latinopm.com
JUNE 2012
ARIZONA EDITION
a c r e h t b l a e HBeing your own heegaltins at h h ome advocate can save your lifcare e
Father’s Day gift ideas papi will love Alberto Olivas on the 100th Arizona Town Hall
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Journal of the American Latino Dream
22
Volume 8
{June 2012}
Issue 10
26
Self-advocacy in health care
Artist’s journey subject of film
How patients can participate in medical decision-making
Painter seeks recognition in Mexico as well as in the U.S.
42
7 8
From the editor Keeping well; getting better
¿Será posible?
New line of “functional foods” foments hyperactivity; futuristic dress fabric goes transparent when wearer encounters hot prospect
12 LP journal All that Mexico has to offer – in Scottsdale;
Tom Horne helps win multi-state settlement from drug manufacturer, Abbott Labs; Ben Arredondo’s federal grand jury indictment
14 Historical Vibe film-epic overflows with Latino star
power; Demi Lovato includes Phoenix on 2012 concert tour; metal mania hits Mesa art scene
15
Latina still standing
LPM’s new feature seeks women’s stories
21 Ramirez Rincón del arte 43 Education rekindles interest in Mexican folk dance Morrison Institute predicts crisis as a result of 31
Latino education gap; Glendale’s Midwestern University to offer state’s first doctor of veterinary medicine degree
Movin’ up
Greg Pereira to direct KJZZ’s new Youth Media Center; Tucson HCC chooses woman and man of the year; ADAC president, Matuz, one of Times most influential people in the world; ASU’s Ana Magdalena Hurtado elected to AAAS
47 Psychoneuroimmunology: Health better health through stress reduction – easier than it sounds
35 Nancy Entrepreneur 50 Time out Juarez’ business survives rough economy The best Father’s Day gifts don’t come in a box! 37 Mayor Briefcase Stanton supports “local first” agenda;
new online Social Security calculator; Latinos go mobile; LATISM Phoenix chapter growing
41 Those who serve Jimmy Chavez’ “fun” job at AZ Highway Patrol
Patriotism
53
P.S.
An aboriginal birthday celebration
54 My perspective On civic engagement: Getting the attention of the disenfranchised
Coming in July: and civic engagement latinopm.com
¡ June 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡! from the executive editor
June 2012 Publisher/CEO Ricardo Torres Executive Editor/COO Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D. Copy Editor Virginia Betz Art Director Jorge Quintero Contributing Writers Catherine Anaya, Diana Bejarano, Erica Cardenas, Dan Cortez, Jonathan Higuera, Will Humble, Marcia Murphy, Alberto Olivas, Robrt L. Pela, Stella Pope Duarte, Joe Ray, Cecilia Rosales Director of Sales and Marketing Carlos Jose Cuervo Advertising Account Executives Grace Alvarez and Barry Farber Webmaster QBCS Inc.
Contact Us
www.latinopm.com P.O. Box 2213 Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 602-277-0130 Advertising: sales@latinopm.com Editorial: editor@latinopm.com Design: art@latinopm.com
Subscriptions
For home or office delivery, please send your name, address, phone number, and a check for $24 to Latino Perspectives Magazine at the address above. Subscriptions also available for credit-card purchase by calling 602-277-0130. Visit latinopm.com/digital for a free digital subscription. Latino Perspectives Magazine is published 12 times a year and is selectively distributed throughout Arizona. The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by Latino Perspectives Media, LLC, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
¡Salud! By Cecilia Rosales, Ph.D.
It is often said that health is a blessing not fully appreciated until
it’s lost. As the popular saying goes, la salud no es conocida hasta que es perdida; so true. Fortunately, we have a lot of agency when it comes to our health and well-being. As Robrt Pela points out in this month’s cover story, becoming our own health care advocate is a must, as is working in partnership with a primary care physician who is approachable and takes time to know her patients. But all our self-advocacy efforts can be sabotaged if we don’t take a close look at our lifestyle and examine how our choices impact our health and well-being. In Driven to Succeed (page 24), guest contributor, Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, reminds us that, unfortunately, Hispanics still suffer disproportionately from health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. And, although there’s a correlation between higher income and better health, that’s not true for everyone. Having made it to “middleclassdom” is not a guarantee of good health, nor is access to health care. However, making our health a top priority, and tending to its needs accordingly, can reduce our risk for disease and premature death. Many of us may think we are too busy to change our habits or to take on new challenges but, with the right motivation and support, it can be done. Just ask Catherine Anaya. In her monthly column (page 17), she recounts how she prepared for her third Boston Marathon and what she learned about herself after running 26.2 miles — in record-breaking heat. Go, Catherine, go! This Father’s Day can be a perfect excuse to start a new tradition. Whether it involves healthful cooking, physical activity or stress reduction, it can be fun and include the entire family. We have compiled some suggestions for you in Time out. Also in this issue, you can read Joe Ray’s interview with Gennaro García. García is a cofounder of the Calle 16 mural project. If you’ve driven by Barrio Café in Phoenix, chances are you have seen his work, now the subject of a forthcoming documentary by Mexican filmmaker, Carlos Muñoz. Another local and young overachiever with a heart of gold, and a great role model, is Diana Bejarano. In Latina Still Standing, she shares the recipe for her resiliency and success: a mixture of family, faith, friends, forgiveness and kindness to oneself. I hope you enjoy this month’s editorial line-up.
Editorial mission statement
Latino Perspectives creates community, cultivates c u lt ural pr ide and provokes, challenges and connec ts L at inos who are def ining, pursuing, a nd ac h iev i n g t he A me r ic an L at i no D re a m .
Your thoughts? Tell us what you think. Send your thoughts to editor@latinopm.com
Latino Perspectives welcomes feedback from readers regarding published stories or topics of interest. Please include your name and phone number. Mail letters to Editor, Latino Perspectives, P.O. Box 2213 Litchfield Park, Az. 85340. Or, email letters to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
¡ June 2012!
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¡! ¿Será posible?
Wired for snacks By Robrt Pela
The heck with Nacho Cheese Doritos.
It’s the 21st century, m’ijo, and a Carlsbad, California-based snack company is peddling chips crammed with enough caffeine to choke a mule. No, we’re not kidding. ARMA Energy SNX (as in snacks – get it?) is offering crispy treats that will wake you up and keep you that way, well past lunchtime. Its Cobra snack is a kettle-cooked barbecue chip cooked in sunflower oil and flavored with the unlikely combination of chili pepper and maple sugar. As odd as that taste combo might be, it is Cobra’s main ingredient – caffeine – that’s even stranger. Apparently, what’s been missing from our Fritos all these years is a cup of joe. “ARMA Energy applied the science of premium energy drinks to invent a functional food that kicks the ass of your favorite snacks,” a recent press release from
Fear sets in.
Cancer diagnosis.
the new company proudly brays. A bag of these tasty crisps, according to their press material, delivers 70 milligrams of caffeine and more than ten times as much taurine, an amino acid and antioxidant which,
when combined with caffeine, reportedly improves mental performance. “We’ve invented the next generation of functional foods,” according to ARMA founder, Jasper Sanfilippo, who refers to himself as “a snack food visionary” with absolutely no irony. “Energy drinks work – so, we applied this science to savory snacks. Now, with ARMA Energy, you can fight fatigue and feed hunger.” Cobra joins ARMA’s other hyperactivity-inducing treats, which include: RocketPropelled Granola; C4 (a chocolate and caramel cookie infused with caffeine); a jittery trail mix, and something called Hellfire, an assortment of almonds, peanuts, pepitas and corn sticks mixed with chipotle and paprika and steeped in caffeine. Because, who wants food that just lies there, not making you want to do calisthenics?
Your treatment team collaborates on your case.
You meet your personal cancer navigator.
¡! ¿Será posible?
Wardrobe malfunction It’s every teenaged boy’s dream:
a dress that becomes transparent when someone else looks at it. Perhaps in response to the still-popular fad of speed dating, a Dutch design group has just released a new line of dresses that go translucent in response to the wearer’s heart rate. The more excited you get while wearing one of these frocks, the more of you everyone else gets to see. You won’t find these gowns at Dillard’s. Available in white or black, the Intimacy 2.0 is a futuristic haute couture frock made of leather and something called “smart e-foils,” which cause the dress fabric to become see-through in response to man-made electric current. “Social interactions determine the garment’s level of transparency,” according to an official release from the dress’s inventor, “creating a sensual play of disclosure.” In other words, the heck with batting your
eyes at a cute guy across the room! Allow yourself to get all hot and bothered, and show him what’s in store for him if only he’d head your way. (Presumably the company is busily inventing invisible compression garments, as well – because who wants their dress to vanish, only to reveal two pairs of Spanx beneath?)
Unveiled recently by Dutch fashion design firm, Studio Roosegaarde, the transparent dress sounds like an elaborate joke. But, apparently it’s for real, and perfect for women who can’t be bothered with telling a guy they’re not interested in him and want clothing that relays the message by not vanishing. Studio Roosegaarde’s initial design for Intimacy 2.0 features a plunging neckline with e-foil pads protruding from the shoulders. Perhaps, aware that not every gal seeking a vanishing dress also wants to look like Judy Jetson, the designers have invited haute couture fashionistas to submit designs of their own. Thus far, the company has not solicited a sane reason for wearing a dress that vanishes when your heart goes pitty-pat.
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“Old fridges waste energy. Recycle yours and get $50.”
Running an old fridge can waste up to $100 in energy costs every year. Especially if it’s outside or in a garage. When you recycle your old working fridge with SRP, you get $50 in your pocket, 95% of that old fridge gets reused, and you save energy too. To schedule your free pickup and find out more, visit misrp.com.
Conversation starters from the world around us
12 LP Journal
Depakote debacle means millions in payouts to AZ; cheeseburger in (Mexican) paradise; Arredondo’s woes
17 Anaya says
Endurance is not just about how fast you go
19 Pocho Keen 21 Rincón del arte
It’s graduation time again
Stomping feet and twirling skirts inspire dance troupe instructor
i say... I am the Rosa Parks of men that Maxim readers want to see back up that bus.
Photo courtesy of shupe.net
Late-night comedian, Stephen Colbert, on being selected as one of the 100 Hottest Women in the World by Maxim magazine
If I embarrassed the state, I apologize.
page
14
Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand headline the 2012 Prescott Bluegrass Festival
Secretary of State, Ken Bennett (who also co-chairs Mitt Romney’s Arizona campaign), to KTAR radio, a propos of his request to Hawaii’s Department of Health to verify the authenticity of President Obama’s birth certificate latinopm.com
¡ June 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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¡!
