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Maintaining wellness with technology during COVID-19

May 19, 2020/0 Comments/in Coronavirus Stories, Featured, Wellness /by Victoria Arena

Maintaining wellness during the “stay at home” in the times of COVID-19 has been a challenge for all of us in general but more specifically for the aging population. It can be hard to remember to take your pills throughout the day or notice patterns in your overall health and wellness, especially if you live alone.

Wouldn’t it be handy if someone or something would track your health? Technology can help you maintain your health and well-being, and health tracking apps on your smartphone make it easy to monitor your health.

Photo by Pixabay

So what is an app?

You might have heard the expression “there is an app for that.” An app, also referred to as a mobile app, is a software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. It’s a tool, a piece of software that helps you with a specific function, such as taking a picture, speaking with family over Internet, watching movies and much, much more, so that there are now millions of apps available.

Some are free and some are paid, and you need to download them to your mobile phone from specific “app stores” such as the App Store -in the case of iPhones- or Google Play if you have an Android phone, a different operation system that is used by brands like Samsung, LG, Nokia and others.

There is a myriad of apps for health and wellness in the market and most companies now have a version of an app for their websites that is a “simpler” version of your computer desktop application. You will find some functions on your app but not all you might need if you are looking for some specific information. So keep this in mind!

The best technology for your health

Have you decided to get a new phone? Phone are now “smartphones” because they are more than just phones but devices that can help us with a number of useful activities. You want a phone within budget that still has all the features you need to get the best functionality from your new technology. The iPhone 11 is a dynamic phone with enough power to run health-tracking apps. If you love Android technology, the Samsung Galaxy S10 has a long battery life, Gorilla Glass for the best protection, and a speedy processor that will run all your apps with ease.

Reviewing your medicare coverage

During the quarantine, it has become more difficult to stay active and keep up with our exercises or health routines. Maybe we used to walk with a friend or go to yoga at the gym. Women have some special health concerns, such as a higher risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis, which are important to keep in mind in times of COVID-19.

Latina women face even more challenges when it comes to maintaining health and wellness. Linguistic and cultural barriers can prevent Latina women, or other minority women, from accessing health care, and finances often stand in the way of getting the best health insurance. That is why learning to use technology is so important to keep up with your health.

Think carefully about your current healthcare needs and determine if your current coverage is adequate. If you’ve been taking more medications than last year or are worried about your heart health, you may need more comprehensive coverage. Technology can help you find the information you need to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. Use your smartphone to learn about Medicare Advantage plans and get all the answers you need from the comfort of your living room.

Carefully research Medicare Coverage on your smartphone, and read the Medicare site in your language to find the plan that will help you maintain your health. Investing in health coverage will save you money, and you’ll access the services you need as soon as you need them, leading to better health and wellness.

Changing your coverage

Once you’ve decided on the changes you want to make to your coverage, you’ll need to prepare for the switch. This can be a complicated process, but with a little research, you’ll know what to do. Start by learning more about the different types of Medicare Advantage plans that are available in your area, and find the best service provider in your city.

Next, gather your recent medical bills to show your current medical spending, write a list of all your current medications, and jot down the names of all the doctors and specialists that you see. Although enrollment period is over, if you circumstances changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should check your coverage.

You might be interested: Is working remotely a pain? Tips to be more comfortable and productive

Maintaining wellness with technology

Once you’re switched your coverage plan, you can work toward maintaining your health and wellness in a whole new way. Did you know that health-tracking apps on your smartphone can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, sleeping patterns, and activity levels?

If you need to upgrade your current phone to run a health-tracking app, look for a newer device that can fit your current phone and data plan, and won’t break the bank. Check when your phone plan expires, and consider switching providers for better rates. Look for providers that offer a discount on the purchase of a new Android phone, or have promotions on unlimited plans.

Technology can help you maintain your health, and you can use your smartphone to research health coverage, connect with a provider, and even track your medication, health and wellness activity through apps.

