We need to ask the question many avoid.
Why do we wait for betrayal, disease, heartbreak, a near-death moment or total collapse before we decide to change?
Why must the body scream, the relationship implode or the peace disappear before we finally say “I’m done living like this”?
Here is the real question.
Every October, we are invited to pause and think about mental health.
For many, this means campaigns, hashtags, curated conversations and branded commitments to 'raising awareness.'
Yet studies show that awareness alone does not translate into better outcomes for marginalised groups.
For female and minority ethnic small business owners and leaders, navigating menopause can be an overwhelming experience, especially when compounded by the demands of leadership.
With 75% of women reporting that menopause symptoms negatively affect their work performance and 1 in 4 women considering leaving their jobs due to these symptoms, it is clear that organisations must do more to support their leaders during this critical stage.
But here is the challenge. Ethnic minority women are often the most marginalised during menopause, experiencing a lack of access to support services, relevant information and healthcare. This is especially true in hybrid work environments, where feelings of isolation, loneliness, and increased stress can be magnified.
Self-care is a general term that describes everything you do deliberately for your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transfer the good feelings to others.
However, in our 'rush' culture and overwhelming work, home, family and business responsibilities it’s easy to become stressed and worn out. Here are three simple steps to consider for taking some time to focus on what is essential for you and your personal self care strategy going forward.
1. Identify Your Needs and Priorities:
It is important to take some time to reflect on your life and identify areas where you may need more support or care and what habits are getting in the way of your self care routine. This could include physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work-life balance, or other areas of your life.
Incorporating a steam and sauna as part of a pamper routine can have several benefits and is often touted as a skin saver. Here are 5 benefits of steaming:
1. It's relaxing and relieves medical conditions:
Steam-based therapies have been traditionally used to treat a variety of common conditions. Most of the world has seen its efficacy in relieving cold symptoms, chest and nasal decongestion and relieving headaches to name a few.
The heat from the steam and sauna can help to relax your muscles and reduce stress, which can promote overall relaxation and a sense of calm.
Coconut oil is a versatile oil that can be used for various purposes, including skincare. It acts as a natural moisturiser, effectively locking in moisture and providing relief to dry, itchy skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds like lauric acid and caprylic acid, help reduce redness and swelling associated with skin conditions.
Additionally, coconut oil supports the skin barrier, protecting it from external irritants and retaining moisture. Its antimicrobial effects make it beneficial for preventing infections.
Enjoy the benefits of homemade massage oils.
Why purchase expensive massage oils when it’s so easy to make your own? Combining coconut oil with several drops of your favourite essential oil e.g. lavender, lemon or peppermint, it does the job just as well; it’ll alleviate sore muscles while also tickling the senses and encouraging a mindful meditation.
This month we pause, reflect and celebrate life while raising awareness for breast cancer, a condition that touches millions of women across the globe. Louise Hay often reminded us that our bodies are always speaking to us and that loving attention is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about ribbons, campaigns, or statistics, it is a sacred reminder to listen deeply, to honour our health and to choose life by making check-ups a priority.
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the world. In the UK alone, around 55,000 women are diagnosed each year and in the U.S. over 280,000 cases are reported annually. Yet the truth is, when found early, survival rates increase dramatically. Screening and self-examination are not acts of fear, but acts of self-love. They whisper to the body “I am worth saving.…
The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 2 billion people worldwide are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, often called the “hidden hunger” because it quietly drains energy, weakens immunity and shortens life without always showing visible signs.
Every cell in your body is listening to your thoughts. Every organ holds memory, emotion and energy. When we neglect our bodies, dis-ease often whispers before it shouts. But just as the mind holds the power to heal, so too does the food we eat. Nature provides us with all we need to restore balance, vitality and harmony.
This is not just about vitamins and minerals, it is about listening to what your body is longing for on a deeper level.
When you are low in Vitamin C, your immune system may struggle, leaving you vulnerable to colds, infections and fatigue. According to the National Institutes of…
Healthcare can feel like a maze. When you’re unwell, knowing which specialist to see is not just a matter of convenience, it is the difference between a swift diagnosis and months of frustration. Every branch of medicine exists for a reason and understanding these roles can help you or your loved ones get the right care, faster.
Ovarian cancer is sometimes called the “silent killer,” not because it has no symptoms, but because the early warning signs are easy to miss or dismiss. Globally, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women and one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 300,000 women are diagnosed each year and survival rates are far higher when the disease is caught in its earliest stages, yet fewer than 20% are diagnosed early.