LP journal
El Santo’s Mexican “heaven” has little in common with earthly counterpart
Baja fresh It’s a peculiar contradiction. Arizonans appear, for the most part, not to want Mexicans to take over the Valley, and, yet, we seem to have no objections to crowding our town with Mexicanthemed restaurants. What’s the deal? North Scottsdale has recently added El Santo to its long list of Mexican restaurants, a Mexican-themed, cantinacum-patio-bar that has, according to its media kit, “arrived to bring you all that Mexico has to offer.” Well, maybe not all. No Spanishspeakers, for example. No mariachis wailing “Canción mixteca” while you’re trying to sip your margarita. And, definitely, no messy fish tacos wrapped in greasy paper. Instead, El Santo offers dinner and drinks “built around a Mexican resortstyle pool” and a “Baja-style menu” (read: Sonoran Caesar salads and chicken burritos). Judging from this eatery’s entrée list, the Mexicans in Baja eat a lot of cheeseburgers and braised short ribs – and apparently require a lot of room to do it in, too. El Santo boasts 25,000 square feet “of Mexican heaven,” which has us wondering what part of Mexico (or heaven!) the proprietors are familiar with. The kind with 8,000-square-foot bars, it would appear. 12
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¡ June 2012!
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The folks at El Santo mean well. And, who knows? Maybe they’re propagandists, looking to convince unsuspecting gringos that Mexico is just like Ahwatukee, only with rellenos and fewer golf courses. Perhaps, El Santo is part of a larger plan to take over Arizona with chimichangas and salted-rim glassware. Why else would their slogan be, “At El Santo, it is Cinco de Mayo 365 days a year!”?
And 100 million bones to the state with the anti-drug policies! Tom Horne isn’t all bad, we suppose. The state’s attorney general recently bagged nearly $2 million of a $100 million, multi-state settlement for Arizona. In a case against Abbott Laboratories over allegations of illegal off-label marketing for the drug Depakote, Horne and other plaintiffs representing 43 other states alleged unfair and deceptive practices when Abbott mis-marketed Depakote. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of seizure disorders, bipolar disorder and migraines, but Abbott was peddling it for treating schizophrenia, agitated
dementia and autism, which were not FDA-approved treatments. In addition to the $100 million settlement, Abbott will pay a $700 million criminal penalty fine, and must plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of violating the FDA’s Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for misbranding. Ouch. The settlement is the largest-ever consumer protection-based judgment against a pharmaceutical company; the nearly $2 million that Arizona will receive will be placed in the state’s
LP journal
¡!
Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund. “Consumers need to be able to trust the health care system, and that includes ensuring that pharmaceutical companies market their products appropriately,” Horne said in a press release. “This settlement shows that this office and my colleagues nationwide will not tolerate the improper marketing of medicines that affect people’s physical and mental well-being.” Under the settlement, Abbott will be prohibited from making false or misleading claims about Depakote, and from promoting Depakote for off-label uses. The company is now required to limit the number of responses to requests from physicians for nonpromotional information about off-label uses of Depakote, and for five years must limit dissemination of clinical studies related to similar, untested uses of the drug. All of which, one can assume, Tom Horne will be taking single-handed credit for during his re-election campaign.
No more home runs for Arredondo Republicans were no doubt pleased when Democratic State Representative Paul Ben Arredondo was indicted by a federal grand jury last month for bribery, mail fraud, extortion and a charge of making false statements. Arredondo, a Tempe city council member for 16 years, who was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in November 2010, stands accused of allegedly receiving $6,000 in tickets for sporting and entertainment events in exchange for help in securing local land deals, according to a Justice Department mid-May news release. Investigations suggest that his alleged behind-thescenes bribery deals may have occurred throughout his 16-year stint as council member and as representative-elect to the legislature, but, the indictment
is specific to bribes taken between February, 2009, and November, 2010. The indictment alleges that Arredondo accepted complimentary tickets and other gifts worth more than $6,000 from representatives of a development company seeking to buy city-owned property in Tempe. The representatives were, in fact, undercover agents with the FBI. Arredondo reportedly agreed to facilitate the agents’ purchase of the property with his influence as a city council member and member of the House, in return for freebies. According to reports from Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent James L. Turgal of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office,
Arredondo arranged meetings between the FBI agents and Tempe public officials, and coached the agents with insider information about the city’s bidding process. The documents further allege that he attempted to persuade other city officials to approve the fake development project, and later lied to the FBI about his conduct during an interview earlier this year. If he is convicted of the bribery charges, Arredondo faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, each count of mail fraud linked to the case, as well as the attempted extortion, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. One wonders if free tickets to the Diamondbacks were worth the risk. latinopm.com
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¡!
vibe
Bluegrass, Prescott-style
A.R.T.S. Market
If you’re looking for an alternative to the “same ol’”
Attention entrepreneurial artists, artisans,
weekend activities, head on over to Prescott’s historic downtown plaza for the 31st Annual Bluegrass Festival on June 23 and 24. Admission is gratis! If you want to spend the night in the high country and want an (inexpensive) off-the-beaten-path experience, Dry Camping is available at the Mile High Middle School, starting on June 21 ($15 per night; first come, first served). Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand will be headlining the festival. Also performing will be The Sonoran Dogs, Prescott’s own family bluegrass band, Just 4 Mama, Virtual Strangers, and Burnett Family Bluegrass. Check the festival’s webpage (prescottbluegrassfestival.com) for a complete schedule of activities and band line-up.
crafters and culinary delight vendors! The Roosevelt Row Arts District’s A.R.T.S. Market is accepting applications for its curated mercado, which takes place during the First Friday Art Walk and the Third Friday Gallery Night every month, year round, at 408 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. For more information, or to download the application and the vendor guidebook, go to rooseveltrow.org or call 602-7720083. Roosevelt Row uses the vendor fees to support public art and improvement and beautification projects in the neighborhood. Neat, que no?
Get more Vibe at latinopm.com
Metal magic Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is
hosting three exhibitions related to metals: Cu | 29: Contemporary Work in Copper; Crucible: 10 Years of Metals at Mesa Arts Center; and eleMEnTAL. All are on view through August 12. Cu | 29, an exhibition juried by renowned metalsmith, David Huang, pays tribute to the 29th element and Arizona’s status as a leading copper producer. Crucible is a showcase of artwork by faculty and resident and guest artists who have contributed to the Center’s metals program, which includes courses in blacksmithing, jewelry fabrication, casting, lapidary and enameling. eleMEnTAL features the works of local artists, Becky Chader McDonah, Tedd R. McDonah and Lynette Andreasen.
Polly Smith, Rust Agave
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Clockwise From top left: photo courtesy of shupe.net; Courtesy of A.R.T.S. Market; Courtesy of Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
Shupe headlines the 2012 Prescott Bluegrass Festival
vibe
Latina still standing
¡!
Creating support – sharing stories By Diana Bejarano
Despite betrayals, divorce, hardships
and numerous tragedies and losses, I can say without a doubt that I am truly a blessed woman. Thanks to my faith, my family and my friends, I am – a Latina Still Standing. What is a Latina Still Standing? In my own definition, a Latina Still Standing is someone who is resilient. She is a woman who stands strong despite having faced traumatic, life-changing events. She is an overcomer, who exudes beauty through her strength. She is beautiful from the inside out, and she is a Latina who refuses to quit. “Resilience” is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed, or even better, for the experience. It means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up. It is the quality of character that allows a person, or group of people, to rebound from misfortune, hardship and trauma. I am resilient. I am a Latina Still Standing. A Latina Still Standing is not perfect. Like many others, she has regrets; she has made mistakes and has hit bumps in the road along the way. But, even though she has fallen, she refuses to quit and she chooses to get back up. A Latina Still Standing wants the best for herself, her family and her community. She is committed to helping
other Latinas stand tall, and relies on her faith, family and friends to help her get through tough times. A Latina Still Standing respects herself and others. She smiles in the face of adversity; she handles challenges with grace and courage. She knows that strength and courage run through her veins, and is encouraged by the other Latinas that have gone before her. I want to share my story and the stories of other strong Latinas that I have met along my journey. I want to open up a dialogue and share experiences about how we each have managed to rebound from tremendous adversities and hardships. I want to share how we didn’t let those moments define us, how we overcame and are still overcoming, and how we keep standing. There is a common thread in the stories of the Latinas that I have met and interviewed. The stories of their faith, families and friendships play an integral role in helping them to stay strong, not to give up and to keep standing. Latinas have generations of strength and courage in their DNA; they also have strong support networks that consist of madres, tías, hermanas, comadres and amigas to help them get through any challenge that may arise. Our faith plays a tremendous role in our resilience. I know that, without my faith in
God, I would not have been able to survive any one of the traumatic events that I have endured. I have experienced tremendous loss in my 40 plus years on this earth: losing my two cousins who were murdered within a few months of each other, surviving my father’s suicide, enduring horrible betrayals, surviving a divorce, and many other tragedies. In spite of it all, I know that I am Still Standing because of my faith, my family and my good friends. Of the three, my faith has been the key ingredient that has allowed me to overcome each experience that has tried to knock me down. I am Still Standing. I look forward to hearing your Latina Still Standing stories and how you have overcome and are still standing. Diana Bejarano’s professional background includes more than 15 years of marketing and communication experience. She was named “Forty under 40” by both the Phoenix Business Journal (2005) and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2007). She is also a Hispanic Leadership Institute graduate (2007). She is an Arizona native and a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Reach her at latinastillstanding@yahoo.com or latinastillstanding.blogspot.com
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
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vibe
¡!
