FEATURES ON TAP! -- How to Fix a Sexless Marriage, Real Dialogue on Autism, The Truth about Strong Black Families and the 2008 Heart & Soul Challenge Kicks Off With a Look at the Cultural Reasons Behind Obesity

On the Cover -- Actress Nicole Ari Parker

Heart & Soul Magazine, Feb-Mar 2008 issue

Baltimore, MD (BlackNews.com) - Chock-full of information geared to empower and uplift African-American women and their families, Heart & Soul magazine's February/March issue arrives in time to ensure readers continue into early 2008 with confidence and commitment. Cover girl and actress Nicole Ari Parker highlights the new issue with her story of balance between career, motherhood, fitness and marriage to heartthrob actor Boris Kodjoe.

Other features in the current book include a look at the sexless marriage phenomenon, an insightful discussion about the pain and reality of autism, a timely review of the strength of the black family and a revealing take on the cultural factors behind overeating–marking the official launch of the 2008 Heart & Soul Challenge to address obesity in the black community.

Now on newsstands, the February/March issue also provides a satisfying serving of expert-driven updates on health, fitness, nutrition, fiscal management and overall positive living, underscoring Heart & Soul's role as the "healthy, wealthy and wise" choice for black women.

"This issue is a celebration of love--for self, for family, for healthy living," says Executive Editor Kendra Lee. "And it is our gift of love to our readers, who will find something within its pages to help them continue their journey to the healthiest, wealthiest, wisest life possible."

Features in the current issue include:

"Getting Perspective" by Joy Sewing (p. 52). Actress, mother and wife Nicole Ari Parker shares her refreshing approach to fitness, career and family, and how she finds balance and success in each.

"When the Marriage Bed Goes Cold" by Kendra Lee (p. 56). Heart & Soul Executive Editor Kendra Lee pulls back the sheets on the seldom discussed but nonetheless prevalent issue of sexless marriages. With the help of experts, she exposes the phenomenon and discusses ways to re-ignite the matrimonial flames.

"The Strength of the Black Family" by Denene Millner (p. 58). As quiet as it's kept, there are strong black families out there. This timely piece debunks the dire statistics about the demise of healthy African-American households and offers five lessons on how to attain and keep a strong family foundation.

"The War on Obesity" by Sheree Crute and Javacia N. Harris (p. 62). Kicking off the 2008 Heart & Soul Challenge, writers Sheree Crute ("Good Food, Good Health") and Javacia N. Harris ("The Ways We Move") double-team the issue of obesity in African-American women. Crute reviews the health risks related to overeating and the cultural reasons behind it, while Harris helps readers discover the joys and benefits of using dance as a universal workout.

"Pieces of the Puzzle" by Anglea Dodson (p. 68). It is reported that one in 150 children in America suffer from autism, a complex development disability that appears during the formative years and affects the normal functioning of the brain. Black youngsters are at greater risk of getting diagnosed later than white kids, or of being misdiagnosed all together. Dodson's story helps dispel the myths about this still misunderstood illness and walks readers through the "dos and don'ts" of dealing with autism. It also provides a checklist for parents who suspect their child might be affected, as well as a comprehensive resource guide of helpful organizations, books and services.

Other highlights include:

* Is it possible to have an emotional affair? Of course it is, and "Workplace Cheating" shares helpful warning signs to let you know when the line's been crossed.

* "Exploring Hypnosis" -- Long considered on the fringe of real medical treatment, the proven benefits of hypnosis are starting to overtake the skepticism.

* "Aphrodisiacs: The Science of Sex Through Food" -- Along with the chocolates, this Valentine's Day can be filled with figs, olives, asparagus and other naturally stimulating foods that help stoke the libido.

* For the month of love, give yourself (and your man) the gift of sexy-to-naughty lingerie.

* Tips on researching life insurance.

* Still a head turner, Nona Hendrix shows why age is nothin' but a number.

* A young woman loses weight and regains her health.

* Writer Joyce E. Davis picks books, movies, music and more that move you to shout, "Power to the People."

For additional information or to set up an interview with anyone at Heart & Soul, please contact Chris@OneDG.com, or call 800-834-8813 x122.

About Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul, published bi-monthly by Heart & Soul Enterprises, LLC, is the leading source of health and fitness information for African-American women. For more information about Heart & Soul, and/or to contribute to its blog, please visit the Web site at www.heartandsoul.com