health & well being

14 Reasons Why Laughter is Good Medicine

By Kim Anthony • October 2, 2022

By Simply Health Today Aside from strengthening relationships and increasing your level of comfort in certain situations, every time you laugh there are chemicals released that play an important role in boosting your health. When someone says laughter is the best medicine, they are not that far off as laughter really does have some great health benefits. Here are 14 health benefits that come from simply having a good laugh every once in a while. 1. Boosts Your Immunity Your immune system is extremely important to your overall health. The good news is, simply laughing can give your immune system a boost. Most people think that they need to take supplements, make sure to get lots of rest, work out regularly, and get plenty of vitamin D. While these are all important for your immune system, it turns out that laughter is just as good for you. One study that was published by the National Cancer Institute found that people who laugh on a regular basis decrease hormones related to stress inside their bodies. In addition, laughter will increase the number of natural killer cells and activated T cells, which are two things that can truly help your body stay healthy and strong. If you are feeling sick or down, try watching a favorite comedy and having a good laugh. There is a good chance that it will make you feel a little bit better. 2. Gives You a Work Out Have you ever laughed so hard you felt sore? A good belly laugh is almost as good as a good workout. In fact, it is a workout. There is a reason that you will feel sore after you have a good long laugh. Researchers have found that laughing, the physically intense whole body laughing, actually provides you with a mini-workout. This workout is very similar to doing aerobic exercises . Laughing hard will boost your respiratory rate, heart rate, and increase your oxygen consumption. Having a good hard laugh can give you some of the same benefits as a decent workout. However, the exercise benefits of laughing only come when you have periods of really intense laughter. Unfortunately, this means that sitting around watching funny videos is not going to be able to replace your real workouts. Even if laughter cannot replace your workouts, it can provide you with a few of the benefits and a lot more fun. 3. Gives You a Work Out One of the parts of your body that loves laughter is the heart. Since your heart is a very important part of your body, it is important to make sure that you are doing all that you can in order to keep it healthy. While exercising and eating healthy foods are important for keeping your heart healthy, it turns out that laughing regularly is just as important for your heart health. The Cleveland Clinic found that laughing will immediately increase the blood flow to your heart. In the same way that aerobic exercise increases your blood flow to this important organ, laughter has the same effect. Getting that surge of extra blood flow to your heart on a regular basis can help reduce many scary heart-related issues. So, next time you want to feel good and boost your heart health, have a good laugh with some friends. Tell some jokes or watch a comedy, use the excuse that it is good for your heart. 4. Relieves Stress There is nothing quite like a good laugh to help alleviate tension and stress . When you are feeling stressed, it can cause damage to your body. In fact, stress can cause many different health issues and most people do not realize this. If you are feeling stressed and simply need to relax, have a good laugh. The giggles can instantly relieve the stress response of the body and help to soothe any type of tension that you are holding inside. In addition, laughter during stressful times can help improve your mood. When your mood improves it is much easier to handle the problems that you might be facing. While laughter cannot solve all of your problems, it can help you feel better about the things that you are dealing with and make it a bit easier to move on and overcome the obstacles you might be facing. 5. Clears the Mind Are you a writer and have writer’s block? Perhaps you are just experiencing random brain fog . You walk into a room and forget what you went in there for. If this sounds familiar, there is some good news, laughter can help. The FASEB Journal published an article in 2016 that found that simple laughter can put your brain back into a state where you are able to think more clearly. If you are struggling to focus or simply have a case of brain fog, pop in a favorite comedy or watch a funny video and you might just be able to get your brain back into focus so that you can get your work done. Even if you are still feeling a bit of brain fog, you are going to feel better after you have a good laugh, so it is not going to hurt anything at all. Take the time to laugh and regroup and move on with your day with your brain in better focus. 6. Pain Killer Chances are when you have been hurt someone has told you to smile through it. There is also a good chance that you have taken a fall or bumped your arm or leg and even though it really hurts, you laugh at how clumsy you are. It turns out that laughter can be a great way to reduce the amount of pain that you are feeling. When you laugh your body releases endorphins that can help you feel better. While it may not be possible to truly laugh when you are in extreme amounts of pain, at least trying to smile and lighten the mood can go a long way in making you feel better. Have your friends tell you jokes or laugh with them about something dumb you have done. You will be surprised at how much better it can make you feel when you are experiencing any type of pain. 7. Creativity There are days when you are feeling very creative and are accomplishing tasks that you may not have thought you could. Then there are other days when you simply feel like you do not have a creative bone in your body. You might be struggling through ideas and feel like there is no way that you can accomplish the tasks that you set out to do because you are simply not feeling creative. If you are stuck in a rut and want to boost your creativity, try laughing. A little bit of humor can help to loosen up your mind. When you laugh you tend to be more relaxed and emotionally you feel a bit safer. When you are feeling relaxed and safe, your brain has more power to be more creative. If you are putting off a project because of a lack of creativity, a good laugh with some friends might be all that you need to get rolling again. 8. Calorie Burner Exercise is the most well-known way to burn calories. It is likely that you wear a tracker that tells you exactly how many calories that you burn during a workout. Perhaps you even count the calories that you eat. When it comes to staying healthy, chances are high that calories are going to come up in the conversation. One more great thing about laughter is that a secret health benefit of laughing is that you actually burn calories while you are doing it. Laughing for just ten to fifteen minutes a day can burn anywhere from ten to forty calories. If you have some good deep belly laughs, you are going to burn even more calories. While burning forty calories does not seem like a lot, it translates to losing about four pounds a year. This is just one more reason to make sure that you are filling your life with laughter. 9. Lowers Your Blood Pressure As mentioned, laughing reduces stress. One of the main causes of high blood pressure is stress. High blood pressure often is viewed as not a big deal. However, it can lead to many health issues including increasing the risk of developing heart disease and possibly having a stroke. The Journal of Research in Medical Science published a study that found that the act of simply laughing can actually help keep your blood pressure low. Once again, laughter helps to relax your body and relieves tension and stress that you may be holding onto. If you have been told that you have high blood pressure, try adding some good quality laughter to your life. Lighten up and tell some jokes. Make it a point to watch some comedies. Spend time with people who make you feel good. All of these things can go a long way when it comes to lowering your blood pressure. 10. Helps Ease Depression Depression causes an overwhelming feeling of sadness. When a person is depressed, one of the last things that they will want to do is laugh. In fact, it can be difficult to find something that you even feel like laughing about. However, if you are suffering from depression or simply just feeling depressed, try to find something that will make you laugh. You might have to work at it and you might have to force that first giggle, but doing this can go a long way in alleviating some of the symptoms you are experiencing as the result of depression. One study conducted by the Journal of Alternative Medicine found that just three-hour-long laughter therapy sessions were enough to improve the mood states and the self-esteem of the participants. If you are diagnosed with depression, you might just want to ask about some laugh therapy sessions to help. 11. Helps with Memory Loss Over time your memory is likely to get worse. This is just really something that comes with age. Almost everyone experiences some form of memory loss throughout their life. It could be as simple as not remembering where you put something. Memory loss can become severe in some people and result in dementia. While laughter is not a cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it can help combat memory loss. One study done by researchers from Experimental Biology found that watching a 20-minute humorous video before taking a memory test helped older adults score better when compared to people who did not watch the video. Once again, laughter has proven to be good for the health of your brain, which is why it is important to make sure that you are taking time to giggle and have some fun in your life. Your brain will thank you for this later. 12. Improves Function of Blood Vessels The main job of your blood vessels is to transport blood all over your body and to keep everything running smoothly and properly. When you are stressed, your blood vessels will restrict. This makes it harder for blood to get to the areas of the body that need it. Once again, laughter can help. When you laugh your blood vessels will expand, which makes it easier for the blood to flow throughout the body and to the areas that it needs to be. Laughter causes you to relax more and feel better, when this occurs your blood vessels become healthier because they do not have to work as hard to get your blood throughout your body. Making the blood vessel’s job easier means that the vessels are going to be healthier overall. So if you are feeling stressed, laugh a little and improve your blood flow. Your body will thank you. 13. Reduces Inflamation When it comes to health issues, most people do not realize that inflammation is often the main cause. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the body and causes many common health ailments. Heart disease and diabetes are common results of inflammation within the body. Heart attacks are caused when a blood clot prevents blood from getting through the body and to the heart. A person who has diabetes also has an increased risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Research has found that laughter can be used as a part of diabetic care as laughter improves good cholesterol throughout the body and helps to lower inflammation. Lowering inflammation is important in keeping the heart happy and healthier and since the heart is important for your overall health you should be doing all that you can to keep it healthy. Eating well, exercising, and having a good laugh are great ways to keep your heart happy. 14. Helps You Through Tough Times Life is hard and there are many times that you are going to struggle with things. Deaths of family members or close friends occur. There are sad times, stressful times, and times that you may just feel down. When you are feeling like this it can be difficult to see the good and the funny. However, if you can take a moment to reflect on good and happy times and remember all of those things, it can go a long way when it comes to getting you through those times that are a bit tougher. Finding a way to laugh during tough times can be extremely beneficial. Good endorphins are released, stress is released, and you will feel better overall. This doesn’t mean that you will not still feel sad, but laughing can help the pain or sadness not be as tough to get through. This article orginally appeared in Simply Health Today

