fall 09
inthisissue
aboutthecover: YOLANDA BARNES R.N. UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITAL HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Yolanda has been an oncology nurse for the past 8 years. She works in an outpatient clinic and mainly cares for cancer patients.
Photo by: David Christopher Edgewood Medical Illustration & Photography
contents
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....................................LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
............................YOU’RE BREAKING MY HEART
All rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part without the founder/editor’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor. The publication of any advertisement in the issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by the publication.
.....................................MIRACLES & BLESSINGS
© 2009 Ordinary People Magazine (Trademarkpending)
........................................................FROM WITHIN ................................................IN THE SPOTLIGHT .........................................MY CANCER JOURNEY ...............................................FOR YOUR HEALTH
.....................................................CONSIDER THIS .....................HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND FABULOUS
departments Contributing Editors Josie Hayslett Alexis Johnson
Letters to the Editor
Contributing Writers Vanderbilt Brabson Corina Campbell Dr. Sharon Locklear Pamela Steward Paola Tennon
“I have enjoyed reading every issue of your magazine. I especially like the scriptures that you use in your editorial.
Founder and Editorial Director Verna V. Nickelberry
Designers Denardo Crawford Rushun Wiseman Marketing Consultant Reginald Nickelberry Photographers Kendall Elam Eric D. Hall Sales Director/ Memphis, TN Janet Chestnut salesmemphis@ ordinarypeoplemagazine.org Sales Director/ Atlanta, GA Bernetta Kennabrew sales_atlanta@ ordinarypeoplemagazine.org O.P. Magazine Mail P. O. Box 323 Memphis, TN 38101 (901) 949-3409 http://ordinarypeoplemagazine.org ORDINARY PEOPLE MAGAZINE is a quarterly publication and is distributed in Memphis, TN; Knoxville, TN; Atlanta, GA; and Orlando, FL.
6 | Fall 2009
Keep up the good work”. Margaret Chestnut Memphis, TN
“Your magazine is really growing. Continue to allow God to use you. And watch your blessings began to flow”. Anonymous
“Thank you for such a wonderful magazine. I look forward to reading every issue”. Hester Bowens Memphis, TN
W
from within.... EDITORIAL
ow! This is our last issue of the year and
community with her
it’s been a great year!!
free aerobics class,
I want to thank all of our guest writers
“Strive.” Alexis Johnson, one of our
and everyone who worked countless hours in trying
contributing editors,
to make sure that every “i” was dotted and every
shares with us her
“t” was crossed in each of our issues. I could not
journey in dealing with
have done it without your help! I thank our readers
her own cancer in “My
and our subscribers for without you, this magazine
Cancer Journey.”
would not be possible. Above all, I thank God for
In Part One of her
His guidance in showing me the way He wants me
“For Your Health” article, Paola Tennon gives us
to go.
a glimpse of six of the twelve major systems of the body. (Part Two will be in the winter issue of
As this year comes to a close, I think of what my
2010.) In Consider This…“Terminal Conditions,”
life has been like so far. Next year (2010), I will
Vanderbilt Brabson, III writes about how he dealt
celebrate my 50th birthday on January 10th. I think
with his late father’s terminal condition. Kendra
of everything that I have gone through, everything
Hayslett, OB/GN, of Nashville, TN writes, “You’re
that I have experienced, and everyone who I have
Breaking My Heart.” First Lady Diana Hunt,
met and invited into my life. I think of my health
of Abundant Grace Fellowship, inspires us to be
and how I have weathered many health challenges.
“Healthy, Happy and Fabulous!” And, as in every
At the age of nine, I was told that as I aged the bones
issue, you will find Pam Steward’s “Miracles and
in my knees would deteriorate. I would not be able
Blessings!”
to walk because I would not have any cartilage in my knees as a result of Junior Arthritis. So at the
The entire staff of Ordinary People Magazine sends
age of nine, healthy living and eating right became
“Happy Thanksgiving” and “Merry Christmas”
a way of life for me, and I have worked hard ever
greetings to each of you, and prays that 2010 will
since to get and stay fit. The Bible tells us in 3 John
be a very, very “Happy New Year!” Look forward
1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou
to “bigger and better” things from us in the coming
mayest prosper and be in good health, even as the
year…
soul prosperth.” This issue is about taking care of our bodies as we age, doing everything we can to
And as always, Love, Peace and Increase,
stay in good health.