Anaya says Photo Courtesy of forgreaterglory.com
When not to quit By Catherine Anaya
You can learn a lot about yourself
Cinematic epic of a war for religious freedom
Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria star in For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada Set in 1920s post-revolutionary
Mexico, the film chronicles the religious war, known as la Cristiada, and General Gorostieta’s role in the peasant uprising. Garcia plays Gorostieta, who leads the army in its quest for religious freedom, and Longoria portrays the general’s wife, Gertrudis Lazaga Sepúlveda. The star-studded and multinational cast also includes: the legendary actor, Peter O’Toole; Panamanian actor, singer-songwriter, Ruben Blades; Chilean Santiago Cabrera (Ché); Colombian Academy Award nominee, Catalina Sandino Moreno (María Full of Grace); and Mexican telenovela hunk, Eduardo Verástegui (Chasing Papi). The epic action feature is directed by Dean Wright (visual effects producer, The Chronicles of Narnia) and produced by Pablo José Barroso. The film’s limited theatrical release is set for June 1. Unrelated to the film’s premiere, descendants of General Gorostieta and the Mexican government are planning a posthumous tribute to Gorostieta to include the publication of a compilation of letters written by the general to his wife, Gertrudis. According to reports in the Mexican newspaper, Milenio, the candid letters shed light on the human and altruistic side of the general, which prompted the family to share them with the film’s producers.
on the road to a marathon finish line – even when it’s not your first. In April, I ran my third Boston Marathon. My goal: to re-qualify to run this granddaddy of all marathons next year at age 45. I’ve never met a challenge I didn’t like, so, when I started experiencing unusual pains in my left leg just as my 16-week training started, I didn’t back off. I bought compression socks, a knee wrap, and amped up my massages and chiropractor visits. When I couldn’t run more than 11 miles without stopping in excruciating pain, I still didn’t back off. I got a cortisone shot instead. The throbbing continued. Anti-inflammatory medication helped the swelling, but did nothing for my bloated feeling of defeat. I wondered if I should pull out and defer the run to next year. Then, about a month to race day, I found a physical therapist, and I became confident that he’d get me strong enough to finish the race. I knew I wouldn’t be as fast, but with hard work we were sure I’d meet my goal! The alerts started coming two days before the race; Boston was facing record-breaking heat. The night before the race, marathon organizers asked folks not used to running in heat not to run. Since I run early mornings and indoors in the summer, I was no more equipped to run in heat than anyone else. By race time, 3,000 people had dropped out. I’ve invested too much, I thought, so I didn’t. It was worse than I had imagined. Flashing signs along the course warned
us to adjust our pace, slow down and drink plenty of water as the 90 degree sun relentlessly beat down. I doused myself at every water station, but just couldn’t feel hydrated enough. My breathing became difficult, my left leg started cramping and, at mile 17, I did the math and realized I would have to run exceptionally fast to meet my goal. I looked around as people collapsed or wobbled to medic tents and decided to turn off my watch and run to make it to the finish line safely. I fell short of my goal, finishing nearly an hour off my usual time. The heat made it brutally challenging. But here’s the interesting thing about pain: it’s fleeting. I can now relish the high points. I ran my first marathon without music! My leg held up better than I thought and I didn’t finish with my feet dragging but with my knees up! I discovered that endurance is about more than just how quickly I can run 26.2 miles. As a co-worker wrote me in a text: “You really found out what you are made of today – that course tested your will and it lost! Today, you left no doubt about it!” I once wrote that the wind is no match for the spirit. Well, neither is the heat. So don’t count me out just yet. Catherine Anaya anchors CBS 5 News weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6 & 10pm. She is a mother of two, marathon runner and motivational speaker. Reach her at canaya@kpho.com, connect with her on Facebook, twitter and at CatherineAnaya.com.
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There’s nothing I love more than taking my the ballgame. When a All family of my out big to plans were put on hold medical exam revealed lifestyle when I thought I had athat badmy cold and had aged my heart by an extra 10 years, it turned out to be heart failure. I was determined to get that time back. After a heart transplant, I feel lucky to But I needed help to change my life. be here. Mywas answer Mayo Clinic. My answer Mayowas Clinic. Adam Janusz Derrick Hall, Paradise Valley, Arizona
At Mayo Clinic, Adam was diagnosed with giant cell myocarditis, a devastating disease that often affects young, otherwise healthy people. He was outfitted with a Bi-Ventricular Assist Device Mayo Clinic’s personalized guidance Derrick change his lifestyle and reverse an the (BVAD) and was able to go physician home to wait for hishelped new heart. Fortomore information or to schedule damage to his visit heart. Mayo’s Heart Health and Performance Program is one of the many innovative appointment, mayoclinic.org/arizona or call 1-800-446-2279. ways that Mayo Clinic provides patients with diagnostic expertise and specialized care. To schedule an appointment, visit mayoclinic.org or call 1-800-446-2279
Pocho keen vibe
¡!
Like peachy keen, pero different
The Graduate Photo by Hilary Walsh
IT’S GRADUATION TIME AGAIN – ALWAYS
Luxuriating in success, New Mexico’s Demi Lovato starts North American concert tour in June
Demi Lovato in Phoenix The New Mexican native “Tween
Queen” kicks off her summer 2012 North American tour this month. She will perform in Phoenix at the Comerica Theater on July 13 with special guest, Hot Chelle Rae. Tickets ($25–$38) are available at livenation.com, the box office or 800-745-3000. The North American tour follows a triumphant South American experience; it seems everybody “hearts” the Sonny with a Chance TV actor. Like her Disney hermana, Selena Gomez, Lovato is more than Disney magic. The actor, musician and singersongwriter is celebrating the popularity of her new single, Give your Heart a Break, which has been downloaded over 200,000 times; its music video has reached over 10 million views on YouTube. Her latest album, Unbroken, released after a hiatus to work on “emotional and physical issues,” has been well received. The single, Skyscraper, was recently certified platinum, garnering over one million in sales. ¡Muy bien, Demetria!
a pretty interesting time of year. What should be a special moment for the graduate often times is a stressful one for the whole familia. Who do you invite; who do you not invite? What do you get for the graduate? Why is it that the best way your fun-loving tío can think of to say “congratulations” is with a big goofy balloon and a blow horn? Come on, tío, how about a Hallmark card stuffed with veintes instead? Don’t forget the 18-piece banda and the limousine ride to and from graduation – and all this is for your niece graduating from the eighth grade! For seniors graduating from high school, the matter is altogether different. Sure, the celebrations may be similar in scope, and your tío is sure to be there – with a slightly larger paunch, a different girlfriend and a more powerful horn – but what lies ahead is no longer a straight path to high school. Unfortunately, the future can be clouded with uncertainty for the graduate. For many Latinos, going to college is still a bit of a trailblazing endeavor, almost like entering a forest not sure what it is filled with and what lies ahead. At least for now, most Latino students don’t have too many friends and family that are experienced campers, which can make exiting the forest an even less familiar experience. Not knowing anything about college, I went because a few of my white friends went, and they always had great stories to tell when they came home. I wanted great stories to tell, too, so I
started at Glendale Community College a year after high school. That was the first time I actually studied. A year later, I transferred to ASU thinking I’d be a graphic designer, because all I knew how to do was draw. Somehow, I became an architecture student instead, and, after a couple of intense years, I switched majors and eventually graduated with a marketing degree. Sure, it took me seven years, but somehow it didn’t always seem that the accomplishment was appreciated the way I imagined it would be by some people close to me. I still remember my primos in California, who worked in construction, saying, “I thought you were going to be an architect, ay.” I’m sure the “congratulations, cuz” was implied, but it still stung a bit to hear that. College life was great. I had the best times of my life while also having some of the worst times of my life, and I didn’t give up. I didn’t become an architect, but I drew up some pretty decent plans for my future. So, hug the graduates in your life tight and tell them you’ll always be there for them, even if you don’t exactly know where “there” is. They’ll love you for it.
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Latino Perspectives Magazine
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rincón del arte
¡!
Dance awakens ethnic pride Vanessa Ramirez, director/instructor, Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ Originally from:
Nogales, Sonora, México
In Arizona since:
1993 (in the U.S. since 1980)
Training: Dance training with Daniel Macias in Venice, California, and Julie Gallego in Tucson, Arizona. Graduate of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe as a mind-body wellness practitioner.
Photo by Sarah Shaw Photography, courtesy of Vanessa
Ramirez
Why did you pursue ballet folklórico? As a child raised in the U.S., I wasn’t ever encouraged to be “proud of where I came from” or “proud of my Mexican roots.” The truth is that I had no clue where I came from or “what” I was, rather like the saying “ni de aquí, ni de alla.” I knew we were from Mexico, but was ashamed of that as a kid. My mother and I would go to the park for Saturday outings and, one day as I rode off on my bike, I heard this loud vibrant music and I followed it. As I turned the corner, I encountered the most beautiful sight – stomping feet and colorful twirling skirts. Without knowing what it was, my heart told me this was where I belonged! I traded the playground for sitting in the back of this gymnasium to watch the dancers. After months of sitting there, the director, Daniel Macias, approached us and asked why we continued to sit and just watch. My mother replied, “This is what she wants to do now instead of playing.” He allowed me to join the group as the only child in an adult dance group. Career highlights: I have had the honor to share a stage with Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Sol de México and Mariachi los Camperos de Nati Cano. For 15 years, I participated in the Phoenix Christmas Mariachi Festival at the U.S. Airways Center, as well as in the International Mariachi Festival in Las Vegas. About Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ:
Next professional goal:
I would like to travel to México to obtain professional instruction from maestros in folkloric dance and bring that experience back to my dancers.
