Tag: public health

P- Painting Your Picture

P- Painting Your Picture

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


Even if you know absolutely nothing about painting, you can acknowledge and understand the importance of starting with a blank canvas.


Whatever you face in your life can shape and mold your future if you believe that you can change. Beginning a new journey is likened to a starting a paint from the stage of a blank canvas.


Picking your paint and choosing your brushes is the next step; this step is equal to you deciding the next level or next step that you are wanting to take.


Each day you make a choice to take certain actions; let’s consider making each action the same as a stroke of the brush.


Keep in mind that aiming for the future is a beautiful thing in life, but it can’t be possible if you are missing steps.


Every time you take a step you are adding to your future and beautifully painted picture.


If you are sitting idle or doubting your growth it is almost like smudging your work. You have to constantly make the choice to paint your picture.


Think about how you want your future life and painting to look. Now, think about what you are contributing right now.


Your current actions or lack thereof will affect everything and everyone around you (both in your present and future), so be mindful of that. 


Be mindful of the colors that you choose to paint your life’s picture. Should you choose to rush through your life’s painting you will negatively alter the outcome. However, if you pace yourself, think logically about next steps, and process what your passion is and how to properly execute your purpose, your picture will be more beautiful than you can imagine.


God is my favorite artist. Think about what He has created and painted in your life’s picture. There are some pictures that are full of light and vibrant colors and some that are gloomy but passionate. 


If you have any chance to change your life for the better, start from the inside out. Be a master painter for yourself and your family. 


Think about what you are feeding your family; you can shop on a small budget and still eat healthy meals (if you need advice on how, please feel free to ask me because I know very well how to eat on a budget). Images or actions that bring about negativity, evil thoughts or poor behavior are not what you should tune into.


Think about what you are exposing your family/children to; what your children see will affect many parts of their lives. Be mindful and think clearly about the picture you are painting.


Think of what you are showing yourself and what you are feeding your soul.


Don’t limit yourself; know that higher beings (God, for me) and/or the Universe is the visionary and the implementer, but also remember you are the painter of your life’s picture and you are holding the easel of every color imaginable. I can’t wait to see how beautiful your picture will be! Please do share it with me. 🙂


Genesis 1:27
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” If you know that you are a creation and God blessed you with uniqueness, doesn’t that make you an artist in life?  You are full of gifts and talents that no one else has, doesn’t that make you an artist? Yes, definitely!!


Proverbs 4:23
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” What you create, speak on, and think about shape your life. If you are an artist of your life, which you are, live in positivity as best as possible. Correct when you have made a mistake. Grow beyond your comfort level. You are in charge.


I know that you want amazing things in your life, so let’s start painting this beautiful life picture!


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight*** Plague – A disease that affects humans and other mammals; a bite from a rodent flea can infect people with the plague.
Symptoms: depends on the type but can range from fever, headache, and chills, to swollen and painful lymph nodes (bubo), shock, shortness of breath, and bloody/watery mucous.
Treatment: antibiotics; full recovery is possible if the disease caught early.
Prevalence: human cases in the US are common in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada; plague epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia, and South America. 80% of cases are of bubonic form. People of all ages can get the disease.
Prevention: reduce rodent habitat around you, remove clutter, brush, rock piles, and pet/wild animal food. Wear gloves when handling potentially infected animals.


Achievement, Beauty, Change, Clarity, Courage, Determination, Empowerment, Epidemiology, God, Happiness, holistic health, mental health, Positivity, public health, Wisdom, Universe, Strength, Self-Worth, Self-Love


O - Ocean Waves Of Your Life

O – Ocean Waves Of Your Life

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


Nature is beyond grand and I will tell anyone that “God is my favorite artist”. 
Think about the crashing of waves, and the rise and fall that is constantly occurring in them. If you compare that up and down flow to your life, you can see how the highs and lows may seem like they are always coming and going.


If you treat your life like it is a constant wave of emotions and actions, what are you left with? A life that never seems to change…who wants the same thing over and over again? I surely don’t.


What if you visited beach and really took some time to watch the rise and crash of the waves? What if you thought about all it took to get to that height of the wave and the release within the crash?


There must take some serious wind, power, pull and friction for a wave to form; it isn’t just an automatic rise and fall. Think about this is in your life. As a wave takes much power and a combined effort to rise and fall, reaching goals does as well. Piece by piece, you can build what you thought you could only dream.


Sure the fall or crash part of the wave can feel like it is over, but just like your low points in life, it’s not the end. Think about it, every time that you fell, found sadness, or couldn’t see the light in your darkest day, somehow…some way, you were able to rise again. 


This is the thing, you must climb, fight, dig in, learn, evolve, find your power, focus on how awesome you are and become even greater over time. Become like ocean waves, be amazing and powerful at your highs and lows.


Listen to the lessons in your ups and down. Waves roar and crash, both with power; you can do this too! No matter how difficult a moment may be, eventually you will see how much power you are packing in your highlights and lowlights.


Micah 7:8
“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” No matter season of your growth that you may be in, do not let any negative voices or thoughts come into your circle. Keep in mind that you are “entertaining” different audiences at all times: those who applaud and support your highs, and those who truly applaud your falls. Remain focused on the good in all things as God is blessing your path (both seen directions and unseen). The Universe can see your falls and is in tune with what you have faced, but will also activate the positivity and growth that you seek if you stay focused.


Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Though in life you are met with highs and lows as waves do, God has major plans. His ways are magnificent, His power is beyond words, His love will fill you, and the spaces He creates for you will be perfectly shaped and in Divine timing.


Ride the waves of your life and appreciate your moments, you won’t regret it.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight*** (CDC and WHO reference)
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) – A Neglected Tropical Disease caused by a parasitic worm and transmitted by repeated blackfly bites.
Signs/Symptoms: skin disease, nodules under skin, extreme itching, and visual impairment/blindness (CDC)
Prevalence/Common Location(s): Common in tropical climates and sub-Saharan Africa, also found in Venezuela and Brazil and some areas in the Americas and Yemen. According to the WHO, about 25 million people are infected; 300,000 being blind and 800,000 have visual impairment.
Risk Factors: living near streams and rivers where Simulium blackflies are, being in rural agricultural areas in sub-Saharan Africa; long-term missionaries or travelers are more at risk than those who may in previously mentioned areas less than 3 months (CDC)
Treatment: Ivermectin every 6 months for the duration of the life of an adult worm or as long as there is skin/eye infection in the individual. (CDC)
Prevention: insect repellents and long sleeves/pants during the day when blackflies bite and wearing permethrin-treated clothes. (CDC)


Achievement, Empowerment, Determination, Epidemiology, Global Health, God, Holistic Health, Manifest, Mindfulness, Overcoming, Potential, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Strength, Public Health, Universe, Wisdom, 


N - No Longer a Victim

N – No Longer a Victim

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


Whether you are the person that lost yourself, faced brokenness, lost your voice, were beaten, were molested, faced assault of any kind, face being hurt with intent, or anything in between you were once a victim.


I faced much from being forced to do unspeakable acts to being physically and sexually assaulted. This is my truth that I share to you. There is much more than could be shared, but we will keep the past brief as the future is much more important.


You see, when you were living in pain, you were forced to become a person that you were surely not happy with. Perhaps, like me, you felt torn apart, like you had no value, like your opinions and/or feelings didn’t matter. Maybe you felt like you became another person to make someone else comfortable, unbothered, or calm… None of this is fair and I can assure you that I can relate to you in one way or another. 


At some point, you have to realize that you are no longer a victim. 
– If you have already done this, I applaud you and send you the warmest of hugs on the greatest change that has occurred in your life. I promise that you still have growing to do and thoughts of the past will arise (I know this from experience), but you have put in some serious work and have taught yourself some truly valuable life and love lessons.


– If you have not done this already, your time is now. You can Break Your Silence Against Domestic Violence or whatever you may have faced in your past. You ARE NO LONGER A VICTIM, I speak that (out loud) on your life right now.


I freely speak freedom on your life because I know how it feels to be bound to your pain. You, in this very moment, have to power to gain your freedom and live in it.


Freedom is a release of all that may have hurt you or held you back in some form. 


You have to make the choice and consistent decision to say:
I am no longer a victim. 
I am no longer going to allow my past to hurt me. 
The lessons that my past ( the Universe and/or God) taught me are for my good.
My past does not control my future.
What I faced will not stop me.
I may have dealt with that, but I can still have anything that I want in my life.


For me when I faced homelessness, brokenness, deep pain, hopelessness, and a loss of self, I could not see anything but that. I had to learn and re-learn all that I could have in my life. God promised me (and you) a life of prosperity. I had to decide again and again to chose me.


You MUST reclaim your power. You must make the decision to stop being a victim and move into the realms of being a survivor; this is only step one. For every moment that you allow your past to reign over you or any aspect of your life, you lose another significant moment of happiness, peace, and living in your greatest purpose.


I’m not making light of anything that you have faced, as I know pain and have spoken to/mentored many people in their quest to be free and live a positively evolved life. What I am saying is that you have to choose yourself over and over again; this is the only way that you can truly be free. 


I lived as a victim more years than one. I lived as a victim and the pain weighed more than a ton. I lived as victim through perceived obligation and force. Now I have changed my life for the better, never to return to that broken obstacle course. #btsadv #KayLasPositivityCorner


No more making excuses about how you can’t do things because you were hurt. It is time for you to take control.


If I can go through rounds of pain for years, find myself, then fall again, find myself then make excuses for my abuserS, then find myself again and crawl out of the dust to get to where I am – now a Master of Public Health that graduated with a well-deserved 4.0 making the President’s List twice, an empowerment via holistic health blogger, and the managing director at Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence, you can do absolutely anything that you put your mind to. You are no longer a victim, so stop behaving as such. Proclaim that you are free and start fighting for want you want and deserve in you life. Need an accountability partner? I will help you and you can help me.


This message is so strong and so important to me that we have to hit the bible three times!


Psalms 9:9
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” God has been there for you even if you didn’t know it or feel His presence. When you were going through your rough patches, He was implanting love and strength in you. It is your time to act on all that you have learn; welcome God into this new part of your journey and remember that you are no longer a victim and you must start acting/living like it.


The Universe activates what you think about and act on. If you are telling yourself that you are living in low spaces or thoughts as you are because of what you experienced, guess what thoughts and feelings will surround you? Brokenness and inability to change you life for the better. Be encouraged starting right now and change everything because you deserve it. Speak it out loud, it is being heard!


Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” You are no longer a victim, God is binding your wounds, putting you through perfect surgery. What are you doing with your healing? How are you living? How do you feel? If you are not shaking everything up and working on bettering your life and living in your highest purpose, you are doing yourself a great disservice! You better start making changes because no matter what you faced, no one can change your future except you. 


2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Tell your giants (your past pain and anything that binds you) that it is time go! Knock your walls down! If you haven’t made changes, turned things around for your good, or loosed whatever has hurt you, you may be living in fear but that is not what God has promised you. He gave you so much more…so what are you doing with it? If you haven’t done anything with that knowledge, I dare you to start today! “You are the seed by faith received, the blessing of Abraham – it’s your inheritance, get your inheritance!” -Donald Lawrence


I said it before and I say it again SURVIVORS, YOU ARE NO LONGER VICTIMS SO ACT LIKE IT! I believe in you and I know that you are going to have so many great things come your way if you have faith, believe in yourself, and act on what you want.


You are living, so start doing so! Dream big… I do! Why dream small when you can have it all?


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
National Public Health Week #NPHW #NPHW2019 #IDWP


Healthy Communities: We all deserve access to high-quality, compassionate care, but this is not always the case for many communities. Do what you can to create a shift in this in your own neighborhood via volunteer efforts or anything that calls to your heart. It will make a true difference.


Violence Prevention: What you and your children watch, hear, listen to on the radio, read about etc. affects everything that you do. Speak peace, bridge gaps faced, do whatever you can to heal people around you, you may just save a life. We can all do our part here.


Rural Health: You can act positively here and work to bridge gaps in healthcare. Build a program, share your ideas with organizations, volunteer, contribute, do whatever it takes to bring health to all people. People living in urban areas should have the same access as others; if we collaborate and keep our hearts intact we can create a positive and long-lasting impact in healthcare.


Technology and Public Health: The world is changing and advancing rapidly, bringing care to people can mean the use of technology. I am building a program to bridge a gap in dv, what are you doing to make a shift using what you know and are an expert in?


Global Health: We walk through life often complaining about what we face big or small. How often do you think about the world? Global health is so important to me because I frequently think about people what others are facing: no access to care, drought, disease, homelessness, etc. This world has over 7 billion people living in it. If you can help one person, one community, one state in health care, think about how much you have done and how many others will be positively impacted. 


You have the power to create positive changes all around you. Start digging to find out how. Live in your positive purpose today and forever. The world needs you. Use your lessons from the days of being a victim to empower and change the world today.






Victim, Survivor, Empowerment, Mental Health, Public Health, Epidemiology, Evolving, Overcome, Determination, Community, Growth, Happiness, Manifest, Mindfulness, Domestic Violence, Strength, Success, Support, Universe, God, Bible

M- Meditate to Mediate

M- Meditate to Mediate

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


When you are panning through different areas of concern in your life or trying to understand how to get from one level to the next, one of the most important things to do is to see it all happening.


Start with a dream or vision and make it real by allowing it to come into reality within your mind. 


You start a mental race inside of yourself when you first dream up anything that you want in life.


Just like anything else you have to put a strong focus on the effort and begin to work on it within your mind to make it all happen.


Teach yourself to meditate on whatever area that you are trying to grow into. I meditate with guided meditation and/or music to get in tune with myself, align my chakras, and grow into new spaces. You don’t have to do formal cross your legs and say “Ohm” meditating to get in tune; the most important aspect is to focus on one area of concern.


Not to sound cocky or anything, but some of the greatest answers can come from inside of you. You shouldn’t invite everyone to your mental table, because you may be served a dish that you cannot digest or that may bring you more harm than good.


When you invite people into your space it can be quite difficult to hear the truth and what you should do, as words of advice can biased, filled with judgment, or not helpful in your life.


What you zone into within yourself will contribute to whatever you are experiencing. To use myself as an example, I have had to sit with my thoughts about school and my future career; I know that only me and God can push the effort, so I talk to God in length at absolute minimum twice a day. 


In prayer or meditation you go in seeking truth and answers; if you are truly listening beyond the realms of your heart and you become fervent in your practice you will receive direct and clear answers. Teach yourself to go from meditation or prayer warrior to conqueror and achiever.


One of my favorite things to do is step into nature and simply feel the air; this is another space for getting in tune with myself and spending alone time with God.


When you meditate to mediate you can reach answers and spaces that you could not have even imagined prior to entering that time.


Let’s talk a look at a couple of bible verses to truly reel this in.


Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” If we live knowing that God is wanting us to train our mind, strengthen our focus and maintain clarity in what He wants us to do, why shouldn’t we be fixing our eyes on Him especially in prayer and meditation. Those times of silence/focus are a way of calling God directly as asking Him to speak to our hearts. In our silence we can hear clearly as we are free of distractions, and get closer to higher powers and/or more in tune with the Universal callings.


Psalms 49:3
“My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.” This is one of my favorite verses! If you are teaching yourself through reading, prayer, and wise counsel how to walk in your purpose giving God the glory all the way through, guess what will loosen-YOUR BLESSINGS! Meditation is a form of prayer, so take the time to make it a priority and do it regularly. 