Why?
We often think trauma is what happened. But what if it’s what we became to survive?
The Overachiever. The Caretaker. The Rebel. These aren’t personality types, they are emotional blueprints. Adaptive strategies etched into the nervous system when safety was scarce and connection was conditional.
Neuroscience calls it toxic stress. Culture calls it resilience. But the truth? It’s a quiet brilliance forged in the fire of childhood.
Infertility is a deeply personal yet globally significant health issue. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it affects approximately 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide. Clinically, infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For women over 35, the timeframe for assessment is often shortened to six months due to age-related fertility changes.
While infertility is often discussed in terms of biology, research in psychoneuroendocrinology (the scientific study of how the mind (psyche), nervous system (neuro) and endocrine system (hormones) interact and influence each other) shows that it is also an emotional and psychological journey. The stress of infertility can influence the body’s hormonal systems particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (the body’s hormone-regulating system that controls reproductive function by coordinating signals between the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the…
Sometimes the heaviness you feel isn’t a sign that something is wrong, it’s simply your body and mind asking for a lift. You don’t have to overhaul your life to feel better. Small, loving choices can create ripples of change that brighten your day and restore your spark.
When your energy feels low or you’re stuck in a fog, small, intentional actions can make a huge difference. By shifting your vibration, you not only uplift your mood but also create space for better health, creativity and connection.
Here are 15 practical ways to raise your vibration, fast:
There’s a quiet epidemic hiding in plain sight. Not because we haven’t named it, but because we’ve oversimplified it.
This visual guide comparing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is clear, colourful and helpful. But like most charts, it tells what happens, while missing the deeper why that every HealthTalk member should be asking.
Let’s unpack this together.
We rarely talk about the hidden weight.
Not the one on the scale but the one on your shoulders. The emotional exhaustion, the boundary-less busyness, the late-night scrolling when sleep should be sanctuary. Many of us are navigating health challenges not because we’re weak, but because we’re overcommitted, overwhelmed and disconnected from our core values.
Yet, something powerful happens when we stop managing symptoms and start leading ourselves back to alignment.
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that affect many women, often during their reproductive years. These fibroids vary in type, location and impact and can range from being asymptomatic to causing significant health and fertility issues.
Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect Black women, with research showing that they experience higher rates, more severe symptoms and earlier onset compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Studies indicate that approximately 60-80% of Black women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, a strikingly higher percentage than their White counterparts, where the incidence is typically around 30-50%. This stark disparity in prevalence is just one of the ways fibroids uniquely impact Black women’s health.
Several studies have highlighted the racial disparities in the occurrence and severity of fibroids in Black women.…
When it comes to health outcomes in the UK, some patterns are too persistent and too deadly to ignore. The recent report published by Five X More, alongside findings from Black health advocates and academic researchers, once again exposes the painful reality facing Black women during one of life’s most critical moments, childbirth.
The report offers a deep insight into the lived experiences of over 1,100 Black and mixed-race women in the UK, highlighting systemic failures in care, communication and inclusion.
Despite years of advocacy, inquiries and policy pledges, Black women remain up to four times more likely to die in childbirth compared to their white counterparts.
The numbers are stark and undeniable. In the UK, Black women continue to face a maternal mortality crisis that exposes the deep-rooted inequities in the healthcare system. But what do these statistics really tell us about the state of healthcare for Black women and how can we leverage the rise of AI and digital healthcare solutions to shift the narrative?
There are moments in history where everything changes, not through a viral headline, but through quiet shifts in access, behaviour and power. COVID-19 was one of those moments. But what followed may be even more defining, the silent rise of AI and digital acceleration in healthcare.
While algorithms replaced admin and remote care replaced waiting rooms, an uncomfortable truth emerged, BAME women remain underrepresented and underserved. Not just in treatment, but in the design of the very systems meant to improve our wellbeing.
Let’s break it down.
1. AI in Healthcare and Who Gets Seen
Around 1 in 10 women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. But for many Black, Asian and ethnically diverse women, the silence around this experience is even louder.
There’s a quiet myth embedded in our communities, that strength is the absence of struggle. That resilience means carrying the weight without flinching. But data and lived experience tell a different story. One where stigma, cultural pressure and systemic neglect collide to create an invisible epidemic.
This week is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and it’s time to look closer. Not just at the numbers, but at the narratives.