Image courtesy of Vanessa Ramirez
Our dance troupe celebrates the colorful traditions of Mexican folkloric dance. The group began as a recreational class at the City of Chandler’s Snedigar Recreation Center, and has grown rapidly in its three-year existence from just 6 students in June, 2008, to more than 30 students currently. The students are 2-15 years old and, recently, I have added a class for adults. My students learn dances from various regions of México. Each month, they prepare a homework assignment about a particular Mexican holiday or about the region of origin of a dance they are learning; then, they share what they have learned in a class presentation. This encourages self-esteem, helps develop public speaking skills and improves their showmanship in performance. Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ
Website: quetzalli-az.com
Help us highlight the local arts Send information to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
¡ June 2012!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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Health care begins at home Being your own health care advocate can save your life By Robrt L. Pela
Carole Leighton was afraid to
appear foolish, so she didn’t ask her doctor to explain what he meant when he told her she had an esophageal malignancy. “I figured if I had cancer, he would have said that word,” she recalls three years later. “I went home and looked up esophageal malignancy on the Internet and nearly fainted. And then, I didn’t know who I was more angry with – my doctor, for not speaking plainly, or myself, for not demanding a definition, for not being my own health care advocate.” Leighton, who is cancer free these days, finds herself saying the words, “health care advocate,” a lot lately. “I tell everyone I know, ‘Look out for yourself, don’t do what I did. Ask questions of your doctor; make demands; just plain communicate!’” Becoming one’s own health care advocate is the key to good health, according to Lesley Cohen, a Seattle-based writer and author of the forthcoming e-book, Calling Dr. Google: How to Get the Most Out of a Visit to Your Physician. If you are not aggressive in getting answers to your health care questions, Cohen insists, you are less likely to receive adequate attention, and more likely to remain ill. “It’s all about fostering a great doctorpatient relationship,” she says. “The best doctor-patient relationship is one that’s a true partnership. The doctor’s job is to bring his medical expertise, and the patient must bring a very refined story about what his symptoms are, and how he’s 22
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experiencing them in his day-to-day life.” This partnership, Cohen says, will help the physician, not only to diagnose an existing malady, but will allow him to decide what treatments and therapies will work best for the patient. “I was a better patient after I learned to tell my doctor about all the details that I thought didn’t matter,” Cohen admits about her own recent bout with breast cancer. “When I was told that I needed chemotherapy, I didn’t mention that I picked up my children from school every day, because I didn’t think that it was relevant. So, I requested morning sessions for chemo, because I figured I’d go after I dropped the kids off from school. The oncologist ended up scheduling me for afternoon therapy, because he knew I’d be worn out afterward and not be able to go get my kids.” Asking questions of your physician, even during a routine checkup, is paramount. “One of my doctors spoke to me as if I were a pre-med student,” Cohen recalls. “I was afraid of appearing dumb, so I would just let him talk and then try to write down what he said and go home and look it up on Google later.” Later, she learned to stop doctors who spoke over her head and ask, “What does that mean?” Another key question, she says, was “What are my other options?” when told of a particular treatment. Overscheduled physicians often try to convey a lot of complicated, sometimes frightening,
information to a patient in a short amount of time. These communication lapses can mean that a patient won’t fully grasp the significance of a diagnosis, which can have dire consequences. It doesn’t hurt to remember that your physician is working for you, toward improving your health. Don’t be afraid, Cohen says, to admit your worst fears about your symptoms and what they might mean. “You’ll leave the doctor’s office feeling much better if your doctor has explained to you why your chest pains can’t possibly be lung cancer,” she says. “Your fear is also a symptom of what ails you, so share it with your doctor.” Perhaps the most important step you can take is choosing a primary care physician (PCP) who isn’t intimidating. It’s great to show up prepared for your doctor visit with a list of questions and concerns, but, if you’re not willing to stand up for yourself regarding his answers to your questions, the doctor may be gone from the room before you got what you came for. Challenging basic notions of what the doctor’s and the patient’s roles are can be a high hurdle for most people, but it’s one that’s always worth the leap. “I had a bump in my abdomen,” says Marcy Case, a dance instructor in Tempe. “It was sore to the touch. Every time I went to my general practitioner, I’d mention it, and she’d always feel it and say, ‘It’s just a lump of fat, nothing to worry about.’ And it turned out that she was
right, but for two years I was certain I had cancer, and I was scared.” Case finally got up the nerve to insist that her PCP send her to a specialist. A dermatologist confirmed that the lump was merely fatty tissue, and removed it in an outpatient procedure. Case blamed herself for two years of useless worry, and wished she’d been more firm with her primary care doctor in the first place. “Now, I consider myself in partnership with my doctor,” Case says. “We’re both working toward the same goal – my continued good health.” A similar “we’re in this together” attitude also works when dealing with one’s health insurance agency. Some companies will decline to cover expenses incurred from specialists without a written referral from your general practitioner, so, find out in advance if your insurance carrier is one
of these, and demand a written referral before you leave your primary care doctor’s office. Don’t let financial concerns keep you from asking for specialized medicine, either. “About 50 million Americans don’t carry health insurance,” Cohen reports. “And a lot of those who do have it won’t request a test or x-ray image because they know their policy won’t cover it. That’s one of the worst mistakes you can make when you suspect something is wrong.” Some fear that talking frankly to doctors about their financial concerns will lead to substandard care, because physicians are often thought of as “in it for the money.” Still others think that there is little a doctor can do for an uninsured patient. Neither is true. Many physicians have access to financial assistance programs designed to assist patients who are burdened
by out-of-pocket medical costs. Some offer in-house programs to help you pay your bill or discount the office visit fee, while other doctors keep free prescription drug samples on hand for patients whose insurance doesn’t cover prescriptives. Don’t be afraid to ask for them if you are strapped for cash. Finally, ask if your doctor can recommend a less expensive treatment option that could potentially work just as well as the newer, more expensive one he has just ordered. “Your financial well-being may not be your doctor’s responsibility,” Cohen concludes, “but, your overall good health is. He needs your partnership in every aspect of your care, and he is frankly counting on you to provide that partnership to meet the goal of making you – and keeping you – healthy.”
Suggestions for self-advocacy The doctor’s role as an authority figure is still deeply ingrained in our culture. But, working in tandem with your physician will ensure your continued good health. These easy steps will help make you an active advocate for your well-being.
Ask your doctor to consider your worst fears about what’s ailing you.You will, at least, have your fears relieved, and you may be giving the doctor additional information about your case.
Make a list of what you want to address with the doctor before you arrive at his office. Start with any signs or symptoms that are really scaring you, and don’t accept any information that does not completely answer each of your concerns.
Ask questions. There is a difference between asking about things you don’t understand and questioning your doctor’s judgment. Put “What does that mean?” at the top of your list of queries.
Do your homework (but don’t diagnose yourself). Showing up with a pile of printouts about ailments you googled may be off-putting to a doctor who wants to discover what your ailment actually might be. Be educated about your symptoms, but don’t start by telling the doctor what diagnosis has been suggested by the Internet.
Be willing to complain. Assert yourself if you have a problem with the care you are receiving, or if there is an issue you want your doctor to consider that you feel he hasn’t.
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Don’t be afraid to fire your doctor. Your health is at stake, and, if you feel you’re not getting the proper attention your health concerns deserve, find a new physician.
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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Driven to succeed Are you leaving your future in the dust? By Will Humble
You’ve done a great job keeping your
eye on the prize, creating a terrific life for your family. You work hard to give your kids what they need and to have time to spend with your friends. You go to work early and stay late to make sure that everything is the best it can be – and it’s paying off. In May, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce released a study showing the financial strength of Arizona Latinos. Hispanics are responsible for $40 billion in buying power in our state. Statistics show that the higher your income, the better your health. But that’s not the case for everyone. For those who don’t make health a priority in their lives,
their financial success comes at a grave cost: their physical and mental health. We take health for granted, spending so much time working for others that we forget about it – whether it is a regular check up with the doctor, eating right or working exercise into our schedule – it gets left on the “To Do” list all too often. Unfortunately, as members of this generation work tirelessly to improve their economic status, their personal health and well-being too often fall by the wayside. As a result, we may be living shorter lives than our parents – all because we don’t take care of ourselves. It’s not that we don’t want to – it’s just not a priority. But that has to change if
we want to enjoy the success we’re earning; we have to make our health a top priority. Studies have found that, compared to white non-Hispanics, Hispanic Americans suffer disproportionately from health conditions that put them at greater risk for dying early. Latinos have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes than white non-Hispanics. For many people, the reasons are lack of access to preventive health care, lack of health insurance or a language barrier. But you’ve beat those odds: English is no problem, you have great insurance and you could go to the doctor if you wanted. So, what is the problem? It could be that pre-
Rankings shows Maricopa County as third healthiest in Arizona The 2012 County Health Rankings places Maricopa County as the third healthiest of Arizona’s 15 counties based on an array of factors, such as smoking rates, access to healthy food, teen birth rates and the number of primary care physicians. Maricopa is home to nearly four million people, including more than one million Latinos, according to the 2010 Census. Compared to the state averages, Maricopa County has a lower rate of premature deaths, a smaller percentage of children in poverty, higher high school graduation rates and more screening for diabetes and breast cancer. “Other areas where [it’s] doing better include fewer adults smoking and less sexually-transmitted infections,” says Angela Russell, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). The Rankings, a collaborative project between the UWPHI and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), is an annual check-up that 24
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highlights the healthiest and least healthy counties in every state, as well as those factors that influence health outside of the doctor’s office. “Where we live, learn, work and play has a big role in determining how healthy we are and how long we live,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., MBA, and president and CEO of RWJF. “The good news is that businesses, health care providers, government, consumers and community leaders are already joining forces in communities across the nation to change some of the gaps that the Rankings highlight.” The Rankings shows the importance of environmental, social, economic and other factors, including individual behaviors and clinical care, in influencing how long and how well people live. Among them, social and economic factors, such as education, income, employment and community safety, have a huge impact on people’s quality of life. Within each state, however, even the healthier counties have areas in which they can improve. Maricopa County’s challenges include its
ventive health care isn’t a priority. It could be cultural barriers. Many men may think that they don’t need to see a doctor, while many women think that there isn’t time because they are too busy taking care of others. Early detection of heart disease, diabetes or cancer can make the difference in living a full rewarding life, enjoying the successful life that you’ve earned – watching your kids graduate from high school and college, dancing at quinceañeras and weddings, and watching grandchildren grow. Many people are afraid of a diagnosis, imagining the worst. But, in reality, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. Look at it from a work perspective: when you learn there might be a bump in the road coming up, you start planning for it – like the cost of college for your kids, or an opportunity to expand your business, or applying for a promotion. It’s the same with your health. When you tackle an issue with your health early on, you
increase your chance of coming out on top. If you have high blood pressure and start taking steps to reduce it, you can often reverse the damage that has been done. If you have cancer and detect it early, you might completely beat it. There has been amazing progress in the field of health care, but all the technology and advances won’t make a difference unless you know you have a problem. Let’s talk about diabetes, one of the most common health problems for Mexican Americans. Hispanics are twice as likely as non-Hispanics to have type-2 diabetes. It’s a simple test to find out if you have it, and, once you know, you can live with it for a very long time. But, if you have it and don’t know, you are destroying your body. You wouldn’t let anything hurt your family or risk your job, but that’s what you are doing if you have diabetes and don’t know it. Diabetes affects your heart, your eyes and your kidneys, not to mention an overall reduction in your wellbeing.
43 days per year of poor air quality compared with an average of 29 for the rest of the state. Maricopa also has higher rates of teen births and homicides than neighboring counties. “We see the County Health Rankings as a starting point so you can see a snapshot of where your county is doing well and where there are opportunities for improvement,” Russell says. “We don’t want these to be data that sit on the computer; we want these to be data that are used to take action.” New this year is the County Health Roadmaps, which is intended to help counties mobilize and take action to create healthier places. It features the Roadmaps to Health Prize, which will be awarded early next year to as many as six communities working at the forefront of better health practices for all residents. Applications for the $25,000 cash prize, which can be downloaded at countyhealthrankings.org/ roadmaps/prize, are being accepted through June 7.
One easy step you can take to improve your health, even before you can get into to see a doctor, is to start exercising – get moving! It’s one of the best strategies to prevent all kinds of health issues. And, it can be fun. Involve your family. Involve your coworkers. Make it a challenge, if that’s what motivates you. Do something to make sure you have the opportunity to enjoy the successful life you have created for yourself and your family. Will Humble serves as Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). He has over 25 years experience working in the public health sector, 20 of those with ADHS. The Department provides a wide array of health-related services including Arizona’s behavioral and public health systems, the Arizona State Hospital, medical and child care licensure and certification services, and the Arizona Public Health Laboratory.
“We don’t separate the data by race or ethnicity; I think it’s really important for all residents to get engaged,” Russell urges. “If you see something in your area that you want changed, tell people about it. Write or call your local elected official and say, ‘We have a challenge here, and I want to be a part of the solution.’” This year, to illustrate the connection between social factors and health further, RWJF and the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Human Needs unveiled a new and improved County Health Calculator. The Calculator is an interactive online app that shows how education and income influence rates of diabetes and diabetes costs county by county. Visit countyhealthrankings.org to read the full report. Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation latinopm.com
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g n i u s Pur n a c i x e the M Dream Q & A with Gennaro
Garcia
By Joe Ray
Gennaro Garcia is an artist who grew up in and around his family’s restaurants in San Luis and Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. Along with his passion for fine cuisine, he discovered a passion for art. In addition to preparing the foods he loved, he also wanted to paint and photograph them. Today, Gennaro lives in the town of Maricopa with his wife and young daughter, where he creates art and maintains his love of food and the joy it brings to others.
