Almost all religions across the world have days when devotees fast. The Jews observe Yom Kippur by fasting and Muslims observe fasts on Ramadan. In India, there are many festivals where fasting is the norm. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of them when the Hindu community in the country celebrates with festivities and fasting. Other than weight loss, abstaining from food for a certain period of time also gives you a health boost, if experts are to be believed. According to a study last year at the University of California Irvine, there is evidence that fasting affects circadian clocks in the liver and skeletal muscle, causing them to rewire their metabolism. Researchers say that this can ultimately lead to improved health and protection against aging-associated diseases. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Can nirjal vrat really help boost your immunity?

Today on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, let us look at a few benefits of fasting. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

Experts say that fasting improves blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance. This increases your sensitivity to insulin and your body is able to transport glucose from your bloodstream to your cells more efficiently. It also helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.A recent study in the journal Metabolism says that fasting can improve sensitivity to the blood glucose-lowering hormone insulin and protect against fatty liver. Also Read - Intermittent fasting for weight loss: How to make time-restricted eating sustainable

Chronic inflammation is a serious condition and it can lead to many adverse health complications like heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Experts say it may bring down several inflammatory and help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis. A study at the University of Southern California says that fasting switches on a process in which body kills bad cells and begins to generate new healthy ones. Researchers say this may help in reducing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Fasting brings down your risk of coronary heart disease and may also help lower blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. According to a study at Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, periodic fasting leads to a biological process in the body that converts bad cholesterol in fat cells to energy, thus combating diabetes risk factors.

This is the easiest and fastest way to lose weight. Abstaining from all or certain foods and beverages decreases your total calorie intake. This induces faster weight loss. It boosts metabolism by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which could enhance weight loss. It also helps preserve muscle tissue to reduce body weight and body fat.

Regular fasting may significantly bring down your risk of cancer and also make cancer treatment more effective. A study at the University of Southern California says that fasting combined with hormone therapy has the potential to help treat breast cancer. The journal Nature published this study.

Published : August 21, 2020 7:57 pm | Updated:August 21, 2020 8:19 pm

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Top 5 health benefits of fasting - TheHealthSite

Basketball fans call it one of the greatest moments in NBA history.

It all went down during Game 1 of the 2001 Finals: The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.

Most people had placed their bets on the Lakers sweeping the series.

But among those who were rooting for the underdog was one girl who never, ever, ever missed a Sixers game at least, not after she first saw Allen Iverson suit up for Philly.

"Honestly, Allen Iverson was the one player that I felt like changed my life," Cherelle George says. "He was, like, my hero."

'I Want To Do That'

Cherelle was a 16-year-old, 5-foot-3 aspiring point guard, who often joked that she had to throw the ball up rather high to make a layup. By high school, she realized that she wasnt going to get much taller. But Iverson, standing at 6 feet even, gave Cherelle hope. He was proof that short people could ball. And, if she had any remaining doubts, his performance in Game 1 snuffed them out.

Cherelle sat at home, eyes glued to the TV as she watched him sink basket after basket just tearing the Lakers apart. By the time the final whistle blew at the end of overtime, hed have a whopping 48 points and a win. But, right before that, he pulled a move that would become a viral internet meme in years to come. Cherelle could never forget it:

"He jab steps, takes a dribble, crossover, shoots it like a fadeaway," Cherelle remembers. "Tyronn Lue contests the shot. Allen Iverson still makes the shot."

Tyronn Lue tripped and fell to the ground.

"And then Allen Iverson steps over Tyronn Lue and kinda, like, gives him a look," Cherelle continues. "And I was like, 'Oh, my God. This is awesome.' Like, I want to do that.' "

As soon as she got the chance, Cherelle went outside and practiced that crossover fadeaway shot over and over again. But Cherelle didnt want to be Iversons carbon copy. Every time she hit the court, she was feeling out her style, figuring out how to make it to the top in her own way.

An Obsession With Basketball

Cherelle hails from the projects of Reading, Pennsylvania, where kids in the neighborhood played streetball nearly every day. When she was 4, her mother noticed that her daughter loved trying to play with the neighbors, despite her tiny hands. So on Christmas Eve, Santa dropped off the perfect present.