Be Blessed
Spotlighting: Tiffany Palmer gives back to the
Verna ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 7
In The Spotlight
Tiffany Palmer By: Verna Nickleberry
In this issue we are
OP: How did you get started?
spotlighting Tiffany Palmer who is giving back to
Tiffany: My sister-in-law (Mrs. Tanana Palmer) was
the community with her
starting a non profit organization called D.I.V.A.S.
free aerobics class every
(Determine Individuals Valuing Achieving Success). This is
Tuesday and Thursday
an organization to help adolescent girls in the community.
from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
She asked me to be a part of the organization and to start an
at the Raleigh Community
exercise class. I started teaching free aerobics classes for
Center. Tiffany is full of
women. I later relocated to Raleigh Community Center which
energy and encourages everyone to keep moving
January 2010 will mark two years.
even if they can’t do the moves that she presents to the class. This is someone who really is giving back
OP: Why do you do this?
to the community. She gives of her time freely and she really cares about the women in her class. So I
Tiffany: Because my sister-in-law thought enough of me
asked for an interview.
to help her with her organization. Also, I was exercising anyway; it was already apart of my life. Now I do it to make
OP: What is the name of your class?
a difference in women’s lives. It’s a priceless reward and I get inner joy when I help improve someone’s confidence,
Tiffany: My class is called STRIVE Aerobics. I chose that
appearance and health. When I see and hear about the results
name because in everything we do we must strive to do better.
it makes it all worth it, even on days when I’m tired or not
We have to strive to live right, strive to eat right, and we strive
feeling well. I get up because I tell myself it’s not about
to be the best we can be. No one wakes up successful; we
me. Someone is depending on me and that’s why I do this. I
strive to reach goals in our lives. Thus, I felt that this name
encourage, motivate and bring out the best in the women in my
would be perfect for the aerobics class.
class.
8 | Fall 2009
OP: Why do you pray before class?
end of the day the only thing that is going to matter is a relationship with God. I pray because I want women to be
Tiffany: Wow, I pray before class because I know it’s because
spiritually and physically fit.
of God that we are here (on earth). I pray because God made this opportunity available. I pray because I’m thankful for
First, I am thankful to God and second to my sister-in-law. I’m
my health and the activities of my limbs that allow me to
grateful to God for the people He has put in my path to help
teach an aerobics class. God says in all things acknowledge
me step into my gift. Also, I’m thankful for the women in
him and I’m going to be obedient. I look at Strive Aerobics
my class and the great relationships we have developed. I’m
as a ministry and God is the head of it. I pray because it’s an
blessed with a wonderful biological family and church family.
opportunity to be able to reach women who are spiritually lost.
I thank you for embracing me and I want everyone to Strive
For them to at least hear about this awesome God and Savior
and fulfill their God given purpose… I love what I do.
is a real blessing. Someone might not ever pray; that’s my way of introducing the power of prayer because I know prayer does change things. My intent is to plant a seed of righteousness and Godliness into someone’s spirit. I tell women it doesn’t matter how you look or how you are shaped because at the
ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 9
One of the questions I’m asked most often is: “How did you react when you first knew you had breast cancer?” My first reaction was precisely as it is worded in Psalms 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God. I did not grab every Bible I could get my hands on, did not flip through the pages frantically - nearly ripping them out, did not tote them around with me all day, did not glue my face to the pages, nor did I walk around with them tucked under my arms. In other words, I did not panic trying
MY CANCER JOURNEY by Alexis Johnson
to fill my tank in two minutes! It’s the same as studying for a test. If you prepare yourself, do your homework, and keep up all semester, then you won’t have to take a “crash course” the day before – or stay up all the night before – cramming for an exam. When we prepare ahead of time for the tests we will face in life, we’re not only ready to take them, but will be able to pass them. Cancer is one of the most unwelcome guests I can imagine anyone wanting to invite into their life or into their home but,
When most of us set out on a “journey” by car, one of the things we do in preparation is to fill up the tank with gas. I’ve never timed it – but I’d guess it takes about two minutes to do so. But I didn’t have to fill my fuel tank to begin my journey. It had been filled “drip by drip” over the course of a lifetime, in Esther’s words, “for such a time as this.”