No matter what you are facing it is so important to see good things happening, encourage yourself through and through, and be thankful in the good and bad times. Remember that giants do fall! The enemy and/or the devil is lingering and wants to take over, so speak against that and fight for what you want. Wipe away your tears, pray, meditate and believe that God/the Universe is working in your favor. Meditate to mediate and watch how things start become as clear as ever.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
Mental Health
Millions of people face and/or live with mental health concerns that affect their everyday lives. Whether it is you, a friend, loved one, or someone that you consider an acquaintance, it is important to understand exactly what they are facing and how it may be intertwined with their lives. Listen to concerns; mental health concerns are not always exposed in a physical sense, so be kind, respectful and understanding if someone you know is living with any type of mental condition. Be a good listener, do not laugh at someone because of how tough of a time that they may be having, and do whatever you can to help them. Help loved one find resources that can help them live their best lives and remember that mental health issues are a major concern that can be addressed at many levels. Let us all be there for each other, become well-educated on mental concerns, and support one another in whatever we may be facing. Meditate, seek help, and pray about what you may be facing and know that there are many people that care about you and will whatever they can to help you. I’m praying for you and I can give you guidance on where to turn if you need any time of health assistance.




Achievement, Challenges, Empowerment, Evolution, Global Health, Goals, Guidance, Healing, Holistic Health, Mindfulness, Positivity, Public Health, Strength, Vision, Wisdom, Epidemiology, Mental Health, Prayer, Meditation


L-Lament, Don't Forever Linger

L-Lament, Don’t Forever Linger

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


Lamenting can happen and be a part of many times in life, working to process any form of sorrow is the only way to see brighter days. I want you to understand and know that no matter how you feel when something truly tears at your heart that it is okay to express those emotions. You must allow yourself to cry, scream, and let it go at your own pace; no one can force you and no one can tell you that you are not allowed to experience emotions or feelings of lament.


Relationships
Whether we are speaking about a loss or a relationship (friend or family) that you must break away from, memories last a lifetime and no one can tell you how or when to heal. There is such beauty in connecting and bonding with someone that truly cares about you. Breaking away is never easy. I will pray for you and encourage you to do whatever you can to find your peace.


In grieving a deep loss, you know what you need to heal; you know if or when you want to talk, if or when you want to get out of the bed, with who or where you want to go. You will never just get over it, I know this from experience; don’t ever let anyone tell you that you have to move on. I know that your heart feels like it has literally left your body, and I am so sorry that you are hurting. I promise you that “better” and “easier” days are coming.


Inner Brokenness
No matter the source of what may have brought you to the space of brokenness that you may be in, a challenge is always finding the light or any space of positivity; it is okay to go through this patch of time. You are human and I get it; I have felt how are feeling before. 


How it Feels to be Stuck

Feeling stuck in your sorrow, pain, hurts, and disappointment is stifling. It can make you feel empty, lonely, and hopeless. Cemented takes on a whole new meaning when your mind gives you the feeling of being stuck in a situation, place, or frame of thinking.



When to Move On and/or Move Forward
Your timing is your choice, however when something inside of you speaks and says that you need to move forward maybe you should listen. This does not mean that you erase everything, color your hair and change your name; it does not have to be that drastic. It can mean that you make one small change or one new effort to reclaim your happiness. You have to listen to your heart, mind, and soul.


Letting Go Is Freeing
“Letting Go” of your pain, as you see fit and in the way that you deserve can give you a freedom unlike any other. It is like taking the chains off that have been binding you. You will slowly but surely start to feel lighter; the weight of pain or sadness can be unbearable.


Lament is real and all of us experience it at some point in life, the challenge is always climbing out the rubble. I want you to own your emotions, allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel, but do what you can to not clutch onto that pain forever. Push through the pain when you can but promise yourself and show yourself that you deserve happiness and peace that you can only find within yourself.


Pray without ceasing; when you are experiencing lament, it is a time to cling to what you know best and that is the love of the Lord, your connection to whatever higher power, or your belief in the will of the Universe. God is always present and even when no one else can understand at the deepest level of your pain, He can and does; so ask Him to help you through it and to help guide you on the path to a new normal and a new realm of happiness.


Think of how many cried out in lament to God in the Bible…
Psalms 130:1-2
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” Cry out to God. Pray out loud. Go into your prayer closet, no one can judge you on that. I promise that God will hear you and respond according to His will (in His way and time, not yours).


Jeremiah 15:18
“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.” Many people have gone through a time of brokenness or loss of faith…some have even grown angry with God, but even those in Bible times quickly learned the reasons why God does what He does. They learned God teaches lessons, shapes paths, delivers, provides and protects – he will, has always, and is (right now) doing the same for you.


Even Jesus questioned God’s will and actions in the use of the words previously spoken by David (Psalms 22):
“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” You are not the only one who wants to understand/be understood, wants guidance, and needs clarity – do not be ashamed to ask. He is your Father and he loves you.


You have been given three of examples of people that cried out to God, sought and answer, bore agony, saw loss, faced death and wars and felt immense pain. What you need to remember in your lament is that your pain will not last forever…you hold the key to your peace and happiness and God always saves. 


Jeremiah 15:21
“I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.” 


You see! God promises and shows that he cares and understands over and over again. If He has saved and cared for so many before, don’t you know that He is going to do the same for you?!