The term perinatal covers the full arc, from conception through the postpartum period. It’s not just about “baby blues.” It’s about recognising that serious mental health conditions like perinatal depression, anxiety and postpartum psychosis can and do affect anyone,…
We’ve been conditioned to believe that being constantly busy is a sign of success. That if we’re overwhelmed, we must be doing something right. But here’s the truth, stress is not strength it’s misdirected survival.
This simple idea, deeply rooted in mindfulness and neuroscience, reminds us that the mind lies when it’s under pressure. It shrinks your world. It tells you that everything is urgent and you are not enough until it’s all done.
Let’s reclaim the truth.
“Air pollution is the single biggest environmental health risk. Reducing air pollution could save millions of lives.” — World Health Organisation (WHO)
Let’s be clear: air is not optional. It's a shared resource, not a private luxury. And yet, in far too many urban communities—especially where our people live, work, and raise children—air pollution has become an invisible enemy.
According to the World Health Organisation:
36% of deaths from lung cancer are linked to air pollution
"Educating and empowering women and girls and providing family planning information enables more people to choose the size of their families." — Dame Jane Goodall, primatologist and conservationist.
Health is not just about biology — it is deeply tied to economics, anthropology and systemic structures that dictate who thrives and who struggles. The current health crisis in the U.S. is not simply an issue of personal choice; it is a result of a rigged system where profit trumps well-being and marginalised communities — particularly women of colour — bear the brunt of this reality.
From an anthropological perspective, health disparities among women of colour are deeply rooted in historical and cultural oppression. The medical system has long treated Black, Indigenous and Latina women as experimental subjects, from the exploitation of Black women in gynaecology by J. Marion Sims to…
Juicing isn’t just a quick, refreshing drink—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can significantly enhance your health and well-being over time. Each juice is a simple, delicious way to incorporate essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals into your diet. The long-term benefits are far-reaching, supporting everything from brain function to heart health, gut balance and glowing skin.
Incorporating juicing into your daily routine can help improve your mental clarity, boost energy levels, and even support your body's natural detoxification process. From the brain-boosting power of berries to the skin-rejuvenating benefits of kale, these juices provide targeted support for various organs and bodily functions. As you sip on these refreshing blends, you’re not just hydrating; you’re nourishing your body from the inside out, ensuring sustained energy and vitality in the long run.
Brain Boosting Juice
"Your body is speaking—are you listening? Every ache, every tight muscle, every breath you hold is a message. Let go, release, and make space for healing. When you soften, you strengthen. When you surrender, you rise."– Iyanla Vanzant
Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s stored in the body. From the tension in your jaw to the tightness in your shoulders, stress manifests physically, often without us even realising it. If you’ve ever felt mentally exhausted yet physically drained, your body is carrying more than just emotions—it’s holding onto stress, worry and overwhelm.
The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle! With simple, mindful movements, you can release stored anxiety, reset your nervous system, and reclaim a sense of ease and control.
Your body is always listening to the thoughts you think and the emotions you…
"Your energy is your power. When you release what no longer serves you, you make space for what truly aligns with your purpose. Let go, breathe and allow your light to shine!" – Iyanla Vanzant
Your energy affects every aspect of your life—your work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Whether you're navigating corporate pressures, running a business, or simply striving for a healthier mind-body connection, releasing negative energy is essential for clarity, confidence and success.
Too often, we carry the weight of stress, negativity and emotional baggage that dims our light. But healing begins with intention—with choosing to realign, release and restore balance.
If you're feeling stuck, drained, or overwhelmed, it's time to clear your energy and step into your power!
Ladies, let’s talk gut health—the true foundation of your overall well-being.
Your gut is more than just a part of your digestive system—it’s your body’s powerhouse! Often referred to as your “second brain,” your gut plays a critical role in almost every aspect of your health. It’s where nutrients are absorbed to fuel your body; where immunity is built to protect you from illness and where neurotransmitters like serotonin are produced to balance your mood.
When your gut is happy, you feel energised, clear-headed and vibrant. But when it’s out of balance, it can leave you feeling bloated, fatigued and even anxious. The great news? You don’t need complicated routines or expensive supplements to start nurturing your gut. Sometimes, the most impactful changes come from the simplest habits—like drinking water infused with nature’s most powerful ingredients.
