The Fit Talk

10/31/2025

The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Mental Health Perspective

When faced with health scares or diagnoses, individuals may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression. It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings and create a supportive environment for open conversations about health. Sharing experiences related to breast health can foster resilience and connection, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their journeys.

To support mental health during such challenging times, consider the following tips:

- Practice Self-Compassion: It's essential to be kind to yourself when grappling with health concerns. Acknowledge your fears and give yourself grace.

- Engage in Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help ground you and manage stress.

- Connect with Others: Utilize support groups or engage in conversations with friends and family about your health concerns. Sharing can alleviate feelings of isolation.

Taking Action Beyond October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be a specific time for recognition, but the need for awareness extends beyond these 31 days. Advocacy plays a crucial role in fostering awareness. Encourage your loved ones to schedule screenings and prioritize their health. Sharing educational resources and participating in awareness events can build community support and create a safety net for those navigating their health journeys.

Recognizing the importance of mammograms and engaging in open dialogues about breast health not only saves lives but also enhances our overall mental well-being. The interconnectedness of physical and mental health emphasizes why October is a critical month for many.

Let’s honor our health together this month and beyond, empowering ourselves and others to take action for a healthier future. Every conversation, every screening, and every moment of support can make a difference.

10/30/2025

Happy National Chocolate Day! 🍫✨

Yes, there’s still something to celebrate. Today we're talking about the delicious connection between dark chocolate and your holistic well-being!

Before you reach for just any bar, here's why the dark stuff gets a gold star in the wellness world:

🧠 For Your Mind Matters: Did you know dark chocolate (especially 70% cocoa or higher) contains compounds like flavanols that can support brain health? They may help improve blood flow to the brain, potentially boosting mood, focus, and even memory. Plus, let's be honest, that moment of savoring a rich piece of chocolate? Pure bliss and a little stress reliever!

💪🏾 For Your Body Wisdom: Beyond the brain, those incredible flavanols are powerful antioxidants that can support heart health and help reduce inflammation. It's a small way to give your body a little extra love, in moderation of course!

🍎 For Nourish & Thrive: When enjoyed mindfully, dark chocolate can be part of a balanced approach to nutrition. It can satisfy cravings with less sugar than milk chocolate and even provide some beneficial minerals like iron and magnesium. It's all about intentional indulgence!

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a square (or two!) of high-quality dark chocolate today. Savor the moment, appreciate the flavor, and know you're doing something sweet for your mind and body.

My favorite way to enjoy dark chocolate is by mixing it in with a variety of nuts. What’s yours?

10/23/2025

The October newsletter is here. Check it out for the latest updates. Subscribe to stay informed.

Traditional fitness approaches often focus on isolated muscle groups and aesthetic outcomes, but functional fitness—championed by institutions like the Mayo Clinic—prioritizes movements that prepare the body for real-life activities. This approach views exercise not merely as a discrete activity...

09/16/2025

If you or someone you know is living with MS come out to this free event to learn more.

09/10/2025

The Fit Talk September’s newsletter is here. Check it out and tell a friend. https://mailchi.mp/thefittalk/the-fit-talk-september-newsletter

Family relationships, while often our most meaningful connections, can also be among the most complex to navigate. Whether dealing with immediate family, extended relatives, or chosen family, these relationships require ongoing nurturing and understanding. Building a strong family support system sta...

08/19/2025

August is National Wellness Month!

It’s a time to focus on self-care and mental well-being. Here are five tips to help you prioritize your mental health this month:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to observe your surroundings, mindfulness can help reduce stress and increase your emotional regulation.

2. Connect with Others: Social connections are vital for mental health. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Engaging in meaningful conversations can elevate your mood and create a supportive network.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable personal goals that promote well-being, whether related to your career, hobbies, or personal interests. Break them down into smaller steps to keep yourself motivated and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

4. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can lead to anxiety and stress. Take breaks from your devices, especially social media, and engage in offline activities that bring you joy, like reading, exercising, or spending time in nature.

5. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This could include physical activities, creative outlets, or restful practices. Listen to your body and mind, and give yourself permission to take a break when needed.

As we celebrate National Wellness Month, remember that prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being. Small, intentional steps can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life. Drop a line and let me know how you plan to prioritize your mental health.

www.TheFitTalk.com
I took in a baseball game with friends as self care.
Photo: Durham Bulls Baseball

08/13/2025

August newsletter is here! Tell a friend.

In a world that often celebrates constant productivity, practicing genuine self-care has become more crucial than ever. True self-care goes beyond occasional pampering – it's about consistently honoring your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This means developing sustainable daily practi...

08/02/2025

07/30/2025

I want to acknowledge those who currently find themselves in the job market or looking for a new role.
Searching for a job can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with hope, uncertainty, and sometimes frustration. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember, you are not alone in this. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind and reduce stress as you continue this journey.

1️⃣ Set a Schedule: Allocate specific hours for job searching to maintain balance.
2️⃣ Stay Active: Incorporate exercise into your routine to boost your mood.
3️⃣ Connect with Others: Networking can provide support and opportunities.
4️⃣ Mindfulness Moments: Practice meditation or deep-breathing exercises to clear your mind.
5️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every application and interview as a step forward.

Contact www.TheFitTalk.com for more assistance.
Photo: Duke Gardens

07/19/2025

Entrepreneurship is absolutely wonderful but can leave you questioning if you’re cut out for it. Check out this article by my good friend and colleague Dr. Charrisse Somme-Davis to learn way to make it “work for you.”

Quieting the Inner Critic

07/18/2025

It’s here!! The Fit Talk July newsletter is ready for viewing https://mailchi.mp/thefittalk/the-mind-body-connection
Be sure to subscribe and share with a friend or colleague.

06/26/2025

🌸I’m excited to share that I won first place in my age category during a recent Celebration of Life 5K . Although this run was to support cancer survivors by spreading awareness and raising funds it was also eye opening. This journey has reminded me that we are never too old to achieve our personal goals.

🌼Our bodies are dynamic and capable of incredible feats, regardless of age. As we mature, we gain wisdom and discipline that fuel our pursuit of fitness and health. Every step we take is a testament to resilience and determination!

🌸Let’s shatter the stereotypes surrounding aging! Embrace the challenges, engage in regular physical activity, and remember that every victory—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. Drop in the comments and let us know what goal you are planning to crush next.🏅 Contact me at if you would like support with crushing your goals.