Your challenge is to pray, have faith, and try your best to find inner happiness; I don’t care what that looks like whether it is taking up piano, violin, or guitar lessons, joining a cycling class, or enjoying small moments of peace by painting via color by number…if it brings you true happiness and is healthy to your mind, body, and soul, please do it.


You are allowed to feel pain, you are allowed to take your time to understand what has happened or is happening, just don’t make or allow that pain (to) alter all that you are. You still deserve to have moments of happiness and to experience pure joy, right? So do what it takes to make that happen, when you are ready. Lament, pray, and do a happiness reach forward; don’t sit in alone forever my dear. Better days are truly coming, I promise. 


Truly seek positivity and light, you won’t regret it. 

***Health Spotlight***
Lyme Disease – a tick-borne disease found globallySymptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash are common. If left untreated – facial paralysis and arthritis are possible.
Prevalence: approx. 30,000 cases a year in US
Treatment: Antibiotics (oral or IV depending on the patient) 
Prevention: Know where to expect ticks (they live in grass, brush, wooded areas and on animals), treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, use EPA registered repellents, avoid contact with ticks, and check clothing and skin when returning indoors.


Your health is your own to manage, your family’s health is your responsibility, your community’s health is connected to your local leaders, global health is connected to government officials; you see, in some way we all need each other. If you are doing your very best to help yourself and your family then in one way, you are helping many others. Do not wait in your physical pain to get it help, it could be detrimental to your health.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


Empowerment, Global Health, Public Health, Mental Health, Holistic Health, Epidemiology, Mindfulness, Law of Attraction, Grieving, Bereavement, Positivity, Light, Challenges, Loss, Faith, Healing, Universe, God


K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


Our senses are some of the most beautiful and useful gifts that we are granted in life. 


When you open your eyes each day you are granted new mercies, a vision of light, a feeling that is new, and a chance to do something new. You have the chance to get even closer to who you are called to be, each day- do you ever think about how lucky you are to do so?


Every day when you rise from your bed, do you really think about being able to use your legs and being able to walk, get yourself from place to place and move about when you get ready to? Walking is something that not everyone is able to do…are you happy and thankful for that function and ability? Do you really think about it and cherish it?


What about the use of your taste buds and sense of smell? Imagine how many delightful things that cross your path that you are able to enjoy and take pleasure in because you have those senses?


No matter which of your regular functions that you do take time to think about, shouldn’t you have a keen delight in each thing?


Keen in this sense is referring to being passionate and enthusiastic.


Everything that you are able to do is special, amazing, a blessing, and such a journey to behold.


What if every day you appreciated (in true delight) all of your senses?


What if you really took the time to smell the roses?


When was the last time you sat still at looked at the beauty of the clouds?


You have your favorite things that you love to eat, do you really appreciate the joy and deliciousness of all that you savor?


Do you savor all that you sense?


Think about it…some of the most wonderful things that you enjoy in life are attached to your senses.


A hug from someone so special to me brings me joy, warmth, and peace. 


It is a blessing to experience the love of life and all within it. Even when your days are tiring, overwhelming and making you feel low, you have so many things to delight in.


Each time that something makes you smile what if took a few extra moments and truly appreciated that feeling?


In keen delight, value and appreciate everything wonderful that your senses bring to you.


Imagine a life where you could not experience the blessing of sense and feelings…you would miss out on so much.


Down bible road we go!


Proverbs 20:12
“Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both.”  Every day that you wake up, if you do not do so already you should be thankful and give thanks for your senses. There is so much to be thankful for, even the seemingly small or normal things. Count your blessings…they are all valuable. God did not have to give you anything, so be thankful and appreciate it all.  


The Universe, or if you believe in God (He), have so much for you to appreciate with all of your senses, if you don’t pay attention to it all, you may miss it.


1 Corinthians 2:9-10
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” If you cannot appreciate the grandeur of life presented to you through your senses, will you be prepared for the most beautiful things that God has in store for you? Live in your happiness and appreciate all that you see, hear, feel, touch, and taste if it truly brings you joy.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

***Health Spotlight*** Kidney Disease


Symptoms: some symptoms include fatigue, cold feeling (possibly anemia), shortness of breath with little effort, swelling hands/feet, and severe itching. 




Risk Factors: adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both have a higher risk; other factors are heart disease, obesity, and a history of chronic heart disease.

Prevalence: According to a 2017 fact sheet via the CDC, approximately 30 million people are living with Chronic Kidney Disease; many people living with mild kidney disease are not aware that they have the disease. One in 3 adults with diabetes and one in five adult with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease.


Treatment: there is no direct cure but some things to minimize symptoms are lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis, avoid NSAIDs, and moderating alcohol intake.


Prevention: get active, lose weight if you are overweight, altered diet with guidance of a healthcare provider (lower salt intake and eat more fruits and vegetables), do not smoke, and monitor blood sugar regularly.


Your life is so valuable, everything that you are granted and blessed with must be cherished. Take keen delight in your health and your quality of life; do whatever it takes to evolve your life and take good care of yourself and your family.




