As we expand our programs at Heroes Ridge, we now have Beehives. 🐝 Hope to have some honey this year. Did you know: Beehives and their products have been associated with various therapeutic benefits—some well-established and others still under scientific investigation. These benefits stem from a field called apitherapy, which involves the use of bee products like honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, and even bee venom. Here’s a breakdown of the potential therapeutic benefits: ⸻ 🐝 1. Honey • Antibacterial & Antimicrobial: Due to hydrogen peroxide content and low water activity. • Wound Healing: Especially Manuka honey—used in burn treatment and wound dressings. • Cough Suppressant: Acts as a natural demulcent; effective in children over age 1. • Digestive Aid: Can soothe ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. ⸻ 🐝 2. Propolis • Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Helps fight infections, particularly oral and skin infections. • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in wounds and may support immune response. • Antioxidant: Protects against cellular damage. • Dental Health: Used in toothpaste and mouthwash for gingivitis and mouth sores. ⸻ 🐝 3. Royal Jelly • Anti-aging Effects: May support skin health and collagen production. • Hormonal Balance: Sometimes used in managing menopausal symptoms. • Immune Booster: Stimulates immune response, though evidence is still emerging. ⸻ 🐝 4. Bee Pollen • Nutrient Dense: Contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. • Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: May help with allergies (though this is controversial and can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals). • Energy Boosting: Sometimes used as a natural performance enhancer. ⸻ 🐝 5. Bee Venom Therapy (Apitoxin) • Rheumatoid Arthritis & MS: Claimed to reduce symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. • Pain Relief: Some people report reduced chronic pain. • Caution: This therapy is controversial and can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. ⸻ 🐝 6. Beehive Air Therapy (Inhalation) • Emerging Alternative Therapy: Breathing air from inside beehives is claimed (mostly anecdotally) to benefit asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues due to volatile compounds like propolis vapors and hive microbiota. #OperationSecondChance #OSC #HeroesRidge #HeroesRidgeAtRavenRock #HRRR #Beehives #Honey  (fb)

May might be Mental Health Awareness Month, but for us, the mission to stay mentally strong is year-round. Here are 6 reminders worth carrying into every month: 🧠 It’s okay to not be okay 🧭 Mental health is a journey 🛠 Therapy isn’t weakness—it’s a tool 💥 Hustle culture can burn you out 🎯 Distractions can be helpful 🧩 Stay curious, and trust yourself You’ve survived combat—don’t fight your battles alone now. There’s strength in healing. There’s honor in asking for help. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and for each other. #VeteranMentalHealth #NeverAlone #OperationSecondChance (fb)