Virtual fitness community empowers women to reach their wellness goals

February 18, 2020/2 Comments/in Featured, Our LIBizus, Wellness /by Victoria Arena

Personal trainer Brenda Green has created a virtual fitness community that empowers women to reach their fitness goals. Through a live streaming fitness class with certified trainer Brenda Green, the owner of Fit4aBetterMe and creator of Virtually Better Fitness, the virtual fitness community allows you to exercise from the comfort of your own home.

Brenda Green, creator and founder of virtual fitness community

Many of Brenda’s clients are women who understand the importance of exercise on their health but struggle to find the time, need motivational support, or are frustrated with programs that only produce short term results.

“As a mom, wife, and business owner, I understand the difficulties with balancing it all,” says Brenda. “And as a breast cancer survivor, I also understand the value of being physically healthy.”

Journey towards health

Brenda Green, Founder, Fit4aBetterMe virtual fitness community

Founded in 2016, Fit4aBetterMe began as a part of Brenda’s personal journey as she battled Stage 2 breast cancer.

“Those months were extremely difficult,” says Brenda, reflecting back. “There were many painful days.”

During her short term disability, Brenda studied for her personal training certificate with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She passed the test for her certification the day before she started chemotherapy. This small victory pushed her forward through the difficult times ahead.

Determined to survive and live cancer-free for her young daughter, Brenda began focusing on her fitness. She made it a personal goal to exercise as much as possible from home.

“It was my way of beating cancer each day I was able to,” says Brenda. “I didn’t realize how strong I was and how much my faith kept me alive, kept my mental toughness and focus to continue to push forward.”

It’s this strong mentality that she now brings into all areas of her life including her business.

Empowering others with a virtual fitness community

Brenda’s mission now is to inspire other women to be healthier, fitter, and better versions of themselves, inside and out.

Through her virtual fitness community, Brenda is able to offer women the tools and resources they need to reach those fitness goals, even when they are pressed for time.

Fit4aBetterMe is innovative in its approach. It is the perfect program for those who want to make fitness a priority but have limited time or need extra guidance and motivation.

Designed to meet each person where they are on their personal fitness journey, Fit4aBetterMe offers a variety of live-streaming fitness classes in strength training, Zumba, cardio, and yoga. Virtual fitness group sessions, lead by a certified trainer, leverage video and audio technology to create a community environment that builds confidence and extends motivation.

For thirty minutes, -no commute, and minimal equipment-, each member is able to enjoy unlimited fitness classes and get a well-rounded exercise program from the comfort of their own home. Clients may also add a nutritional coaching package to complete the formula that will support their fitness and health for the rest of their lives.

Prioritizing one’s fitness is the first step to making lasting changes toward a healthier, happier life.

You might be interested: Balancing wellness and your freelance work

Celebrating life’s victories

After surviving cancer, Brenda now celebrates all her victories. In 2017, a year after breast cancer, Brenda won two 1st place and 2 second place medals in her first bikini competition.

“It was a perfect victory,” says Brenda. “It was also my 37th birthday.”

This victory became a symbolic celebration of life. She had survived one of the hardest periods of her life. She was fit and healthy. Another year older.

“I was able to celebrate life by standing in front of my daughter, husband, friends, and family as a winner, survivor, and a strong woman.”

Now nothing feels impossible. With any dream or goal—both personal or professional—Brenda believes you just need to get started.

“You don’t need to know all the steps to get there,” says Brenda, “you just need to know the first one and take it.”

When Brenda began exercising from home as her personal way to beat cancer each day, she had no idea it would lead her to a flourishing virtual fitness community that would inspire other women.

The journey may be uncertain, but all you need to do is take that first step and start something.

Super Bowl Champion Isaiah Stanback and “Latino Shark” Manny Fernandez to POWER UP 2019 Latina SmallBiz Expo

September 10, 2019/0 Comments/in Branding, Empowerment, Featured, Wellness /by Susana G Baumann

The 2019 Latina SmallBiz Expo and Pitch your Business Competition POWER UP! presents Super Bowl Champion Isaiah Stanback, Virtual Reality Guru Rosario B. Casas, and the “Latino Shark” Angel Investor Manny Fernandez.