Delight, Senses, Joy, Happiness, Appreciation, Empowerment, Public Health, Mental Health, Global Health, Holistic Health, God, Bible, Happiness, Law of Attraction, Love, Universe


J- Jewels in Your Life

J- Jewels in Your Life

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


For every bad thing that you encounter or endured there is something beautiful to be seen or understood.


Lessons learned in life can be so difficult and I could never make light of anything that anyone faces, but I will say that there is a reason for your circumstances.


Whether we are talking about an abusive relationship that you have overcome, an amazing job that you have had your eye on, a love that you lost, or anything in between there is a lesson to be learned from each situation/circumstance.


I know that you have learned and know very well that all that glitters isn’t gold, but do you also know that there are jewels to be discovered and appreciated in your darkest of days and clearest of nights?


Everything that you go through has a meaning, you have to understand that the lesson no matter how difficult it may be to receive is a blessing for you.


I want you to think about these lessons as the jewels in your life. If this means that you have to put on your hypothetical rose colored glasses (only for a moment) to see the positivity in your situation, do it. 


Challenge yourself to take a journey through your mind, heart, body, and soul- give your situations, storms, circumstances a “full body scan” so to speak, and think about the why and work without giving up to understand the lesson.


When you wear your favorite accessory or piece of jewelry, you do so because it makes you feel a sense of happiness right? Shouldn’t your life’s lessons give you a sense of happiness after they have been learned?


Think about all of the things that make your life grand, beautiful, and worth living even when your heart is feeling heavy – this is easier said than done, but is very much worth it.


Take note and think about all of the jewels in your life: lessons, peace, happiness, family, kids, friends, education, successes, business, gifts and talents.


To the Bible & Universe We Go!


Proverbs 20:15
“There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” You don’t have to own jewels, gems, or stones to understand how gorgeous and precious they are. Your mind, body, and soul are precious jewels. Evolution of your mind is more precious than jewels; your knowledge is your life’s glimmering light.


The Universe gifts you with lessons, experiences, wisdom, knowledge, opportunities, and values to be appreciated. Each of which are grand, beautiful, and a wonderful part of your life. Take the time to understand this and be joyful in it.


Isaiah 62:3
“You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of God.” You are absolutely amazing and truly a jewel; your value and worth are high on the list my dear. Take a hint and work to bless your own life and all of those around you by wearing your jewels that life and God have given you.


***Health Spotlight***
I love the idea of traveling so why not address global issues. 🙂


Japanese Encephalitis
Symptoms: fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, possibility of movement disorders, and mental status changes.
Prevalence: less than one percent infected with the virus develop clinical illness (CDC)  Twenty to thirty percent of those who develop encephalitis die; 30-50% of survivors have continued cognitive, neurologic and psychiatric symptoms.
Prevention: a vaccine is recommended for those traveling to an endemic area and will be there for over a month or a shorter period if someone will be outside of an urban area.
Treatment: symptomatic- includes rest, fluids, pain reliever and fever reducing medication.

Blessings, Challenges, Character, Courage, Determination, Drive, Empowerment, Faith, Fighting, God, Growth, Law of Attraction, Public Health, Mental Health, Epidemiology, Strength, Survivor


I- Intuition as Guidance

I- Intuition as Guidance

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


How many times have you started thinking about something new or interesting that you wanted to do? Plenty of times, right?

I can guarantee that you have second-guessed or questioned a next step several times before.

Where your curiosity should rise is when you think about this question:
What do you do when you go into that second-guessing mode?

Do you feel like there is a little voice inside of your head when you are making decision?
You have the choice to listen to it or not.

Well, what if you knew without a doubt that the voice inside of your head was a gift from the Universe, a blessing or stop sign from God, or truly your intuition warning you or preparing you?
Would you listen then? If so, why not start listening now?

For every turn on the road that you travel you have decisions to make:
Left, right, up, down, stop, go, fight, run, and much more.

The key in hearing the voice or questioning the thought is CHOOSING to pay attention.

Your intuition is truly a source of guidance. Often people fail to stop negative things from happening, miss the cues, or ignore red flags because they think that the little voice inside of their mind may not be worth listening to. Other times we overly think or brush off intuition because we think that we have it all under control.

You should try to use your intuition as your guidance; this is key in making wise decisions. It can open new places, spaces, opportunities, and galaxies for you. You deserve the best, so think before reacting and make the most of your decisions.

Your future should be well-thought out and that plan starts with you. 

When you think about what you want it life, it takes steps. Start with a thought or dream, plan with clear logic, and hope for the future. This way, if something comes up and your path is deterred you can use your intuition to shape things the way you want them to go.

If we can depend on our phones for directions, why do we need to have an audience of opinions to arrive at an answer? Before you run to other people- sit still, meditate, pray, and think about how you should address any situation. After all, you are the one that has to live your life.

Proverbs 2:6-7
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright…”. Wouldn’t it be foolish to ignore that voice if it could be directly sent from God. He teaches in the quiet and observes in the noise; now that you know this and what you are being granted, take advantage of what intuition may be showing you or saying to you…it may save you.

If the Universe is delivering you tools for your mental toolbox choose wisely as it could make or break the foundation of your future building. Pay attention.

Job 38:36
“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or hath given understanding to the heart?” God gives you the gift of lessons, blessings, miracles, provisions, intuition and clarity every day. The best way to thank Him is to cherish those gifts and use them for your life and the greater good.

