NATURAL ELEMENTS

The City of Birmingham and Nurture of Alabama will host the Fifth Annual Mental Health Day on Friday, May 8, in Linn Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health resources across the Birmingham area. Food trucks will start serving at 11 a.m.

Stop by for Yoga on the Lawn at 10:15, a performance by Logan the Entertainer at noon and Line dancing with Fitness Instructor Tracy Williams and Tracy’s Sensational Seniors at 12:30.

Mental health and blood pressure screenings, massages and more will also be available.

our community we need to encourage our men to show up

Come fellas, let come together and start healing! See you on May 16th

The more you know the more you grow

Consumer Reports tested 30 braiding hair products in late 2025 and found lead in 29 of them, with human hair being the worst offender.

The testing came after CR's early 2025 report found 90 percent of synthetic braiding hair products contained heavy metals like lead, and 100 percent contained volatile organic compounds. Black women, the primary users, expressed anger and frustration. Many had switched to braids after learning chemicals in relaxers may be linked to cancer. Consumers asked CR to test human hair and brands claiming to be safer.

CR tested 30 products, including human hair and plant-based options. All but one sample contained heavy metals, and 100 percent contained VOCs, including acetone and carcinogens. Lead and heavy metals are linked to major diseases, chronic conditions, and uterine fibroids.

Even brands claiming to be safer contained contaminants, though sometimes at lower levels.