should it arrive, I feel it helps to greet it with dignity. I think it was fortunate that I never had a morsel of anger or bitterness in me. I think that anger and bitterness would have been like carrying a heavy backpack over my shoulders as I traveled my journey. The scripture that quickly comes to mind is Matthew 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor And are heavily laden, And I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, For I am gentle and lowly in heart, And you will find rest for your souls. There was a season and a purpose for the health challenge that God placed in my hands. To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Medically speaking, I am doing well – to God be the glory! I
On 7/7/07, I correctly diagnosed my own breast cancer. Thus, my journey began…
am now under the constant and watchful eyes of my primary care physician, my breast surgeon, and my oncologist. But more importantly, I am under the watchful eyes of God. Of course, I must continue to be diligent about my breast and overall health, and I must remind you to continue to be diligent about yours. Remember to get your mammograms, get clinical
10 | Fall 2009
exams by a physician, and do your monthly breast self-
me than ever before: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
examinations. It saddens me to hear women flippantly say,
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my
“Oh! I haven’t had a mammogram in 10 years!”
meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.
Also, be aware that there are breast cancer warning signs that
Alexis Johnson
we don’t often hear or think about. The main thing we hear
@January, 2008
about, talk about, and read about is “lumps.” I tried but could not feel a “lump.” I discovered my cancer by a seeing a tiny
Alexis is a former, long-time resident of Memphis. She and
“dimple.” Of the first 12 of my friends that I mentioned the
her husband, Joe, currently live in New Jersey. They are the
word ”dimple” to – only three had ever heard of it! Dimples
parents of four adult children. Alexis is also the author of two
are usually in the bottom half of the list of breast cancer
books, The Artistry of Life and, her latest book, The Artistry of
warning signs, and on one list I read, they weren’t mentioned
Motherhood. Both books include her original poetry and are
at all. Education is the key.
told as a story woven with scripture. These books are available for purchase directly from the author by contacting:
My plate was full before I had cancer, so I was not trying to “find a cause.” But, in this case, the cause found me. I am
Linear Ventures
ready and willing to take an active role to help increase the
PO Box 386
awareness of breast cancer, particularly among black women
Wyckoff, NJ 07481
who are disproportionately impacted by this disease. I feel like
201-493-7229
I have an obligation to do so, if not for me and my generation,
artistryoflife@optonline, net
but for my daughter and her generation of young African American women. I volunteer a great deal of my time to Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, a free, non-profit organization for men, women, teens, and children living with any type of cancer, as well as their family and friends, and for those who have lost a love one to cancer. I have joined my local affiliate of another group, Sisters Network, Inc., a national African American breast cancer support organization. I feel so fortunate that God has allowed me the health and strength to do what I do. I find meaning, purpose, and solace in my work with these two organizations. We cope with the same things in different ways. We are not all alike. We don’t all think alike. We don’t all find importance, or the same degree of importance, in the same things. And, no one should say that one person’s position on these matters is any better or worse than another’s. I do know that breast cancer has changed my life. And in doing so, the words of the psalmist, David, in Psalm 104:33-34 now ring louder for ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 11
ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 23
“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.” Jeremiah 33:6
For Your Health by Paola Tennon RN, BSN, CCM, MBA
HEALTH AND AGING:
age, changes may be present in the form of memory deficits
Evolving needs develop as we age and may be compounded
leading to memory loss, behavioral changes, depression,
by physical or mental constraints, as well as, limitations or
anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer’s. Loss of motor and sensory
restrictions to healthcare access and related resources. As the
functions may lead to neuropathy resulting in damage or
natural process of aging occurs, our physical abilities and
disease orders of the nerves, decreased coordination and
mental capacity decline. The rate and manner in which this
slower reflexes that may impact our balance and result in
occurs vary based upon our lifestyle, genetics, exposures and
traumatic brain injuries (TBI) secondary to the increased risk
certain conditions or diseases that may expedite the aging
of falls. Statistics have shown that nearly 56,000 adults over 65
process. As a result of this process, every system in the body
sustain falls associated traumatic brain injuries of which 8,000
is impacted in one way or another. The major systems of
die.
the body include the Nervous System, Circulatory System,
Prevention: Home modification, coordination and
Respiratory System, Muscular and Skeletal Systems, Digestive
strengthening exercises, assisted devices such as canes,
System, Reproductive System, Endocrine System, Urinary
walkers, collaboration with your healthcare provider for
System, Lymphatic System, Integumentary System (skin), and
alternatives and management of conditions.
Immune System. Information related to six of these systems is mentioned below.