Sibling Doctors Empower Patients to Be More “Medically Literate”

By Kim Anthony • October 1, 2022

Drs. Shamolie Wyckoff and Elita Wyckoff Jones, both Spelman College alumna and also fleshly sisters, have collaborated to write With Ease, Navigating the Medical Office Visit to respond to the increasing healthcare needs, particularly for people of color, the elderly and the self-employed. The conversational and instructional book is part of their ongoing effort to help patients live healthier lives. Available on Amazon and WithEaseBook.com , the book educates patients about the importance of understanding their medications.“I wanted to give an insider guide to patients,” said Dr. Elita Wyckoff Jones, who has been a practicing physician in obstetrics and gynecology for the past 15 years. “We want them to take charge of their medical care, to be informed and armed with insight.” Dr. Shamolie Wyckoff, a practicing physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation for the past 11 years, adds, “The world has changed and health care with it. We also must adapt how we approach and interact with the health care system to make sure it still serves our purpose – improving our health and living a long and quality life.” The sisters know that going to the doctor is stressful. Their book offers readers advice on how to: Foster a healthier doctor/patient relationship Take a more active role in maintaining their health Reduce anxiety when speaking with doctors and preparing for surgical procedures Overcome fears of taking medicine and understand side effects Understand the purpose and roles of various staff in doctors’ offices Create a “health care capsule,” recording your personal medical history “We hope the book will empower individuals to take a more active role in maintaining the health of our mind and bodies,” Shamolie says. Elita adds, “The book is meant to be instructional and useful to people regardless of educational level.” To purchase the book, go to WithEaseBook.com

