Brown Girl Gumbo

National HIV Testing Day: Dr. Rachael Ross Speaks On Its Importance

June 27, 2014

A few weeks ago I teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to bring you guys an up close and personal look at HIV by sharing the stories of two brave women living with the disease. Now it’s time for all of us to do our part and take action against new infections by getting tested.

In case you didn’t know, today (Friday, June 27th) is National HIV Testing Day. What better day than the present to know your status? Especially, when statistics show that we BGs are disproportionately affected by the disease. OraQuick Advance, the first FDA-approved in-home oral rapid HIV test, makes it simple and easy to find out where you stand. In fact, you can get results in as little as 20 minutes.

OraQuick is available at drugstores nationwide, $39.99

Famed physician Dr. Rachael Ross (co-host of “The Doctors”) has joined forces with OraQuick to help spread the message about the importance of getting tested. I recently spoke with Dr. Ross, who is also an author and sexologist about her partnership, startling facts and advice for those who may receive a positive diagnosis.

Photo via: TVrage.com

Check out some of the highlights from our chat:

BGG: There are many opportunities to help raise HIV awareness, why did you want to partner with OraQuick?

Dr. Rachael Ross: OraQuick is the only advance that I can 100% put myself behind. I’ve been an HIV advocate since college. So, to be able to do it now as a practicing physician and media personality is huge. If I can encourage one or two people to go out and get tested, I’m preventing. I’m preventing them from passing it on to the next person and I’m also preventing them from having a shortened life span (because they won’t be taking the proper medications). I’m also doing prevention because they may even tell their family and friends. Anytime I can use my platform to talk about HIV prevention, which is at the core of my heart, I’m on it.

BGG: Is OraQuick just as effective as someone being tested in a clinic/doctor’s office?

Dr. Ross: Nine times out of ten, if you ask for a rapid test at a clinic they’re going to give you the same one that would be found at the store. The only difference is that it may be packaged differently for at-home consumption. For example, there might be a 800-number if you have questions. OraQuick is 99% accurate and allows you to do the testing in the comfort of your home. However, with any type of rapid testing, it takes 3-6 months for the test to show positivity. So, if you contracted HIV last week, the test is not going to let you know that. That’s the case with all rapid tests, whether it’s at the clinic or at home. I encourage anyone who thinks they may as though they may have contracted HIV within the past few weeks; they’re going to have to get a blood test to get that information.

BGG: What do you think is the most important thing we can do to help reverse the stigma attached to HIV?

Dr.Ross: I’m not sure there’s a stigma. I think what needs to happen is that people need to understand that there are currently 1.1 million living with the virus in the United States and many of them don’t know it. Also, African-Americans are 8 times more likely to contract the virus than anyone else in this country. HIV is so preventable and it’s running rampant in our community. Half of HIV infections are concentrated in the South where we are, as well as our HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities).

NOTE: HIV testing is especially important in the African American community, where HIV incidences are growing. Unless the course of the epidemic changes, at some point in their lifetime, an estimated 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 32 black women will be diagnosed with HIV.

BGG: Why do you think it is that we don’t hear much about HIV-related cases as much as we did in the ’80s and ’90s?

Dr. Ross: HIV used to be a death sentence, but it’s now considered a chronic illness. Since we’ve gotten away from 20-somethings dying, we’ve moved to this thing that we can’t see. HIV is now easy to manage and you don’t really have to tell people that you have it. You can take your medication and vitamins and people won’t know. Also, because it predominately affects African-Americans. When you have illnesses that predominately affect minorities, it’s not on the minds of the majority. Therefore, it’s not going to be something that we talk about regularly.

BGG: What advice would you give to someone who has just received a positive HIV diagnosis?

Dr. Ross: First, recognize that it is not the end of the world and that life continues to go on. Second, get a support system together. In most cases that’s going to be your family; be careful with your friends because friends gossip. Third, get a really good infectious disease doctor. You can’t go to your primary care doctor because you need someone who specializes in HIV care. Also, plan for your future. If you do become positive, remember that it is illegal in many states to have unprotected sex with someone without informing them about your status. Your whole life changes so you have to be protective of yourself and those around you. Knowing and getting on medication is the best thing you can do for yourself.

For more information on HIV prevention, testing, facts, etc, please visit www.cdc.gov/hiv/

Will you get tested today in honor of National HIV Testing Day?

Category: Interviews, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Church 2.0: Spirituality, Social Media and Mobile Technology

June 25, 2014

Like many little brown girls growing up on the Southside of Chicago, I was raised in the church. While my family and I didn’t go every single Sunday, we went enough for me to remember it vividly.

I recall being bored and passing the time by counting down the minutes until the service was over. Now that I’m an adult with an attention span that can withstand a lengthy sermon, I actually enjoy going to church.

The beautiful exterior of a Baptist church in my Park Slope (Brooklyn) neighborhood.

