Archives for May 2024

This year’s Teal Diva 5K was like none other, truly!  It was our 10th annual Charlotte 5k and we were all amping up to celebrate like we had never before.  Something happened this year that has never happened before, rain.  In years past the forecast would call for rain the day of our annual 5K and by the time the day came, no rain.  Or it would rain, take a break for us to hold our event, load the truck, and drive away, and then the rain would start again.  Never in 10 years have we had a downpour like the one we all experienced the first weekend in May.  

We thought that it might pass us over, or hold off until after the 5K was done, we really really hoped!  And it all looked good, setting up – great, welcoming in our survivors, walkers, and runners – awesome, our opening ceremony – fantastic!  Lining up at the starting line a few drops fell – no problem.  Then the countdown to the start of the race, and the downpour.  We weren’t 30 seconds into the starting gun and the rain fell, heavier and heavier, and heavier.

In that moment, there was a little internal panic, would it get worse (how could it possibly get worse), what if it started to lightning, what if people got upset, what if people left, we are here to celebrate, honor and remember, what if the rain stops us from doing that??  Then I looked around, and runners were still running, walkers were still walking, the Teal-gating area was a buzz with people running from tent to tent, laughing and smiling.  

I walked over to the finish line to help hand out water (ha!  Handing out water in the middle of a downpour) and runners were starting to finish, volunteers were cheering louder than ever for everyone who came past them, survivors were hand in hand with friends with the biggest smiles on their faces, everyone just laughing.  

As I look back at that weekend and our 10th annual Charlotte Teal Diva 5k, I’m reminded that life and the things that happen in it are unexpected.  Things might (and probably won’t) go the way we had planned.  We have two choices, we can show up with smiles on our faces, hand in hand with the people we love embracing the unexpected moments, or we can show up disappointed and and focused on all the things that are wrong.  The impact of showing up with a positive attitude goes beyond the moment, it carries into the next moment, and the next, and your neighbor, and their moments.  We all have to show up, I want to show up with a smile on my face, looking for the good, the beauty, the connections, even in a downpour.

This event wouldn’t be the same without all of our survivors, families, friends, teams, volunteers, and sponsors. From the bottom of our teal hearts, THANK YOU!

Teal Diva 5K Charlotte 2024 Sponsors: GSK, Novant Health, Arauco, Atrium Health Lavine Cancer, Blanton Miller and Moore DDS, Eisai, Simply Southern Collection, Whitlock, Carolina’s Natural Health Center, Queen City Event Management & Consulting, Aspire Women’s Health, By Winona, Carolina’s Bio Oncology, GenMab, Hendrick Mini, Illume Boutique, and Myclex.

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Were you a participant or volunteer in our 2024 5K? We are always trying to do better each year, and we’d love your feedback.

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month?  This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the stigma surrounding them, and promoting the importance of mental well-being. This month serves as a reminder that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Today on the Teal Diva blog we explore ways to foster mental wellness, and together, we can create a more understanding and supportive community for us all.

• Keep your mind in a positive space
  • Keeping a positive mindset can change the way you view your situation and your outlook.  Sometimes it’s not easy, but it is important.
• Spending time outside
  • Spending time outside is one easy way to help manage stress, and set your mind to look at the beauty found in nature, and it’s scientifically proven!  Spending time outdoors can change our neurochemistry by releasing serotonin!  Fresh air increased oxygen levels in our brains, and sunlight synthesizes vitamin D which is essential for good mental health.
• Attend a Support Group
  • Being a part of a group of people who understand fully what you’re going through is priceless.  We encourage you to join in on some of the survivor meetups and support groups that Teal Diva offers!

• Spending time with your four-legged frien
  • Who knew all of our four-legged friends could help our mental state?  Spending time with a pet helps to promote physical activity, providing companionship, and boost your self confidence.  Just the act of caring for a pet increases the release of endorphins that promote relaxation and empathy.
• Meditation
  • Taking time to sit quietly, and pay attention to your breath helps to stay in the present moment, anchoring yourself to intention and purpose. It’s been proven that consistent meditation can lower stress, raise connectivity, improve focus and reduce brain chatter.  There are many many apps and programs that can help you get started, we recommend Insight Timer App (it has the worlds largest FREE library of guided meditations)
• Getting Creative
  • Taking time to dive into creative projects like journaling, coloring, collaging, zentangle can increase positive emotions and reduce feelings of anxiety.  Tapping into the right side (the creative side) of your brain and letting the left side (the more analytical side) take a back seat.  It helps us let go of negative thoughts and feelings.
• Playing/Listening to Music
  • Do you have that one song that comes on and instantly puts you in a good mood?  Yeah, me too!  Listening to music can transport us.  But there’s also science behind it!  Research suggests that music 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat leading to alpha brainwaves which are associated with relaxation! 

• Massage Therapy
  • “Massage therapy has been noted to relax the nervous system by slowing heart rate and blood pressure. Stress and pain hormones are also decreased by massage, reducing pain and enhancing immune function,” says Dr. Tiffany Field, who heads a touch research institute at the University of Miami Medical School
• Exercising
  • Getting up and getting moving is a great way to reduce stress and negative feelings and help lift your mood and improve your fitness.  Exercise causes your brain to release the ‘happy’ chemicals called endorphins and serotonin, which help to stabilize your mood and alleviate pain and lower stress!  Plus there are tons of ways to exercise, walking, running, yoga, pilates, weight lifting, biking, stretching, hiking, you can exercise alone, with a buddy, or with a group!
• Rest
  • Rest when you need rest, I’ll say it again – rest when you need rest! Guilt Free! Resting is not a sign of weakness, resting is just as important a physical activity. It’s a time when your body repairs and renews itself!
• Limiting time in front of screens & social media
  • Need we say more? Extended time on screens and on social media is helping no one and their mental health.
• Medication & Therapy
  • All of the above options are great and could have positive outcomes when you add them into your weekly routine.   But sometimes they aren’t enough.  Sometimes talking to a therapist and getting some assistance from medication is a necessary and effective avenue.  Just as we wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical treatment for a physical ailment, addressing our mental health with professional help is equally vital. Medication can provide the necessary balance for many, while therapy offers a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, fostering personal growth and resilience. Embracing these resources is a powerful act of self-care and a positive move towards a healthier, happier life.

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Resources:

Zentangle for beginners:

https://www.youtube.com/@KelliBlouin

Free Coloring Pages:

https://www.johannabasford.com/small-victories-free-download/

Meditation

Insite Timer App

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Resources for Information Shared:

Old Dominion University

News in Health

MentalHealth.org