30 Amazing Benefits of Lemon Water

By Kim Anthony • October 1, 2022

There are many experts including nutritionists and doctors who are encouraging people to start drinking lemon juice or lemon water because lemons are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to neutralize the free radicals in the body. Free radicals in the body may lead to many different types of diseases including cancer. Lemon juice has an alkalizing effect on the body which greatly helps to balance the pH levels within the body. The little lemon has a big nutritional punch. It is a good source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to neutralize the free radicals from oxidizing cells. In addition, it helps to stimulate the digestive system and flushes out toxins that are in the body. If you are already enjoying the cleansing, tangy, and refreshing taste that lemon water has to offer, you are already on your way to better health. If you have not tried this refreshing and incredibly detoxifying drink yet, now is a good time to start. As you will see throughout this article, there are many great health benefits offered from drinking lemon water every day. Let’s take a look at 30 of the amazing benefits that lemon water has to offer. 1. Replaces Electrolytes Lemon water can replace electrolytes just as well if not better than many of the commercial electrolyte drinks that are on the market. If you work out, a replenishing workout drink that does not contain fructose or come with a high price tag is just what you need. Simply mix some water, lemon, a bit of sugar and salt, and you will have a great drink for after your workout that is both natural and healthy for you. In addition, this mixture will help ensure that you are properly hydrated after your workout. 2. Helps with Symptoms of Asthma Lemons are rich in vitamin C and research has shown that a low intake of vitamin C during childhood can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma. If you or any of your family members have been diagnosed with asthma, drinking lemon water can be a part of your medically arranged treatment plan. Lemon water in combination with eating other types of citrus fruits may help reduce your asthma symptoms and lower your risk of having asthma attacks as often. It should not replace your medical treatments, but it can definitely be worth using as a supplement. 3. Improves Eye Health of Diabetics People who are diagnosed with diabetes face many health risks. This disease can cause all sorts of problems within the body including your eye health. One study has shown that the flavonoids that are found in lemons as well as other fruits and vegetables can help prevent cataracts from forming in the eyes. This is a really great benefit as cataracts can cause a person to develop blurry vision and overtime may even lead to blindness. Cataracts are a degenerative eye condition that anyone can develop, even those without diabetes, so drinking lemon water for your eye health is helpful for everyone. 4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels Lemons contain bioflavonoids that are a kind of antioxidant that have many great benefits. There has been research that shows that two of the bioflavonoids that are found in lemons can help to significantly reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, these bioflavonoids that are in lemons and other citrus fruits may help blood sugars in other ways including how it is stored in the liver and in the muscles. This can be extremely helpful for people who have impaired blood sugar levels and with people who have diabetes as eating lemons or drinking lemon water can help keep their blood sugar levels in check. If you have ever experienced kidney stones you already know that they can be extremely painful. There are some people who are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones than others. Diosmin is a flavanone antioxidant that is found in lemons. 5. Prevention of Kidney Stones This antioxidant can help decrease phosphorus and urinary calcium in the kidneys. In addition, it can help increase the volume of urine as well as serum calcium levels. This all helps to ease pressure from the kidneys, which in turn can reduce the chances of kidney stones developing. 6. Heart Health Lemon water is a good source of potassium , which is a vital mineral that plays an important role in many bodily functions. One of the most important reasons to make sure that you are getting enough potassium each day is because this mineral plays an important part in helping the muscles that surround the heart function properly. When the muscles of the heart are functioning properly they will be able to get blood to the entire body with ease. Keeping the blood flowing to and from the heart is important as it will make you feel much better overall. Drinking at least one cup of lemon water a day can help provide you with the potassium you need to maintain your heart health. 7. Breast Cancer Treatment Support For those who are being treated for breast cancer , drinking a glass of refreshing lemon water can help you during the recovery process. The dietary flavones and flavanones that are found in lemon juice have been shown to inhibit aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme and inhibiting its production is one of the major strategies of treating patients who have breast cancer. Drinking lemon water can help you heal faster and simply feel better when you are undergoing your medically recommended treatment plan that has been designed by your team of doctors. Since lemon juice is a natural substance it is typically considered to be safe to consume at all times, no matter what the rest of your treatment entails. 8. Soothes Sore Throats One of the absolute best ways to soothe a sore throat is to drink some lemon water that is mixed with honey. When you have congestion in your throat, drinking lemon water can help clear out any mucus that is remaining in the area. In addition, the lemon water will help kill the bacteria that may have been causing your throat to be sore. Adding honey to the water will help soothe any itchy and scratchiness and also provides an antibacterial. This can even be a great thing to drink to help soothe your throat when it is simply dry, especially during those long winter months. 9. Fights off Colds and Flu If you are suffering from a cold, drinking lemon water with honey added to it can be very beneficial. Drinking lemon water while you are sick provides a great way to stay hydrated. In addition, the vitamin C that is found in lemon water will help support your immunity system, which will be battling off the illness. Adding honey to your lemon water will help provide you with a bit of a boost of vitality and energy when you are feeling ill. I n addition, the honey as well as the lemon will help to fight off any bacteria that is in your system and may be causing the illness. 10. Lemon Water and Losing Weight If you attempting to prevent weight gain or fat build up, adding a lemon peel into your room temperature lemon water is recommended. There has been a study conducted that showed that the polyphenols that are found within the peels of a lemon prevented weight increases and fat gain in mice when it was tested over a three month period. The lemon polyphenols targeted the white adipose tissue. This is the less beneficial type of fat that is found within our bodies. While there is no proof that drinking water will help you lose weight, this study shows that it may be able to help keep you from gaining unnecessary weight. 11. Good for Cleansing the Digestive Tract Citric acid is something that is found in lemon juice as well as other citrus fruits. It is what gives these fruits a bit of a sour tang. In addition, citric acid is what is used in a solution that is given to people in order to help clear their bowels before they undergo a colonoscopy. For this reason, if you are feeling bloated or if you have not had a good bowel movement in awhile, drinking lemon water can help. It contains citric acid, which plays a role in cleaning the bowels and the entire digestive system. 12. Scurvy Prevention Scurvy is a disease that is often associated with sailors who would travel the seas for long amounts of time more than a hundred years ago. However, in reality, scurvy is a disease that still appears in today’s modern society. Typically, scurvy will occur in individuals who do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, such as lemons and oranges. Low income families, those who live on ships, and college students are most at risk for developing scurvy. Drinking just one or two glasses of lemon water each day can help keep this nasty disease away. 13. Reduces Vision Loss Related to Aging As we get older our bodies tend to lose function in a number of ways. For some people this may include the loss of basic functions such as their vision. However, taking in enough vitamin C can help reduce the opacity of the eyes. This means that drinking lemon water can help you keep clearer vision for a longer time. While taking a vitamin C supplement can be effective, drinking lemon water is a natural way to get some vitamin C in your diet to help with your vision. 