The District will become the first city in the United States to distribute female condoms free, part of a project that will make 500,000 of them available in beauty salons, convenience stores and high schools in parts of the city with high HIV rates. The project is funded through a $500,000 grant from the MAC AIDS Fund, a subsidiary of MAC Cosmetics. The distribution could begin within the next three weeks in parts of wards 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. HIV/AIDS infection is the leading cause of death for black women 25-34 nationwide. A 2008 report showed the District’s HIV/AIDS rate at an alarming 3% (approximately 15,100 adults) which is considered a major epidemic.

On Friday, a judge in Oklahoma extended a temporary restraining order on a law that would post information online about women who get abortions in the state and denied the state’s motion to dismiss the case, putting the measure on hold until a February 19 hearing. Critics say the act would be harassment and an invasion of privacy. Republican State Senator Todd Lamb who helped draft the abortion legislation describes it as “a common sense measure with bipartisan support.” He says: “We’re not trying to embarrass anybody, hurt anybody, or make anybody’s identities known. “We want to collect hard data that can be a useful tool in helping prevent future unwanted pregnancies.”

Flu season is in full effect! All I hear is people complaining about being sick, getting a flu shot, or Swine Flu/H1N1 vaccine. Not to mention people coughing and hacking everywhere (Yuck!) I have opted not to get a flu shot but I am taking necessary precautions not to become infected this season.

I have a confession: I HAVE A NOT SO SECRET GIRL-CRUSH ON BEYONCE! Her body is SICK! In InTouch Magazine her trainer spills about her diet and fitness regiment. The secret to achieving Beyoncé’s incredible physique is training with health in mind, as opposed to looks. Before the tour, Beyoncé, 28, did interval training — 45 minutes of alternating between sprinting and running on the treadmill, followed by body-resistance work. Now, Beyoncé does Yoga and Pilates for an hour on show days and body-resistance exercises on days when she’s not performing. On my journey towards TOTAL LIFE PROSPERITY I am understanding that having a nice body requires dedication to a healthy lifestyle. I am actively eliminating poor eating habits and working out daily. I’ve always been a small girl so weight has never been an issue, and isn’t now but I’m changing my habits in my 20’s so I can make the Fab over 40 list! Since I’m a believer EVERYTHING I do is based on the Word so I am reminded of this scripture:

The outbeak of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has caused the United States Government to declare a public health emergency. Here is the latest:

With bikini weather around the corner, I came across some workout don’ts that will improve my work out results. Don’t: Exercise while parched. Drink 10-15 ounces of water 2 hours before working out. Don’t: Read a book on the treadmill, listen to music.Reading while exercising is so distracting that you’re probably working at an intensity too low to burn a significant number of calories. Don’t: Put all your time into cardio instead switch it up with weight lifting.