Wellness, Technology and Lifestyle international speakers will POWER UP! the 2019 Latina SmallBiz Expo and Pitch Competition to take place at the Hudson County Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk St., Jersey City, NJ on November 8, 2019 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, followed by the Investors Panel and 5^thAnniversary Cocktail Reception from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Isaiah Stanback, Supor Bowl Champion and Wellness Entrepreneurs

According to the US Department of Commerce, as of 2018, women of color account for 47% of all women-owned businesses. An estimated 5,824,300 women-of-color-owned businesses employ 2,230,600 people and generate $386.6 billion in revenues in the United States. However, Latinas grew faster than the average rate: 172%, equaling 2.1 million Latina-owned businesses in the US.

“Despite their growth, Latinas receive only 0.2% of all the VC and investment funding out there. This is unacceptable! Every year, we POWER UP the quality of our speakers and the quality of our events so that Latinas and other women of color can have the access, resources and encouragement they deserve!” Susana G Baumann, President and CEO, said.

“Our slogan this year encourages Latinas and other minority women to POWER UP THEIR ACCESS, BRANDING AND CONNECTIONS! We are extremely excited that Isaiah Stanback, Super Bowl Champion and Wellness Entrepreneur, Rosario B. Casas, CEO and co-founder of VR Americas, and Angel Investor Manny Fernandez, CEO of DreamFunded, will power up our Expo and bring a wealth of information and inspiration to our members,” she added.

The Expo includes a Pitch Competition that offers a $12,000 Prize Package –$2000 in Cash an $10,000 in Business Services. “We are grateful that Rutgers School of Business is co-hosting the Pitch Competition this year offering a seat at the Entrepreneur Pioneers Initiative Program ($6000 value) to the winner to help her build and expand her business,” Baumann concluded.

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT: Latina SmallBiz Expo

Manny Fernandez, co-founder and CEO, DreamFunded

About the speakers

After playing college football, Mr. Stanback was recruited to the major leagues by the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and the New York Giants -during his tenure they won the Super Bowl XVLI. He now has become a Wellness Entrepreneur that advocates for young athletes and minorities, and encourages them to overcome adversity by being persistent.

Rosario B. Casas is a strong advocate for women in tech, and the data-driven Cofounder of VR Americas, the company that produced the Telemundo TV Network application for last year’s FIFAWorld Cup. She is also co-founder of the investment firm BCPartners and calls herself #ProudlyColombian and #ProudlyLatina.

Manny Fernandez is the founder and CEO of DreamFunded, a world-class equity crowdfunding platform. He has been called the “Latino Shark” and was invited in 2016 by the Executive Office of The President to the White House to participate in a round table discussion on possible solutions to fund early stage companies in underrepresented communities. He is also part of the group SF Angels Group in San Francisco. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience for startups and growing companies in the new crowdfunding space.

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT: Latina SmallBiz Expo

You might be interested: Latina entrepreneur Ramona Ferreyra wins 2018 Pitch Competition

About Latinas in Business Inc.

Latinas in Business Inc. is a national non-profit organization that advocates for the economic empowerment of Latinas and other minority women entrepreneurs.For information and to register, please visit Latina SmallBiz Expo.For sponsorship and promotional opportunities, please contact Susana@latinasinbusiness.us/or 848 238 6090.

2019 Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch announces keynote and celebrity speakers

April 9, 2019/2 Comments/in Accelerators, Entrepreneurship, Featured, Marketing, Small business, Startups /by Susana G Baumann

The 2019 Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch will present Founder and Designer of Cenia New York as Celebrity Speaker. Cenia will do a dress giveaway for one lucky attendee. The winner will be announced at the event and will schedule a date to visit the Cenia New York showroom in New York City.