14. Helps Fight Cancer Cells There have been several studies that have shown that the flavonoids that are found in lemons and other citrus fruits can help prevent cancer. This research has shown that taking in these flavonoids through your diet may reduce your risk of developing tumors in the colon, breast, prostate, lungs, and pancreas. Drinking at least one or two glasses of lemon water each day plus eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide a good defense against developing several different types of cancer and improve your general health overall. 15. Fights Infections If you find that you are getting sick quite often from infections or other illnesses, chances are you do not have enough vitamin C in your diet. Studies have shown that not taking in enough vitamin C can increase the risk of infections such as diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia. Drinking lemon water on a regular basis will provide you with a good source of vitamin C. When you are taking in enough vitamin C you will be helping your body fight off these infections and you will likely find that you are sick less often. 16. Depression Many people do not realize that lemon water can actually help boost their mood. The scent of lemon first thing in the morning as you add it to your water can actually help you wake up and start your day in a better mood. Research shows that the smell of citrus can help ease some of the symptoms of depression. It may also help prevent the weakening of immunity function, which often occurs in people who suffer from depression. The scent of citrus was found to be quite effective at improving immune function and relieving stress, even more so than most anti-depressants . 17. Healthy Form of Hydration It is no secret that taking in a good amount of fluid and keeping the body properly hydrated are important when it comes to your overall health. However, most people struggle to get in the recommended amount of water every day. Adding a bit of lemon to your water will make it taste better as well as provide many useful antioxidants and vitamins. Simply adding a bit of lemon can make the water more appealing to drink, which will often make it that much easier to get in the recommended amounts of water that they need to stay properly hydrated. 18. Metabolism Boost Drinking water and lemon water can help increase a person’s metabolism . When you increase your metabolism you are more likely to lose weight. Drinking lemon water can help you feel full for longer after meals. When you drink lemon water you will replenish electrolytes that you may have lost during a workout as well. Essentially, drinking lemon water is the healthiest thing that you can drink throughout the day as it is all natural and provides you with proper hydration as well as many useful vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. 19. Neutralizes Free Radicals Chances are that you have heard about antioxidants and their benefits. However, most people do not fully understand why antioxidants are good for them. In essence, antioxidants, such as those found in lemon juice will neutralize free radicals found in the body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause damage to the tissue in the body and this damage can result in cancers forming, heart disease, and other illnesses. The antioxidants that are found in lemon water are effective at targeting these compounds and thus help to prevent many of the diseases that they cause. 20. Keeps Bones, Teeth, and Cartilage Healthy In addition to being a very important antioxidant and helping the immune system work properly, the vitamin C found in lemon juice also plays a role in keeping your bones and cartilage strong and healthy. This is not something that many people know about vitamin C, but it is a vitamin that plays an important role in helping keeping your teeth and bones strong. Vitamin C also helps to keep the cartilage found in your ears, nose, and other areas of the body healthy, which makes this one of the most important vitamins that your body needs. 21. Younger Looking Skin If you are struggling with any type of skin issues, drinking lemon water can help clear up any acne and other impurities that are found on your face and other areas of your skin. Lemon water helps to flush out toxins from the body and helps the skin look fresh and hydrated. In addition, Vitamin C helps promote the healthy production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin tight and springy. This means that drinking lemon water can help prevent wrinkles from form ing and your skin from sagging. 22. Helps Heal Wounds As mentioned, vitamin C helps improve collagen production. For this reason, drinking lemon water and getting enough vitamin C can also help heal wounds more quickly. If your skin is wounded it is important that it heals quickly in order to prevent scarring and infections from occurring. It supplements collagen synthesis and will stimulate the formation of the skin barrier. At a wound site vitamin C will be used up quickly, so it is important to make sure that you increase the amount of Vitamin C that you are taking in if you have a wound. 23. Reduces Uric Acid Levels Gout can be a painful condition and is caused by having an excess amount of uric acid within the body. It has been found that the juice from lemons can help reduce the amount of serum uric acid in the body. It can also be useful for other gout treatments and uric acid treatments that a person may be on. If you are on a regular treatment plan for gout, drinking lemon water can be a useful addition to any type of medicine that you may already be taking. 24. UV Protection Skin cancer is a common occurrence among people of all ages . This is especially true for people who live near the equator or in areas that are sunny year round. For this reason, protecting your skin from the sun is very important. In addition to the normal use of sunscreen, hats, and shelter for protection, the food and drinks that you take in can help as well. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can help protect your skin from damage to the cells that is caused by UVB radiation. Not only does lemon water protect against skin cancer, but it also helps reduce wrinkles that are caused by the sun. 25. Helps Stave off Hunger Do you have a problem with overeating? Perhaps sometimes you feel like you are never full. You may snack or eat all day long. If this sounds familiar, drinking lemon water throught the day can help you feel fuller for longer. This can help prevent weight gain as it will provide you with an alternative to snacking all day. Drinking a no calorie drink such as lemon water can help you consume fewer calories throughout the day and even during meals. This is in comparison with drinking higher calorie beverages that do not prevent weight gain or overeating. 26. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease When you do not drink enough throughout the day you run the risk of becoming dehydrated. When you are dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker as there is not enough liquid to help thin it out. When your blood is thick it is harder for it to get to where it needs to go and thus increases your chance of developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day will help to increase the amount of fluid that you are taking in. This prevents you from becoming dehydrated, and thus will lower your risk for developing heart disease. 27. Great for your Liver The liver is a very important organ in the body. The main responsibility of the liver is to get rid of harmful toxins from the body and to make sure that your blood is detoxified before going to other parts of the body. Glutathione plays a very important role in this detoxification process in the liver. Vitamin C, which is found in lemon water helps promote the production of Glutathione, thus making the job of the liver that much easier and when the liver is doing its job of getting rid of toxins, you are going to be feeling much better. 28. Provides Potassium Lemon water is an excellent source of potassium . Potassium is needed in order for your body to function properly. A shortage of potassium can cause all sorts of health issues such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, digestive disorders, arthritis, and even infertility. For this reason it is important to make sure that you are getting enough potassium in your diet. Simply drinking at least one glass of lemon water each day ensures that you are taking in potassium and helps reduce your risk of all of the above diseases. 29. Urinary Tract Infections A urinary tract infection can be quite irritating and very uncomfortable. In addition, if a urinary tract infection is not properly treated it can turn into a kidney infection that may end up being life threatening. One of the best ways to prevent urinary tract infections is to drink a glass of lemon water each day. Drinking lemon water will reduce the risk of developing kidney diseases and it also improves fluid intake, which is important in terms of kidney function. Keeping your kidneys functioning properly is important for your overall health. 30. Diabetes Management Throwing a lemon peel into your glass of lemon water is a good idea if you are diabetic or even if you are not diabetic and simply want to keep your blood sugars in check. The compounds that are found in the peel of a lemon will reduce glucose levels in several areas of the body including the nerves, eyes, and parts of the kidney. This article originally appeared in Simply Health Today

