Baltimore, MD (BlackNews.com) - Arriving just in time to help readers shake the winter chill and bound boldly into spring, Heart & Soul magazine's April/May issue delivers a deft blend of information, inspiration and empowerment. Also, actress Lynn Whitfield shares her views on career, family, relationships and much more in an intimate and revealing cover story.
Against the backdrop of the recent five-year anniversary of the war in Iraq, the April/May issue also takes a serious and timely look at the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) on our black female soldiers. Hero Shoshana Johnson, thrust into the limelight as the first African-American woman held prisoner of war in Iraq, shares her ongoing battle with PTSD. Johnson and three other female soldiers talk about waging a different kind of war maintaining their emotional wellness in part one of a three-part mental health series.
Other features in the new issue include the biggest black beauty myths, a matrimonial money guide for the bride to be, getting a grip on asthma and allergies and the 2008 Heart & Soul Healthy You Challenge to address obesity in the black community continues with an 8-exercise workout for the busy woman.
Now on newsstands, the April/May issue also provides a satisfying serving of expert-driven updates on health, fitness, nutrition, fiscal management and overall positive living, underscoring Heart & Soul's role as the "healthy, wealthy and wise" choice for black women.
"We're kicking off spring with a blockbuster issue that, true to the Heart & Soul mission, looks at the total health of black women," says Executive Editor Kendra Lee. "This issue uplifts and inspires, empowers and educates. There's something here for every reader."
Features in the current issue include:
"Talking Life with Lynn" by Sheree McGee McCovey (p. 48). Known for her often intense (and dead-on) portrayals of complicated characters, actress Lynn Whitfield brings the same honesty and openness to her "Heart & Soul" cover story, where she discusses finding herself in life, love and career.
"Don't Believe The Hype" by Abimbola Ishola (p. 44). When it comes to black woman and beauty myths, it seems there is no beginning and no end. Writer Abimbola Ishola talks to the experts to help shed light on eight commonly held beliefs--exposing the true, the false and the maybes.
"Sister Soldier" by Clem Richardson (p. 50). One of the unspoken casualties of war is the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on female soldiers. With more "sister soldiers" in harms way than ever before, the number of black woman returning home with mental battle scars is on the rise. This insightful piece takes a look at some of the women affected and steps being taken to address their struggles. This is the first in a series on mental health.
"The War on Obesity" (p. 53). The 2008 Heart & Soul Healthy You Challenge continues its quest to help readers fight obesity with eight time-efficient exercises geared to create a stronger, shapelier body.
"Wedding Bling" by Claire Sulmers (p. 56). The advent of spring ushers in the wedding season, complete with love, commitment--and loads of hidden costs. This useful guide provides direction on how to have the wedding of your dreams without emptying your bank account. Review ways to get hitched away from home, as well as seven tips on how to identify and avoid unforeseen expenses.
"Breathing Easy" by Sheree Crute (p. 60). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women struggle with sky-high rates of asthma and respiratory allergies. Sheree Crute's article breaks down the differences between the two illnesses and offers advice on how to keep breathing easy this spring.
Other highlights include:
* Love Lines: How Long is Too Long to Wait for a Commitment?
* Work Matters: Give Me a Break--How to Take a Sabbatical and Restore Your Spirit
* Family Matters: When and How to talk to your Kids about Sex
* Career Corner: Learn the Dos and Don'ts of Social Networking
* Natural Healing: Alternatives to High Blood Pressure Medication
* Turn your next walk in the park into a total body workout
* Find the food that can help boost your mood
* Discover Bermuda
For additional information or to set up an interview with anyone at Heart & Soul, please contact Chris@OneDG.com, or call 800-834-8813 x122.
About Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul, published bi-monthly by Heart & Soul Enterprises, LLC, is the leading source of health and fitness information for African-American women. For more information about Heart & Soul, the Heart & Soul Healthy Weight Plan and/or to contribute to its blog, please visit the web site at www.heartandsoul.com
CONTACT:
Heart & Soul Media Relations
800-834-8813 x122
Chris@OneDG.com
