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Actress Tamala Jones Urges Fans To Listen To Their Body After Recounting A Life-Threatening Brain Aneurysm
Over the years, we often hear stories of individuals failing to care for their physical health until something bad happens. For many, the lack of self-care could be due to a busy schedule consisting of professional and personal responsibilities.
This instance occurred to veteran actress Tamala Jones. Many would recognize Jones, who has been a part of the entertainment industry for over three decades, for her roles in The Wood,Kingdom Come, Two Can Play That Game, Head of State,Next Friday, and more. The 48-year-old recently revealed during an interview on the Tamron Hall Show that at the height of her career, she suffered a brain aneurysm.
Brain aneurysm, defined
According to Cleveland Clinic, a brain aneurysm is described as a bump located "in a weak area of a blood vessel" inside or near the brain. The academic medical center also stated that although a majority of aneurysms are small and often don't create any problems if it were to burst, it could be "life-threatening."
Although the exact cause of brain aneurysms could vary, ranging from genetics to underlying health issues, statistics show that it usually occurs more in women than men around 30 to 60 years old. The factors that can cause a brain aneurysm to rupture include stress, high blood pressure, and strenuous work.
Jones' interview on Tamron Hall Show
While talking to Hall, Jones shared that she was born with a brain aneurysm, and the only time she noticed the symptoms was 26 years ago when she had a headache for "two weeks straight."
"I was born with it. I wasn't expecting that, and no one else was. It was a headache that happened for two weeks straight. I was taking all the sinus medicine and Tylenol. [I] probably should of took an aspirin, and it kept going," Jones said while describing the intensity of the signs and the medication she took to try to alleviate the discomfort.
Jones would go on to say that one day everything changed when she realized she had limited mobility on the right side of her body and a lack of balance.
How Tamala Jones Reclaimed Her Acting Career After A Life-Changing Brain Aneurysm
"One morning, I woke up; I didn't have any balance. I felt like I had to urinate really bad, and I stumbled to the toilet nothing came out,” she continued. “My head started hurting really bad, and then I hit the floor. When I got up, the right side of my body was numb.”
Jones disclosed that the scary event occurred when she was scheduled to film an episode for the fourth season of the hit sitcom For Your Love. After alerting her boss about what happened, Jones was asked to come to set anyway and complete her final day with medical supervision.
"I got in the car, not realizing that this was done. My right foot was so heavy. I had to put my left foot on the brake and manually move this off the gas pedal. I drove to work, left foot, left hand," Jones said while demonstrating to the audience how she was driving her car.
Jones worked the entire day despite her right arm being positioned at a 90-degree angle. The 35 and Ticking actress stated that production tried hiding her condition by adding props like purses and jackets on her arm whenever she was on camera. She would go on to elaborate that no one on set knew the exact details of what happened.
After finally going to the hospital, the Booty Call star recounted how shocked her doctor was that she was even alive.
"I got to the hospital, and the doctor was like, 'I am in awe that you're alive. Let alone work a whole day," she recalled.
Jones' current projects
Following the experience, one of the critical messages Jones took away from her health scare was to "listen" to one's body. Jones claimed that after taking some time away from the entertainment industry to take care of herself, she "feels great" to be alive and do what she enjoys the most, which is acting.
“I feel great. I’m alive. I’m still able to do what I love to do. I love this business. I love what we do. I love acting,” she said.
Since then, Jones has returned to acting and is currently starring in a Lifetime film, Every Breath She Takes, alongside Jackée Harry and Brian J. White. In addition to the Lifetime project, Jones has also filmed an episode of the series rendition of the 1999 hit film The Wood.
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Feature image by David Livingston/Getty Images
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images