News Articles

M.A. Dworkin St. Croix - There are few more horrifying words that can be heard from a physician than, “You have cancer.” It shakes the body, the mind, the soul to the core. It awakens us to a new vision of life itself, both frightening and turbulent. It causes us to think deeply about our life and in some cases to think about our death. The caring and thoughtful people of the VI Breast Cancer Project understand these emotive feelings. They have decided that if y

St. Croix Times Staff USVI - Fall can bring a familiar mix of sniffles, coughs, school germs, indoor gatherings, and headlines about rising COVID-19 cases. It can also bring a lot of vaccine confusion. Do people still need a COVID vaccine? Is the flu shot enough? Can both shots be given at the same visit? What if someone recently had COVID, or never gets the flu? The short answer is simple: COVID-19 and flu are different illnesses, and vaccination remains one of the best ways

Axel Dash USVI - Heat does not crash through a town like a tornado. It does not leave flood lines on walls or trees snapped in half. Most of the time, it arrives quietly. The sun rises, the pavement warms, the air stops moving, and ordinary routines become dangerous. That quiet is part of the problem. Recent research estimates that about 9,000 people in the U.S. die each year from heat-related causes, a number far higher than many official counts have suggested in the past. H

Tamika King USVI -Gut health plays a crucial role in overall wellness. The foods we eat in the morning can set the tone for digestion, energy levels, and immune function throughout the day. Choosing breakfasts that support a healthy gut helps maintain balance in the digestive system and promotes long-term health. This post explores some of the best breakfast options that nourish your gut and keep you feeling your best. Why Gut Health Matters Your gut contains trillions of bac

A.J. Pike USVI - Taking a walk after eating might seem like a simple habit, but it offers a surprising range of health benefits. Instead of sitting down or immediately returning to work, spending just 10 to 30 minutes walking after a meal can improve digestion, boost energy, and support long-term wellness. This post explores nine key advantages of walking after meals and explains how this easy activity can fit into your daily routine for better health. Walking after meals imp

Tamika King USVI - Busy schedules often leave little room for self-care, yet taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Micro self-care offers a practical way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit without demanding large blocks of time. This approach fits seamlessly into hectic days, helping you recharge and stay grounded. A small indoor plant on a wooden desk near a window, symbolizing calm and daily self-care What Is Micro Self-Care? Micro

A.J. Pike USVI - In the USVI it’s pretty close to being summer 24/7/365. And no doubt Virgin Islanders have indeed learned many lessons on dealing with the beating down heat of the Sun, but along with the hurricane season, the really hot-hot weather is just around the corner during the July through September months. And good ol’ Sol has a bad habit of really bearing down on the islands during the coming months - the temperature can really start to cook! So, let’s take

M.A. Dworkin USVI - A recent study by the Mayo Clinic proves, what many Virgin Islanders have known for a long time, that friendship isn’t just enriching, it’s crucial to living a longer, healthier life. Researchers monitored the health of nearly 17,000 adults for more than 17 years. They found that those lacking social connections were approximately 2 to 3 times more likely to die at a younger age than were their companions with more social connections. This ne

St. Croix Times Staff Quick question: Is the glass half empty or half full? Increasing evidence suggests that being an optimist or a pessimist affects your health. A recent study found that older adults with an optimistic disposition lived longer than pessimists. After accounting for factors such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and socioeconomic and marital status, those in the study who scored high on the optimism scale had a 29% lower ri

M.A. Dworkin St. Croix - The VI Breast Cancer Project was founded in 2016 and is dedicated to supporting cancer survivors through creative expression, community connection, and the healing power of the arts. It is easy to underestimate art as a healing force. We often think of medicines, nature and time as the great healers that have the ability to turn a sick being back into a healthy one. It’s hard to imagine a work of art performing that wizardry task. But the heali

A.J. Pike USVI - Puerto Rico has declared a State of Emergency due to an influenza epidemic that has produced more than 42,000 confirmed influenza cases, over 3,000 hospitalizations, and 128 influenza-associated deaths as of the end of January 2026. Almost 46 percent of the reported cases have involved children. In response, the V.I. Department of Health (VIDOH) is urging USVI residents to get vaccinated and to take all precautions due to frequent inter-island travel be

A.J. Pike Beans and Legumes - Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Helps control blood sugar. Supports digestive health. Promotes heart health. Antioxidant-rich. Leafy Greens - Nutrient-dense. Improves inflammation, immunity, and heart health. Contains antioxidants and other brain protective compounds. Helps slow aging. Nuts and Seeds - Pistachios, walnuts, almonds. Healthy fats, fiber, protein. Source of many vitamins and minerals. Antioxidant and anti-inflammat