d-mars.com December 2025 | 1
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December 2025
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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74th Edition
THE POWER OF ALIGNMENT:
WHEN LIFE MOVES IN ONE DIRECTION Alignment is a state of integrity between who you are, what you value, and how you move through the world. 16,17 05
INSIDE
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Listening to Your Ill-Tuition. 5 Symptoms Women Shouldn't Ignore
Finding Gratitude in The Small Victories
How to Care for A Loved One With Alzheimer's
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
2 | December 2025
HEALTH & WELLNESS By Brandpoint News Provider ave you ever felt uncomfortable after a meal? Maybe you know that certain foods upset your stomach, so you avoid them altogether. Gut issues are more common than you think with more than half (62%) of Americans having experience with occasional gut issues, according to the 2024 Habits and Healthspan Survey. In fact, one in three adults is experiencing a common gut issue right now!
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1) GUT HEALTH IS A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE IN THE U.S.
balanced gut microbiome helps support not just digestive health, but also your immune system. You might be surprised to know that emerging science indicates your mood might even be linked to your gut microbiome. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are produced in the gut, which can affect our mood. 42% of survey respondents say they or someone close to them have experienced a gut issue that a doctor was unable to properly diagnose.
Your gut does more than just digestion. Did you know it's foundational to overall health and well-being? That's because there are trillions of bacteria in your gut that make up your microbiome. About 70% of your immune system is located in the gut and a
Common gut issues seem to be more prevalent among younger Americans with 54% of respondents ages 18 to 34 years reporting that they or someone they know had undiagnosed gut issues, compared to 38% of those over age 35.
2) A LACK OF EDUCATION IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN AMERICA'S GUT GAP.
3) OVERARCHING HEALTHY HABITS BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR GUT HEALTH.
Stress, pollution, poor diet and lack of sleep all can negatively impact your gut's good bacteria causing an imbalance.
By establishing healthy habits early in life, we can proactively help support our gut and ultimately support our health span. Just like any resolution, the key is to be consistent over the long term.
3 Things to Know About Gut Health in America
However, the gut microbiome is still not well understood. • Less than half (41%) of Americans feel they understand what constitutes a healthy gut biome. • This gap is even wider among older adults aged 55 to 70, with only 28% feeling confident about their gut health knowledge. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising and staying hydrated can support gut health and a balanced gut microbiome. However, studies show supporting gut health takes consistent effort over several weeks to several months. As research progresses, scientists are learning more about how to support the gut. Here's what you can do. In addition to your diet, probiotics - good bacteria - can support your microbiome. You can also use other supplements designed for daily use and that provide plant-based ingredients, fiber and prebiotics to help support your gut health and your gut microbiome.
Establishing healthy habits from a young age is a great approach to health and wellness. Of course, maintaining these habits for the long term can be hard to do, but that's why community is so important. • Only 36% of adults ages 18 to 70 who had engaged in healthy lifestyle behavior within the past 12 months say they started their healthy lifestyle behaviors because they learned it at a young age from a parent or loved one - and not in response to a pressing health issue. Surrounding yourself with family, friends and like-minded individuals creates an environment where knowledge is exchanged, accountability is encouraged, and a supportive network is woven into the fabric of daily life. The findings from the Habits and Healthspan Survey highlight two critical areas of concern: the prevalence of gut health as an important issue for consumers and the knowledge gaps. Education and long-term habit formation are the keys to supporting overall gut health. Edited by d-mars.com
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December 2025 | 3
HEALTH & WELLNESS
LISTENING TO YOUR ILL-TUITION: 5 SYMPTOMS WOMEN SHOULDN'T IGNORE cause it often indicates that the root cause lies beneath the surface of the skin rather than on it. For pregnant women, persistent itching may be a symptom of cholestasis, a liver condition that requires immediate medical attention.
By Brandpoint News Provider hen it comes to health, women's intuition isn't just a hunch - it's practically a superpower. According to recent research from MD Live by Evernorth, more than two-thirds of women say they have a sixth sense when it comes to their health. This "ill-tuition" is the innate ability to sense when something may be wrong with your body - and 81% of women trust it. Yet, despite this trust, most women hold off on seeking care until their symptoms interfere with their daily lives, instead of being proactive at the first sign that something is off. This delay can lead to unnecessary worsening of symptoms.