The Circulatory System includes the heart, blood and blood
Common conditions and diseases associated with aging and
vessels, this system supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells
how they may affect our body systems:
and muscles of the body, and removes waste from body tissues. Age Related Changes: Examples and changes include: a
The Nervous System inclusive of the brain, spinal cord and
slower heart rate because a longer time is required for the heart
nerves is the communication center of the body. It coordinates
rate or blood pressure to return to a normal level following
the majority of the activities that occur in the body including
exertion or a stressful event. The heart muscle and arteries
thinking, memory, emotion, regulating the body temperature
thicken as well as stiffen thus, leading to increased systolic
and heart rate, movement and sensory functions. As we
blood pressure or heart murmurs in older adults. Many of the
14 | Fall 2009
age related changes that occur within this system are in the
smoking, viral or bacterial infections, allergens, and exposure
form of Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular Disease can
to irritants or aspiration. In addition, bronchitis and pneumonia
cause or lead to the worsening of hypertension (high blood
in older adults often increase due to weaker immune systems.
pressure), renal disease, and arteriosclerosis. Hypertension
Sleep Apnea is also a respiratory condition that occurs during
is the greatest risk factor for strokes with strokes being the
sleep and often goes undiagnosed. It is typically seen in people
number 3 killer and the largest risk factor for cardiovascular
who are overweight or obese. As a result of these conditions,
related disease according to the American Heart Association.
respiratory integrity may be jeopardized.
Additionally, strokes are considered one of the leading causes
Prevention: Swallowing- Refrain from distraction while
of disability in the United States.
eating, slow eating and chew food thoroughly, maintain an
Prevention: The American Heart Association web site
upright position when eating, cut foods into small pieces, see
indicates that the most optimal goal for Blood Pressure is
healthcare professionals for evaluation of possible impaired
less than 120/80mmHg. Avoid tobacco and alcohol products,
swallowing reflex.
increase physical activity, walking or aerobic exercise at
Asthma and COPD- Refrain from smoking avoid irritants
least 3 times weekly, increase healthy nutrition choices, be
or allergens if possible, follow the advice of your healthcare
more selective of foods that will decrease cholesterol and
provider, and take medication as recommended.
triglyceride levels. Help to lower blood pressure by managing
Sleep Apnea- Focus on healthy food choices and portion size,
stress, avoiding salt, managing associated disease conditions
increase activity and decrease time spent in sedentary positions
such as Diabetes, Hypertension and renal disease, and taking
(television, computers, video games), monitor weight loss
prescribed medications. Furthermore, strive to obtain and
and track other measurements (BMI/Body Mass Index and
maintain a healthy weight, and empower yourself with
waist circumference), further life style changes to include:
knowledge.
avoiding alcohol or muscle relaxants and medical intervention in extreme cases.
The Respiratory System comprises the mouth, nasal passage, trachea (windpipe), lungs, bronchial tree, and diaphragm and
The Muscular Skeletal Systems includes bones, muscles,
accessory muscles: This system is responsible for the constant
tendons, and joints- These two systems supports, protects
exchange of oxygen from the air and carbon dioxide (the waste
and shapes the body. The muscles offers skeletal and postural
product of our cells). When we breathe in air, which contains
support, and when they contract across the joints the body
oxygen, it is carried throughout the body by the red blood
moves.
cells and exchanged for carbon dioxide, which is returned to
Age Related Changes: As we age, bones tend to become less
the lungs and is then breathed out. This system also warms,
dense and shrink in size, which increase the risk of fracture. It
moistens and filters the air we breathe. One structure that
has been determined that between the ages of 25 and 35 bone
helps to protect this system is the epiglottis. It is a thin lid-like
reaches it’s maximum mass. In addition, lowering hormone
structure in the throat that folds back over the trachea when we
levels such as estrogen due to menopause is responsible for
swallow to prevent aspiration of fluid or food into the lungs.
the loss of bone leading to osteoporosis. Tendons and muscles
Age Related Changes: Lung capacity decreases and lungs
also lose strength and flexibility as they atrophy and common
become stiff; mucus production may increase, breathing
conditions such as Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
effectiveness decreases. The weakening of respiratory
began to increase. According to the Arthritis Foundation,
structures whether structural or mechanical may lead to
arthritis is defined as joint inflammation; however, this term
aspiration. In addition, chronic inflammation of the airway
is universally used to describe more than 100 diseases that
may be seen in people with asthma, COPD due to long-term
affect the joint. Another important factor to note is that there is ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 15
a correlation between arthritis and heart disease. Studies have
Prevention: Increase water intake to enhance intestinal
shown that 57% of people with heart disease also are affected
motility and cellular absorption, proper nutrition, exercise,
by arthritis. A research alert posted by the Arthritis Foundation
prevention screening and increased fiber.
