Change Is in the Air

This is a season for change. It’s what our October/November cover girl Tamia says in the story written by Heather Keets Wright, and Tamia ain’t never lied! For those of you who have been following the heartandsoul.com blogs, you know I started working out with a U.S. marine, Thurman Lofton. The workouts continue. In spite of being on the road all summer for Heart & Soul tour stops and various health workshops, Thurman (“The Marine,” as he’s affectionately known by members of my inner circle) has hung with me, and I’m starting to see results. My arms have more definition and my upper abs are starting to get flatter. And I could kick down brick walls with my calves! There is still work to be done on my lower abs and my thighs, but I can fit into clothing that was too tight back in May. Better: I’m no longer huffing and puffing when I climb the three flights of stairs to my front door.

I also cut my hair. Trust me, this is monumental. It hasn’t been this short since 1988. Folks who have known me for years walked right by and didn’t recognize me. My three little brothers (my teenage touchstones) saw it and immediately exclaimed, “Rihanna!” Looking like the Caribbean songstress wasn’t my intent. I wanted healthier hair (to go with my healthier body). So much to my Sorta Significant Other’s consternation, the long, unkempt ponytail with the scary split ends is gone.

Finally, it’s fall, the beginning of my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing, the air is crisper at night and the holidays are just around the corner. It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so remember to do your breast self-exams (BSEs). The experts can’t agree on whether or not these exams are helpful, but I believe BSEs, coupled with clinical breast exams and annual mammograms (if you’re 40 or older), have led to the growing number of women discovering their breast cancers at earlier, more treatable stages. If we can catch it earlier, perhaps we can reverse the trend of black women dying from beast cancer more often.

Until next time…be well!

Kendra Lee
Managing Editor
klee@heartandsoul.com