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Tell us about your creative process
Usually it starts by looking around inside my home, inside my soul. Then, I’ll walk outside, or if I go driving, I’ll look around. Everything is art. I take pictures continuously. Then, when I’m ready to paint, I look inside again. I look for something that got my attention before, then I start sketching everything. The funny part is that I never know what I will paint, or what colors will be on the canvas; all I need is a blank canvas treated with Italian plaster full of texture. I just stare at the canvas. Sometimes it’ll take a few minutes and sometimes a few days, but the idea is just to create something new, something different – just something.
You’re the father of a beautiful, two-year-old daughter, Frida. How has fatherhood shaped your outlook as an artist? Is it evident in the work itself, or is it more subtle?
Well, now I no longer have control of my time. She gets my attention all day long; I don’t like to paint if I know I can be playing or doing something with her. But, my art is still the same; the only difference is that now I paint thinking about her. I hear her, and that just keeps me painting. There is nothing more beautiful than spending time with that little girl.
You had a show in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Tell us about your “Mexican Dream” and why it’s so personal
The idea of exhibiting in San Miguel de Allende came after receiving an invitation to exhibit my work in New York City. A well-known gallery in New York in the Chelsea area contacted me and offered me representation for a year, along with a solo show. I agreed, but, the very next day, I called back and canceled because I wanted to exhibit in Mexico first. I recall that they asked me at which gallery in Mexico I would exhibit, and I replied, “I don’t have one yet.” Of course, they told me I was out of my mind, and I agreed with them! I told them that exhibiting in New York City was a dream for any artist and it is part of my American Dream, too. But, what happened to my Mexican Dream?
Where is the Mexican exhibit?
I wanted to exhibit in my Mexico – en mi patria, mi segunda piel. That’s my “Mexican Dream,” to exhibit in my Mexico. A few weeks later, I met a Mexican film director, Carlos Muñoz. When he was presenting his latest movie here in Phoenix, we talked and laughed, and he asked me about my future plans. I told him about wanting to go back to Mexico and find a gallery, and I also mentioned the New York story. He laughed and told me I was very güey! Then, about a week later, he contacted me from Mexico City and asked if I was serious about wanting to exhibit in Mexico. I said, “Yes, of course,” and he suggested doing this short film about my journey back to Mexico, and that’s what we ended up doing. I flew to San Miguel de Allende and he followed me around “24/7” with his cameras. I was fortunate to find the gallery I wanted and, thanks to my dear friend, Guiomar, who lives in San Miguel, I was introduced to so many amazing people. This got me even more excited about exhibiting there. So, on January 6, I had my first solo show in Mexico, “Finding My Mexican Dream.” This is part of the short film that Carlos Muñoz is putting together.
What is your biggest goal and ambition for 2012 and 2013? As a follow-up to the exhibit in San Miguel, Mexico City will be next, then, it’s New York City. This is where the film will end.
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You collaborate with young artists and school kids on community murals. Tell us a little about this process. The satisfaction that you get from working with many of these kids has to be fantastic, but it’s a lot of work. What are some of the challenges that this poses for you?
This is especially where my little Frida has changed me. I think now that I am a parent, I want to get more involved with kids in our community. This all started with Calle 16, the mural project. We are doing so much good for the city and for our kids, but this is just one platform. We can’t stop there. We can do so much more than that. Why stop there? Why stop there when we can help much more if we can work collaboratively? I never had an opportunity to work with any real artists when I was a kid. If you spend a little bit of time with kids talking about art and teaching them, then you’ll be part of those kids’ futures. Maybe some kids will decide to stop playing video games and start painting. Maybe they’ll decide to stop tagging and start sketching. You never know. Art is a lot like sports; you stay out of trouble. You become more expressive and productive. And, it’s good for your soul. Besides that, being an artist is cool – you know that, Joe!
Do you keep a journal? If so, how often do you write or sketch in it?
I sketch a lot, but not always in a journal; sometimes sketches are on the walls at my studio. Also, I’ll write, but sometimes I toss it and sometimes I keep what I’ve written. I don’t have time to write about my life. However, if you ask me, I will write, but not every day.
What do you feel has been your biggest success as an artist?
The fact that I’m able to travel anywhere in the world – from Mexico to Africa, from Puerto Rico to Italy – all in order to find inspiration for my art. Or, maybe, that’s just my excuse to travel.
What about your biggest failure as an artist?
Ouch! Okay, I’ll tell you. I always wanted to be an architect. I still want to be one, I think.
If you were to push yourself in a completely different creative direction in the next few months, what would you do? Think of something you’ve never done before but would like to try?
That would be sculpture. I want to work on large sculptures. And I will. Actually, I’m working on one now. It will be very different from what everyone has seen in my art. I think the idea of being an artist is to create art no matter how, in any medium. Just create.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing? Selling Chiclets at the border. No, I think I would be a restauranteur. Without a doubt, that would be it.
Joe Ray is an artist, creative director, speaker and writer, as well as vice president of multicultural marketing at E.B. Lane in Phoenix.
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35 Entrepreneur Nancy Juarez, surviving rough times for small business owners
37 Briefcase
New online tool to calculate Social Security benefits; Latinos favor mobile technologies; taking the “Pledge” to reduce unemployment among lowincome youth
Movin’ Up Hurtado elected to AAAS
Photo Courtesy of ASU Alumni Association
Ana Magdalena Hurtado, a human evolutionary ecologist and professor at Arizona State University’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change, has been elected to join the 2012 cohort of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS), a leading center for independent policy research. Among the Academy’s members are more than 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer Prize winners. Vicki L. Ruiz, a former chair of ASU’s Chicano/a Studies Department and current dean of the School of Humanities at the University of California, Irvine, is also among the individuals selected for the 2012 cohort.
Evolutionary ecologist, Professor Ana Magdalena Hurtado, newly elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
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movin’ up DREAM Act, holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University and was once part of the famed Carl Hayden High School Falcon Robotics Club.
Castro nominated to national board Greg Pereira
Pereira at the helm of SPOT 127 Greg Pereira recently joined KJZZ as executive director of its new youth media center, SPOT 127, which seeks to motivate youth to remain in school, as well as train and mentor the next generation of public broadcasters. Prior to joining KJZZ, the Oregon native worked for Central Arizona Shelter Services, where he served as director of programs and shelters. SPOT 127 is a collaborative project of KJZZ, Rio Salado College and the Phoenix Union High School District.
Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, has been nominated by President Obama to become a member of the National Museum and Library Services Board. Pending Senate confirmation, Castro will serve a four-year term. The Board serves as an advisory body to the director of the Institute of Museums and Library Services, whose mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.
Matuz is one of Time’s 100 Dulce Matuz, president of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition (ADAC), is among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. For the past nine years, the magazine has recognized individuals who use their ideas, visions and actions to transform the world. ADAC’s vision is “complete integration of undocumented youth into our education system and economy.” Matuz, who has been an advocate for the
Carolina Luque
Students honored by UA Hispanic alumni The University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Club celebrated its 30th anniversary this past April during their annual Celebration of Excellence Luncheon. At the event, the Club recognized four
graduating students for their academic accomplishments. Arturo Rodriguez and Natalie Nevárez were honored as the 2012 Outstanding Seniors. Carolina Luque and Elise F. Oviedo were awarded the 2012 Outstanding Graduate/ Professional Student Award.
Lydia A. Aranda
CLFSA presents awards The Arizona State University Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association (CLFSA) held its annual awards ceremony late last month to recognize the outstanding work of four individuals. Carlos Hernandez was presented with the Roberto L. Pastor Student Award, Chris X. Reyes received the Dr. Christine Marin Staff Award, Maria Adelaida Restrepo was honored with the Dr. Manuel Servin Faculty Award, and Lydia A. Aranda, co-founder of BASC America, was recognized with the César E. Chávez Community Service Award.
THCC’s Man and Woman of the Year The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has selected Alma Gallardo, general
Movin’ Up Know someone who has been promoted, elected or honored? Send us the news of their achievements! Email movinup@latinopm.com 32
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manager of Arizona Bilingual Magazine and Omar Mireles, executive vice president of HSL Properties, as the 2012 Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year. Their professional accomplishments and community involvement will be recognized at the 18th Annual Noche de Éxitos Gala and Bi-national Business Awards to be held in October of this year at the Casino del Sol Resort in Tucson.
Miguel Bravo
HBSA’s Exemplary Leaders The Arizona State University Hispanic Student Business Association (HBSA) has selected Miguel Bravo (Emerging Ethnic Markets, APS) and Chris Bustamante (president, Rio Salado College) as its 2012 Exemplary Leaders. The awards were presented during the organization’s 38th annual banquet, held last April. Bravo and Bustamante were recognized for their mentoring, enthusiasm, interest and significant support of HBSA and its student members. Avilia Guardiola and Michael Garcia received the 2012 Outstanding HBSA Alumni Awards.
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entrepreneur
She’s a smooth operator Nancy Juarez, founder of A Gentle Solution Founded:
2001
Employees:
Two
Elevator pitch:
Imagine having smooth, hair-free skin without shaving, waxing or plucking unwanted hair! We offer laser hair removal utilizing state-of-the-art technology. We use the Candela Gentlelase Plus® laser with a built-in cryogen cold-spray that is an added benefit for client comfort.
Resume highlights:
Eleven years in the Valley; made The Book of Lists 2002 Arizona Business Journal Minority-owned Business; no BBB complaints in 11 years. Photo by Jose Muñoz
In one word, your life as an entrepreneur: Juggler Excluding yours, company you admire most: CenturyLink, formerly Qwest Three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur: Discipline, organization, networking.
Important business milestone: Opening the company through 9/11 and surviving the recent economic recession.
Book that has inspired you the most: Rain of Gold
If you could do it all over again, what you do differently: I would have avoid-
Historical figure you would like to meet: Anne Frank Best advice you have received:
If at first
you don’t succeed, try again!
What prompted you to start your own business: I was the mother of two young chil-
ed going into debt at an early stage.
Advice to others wanting to open their own business: Thorough study of the business requirements, market and location.
Plans for the future:
Continue to provide excellent service to new and existing clients.
dren and I wanted the flexibility of planning my own schedule around their needs.
Most challenging aspect of being a small business owner: Access to start-up capital.
