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The Healing Power of Nature: Boosting Heart Health for Black Women

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As February unfolds, we are reminded that it's not just a month for exchanging valentines but also a time to cherish and safeguard something even more precious—our heart health. Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, particularly for black women who often face unique challenges in healthcare, reconnecting with nature emerges as a powerful ally in this journey towards wellness. Camping, hiking, or simply immersing oneself in the great outdoors offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly bolster heart health, especially for black women. Here's why embracing nature should be a top priority this Heart Health Month: Stress Reduction: The natural world provides a serene sanctuary away from the stressors of everyday life. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and alleviate stress—all of which are significant contributors to heart disease. Physical Activity: Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and camping e...
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Black History Month Book Recommendations

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Happy Black History Month! If you're looking for some new authors to add to your book collection of inspirational nature writings, search no more; we've started a list of authors you can read and add some significant new perspectives about how Black authors see the natural world. Camille T. Dungy:  Black Nature: Four Centuries of African-American Nature Poetry Carolyn Finley:  Black Faces, White Spaces: African Americans and the Great Outdoors Cecil Griscombe:  Prairie Style Al Young:  Something About the Blues Harryette Mullen:  Urban Tumbleweed John C. Robinson:  Birding for Everyone: Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers Dianne D. Glave:  To Love the Wind and the Rain: African-Americans and Environmental History Norris McDonald:  Diary of an Environmentalist Mary Williams:  The Lost Daughter, A Memoir Eddy L. Harris:  Mississippi Solo, A River Quest Lauret Savoy:  Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landsc...
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Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Team Spotlight: Shani

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Full Name: Lelia-Alice Shani Brinkley  What city and state are you repping? Plainfield  What made you want to join this expedition?   Once in a lifetime opportunity  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special? Camp Koinania when I was in the 5th grade.  It was the 1st time I went camping, and my teacher and school friends made it fun. I remember hearing ghost stories by the campfire. And roasting marshmallows, yum. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?   Rose water spray. It smells good and is refreshing.  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb? Nuts. Give me nuts and dark chocolate!! If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?   "I want to Thank You" by Alicia Meyers. With the Most High...
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Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Team Spotlight: Sheena

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Full name: Sheena Schuler What city and state are you repping? Lodi, NJ What made you want to join this expedition?   It feels like the opportunity of a lifetime and a fitting challenge for 2024. Why not? What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?  My dad used to take us rock climbing on the weekends as kids. No equipment or any real plan, just going out to see who could make it too the top first. It taught me a lot about facing fears, trusting myself, and not giving up if you fall or things get difficult.  If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?  Thoughts of my mom. She was always my biggest cheerleader and would never let me quit on myself.  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb?  Anything with peanut butter or nuts in general  If you could choose one song to be t...
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Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Team Spotlight: Manika

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 Full name:  Manika Love What city and state are you repping?  Roselle, NJ What made you want to join this expedition?  Trekking Kilimanjaro is on my bucket list. For the challenge and to join this adventure with an amazing group of women.  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?  Completing a century ride (Twin Lights Ride). Riding 100 miles in one day was something I always wanted to accomplish, and in the world of biking, completing a century ride is a huge milestone. Just a proud moment that tested not only my physical but also my mental endurance. What made it so special is being able to enjoy the ride and share the moment with other ladies I rode with that were completing their first century as well. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?  Well, when my son was young, he collected rocks and then gifted them to ...
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Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Team Spotlight: Angie

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Full name: Angie What city and state are you repping? Philly What made you want to join this expedition? Tasheea and Camping Noire What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special? Hiking and exploring with other Black women. The healing of nature and the camaraderie with sisters. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why? An article of my grandmother’s clothing or a piece of her jewelry What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb? Protein bar If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?   “MOVE” by Beyoncé & Grace Jones. It’s just celebratory of women taking up the space they need as queens. What's the most inspiring quote or mantra that keeps you going when things get tough during a challenging hike?   “I can do ...
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Mt Kilimanjaro Climb Team Spotlight: Nicole

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Full name:    Nicole Taite What city and state are you repping?   Cliffwood, New Jersey What made you want to join this expedition?    It is a once in a lifetime adventure! What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?    Climbing Devils Bridge in Sedona, Arizona. I cried with a feeling of freedom and relief as I tackled the red rock. I climbed with my brother, which made it special.  If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?    An ice cream maker because ice cream makes me happy! What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb?    Red grapes and water. If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?    Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys because we are badasses! What's the most insp...
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