d-mars.com Business Journal 61

Business Journal may - june 2012

61st Edition

Inspire, Inform & Educate

THINK ABOUT IT!

INSIDE

Health and Wellness and Faith-Based Journals Included

ROBERT MOORE High School Dropouts: A National Concern

By Dr. D. L. Jones Studies suggest that only half of the high school students in the nation’s 50 largest cities graduate in four years.

PAGE 20

Tips to Minimize Your Personal Risk as a Small Business Owner

Re-elect Ruben Davis

Elect Michael Coleman

Constable Ft Bend County

Harris County Constable

Precinct 2

Precinct 7

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Visiting Third Ward Houston

By Cynthia Nevels Now is the time to evaluate the risk your small business faces and create an action plan to mitigate those risks in 2012.

PAGE 16

Health & Wellness Starts on Page 39

YOUNG WOMEN’S COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY HISD

13 Ways to Maintain Your Brain Feed Your Mind to Prevent Disease

By Becky Hand One of the greatest fears and dangers of growing older is Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

“Action is the real measure of intellegence” - Napolean Hill

PAGE 39

Faith-Based Journal Starts on Page 56

Feeling the Spirit: A Prayer Makeover

By Dr. Pamela Randolph Being in good spiritual shape is the best way to start a makeover.

PAGE 54

SERGEANT LEON HUBBARD

NAMMO: Developing the Vision for the Future

Elect Sergeant Leon Hubbard Precinvt 7 Constable

See pg. 7

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May - June, 2012

May - June, 2012

Behind The

Journal

3.

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

This month’s theme is “Think About It.” We were motivated to encourage you to be more discerning about the things that are happening around you in your personal and professional worlds. This is a critical year for Americans, Texans, and Houstonians. We have a presidential election, a volatile economy, and a changing world to consider. Things just aren’t what they use to be and permanent change is in the air. This issue will serve as a catalyst to get you “thinking about” those important things that are influencing your world.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

CONTENTS

EDITING CONSULTANT Sharon Jenkins

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster Pastor Freddie L. Davis, III Dwight Jones Eric D. Goodwine PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard

Grady Carter MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Ferland Antwine DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon C. Jenkins Donavon Flegeance Cynthia Nevels Alvin E. Terry, MBA Leanne Hoagland-Smith Blaze (Barbara) Lazarony Jeffrey Gitterman Elaine Fields Smith Dr. D. L. Jones Dr. Lewis King, PhD Julie Murphy Casserly Dean Anderson Zora Ait El Machkouri Susanne Veder Berger Dr. Pamela Randolph Yngrid Perez-Torrens Cheryl Wheeler Duncan Angelique Bartholomew, JD

Dr. Wendy Toni R. Harris Mallary Tylel Toni Babcock Victoria Marin Brian Solik Errol Allen Laura M. Turner Michelle Lawson Marilyn Johnson Greg Miller Charles Swindell Becky Hand Noel Pinnock Joy Chudacoff Mark Grimm Ronda M. Prince

Robert Moore from Sunnyside to China! ........................................................................................

Elect Leon Hubbard for Precinct 7 .................................................................................................

The Labors of Hercules ..................................................................................................................

CEO Social Media Holdouts:Swim Now or Drown Later ...............................................................

The Real Truth About Wall Street ...................................................................................................

Home Ownership: A Dream or a Nightmare ...................................................................................

Ruben Davis: Serving Fort Bend County for 16 Years ..................................................................

NAMMO: Developing the Vision for the Future ..............................................................................

Your Miracle Water, Inc. ..................................................................................................................

How to Maintain Health Coverage on a Fixed Budget ..................................................................

Tips to Minimize Your Personal Risk as a Small Business Owner .................................................

Social Media – What’s Your Customer Saying About You? ...........................................................

Civility – Where Did It Go? .............................................................................................................

Think About It! ................................................................................................................................

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy .............................................................................

High School Dropouts: A National Concern ...................................................................................

6 Things to Think About Before Becoming an Entrepreneur ..........................................................

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Hanging Out In 3rd Ward ...........................................................................

Creativity at Work is a Magic Elixir .................................................................................................

Think About What You Value ..........................................................................................................

Can You and Will You? ...................................................................................................................

The Internet and The Earth .............................................................................................................

Michael Coleman, Running for Harris County Constable Precinct 7 .............................................

MetLife Study: 401(k) s: The Competitive Advantage ....................................................................

The Subject of Civility and the Need for Civility in Our Society .....................................................

AUTHORPRENEURSHIP, The Business of Writing ........................................................................

Smart Women Give Their Business a Marketing Makeover ...........................................................

13 Ways to Maintain Your Brain Feed Your Mind to Prevent Disease ............................................

3 Fresh Ingredients for Summer Healthy, Hot Weather Fare ..........................................................

Accepting Your Greatness ..............................................................................................................

Cardio Exercise Tips for Seniors Defy Your Age with Exercise! .....................................................

Protecting Your Back Can Be a Lifesaver ......................................................................................

Diet Plays A Role In Your Mental Health ........................................................................................

Younger Athletes Have Different Nutritional Needs Can Be a Lifesaver ........................................