Adjustments made in the past year to weather the current economic climate: Adjusted pricing and offers in order to attract
Website:
demand.
agentlesolution.com 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite 107 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 623-551-0277
Suggest an entrepreneur Send your information to editor@latinopm.com.
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JUST SAY
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:
Social Security (check) By Jonathan Higuera
If you’ve ever wondered how big (or small) your
Social Security check will be once you retire, the Social Security Administration is trying to make it easier for you to calculate. Last May, it released an online version of the Social Security statement. It can be found at socialsecurity.gov. Just scroll down the left-hand side of the page to the “estimate your retirement benefits” button and click. The retirement planning tool includes your annual income since you started paying into Social Security (up to the Social Security limit); a calculation of how much Social Security you’ll be eligible for when you reach retirement at 62, 66/67 and 70; how much money you and your dependents qualify for if you are disabled; and how much your spouse and family would be eligible for if you died. The information has been available online for several months as part of a soft launch. Now that it is officially released, the security is better, so you’ll need to be prepared to sign up. Besides your Social Security number and date of birth, you’ll have to come up with a complex log-in name and password. One great part of the new tool is that your Social Security number will not be found anywhere on it. And
you can completely block electronic access to the page altogether, opting instead to get the information via U.S. mail. This writer enjoyed plugging some of those numbers into an inflation calculator and was surprised to see that his starting weekly salary of $295 in 1986 was equivalent to $609 a week today. It sure didn’t feel like that much money at the time.
We love our mobile phones In what may be a surprise to
everybody except Latinos, a marketing firm reported last month that Latinos are more likely than non-Latinos to use smartphones and tablet computers. Also, they are more likely than whites to use mobile devices to access the Internet. eMarketer, the firm that commissioned the survey, found that more than 50 percent of Latinos use smartphones and 19 percent own tablets. The firm at-
tributed Latinos’ propensity to use smartphones and tablets to the group’s young demographic. The survey results contrast with other studies that showed Latino families as less likely than the general population to own a computer in their home or to have internet ac-
cess at home. The findings suggests that Latinos are foregoing heavier, clunkier and less mobile options for smartphones and tablets. In fact, Latinos are expected to spend $17.6 billion on mobile technology devices this year and another $500 million on mobile applications, the eMarketer reports.
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AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE expect more for my hard work and determination.
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briefcase
Phoenix chapter of LATISM holds first meeting Latinos’ embrace of social media is evident in the growth of the group,
Latinos in Social Media, which goes by the acronym, LATISM. The national group has more than 140,000 members in its network and now has a Phoenix chapter. Pretty amazing when one considers the group started with a single tweet in 2009 asking, “Where are the other Hispanics?” The local chapter, which has been in formation since last December, is headed by local artist and multicultural marketing professional, Joe Ray. The group’s codirector is Eric Diaz, principal of the marketing firm, DK Web Consulting. LATISM’s Phoenix chapter met in May at The Lost Leaf in central Phoenix. Speakers discussed the role of social media in the upcoming political campaigns and received updates from members of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition. If you are wondering why the group even called for a traditional meeting, don’t be so quick to react. The whole event was covered through Twitter.
Summer youth jobs Some may remember their first
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job, whether it was landscaping for an uncle or flipping burgers at McDonald’s. These days, even those jobs can be hard to come by for America’s youth. Among the battered and bruised left in the wake of a moribund U.S. economy, young people have been hit as hard as any group, especially low-income youth. Only 49 percent of jóvenes between the ages of 16 and 24 were employed in July, 2011, down from 63 percent a decade ago, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. And July is the peak month for youth employment. Now the Obama administration is asking businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to help alleviate the situation this summer by committing to a “Pathways Pledge.” The pledge asks that employers commit to following three pathways to help low-income youths find jobs and gain important job skills. Specifically, it asks that they: Provide young people with soft skills, such as communication, time management and teamwork through coursework and experience. The employer could offer resume writing and interviewing workshops, as well as mentoring programs.
Provide young people with insight into the world of work to prepare them for employment through job shadow days and internships. Hire young people to give them onthe-job skills and a wage for their work. For employers considering committing to the pledge and youths looking for summer job opportunities, visit dol.gov/ summerjobs to learn more about the initiative.
briefcase
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City of Phoenix goes local first For years, owners of small businesses in Greater Phoenix could only
shake their heads and wring their hands when they learned of yet another out-of-state vendor receiving a City of Phoenix contract for services or goods. Unlike many cities which instituted “local first” policies for its business community, Phoenix had never seen fit to go down that path. In the spring, that changed. With the impetus coming from Mayor Greg Stanton, a new city policy was put in place requiring the city to award contracts of $50,000 or less to local businesses whenever practicable. In other words, the city has to solicit three bids from local businesses before it can decide to look elsewhere. That’s music to the ears of the folks at Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that advocates for locally-owned small businesses. It had been pushing for such a policy for several years. Started in 2003 as Chain Reaction by local business owner, Kimber Lanning, the group expanded in 2007, changed its name and became a 501(c) 3. “The best part about the new policy is that it will drive business and create jobs right here at home,” say Lanning, executive director and founder of Local First Arizona. “San Diego did something similar and they did an additional $40 million in business in the first two and a half years.” “It’s still a competitive bidding process,” says Lanning, “but, a local business will inherently do more for the local economy.” Currently, the push is to get more local businesses certified to bid on these jobs; the city has been holding workshops on the certification process for small business owners. According to Local First Arizona, studies have shown that for every $100 spent in a locally-owned business, roughly $42 remains right here in Arizona. When that same $100 is spent in a national chain store, only $13 remains here. City of Phoenix Finance Director, Jeff Dewitt, estimated that $17 million worth of city contracts will be available annually to local business owners first. He also noted that the city has created a new electronic procurement and e-mail system to let local business owners know when opportunities for business are available. That system will be ready in July. “They’re going to be better informed of what work is available, which will result in more competition and better prices for the city,” Dewitt told The Arizona Republic.
NOMINATE AN ORGANIZATION FOR ITS OWN GOOD A nonprofit or private sector organization could be awarded a $55,000 prize. The new Piper Trust Encore Prizes reward organizations that engage people over 50 in programs that serve the greater good by combining personal meaning with social impact. Nominate a qualified organization that you work for or know of today. Visit: PiperTrust.org/Encore
PiperTrust.org @PiperTrust Visit Us 480.948.5853
Send us your briefcase items
Have a business story idea? Email us at editor@latinopm.com.
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Learn something new this
summer.
Take Summer Classes at a Maricopa Community College maricopa.edu/explore Chandler-Gilbert I Estrella Mountain I GateWay I Glendale | Mesa Paradise Valley I Phoenix | Rio Salado | Scottsdale | South Mountain maricopa.edu @mcccd
MCCCD is an EEO/AA Institution.
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Highway patrolman does it his way Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, 22-year veteran of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Chavez is a native of Yuma, Arizona, where he
A typical day: My entire time with the agency has been in the Highway Patrol Division. I worked the highways enforcing traffic laws, investigating collisions, making arrests, assisting other agencies, etc. Currently, I am assigned to administrative duties within Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. I work with federal grants that the agency receives, as well as assisting the two commanders. Inherent dangers you face:
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Chavez
began his career with the Department of Public Safety. A graduate of Arizona Western College, Chavez later moved to the Phoenix area after being promoted to sergeant. His career has primarily consisted of working in the highway patrol division (patrol officer) and the commercial vehicle enforcement unit. He has been an active member of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (HPA), where he served as vice president from 2004 to 2007. Since then, Chavez has been president up to the present. Founded in 1958, the HPA’s mission is to promote the positive role of law enforcement professionals, and to protect and secure rights and benefits for their members through effective representation with local, state and national governments. Chavez is also the current president of the Arizona Police Association.
Why did you decide to become a police officer? I happened upon this career
Working the highways, the inherent danger is not knowing who is in the vehicle I am about to stop. The traffic stop is probably one of the most dangerous aspects of law enforcement.
choice after meeting and becoming good friends with a police officer while I was living in Tucson. I was exposed to the job after talking with him and riding along during a few of his shifts. After that, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
Proudest moments:
Greatest satisfaction for serving:
These include the successful prosecution and incarceration of those who have caused serious injury or death because they chose to drive under the influence.
Knowing that I do this because I want to and those with whom I come in contact know it also. I have had a long career that has been nothing but fun from day one.
Nominate a candidate
Help us acknowledge those who serve. Men and women currently in the military or a first responder. Send your info to editor@latinopm.com. latinopm.com
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Arizona has failed to address the Latino education gap New Morrison Institute report details the grim facts By Erica Cardenas
Arizona’s Latino education gap could lead to A
state crisis. According to a recent report released by the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, new data and projections point to a future fiscal and economic crisis for Arizona unless the state’s Latino educational attainment gap is addressed. The 40-page report, Dropped? Latino Education and Arizona’s Economic Future, is a follow-up to the Morrison Institute’s 2001 landmark publication, Five Shoes Waiting to Drop on Arizona’s Future. The new report narrows its focus to education, noting that little or no progress among Latinos has occurred – and, in fact, key measurements indicate some reverses – despite the warnings of a decade ago concerning the need for a highlyskilled workforce in today’s economy. “This report isn’t about ethnicity, but about economics, demographics and a failure a decade ago to deal with a critical education issue,” said Susan Clark-Johnson, executive director of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy. “Latinos eventually will comprise a majority of Arizonans and provide an increasingly larger share of the state’s leaders, workers and tax base. If we do not close the educational gap, all of Arizona will suffer the consequences. In truth, education here needs to be improved for all Arizonans. In a competitive global environment, our overall education achievement lags far behind that of too many countries,” she said. Some key findings of the report note: In 1980, Latinos made up 16 percent of Arizona’s total population. Today, that number is 30 percent, as the state and nation continue to move toward a “majority-minority” populace. Latinos will be the largest component in Arizona’s future workforce with the state already home to more Latinos than whites under 18 years of age. Nearly 100 percent of Latino children under age five in Arizona are U.S. citizens, contrary to political rhetoric about immigration. With the trend for lower average incomes and fewer jobs for low-skilled laborers, Arizona’s unemployment and poverty
rates can be expected to worsen with greater demand on state services and less revenue to pay for them. Projections show that by 2030, if income and education trends continue, the combined average income for Latinos and whites in Arizona will drop to $32,423 (in 2010 dollars), down from today’s combined average of $39,667. The report, with senior policy analysts, Bill Hart and C.J. Eisenbarth Hager, as principal authors, emphasizes the point that all of Arizona’s education must greatly improve in order for Arizona to compete in the new economy. “We are not preparing most of our students adequately to handle the competitive challenges of a global economy; and we are particularly failing to tap the enormous potential of Arizona’s fastest-growing population group,” the report states. “If Arizona does not deal with its current and increasingly significant educational attainment gap, the state faces a very real possibility of economic decline.” The report, the result of a one-and-a-half-year project overseen by David Daugherty, director of research at the Morrison Institute, also discusses the root causes of the Latino education gap and recommends strategies to address the problem. The report is available at morrisoninstitute.asu.edu. latinopm.com
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After-school STEM experiments For nine consecutive weeks, 250
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middle school students from the Kyrene School District performed a variety of STEM experiments. Recently, the results were presented to more than 750 community members as part of the ASU Citizen Scientist-Engineer @ Kyrene after-school program. The program taps into student interest in pursuing careers in STEM-related fields utilizing Science FoundationArizona’s Graduate Research Fellows (GRF) at ASU, as well as ASU science and engineering faculty. The GRFs worked side by side with teachers and students from six Kyrene middle schools on science and engineering projects involving a wide
array of disciplines, such as the design of water filtration devices, alternative and renewable energy models, exploratory microbiology and genetics. “Our graduate research fellows really enjoy sharing their knowledge and research with K-12 students and find hands-on teaching extremely rewarding,” said Len Fine, senior scientific program officer at Science FoundationArizona. The project aims to make science and engineering relevant to K-12 students, and allows the research fellows opportunities for effective communication of their knowledge and research to the students, their families and their communities.
