CELEBRATE MARCH 8TH and WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 2026

News you can use ๐Ÿ™‚ with RESOURCES !

Celebrate Women’s History Month !

Women’s History Month Music on Spotify ๐Ÿ™‚

FILMS TO WATCH ๐Ÿ™‚

APPS CREATED BY WOMEN ๐Ÿ™‚

โ€Ž

Celebration Time!

SWEET BLACKBERRY FOUNDATION

News You Can Use ๐Ÿ™‚

Thanks to Karyn Parsons creation of the Sweet Blackberry Foundation, Black History will no longer be hidden from anyone who wants to know and participate in learning about the rich and diverse contributions of African Americans to our country’s history and culture. By providing educational resources, engaging programs, and community outreach initiatives, the foundation strives to illuminate the many achievements and stories that have often been overlooked or marginalized. This vital work allows for a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs faced by African Americans throughout history. Learn more about the foundation and its ambitious goals at the links below, and consider joining the movement to celebrate and honor this significant aspect of our shared heritage.

There’s more to explore at the Sweet Blackberry stories link
https://www.youtube.com/@SweetBlackberryStories

FOR KIDS
https://www.sweetblackberry.org/for-kids

February 28th African American New Stamp!
Harriet Powers stamp ceremony โ€“ USPS Employee News


Guidelines for Checking SCAM Websites

Happy 2026!
How many of us have found out after the fact that a website or story from a website is actually a scam and not legitimate, or worth passing on the information to others? Itโ€™s astonishing to reflect on how easily misinformation can spread in our connected world, often masquerading as trustworthy news or stories that capture our interest. As we navigate through a sea of content online, it becomes increasingly important to hone our skills in discerning credible sources from dubious ones, enabling us to protect ourselves and our friends from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Well nowadays, there are numerous websites that can help us identify whether a website is credible or not, effectively acting as our digital guardians in an increasingly complex online world. Take a look at the websites below BEFORE you become a victim of a scam story, as the consequences of falling for such scams can be quite severe, ranging from financial loss to compromised personal information. Below are some valuable resources that you can explore to learn if they would be useful for your purposes; these sites not only evaluate the trustworthiness of online platforms but also provide insights into user experiences and overall reputation, enabling you to make informed decisions when browsing the internet.

Below is a diagram of steps you can take to check SSL Certificate of a website –

Click
the Lock next to https://

Click
Connection is secure for details

Additional information regarding valid certificate will be provided

wikiHow has detailed guidelines
https://www.wikihow.tech/Check-an-SSL-Certificate

Other Resources for SSL Information
https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ssl/what-is-an-ssl-certificate/

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & PODCASTS

Knowledge is POWER when it comes to the topic of Breast Cancer. During October, there is an enormous push to provide information and resources to help us know more and what the up-to-date information is about this challenging illness. This month is crucial for raising awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and fostering conversations around early detection, which can significantly impact outcomes. Additionally, various organizations and communities come together to share personal stories, promote research advancements, and address the importance of supportive networks. By collaborating and focusing on education, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps in their health journeys and create a society that is well-informed and united against breast cancer.

FYIHER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/expert-answers/breast-cancer/faq-20058066

FYI – About

The Video Journal of Oncology (VJOncology) is an independent, global, open-access video journal, dedicated to providing trusted and up-to-date information in order to improve the awareness and understanding of oncology.

Source : https://www.vjoncology.com/podcast/therapeutic-options-beyond-adcs-in-her-breast-cancer/

All the best in Wellness!

CLIMATE ADVOCATE INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

September 21-28 is Climate Week in NYC. Followers of my blogs and the Wellness Connections podcast know I consider myself a Climate Advocate focused on preventing climate change for a few years now. This post continues to bring you information on what you can do. My Wellness Connections Podcast Episode 80 discuss the causes of climate change and how individuals can help mitigate them.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking below. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and other platforms.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2349931/episodes/17908331

Below are links and detailed information you can use to engage in learning more about Climate Change.

What is Climate Change?
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-climate-change#measured
According to the NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) 
Scientists agree that human activity is the primary driver of what weโ€™re seeing now worldwide. (This type of climate change is sometimes referred to as anthropogenic, which is just a way of saying โ€œcaused by human beings.โ€) The unchecked burning of fossil fuels over the past 150 years has drastically increased the presence of atmospheric greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide
Source: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-are-causes-climate-change#human

CLIMATE CHANGE INFO FOR KIDS:
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/nature/how-to-save-the-planet/
https://kids.frontiersin.org/collections/59311/climate-change-volume-2

Carbon Dioxide While carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring atmospheric gas essential for plant life, its unprecedented increase due to human activities unequivocally classifies it as an air pollutant. This excess CO2 drives climate change and its associated detrimental effects, making it a significant threat to environmental and human health.
Source: https://iere.org/carbon-dioxide-an-air-pollutant/
The classification of CO2 as an air pollutant has been a subject of debate, but the scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports this designation. Hereโ€™s why: Endangerment of Public Health and Welfare: The increased concentration of CO2, leading to climate change, directly endangers public health and welfare. The rising temperatures contribute to heat waves, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. Changes in weather patterns can lead to increased occurrences of vector-borne diseases and food insecurity due to crop failures.
Source: https://iere.org/carbon-dioxide-an-air-pollutant/#The_Greenhouse_Effect_and_CO2

To stopย climate change, we need to stop the amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, from increasing. What can we do?
https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/climate-solutions/reduce-greenhouse-gases

CLIMATE WEEK NYC AGENDA 2025

Those of you who ‘follow’ me, already are aware that I am a Climate Change Advocate. I have posted on numerous occasions what we can do to help alleviate some of the conditions that contribute to climate problems. Food waste is a major issue that we need to address, as it significantly impacts our environment and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted, which not only represents a loss of resources but also has profound implications for climate change. Additionally, itโ€™s crucial that we learn to discard items in a responsible way, ensuring that we recycle and repurpose as much as possible to minimize our environmental footprint.