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Many common symptoms can be early warning signs of an underlying health condition. Ignoring your body's signals can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment. Trusting your intuition and acting on it early can make all the difference in managing your health. Here are five common symptoms that women tend to dismiss, according to the research, what conditions they may point to and why it's important to seek timely medical care when your intuition sounds the alarm.
1) ITCHING THAT DOESN'T GO AWAY Itching may seem like just a minor annoyance, but if it's persistent, it may point to various underlying health issues. Itching could signal hormonal fluctuations, skin conditions like eczema, or even liver or kidney problems. Itching without a visible rash can be a sign of broader health issues be-
2) PERSISTENT BLOATING Bloating is normal after eating a big meal or when experiencing the occasional digestive issue. But, when bloating occurs frequently, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bloating that gets worse over time could be a symptom of stomach inflammation or certain cancers. In fact, bloating is one of the more common early warning signs of ovarian cancer, caused by the buildup of fluids in the stomach.
3) FATIGUE Feeling tired is often unavoidable, especially for women balancing work, family and other responsibilities. However, when that tiredness becomes persistent and starts affecting your quality of life, it might point to fatigue, a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your daily life. Fatigue is often a symptom of an underlying chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, depression or thyroid disorders. If a good night's sleep or taking time to rest doesn't make a noticeable difference in your energy levels, it's time to consult a doctor to explore the potential causes.
4) UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS
5) CHRONIC ANXIETY
It's not uncommon for a woman's weight to naturally fluctuate, especially during their menstrual cycle. However, unexpected weight gain or loss can indicate hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems or metabolic disorders. When weight changes are sudden and not resulting from changes in your diet or exercise routine, it's important to rule out any larger health issues, like cancer or chronic illness.
Although anxiety is commonly associated with mental health disorders, its presence can also point to underlying physical health issues. If you're feeling anxious without a clear reason, or your anxiety is constant, it's important to explore whether a physical condition could be contributing. Anxiety is often linked to cardiovascular diseases and endocrine problems, like hyperthyroidism. Regardless of whether it stems from something physical or mental, early intervention is critical.
YOUR FIRST CALL: A DOCTOR These symptoms may not always seem urgent, but it's important not to ignore them, especially if they become persistent or chronic. When your instincts tell you something is off, you can schedule a virtual visit with an MD Live board-certified doctor to get an expert medical opinion without unnecessary delays. Remember, it's always better to address a potential health concern when it's small rather than wait until it becomes more serious. The next time your ill-tuition kicks in, trust it. Edited by d-mars.com Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
4 | December 2025
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Finding Gratitude in the Small Victories By Dawn Paul a.k.a. The Dr. Dawn® News Provider uring this time of year, we're reminded of how vital gratitude and thankfulness are in our lives. In a world dominated by social media and the mantra of "Bigger is better," it's easy to overlook the fact that God's profound miracles working in our lives can arise from modest beginnings. Often, we're so focused on monumental achievements that we forget the remarkable transformations that occur in seemingly insignificant moments. Let's explore why we might undervalue these small successes and discuss ways to nurture gratitude to keep moving forward.
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REDEFINING SUCCESS THROUGH A SPIRITUAL LENS It's easy to lose sight of the small victories when we're consumed by society's standards of success. However, Romans 12:2 encourages us to diverge from societal norms, urging us to keep our minds centered on God's standards. Take Paul, for example. Even when faced with great adversity, his prayers were firmly rooted in spiritual growth rather than physical concerns (Philippians 1:9; Philemon 1:6). As believers, our focus should be on making an eternal impact and serving the kingdom with purpose.
FINDING STRENGTH IN SETBACKS No matter how picture-perfect someone else's life may appear, you never truly know the struggles they've faced and overcome. In moments when mistakes and setbacks leave us feeling defeated, celebrating might seem like the last thing we want to do. It's easy to get caught up in comparisons, disappointment, and self-criticism, losing sight of the breakthroughs that often lie beyond our failures. Keeping your focus on Christ, you won't be swayed by the enemy's deceitful tactics (John 8:44). We often learn more from our missteps than from our triumphs. The challenges we encounter might just be laying the groundwork for a future ministry or the growth of our business.
