A stop on the fitness journey

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

After 16 weeks of early morning workouts, Sondra says goodby to the 16 students in the exercise class she taught. The journey wasn’t always pleasant, but personal gains were made.

Can these sneakers really tone your legs and butt?

For nearly a week, Qcitymetro fitness writer Sondra E.Z. Hines has been wearing Reebok’s EasyTone sneakers to test the company's original claim that the shoes can improve muscle tone.The Federal Trade Commission disputed that claim.

3 steps to better toned muscles

ASK THE FITNESS EXPERT

A reader wants to know how best to reduce her stomach. It's as easy as 1-2-3, says fitness instructor Sondra E.Z. Hines. (Well, maybe not that easy.)

Healthy eating advice from a career dietitian

Susan Davis, who enjoyed a 40-year-career as a registered dietitian, says what you eat can enhance or diminish the quality of your health and may even add years to your life...or take years away.

Should urban violence be viewed as a health disparity?

At a Charlotte conference last week, a group of doctors said it's time for new thinking around the causes and cures for urban violence.

JCSU softball team honors a cancer survivor

Campus nurse Gloria Lockhart was 31 year old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. On Wednesday, the school's softball team paid tribute to the 32 years of life she has enjoyed since that diagnosis. 

6 tips for starting an outdoor fitness routine

Now that spring has arrived, more people will be going outside to restart their fitness routines. If you've been hibernating all winter, consider these tips from Lake Wylie fitness instructor Rachel Gilmore.

100 Black Men to co-host blood drive for sickle cell patients

The March 31 event is part of a new Community Blood Center of the Carolinas program aimed at increasing the number of African American donors to support area patients with sickle cell disease.

VIDEO: Choosing the right workout shoe

If you’re someone who’s interested in getting more involved in fitness activities but lack some key bits of basic information, we’ve got just thing for you.

Campaign urges HIV testing for black women

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

The new “Take Charge, Take the Test” program, launched by the CDC, hopes to increase awareness about the disease with a growing number of African American females.

Biggest Loser Challenge Update

More than 50 people entered the “Biggest Loser Challenge” at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. We give you an update on five of them.

Moving with Michelle Obama

The first lady stopped by Time Warner Cable Arena during CIAA to promote her “Let’s Move!” initiative, a health and fitness effort that focuses on addressing the problem of childhood obesity.

Breaking the silence about STDs

Discussions of sexual health are rare and often uncomfortable. But recent data suggest that we, as a community, need more open and honest dialogue.

New flu bug found in bats

For the first time, scientists have discovered evidence of a flu virus in bats, but government researchers said the new strand poses little risk to human.

Go Red...and then go bowling

At First Baptist Church-West, members took to the bowling lanes to draw attention to the issue of women and heart disease.

County health officials report a spike in syphilis cases

In 2009, reported cases of the sexually transmitted disease jumped 138 percent in Mecklenburg County. One health official labeled it a "cause for concern."

Trinity Project: A faith-based approach to HIV/AIDS education

For more than a year, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) has been quietly working in a handful of Charlotte churches to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Monifa Drayton is named director of CMC-Huntersville

Drayton will oversee daily operations of the Huntersville complex, which will add a 24-hour emergency department this spring.

Heart program at Carolinas HealthCare System receives top honors

The open heart surgery program at the Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute received three out of three stars and was ranked in the top 15 percent nationally.

Two neighborhoods square off in fitness challenge

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

For 10 weeks, residents of the Lincoln Heights and University Park communities will compete in a fitness challenge co-sponsored by a local sorority and Mecklenburg Park and Recreation.

'Black to the Future': Health in Charlotte

This week, four local health leaders — including cardiologist Yele Aluko — share their vision for the state of health in the Q.C.'s African American community.

Ramona's journey to better health

Overweight and facing a potential lifetime battle with Type II diabetes, radio host Ramona Holloway decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery -- a decision some family members opposed.

'Morning-after' pill fights fibroids

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

New studies show that the emergency contraceptive is a weapon in the war against fibroids, which disproportionately impact African American women.

Report: Most Americans consume far too much salt

A new federal report says high levels of sodium is hiding in foods we least suspect. For African Americans and others who face elevated risks of stroke and heart disease, that's especially bad news.

Feeling yucky? You may be battling the norovirus

N.C. health officials report outbreaks in eight of the state's 100 counties – including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Catawba. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Video: Michelle Obama and Ellen DeGeneres do push ups

See what happens when a conversation about exercise leads to a little trash talking.

A program that mixes faith and fitness

At Presbyterian Hospital, officials are working with local churches to improve the overall health of African Americans and Latinos in the Charlotte region.

Good News: Black women rank high in screenings for breast and cervical cancer

Overall, black women in the United States ranked slightly higher than their white counterparts -- and well above other ethnic minorities -- when it comes to some cancer screenings, according to a new government report.

A work in progress: Tanique’s weight-loss journey

After seeing a picture of herself on Facebook, Tanique Odom made a promise that she would not ring in 2012 tipping the scales at more than 200 pounds.

Say hello to our new health page

As 2012 begins, Qcitymetro launches a weekly page devoted to addressing the many health disparities that plague our communities. We hope it will be fun, informative and, most of all, inspirational.

Help us shape this health page

What health-related topic would you like to see us writing about. Take our online poll.

Losing that 'baby' weight

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

For many new moms, adjusting to motherhood can be demanding — while exercising is usually an afterthought.

Steak salad with spicy Ranch dressing

This heart-healthy dish is attractive enough for guest and easy enough for every day.

Diabetes is a full-time job

Managing the disease is not easy, but with some planning it can be done. Take it one goal at a time.

When the bad feels so good

If you know something’s bad for you, why can’t you just stop? Scientists have found clues to why bad habits are so difficult to kick. Plus, strategies for developing the willpower to change your behavior.

9 fitness trends for 2012

The American Council on Exercise says 2012 will see a greater focus on the nation's obesity epidemic as well as a growing trend to marry traditional fitness programs with overall life coaching for improved total health.

Choosing health over hair

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS

A question frequently gnaws at many black women who exercise regularly: How do I style and transform my sweaty hair after a workout? 

Healing rituals

What is it about being sick that reduces us, especially men, to a childlike state? 

Black Girls Run this

A national movement is helping black women in Charlotte "preserve the sexy."