This week in New York City is Climate Week, a pivotal event running from
September 21 -28. Climate Week serves as a platform for organizations, activists, and citizens to come together and discuss actionable solutions to the climate crisis. You can visit the website, which will provide you with information about this year’s agenda, including keynote speakers, panel discussions, and various programs you can attend. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with experts, participate in workshops, and learn about innovative strategies that can empower all of us to make meaningful changes in our daily lives. Letโ€™s seize this moment not just to raise awareness, but to actively participate in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

Suicide Prevention Apps & Support Websites

During the month of September, Suicide Awareness is a focus around the world, shining a much-needed light on an issue that affects millions. The challenges of suicidal thoughts create a heavy burden, often leading individuals suffering from these feelings to believe they are alone in their struggles. However, it’s crucial to remember that help is available, and there are numerous resources that can provide support and guidance to those in need. Below, you will find a compilation of valuable resources that can be shared widely to reach those who may be feeling isolated or hopeless. By promoting open conversations and providing access to professional assistance and peer support, we can work together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Let’s find a way to actively engage in helping those in need, fostering an environment where empathy and understanding flourish, ultimately leading to a brighter, more supportive community for everyone affected by this serious issue.

Stay Alive APP
https://www.suicideandco.org/support-links/stay-alive-app
https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/stay-alive-app-grassroots-suicide-prevention/
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stay-alive/id915458967

CDC Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/general-resources.html

All the best in Wellness!

APPS for Monitoring and Protecting Your Child (and yourself) on the Web

I am happy to share with you that there are FREE parental control apps available. As we watch our budget, we still may want to monitor the activities our young people returning to school are engaging in on their phones, particularly in this digital age where smartphones have become such a dominant part of our lives. In addition to this, monitoring how much time they spend on their devices can help foster a healthier balance between their online and offline activities. Setting daily device time limits not only aids in managing their screen time but can also positively influence our own device usage as adults.

These parental control apps can provide peace of mind by allowing you to oversee app usage, track screen time, and even filter inappropriate content. This is essential, especially as children navigate the vast and sometimes risky online environments. Furthermore, the availability of these resources at no cost means that budget constraints do not have to compromise the safety and well-being of our young people.

To assist you in making an informed choice, I have compiled a list of some effective and user-friendly free parental control apps. Below are some useful links, which will give you a detailed description of the features available, how to set them up, and what options are best suited for your family’s needs. Feel free to explore these resources to find the perfect solution for monitoring device usage and ensuring a safe digital experience for your children.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Google Family Link is simple to set up and use. Parents can manage their child’s devices, check privacy settings, block apps, track their location, set daily time limits, monitor usage, lock devices from afar, and filter web content on Google Chrome.

Over the years I have often checked PC Magazine for technical advice and best deals. I was happy to see that they remain a useful resource. This post includes a link to an article featuring several free parental control apps from PC Magazine. As your kids go back to school, these options can help them use their phones safely. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/apple-vs-google-vs-microsoft-who-has-the-best-free-parental-controls
Mashable has some suggestions and describes parental control apps, some of which are free. No worries, these are listed as a convenient compromise. Read the link below about parental control apps for the iPhone. https://mashable.com/roundup/best-parental-control-apps-for-iphone

It doesn’t matter what age your kid is: Whether it’s their very first phone or their fifth, parents are going to worry about what’s behind that scrolling and tapping. Parental control apps have come to be a convenient compromise between kids who really don’t want to hand over their phone and parents who really don’t want to have to confiscate it.

BIPOC Mental Health Month 2025 TOOLKIT

Always “News You Can Use” ๐Ÿ™‚

“Knowing who you are starts with the Mind”, Bebe Moore Campbell

Each July, we honor the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell by recognizing Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Bebe Moore Campbellโ€™s ability to tell impactful stories highlighting themes of racism, mental health, and family left a lasting mark on this world and is a foundation for much of the work that continues in support of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) mental health. FYI – Source: https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/

MHAโ€™s 2025 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit was designed to help individuals and organizations in communities of color turn awareness into action.
The Toolkit has Printables that you can download and print for your personal use. You will also find pdf worksheets, Reading and Resource lists.
Click this link to download the 2025 Toolkit by submitting your email address.
https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/bipoc-mental-health-month/

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Quick Tips for how to Advocate for Mental Health – click the link below to download a pdf
https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Advocate-Mental-Health-BIPOC-Fact-Sheet.pdf

All the best in Wellness!

Find more links at Judith Guerra Wellness Connections Podcast, which is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, BuzzSprout, and other platforms.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE JUNETEENTH DIGITAL TOOLKIT

News You Can Use ๐Ÿ™‚
The National Museum of African American History & Culture website has a Digital Toolkit designed to celebrate and learn about the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. This comprehensive resource not only highlights significant milestones but also provides tools and materials for educators, students, and community members interested in fostering a deeper understanding of African American history and culture. Explore the invaluable insights and resources available at the link below to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this vital aspect of our society.

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free.

Click the link :

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth/digital-toolkit