CELEBRATE YOUR WINS, IGNORE THE NOISE When caught up in the opinions of others, we can forget to celebrate our achievements. In the shadow of your small victories, there will always be those who doubt you or think you're not up to par. However, it's essential to tune out the noise of external opinions (Proverbs 29:25). There's no need to validate your worth to anyone. While we may lack the ability to create abundance from little, remember that God can (Matthew 14:17-21). Trust that you are destined to make a significant impact—whether it be on a generation, a nation, a community, or even the entire world!
STAYING GROUNDED IN GRATITUDE Can we truly remain humble when showered with more abundance, or will our ego risk overshadowing gratitude? Proverbs 16:18 warns us of the pitfalls of pride. Sometimes, the modest gifts we receive are intentional, offering us a clearer view of God's miracles in action. If God gives us too much too soon, we might overlook His miracles that unfold around us. It's crucial to recognize and celebrate small victories, because the enemy uses this dissatisfaction to distract us, knowing that these seemingly small successes are just the prelude to God orchestrating something grand for His glory. If we lose our focus on Christ, we risk becoming consumed by what we lack, rather than making the most of what we have been given. Remember to be grateful for the lessons learned at every stage, so you don’t repeat mistakes as you rise to greater heights. This holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves to cherish every achievement, no matter how small. The most significant breakthroughs don’t necessarily occur on grand stages or under the spotlight but in quiet moments and modest beginnings. Keep showing up and nurturing those humble beginnings, for they can lead to remarkable achievements. Every effort you make, no matter how small, holds great value (Zechariah 4:10). Ecclesiastes 9:11 teaches us that victory doesn’t always go to the fastest. A friend once shared a powerful quote with me: “Put God first and you’ll never be last.” As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's walk with gratitude and see how God can work through us to bring blessings to others, all for His glory.
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press. Follow her on social media at @TheDrDawn. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
December 2025 | 5
HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE POWER OF ALIGNMENT:
WHEN LIFE MOVES IN ONE DIRECTION Alignment is a state of integrity between who you are, what you value, and how you move through the world. By Frenetta Tate News Provider here comes a moment in life when exhaustion is no longer about effort—it’s about integrity. You’re doing what needs to be done. You’re showing up. You’re carrying responsibility well. And yet, something feels unsettled. Not chaotic. Not broken. Just quietly misaligned. That inner tension is often the first signal that alignment is calling you back to yourself.
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Alignment is a state of integrity between who you are, what you value, and how you move through the world. When alignment is present, life may still be demanding, but it feels honest. When alignment is absent, even success feels heavy—because it requires you to perform against your own knowing.
THIS IS WHERE GROWTH GETS REAL. Alignment asks you to live congruently. To stop separating who you are from how you operate. To release patterns that once protected you but now restrict you. Alignment invites you to release identities you’ve outgrown, step away from spaces where you are useful but unseen, choose clarity over familiarity, and honor your evolution without waiting for permission. It calls you to move forward with courage, trusting that growth often requires letting go of what no longer reflects who you are becoming.
Alignment isn’t a single moment—it’s a daily practice of integrity. It sounds like saying, “This choice honors who I am becoming,” or “This boundary protects my future.” It’s trusting your own discernment and knowing you no longer need to justify your growth. Sometimes, alignment simply whispers that a chapter is complete, guiding you toward what’s next with quiet clarity.
THE QUIET COST OF MISALIGNMENT
THE TRUE REWARD OF ALIGNMENT
Alignment is coherence. It is internal agreement. It is when your decisions, values, and identity are moving in the same direction. Alignment happens when your inner compass and your outer choices stop negotiating with each other.
Misalignment rarely announces itself dramatically; instead, it shows up subtly. It can look like persistent fatigue, diminished joy, over-explaining your choices, or staying in spaces longer than your spirit agrees with. Over time, this quiet dissonance erodes confidence and dulls intuition, leaving you disconnected from your own clarity. You start bargaining with yourself and accepting mediocrity.