"I woke up the next morning to a Fisher Price hoop and a basketball. And I just remember bouncing it all day, like, being so excited," Cherelle recalls. "I played every day after that. And as I got taller which, I mean not much taller I would raise it up, and I would dunk on it."

Dunking was fun and all, but Cherelle found that dribbling was her real bread and butter. You could often find her watching the men at the local court, or in front of the TV, rewinding and rewatching And1 mixtapes.

"I was that kid who would go in my room in the dark and would just dribble in the dark," Cherelle says. "Just dribble, no lights. Just in the dark, in my room, sometimes eyes closed. And it would drive my mom crazy."

Poor Ms. Holly George didnt get much sleep with Cherelle around.

"On the weekends, we would get up I would get up super early. Like, if I knew we had a game at 10 a.m., Im up at 5 o'clock in the morning," Cherelle says. "Just tugging [at] my mom, like, 'Get up, Mom!'

"She'd be like, 'Girl, your game ain't 'till 10. We have time.' But I would just like, 'Don't forget. Set your alarm. Dont forget.' My mother didnt always have a car, so we would walk hours to my games. And I know my mom would be tired, but I knew she knew that it would pay off."

During the summer blacktop league, Cherelle was playing on boys' teams and dominating wowing everyone with her skills. And, when her family moved to Georgia, she became a star on her middle school team. It was clear to her mom that basketball could be Cherelles ticket out of the projects. It could give her access to a free college education, and who knew maybe an opportunity to travel the world.

But there was one aspect of Cherelles game that coaches and even her mom sometimes thought could get in the way.

"I was in the seventh grade, and we were in a championship game," Cherrell recalls. "And it was 20 seconds left, and we were up by two. So the coach is telling me, 'Cherelle, pass the ball around, move the ball, we got 20 seconds!' And I literally dribbled out the ball for 20 seconds. I put on, like, a dribbling show for 20 seconds, just going between my legs. Just razzle-dazzle. And everybody was just going crazy. So anytime I got that spotlight to display what I had been working on in my room and the courts, I took advantage of it.

"Coaches would call me 'showboat,' but I was the hardest worker on the court. Like, offense, defense. I wanted to guard the best player. It was just a part of my game. This is who I am."

A Dream Come True ... And A Setback

During her junior and senior years at Newnan High School, Cherelle scored over 1,000 points and became a McDonalds All-American nominee. Thats one of the highest honors you can earn as a high school basketball player. Soon, college recruitment letters were piling into her mailbox.

The thing was, Cherelles ACT scores werent good enough. So she opted to play at Iowa Western, a two-year junior college, where she planned on improving her academics so she could eventually play at a top Division I school. But there, her playing style wasnt quite cutting it.

"My head coach was old school very fundamentally sound," Cherelle says. "So me and him clashed my freshman year. I remember thinking, like, for the first time, 'Man, maybe I cant be who I am. Maybe I do have to change my game for the team.' There were a couple games where, you know, Ill make a flashy layup. Or Ill do an extra between the leg or a razzle-dazzle move. And hell just like, 'Youre out. Come and get her out.' Even if I made the basket.

"My mother was oh my God telling everybody. You know, I remember her saying, 'We made it.' "

"And I remember being super frustrated and crying a lot and not being happy even wanted to transfer from Iowa Western, because I felt like, you know, I just couldn't be myself.

"He ... constantly instilled in me like, 'Cherelle, I'm telling you: You want to play big-time Division I basketball? Less flash, and just keep it basic and fundamental.' "

Cherelle then began to tone it down buy into her coachs program and in many ways, it paid off. Her sophomore year, she became captain and dropped 25 points a game. She was breaking records, earning accolades and getting even more attention from college scouts.

Then the day she and her mom dreamed of finally came. In 2005, she signed with Purdue University, one of the top womens basketball programs in the country.

"I became a Boilermaker. Yes. I was excited," Cherelle says. "My mother was oh, my God telling everybody. You know, I remember her saying, 'We made it,' You know. 'We made it.' "

Unfortunately, the basketball powerhouse didnt ever become a real home for Cherelle.

In 2006, the school self-reported six NCAA violations involving the coaching staff, one of which involved Cherelle, who had asked one of the assistants to help her edit a paper.

Purdue suspended the coach and Cherelle indefinitely for "academic misconduct," an accusation that Cherelle calls an unfortunate mix-up.