on June 16, 2008 indicates that Rheumatoid Arthritis should be considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and equivalent to Type 2 Diabetes. The findings resulted from two different studies that were presented Annual Congress of European League against Rheumatism. Additionally, weakening of internal organ structure may be directly associated with loss of cellular turgor leading to such conditions as bladder and
This article is inclusive of only a few of the many factors associated with aging. There is also a commonality noted among the different disease processes and prevention recommendations. Arm yourself with knowledge, maintain an open relationship you’re your healthcare provider,
rectal incontinence, uterine and vaginal vault prolapsed.
explore options or alternative management, and understand
Prevention: Follow healthcare provider advice regarding
the pros and cons of treatments. Remember that the
your condition, increase physical activity as medical condition
goal is a healthier more optimal outcome. In conclusion:
allows and with approval of healthcare provider if indicated
because people are living longer and because many age
(activity to include: stretch and flexibility exercises), healthy
related conditions are interlinked, it is essential that we
eating and weight loss, vitamins and minerals. Gastrointestinal (GI) or Digestive System- Also known as the alimentary canal consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines. There are also several accessory organs crushing and moving the food through the system. Age Related Changes: Changes in the digestive system as we age may include a slowing down of the motility of the intestines as we digest food, decrease of the surface area in the intestines, decrease flow of fluids from the organs that aid in the digestion process, such as the stomach, pancreas, liver, and small intestines. There is also a reduction in the amount of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that can be absorbed, thus creating a deficit for the body that may lead to such conditions as: Pernicious Anemia (low blood count) caused by a lack of B12, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) due to low levels of iron, leg cramp associated with low Potassium and Magnesium, lack of Vitamin D can lead to Osteoporosis because the body is unable to regulate the metabolism of calcium. In addition, certain cancers are associated with malfunctions of GI System. More than 90 percent of colon cancer cases are diagnosed after the age of 50. Furthermore, colorectal cancer is the second related cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S.
16 | Fall 2009
take a positive approach towards making prevention a key component of our healthy life style commitment towards aging.
References: http://mayoclinic.com/health/aging http://nhlbi.nih.gov/health http://www.arthritis.org http://www.lifesource4life.com http://antiaging-wellness.com http://www.healthywomen.org http://americanheart.org http://americanstroke.org http://www.ageworks.com http://en.wikipedia.org
The “Each One Reach One” church growth challenge is an initiative that challenge members of Holy Nation Church to....
• Be a witness and win souls for Christ • Compel individuals without a church home to visit Holy Nation • Challenge individuals to become members of Holy Nation • Spread the vision of Holy Nation in the Memphis and surrounding community We are extending ourselves to the Memphis, West Memphis and surrounding communities to come and grow with us as we impact the world for Christ!
3333 Old Brownsville Road Memphis, TN 38134 For More Information Call: (901)491-6403
Andrew and Shirley Perpener, Pastor
You’re Breaking My Heart by Kendra D. Hayslett, MD After losing one of my close friends to myocardial infarction, I began to think about what things I can do to prevent other 32 year old active young people from being snatched away in the middle of the night in their sleep because their hearts are broken. The only thing I can come up with is to educate them on how to mend the “cracks” before they break. As a doctor, I do not only treat disease, I do not only treat symptoms, I treat the total patient. It is my duty to teach and make sure the person understands what is important and how things they do now can affect them positively and/or negatively in the future. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease is usually caused by a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty material and a substance called plaque build up on the walls of your
18 | Fall 2009
arteries. This causes them to get narrow. As the coronary arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack (myocaridal infarction, MI), heart failure, or sudden death. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. CHD usually occurs in patients over the age of 40, but there is a new found epidemic of heart disease occurring in men and women who are younger than 40 years old. The prevalence of CHD in younger subjects is difficult to pinpoint since it is frequently a silent process; similar to older counterparts whose coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes are all silent killers. In the Framingham Heart Study, the incidence of an MI over a 10 year follow-up was 12.9/1000 in men 30 to 34 years old and 5.2/1000 in women 35 to 44 years old. The incidence of MI was eight to nine times greater in men and women aged 55 to 64 years. In other studies, 4 to 10 percent of patients with MI were younger than 40 or 45 years of age. In two series of patients with CHD at younger than 40 years of age, women comprised 5.6 and 11.4 percent of patients.