Cenia Paredes, celebrity designer and founder, Cenia New York will be Celebrity Speaker at the 2019 Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch (Photo courtesy Cenia New York)

The Latinas in Business 2019 Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch (EEL) is shaping up to be the event of the year for small business owners. The “Beauty, Health, and Wealth: Taking Charge of Our Lives” event, co-hosted by Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and produced by 3L Communiqué, will welcome dynamic speakers and honorees for an opportunity to learn, connect and succeed! The 2019 EEL takes place Thursday, June 13 from 9 am to 2 pm at the college’s Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk St, Jersey City, NJ 08736.

First Lady of New Jersey Tammy S. Murphy invited as Keynote Speaker (TBC) for her involvemment in women and children’s health initiatives. (Photo credit: NJ.gov)

First Lady of New Jersey Tammy S. Murphy has been invited as Keynote Speaker (TBC) for her involvement in women and infant’s health initiatives. Speakers also include Celebrity Speaker designer and founder of Cenia New York, Cenia Paredes, as well as a Fireside Chat with actress, TV writer and producer, women’s advocate and creator of StorySharing, Ivana De Maria.

Mayor Wilda Diaz of the City of Perth Amboy will receive a special recognition as a “Small Business Champion” for her distinguished work in building the city’s Business District.

In addition, 16 Latinas will be awarded for exceling at growing their businesses and building community around them.

For additional information and registration: Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch

Raising the bar for women entrepreneurs

“Latinas in Business Inc. is once again raising the bar to discuss the topics that provide entrepreneurs with key tools needed for small business success,” said Susana G Baumann, President and CEO of Latinas in Business Inc.. “This year’s theme is reflective of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States – Wellness- a trillion-dollar market broadly dominated by women entrepreneurs,” she said.

However, not all these businesses provide the financial wellbeing that entrepreneurs deserve for their efforts. Many struggle to get ahead in these highly competitive industries or markets. Some have accomplished certain degree of success but have reached a plateau and need to shake things up to get to the next level.

Most of them want to better their physical, mental or financial well-being and reclaim their natural beauty and vitality, re-establish balance and fulfillment. They want to take charge of their lives and businesses to achieve financial freedom while breaking away from negative stereotypes.

“Once again, the 2019 EEL is an educational and promotional event that continues to attract successful Latinas and other minority women entrepreneurs from different industries. They are invited to speak about their journeys, the obstacles and barriers they overcame, and how they have achieved success. Women in general -and Latinas in particular-need to see and hear from those peers, and believe that they can also succeed,” Baumann said.

For information and registration, click on the image.

Bilingual workshops at the Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch

Workshops at the 2019 EEL are based on “peer-to-peer” knowledge sharing. Experts in each field are also invited to provide additional information to help build a solid foundation for attendees’ small businesses. This year, in addition to 6 workshops in English, 2 workshops in Spanish have been added.

“We have selected topics like branding, funding, and business strategies that were very popular last year at the Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch. Other topics include marketing products to major buyers, healthy consumer trends and how technology is disrupting the wellness industry,” Baumann explained.

For additional information and registration: Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch

Cenia Paredes, Celebrity Speaker at the Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch announces giveaway

One lucky winner will visit the Cenia New York exhibit room to pick up her prize (Photo courtesy Cenia New York)

“We are honored and grateful to have the presence of Cenia Paredes as Celebrity Speaker in this year’s Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch,” Baumann said. “She caters to the woman who embraces her curves, is sassy, self-secure and wants to look tastefully sexy and radiant no matter what size or body shape. At Latinas in Business, we support women’s self-acceptance and encourage them to stay away from negative stereotypes.”

In 2011, Cenia was chosen among 900 companies as one of the 22 participants of The Workshop At Macy’s, and she was one of 4 vendors chosen to launch her product in selected stores in the June’12. Since then, Cenia has expanded her distribution to specialty stores globally and has expanded her line to include a highly successful denim line with her patent pending Cenia Convi Jean. In the Spring of 2016, Cenia’s debuted on Shopping Life 24 in Russia and HSN in the USA.