"I remember calling my mother and being, like, 'Man, I dont even know how to explain this to you,' " Cherelle says. "Because I knew she would be so hurt and disappointed. Especially knowing that Im not the type of player thats ever been in trouble at any university, not in high school, for anything."

What made it worse? Her suspension prevented her from transferring to another team. So Cherelle had to train on her own to make it to the pros. Two years later, she and her sister made a 10 hour road trip down to Texas for a WNBA combine. Scouts from the Indiana Fever liked what they saw and called her into training camp to see if she could make the final cut. She didnt.

"They said, 'You didn't make the final cut. But don't give up.' Like, 'You did great.' You know what I mean? 'You definitely deserve to be in this league.' And I felt like the coach meant it," Cherelle says.

Cherelle returned to Georgia and kept on training for that next opportunity. She got a job at a recreation center and looked for chances to play professionally overseas.

Then, on Aug. 21, 2010, she got a call.

"It was midnight," Cherelle recalls. "And I was in my apartment in Carrollton. And my sister was living with me at the time. She was downstairs, and I heard her scream. And I was like, 'Rami, are you OK?'

"And she just gave me the phone. And I hear this gentlemans voice. He said, 'Im from the coroners office. I have your mothers body. Holly George.' "

Losing Her Hero And Best Friend

Their mother had a heart attack while driving on the freeway. Officials found her dead at the wheel. Cherelle had lost her hero and best friend. It was all too much for her to bear.

The stress of it manifested physically. Cherelle's heart was constantly beating rapidly, but she thought it was just adrenaline. She lost her appetite and was losing weight fast, but she thought it was just grief.

Then, before the funeral, her aunt noticed that Cherelles eyes were bulging out of their sockets, and there was swelling around her neck. Her aunt told her to see a doctor as soon as possible. Blood tests confirmed that Cherelle had Graves disease, an incurable thyroid disorder that can cause hair loss, bone damage, stroke and heart failure.

Without the proper medication to manage it, Cherelles life was in danger. And her basketball career? Forget it. It was too risky.

For most people with Graves' disease, finding the right medicine can be incredibly tricky. Cherelles case wasnt any different. Her doctors put her on a drug called Propranolol, and while Cherelles heart rate improved, her hair kept falling out, she felt tired all the time and she was gaining weight like crazy.

"I was at 180 [pounds]. Imagine that," Cherelle says. "I have a picture of myself, which I dont share with anybody. You cant even see my eyes. Thats how big my face is."

After two months of frequent appointments after having lost her mom and the game that gave her life Cherelle walked into her doctors office frustrated and fed up.

"And I said, 'I'm done,' " she recalls. " 'I'm not taking this anymore.' He said, 'You can't go cold turkey off the Propranolol. You'll be dead in six months.' I remember just looking him in his eyes and saying, 'I'm already dead.'

"I wanted to get rid of this disease, I wanted my body to stop attacking itself. I wanted to feel like me again. I wanted to live.

"I remember leaving his office and getting in my car thinking like, 'Youre not gonna come in this office any more. Its up to you now.' "

"I wanted to get rid of this disease. I wanted my body to stop attacking itself. I wanted to feel like me again. I wanted to live."

Cherelle then began a long journey of trial and error, trying to figure out what her body needed. She was taking a risk by ignoring her doctors advice but, over time, her health started to improve. She was doing everything: cutting out processed foods, eating raw, taking this herb and that vitamin; she did acupuncture and cupping; saw a naturopathic doctor. Cherelle also moved to Florida hoping that a new environment would help in her healing.

"I had been in Florida for six months, and [the doctor] gave me a call and she's like, 'You know what? I think it's bloodwork time. Let's take your bloodwork. Last time it was amazing. Lets see where it's at now,' " Cherelle says. "And so I remember walking in and getting my bloodwork done to check my thyroid levels, and they were normal. She was like, 'You can get back to playing basketball. Youre good. There's nothing.' And I remember just bawling my eyes out."

An Unexpected Offer

"After three years of just ... fighting for my life, fighting for my body back, fighting for me I just remember feeling overjoyed and just like, 'I gotta find a team to play for,' " Cherelle says.

Cherelle found a semi pro team called the Miami Lady Bulls, and she even started a successful youth basketball program. Her life was coming back together better than ever before, and she had everything she needed: basketball and her health. The fundamentals.

