can help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Too much sodium may cause your body to hold on to extra water, which can raise blood pressure and force your heart and kidneys to work harder.

• Attend a free cooking class: MHealthy offers free virtual cooking classes each month. Interact live with expert chefs and dietitians while learning to make delicious, healthier foods.

• Discover a new favorite recipe: You can also find more than 300 delicious and easy recipesonline that emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lean protein, low-fat dairy and healthy fats.

Quit tobacco

No matter how long you’ve used tobacco, quitting will reduce your risk.

• Don’t go it alone: The MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service offers free, one-on-one counseling and eligible U-M drug plan members can get prescription and overthe-counter smoking cessation medications with no copay.

• Support a tobacco-free environment: U-M’s TobaccoFree University Premises policy websiteincludes information on the updated policy as well as support and tools to assist you on your tobacco-free journey.

Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.

• Talk to someone: The MHealthy Alcohol Management Program offers free, confidential health education to help you cut back on your drinking or quit altogether— you decide which is the right approach for you.

• Hear from the experts: On February 23 from 12 – 1 p.m., the Frankel Cardiovascular Center will host a livestream panel of CVC cardiologists, discussing “Cannabis/Alcohol and the Heart.” Learn more.

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When Caris Walker’s family made the decision to buy a Tesla in 2017, they didn’t know they would be the first in a rising trend to buy electric cars.

“It was actually a gift from my dad to my mom because my mom is afraid of driving,” Walker said. “I remember I was like the only person in my whole school with one for like a good four months.”

In recent years, there’s been a shift in which cars consumers are buying. Factors like the environment and the cost of traditional gasoline-powered gas continue to rise, more and more consumers are opting for the eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative of electric cars.

Walker, a college student at Howard University, has a family car shared between her, her mother, and her father. Although Walker doesn’t use the car while in college, she believes its capabilities can make traveling smaller distances easier.

“Tesla drives way smoother. You can drive really fast in the Tesla and it won’t feel like you’re driving that fast. But if you’re driving that same speed in a gas car you can feel it,” Walker said.

Although her family initially made the purchase for a Model X Tesla for its self-driving capabilities, she now considers electric cars more “cost efficient in the long run” because it’s cheaper compared to purchasing gas for non-electric cars. the cost factors a plus for choosing electric cars over traditional gasoline-powered gas “It’s definitely way cheaper,” Walker added.

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Hamid Mutahidi, the general manager of College Park Hyundai, also emphasized the same two factors driving the need to go electric: environmental consciousness and economic benefits.

“The first type of customers are the ones who are more inclined towards towards the environment. They want to make sure that the environment is taken care of because they have zero emission…overall, it is a good economic decision to go EV (electric vehicle), and plus it is hassle free. You just charge the vehicle whether you’re at home or at a supermarket.” Mutahidi said.

Mutahidi added that electric cars make up about 30% of College Park Hyndai’s sales since they started selling a few years ago.

According to Ernst and Young, a professional organization that provides provides assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services, 48%, almost half, of United States car buyers intend to buy an electric car.

Although electric car buyers like Walker consider environmental and cost factors a major benefit for purchasing an electric vehcile, Walker says it’s inconvenient to charge and maintain your car in rural areas or places without charging stages.

J a n u a r y/ Feb r u a r y 2024

“If you run out of charge and say your car breaks down, you have to wait for Tesla to physically come and, you know, tow it and do all of that stuff. And that takes a lot of time. So if you have anything planned that day and the car breaks down, you can’t do that,” she said. “It’s not always accessible.”

Despite these challenges, consumers see the advantages of electric cars as compelling enough reasons to make the switch.

“It [gas engines] produces a lot of carbon monoxide, and because of that, it damages the environment, especially the ozone layer. So a lot of people are taking a proactive stance, and they want to go electric,” Mutahidi said.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Health & Wellness

Trendsetter

Issue

ELECTRIC CARS FOR 2024

TOPICS ON DIABETES, COUNSELING TEENS, AND CHILL CRYO WELLNESS SPA.

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Winners...

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEART!

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J a n u a r y/ Feb r u a r y 2024