A Sorority with a cause

After her father passed away in 2004 from myeloma, Denise Vidot and her sorority sisters  founded University of Miami's Student Myeloma Advocacy Coalition in 2007.

Vidot wanted to help students at UM and other campuses arrange Walk for Myeloma events to help raise awareness and promote research for the disease. 

The UM annual walk takes place during the second Sunday of October around Lake Osceola. The walk that started with 50 supporters now gathers a crowd of 200. This year Vidot hopes to raise at least $ 25,000.

"Myeloma is an incurable and often misdiagnosed cancer that affects the bone," said Vidot. She became determined to spread awareness after her father was diagnosed and many physicians were not familiar with the disease.

The first walk was memorable for Vidot, as she was approached by a UM professor who thought he was the only one in the area with this type of cancer. 

" We were able to help him find support groups and resources. This year is the sixth walk and he is still with us and plans to be in attendance!" 

"To people like us, this annual walk is a celebration of life."

(authorized photo from http://www.Walk4Myeloma.org/)

Date: October 10, 2010
Check in time: 9:00 a.m.
Walk: 10 a.m
Cost: $ 20 per person for individual walkers before 10/5/10
           $ 15 per person for a team of 10 before 10/5/10
           $ 10 per person for a group of 20 before 10/5/10
           $ 25 per person at the day of registration.


For more information visit http://www.Walk4Myeloma.org/ 

Ice cream's biggest nightmare

Or so I thought!

I have noticed an increase in the number of frozen yogurt shops near my neighborhood in Kendall. 


This is like a breath of fresh air for those who are struggling to be health conscious but can't put the ice cream carton down.

Fewer calories, low fat and healthy probiotics are just a few of the benefits of frozen yogurt as advertised by the different providers.

That sounds like a dieter's dream. But is it? Or are we being misled by the frozen yogurt industry?

According to this article from Shape magazine we might just be.

In the article, Karen Borsari points out that frozen yogurt can still be considered a healthier option than ice cream, but that it should be enjoyed with moderation. The so called "guilt free" snack packs around 30 grams of sugar, and depending on the size can add up as much as 380 calories to your meal. Another interesting point is that we tend to downsize the benefits of yogurt by adding the extra "not so healthy" toppings offered in let's say My Yogurt Bliss (A favorite joint of University of Miami Students).

In the quest to find the healthiest possible frozen yogurt around  I came across Fruigurt. Fruigurt is located in the most unlikely place: inside of Dadeland Mall's Macy's store.

As for the nutritional value, see for yourselves!

The toppings consist mostly of fruits, and to my surprise the yogurt tasted like yogurt, not an overly sugared imitation of ice cream.

What are you doing for lunch?

Lunch time, for UM students, is a brief moment of relaxation.
But what if lunch was more than just a sit, chat and eat time? What if it was like your own private concert?
That is the idea behind Patio Jams!
Great local bands playing live every Thursday from 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the UC Patio. 
Patio Jams was created by Hurricane Productions. UM's student-run entertainment organization. 
This year the entertainment board's executive member and Patio Jams chair is Erika Hutcheson.
"For me, patio jams is that break I need after a long week... that puts me in great mood by reminding me that it's THURSDAY! And I'm outside enjoying the sunshine, live music, and friends... the perfect way to kick off any weekend. So whether you have 15 minutes in between classes or can stay for the whole show, stop by; it's free for everyone to enjoy," said Hutchenson who encouraged students not only to attend, but also to become part of HP.


A tentative line up for this Fall's featured artists can be seen here.
Also, make sure to check out their Facebook page.

For more information or an opportunity to showcase your talent e-mail e.hutcheson@umiami.edu.