Access Free Small Business Expertise Is Closer Than You Think

By Urban Business Journal · Inland Empire • July 10, 2026

(Photo: Adobe Stock

National CORE Closes $103M Financing for Hyatt

By Kim Anthony • July 10, 2026

(Illustration: Courtesy of National CORE)

Landmark Legislation Would Accelerate Preservation of Nation’s Aging Affordable Housing

By Urban Business Journal - Inland Empire • July 10, 2026

(Photo: National CORE)

Ontario Housing Community Secures $1 Million Federal Grant

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(Photo: National CORE)

In 2026 Focus Is the New Flexibility

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

For years, entrepreneurship praised the founder who could reinvent everything at a moment’s notice. The message was clear: stay flexible, pivot fast, change direction as often as necessary, and somehow the breakthrough would appear. Many people built survival on that skill. They learned to adjust when doors closed, when opportunities weren’t equal, when the plan didn’t work the first time. Reinvention became a way of staying afloat. But as we move through 2026, a different truth is beginning to emerge. The entrepreneurs gaining real traction are no longer the ones constantly starting over. They are the ones who stop scattering their energy and begin refining what already works. Instead of creating new lanes every few months, they choose one, strengthen it, deepen it, and let it mature. They discover that progress doesn’t always mean doing something new — sometimes it means doing something familiar with greater clarity, confidence, and excellence. Pivoting still has its place. Sometimes strategy really must shift. Conditions change, industries evolve, technology resets everything, and adaptation remains necessary. But pivoting as a lifestyle creates instability. When everything is always new, nothing ever has time to root. Every reinvention requires new branding, new storytelling, new systems, new audiences, and new emotional effort. Living in constant restart mode drains momentum. Eventually, the business feels like a collection of beginnings rather than a sustained journey toward mastery. In 2026, wisdom looks different than it once did. It is less about speed and more about steadiness. Instead of running toward every opportunity, focused entrepreneurs slow down long enough to ask whether the opportunity actually belongs to them. They recognize that not every trend deserves their attention. AI tools rise. Digital platforms expand. New marketing tactics promise instant success. And yet, the founders who are growing most meaningfully are not the ones chasing everything — they are the ones staying grounded in the work that truly aligns. Depth has become more powerful than distraction. There is something magnetic about a business that knows who it is and remains faithful to its identity. When a founder shows up consistently in the same lane, people begin to trust them. Over time, reputation forms. Word-of-mouth strengthens. Clients return because they recognize quality and commitment. What once felt narrow reveals itself as strength. The more deeply you plant, the wider your roots spread. This is why focus is not restriction — it is liberation. When you choose direction, your mind quiets. Decisions stop feeling chaotic. Messaging becomes clearer. Operations can finally stabilize. Instead of constantly rewriting your story, you allow your story to mature. Your calendar becomes intentional rather than frantic. Your identity as a business becomes recognizable, not blurry. Focus removes clutter and gives your effort a home. For many entrepreneurs, especially those who have had to operate in survival mode, narrowing feels risky. There is an instinct that says, “If I don’t do everything, I might miss something.” That instinct came from real experience. But 2026 invites a different kind of trust — trust that your work deserves depth, trust that commitment creates growth, and trust that excellence requires time. Mastery is not about doing more; it is about doing what matters with increasing skill and integrity. The future will not reward endless dabbling. It will reward builders — people who stay long enough to refine, improve, and evolve. Focus gives your business the stability needed to build legacy instead of just movement. It turns scattered effort into meaningful direction. It allows clients to recognize your voice, your values, and your contribution. And perhaps most importantly, focus allows you to breathe. When you stop chasing everything, you finally have the space to become who you are meant to be in business — grounded, confident, steady, and ready for the kind of growth that lasts. Because in 2026 and beyond, focus is not limitation. Focus is liberation.

