Sondra E. Z. Hines, AILT, is an adjunct professor of health & wellness and is certified to teach group fitness exercise and Zumba. Wednesday Wellness - Fitness News You Can Use is published weekly. Email: sondraezhines@yahoo.com.

Growing up with an alcoholic father, I observed the damaging effects his behavior played in our frazzled family structure, him being absent most of my life. Hence, I’m pleased to highlight National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery month.

In the Charlotte area, there are multiple sites offering testing, treatment and information, many covered by personal insurance. Unfortunately, my dad received little to no treatment before his passing.

If you or a loved one is suffering, know the abuse warning signs: confusion, violent behavior, making up excuses, missing school/work, decreased performances at school/work, not eating, ragged appearance and secretive behavior (to hide usage).

Research suggests that exercise and a healthy diet (along with supervised treatment) are beneficial in helping addicts recover. Exercise, used by many substance abuse programs/facilities, releases the feel-good brain chemicals -- neurotransmitters and endorphins. I’ve taught fitness classes to recovering abusers and have seen this concept work!

Food Stamps: The Root of all Evil Diets?

In other diet-related news, a six-year study (1999 to 2004) concludes that food stamps recipients, due to poor eating habits, have larger waistlines. The research, from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, reports a link among those enrolled in food assistance programs and a slight increase in obesity, especially among women. The data report that food stamp users spent 40 percent more on soda than other consumers. “Food stamps were used to purchase soda and sugar-sweetened beverages an estimated six percent of the time. That's half a million gallons of subsidized soda per year,” says the report. Using this data, last October, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a two-year ban on using food stamps to buy soda and sugary drinks. Did the mayor go too far? Click here to read more.

Birth Control Pill Recall

The Food and Drug Administration announced that Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has voluntarily recalled roughly 1.4 million batches of birth control pills due to a packaging error that could leave women at risk for unplanned pregnancy. The recall, effective immediately, includes: Cyclafem 7/7/7, Cyclafem 1/35, Emoquette, Gildess FE 1.5/30, Gildess FE 1/20, Orsythia, Previfem and Tri-Previfem. Click here to read more.

Kudos to CPCC's dental students

CPCC dental assisting students have reason to stick their chests out. They achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam! “The students performed so well on the exam they outscored their peers across the state and the nation on the exam’s three component areas,” says the college’s website. To read more, visit the CPCC website.

Top Hospitals

And which eight area hospitals were named top performers? Read more at CharlotteObserver.com.

FREE Culinary Class

I am pleasantly surprised to discover upscale foodie retailer Williams-Sonoma offering a freebie. “Attend one of our popular free technique classes to learn the art and science of cooking from our own culinary experts,” states their website.” Each class is dedicated to a specific culinary topic, from the best way to work with specific ingredients, cookware and tools to creative ideas for seasonal meals.” Williams-Sonoma has stores in Birkdale Village near Lake Norman and at Specialty Shops in the Park at SouthPark. To read more, visit the company's website.

Until, next time, I wish you good health and wellness!

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
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