***Health Spotlight*** Indoor Air Pollutants
-No, this isn’t my typical route of discussing topics in epidemiology and public health, but this is very important.-

Researched via WHO and EPA
What are indoor air pollutants? Particles in the air from diesel, dust, smoke, indoor formaldehyde (ever read the ingredients on your finger nail polish/remover ladies?), household odors from painting cooking, pesticides, cleaning, products used in hobbies, smoking, excess moisture, ozone, and carbon dioxide just to name a few.

Symptoms/Effects: Short-term- headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and cold-like symptoms; everyone is affected differently, but you need to be aware of what you and/or your family members could be faced with. Long-term- possibilities of respiratory illnesses or heart disease; there can be fatal circumstances as well.

You are in control of what you do when your intuition says that something is off with your body or that of your child/significant other. If you feel ill, take note of it and do what is necessary to get the help you need. If you are using anything in your home that may be damaging to your body, perhaps you should take some time and look into alternatives.

Take care of yourself and your neighbors, we all need each other to live our best lives.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
*Empowerment, God, Intuition, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Bible, Law of Attraction, Public Health, Epidemiology, Mental Health, Doubt, Goals, Holistic Health , Voice, Wisdom*
H - Housing Your Problems

H – Housing Your Problems

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


It is certain that we all face adversity and trying days, but the question that I’d like to ask you is how much are you charging your “mental tenants”?


Take a serious moment to make a list of your mental tenants…
What have these tenants (people/things) done to reserve their space?

Sometimes, it is much easier to allow those problems to stay in your mental housing unit that they are renting…but at what cost?

No matter how big or small, is that cost worth your time and energy?

Sure, the problems hurt and put weight on you but how long will you allow the tenants to stay in your mental space?

The longer that painful thing stays, the longer it will hurt you and hold you back from what you could have.

If you really think about it, what and/or who you house internally makes it’s way out – there will be an exerted physical presence.  This presence can be tears, missed opportunities, needless arguments with people that care about you or something else.

Even when it seems difficult, you have got to come back to this 3-part “trick” …
1.  You are in charge, so don’t allow those tenants to trash your mental home.
2.  Eliminate what no longer needs to be in your space.
3.  Cry it out if you need to, then dry your eyes so that you can see all that you can have, live in, and accomplish.

Do you learn to become the best version of yourself by holding on to and housing problems or obstacles? Certainly not my dear!

Your house ideal “home” can only survive with a strong foundation- so think about what you are putting into your home and make wise decisions.

The longer you hold on to your pain and problems, the longer it will take to reach maximum success.

You deserve to live a life that is not clouded by “unwanted tenants”. 

So the last question you should ask yourself is when are you sending out the eviction notice? You are not forced to nor obligated to keep things or people that hurt you (fight to get out of that bind that you may be in). 

Whether you believe in God or not, in teachings and verses there is truth. Always try to take a note from the words that you read.

1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.””
Think about those in your space and all that they need do; people and things affect your life, your finances, your happiness, and your successes. Imagine or take a step back and look at how much of problem those negativity-causing tenants are causing. Do not allow anything in your space that will hurt you. God favors you; he never promised a life of pain or disappointment; seek Him and know that the battle that you may be fighting internally is not yours to fight. Pray about your issues, take inventory and do not be afraid the put out those eviction notices for your “mental tenants”.

Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” If you are to become like those around you, make the most of your circle and all that is around you. Welcome wisdom, love, kindness and peace into your mental home; trust me, you will be much happier that way. 

The Universe is on your side; surely you can imagine how much good can come from your letting go of pain and things that are not meant to be for your best life. Value the space that you are in and remember that what you put out you also receive in return. Giving negative tenants swift “permission” to exit may be the best thing for your life.

***Health Spotlight*** Hypertension
Symptoms: No signs nor symptoms; many people do know that they have the disease.


Prevalence: Approximately 75 million people in the U.S. are living with hypertension; only about 50% of them have it under control.  CDC 


Treatment (controlling the disease): Medication plus healthy diet- low in salt, fat and cholesterol; high consumption of fruits and vegetables. Be active. Do not smoke. Not controlling this disease can lead to problems in the heart, brain, and kidneys.


Prevention: Make healthy choices.


Housing a disease and not working towards a healthier life is not what you should do. Given opportunities, health options, treatment options, etc. you should take them and make the most of your choices and life. Take good care of yourself; it is the only way to lead a happy, healthy life. Don’t house your problems, let someone help you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.


Be blessed and be at peace. 


#KayLasPositivityCorner


Change, Empowerment, Epidemiology, Global Health, Holistic health, Law of Attraction, Mental Health, Physical Health, Public Health, Self-Love, Wisdom


G - Giving Just Enough

G – Giving Just Enough

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


I give too much…
I give too little…
I give just enough…
Are you giving enough according to what you believe, practice, and value?


How many times have you told yourself that you were going to give something your all?
How often do you stick to giving that “thing” you all?


How often have you only giving something a bit of your effort because you weren’t really concerned about it?
When you did that, did you find even more disappointment or go back and wish that you had given it more effort?


Have you given too much of yourself to someone or something? When you do this, you can leave yourself with emptiness, lost hope, brokenness, and lost will to even love yourself or make yourself happy.


How about this?… Have you ever given just enough effort/time?