2013 Teacher of the Year The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF), a nonprofit organization
Fo l l ow us on
dedicated to fostering excellence in education, is now accepting nominations for the “2013 Teacher of the Year.” Any pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public school teacher across Arizona is eligible. Nomination forms must be submitted by Friday, August 3, 2012. Teachers may self-nominate or be nominated by a student, co-worker, principal, parent, friend or family member. Nomination forms are available online at azedfoundation.org. After the nomination is received, a 2013 Teacher of the Year application will be mailed to the nominated teacher. The teacher must then complete and submit the application by 5 p.m., August 24.
Leadership and learning The Junior League of Phoenix
www.phoenixcollege.edu
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aims at providing Valley women with the opportunity to build skills while volunteering in the community. Now through June 30, the Junior League of Phoenix is accepting applications for its 2012-2013 provisional class. An informational session and brunch is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. – noon. To be eligible to join the Junior League of Phoenix, prospective members
must be 22 years old on, or before, July 31, 2012. Through membership in the Junior League, women receive training for effective community leadership, participate in handson activities with other women to improve the community and access community leaders in order to obtain insight into community needs and implement strategies for solutions, among other things. Visit the Junior League of Phoenix online at jlp.org to learn more.
New College of Veterinary Medicine Midwestern University has announced the establishment of a
College of Veterinary Medicine on its Glendale campus. The new program plans to welcome its inaugural class of 100 students in the Fall of 2014. The Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine will be the first and only school offering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) in the state of Arizona. “In our continuing mission to meet the health care needs of the community, we are proud to bring this new professional degree program to Arizona,” said Dr. Goeppinger, president and CEO of Midwestern University. “The rural and agricultural areas of our state have shown a significant demand for more well-qualified veterinarians and have voiced strong support for this new college.” Nationwide, statistics show one veterinarian per 3,500 animals. In Arizona, however, this ratio drops to one veterinarian per 4,100 animals. This shortage is especially critical in the large ranching and farming regions of the state. In three counties (Greenlee, La Paz and Yuma), no veterinarians are currently in practice. “This is fantastic news for both Midwestern University and the State of Arizona,” said Governor Janice K. Brewer. “Quality veterinary care is an absolute necessity in our state, particularly in our farming and agricultural communities where demand is the highest and shortage of care is the most critical. The establishment of this college will produce good jobs and help ensure that Arizona develops home-grown veterinarians to meet our most pressing animal health care needs.” The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges projects a shortage of 15,000 veterinarians over the next 20 years. The Government Accounting Office confirms that the veterinary workforce is not large enough to guarantee a safe food supply through adequate treatment of zoonotic diseases. The Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine will focus on recruiting throughout the state and region, with particular emphasis on students from rural communities who can best meet the critical shortages within the profession. The University will be applying to the Arizona State Board for Private Post-secondary Education for licensure to grant the D.V.M. degree.
Think outside the mailbox.
LPM, sent to your Inbox. For seven years, LPM has been the only Arizona magazine focused on the local Latino community. Sign up for the free digital edition: www.latinopm.com/digital
Have an education story idea? Send your information to editor@latinopm.com.
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Mind-body medicine and the importance of stress management Tradition-tested therapies for modern lives By Marcia Murphy, LCSW
What is Mind-Body Medicine? Mind-Body Medicine
explores the influence of the mind and emotions on the body and immune system, and vice versa. Mind-body specialists are typically therapists or other mental health professionals who examine the effects of the mind – thoughts, attitudes and beliefs – on physical health and well-being. Specialists use a variety of techniques to promote health, such as talk therapy, deep breathing, guided imagery, relaxation therapy, meditation and yoga. Using these techniques, mind-body medicine helps direct energies toward healing and health. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), according to Dr. Kenneth Pelletier, is “the study of the intricate interaction of consciousness (psycho), brain and central nervous system (neuro), and the body’s defenses against external infection and internal aberrant cell division (immunology).” Dr. Pelletier serves as a medical and business consultant to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization and major corporations, such as IBM and Disney. When we are under stress, our immune system becomes suppressed and our natural ability to fight disease is compromised unless we take steps to manage the stress in our lives. Mental strength and physical strength are interconnected. Dr. Candace Pert, the author of Molecules of Emotion and a research professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., expressed it well when she wrote, “The body isn’t there simply to carry the head.” Her research has shown that “when emotions are expressed, that is to say, when the biochemicals that are
the substrate of emotion are flowing freely, all systems are united and made whole. When emotions are repressed, denied or not allowed to be whatever they may be, our network pathways get blocked, stopping the flow of the vital, “feel-good,” unifying chemicals that run both our biology and our behavior.” “Stress makes you physically sick,” explains Steven Maier, professor of psychology at the University of Colorado. Researchers know that behavioral and psychological events can influence the immune system. The immune system sends signals to the brain “that latinopm.com
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For some foster kids, this is a closet.
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With your support, we can find safe and loving “forever homes” for all of these kids. Become a foster or adoptive parent or donate today. You will not only change the future… you will redefine it.
potently alter neural activity and, thereby, alter everything that flows from neural activity, mainly behavior, thought and mood,” said Maier. The immune system also activates a classic stress response, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol. Not only does stress produce the expected biochemical stress response, it also produces predictable behavioral changes, including decreased food and water intake. Ancient wellness traditions have understood the mind-body interaction for centuries and have incorporated it into their approaches and therapies. In India for example, the yogic philosophy teaches that the body, breath, emotion and mind are inextricably linked. The Chinese systems of Qi Gong and Tai Chi have also taught this principle for centuries. Mind-body medicine can benefit a cancer patient by ensuring that the patient understands that he/she is not defined by the illness. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® patients are treated as whole persons, and are surrounded by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including a medical oncologist, registered dietician, naturopathic physician, chiropractor and mind-body therapist. We encourage our patients who participate in our mind-body therapies to take advantage of the stress management techniques we offer. Some of those techniques include:
Talk therapy:
Call 800.944.7611 ext. 2166 or visit
Deep breathing:
Dr. Andrew Weil said, “Improper breathing is a common cause of ill health. If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly. There is no single more powerful – or more simple – daily practice to further your health and well-being than breath work.”
Laughter:
This is one of the greatest and quickest activities for reducing stress. Laughter works because it gets your brain thinking and working in a different way. It distracts you from having a stressed mindset. As you start to smile and chuckle, the stress begins to dissipate. Keep taking the laughter medicine until you feel relaxed and recharged.
Sleep:
DefineTheFuture.org
Allowing an objective third party to listen to a patient’s feelings can be life changing. A therapist may be able to point out distorted thinking and re-orient the patient toward a more positive and helpful direction. 48
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Rest is essential for a healthy life-balance. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep
each night. Only in very recent times have modern heating, lighting, and communication and entertainment technologies enabled and encouraged us to keep unnatural waking and working hours. This behavior is at odds with our biological preferences.
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Progressive muscle relaxation:
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Meditation:
At Choules Family Dentistry, we provide a state-of-the-art Tensing, then releasing, all the muscle groups in the body can produce feelings of increased relaxation in minutes, with no special training or equipment. Start by tensing all the muscles of the face, hold a tight grimace for ten seconds, then completely relax for ten seconds. Repeat this procedure in the neck area, then the shoulder area, and so on, throughout the rest of the body.
This strategy builds on deep breathing, and takes it a step further. When you meditate, your brain initiates a sort of functioning that is similar to sleep, but carries some added benefits that aren’t achieved in any other state, such as the release of certain hormones.
Guided imagery:
The practice of guided imagery is somewhat more time-consuming, but is a great way to reduce stress and relax the body. Some people find it easier to practice guided imagery than meditation, because it is easier to focus on something rather than on nothing. Playing natural sounds in the background during guided imagery promotes a more immersive experience.
facility for the highest quality dental care available. We take great satisfaction in helping you maintain optimal oral health.
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Listening to music results in numerous health benefits for people with a range of conditions, both mild and severe. Studies have shown that listening to certain classical music can help lower blood pressure, relieve muscle tension and promote deep breathing. The array of stress management techniques – from acupuncture to walking – is extensive enough to provide something that will appeal to, and work for, just about everyone. Marcia Murphy, LCSW, is a mind-body therapist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Western Regional Medical Center. Murphy joined the MindBody Medicine Department at CTCA in 2010 after a deeply personal experience with cancer.
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Exotic outings for Father’s Day Let Dad indulge his adventurous side By Cecilia Rosales
This Father’s Day, you can “surprise” papi with a tie or a fancy lawn mower. Or, for a really unique experience,
you can consider one of these options. Whether your dad is the tranquil, sporty, or thrill-seeking kind, he will surely enjoy these alternatives to the same ol’ well-intended, but boring, present.
Oh, yes – something for everyone! The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa is known for its seven-acre Oasis Water Park, complete with eight-story tower, water slides and winding, lazy river. If dad prefers to play golf or to relax at the spa, the 18-hole links golf course features a diverse and challenging par-71 layout and the spa has a vast menu of services to choose from. After sunset, the entire family can enjoy poolside (“dive-in”) movies or hit the dance floor and dance the night away. Now through Labor Day, rates start at $149 per night for a one-bedroom suite. It’s easy to understand why the resort was named “Best Place for Family Bonding” by Nickelodeon’s parentsconnect.com. Go to arizonagrandresort.com to check availability and for more information.