One day, she was at a tournament coaching one of her travel teams, when she had an itch to train. In between games, she grabbed a ball and found an open court to practice her drills. Little did she know: Somebody was watching. It was one of the refs.

"He comes up to me, and hes like ... 'I think you could play for the Globetrotters.' "

"He comes up to me, and hes like, 'Hey, my name is Keith Arnett, and I've been watching you on the side do your thing," Cherelle recalls. "You can really handle the ball, like, you can play. I'm a former Harlem Globetrotter referee, and I think you could play for the Globetrotters."

Thats right, the Harlem Globetrotters. You know, that basketball troupe of entertainers famous for their jaw-dropping trick shots, fancy handles, and sideline pranks?

"I'm like, 'Eh, man, quit playing with me,' " Cherelle says. "Like, 'OK. Whatever.' Hes like, 'Well, I got the contact of the scout.' "

Keith wanted Cherelle to send videos to the scout right away. But Cherelle had just settled into her new life. She didnt want to risk losing everything again for a shot at something that might not work out. But Keith was so persistent that she finally gave in and sent her videos.

"And about 10 minutes later, I get a call. Not kidding you," she says. "And it's the Harlem Globetrotters' scout. 'I'm wanting to fly you out to Atlanta to audition.' And I'm like, 'No way. Like, this is really happening. He wasnt lying.' "

Now, at the tryout, Cherelle would tell you that she didnt have any tricks. If the coaches asked her to spin the ball on her finger or roll the ball off her chest, shed be in trouble. But, while she didnt have those special maneuvers up her sleeve, she had her inner child in her back pocket.

That young woman who had some Iverson swag in her step. The little girl who studied And1 moves like it was her job. And for the first time in a while, she didnt have to hold back. She pulled out her secret weapon: the between-the-leg-tumble dribble a move that looks as difficult as it sounds.

The coaches were sold. They loved her energy, loved the way she just lit up the court.

In 2017, Cherelle signed for her first tour in Kentucky. And, as the crowd cheered to welcome her to the court, she was reintroduced to the world by her new name: Torch.

Living The Dream

Today, Torch is a professional showboat with no one to tell her to "tone it down," to do things their way, or "stick to the basics."

In 2018, she completed a record-breaking 32 between-the-leg-tumble dribbles in a minute. That feat cemented her as the first female Globetrotter to make the Guiness Book of World Records.

"To think I was doing that as a child, just doing it, and now that move that I did in the 'hood, its got me in the history books," Cherelle says. "So many little girls reached out to me via social media and sent me messages like, 'Man, you inspired me, and I want my own Guinness World Record now.' Even boys, like, I don't know how you did that move.' Like, 'I've been practicing it since I've seen you do it. I can't do it. I don't know how you did it. Is that real? I'm like, 'Yeah it's real.'

"I'm just living to inspire these young kids, now. These young boys and girls who have dreams just like me who come from the inner city, just like me. Every single day, I put on that jersey, and every city we go to, every game, I feel like, 'Man, I've made it.'

"I'm living the life that me and my mother always used to speak about."

Read more here:
How Cherelle George Found A Home With The Harlem Globetrotters - WBUR

From my late teens to the early 20s, I suffered from chronic gut issues, leading to easy and unexplained weight fluctuations, low energy, and an immense amount of pain and frustration every single day things werent adding up for me. I was a healthy woman and was always so focussed on my health, doing everything right which made it extremely upsetting.

This fuelled me to study a Bachelor of Science Nutrition and visit many specialists to find answers (which I did not).

Then, to my surprise, after countless hours of research and finally visiting the right functional medicine doctor I discovered that my issues stemmed from having a slow thyroid and multiple food intolerances.

Since then, from simply eliminating those foods (mine were eggs, gluten, nearly all grains, and dairy) and adopting a unique dietary approach to manage my weight and bloating without the hunger after all of my research and trial and error on myself (which, by the way, is far from what we were taught in Uni with the old school, Australian Guide to Healthy Eating guidelines), I have healed myself. It is an incredible feeling.

I still, to this day, 5-6 years later, maintain the same lifestyle with absolute confidence and ease and best of all very little bloating, hunger, or yo-yo dieting habits like I was used to in the past.

I can manage my weight far easier and its the most freeing feeling in the world when youre not constantly searching for food and when you can get through an entire day without feeling 9 months pregnant and in severe pain.