In 2026, Emotional Resilience Becomes a Business Strategy

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

For years, entrepreneurship was framed almost entirely through the lens of tactics. If you had the right software, the right plan, the right strategy, the right advisor, the right funnel — you were told success would follow. The story was simple: outwork everyone, optimize everything, and eventually life would reward your persistence. But as we move through 2026, that narrative is showing cracks. Many founders did everything “right” and still found themselves exhausted, discouraged, and unsure how to keep going. That shift forced a deeper question: what if the missing ingredient isn’t another tool or tactic — but the strength to remain steady when everything feels uncertain? Because the reality is this: the market is unpredictable. Technology moves so quickly that what felt cutting-edge two years ago can feel outdated now. Customers change, industries shift, opportunities arrive and disappear, and sometimes circumstances outside your control apply pressure you didn’t ask for — economy, health, family obligations, or structural barriers others never have to think about. When that pressure hits, strategies alone cannot hold you. Something internal must steady you — something rooted not in hustle, but in resilience. In 2026, emotional steadiness is no longer being viewed as a bonus trait for entrepreneurs. It is becoming part of the operational blueprint. If cash flow dips, if a partnership fails, if a launch falls flat, or if life disrupts the plan, resilience determines whether you collapse or recalibrate. It is the difference between seeing a setback as proof you aren’t capable — versus seeing it as data, feedback, and an invitation to adapt. Resilience, at its core, is not pretending nothing hurts. It is learning to be honest about the disappointment without being consumed by it. It is acknowledging pressure and choosing presence anyway. It is understanding that emotional regulation — the ability to breathe, reflect, and respond instead of react — is not weakness. It is leadership. Entrepreneurs especially need this kind of strength when they are carrying more than a personal dream. Some are building because families are counting on them. Communities are watching. Younger generations are looking for proof that new paths are possible. When the mission feels deeply personal, the weight grows heavier — and the temptation to push beyond healthy limits becomes stronger. Without resilience, the mission becomes a burden. With resilience, the mission becomes fuel. What’s changing in 2026 is the relationship founders have with themselves. Instead of glorifying burnout, many are finally allowing rest to count as strategy. They are recognizing that crossing the line into chronic exhaustion leads to poor decision-making, short tempers, financial mistakes, strained relationships, and lost passion. A burned-out leader cannot steward vision well. They react instead of discern. They chase survival instead of guiding from purpose. Resilient entrepreneurs are choosing a different approach. They are building rhythms of care into their routines — quiet time, movement, therapy, prayer, journaling, coaching, or anything that grounds them. They are surrounding themselves with people they don’t have to impress. They are learning that asking for help does not shrink authority — it protects it. They are redefining strength from “I can handle everything” to “I don’t have to carry this alone.” And slowly, something beautiful happens. The fear-driven tension softens. Decisions become clearer. Creativity returns. Perspective widens. Instead of clinging to every opportunity, founders begin choosing better ones. Instead of operating from scarcity, they begin to operate from stability. That shift changes everything — revenue, relationships, team culture, even health. Resilience also reframes failure. In older entrepreneurial culture, failure carried shame. Today, resilient leaders interpret failure as refinement. They ask different questions: What is this teaching me? What isn’t aligned? What can be improved? Where am I called to grow? They understand that progress is not linear, and endurance often matters more than perfection. At its deepest level, resilience is about protecting the person who is doing the building. Business can be rebuilt. Programs can be redesigned. Offers can evolve. But if the founder collapses under pressure, the entire vision collapses with them. Emotional resilience ensures the vision has a future — not because things never go wrong, but because you’ve learned how to stay grounded when they do. That’s why, in 2026, resilience is being recognized not as soft inspiration, but as structural support. Just as businesses invest in insurance, financial systems, and technology infrastructure, wise founders are now investing in the stability of their own inner lives. They are choosing therapy over silent suffering. Boundaries over burnout. Rest over guilt. Community over isolation. Reflection over constant reaction. The truth is simple and sobering: some of the most brilliant ideas never failed because they lacked potential. They faded because the person carrying them ran out of emotional strength. Resilience gives brilliance room to breathe. It buys time. It creates space for breakthroughs. It keeps you standing long enough to see opportunity again. This is the mindset shift of 2026: success is not just measured by revenue, expansion, or accolades. It is also measured by whether you remain healthy, mentally steady, spiritually anchored, and emotionally available to your life beyond business. The goal isn’t simply to build something impressive — it is to still be present, alive, and whole enough to enjoy it. And that, more than any algorithm or strategy, determines lasting impact.