Take a hike and feed the reptiles, or search for nocturnal creepy crawlies As they say, the finer things in life are free, or almost free. The Maricopa County Parks Department has some great programming options for the family. Spend the Saturday before Father’s Day (June 16) at Cave Creek Regional Park. After a morning hike, feed the reptiles at the Nature Center and learn about the important roles these creatures play in the food web (10–11 a.m.). That same day, in the evening (7:30–8:30 p.m.), Ranger Sarah and “bug expert,” James Waters, of ASU will lead a nocturnal expedition in search of creepy crawlies. Don’t forget the flashlight, and, if you want to see the bugs, go easy on the bug spray! The park is located at 37019 N. Lava Lane in Cave Creek, AZ. The entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Visit maricopa.gov/parks for more information. 50
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PhotoS Courtesy of: top: The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa; Bottom: Maricopa County Parks
A family affair: golf, spa and water park staycation
Photos courtesy of: Clockwise from top: Four Seasons Troon North Scottsdale; The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum ; City of Tempe
BBQ Basics class with Troon North chef, Mel Mecinas If your papá is into grilling, for $75 you can send him to the Four Seasons Resort-Scottsdale at Troon North on Saturday, June 16, for a class on the juiciest barbecue secrets in town. He’ll learn from executive chef, Mel Mecinas, and sous chef, Jesse Hansen, how to prepare sauces and rubs and perfect his grilling techniques. But, this is no ordinary grilling class. Participants will also get golf tips from the pros at Troon North Golf Club, imbibe cold beer from a local brewery and enjoy specialty cigars rolled on-site. After the demonstration, guests will ingest barbecue fare, home-made ice cream and whiskey floats. The registration fee includes a take-away recipe book, sample rubs and sauces, and a cigar. The class takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the resort, located at 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive in Scottsdale. Reservations are required; go to fourseasons.com/scottsdale or call 480-515-5700 for more information.
Father’s Day Paddle at Tempe Town Lake Dads are free when at least two family members register to paddle Tempe Town Lake. Registration fees are $30 for adults; $15 for youth ages 10-15. Offer valid on June 16, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the marina located on the north side of the lake, across from the ASU stadium. Visit tempe.gov or call 480-350-8069 for more information.
Flying high The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum, in Mesa, has lots to offer aviation aficionados and history buffs, including aircraft on display from WWI through the Vietnam War. While most of the museum’s warbirds will be touring the country (as it’s too hot in Arizona to fly them during the summer months), the open cockpit Boeing PT-17 Stearman/Kaydet trainer bi-plane is available if you want to gift dad an unforgettable experience. There are two flight options to choose from: the Rookie Experience ($175) includes a 15-minute flight up and around in the pattern of the airport, and the Top Gun Experience ($300), which includes 30 minutes of flight time, more advanced maneuvers and brief instruction by the pilot on flight control dynamics. Reservations are required. Call 480-924-1940, or visit azcaf.org for more information. The museum is located at 2017 N. Greenfield Road in Mesa, AZ.
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Don’t Let Anyone Tell You There’s Nothing More That Can Be Done.
When Beth realized there was nothing more that could be done, she turned to Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), where we have been fighting complex and advanced cancer for decades. Beth’s team of CTCA cancer experts worked with her to create a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan that combined leading-edge oncologic medical treatments with naturopathic medicine, nutrition, rehabilitation, psychological counseling, spiritual support and pain management. We are different. At CTCA, we never give up.
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© 2012 Rising Tide
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P.S.
Stella Pope Duarte
Lessons learned from the “wild people” By Stella Pope Duarte
The Aborigines of Australia have
much to teach us, most especially one Outback tribe known as the “wild people,” or the “ancient ones.” In 1990, this tribe sent an invitation, sanctioned by their tribal elder, to an American woman named Marlo Morgan. It had been prophesied that, at some point in time, the tribe would share their universal knowledge with a foreigner. Marlo Morgan did not know that her own skills as a medical doctor specializing in natural medicine would be put to the test. The tribe would do something they had never done before; they would permit an American to go with them on a “walkabout.” When Morgan asked where they would walk, Ooota, her interpreter, simply answered, “Across Australia.” And so, Marlo Morgan’s journey of three months began, and it is described in splendid detail in her book, Mutant Message Down Under. After her first introduction to the tribe, she stripped off her American clothing in exchange for tribal wraps and burned all her possessions in a fire (including her jewelry, shoes, American Express
Card, and even the bobby pins in her hair). Only after the removal of all the materialistic trademarks of an American was she deemed ready to go on the walkabout, as Ooota explains in the following passage from the book: “My people heard your cry for help. You have been tested and accepted. The extreme honor I cannot explain. You must live the experience. It is the most important thing you will do in this lifetime. It is what you were born to do. Divine Oneness is at work; it is your message. I can tell you no more.” One of the things I found most interesting in her narrative of the three months Morgan walked through the Australian Outback was the lesson on birthdays. She labored one evening trying to help the tribe members understand what a birthday meant to Americans. She drew a circle in the sand, indicating a birthday cake, and pantomimed blowing out candles; she spoke of the songs and gifts given to the person being celebrated. The tribe could not understand why anyone would want to celebrate getting older. Morgan was struck by the metaphor of the artificial sweetness of the frosting on a cake as indicative of the artificial way most people live, never discovering
who they are, nor what their journey on earth is all about. “If you don’t celebrate getting older,” she asked, “what do you celebrate?” They answered, “Getting better. We celebrate if we are a better, wiser person this year than last. Only you would know, so it is you who should tell the others when it is time to have the party.” One of the parties Marlo Morgan attended was that of a woman whose “medicine” in life was to be a listener. Her name was Secret Keeper. No matter what anyone wanted to talk about, they could talk to her — even confess their deepest secrets. She said very little as she listened intently, sometimes cradling a person’s head in her lap. One day, Secret Keeper decided she was ready to be celebrated for the gifts God had given her, and the tribe celebrated. Marlo Morgan even taught the “wild people” how to square dance at the party, singing the tunes for “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” a Texas line dance. What a beautiful tradition to celebrate people for becoming greater human beings! We have much to learn from the humility of the “wild people.”
Stella Pope Duarte was born and raised in South Phoenix. She began her awardwinning career in 1995 after she had a dream in which her deceased father told her that her destiny was to become a writer. Contact her at stellapopeduarte.com. latinopm.com
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¡!
my perspective on: civic engagement
Pay heed to the disengaged By Alberto Olivas
More perspectives
Send us your perspective on whatever moves you. Email editor@latinopm.com.
One morning, before
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heading to the Arizona Town Hall on Civic Engagement, I had breakfast with my mother. “What’s this thing you’re going to?” she asked me. “Well,” I said, “It’s a meeting of community leaders and representatives from all over Arizona. We’re going to discuss how to get people more involved in their communities, more informed about political issues, and more active and engaged with one other as citizens and neighbors.” “Hmm,” she said skeptically, “It’s not gonna work.” Now, as a board member for the Arizona Town Hall, the sponsor of this event, you might think I would find such a comment coming from my own mother to be a little offputting. But, I have learned that, by paying attention to the perceptions and skepticisms of people like my Mom, I could learn a lot about policy-making and community change in the real world. I first learned this lesson one evening when my family was gathered to watch one of the debates leading up to the 2000 presidential election. During a break, my mother shook her head and revealed to us that voting was, to paraphrase her words, “for chumps.” At the time, I was the Voter Outreach Director in the secretary of state’s office. I argued with her, but, when I cooled off, I realized that there was an important message that I needed to hear in her cynicism. My mother is not a hardened cynic or a callous misanthrope. She, like many in our community, has been so often let down by politicians and “community leaders” that she has lost confidence in our political system and in our key community institutions. So, when she cast a skeptical eye on the usefulness of a statewide gathering to discuss civic engagement, I tuned in. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Well,” she said, “they want people to volunteer and to go around doing neighborhood drives and things. Working people aren’t going to do that; they don’t have the time that upper class and retired people do. Also, people don’t trust each other here, or want to do anything for each other.” “But that’s not true, mom,” I countered, “You help out the old folks across the street and do other things for your
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neighbors all the time. “Yes,” she said, “but lots of people don’t really know what resources there are to help people with their problems, or how to get involved when and however they can. They should do more to educate people about these things. They should offer things that people need, and use that as an opportunity to educate them about community issues and resources, like giving away food baskets or offering dental exams. Those are things that would get people’s attention.” I agree. Too often we rush to judgment about “disengaged” or “disenfranchised” members of our communities. If we press them, we can learn a lot about the concerns and misperceptions that need to be addressed, before we can make any meaningful change in the community. Just a few weeks earlier, Arizona Youth Town Hall participants said much the same thing. One of their key findings was that, until we confront the social justice issues that impact our community, we can’t really expect everyone to be fully invested in political or other forms of civic engagement. At the main Town Hall, recommendations included: educating people at home, in public schools, in higher education, and in the workplace to be engaged and active citizens; removing barriers to engagement; and confronting incivility in public discourse, such as in online commentaries, social networking platforms, and in the news media. There were also recommendations about how government agencies need to do more to educate the public about policy issues and how to play a meaningful role in governmental decision-making. Most importantly, to my mind, the recommendations recognized the need to view unengaged young people and minorities not as problems to be fixed, but as resources to be tapped. We won’t always know exactly how to do that, but, by bringing them into the conversation, we will discover opportunities to learn from and engage them that may otherwise never have surfaced. Town Hall has reinforced my conviction that everyone cares deeply about their communities. Given the chance, most people will step up and be glad to take part in finding solutions. Alberto Olivas is Director of the Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation, and is on the boards of directors for Kids Voting Arizona, Valley Leadership, Arizona Town Hall and the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens. View the recommendations from the Town Hall at aztownhall.org
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June 2011:
Mark and Rebecca Tafoya, owners, AZ Laser Skin Rejuvenation Center
September 2011:
Dionna and Geoffrey Carranza, owners, Salon Embellish +Wellness Studio
December 2011:
Mina Hernandez, creator and owner of Fasheners® by Classy Chica
March 2012:
Debbie Polisky, founder/CEO, Words & Health, LLC
July 2011:
Omar Alvarez, owner, Tortas Paquime
October 2011:
Timothy Eli Castro, president/CEO, TECA
January 2012: Michelle Rosado, president/CEO, Face II Face Events
August 2011:
November 2011:
Edgar Galvan, owner, Vanidades Salon
Chris Nieto, cofounder, Merzproject
Anita Miranda, founder and creative director, Miranda’s Creatives, LLC
Ernesto Garcia, Managing partner, Ernesto Garcia Interior Design, LLC
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Come meet and mingle with the entrepreneurs profiled in Latino Perspectives Magazine over the past 12 months.
February 2012:
April 2012:
May 2012:
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Alicia Mendoza, LearningBee Products, LLC
June 21, 2012 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Conference Center 145 W. Adams St. in Phoenix. Free and open to the public. Join us! Live music, appetizers and a no-host bar.
June 2012:
Nancy Juarez, founder, A Gentle Solution
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