I absolutely love helping others, so when I left university about 4.5 years ago I had a GIANT fire in my belly to help women who are going through what I went through. I immediately set off to work for myself and start my own business, Health with Bec.

My new lifes purpose was to help women slim down and begin to heal their own gut concerns too with my approach. In a nutshell, it is sugar-free, lower carb, gluten-free, nearly all dairy-free, rich in protein and healthy fats, and plentiful in low-calorie vegetables meaning BIG servings YES! This approach enables women to (actually) feel satisfied whilst reducing their calories. They also learn how to keep the weight off something that no other weight loss plans do.

I consulted women 1/1 for my first 2 years of business, working with over 400 extremely closely and in utter depth making personalized, totally custom plans. But, then I had to do more.

The results coming through were mind-blowing and I had to get this approach out to more women! I could also see so many common themes so pulling together a meal plan for this subset of women who do it all made sense to me. It could work.

Fast forward 2 years, and I now predominantly help women through my Signature online program, the 3 Week Body Reset which has been around for 18 months and a membership that I created only 10 months ago the Health with Bec Tribe. Women are FINALLY achieving results they have always dreamt of after trying it all. It is incredible. I have sold thousands of copies of the 3 Week Body Reset to women all around the world and have over 200, incredible women in the Tribe.

What a challenge it has been but also the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. I couldnt enjoy what I do anymore. It is my dream, purpose, and absolute passion to help women, day after day and I cant wait to continue to help more!

Dont stop your efforts to find answers after visiting a GP or even a specialist. BOOK IN with a highly renowned functional medicine doctor and get the right tests done. I WISH I did this sooner. I suggest food intolerance tests, gut microbiome tests, parasite tests, and SIBO tests. Also, getting all your hormones tested is vital, and last but not least, ensure you get your entire thyroid panel tested (not just TSH and T4 like all GPs do do the whole thing). This means, TSH, T4, T3, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies.

For diet, if you have tried everything try my approach! Its low carb but you dont even know it as I still include foods like bread and pasta I just have clever alternatives which I have listed below. Its so important to consider calories whilst ensuring every one of those calories is providing you with nutrients and helping you feel full. This is where the low carb comes in when we slightly reduce those, there is more room (calorie-wise) for more healthy fat and fat keeps us nice and full. We also NEED fat to absorb vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K.

This bread is a lifesaver. Keep it in the freezer and have in place of regular bread! You can see that it has half the amount of carbohydrates, double the protein and double the fiber. What does this mean? You stay fuller for FAR longer! Resulting in eating less calories overall throughout the day, and ultimately weight loss.

You save calories and can have a way bigger serve too. Also, you create more room for calories for other joys in life, such as wine and a little dark chocolate (pictured below). I love recommending Lindt dark chocolate thats over 85% and encouraging women to enjoy a glass of wine or two a few times a week. Because of balance right?! The extra fiber is also amazing for gut health and digestion which we always want to focus on for long term weight loss and maintenance.

Original post:
How I Healed My Chronic Gut Issues & Weight Fluctuations - Sporteluxe

Nowadays depression is a very common problem. What is depression? As per the best astrologer in Delhi, Dr. Sohini Sastri, it is a state of mind in which a person doesnt feel happy or good, and many a times people get depressed without any apparent reason. Some people seem to have all the happiness in life, yet they suffer from depression. Failures in life, career problems, and disturbed love life can lead to depression. Most people cant handle depression due to weakness of mind and the severity of depression is due to the position of planets and stars in the horoscope. The depression causes can be established astrologically.

Following are some Depression Symptoms:

What Causes Depression?

Lets look at some Astrology depression indicators.

It is caused by the damaged state if mind. In astrological science, Mind is represented by the planet Moon. Moon is the receiver of everything that is good and bad. We all feel happy if we have good things in life and when there seems to be nothing good in life, we obviously feel gloomy and sad. Combination of Moon with other planets can cause mental illness.

Moon with Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu can give rise to depression. Debilitated Moon, Mercury and Jupiter can cause a mental imbalance.

Moon sitting in conjunction with Saturn makes a persons mind heavy. Saturn is fear and limitation. It brings aloofness. Moon is the peace of mind and it wants happiness. The Saturn and the Moon combination make one depressive by putting extra burden, responsibility and feeling of heaviness on emotional side.