10 Personal + Business Branding Trends Entrepreneurs Should Lean Into in 2026

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

Branding in 2026 is no longer just about design or clever taglines. It has evolved into identity, credibility, relationship, and opportunity. For many founders who have had to push harder to be recognized and taken seriously, branding has become a true strategic advantage. Customers are paying attention in new ways — not only to what businesses sell, but to who leads them, what they believe, and how consistently they show up. They are craving authenticity, alignment, and meaning. 1. Founder visibility moves center stage. More than ever, people want to see the human being behind the brand. They want to understand the “why,” the values, and the journey. Entrepreneurs who share their stories, speak publicly, write, teach, and invite others into behind-the-scenes moments develop deeper trust. In a skeptical marketplace, a real, relatable presence becomes one of the strongest branding tools available. 2. Small communities become more powerful than big audiences. Instead of chasing viral moments or massive follower counts, more founders are building intentional spaces — memberships, masterminds, close-knit email lists, and digital communities where conversations feel personal. These communities foster resilience, referrals, support systems, and shared opportunity, creating stronger brands than social feeds alone ever could. 3. Cultural storytelling becomes strategic advantage. Brands that are rooted in lived experience, heritage, neighborhood, and authentic personal history stand out. Whether through food, fashion, wellness, education, or media, stories anchored in truth create connection. Real stories are no longer optional — they are becoming the heartbeat of strong brands. 4. AI becomes a creative partner instead of a replacement. Technology is accelerating branding, especially through AI tools that help with brainstorming, research, writing, and design. But the brands that rise to the top pair technology with humanity — adding nuance, emotion, and voice. Leaders who use AI thoughtfully gain efficiency without losing authenticity. 5. Trust and credibility become the new currency. With so much noise online, people naturally ask why they should believe what they see. Certifications, media features, speaking appearances, testimonials, awards, published content, and strong partnerships all serve as signals that a brand is real, reliable, and capable. These credibility markers open doors that talent alone cannot. 6. Alignment matters more than aesthetics. A beautiful logo or sleek website cannot compensate for misalignment. When messaging, visuals, pricing, customer experience, and leadership behavior match, trust deepens. When they don’t, audiences feel the disconnect and quietly disengage. Alignment is becoming one of the quiet superpowers of strong brands. 7. Thought leadership becomes a growth engine. Consumers no longer want only products — they want perspective. Entrepreneurs who share insights, create frameworks, challenge assumptions, and lead meaningful conversations become recognized as authorities. Their businesses grow because their thinking helps people make sense of their world. 8. Collaboration replaces competition as the default strategy. More entrepreneurs are choosing to partner instead of compete. Co-branded events, shared offers, podcast swaps, cross-promotions, and ecosystem partnerships allow brands to multiply visibility and impact. Collaboration signals confidence and creates opportunities none of the partners could access alone. 9. Purpose-driven branding rises to the forefront. Customers increasingly want to know what a business stands for — who it serves, why it matters, and how it contributes to something larger than profit. When purpose is authentic and clearly communicated, it attracts loyalty and deeper engagement. Purpose provides clarity, and clarity attracts the right people. 10. The health of the leader shapes the health of the brand. There is growing recognition that burnout shows up everywhere — in messaging, marketing, customer experiences, and decision-making. Rest, boundaries, mentorship, team support, and sustainable systems are now part of serious branding conversations. A grounded leader creates a grounded brand. In 2026, branding is not about shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations. It is about honoring your story, your excellence, and your voice — and allowing your business to reflect that truth. When entrepreneurs build brands with clarity, courage, and alignment, they don’t just compete. They create legacies.

Founder Profile: Hakika Wise — Kika Stretch Studios

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

When Hakika Wise launched Kika Stretch Studios, she wasn’t just opening a business. She was creating a wellness movement built around freedom — freedom from tension, stress, and the physical wear-and-tear that weighs so many people down. Building a Stretch Revolution Kika Stretch Studios began as a single studio with a simple mission: help people feel better in their own bodies. As demand grew, Hakika realized something important — she couldn’t scale alone. “I knew that I couldn’t expand with the speed I wanted to on my own,” she explains. “Franchising allowed others to join me — and make a living doing something meaningful.” Franchising opened the door for entrepreneurs to step into a business model designed to be fulfilling, flexible, and community-centered. Turning Pain Into Purpose One of the defining moments in Hakika’s journey came when disaster struck: her first studio caught fire. Instead of closing, she moved operations into the basement of a church — and kept going. For nine months, her team showed up, served clients, and grew. The lesson? “I realized it wasn’t about me anymore. It was about showing up for the community that depended on us.” Persistence became part of the brand culture — and the studio came back stronger. Vision for Growth Today, Kika Stretch Studios continues to grow as a leader in assisted stretching — with a clear goal to scale significantly over the next several years, while staying grounded in quality care and client experience. Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Hakika’s advice is simple, but powerful: Trust your potential. Tune out the naysayers. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Never quit on your vision. “Surround yourself with people who believe in you — and never give up.” — Hakika Wise Creating Space for Black-Owned Franchises Hakika is passionate about seeing more Black entrepreneurs enter the franchise world — not just as operators, but as system owners and leaders. Education, she says, is key. Through her Instagram platform, @the_school_of_franchising, she teaches lessons, shares insights, and helps aspiring franchise owners believe in what’s possible. Says Hakika, “If I could build this, others can too.” And that’s the true heart of the Kika Stretch story — not just stretching bodies, but stretching possibility. Photo: Medium - Authority Magazine