Hydration…
In the evolving landscape of global health and military involvement, there are serious concerns that need to be addressed. Recently, the Russian Defence Ministry has raised alarms about U.S. military operations in several African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, and Djibouti. According to reports, the U.S. has been actively establishing medical research centers, military medical laboratories, and disease monitoring networks—projects that include high-level biosecurity measures.
Nigeria: A joint medical research centre and military medical laboratory were set up for the armed forces in 2024, emphasising the U.S.'s deepening medical presence on the continent.
Kenya: The U.S. Army Medical Centre has deployed a network of field stations to monitor the spread of infectious diseases, covering the entirety of Equatorial Africa.
Senegal: A new $35 million laboratory facility is nearing completion, built by Pentagon contractors, some of whom have experience working…
In our ongoing pursuit of optimal health, we must recognize the profound power that nature holds. For centuries, our ancestors relied on the earth’s abundant resources to heal and restore their bodies. These gifts from nature can help alleviate pain, restore balance, and nurture our well-being. It is time for us to return to these natural remedies, especially when it comes to managing the pain many of us face daily.
Too often, we turn to synthetic solutions, which may offer temporary relief but can also come with side effects that weaken our bodies in the long run. The earth, however, provides us with pure, healing ingredients that have stood the test of time. By tapping into these natural resources, we can create a foundation for better health, one that honors our bodies and their ability to heal.
The…
Your body is the temple of the Creator, and how we care for it determines how we rise to our fullest potential. The choices we make each day either strengthen or weaken this divine vessel. When we neglect proper nourishment, the result is imbalance—manifesting as brain fog, stress, fatigue, or even deeper ailments.
Key Areas to Focus On:
Brain Fog: B vitamins and Omega-3s bring clarity to your thoughts. Without them, confusion and low productivity may follow.
Stress: Adrenal complex helps restore balance. Left unchecked, stress can weaken your immune system and affect your mental well-being.
Are you feeling sluggish, foggy, or drained? It might be time to detox your body from harmful heavy metals that accumulate over time. Heavy metals like mercury, lead and arsenic can sneak into our systems through the environment, food and even personal care products. Thankfully, nature provides us with powerful detox allies to help eliminate these toxins.
Here’s a breakdown of 12 Heavy Metal Detox Foods and how they benefit your body, plus a delicious recipe to get you started on your detox journey.
Loneliness is often described as a silent epidemic, a pervasive feeling of disconnection that can strike anyone, anywhere, regardless of their circumstances. It’s not just about being alone—you can feel lonely while surrounded by people or even within your closest relationships. At its core, loneliness is the feeling of being unseen, unheard, or misunderstood and it has far-reaching consequences.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified this already pervasive issue. Prolonged lockdowns, social distancing and the closure of services created a perfect storm for loneliness to thrive. People who were already struggling with high stress levels, mental health challenges, or trauma often found themselves cut off from critical support systems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), anxiety and depression rates increased by over 25% globally during the pandemic, fuelled in part by…
"Compassion is the key to unlocking our greatest potential, but it starts with ourselves." – Dr. Jim Doty
In a world that constantly demands more from us, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. The culture of hustle glorifies constant productivity, leaving little room for reflection or recovery. Yet, the truth is that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It is the cornerstone of healing, growth and transformation, offering us the opportunity to step out of the relentless cycle of stress and self-doubt that so many of us experience.
Trauma and the drive for overachievement can act as invisible chains, keeping us trapped in patterns of exhaustion and burnout. These patterns don’t just affect our mental health—they ripple into every corner of our lives, straining personal relationships, stifling creativity and distorting our leadership styles. Over time, the unchecked pressure…
"Your brain is your most powerful tool—nurture it and it will unlock the doors to your potential. Invest in its health today for a brighter, sharper tomorrow."
Your brain is your most powerful asset, the control centre of everything you do—how you think, feel and act. Yet, in our fast-paced, screen-heavy world, it often gets neglected.
Prioritising brain health isn’t just about avoiding disease; it’s about unlocking your full potential. Science tells us that the small habits we incorporate into our daily routines can significantly enhance cognitive function, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
"Your body is the canvas where your emotions paint their truth—listen, heal, and reclaim the power to rewrite your story."
Emotional pain doesn’t just live in your mind—it manifests in your body, impacting your physical health and overall well-being. This powerful connection between emotions and the body is something many overlook. Yet, the truth is clear: unresolved feelings, stress, and internal battles often show up as physical discomfort or chronic pain.