The risk factors for people younger than 40 are similar to those who are older than 40 years old and include: age, serum cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (the top number), and smoking. Other risk factors that are seen more in the younger group are a family history of young CHD and cocaine use. MI occurring at an early age raises the disturbing potential of a malignant atherosclerotic outcome and an adverse prognosis. The disturbing part is that young men and women do not present with CHD symptoms in the way that their older counterparts do. Most of the time, those younger than 40 do not present with angina (chest pain) and quickly progress to massive MI without any treatment. If they did have chest pain, it was found to be felt up to one week prior to the actual attack of the heart. On the other hand, however, many such patients do not have severe coronary disease and most series have noted both a favorable short- and long-term prognosis in such patients. Young patients also have a good long-term outcome after MI. In a large trial sub study (CASS), survival rates at seven years after an MI were 84 versus 75 percent for young and older men and 90 versus 77 percent for young and older women. Many tests help diagnose CHD. Usually, your doctor will order more than one test before making a definite diagnosis. Tests may include: electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test, echocardiogram, nuclear scan, electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) to look for calcium in the lining of the arteries (the more calcium, the higher your chance for CHD), CT angiography (a noninvasive way to perform coronary angiography), magnetic resonance angiography, and coronary angiography/arteriography (an invasive procedure designed to evaluate the heart arteries under x-ray). Prevention is the key to health extension. Lifestyle changes are very important. You will need to avoid or reduce the amount of salt (sodium) you eat (cut down the bacon), eat a heart healthy diet (less fast foods, more garden foods), get regular exercise (above and beyond walking from the car into your workplace), maintain a healthy weight (you have to do more than wish the weight away), keep your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes, and stop smoking (this will save you a lot of money.)
I am an Obstetrician/Gynecologist resident at Metro General Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. My focus is prevention in minority teenage girls. I have always known that I wanted to be a doctor. My initial thoughts were to be a neuro (brain) surgeon, but once I found out what it takes, that quickly changed. One of the main reasons I went into Obstetrics and Gynecology (I did no choose it, it chose me) was because there are many more happy and good time versus the not so good. This seed was providentially planted a long time ago and as it comes to fruition, all I am able to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. I enjoy what I do and am excited about women’s health. I also love to write, especially poetry, cook, shop, and watch movies in what little spare time I have. Š2009 KDH
References Kannel, WB, Abbott, RD. Incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction. An update on the Framingham study. N Engl J Med 1984; 311:1144. Fournier, JA, Sanchez, A, Quero, J, et al. Myocardial infarction in men aged 40 years or less: a prospective clinical-angiographic study. Clin Cardiol 1996; 19:631. Doughty, M, Mehta, R, Bruckman, D, et al. Acute myocardial infarction in the young--The University of Michigan experience. Am Heart J 2002; 143:56. Greenland, P, Reicher-Reiss, H, Goldbourt, U, et al. In-hospital and one-year mortality in 1,524 women after myocardial infarction: Comparison with 4,315 men. Circulation 1991; 83:484. Cole, JH, Miller, JI, Sperling, LS, Weintraub, WS. Longterm follow-up of coronary artery disease presenting in young adults. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003; 41:521.
ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 19
Y
Miracles & Blessings
ou reach for the doorknob and pull the front door open. You see the flash and feel the heat of a 40
caliber gun discharging. You are hit five times in
by Pamela Steward
just seconds. The impact throws you from the door back into the kitchen. You hit the floor and you wonder what has just happened. This can’t be happening to me. You hear a child being threatened which snaps you back to reality. It is happening, but it can’t end like this. You should be dead, you were shot point blank, and you’ve lost a
the child, occasionally he returns to make sure you are still great deal of blood. Somehow you manage to get up, go down the hall and grab the gunman from behind, but you don’t have the strength to pull him down. You’re down again and this time he fires eight more rounds into you. You’ve been hit in the neck, the lungs, the stomach, the groin, the arms and legs. One finger is blown off and the tip of another is gone. This time the shooter stands there to make sure you are dead. You wait for the head shot and try not to look like you’re breathing. He moves away and continues to look for the mother of
22 | Fall 2009
there. (You shouldn’t have gotten up from the first rounds.) At some point you lay there trying to die, “just relax and give into it.” But death won’t come. Anger rises up within you again. I can’t die like this. What about my babies? What about the child? You become mad about how the story may end… untold. The police arrive but you know they’re not coming in with the child there. You gather all your strength; you grab the child and manage to get out the door. Policeman down!! Policeman down!! You are rushed to the Trauma Center.