Church is no longer that boring, hours-long event I recall enduring as a child. It’s now an energetic, interactive spiritual soul fest! Thanks to technology, many places of worship are making it easier for its members to receive and partake in the ministry.

For example, gone are the days of not knowing a song and sheepishly humming along (I was guilty of that many Sundays). Now, many churches have song lyrics conveniently displayed on projector screens for the entire congregation to see and sing in unison. And, the technological advances don’t end there. In recent years, it’s not uncommon for large mega-churches to use social media and mobile technology as an extension of the service, but the education is still needed for smaller congregations.

“As we move toward a more digital age, I noticed that smaller and medium size churches just weren’t catching on and needed education on these technological solutions,” says Jason Caston, the Digital Platforms and Innovations Specialist at the Potter’s House/T.D. Jakes Ministries, and the creator of the iChurch Method.

In many cases, it’s not just the lack of education that’s hindering churches’ social media and mobile prowess, but the manpower. “There’s a lack of staff. There’s just not enough staff to work with social media, mobile, different technology, so they do what they can,” suggests Caston.

Since research suggests that we BGs and guys use micro-blogging sites like Twitter more than our counterparts, it’s not hard to understand why some of our churches are starting to embrace mobile and social media outreach. However, not all churches have been as receptive to the concept of implementing mobile technology and social media into their congregations.

“I worked with a large ministry and one of the church leaders thought that my iChurch method of implementing social media, mobile technology, online experience, etc. was trying to replace the church,” recalls Caston.

“There was a huge generational gap and disconnect because they had been doing things their way for 30-40 years. But, I had to explain that technology is there to enhance the church, expand the reach and connect with more people, not replace it.”

As most of us become even more connected to our mobile devices, coupled with our insatiable social media appetite, it’s only logical that our spirituality will reflect that cultural shift. But, let’s just hope that posting selfies from the pulpit won’t get in the way of actual preaching!

Here are four easy ways to incorporate mobile technology into your church’s program:

– Create a hashtag for your church to make it easy for followers to find all scriptures, updates, pictures and other information pertaining to your place of worship.
– To increase engagement, ask questions such as: “What’s your favorite book of the Bible?”
– Tweet stand-out scriptures from sermons.
– Download apps for daily inspiration.

Does your church utilize social media as an extension of the service? How do you use technology to enhance your spiritual life?

Category: Gumbo Mix | 6 Comments

Bridal Bliss: 5 Beauty Must-Haves

June 23, 2014

Now that summer is officially here, that means wedding season is underway!

Whether you’re a bride-to-be or bridesmaid, you’ll want to put your best face forward on that special day. However, due to the stress and anxiety of either saying “I do,” or serving as your BFF’s or sister’s personal bridal assistant, keeping your skin in check leading up to the big day and during the occasion can be a job in of itself.

With the help of a few good beauty products you can ensure that your face will look fab for the bridal album, and of course all those countless wedding day selfies!

Check out these picks to keep you looking picture-perfect:

Pre-nuptial prep

Clarisonic Mia 2 Cleansing Brush available here, $149. This nifty beauty device is a cult fave because its pulsating bristles easily slough away dead skin leaving behind a radiant glow that’s essential for wedding day snapshots.

GLO Solo Teeth Whitening available here, $45.”Say cheese” with ease thanks to this innovative whitening system. Skip the strips and trays and get several shades whiter teeth in as little as two weeks!

RapidLash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum available here, $30. Forgo falsies and bat your lashes with confidence by using this lengthening serum.

Big-Day Beauty

By Terry Cheek to Cheek Water Color Blush available here, $48. You’ll be a blushing bride with this natural cherry-colored flush to the cheeks. And, don’t worry about whether it will suit your skin tone because the versatile shade complements most complexions.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray Oil Control available here, $29. Keep shiny skin at bay with this oil-absorbing spray for a camera-ready look.

Are you going to be a bride or bridesmaid this summer? If not, are you attending any weddings this season?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Protect Your Peepers: Contact Lenses that Serve as a Sun Defense

June 18, 2014

Most of us know the importance of using sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. But, I bet you didn’t know that contact lenses can also serve as a barrier for our eyes.

Acuvue Brand Contact Lenses is the only major brand to offer a complete line of UV-blocking lenses. In fact, their OASYS® lenses provide the highest level of protection against 96% of UV-A rays and 99% of UV-B rays that reach the cornea.

Since I currently wear eyeglasses and am looking to make the switch to contact lenses, this is wonderful news! I’m all about protecting all parts of my body from the sun, especially during the summer when my exposure is heightened.

Visit www.acuvue.com for more information

Check out these sun safety tips from NYC-based optometrist Dr. Susan Resnick to help you have a healthy summer:

Wear wraparound sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses
Be wary of cloudy days – you can get just as much UV exposure when it is cloudy, as you can on a bright, clear day
Be cautious around water and snow, as reflections from both can bounce up and into the eye
The sun is most dangerous for the eyes when you least expect it – in the morning and in the evening – when the sun is in direct line with the eye

Do you wear contacts or eyeglasses? How do you protect yourself from UV rays?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Tupac’s Lyrics Inspire Broadway’s New Musical ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’

June 17, 2014

Yesterday would’ve been Tupac (2Pac) Shakur’s 43rd birthday.