What is your body trying to tell you? Let’s try and break it down:
Myopia, also known as near sightedness, is one of the most common vision issues affecting children today. As more children spend time indoors using digital devices for learning and entertainment, the prevalence of myopia has been rising. This vision condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, causing light entering the eye to focus incorrectly, making distant objects appear blurry.
While genetics play a significant role in the development of myopia, environmental factors like prolonged screen time and lack of outdoor activity are contributing to its early onset in children. Understanding the risk factors, prevention techniques, and management strategies is key for parents to safeguard their children's vision.
In recent years, myopia has become more common in children, with estimates suggesting that nearly 30% of children in the U.S. are…
Did you know that your gut and brain are in constant communication? This fascinating relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in our overall health and cognitive function.
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. These tiny inhabitants produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood regulation and cognitive processes. When your gut is healthy, it supports the production of these chemicals, leading to improved mood, sharper memory, and better focus.
Moreover, a healthy gut helps reduce inflammation, which is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics, you can nurture your gut microbiota and, in turn, boost your brainpower.
In essence, taking care of your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s about…
Discover the transformative potential of smoothies in your weight loss journey! Smoothies aren’t just a tasty treat; they’re a powerhouse of nutrition that can help you shed pounds while nourishing your body. By blending together nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients, smoothies offer a convenient and delicious way to incorporate a variety of essential nutrients into your diet.
The benefits of incorporating smoothies into your weight loss regimen are numerous. Packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, smoothies can help you stay full longer, reducing cravings and supporting portion control. They provide a quick and easy way to enjoy a balanced meal or snack, making it easier to stick to your weight loss goals even with a busy lifestyle.
Moreover, smoothies are highly customisable to suit your personal taste and nutritional needs. Whether you prefer a green detox smoothie to kick-start your day or a protein-packed blend…
Embrace the vibrant world of raw foods and unlock your body’s full potential with nature’s bounty. Embracing a raw diet, which focuses on consuming unprocessed and uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains, can have profound impacts on your overall health.
Here’s why going raw can be your ultimate wellness journey:
Nutrient-Rich Delight: Raw foods burst with essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Unlike cooking, which can zap nutrients, raw goodness fuels your immune system, energises your cells, and repairs your body.
Green tea, with its vibrant colour and refreshing taste, has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the 7 incredible benefits of embracing green tea as a daily ritual.
Green tea, rich in natural catechins, can turbocharge your metabolism. Incorporating green tea into your daily routine means you'll burn calories more efficiently, making it a valuable ally in your weight management and potential weight loss journey.
Unlike coffee, green tea boasts a moderate dose of caffeine, complemented by the amino acid L-theanine. This delightful combination leads to enhanced brain function, heightened alertness, and a sharper, more focused mind.
Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is the cornerstone of a vibrant and energetic life. One crucial aspect of this journey is keeping an eye on our sodium (sal) intake. While sodium is indeed an essential mineral for our bodies, it's essential to strike the right balance, as excessive salt consumption can have adverse effects on our well-being. So, what happens when we indulge a bit too much in that salty goodness?
First and foremost, let's talk about the heart of the matter—literally!
Consuming too much salt can lead to hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. You see, sodium has this knack for making your body hold onto water, causing your blood volume to rise and putting extra pressure on your blood vessels. This, in turn, can make your heart work overtime. Over time, this extra strain on your cardiovascular system can…
Health knows no boundaries when it comes to the possibility of experiencing a heart attack, transcending race and gender. While the symptoms can indeed differ from person to person, research has illuminated that certain demographic groups might encounter heart attack symptoms uniquely.
In this discussion, we'll embark on a journey through 5 steps to breaking barriers to heart health awareness.
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
It is a complex and chronic medical condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tenderness in your body. It primarily affects women and often goes undiagnosed due to its diverse symptoms. However, there have been cases of children and older people contracting this symptom.
Here are five key warning signs women should be aware of:
Widespread Pain: Chronic, dull and aching pain that occurs on both sides of the body, above and below the waist and in the chest and back.
The NHS is urgently calling for black donors to give blood to help people with sickle cell disease as the demand for donations reaches record levels.
About 55% of black people have a Ro blood type, compared to 2% of the wider population.
· About 15,000 people in the UK have the disease
· It is inherited from both parents, who pass on a particular gene
· It is possible to carry the gene without having the disease
· Nearly 300 babies are born with it each year in the UK
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
