Too Blessed to be Stressed!

Community Health

Posted by Jessica

The cold weather finally melted away. Rain may have poured but the sun never failed too shine. Flowers began to bloom and students began to pack up as the end of the semester was approaching. April has been a beautiful and reviving month. But the most important aspect about April to me, was that it is minority health month.

As a health educator (I almost have my degree :] ), I think this month is so important! During this month, my internship conducted a Campus 2 Community Outreach Week labeled "There's No 'I' in Pregnancy." We went to a church, a middle school, our own campus, and a community walk and educated young people on how to maintain their optimum health to have the healthiest babies when their time comes. We spoke on nutrition, infant mortality, and racism. African Americans have the highest rate of infant mortality in the country. The numbers are often just as bad as that of third world countries. One thing I could not stop stressing was that 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Preconception health has undoubtedly become my passion. And I will never stop educating people on this ever so important subject. However, not only did I get the opportunity to educate people, I was also blessed to learn so much.

I learned a lot about stress, and how much stress effects not only my reproductive health, but my overall health as well.

Because this week is the last week of classes, and next week is finals, I am so stressed out! So getting outside, going out to eat, or just hanging out with friends is so precious.

Now that the weather outside is aaaaamazing, my friends and I of course can't get enough of being outside.

The other day we went to the Boardwalk and last night we walked around uptown. Charlotte during the day in the Spring is really pretty and nighttime is pretty nice as well.

My mom and dad even sent me a cute and thoughtful stress packet!!

I suggest that everyone experiencing finals stress remembers to relax. The weather is beautiful and its a great time of year to plan a picnic or a night out with friends before everyone goes home for the Summer.

To participate in Minority Health Month, of course you can raise money to donate to a minority health organization, or perhaps even volunteer, but maybe think of it this way.....

How about participate by committing to improve your own health. Go outside, take a walk around a lake, go downtown in your city and look at the beautiful lights. Do something to appreciate life, friends, and yourself. Believe me, you'll be feeling a lot healthier!

What are your guys' ways of coping with stress? and how are you going to participate in Minority Health Month?

I am really proud of myself for going out and spending time with my close friends before finals. It really helped relieve my stress. Enjoy the pictures of our adventures!

Will and I, Uptown Charlotte

Our "couple friends" April & Ashton, Boardwalk

Will & I on the Boardwalk

My new favorite picture of us :)

I'm a good photographer ;)

Lovebirds <3

A beautiful waterfall, Uptown Charlotte

All of us!

He loves me :)

Cuties :)

Now go out and take your own pictures! Have fun!!