Another reason for depression is when Moon is sitting in conjunction with Ketu. Ketu is the south node of the Moon. It is our subconscious thinking. Ketu is headless body that compels to us to think what is beyond this world. It represents spirituality, nothingness and has no interest in materialistic world. Moon in conjunction with the planets in 6th, 8th, and 12 houses make a person more prone to depression as Moon is not happy in these houses. If Moon is exalted in Taurus sign, where mind is stable, it may not cause problems, but if debilitated and sitting with the Saturn, Rahu and Ketu may give rise to depression.

Moon is not comfortable in some Nakshatras. Ashlesha nakshatra falls in Moons own sign Cancer, but it is a most emotionally turbulent nakshatra. Vishakha Nakshatra in which Moon loses its mental peace due to lot of problems related to jealousy and makes a person prone to depression. Good Jupiter saves a person from depression and many evil effects in life. Jupiter in any combination inspires a person and makes him hopeful about life. Jupiter gives wisdom, hope and inspiration to life. So if we want happiness in life we should try to respect planet Jupiter.

Hence the depression reasons are many and life is not about happiness all the time; we should understand that there is something that is bigger than personal happiness. We should learn to accept that we cannot achieve everything in life, so that we are capable of managing depression. Its not good for your health or mind to panic. So the moment one comes across early signs of depression, one should consult with an expert and follow Astro remedies for depression. Keep faith, eventually you will overcome your depression.

For an appointment with Dr Sohini Sastri, send a mail to: sohini.sastri@gmail.comor call 9163532538 / 9038136660 or visit http://www.sohinisastri.com

Disclaimer: Content Produced by Astro Vision

Continue reading here:
Astrology & Depression - Times of India

By Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi Aug 20, 2020

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This pandemic has changed many things. From how we socialise, to how we eat, even how we work. Its also had a significant impact on how we exercise.

These days, our workouts happen at home and we often do them alone.

While fitness centres have been given the green light to reopen under level2 regulations, subject to strict safety conditions and protocols, some people would still prefer to work out at home while others go back to the gym.

Whether you are continuing to exercise at home or choosing to go to a fitness centre, the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations are: adults aged 1864 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity.

We spoke to Mapule Ndhlovu, a personal trainer and health advocate, on the latest fitness trends that can help you reach your body goals.

Mobile apps

Mobile fitness apps because they're affordable and convenient. This is one of the best ways to stay fit and be connected to a community.

Digital training

Many trainers are offering online personal training, which is convenient for those who may not be ready to return to the gym. They can get a personalised training programme in the comfort of their own homes, and will save time by not sitting in traffic or having to use changing rooms.

Live group training

Online live group training HIIT sessions will suit people who dont like to work out alone. This option gives people the chance to belong to a community but in the comfort of their home where they can have fun and feed off other people's energy. It allows people to stay active and be part of an event while staying safe at home.

While trends may come and go, health experts are still advocating for healthy and physically active lives.

The training equipment every woman should have:

On the hunt for must-have fitness equipment for home workouts? If you're going to create a home gym in a small space, make sure you have a few essentials that can help you tone, lose weight and build muscle. So, here is a list of the best workout equipment and the fitness stores that Mapule recommends you buy it from.

An exercise mat for staying comfortable while doing floor workouts.

A pair of dumbbells to build muscle strength and flexibility Your dumbbell weight requirements will depend on why youre strength-training. Whether youre lifting weights for increased strength and endurance, for example.

A skipping rope for a full-body workout Since jumping rope gets your heart pumping, it's great for your cardiovascular system and heart health

A resistance band for toning and strength training They come in different widths. The thicker the width of the band, the more resistance it provides and equally, the harder it is to use.

Read more from the original source:
How the pandemic is shaping fitness trends - IOL

August 22, 2020

LUMBERTON Georgeva Gerald Wright, long-standing citizen residing in the Hilly Branch community of Robeson County, celebrates her 95th year around the sun on Sunday.

Many Robesonians, past students and countless others from various walks of life continue to applaud her life and many achievements, all citing her 35-year dedication to teaching and learning, her impact on the improving lives of local citizens, her ability to build/nurture vital community educational partnerships, her lifetime of church support and her unwavering Christian walk.

