The Durham OsteoStrong Experience

I was looking forward to visiting OsteoStrong and learning all about the ultimate bio hack along with information about bone density and overall bone health. I had the opportunity to experience a session and it was stress free, quick and fun. I didn’t know how I should have dressed, and it was HOT! So, I decided against leggings and wore shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops. It was fine, and I was able to complete the activities with no problem. I was surprised at how quick the process was.

OsteoStrong is great for just about any age achieving stronger bones, muscles and balance. It takes about seven minutes once a week. You won’t even break a sweat! I am usually getting bone density screenings due to being on Depo Provera for a long period of time. One of the side effects of Depo is significant bone mineral density loss. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. Loss of bone density can lead to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. I’m in the process of looking at other options so I can discontinue the use of Depo. I take it prophylactically to keep my hemorrhaging due to my uterine fibroids under control. I’ve been hospitalized and had blood transfusions because it was so bad. My worse case lasted eight to ten weeks long and I was in bad shape. OsteoStrong shared that in just twelve months members showed a 7.7% increase in bone density.

I was able to get on each machine: upper growth trigger, lower growth trigger, core growth trigger and postural growth trigger. Can you believe my best average for the upper growth trigger was 251 lbs. which is equivalent to me bench pressing that weight? Oh, I should mention that when I go to the gym I’m usually on the treadmill, elliptical or stair stepper. I DON’T lift weights. It was surprising to me that I’m that strong. Did I mention that all this was done in under ten minutes and I didn’t break a sweat!

Once my session was complete I was able to enjoy a hydromassage and relax for a few minutes. I learned so much about bone health and had a great experience. Just a reminder that OsteoStrong isn’t a gym. They have a specialized technician-monitored system designed to trigger your own natural adaptive responses to grow new, healthy tissue without soreness, and sweat associated with working out at a gym. That sounds like a WIN WIN to me!

Visit the OsteoStrong website to learn more about better bones, muscles and balance. Many centers provide FREE bone density DXA scans, balance tests and personal force production reports as a community service. Members use the tests to track their own improvements. Try a FREE session and see for yourself how easy it is to increase your bone density. There is an OsteoStrong office in Durham/RTP and another location in Raleigh.

Visit either location for your OsetoStrong experience.

I’m Giving You the Tea on Yoni “V” Steaming

I recently attended a look and learn event with the Body by Bella Spa. There was much to learned about noninvasive body contouring and all the different treatments you can choose from to achieve your goal. I also learned about the Yoni “V” Steam but, we’ll get to that later. RF cavitation and Ultrasonic Cavitation Therapy are the most prominent of non-invasive med aesthetic body contouring treatments. RF cavitation treatments project infra-red energy which helps to tighten the skin of the area being treated. I really like the option of getting good results without surgery.

Ultrasonic Cavitation Therapy works with powerful sound waves, which are forced into fat cells. With both these treatments you may see immediate results but, it may vary based on your individual size. Some clients will lose 1-3 inches after one treatment. Most changes can happen over a period of time and may take up to twelve weeks to see the maximum result. Keep in mind the results aren’t guaranteed and it depends on the client’s response to the treatment and area being treated.

I was able to have a Q&A with the owner Jackie Bell and discuss the effects of each procedure; if there is any down time involved or maintenance after the treatment. Both the Ultra-Sonic Cavitation & Lipo Light is very safe. Some clients may experience some redness to their skin which will go away in a short period of time. There is no downtime as people will sometimes visit during their lunch break and immediately head back to work after a treatment.

After you receive a treatment Jackie suggests monitoring your diet, eating healthy and sticking to your fitness routine if you have one. We all have busy lifestyles and sometimes we can’t get to the gym all the time. Jackie recommends spending a few minutes on the HyperVibe. The HyperVibe is a whole body vibration machine that gives your whole body a workout in a few minutes while burning fat. If you stay on it for 10-15 minutes, that’s the equivalent to an hour workout. Available at Body by Bella Spa!

Now for the Tea! We also learned about the Yoni “V” Steam which I had no clue existed up until maybe 24-48 hours before the event. I had to go to good ole Google to see exactly what this Yoni “V” steam was. It turns out it’s a vaginal steaming practice where women allow the warmth of herbal steam to infuse the exterior of her vagina. It’s along the lines of a facial or nasal steaming except it’s for your nether parts. So, in case you’re not totally clear on this, the “V” is for vagina!

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out the way let’s get a little more awkward because I had a chance to experience the Yoni “V” steam and after I got over the initial oh my gosh factor… I was okay! There are benefits for getting a Yoni “V” steam treatment. I was intrigued when I found out it can reduce uterine fibroids and regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids in 2015 and it’s been somewhat terrifying ever since.