Who says that enough isn’t enough? I can’t tell you who first said it, but you can start saying when enough IS enough.


You see, for everything that you delve into whether it is a new job, school, writing a book, building a home, buying a car and everything in between you can say when enough is enough.


What does enough mean?


Amazing and wonderfully, your life is your own- meaning it is unique and no one else can live your life. God built a specific life for you to lead. The Universe works in your favor in accordance to what you do, think, practice, and meditate on; it shapes things for you.


Since your life is uniquely put together shouldn’t you be the one to say when enough is good enough?


Let’s think about this a little deeper…


1. You must be mindful and aware of your actions and behavior. Saying that people should accept you for who you are does not apply if you are choosing to be immature, ignorant, foolish, prideful, or negative. Be aware that enough is enough applies in this one if you are being your best self.


2. When taking on a new endeavor of any sort, you must determine what is enough. If giving your all is enough, stick to that and do not give up. You see, you can’t start off giving what is enough to you and then one day decide that you are tired of doing that (without seeking positive change first). You are in charge…so what’ll it be?


3. In a relationship, again you determine what is enough. Truly take self-inventory before you decide what is enough, though. Are you being a good listener, compassionate helper, cheerful giver, etc.? If you are, then you are doing enough…don’t let anyone make you feel or think that you are not doing enough or that you are not good enough at your core. Don’t be afraid to Break The Silence and claim your excellence; your live is yours and you do not have to prove yourself to anyone.


4. Give enough to everyone that you encounter. You were granted tools and also have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. For every person that you run into, you have something to give. Give from your heart whether it is in words, a story, a smile, or your business card…do what you can to give enough. This can be connected to giving back to your community or an organization like Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence; give what you can, volunteer, run for a cause, support a mission, help your friend/neighbor…simply give enough according to your heart. Everything happens for a reason, so make the most of the meeting, mission, or conversation. 


5. Giving enough to your family is equally defined by you. Do not burn yourself out; if you need to do something for yourself and have the ability to do so, practice self-care regularly. This can mean a walk, pampering, reading, meditating, exercising or anything else that makes you feel at peace. Schedule your love and care for your family and yourself; you need it and deserve it. 


The moral of the story is that for everything and everyone in your life you are in full power of determining what is enough. You must take the time to understand what that looks like and execute whatever it takes to achieve that. You do not have to push yourself so far that you lose sight of yourself or get to a point where you are feeling empty or broken- you deserve so much better than that.


Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Think about it, if you are giving enough and happy with what you are putting in, the action is directly connected your heart and can literally give you a sense of fulfillment. Even if you aren’t in the place of where you aim to be, you can embody that sense by planning out all that you aim to do; work to truly feel how you would if you were already at that level of success or happiness.


Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Think about what you consider to be enough, are you truly putting in the effort that you need to? Is your enough, your work, your push, your mission going to bring you success at the level or space that you are actively living in? God gave and is still giving and revealing to you gifts, angels, words of wisdom, lessons, values, and places to be amazing…are you really giving enough?


The Universe is a place and part of you that is defined by you, your actions, and everything that lives inside of you.


So….I’ll ask you again are you giving enough?


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLas Positivity Corner


***Health Spotlight*** Gonorrhea 
Prevalence: this STD can infect anyone that is sexually (vaginal, anal, or oral) active- ejaculation does not have to occur to get the infection. Pregnant women can possibly pass the infection their babies during delivery. According to the CDC there are an estimated 820,000 people infected with gonoccoal infections every year in the U.S.


Symptoms: (in men) burning sensation when urinating, white, yellow or green discharge from penis, painful or swollen testicles ; (in women) painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods. Rectal infections:  can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms in men and women such as discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, painful bowel movements. If you do not get treated pelvic inflammatory disease is possible (in women) and sterility in men, pain in testicles are possible; also, increased risk in getting HIV and life-threatening issues due to gonorrhea spreading to the blood or joints are possible.


Treatment: treatment can be difficult as there are some drug-resistant strains, but it can be cured with the right treatment. There is a form of dual therapy using two drugs to treat the infection; permanent damage cannot be reversed. If symptoms continue after finishing medication, you need to return to your physician/clinic.


Prevention: use condoms, know your sexual partner and their sexual and medical history, or don’t engage in any sexual encounters.


Giving Enough…
If you ever feel forced to have unprotected sex with someone, you may need to re-evaluate your situation and seek help from the authorities, if needed.  Giving enough in intimacy is definitely defined by both parties; do not push yourself into a realm that you are uncomfortable with. Protect yourself at all cost. Know that you do not have to go to a major physician (and pay a high out-of-pocket price) to get help, community health clinics are in many places. Talk to your friends and family about their health. Communities both near and far are impacted by the good and bad in health choices and delivery of care, so do what you can to bring tough conversations into the light. Seek the help that you need as soon as you need it. Talk to someone; talk to me, I will listen without judgment and help you in any way that I can. 


Let’s lead healthy, happy, prosperous, lives from the inside-out! We deserve it!





Barriers, Community, Empowerment, Epidemiology, Evolving, Friends, Global Health, Happiness, Goals, Meditation, Law of Attraction, Negativity, Opportunity, Passion, Survivor,  Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence, Vision, Warrior, Worthy, Public Health