Wright was born in Lumberton on Aug. 23, 1925, where she attended the Lil House primary school, formerly Barnes School, completed her high school education at Hilly Branch High School as salutatorian of the graduating class of 1942 at the age of 16. Wright attended Fayetteville Teachers College receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, class of 1948.

In 1948, Wright began her profession as a fourth- and fifth-grade elementary teacher at the historic Rosenwald High School in Fairmont, formerly the John Lewis School. During this time, she met and married Booker Taliaferro Wright in 1951. They were blessed with two beloved daughters, Andrea Wright Banks-Zuniga, a director of Housing, Development and Planning, and Cynthia Wright-Richard, an Engineer and Mathematics educator; along with three grandsons, Wallace Everett Banks Jr., John-Wright St. Clair Zuniga, and Keith Marshem Richard.

In 1958, she relocated to High Point, where she taught fifth grade for 15 years at Leonard Street Elementary School and A.J. Griffin Junior High School. She advanced her credentials, achieving her masters degree in Elementary Education at A&T State University in 1966.

Family has always been first and foremost in her life; therefore, Wright returned to Robeson County to be a care giver for her ailing elderly parents, Carson M. Gerald, a local farmer, and Maggie Thompson Gerald, a former Home Economics teacher from the renowned state-recognized Thompson Institute. During this period, she taught fifth-sixth graders at Fairmont Middle School for 15 years.

Many of her students say they unequivocally use the skills and values as adults today, due in large part to lessons learned in Wrights classes. Many of her students still reside in Robeson County and are successful members of the community.

She retired in 1982 after serving children and their communities for 35 years.

When asked for some Georgeva Gems of Advice for todays educators, she replied, Treat ALL students alike. They can detect inequality and unfairness, and their behavior will reflect it. School leaders and teachers must be four things: Know Your Craft, Be Consistent, Be Firm, Show Love. Students at all levels of learning must set clear goals, plan your organized steps to reach your goals, trust the Lord and let God direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Stay supportive of and active in your church and community to make them better. Never miss your chance to vote.

Wright was active in many professional, civic and religious organizations. She was a dedicated Adult Choir musician, missionary chairperson and Sunday School teacher at her home church at Hilly Branch Baptist Church, Back Swamp Road, founded by her relative, Rev. A.H. Alexander. She also established the first Vacation Bible School and co-authored the first written history for Hilly Branch Baptist Church.

Other civic organizations and leadership positions have included the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star; Dawn of Morning Chapter No. 294, as the Worthy Matron; former treasurer for the Lumber River Housing Development, Inc., an affiliation of the Lumber River Baptist Association since 1983; chairperson for the numerous events for the Hilly Branch High School Alumni Association; and a veteran member of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

Wright has always found pleasure and consolation in helping others. Much of her energy has been devoted to bringing peace, guidance and happiness to her family and others. In addition to her hobbies of staying abreast of politics, being an avid reader of literature, she is relied upon for her vast/accurate knowledge about her Thompson-Ashley-Gerald families documented genealogical records some as far back as the mid-1770s historical legacies, community impact such as her ancestral founding of Thompson Institute and five Robeson County Churches, which still exist today.

She has a plethora of many ancestral stories/lore that she enjoys passing on to todays generations. She has enjoyed an array of travel experiences and her sponsorship of many trips to sensational places such as Hawaii, California, New Orleans, New York, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and many other popular U.S. places.

As a world traveler, she has adventured to four countries: Mexico, Canada, France and Italy. She has seen the splendor of the Eiffel Tower of Paris, the Louvre of France, the Vatican City of Rome, and the St. Peters Basilica. A cherished memory of hers is when she prayed in the Sistine Chapel. Her many vacations included famous national and international museums, renown gardens and palaces.

Wright is a shining reflection of a blessed life of enriching opportunities, servant-leadership, and an abiding love for family, children and others.

Tribute: excerpts from many acknowledgments

Birthday Congratulations to Georgeva Wright. We are thankful for the many contributions she has made. When people hear her name, they smile and say, What a great lady! She has always contributed to the community and has always been a blessing to those with whom she comes in contact. We cannot thank God enough for her and her contributions.

the Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Dunham, pastor of Hilly Branch Baptist Church

To Our Beloved Aunt Georgeva,

We, your nephews and nieces, stand here today as living testimonies of your dedication to our growth and development. We each have our if it werent for Aunt Georgeva stories. Because of your personal sacrifices, our familys foundation has survived and is well prepared to face the future. We love you more than we could ever say or show. You, Auntie, are our beautiful flower that will live forever in our hearts. Thank you for everything you have done for us. Your loving nephews and nieces in the U.S. and Brazil.

