Our January 17th show also bring us Gwendolyn Blackshear a community educator for social wellness issues. She is the CEO of Wellness of You and the founder of Dandelion Dreams. Both organizations promote services and products that focus on the mind, body, spirit and the environment. Gwendolyn Blackshear talks about celebrating our seniors utilizing the positive benefits of plants and sunlight.
Upon realizing that dandelions were weeds and not flowers, Dandelion Dreams was created to show the blessings that begin when a weed flies into the air not knowing where it’s going to land just like dreams. Dandelions, like people and dreams, are strong and tenacious sprouting everywhere even in the toughest and driest of places.
Bet you didn’t know:
Dandelion tea, found in most health stores is a great alternative to those who are unable to drink coffee.
Gwendolyn works with seniors honoring them through The Wellness of You. This summer The Wellness of You will be celebrating seniors and their wisdom in the community. Sharing plants in their honor, Gwendolyn has created a yearly celebration with seniors and their families.
Gwendolyn believes that our seniors are the creators of green and through that, life. They have worked the field, taking care of the land and community for our youth-oriented society for centuries. And in order to capitalize on their knowledge and insight, we need to:
- Listen to our seniors. Take time and slow down.
- Let them be a part of our environment.
- Allow them to share their insight with us and learn from their stories and experiences.
- Let them explore, ask questions and, regardless of age or ability, join community gardens.
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Gwendolyn also speaks about natural sunlight and it’s benefits to everyone from kids to seniors. History has shown that seniors, unlike today, spent their time outside enjoying nature and reaping the benefits of natural sunlight. Now, often they are stuck indoors growing older and weaker. Worse, children are often indoors watching television or playing video games instead of going outdoors. Get them all outdoors and watch the changes.
However, being mindful of the time spent in direct sunlight is important.
- From 11am – 1pm, the sun is the healthiest but also the most harmful to your body and skin.
- Use sunscreen regardless of skin color.
- Be aware of certain medications that can increase sensitivity to the harmful effects of sunlight.
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Enjoying nature takes the mind off the stress of every day life. Even those with limited mobility and time can benefit from not only being outside but by bringing the outside, in. Indoor herbal gardens provide a project and fresh new memories to everyone that is involved.
To contact Gwendolyn Blackshear visit The Wellness of You and Dandelion Dreams. You can also email her at urwell@aol.com or call 330-794-3943. Remember Earth Day is April 22 and in celebration, Gwendolyn and Dandelions Dreams will be hosting the 2nd Annual Restore Our Earth: Living and Learning the Greener Lifestyle. Visit Dandelion Dreams for more information about the event and Earth Day.
Remember – Take care of nature and nature will take care of you.
Listen to a recording of the entire show on Wriggling in The Middle.