Body by Bella only uses Organic, Free Trade, Kosher Herbs. They are certified to offer the Yoni “V” steam treatment in a variety of blends. I chose the Gentle Blend for its benefits. You also have cleansing, calming and disinfecting herbal blends that offer a variety of benefits. Overall, the steam works by applying moist heat to the pelvic bowl. It carries healing medicinal oils to the exterior tissues of your “v” spot systemically throughout the entire body via the bloodstream.

What Happens? Well your body will try to relax while you’re getting the Yoni “V” Steam on the pelvic bowl and you will tense up as a natural reaction. Long story short you’ll probably be experiencing involuntary Kegels until you are completely relaxed and comfortable. It will take you a moment to adjust. Afterwards you feel totally refreshed and renewed. You can schedule a 30 or 60 minute vaginal steam session. It’s also very affordable and won’t break the bank.

Check out my Instagram video and the Body by Bella Spa website for additional information.

So, have you ever had a Yoni “V” steam treatment?

Physical Training Success with BODYARMOR

Disclosure: Thank you to BODYARMOR for sponsoring this post with the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and completely my own. #Switch2BODYARMOR #BringIt

My youngest daughter is very athletic and it’s not participating in mainstream sports. She has been participating in the JROTC program with her high school ever since she was a freshman. Each year she has advanced her skills and moved up in rank within the program. She physically trains multiple times a week and it’s a part of her class. It’s important to me that my daughter is hydrated when training and BODYARMOR does just that. It’s a premium sports drink for today’s athlete, providing superior hydration by combining natural flavors and sweeteners, potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins.

You need the right support when you participate in school activities and games that require a flag ceremony or color guard for a specific occasion. Also when marching in parades for miles with her battalion, you want to know that everyone is hydrated properly so they can have a successful event. Some events happen in rain or shine and the last thing you need is your child not performing to the best of their ability because they aren’t hydrated enough. BODYARMOR to the rescue! Sign up to get a coupon and save on your BODYARMOR purchase.

The ARMY is my daughter’s military branch of choice to serve. She recently enlisted early and will complete her senior year of High School. Once she graduates she will immediately attend basic training. Once she graduates from basic training she’ll be transferred to the military base where she will train in her career. Lately she’s been training hard and will continue to do so throughout the school year in preparation for basic training. She works out for a few hours during the week on a set schedule. I’m a proud ARMY mom!

A day of physical Training may look like running 5 miles, lower body workout, lunges, the lateral and power squats. It also consists of push-ups, dead lifts, crunches, body twists, flutter kicks and many more exercises. I can’t imagine how she must feel while doing physical training in this North Carolina heat. It’s been in the high nineties for the past few days and I can rest assured knowing that she is thoroughly hydrated with the aid of BODYARMOR. They also come in nine tasty flavors like Orange Mango, Watermelon Strawberry, Mixed Berry and Fruit Punch among others.

Overall BODYARMOR is a great sports drink. I’m glad to have it on hand for my daughter during her physical activities. It’s a better alternative to traditional sports drinks, because it contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and has potassium packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water. Visit the BODYARMOR website for additional information and the store directory to see where you can purchase it. Currently available at Publix, Sam’s Club, Winn Dixie and more retailers.

How do you keep your young athlete hydrated during their physical activities?

Hiking the Occoneechee Mountain Loop #HikeNC

Reflections of hiking the Occoneechee Mountain Loop: I woke up early on a Saturday morning and headed to the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area in Hillsborough, NC for a guided hike tour. There was a good size group that came together for the initiative that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is promoting, Hike NC!. Hike NC! aims to make hiking an easier more approachable experience for North Carolinians across the state. BCBSNC wants North Carolinians to get outside during the Fall Season and explore the local NC State Parks. My daughter was my partner in hike and we set off to explore the natural beauty that the Occoneechee Mountain Loop had to offer.

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Park Ranger Christopher was a great guide and this particular hike was special for a few reasons. After thirteen years of dedicated service as Park Ranger at the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, he is retiring and it was his last official guided tour hike! Park Ranger Christopher was passionate as he guided us through the trails often stopping to tell stories about a particular spot we were in and what happened once upon a time. The area is beautiful and offers about three miles of trails to explore. My favorite spot was the Overlook Trail.

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The overlook Trail sits 850 ft. above the ground and when you get there you feel a sense of accomplishment. I know I did! It was like… I made it to the top! Then you have a moment to look out at all the beautiful scenery overlooking the Eno River in the distance. I definitely think you need to be equipped with the right tools for hiking so that you can have a good experience. I will share a checklist PDF (print friendly) with you of things to pack when hiking. Bonus: We had cake and beverages waiting for us when we got to overlook trail to celebrate Ranger Christopher’s last hoorah and 100 years of North Carolina State Parks.