My dear Cousin Georgeva: Jackie and I join others in celebrating your longevity and good health on your 95th birthday. We will forever be grateful to you for opening your home to us during the 2016 Hurricane Matthew crisis. May God continue to give you His Favor.

Angus B. Thompson II, retired Robeson County public defender and relative, and Jacquelyn S. Thompson, retired educator/Lumberton Senior High School and former Board Member of the NC School of Math and Science.

My friend has always been a person who brings joy and happiness in our lives. We met at Hilly Branch High School and our friendship developed followed us through Fayetteville State Teachers College (class of 48) and adulthood as we both taught in Robeson County schools. She was known as an excellent and dedicated teacher who truly loved children. Growing up on farms in the country, we found enjoyment visiting friends on Sunday afternoons. On one particular Sunday, she brought along a relative with her named Raphael (Rayfield) with whom I shared over 60 years of many more Sundays as his wife. May God continue to shine His abundant blessings on her and her family.

Melba Tuck Thompson, retired educator, lifelong friend, Durham.

Ms. Georgeva, I will always be grateful for your support and kindness from my teen years to the present. Somewhere along lifes journey, you took me as your own. If ever needed you, you were there, and happy to listen if I needed to talk. You shared in the many highs and lows of my life and inspired me through life stressors. I feel blessed to have you in my life and your friendship with mom and me has been a heartwarming experience. Happy 95th birthday.

retired educator/counselor, Robeson County Public Schools

Tributes from former students

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wright! A teachers imprint on a life can never be fully measured. As I reflect upon being a student in your 6th-grade class, I remember lessons of content, but its your example of character that stands out most in my mind. Its because of teachers like you that former students like me desire to become educators who, with purpose and commitment, devote their lives to the profession. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and belief that with hard work we could do great things and perform at levels far beyond our own expectations. Blessings for a beautiful birthday and many more to come.

Dr. Cheryl Dye Love, retired school administrator, DeKalb County Schools, Atlanta.

Many of the following comments, in honor of Wright, were collected by Darlene Wallace, one of her fifth-grade students at Fairmont Middle School.

Ms. Wright was a caring, but no-nonsense teacher that cared about her students personally.

Darlene Wallace, former Fairmont Middle School student

Very Caring! Shes the reason I became a teacher! I loved her!

Robin McClaurin Allen, teacher, South Carolina

Exactly! We were the Teachers Pets! Ms. Wright was very nice and caring. She made learning easy. She is one of the reasons I wanted to teach! Happy Birthday, Ms. Wright! May God continue to bless and keep you.

Denita Foy-McEachern, teacher, Fairmont High School

She was a great educator. Always put the childrens needs first. With her method of teaching, who couldnt learn? I love you, Ms. Wright, and wish you nothing but blessings for you.

Jenny Jenkins, fifth-grade student, Fairmont

Ms. Wright was my 5th-grade teacher at Alfred J. Griffin Junior High school in High Point, NC, 58 years ago. We share the same birth date! Happy Birthday.

Antainette Bell Delcine, High Point

I had Ms. Wright in the fifth grade in 82. Glad she is still with us; she was one of my favorite teachers. I saw her in 1994, and she called me by name when I said, I was in your class. Do you remember me? She said, Of course I remember you, Ronnie; you were one of my best students. Bless her patience. I was far from that, but it was nice of her to say she only remembered the good times.

Ronnie Lamb, Fairmont

Happy Birthday Ms. Wright!

Michelle Bethea and Emily Worley, both fifth-grade students, Fairmont.

Lumberton Mayor Bruce Davis also acknowledged the contributions of Wright in a letter.

Many in this community, including past students and countless others from various walks of life, continue to applaud her life and many achievements, the letter reads in part. Her 35 years of dedication to teaching and learning, her impact by improving lives of local citizens, her ability to build and nurture vital community-educational partnership, her lifetime of church support and her Christian walk are models for us all. We wish great joy to Mrs. Wright and her family and friends on this special day.

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