When you are in alignment, your “yes” carries weight, and your “no” arrives without apology. Your energy is protected rather than scattered, and your presence feels settled—even in moments of uncertainty. Alignment doesn’t announce itself loudly; instead, it quietly steadies you, restores your balance, and brings you back to yourself.
When alignment is delayed, life responds with repetition. Patterns return. Lessons revisit. The same discomfort knocks again and you may find yourself in a cycle. It may feel like punishment but it is actually guidance. The repetitiveness is a way of raising your awareness to something that is not working in your life.
DEFINING ALIGNMENT
WHEN ALIGNMENT BECOMES A REQUIREMENT
RETURNING TO YOURSELF
There is a season when alignment shifts from a desire to a necessity. That season often follows burnout, disappointment, loss, or a moment of deep self-recognition. Something changes internally, and what once felt manageable now feels intolerable.
you. Aligned people don’t abandon responsibility; they abandon self-betrayal. Alignment roots you, and rooted people move with authority.
When alignment becomes your standard, clarity returns. Your decisions simplify, your boundaries strengthen, and your confidence deepens. You stop chasing approval because you are anchored in truth, and you stop performing resilience—you start living it. Moving forward no longer means dragging guilt, obligation, or outdated narratives behind
The true reward of alignment is peace—peace in your decisions, peace in your presence, and peace in your movement. It feels like waking up without internal resistance, standing without shrinking, and moving without the weight of self-doubt narrating every step. Alignment restores your authority, and when it becomes non-negotiable, survival will never again masquerade as success. That is the power of alignment—and it changes everything. As this year comes to a close, let alignment be the gift you carry forward. Move forward with intention, honoring your values and trusting the direction your life is already pointing. Let go of what no longer serves you, and welcome the new year with intention and integrity because alignment will always meet you there. Frenetta Tate is CEO of Frenetta Tate Global, A Business Consultancy focused on guiding women, workplaces and executives toward clarity, confidence and elevated performance. For more on business consulting and advisory services, visit www. frenettatate.com
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6 | December 2025
HEALTH & WELLNESS
How to Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer's
By Brandpoint News Provider hen you have a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, it's normal to worry about their well-being. However, adults with these conditions can continue living positive, fulfilling lives, especially in the familiar environment of their own homes. Research suggests living at home as long as possible is associated with a better quality of life for anyone with dementia or Alzheimer's.
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According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's, and it's estimated nearly 13 million will be diagnosed with the condition over the next 25-30 years. For families of those affected, that can mean many years of caring for their loved one. While care giving can be challenging, there are also silver linings. Here are tips to help you make the most of time with your loved one - and to bring more joy into your lives.
CONSIDER SAFETY FIRST To help improve safety and reduce your worry, these steps can make their home environment safer. Keep the home well-lit: Hallways, stairs, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms benefit from nightlights for seniors who are more active at night. Identify tripping hazards: Excess furniture, throw rugs and other tripping hazards should be removed. Lock outer doors/secure hazardous materials: Areas of the home containing anything hazardous should be kept locked, and locks on exterior doors can help prevent nighttime wandering. Provide handrails: Bathrooms, showers, hallways and stairs are safer with rails or grab bars at an appropriate height.
OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOYFUL CONNECTIONS Alzheimer's adults can continue to live happy, fulfilling lives. Maximize your time together by engaging their senses and exploring memories from their amazing lives.
For example, provide visual reminders of beloved people and places through framed pictures, photo albums, videos and artwork, listen to favorite music, explore comforting textures through hobbies like crafting, and enjoy tastes and smells they love through homecooked meals and baked goods. Focusing social interactions around these sensory activities with family members, friends, neighbors and empathetic caregivers also helps boost the joy in your daily lives.