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Each week until December 10th, 2016 BCBSNC is giving away $25.00 gift cards donated by Great Outdoor Provision Co. to use at any of the nine special outdoor retail locations. One lucky hiker will win the grand prize which consists of: $2,500 gift card to the Biltmore Estates in the scenic North Carolina Mountains and a one year membership to the North Carolina Arboretum! EVERYONE who registers and hikes has a chance to win! Please note that each entrant must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of North Carolina at the time of entry.

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If you love Instagram as much as I do, BCBSNC is having a contest over there too! It’s so easy to enter and you have the opportunity to win a GoPro Camera! Capture Mother Nature’s beauty on your next hike for a chance to win a GoPro! Post your photo to Instagram, use #HikeNCGiveaway & tag @BCBSNC in the caption. Contest Ends Nov. 10, 2016. These are some great contests with awesome prizes! Don’t you just want to schedule a hike and take advantage of this beautiful fall weather?

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Fun Fact: The Occoneechee Mountain was owned by the Cates Family and they lived on it for over 100 years before the NC Division of Parks and Recreation purchased it in December 1997. You enter the property using Virginia Cates Road.

Visit the Go Hike NC website for more information and to schedule your next hike! I can’t wait to see your pictures!

I was invited to participate in Hike NC! by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and received a travel voucher for my participation. All opinions are my own. Hike NC! is the next step in BCBSNC’s Get Outside North Carolina (GO NC!) community program, which was created in 2012 to encourage North Carolinians to get outside and get active.

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Natural Hair: Jen’s Hairizon Hair Assessment

I had the opportunity to visit the Hairizon Beauty Bar and Boutique in Durham, NC located inside of Northgate Mall and got a hair assessment. I have been natural for three years and this is the first time I’ve EVER gotten my hair assessed. I strongly recommend doing this in the beginning of your natural hair journey. I’ve been through so much during this process and spent so much money on natural hair products and trying different samples. I have a ton of allergies so the ingredients in anything I put in my body or on my body are really important to me. READ LABELS!

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When you schedule a hair assessment you receive a healthy hair plan that you can stick to and measure the results as the time passes. My number one issue with my hair and scalp is moisture. I have dry scalp and dry hair. I try to drink enough water daily because it starts with what you put inside your body but, in addition to that I know I needed to moisturize my hair more. My secondary issue(s) would be my sensitive scalp and allergies. One thing I LOVE about Hairizon is that they can create a customized natural hair product mixture just for you! All of my hair products are nut-free!

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Cara did my hair assessment and the first thing she did was measure my hair porosity type? Now I know if you’re anything like me you’re like… What’s hair porosity? It’s your hairs ability to absorb and retain moisture. If you have high hair porosity, your hair is damaged and needs attention. I have low-medium porosity meaning that my hair is able to retain and absorb moisture. I need to follow my healthy hair plan and moisturize my hair daily. I also learned that I was using shampoo too much. I was over cleansing and stripping my hair of its natural oils. My go to natural hair style is a wash & go!

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My personal plan is to shampoo once a month and co-wash in between. I can co-wash 1-2 times a week and do a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment once a week with “no protein”. My hair has enough protein. Now I have always heard of the L.O.C. (Liquid – Leave-In – Oil) Method but, I never really implemented it into my natural hair routine. On my hair wash day I’ll use Hairizon’s Aloe Water as my liquid, Hairizon’s Leave-In & Hairizon’s Lucky 7 Growth Oil (Nut Free). My cream/styler will be Hairizon’s Mango Butter & Hairizon’s You Go, Curl! – Curl Enhancing Gel. This is my personal healthy hair plan!

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There is a specific way to layer the products in order so that you can maximize moisture retention. It’s recommended for my hair type to use the oil last to seal in the moisture. I learned so much about my hair. I also learned that I can trim my hair like once a year. I have a habit of getting a blow-out quarterly to do a length check and usually trim it at the same time. Do you know how long my hair would be right now if I hadn’t trimmed at least an inch off each quarter for the last three years? I don’t want to think about it! My hair is healthy and a good length. I just got a trim in August so I’m going to try and make it to next August.

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Schedule a hair assessment at Hairizon Beauty Bar & Boutique TODAY! If you aren’t local they offer virtual hair assessments. There is a $25.00 fee however once you get your assessment done that money goes towards your Hairizon Natural Hair Products that are recommended for you. Be sure to mention if you have any allergies and they will create a mix just for you. Visit the Harizon Beauty website for more information and to see all the different natural hair product options available. Everything is 100% natural. You can customize your own hair care products. Avoid using hair products with toxic ingredients.

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Side Note: Some people are born with high porosity hair, more than likely non African-Americans. So if you are born with high porosity hair it’s not damaged but, if you had low porosity hair and it became high then it’s damaged. Give your hair the moisture and attention it needs.

Have you ever had a hair assessment?

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!