The Power Shift: How Black Women Entrepreneurs Are Reshaping the U.S. Economy

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

In communities across America, Black women are not just starting businesses — they are moving economies, shifting industries, and redefining what resilience looks like. According to Wells Fargo’s landmark study, The 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, Black/African American women entrepreneurs now operate nearly 2 million businesses, employing 647,000 people and generating $118.7 billion in revenue. These aren’t side hustles. They are engines — for families, neighborhoods, and the nation. And the report makes one truth undeniable. Closing the opportunity gap for Black women entrepreneurs isn’t charity. It’s economic strategy. Closing the Parity Gap Could Add Trillions Despite extraordinary gains, Black women still face higher barriers to capital, mentorship, networks, and procurement pipelines. Wells Fargo estimates that if Black/African American women entrepreneurs generated revenue on par with male-owned businesses, the nation could see up to $1.7 trillion added to the economy. The potential is not hypothetical — it is measurable. Policies that address wage inequities, expand access to capital, increase training opportunities, and open professional networks are essential. When these supports exist, the study shows, Black women entrepreneurs do far more than survive. They scale. They hire. They build wealth that ripples through generations. Capital is Expanding — and Awareness Must Catch Up Encouragingly, the financial landscape is widening. Wells Fargo highlights that more women are leveraging diverse financing pathways — particularly those designed with equity in mind. Among the most promising: Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Approval rates comparable to traditional lenders A 40% increase in certified organizations since 2018 Technical assistance + affordable capital bundled together The Wells Fargo “Open for Business” Initiative Flexible capital — grants, low-cost loans, forgiveness options — paired with capacity-building support helps women-owned businesses stabilize, grow, and create jobs, especially in underserved communities. SBA Lending Gains Women’s share of SBA loans has grown from 15.6% to 21.3% — a meaningful jump. Investment Crowdfunding A lifeline for founders outside major financial hubs, with 70% of capital coming from beyond the top 10 U.S. markets. State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) A $10 billion Treasury program unlocking private investment with a bold vision — including dedicated funding for equitable entrepreneurship through the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The opportunity — and the challenge — is awareness. Women must know which financial tools fit their stage and strategy, and ecosystems must ensure these resources remain accessible. Procurement: The Billion-Dollar Doorway When corporations and governments intentionally source from Black women-owned firms, the impact is exponential. Revenue grows. Jobs follow. Supply chains strengthen. Inclusive procurement isn’t just about fairness — it makes economies more competitive. Culture, Community, and Commerce Black women-owned businesses do something uniquely powerful: they build solutions from cultural insight. From beauty and wellness to technology, food, fashion, and media, these businesses grow from deep community understanding — and often expand into mainstream markets. They carry heritage. They create belonging. And increasingly, they shape national consumer trends. Building Ecosystems — Not Just Enterprises To truly unlock potential, the report calls for intentional infrastructure: Technology hubs and incubators Affordable marketplaces Co-working spaces designed for women founders Stronger public–private partnerships Investment in digital and physical infrastructure — including rural regions Fair, transparent lending practices Because entrepreneurship doesn’t flourish in isolation — it thrives in ecosystems. When Black women succeed in business, communities stabilize, families thrive, and the entire economy rises.

Fearless Fund’s Grant Program for Black Women Entrepreneurs Upheld by Federal Judge

By Kim Anthony • January 1, 2026

Senior U.S. Judge Thomas Thrash has ruled that the Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, can continue its grant program exclusively tailored for Black women entrepreneurs. The judge said the lawsuit challenging the practice, which argued it unlawfully excluded individuals of other races, was unlikely to succeed. The Fearless Fund, while a relatively small player in the global venture capital market, has come to symbolize the broader debate surrounding corporate diversity policies. However, the lawsuit against the organization may set a precedent as discussions on race considerations evolve within the workplace, particularly in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in June ending affirmative action in college admissions. Sign up for our Daily eBlast to get coverage on Black communities from the media company who has been doing it right for over 133 years. Edward Blum, an anti-affirmative action activist well-known for his involvement in the Supreme Court’s June college admissions cases, is the head of the nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights, which requested the preliminary injunction. Blum has expressed plans to appeal the decision, claiming that civil rights laws prohibit racial distinctions based on overrepresentation or underrepresentation. The Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which awards $20,000 to Black women entrepreneurs, remains at the center of the lawsuit. Blum argues that this contest violates a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. He claims that members outside the specified racial category are excluded. Judge Thrash contended that the grants constituted “charitable donations” aimed, in part, at acknowledging the discrimination faced by Black women business owners. He asserted that such donations are protected as “expressive conduct” under the First Amendment. The judge criticized the alliance’s attempt to alter the fund’s intended message. Gilbert Dickey, an attorney for the alliance, pointed out that the grant program does not extend to other racial minorities, including Hispanics. He argued that privileging one race over others violates First Amendment protection. The Fearless Fund maintains that its objective is to remove the obstacles that keep companies run by women of color from getting venture capital funding. “We will continue to run the nation’s first venture capital fund that is built by women of color for women of color,” declared Fearless Fund CEO and co-founder Arian Simone. “We realize there is still a long road ahead, but today we remain fearless and steadfast in creating pathways that empower women of color entrepreneurs.” Data from the nonprofit advocacy group Digital Undivided shows that less than 1 percent of venture capital funding goes to businesses owned by Black and Hispanic women. Founded in 2019, the Fearless Fund conducts the grant contest quarterly, with eligibility criteria stipulating that a business must be at least 51 percent owned by a Black woman, among other requirements. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the National Women’s Law Center, and the Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher law firm have supported the Fearless Fund in fighting Blum’s lawsuit. Prominent figures, including civil rights advocate Ben Crump, have rallied to defend the Fearless Fund against allegations of discrimination. The Fearless Fund has invested over $26.5 million in businesses run by women of color with the support of industry titans like JPMorgan Chase and Mastercard. They have also awarded grants exceeding $3 million to Black women-owned businesses. Jason Schwartz, a partner at Gibson Dunn, stressed the importance of offering grants to Black women small business owners to achieve economic freedom. Alphonso David, another of the Fearless Fund’s lawyers, president, and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, condemned Blum’s claims as baseless attempts to subvert existing law. He affirmed their commitment to defend the Fearless Fund and its crucial work vigorously. “Today, the playing field is not level – that is beyond dispute,” David asserted in an earlier statement. “Those targeting Fearless Fund want to propagate a system that privileges some and shuts out most. They want to pretend that inequities do not exist. They want us to deny our history.” This article was originally published by NNPA Newswire.