ENCOURAGE RELIABLE ROUTINES Maintaining a schedule is crucial. It reassures your loved one that days are predictable rather than confusing, helps you know what to expect on a daily basis so you can be there when needed, and also assists others, including professional caregivers, to know when their help is needed or anticipated.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP Many people in your family and social circle may want to help but may not know how. Ask for specific assistance with well-defined limits. For example, ask a neighbor to pick up certain grocery items, or call a family member to visit for an hour at a given time. You can also benefit from well-trained, empathetic and experienced assistance from Comfort Keepers caregivers, who understand the struggles you may face caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia at home. Their caregivers engage seniors in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions complementing their medical treatment and improving their quality of life. The support families affected by Alzheimer's need include: • Specially trained caregivers • Family education to better understand dementia and Alzheimer's • Tasks geared to your loved one's interests to engage them physically, mentally and emotionally • In-home services including personal care, companionship, medication reminders and family respite care • In-home safety technologies including medical alert systems and motion detectors Make a commitment to learn how you can be supported in the joyful care of the senior who means so much to you. Edited by d-mars.com
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December 2025 | 7
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8 | December 2025
TRAVEL
6 Tips for Safe Travels this Holiday Season By: Brandpoint News Provider raveling for the holidays? Whether you're having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma's house for Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, you'll find the roads jam-packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won't help matters.
Car maintenance is key
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR HOLIDAY DESTINATION SAFELY: Be prepared
Check the weather ahead
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Transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids' sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? Experts recommend clearing all of that out and packing items you'll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don't forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.
Be mindful of distractions Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that's not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating, or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.
Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip-top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you're driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel, if necessary, or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.
Plan your route Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes. Fight fatigue: If you're driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don't want to nod off while driving. Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it's all about!
Why Toll Roads?
SAFETY IN ACTION Safety is the number one priority for our customers, and clearing incidents on the roadways keeps everyone safe. From flat tires to an empty gas tank, the HCTRA Incident Response Team (IRT) is there to help on every HCTRA toll road. Call 281-584-7500 (the number is also conveniently located on the back of an EZ Tag) for help along a HCTRA toll road. A member of the roadside assistance team will help you onsite – safely.
AN ECONOMIC BOOST - MORE THAN ROADWAYS
funding from the gas tax paid by everyone who fills up at the pump. HCTRA does not receive ANY money from the gas tax and is not in any way funded by taxpayers.
By d-mars.com News Provider
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ou can always tell you’re on a HCTRA tollway because there aren’t any bumps in the road.
HCTRA toll roads are funded entirely by the people who use them.
But why are toll roads a good investment? How do they benefit the areas they serve, and why are they effective? Read more for the answers.
It’s also why there’s a noticeable difference when you’re on a HCTRA toll road – pothole repairs, signage issues and litter pick up are dealt with locally. HCTRA handles it, and quickly.
NEVER TAXPAYER FUNDED
Without toll roads, traffic would be worse for everyone.
Every roadway requires significant maintenance to keep it operating safely and smoothly. Revenue from tolls on HCTRA’s system of roadways is reinvested in the system with maintenance and infrastructure improvements. Everything from the removal of a discarded mattress blocking traffic to upgraded barrier-free tolling is handled by HCTRA to provide a safe customer experience. Non-toll roads in the Houston region are maintained with
EMPHASIZING ACCESSIBILITY Moving people safely and efficiently is the cornerstone of HCTRA’s operations – but it’s more than just roadways. HCTRA takes a “big picture” approach to mobility that includes pedestrians, rail roads and other important factors. Creating spaces that allow for the mobility of vehicles and pedestrians is key to creating a congestion solution that’s multi-modal.
While toll roads are a key part of the HCTRA system, there are a lot of ways to keep the Houston region moving. HCTRA manages the Ship Channel Bridge, Lynchburg Ferry and the Washburn Tunnel – each integral to the health and prosperity of the Port of Houston and surrounding area. As one of the largest ports in the nation, the Port of Houston is responsible for substantial economic activity in the region and at a national level. The Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge links traffic over the waterway to maintain mobility for vehicles and boats, while the Lynchburg Ferry creates a more efficient link for cars. Construction is underway for the new Ship Channel Bridge that will bring additional safety enhancements and smoother traffic flow to the area.
HCTRA KEEPS IT MOVING Travel across the Houston region is easier and more convenient with HCTRA’s mobility solutions. Get an EZ Tag and start enjoying the benefits today.
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