Behind the Cause

In 2011, mental health advocate and fashion model Carmen Martinez tragically lost her best 

friend, Latrece Bell, to suicide. In her journey of healing, she found solace in fashion and fitness activities. To honor her friend’s memory and raise awareness, she partnered with

attorney & community leader Kevin Murray to create Fashion, Fitness,

In 2011, mental health advocate and fashion model Carmen Martinez tragically lost her best 

friend, Latrece Bell, to suicide. In her journey of healing, she found solace in fashion and fitness activities. To honor her friend’s memory and raise awareness, she partnered with

attorney & community leader Kevin Murray to create Fashion, Fitness, Swim- an annual fundraising event designed to unite Houston’s diverse community. The event highlights the importance of health and wellness while celebrating the positive impact of the summer season.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Southeast Texas Chapter.

 Our event is innovative because we will bridge cultural gaps on mental health conversations through art, food, fitness, swimwear and fashion while celebrating Houston local fashion cultures, highlighting small businesses in our black and brown communities and giving an honor to men’s health month. Diversity is key to Houston’s identity. 

 Our event is innovative because we will bridge cultural gaps on mental health conversations through art, food, fitness, swimwear and fashion while celebrating Houston local fashion cultures, highlighting small businesses in our black and brown communities and giving an honor to men’s health month. Diversity is key to Houston’s identity. FFS believes in being agents of change through awareness, exposure and conversations while bringing the community together in our inspirational event.

Fashion Fitness Swim’s mission is to build a community of empowered individuals through promoting health and wellness in this yearly event. The main objective of our fashion show is to showcase that beauty comes in all shapes with our multicultural and diverse models, highlight the positivity of summer fashion and staying active! Our event brings people together to generate awareness for the cause, along with raising funds for suicide prevention in our local community while fostering connection and generating important conversations. We provide on site resources and we want this evening to bringing inspiration, make self-care a priority in one’s life, and encourage a joyful state of mind in regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. When we talk about health, we have to remember that“health” goes much, much further beyond how our body looks and feels. Health means taking care of our minds too.

One of the many benefits of the summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier. More than just getting Vitamin D, sunny weather can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. By getting out, for at least 30 m

One of the many benefits of the summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier. More than just getting Vitamin D, sunny weather can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. By getting out, for at least 30 minutes, the positive impact of warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood is real. This type of weather opens the doors to countless ways of being active, while enjoying the great outdoors.  From walks and jogs, to hikes, bike rides, swimming, Frisbee throwing, outdoor yoga, badminton, soccer and the list goes on and on!  There are numerous ways to get more active on a daily basis in the summer months. Health wise you strengthen your bones through physical activity, your heart, your immune system, muscles and more!  With the ease of the summer months, take some time out for yourself. Take a calming walk by yourself, and use that time to meditate or reflect.

 During The Month Of June Celebrated each year, Men’s Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. Hosted by Men’s Health Network since 1992, the month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. Did you know that men, on average, die alm

 During The Month Of June Celebrated each year, Men’s Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. Hosted by Men’s Health Network since 1992, the month is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org.  In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men.  Additionally, Men’s Health Network notes that certain conditions are more prevalent in men, which patients and their doctors should keep an eye on through regular appointments.  Thus, the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. It brings awareness to the health issues all men face. It gives the healthcare community the enhanced opportunity to enrich men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Understanding the benefits of physical fitness and knowing how ac

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Understanding the benefits of physical fitness and knowing how active you should be can help you maintain good health and improve your overall quality of life.  There are numerous health advantages to physical fitness. Regular exercise and physical activity promotes strong muscles and bones. It improves respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduce your risk for some cancers.  In other words, staying active is a crucial part of maintaining good health and wellness.

Studies show that men are less likely than women to seek medical care and are more likely to choose unhealthy behaviors.  This month is a good opportunity to talk to your loved ones about healthy habits that can lower their risk for health problems.

1. Get an annual preventive care check-up. Even if you feel fine, a regular check-up can help catch small health problems before they become big ones. Your doctor can recommend any screenings or tests you may need, like colorectal cancer screenings or blood sugar testing.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet. As the saying goes, ”We are what we eat!”.  Make a commitment to learn about nutrition and focus on a healthy diet. This includes plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Try making half your plate fruits and veggies.

There is a crisis in men’s health. Because of poor health habits, lack of health insurance, failure to seek medical attention, and dangerous occupations, men live sicker and die younger than women. On average, men in the United States die 6 years earlier than women and are at higher risk for many serious diseases including heart disease, 

There is a crisis in men’s health. Because of poor health habits, lack of health insurance, failure to seek medical attention, and dangerous occupations, men live sicker and die younger than women. On average, men in the United States die 6 years earlier than women and are at higher risk for many serious diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, suicide, accidents, and diseases of the kidney and liver. In addition, men experience unique health problems that do not affect women, like prostate cancer. 

 As a result, all of us need to better understand how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances of racial and ethnic minorities impact their overall health. 

Men’s health is not just a ‘man’s issue,’ it is a family issue. 

Men’s health can impact everyone around them: wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, etc.

Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider. Only 60 percent of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine check up, and 40 percent won’t go until something is seriously wrong. 

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having PSA and DRE levels checked.

Mental health is an important determinant of overall health and quality of life at every age. Although men are more likely to suffer “deaths of despair,” including alcoholism, overdose, and suicide, they are far less likely than women to seek out mental health services. Undiagnosed and untreated mood disorders in young men are associated with impaired learning, risk-taking behaviors, the use of substances, and violence. Adult men with chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease have worse outcomes when they also suffer from depression, and depression is associated with decreased longevity in older men.

Men should be aware of the symptoms of depression and anxiety and know when it is time to seek help. Opening up about mental health and normalizing a discussion around depression, anxiety, and suicide risk is something that men can do for themselves and for each other.