In addition to inspiring entrepreneurs and providing advice on getting brands noticed by corporate entities, Paredes will do a dress giveaway for one lucky EEL attendee. The winner will be announced at the event and will schedule a date to visit the Cenia New York showroom in New York City to pick up their prize.

“I’m an entrepreneur who knows all too well what it takes to obtain success as a small business owner,” said Paredes. “I’m honored to be this year’s Celebrity Speaker at the Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch. After dedicating years to building my brand and expanding my designs, it gives me great pleasure to pass on some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

You might be interested: Erica Torres Pagano from corporate America to Total Fitness Evolution

Join us for an open discussions, interactive panels and peer-to-peer sharing with successful Latinas and other women entrepreneurs who took charge of their lives and their businesses in these very competitive industries, and the companies and organizations that are disrupting the wellness industry with products, services and technology.

Ignite your passion to achieve your ideal beauty, health, and finances. You will gain a clear and deep understanding of what truly motivates you and work toward your own personal and entrepreneurial breakthrough.

For additional information and registration: Entrepreneur Empowerment Lunch

Helen Troncoso, Miss NY America 2012 with Carlos Medina, SHCCNJ Presdient and Luis O De la Hoz, Board member, at the 2014 First Health and Wellness Fair.

The power of Hispanic business at the SHCCNJ 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair

May 12, 2015/0 Comments/in Communities, Featured, Fitness, Health, Lifestyle /by Susana G Baumann

If you have not registered yet for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) Second Annual Health & Wellness Fair taking place this coming Friday May 15, you are still on time. Come early to help kick off the day! The first 100 attendees will receive goodie bags filled with samples, coupons and products from sponsors.

This event, which brings together over 100 exhibitors including large corporations, small businesses, restaurants and individual health professionals interested in sharing knowledge on pressing health issues in the local community, is open to all members and non-members of the chamber.

The fair will take place at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. A Newark landmark for nearly 100 years, the Robert Treat Hotel has been a favorite for generations, hosting five presidents, numerous governors and many foreign dignitaries. Mayor of the City of Newark, Ras Baraka will be on hand alongside Gold Sponsors to welcome attendees to the event. They will also serve as speakers at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Exhibitors at the 2014 First Health and Wellness Fair.

“We are proud to organize this event not only to benefit members & friends of SHCC-NJ, but the community at large as well. Anyone can benefit from the wealth of great information that will be available”, said Carlos Medina, Esq., Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

Exhibitors at the Fair will offer best practices, samples and products to maintain optimal health.

Mercedes and Natalia Novoa, mother and daughter Zumba and Meditation instructors.

One of these exhibitors is Natalia Novoa, a Zumba and Meditation instructor. “I have a masters degree in Holistic Health and I am teaching group fitness classes of Zumba and Meditation with my mother, Mercedes Novoa. We are a mother/daughter team inspiring people from all different ages, sizes, races, and types. The SHCCNJ has given me support throughout my career so I owe where I am today to the chamber and it is time to give back to my community,” she said enthusiastically.

Take your blood pressure and more! (Exhibitors at the 2014 First Health and Wellness Fair)

The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey had its beginnings in 1989. Since mid-1998, the SHCC-NJ has become the largest chamber in New Jersey and rated among the top chambers in the Garden State for ten consecutive years. SHCC-NJ is the Flagship of the Small Business Community and its non-Hispanic membership has grown to forty-five percent, making it the perfect vehicle to access the Latino community and its formidable purchasing power. The SHCC-NJ has been actively involved with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Additional information regarding event attendance or sponsorship can be obtained by emailing the Chamber at chamber@shccnj.org or by phone at (973) 900-5886. For more information on this event or on the Chamber, you can access www.shccnj.org or contact Aixa Lopez at chamber@shccnj.org.