It’s hard to believe that I was only 16 when the iconic rapper, poet, activist and actor was shot and killed in Las Vegas. Fast forward 18 years and fans like me are still being captivated by his prolific lyrics. This time not just on our iPods, but on Broadway.

This past Saturday I was invited to see, “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” a musical inspired by the late rapper’s lyrics. Being that I’ve been a fan of Tupac’s music since I was a teen, I was excited to see the show. Admittedly, at first I was a bit hesitant when I saw the commercial featuring the show’s star, Saul Williams. Initially, I thought the musical was going to be about Tupac’s life; so I felt Williams was an interesting choice to play the part. Luckily, prior to the show I did my research and realized that the show wouldn’t be based on Tupac at all, just his lyrics.

Directed by Kenny Leon, the man behind Broadway’s hit “Motown,” “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” is an all too familiar story—a man (Williams) tempted to go back to a life of crime after the death of a friend cut down by gun violence. The story also includes sub-plots about family, love, change, race, hope and friendship. While the storyline may have been a bit average, the way in which the plot weaved in with some of his greatest songs was nothing short of brilliant.

Fans of Tupac know just how versatile his work was and the show exemplified that talent. With songs such as “Keep Ya Head Up,” “Dear Mama,” and “Life Goes On,” viewers who may have been unfamiliar with his lyrics were given a glimpse into his inspiring mindset. While lyrics from “Hail Mary” and “If I Die 2night” provided a look into his more emotional, darker side. And, his political and even light-hearted views were showcased in songs like the show’s namesake, “Holler If Ya Hear Me” and the playful, “I Get Around.”

Broadway veteran actress Tonya Pinkins, along with the show’s leads: Saul Williams, Christopher Jackson, Saycon Sengbloh, as well as the supporting cast were incredibly charismatic and energetic making the show entertaining from start to finish. At times, it felt like a concert!

Although we’ll never know if Tupac would’ve approved of his work being featured on the Great White Way, we can rest assured that his mom, Afeni Shakur, gives it her stamp of approval since she serves as one of the show’s producers.

The show is a great testament to just how much of a cultural influence and impact his music had on an entire generation. Mesmerizing performances and legendary music make “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” a must-see for those looking to take a nostalgic trip back in time when Tupac’s music reigned supreme; to me, it still does.

“Holler If Ya Hear Me,” is currently in previews and officially opens June 19 at the Palace Theater in New York City. Tickets are on sale here!

Have you seen “Holler If Ya Hear Me?” If so, what are your thoughts? If not, what’s your favorite Tupac song?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Style Review: Vionic Sandals

June 13, 2014

Now with the official start of summer only a couple of weeks away, it’s time to slip into some stylish sandals!

Each year I buy several pairs of inexpensive, yet trendy sandals but they usually leave my feet in pain. Basically, they last a season and then I’m on to the next. Since I don’t have a high arch, it’s difficult finding pairs that don’t hurt my feet, pocketbook or compromise style. Enter Vionic sandals.

This innovative brand has an “orthaheel” technology that provides stability, support and most importantly, comfort. At first, I was reluctant about testing out a pair of their sandals because I feared they’d look like something out of my granny’s closet. Let’s face it, whenever the words “ortho” and “shoe/sandal” are mentioned in the same sentence it usually isn’t a good look. Luckily, once I tried them not only were they comfy, but actually cute! Plus, they seem to contour with the shape of my feet, which is unlike any sandal I’ve ever worn.

Since I’m a mom, these have become my go-to weekend sandals for running errands and taking family walks. They’re easy to slip on and can work with just about any casual ensemble. Now if only they could create some comfortable, sexy heels or stilettos!

I’m wearing the “Santiago” leather sandals and are available here, $99

What’s the most important factor when it comes to purchasing sandals? Price, style or comfort? Unlike heels, are you willing to compromise comfort for stylish sandals? Share your #solestory on Instagram!

Category: Style | 1 Comment

Quench Your Curls: 6 Moisturizing & Conditioning Sprays for Natural Hair

June 9, 2014

We BGs who rock hairstyles that show off our natural curls, waves, kinks and coils know that hydrating sprays are essential to achieving some of our favorite looks.

Although I stopped relaxing my hair in 2007, it wasn’t until last year that I finally started using hair spritzers and leave-in conditioning sprays to help enhance, moisturize and maintain my curls. They can tame frizz, define curls, as well as provide a bit of shine. Plus, now that summer’s around the corner these sprays are perfect for overall rejuvenating and refreshing tresses in hot and humid weather.

Check out these picks to help quench your curls:

Ouidad Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray (8.5 oz) available here, $17