When you awaken tubes are everywhere. It’s a miracle that you are alive. You later find out that
limp or crutches because this just happened in April and he even declined physical therapy. I asked what got him through
the bullets that the shooter used were Hydra shots. These are
the ordeal. He said, “Anger, God, and of course, I managed
a step above hollow points; they will pierce body armor and
to remain calm. He also attributed cartoons, especially
tear through bone. Most of your wounds should have been
Sponge Bob in helping him during his short hospital stay. I
fatal wounds, at the least you should have bled to death. But
couldn’t get his comment out of my mind about how he tried
the miracles don’t stop there. What should have been a three
to die, so we went over it again. Together we came to the
month hospital stay becomes a three and half weeks stay,
conclusion that there was purpose and destiny behind it all.
even though you had a setback because you became septic.
He couldn’t die because the life of the child was predicated
You’ve had a surgical procedure that should have taken a
on him living. We don’t know what God has planned for him
year to complete but you will have your final procedure in
or the child, but Officer Hoffman was appointed to be where
less than six months. You are out and about, moving inde-
he was at the time he was, to preserve the life of another.
pendently of crutches.
And God had a miracle reserved for him, for that moment. I know you are wondering how the situation ended. Well, the gunman found the mother and killed her and himself. Tragic, yet in the midst of it all, God placed a miracle. We can choose to see just the tragedy of the situation or we can look among the confusion and find the miracle. Today, we pray for those who place themselves in harm’s way for others. We pray for those who have been impacted by violence Pamela Steward
and tragedy. We ask God to help them find the peace that only He can give. Lord in the midst of the
chaos, show us the miracle. Sometimes, we need the miracle, to make sense of it all. Above all, we thank you for the blessing of “today.” In Jesus’ name. Amen. The doctors want to do
Officer Derick V. Hoffman
a study on you to see if
Remember; take joy in your blessing of today because tomorrow is not promised.
there is a genetic reason for such speedy healing. (I don’t think they will be able to duplicate the healing power of God, but that’s what makes men of science, “men of science.”) This is the story of Officer Deric V Hoffman. As we sat in Starbucks, he candidly shared his experience. It’s much easier to share my story now. He jokes and smiles as we sat there. He reminds me and himself that you have to have a sense of humor about it all. He looks well. I expected a ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 23
In August 1976 my father stood six-feet tall and weighed about two-hundred and nine pounds. By December of that same year he developed a nagging cough, was continually listless, and had lost approximately twentyfive pounds. A medical examination later that same month revealed a tumor the size of an orange in his left lung, and a subsequent biopsy proved it to be malignant.
Consider This . . . .
Terminal Conditions by Vanderbilt Brabson III
I sat in my father’s hospital room with
radiation and chemotherapy treatments,
supplements he swallowed, his health
him when the attending physician gave
I immediately began researching
continued to deteriorate rapidly. My
him the bad news.
everything I could regarding alternative
father smoked for at least twenty-five
treatments. No matter how many
years but stopped nearly three years
I was determined to help him fight
medical treatments they administered,
prior to being diagnosed with cancer.
it. While he underwent his regimen of
and no matter how many vitamins and
He was only forty-eight years old, and I remembered feeling this just didn’t seem fair for him or our family. My normal daily routine once I left work, was to join him, my mother, and any other family members and visitors in his hospital room until the wee hours of the morning before finally retiring to my apartment. Although I was not a Christian at the time, I daily begged God with tears to spare my father’s life. I also requested others I believed to be Christians to ask their church families to be in constant prayer for him. One evening in January 1977, after walking out of a small bathroom just down the hall from his hospital room where I had been praying on his behalf, I entered his room only to be met with these strange ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 25
words coming from his mouth…
Apart from a genuine relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, we all have a terminal condition called sin
“Vanderbilt, I’m not afraid to die any longer because I have
(Romans 3:23). Sin serves as a barrier between God and us
accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”
(Isaiah 59:1-2) and, unless treated with the blood of Jesus Christ, this spiritually terminal condition will result in our
Of course only being religious at best, and not having truly
eternal death and damnation (Mark 16:16).
surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ, I couldn’t fully grasp what all this meant. So I simply responded,
If you are suffering from this terminal condition, I have great news for you—Jesus, the Great Physician, is able to save to
“Hey, that’s good, but the most important thing is you get
the uttermost all those who trust in Him (Hebrews 7:25). Your
well.”
spiritual and eternal health and wellbeing are only a prayer away. Simply pray…
His physical health continued to deteriorate until on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1977, God called him home. Exactly two years after my father died,
I have come to realize I would rather my father have died in the Lord on May 8, 1977, than to have lived another fifty years having never known Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.
Dear God in Heaven, Your word in Acts 2, Romans 10, and Revelation 3 tells me that if I will just truly believe on You through Your Son Jesus
I became a Christian and for the very first time realized the
Christ for the forgiveness of my sin and call upon Your name
most important thing in all of life my father could have done—
for salvation, I will be saved. Lord, I’m doing that right now,
he did when he invited Jesus Christ into his heart. For the first
and I really mean it with all my heart. Please forgive me!
time in his life, my father was spiritually healthy, and nothing
Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness and save me right
was more important than that. As a Christian I can rejoice in
now in Jesus’ name. Amen.
the grace and mercy of God, who allowed my father to look beyond his poor physical health and seek the only health that
“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician
truly matters—spiritual health in Jesus Christ. I have come to
prescribes because we need them; and He proportions the
realize I would rather my father have died in the Lord on May
frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us
8, 1977, than to have lived another fifty years having never
trust His skill and thank Him for his prescription.” Sir Isaac
known Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.
Newton.
QUESTION: If you were told by a doctor today you had a
Isaac Newton was an English physicist, mathematician,
terminal medical condition and at best you had three months
astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian and
to live, and two other doctors confirmed that prognosis, would
is considered to be one of the most influential people in human
you begin making immediate and necessary changes in your
history.
relationship with God? If your answer to this question is “Yes” or “Definitely,” please consider my next question:
© August 2009 Vanderbilt Brabson III, Author
Since tomorrow is not promised to any of us (James 4:13-15), why aren’t you making those changes now?
26 | Fall 2009
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Healthy, Happy and Fabulous AS YOU AGE
by First Lady Diane Hunt, Abundant Grace Fellowship
I
t is very important to stay active as you age. People who remain active in their later years tend to be happier and more youthful. Some seniors, in many cases, retain a good memory and sharp mental state of mind by staying healthy. People who continue to stay active as they age are also less likely to suffer from loneliness and depression. Being active doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be jogging or weight training. As you age, it is important to stay active on both mental and physical levels. You can take a class or find a hobby you enjoy. Join a spa or a fitness club. You can enjoy the benefits of health and relaxation at a spa. The gym is also great place to meet people who have the same ideas or goals as you. Meeting friends at the gym will help motivate you to do more. So take advantage of all the activities that are offered. It’s a great way to stay in shape and nurture your spirit as well. You and your spouse can take long walks early in the morning, on your break or after work hours. Volunteer to walk in a one mile race or a marathon. Take your dog for a walk. Walking is very healthy for you. Walking strengthens your heart. It is good for your brain and your bones. It also helps alleviate symptoms of depression and it improves fitness functions. Spend time with your grandchildren. This is a great way to stay active as you age. They will keep you busy and they can also stir your creativity when it comes to keeping them entertained. Volunteer to help at a hospital,
a nursing home or a homeless shelter. While helping others, it can give you a greater sense of purpose. It also helps you to feel good about yourself when you help others in need. Learn to eat healthy. Eating healthy is about feeling great, having more energy and keeping yourself as healthy as possible. Remember to avoid the foods that raise your risk of certain types of illnesses. Your skin is another example of looking and feeling healthy. As we age our skin becomes thinner and wrinkled. It also becomes fragile and we lose that youthful color and glow. So clean your skin gently by using the proper cleanser and moisturizer. Also avoid overexposure to the sun and don’t smoke. There are many things we can do to look and feel healthy. It’s about taking some time out for you and appreciating the moment. Aging and looking fabulous is the next best thing to being healthy and happy. ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 27
“To God be the glory”!