"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May"

--The Temptations 

Here are some of the notable days during the month of May to celebrate:

Mother's Day                                     National Women's Health Week 

Mental Health Awareness Month      Older Americans Month       

Cinco DeMayo                                   Memorial Day

National Teachers Day                      National Stroke Awareness Month 

These are just a few reasons that we have been the month of May. Did you also know that May is the month for Love and Success? I like to think that this is a new season where things are blooming, we're enjoying the outdoors more, we are taking off our masks, but please continue to practice safety first. During this season of change consider the following:

Visit Wineries                                     Take a trip

Enjoy a Flea Market                           Buy some new clothes

Walk alongside the water                   Go swimming

Get a massage                                   Sign up for a class at the local Parks &                                                                             Recreation Center

Sometimes it's the small things in life that matter when it comes to your mental health and your self care. Small things that matter to you touch your heart, inspire you, and enhances your overall wellness.  

As May comes to a close, enjoy the remainder of the month of May in this season of change.

Florence Champagne

Open My Heart Foundation

WOMAN'S NATIONAL HEALTH WEEK

MAY 8TH-MAY 14TH

sos

Supporting Our Sisters

Celebrated Women's National Health Week

Rev. Jamila Woods

Monday, May 9th

Meet Rev. Jamila Woods. She is a licensed Social Worker, the owner of Gabriel’s Lyric Therapeutic Services, LLC, in Prince George’s County Maryland, and the Pastor of Jabez Christian Community Church, in Charles County, Maryland. Rev. Jamila speaks from the heart as she aims to healing the hurting, and trains others to do so. To view the SOS, click here:

Sherrell Moore-Tucker

Tuesday, May 10th

Breathe In, Stress Out is her motto. Meet Sherrell. She is a veteran, mental wellness advocate, and community and corporate wellness provider who practices Yoga from the Heart. She began practicing yoga and meditation due to her own experiences with various health challenges while serving in the U.S. Army. She is a Mind-Body Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the wellness space. 

Denise Bryant

Wednesday, May 11th 

 "Music To Your Feet"  pumped up the crowd with lline dancing! Line dancing iis a great form of exercise, a great way to improve strength, muscle, increase balance and flexibility as well as improve cardiovascular and heart health! Besides all the physical and mental benefits of line dancing, its a great social activity!

HALF OFF MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

NOW UNTIL JUNE 30TH

We are pleased to annonce that we are having a HALF OFF Membership Drive from now until June 30th!  We are proud to present membership opportunitites that will allow for you to:

• Be connected to and engage with our Membership Community
• Exclusive Opportunities to attend Members Only Meet and Greet Events
• Receive health education and tips from the experts
• Receive CEU's
• Engage with Health Professionals
• Speaking Opportunities
• Community Engagement Opportunities
• Receive Recognition
• Networking
• Professional and Leadership in the Community
• Newsletters and Priority Access to Special Events

And more. Here's a short video.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Christina is working hard throughout the summer months behind the scenes at the Open My Heart Foundation on our SOS (Supporting Our Sisters) Programs. Christina is a Master's Candidate at Howard University's School of Social Work and we are so proud to have her on board!

WELCOME OUR NEWEST

HONORARY BOARD MEMBRS

LINDA WILSON

Linda is the Executive Director of Fund II Foundation, which is a public charity foundation. She has been a human rights activist and consultant for decades in the movement for social justice, including Congress of Racial Equality, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Black Panther Party, just to name a few. Tough conversations do not frighten her—working with police and returning citizens, city leaders and displaced residents, religious and cultural opponents, historically black universities, all to build bridges. As an ordained interfaith minister, she provides workshops to anyone who wants to improve their lives.Please help us welcome her!

DR. RENEE ALLEN

An extraordinary Commentator for all occasions, Renee is the Founder & C.E.O. of Star Entertainment Group LLC. She is the inaugural host of News Channel 8 Television Show “Women’s Business Report,” Host of the Renee’ Allen & Friends Show on WLVS Radio– the largest online broadcast in the United States www.ListenVisionLive.com. She is also the Co-Host of the Chris Thomas Show with Dr. Renee Allen on Urban One every Thursday at 11:30 am on 95.9 FM. She’s featured in the second edition of Who’s Who in Black Washington, DC, as one of the “Women of Excellence.” Let's welcome her!

UPCOMING HEALTH AND WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES IN

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND

As we come into the summer months, Parks and Recreation Centers are opening back up all over the United States, including in your community.  Here are some things to do in Prince George's County Maryland. Just click on the link below.  Let us know if you have upcoming events in your community as well.

POWER SMOOTHIE RECIPE

The main ingredients are Kale, Beets, Bananna, Strawberry, Blueberry, Cucumber, Flaxseed, and Ginger.

Kale is considered to be one of the most nutritious of all foods. It boosts the immune system, packed with Vitamin C reduce swelling, has Omega 3 fatty acids, reduce cholesterol

Beets are high in fiber, control blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol and improves brain function, a good source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.”

Blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in promoting heart health. It is important in bone health and blood clotting and much more.

Flaxseed is high in thiamine, a B vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism as well as cell function. It improves brain development, immune health, and iron metabolism. 

Cucumber are low in calories but high in Contains Antioxidants, Promotes HydrationIt May Aid in Weight Loss,  Lower Blood Sugar, Promote Regularity

Ginger stimulates digestion, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflamation.

5 cubes of ice

1/4 cup of water

1 cup of kale

1/2 cup of cooked cut up beets

1 teaspoon of minced ginger

1 teaspoon of flaxseed powder"!

1/4 cup of blueberries

2 strawberries cut up

Mix ingredients together in a nutribullet or some other high powered smoothie mixer until well blended.  You may add water to smooth out.  Store the rest in the freezer and defrost as needed.  Enjoy!

CALL FOR SURVIVORS TO SHARE YOUR STORY

The Open My Heart Foundation is a 501c3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible. For more information go to www.openmyheartfoundation.org, email info@openmyheartfoundation.org or call 240-389-4361