LET’S ROLL! WHEELCHAIR DANCING .........................................................................................

Four Principles of Self-Esteem I Used to “Mask” ..........................................................................

The Power Of Proactive Health ......................................................................................................

Feeling the Spirit: A Prayer Makeover ...........................................................................................

Joy During Times of Tribulation .....................................................................................................

The Need for Christian Education in the African-American Community ........................................

God and Unborn Baby Plan Surprise .............................................................................................

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions.

Nothing pains some people more than having to think.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr. “d-mars.com is certified with SBE, HUB, DBE & Port of Houston SBDP.”

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D-MARS.com Business Journal 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 805 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com

May - June, 2012

ROBERT MOORE FROM SUNNYSIDE TO CHINA!

By Angelique Bartholomew, JD, Contributing Writer

T

exa s is k nown for many things and it is certainly known for being BIG. But this story is not about the cowboys, the rodeo or any of those things you would expect from TEXAS. It is however about something BIG that began with a little boy from Sunnyside, Texas!

This story is about the Biggest Computer Reseller and Technology Giant Ever to Come out of inner city Houston. Robert Moore has been known for many things. He grew up in the modest area of Sunnyside where he did not avoid the challenges faced by many who come from broken homes and have a long history of family troubles. He dropped out of school in the 12th Grade and decided to work the streets. Inevitably it cost him many years of his youth behind bars. Although he was doing time, Moore was not wasting time. He registered for classes and completed various courses of study including business and eventually earned his degree in

theology while serving time in prison.

With that phase of his life behind him, Moore knew that he wanted to make a difference and help the community that he had grown up in. After coming home and trying several different business ventures, Moore followed up on a call to check out a line of used computers. Although he knew absolutely nothing about computers, he immediately recognized the opportunity.

Moore talked with a local distributor about being able to sell the computers to people he knew around the Houston area.

He started with five computers.

After calling a few friends and family members who were happy to purchase the merchandise, a technology company was born!

Moore went back to get more computers and began selling them from the trunk of his car on the corner of Almeda and Southmore. He decided that he wanted to sell them in the same neighborhood and streets that he played on as a kid.

Ridiculed and talked about, Moore continued day after day, weekend after weekend pulling up to the corner and opening his trunk for business. It didn’t take long for him to become known as the King of Laptop Computers.

He received an exclusive license for the refurbished computer distribution business in Houston.

Afterwards he opened the Laptop Warehouse, which is now a thriving technology business. He continued to aggressively market his top of the line refurbished computers at extremely affordable prices. The store became known as the Home of the $99 Laptop!

The ever growing technology industry did not outgrow Mr. Moore, because he currently has hundreds of laptops, computers and other electronic equipment in stock at the Laptop Warehouse located at 1333 South Loop West Freeway, as well as for sale worldwide over the Internet.

After extensive personal study, Moore became fascinated by the opportunities for personal growth and business development that were available through technology.

He encouraged others around him to expand their knowledge as well. Many of the employees at the Laptop Warehouse have been with Moore from the beginning.

They have benefitted greatly from his investment in their education through technology certifications, learning new trades and developing their existing talents. He consistently hires individuals from the communities he serves and he believes in

second and third chances. He is committed to his people, and Moore believes in sharing with others the liberating experience of technology.

Upon recognizing the high demands for technology and the growing disparity between the haves and the have nots, Moore searched for ways to help close that gap. Statistics have shown that children growing up in homes without computers are already several grade levels

behind, and are ultimately less likely to get into college and to find employment. Moore made it his mission to Leave No Home Behind when it comes to technology. He decided to invest in his community’s future by making technology affordable.

Moore says, “Technology puts the world at your finger tips and opens your eyes to possibilities of things you can do, places you can go, as well as who you can become. Everyone deserves to know what is available to them and it should not have to cost so much. I want to see NO HOME LEFT BEHIND without a computer and access to the power of the Internet.” Moore has also helped countless numbers of schools and churches develop full computer labs, along with programs for computer literacy training. “When I started in this industry I knew nothing about computers or technology.” Moore

stated. He continues to give back to his community and contribute to making technology accessible for all people every day.

It was this mission that led Moore to embark on a journey that took him across the world to China to develop his very own line of technology that he could bring back to the Laptop Warehouse to sell as state of the art equipment at affordable prices. He has taken on the technology industry to help close the gap created by companies that have accelerated

the cost of technology as fast as or faster than its development.

Moore, along with several other partners developed ICON TECHONOGY – a full line of brand new equipment that is as competitive and advanced as the popular brands purchased around the world. Moore continues to expand the ICON line to include pads, tablets, laptops, and even GPS systems that can double as gaming devices.

Moore did not stop there…

He eventually branched out into radio with Emilian White of KCOH and developed a talk show called Moore to Life which features segments on other pillars from the community like himself, including Michael Harris, Wash Allen and Ralph Cooper to name a few.

ICON Technology is launching its exclusive product line at the Laptop Warehouse in May. It will offer something for every level of technology user, from beginners to techies. And to celebrate the new launch, on May 19th Moore to Life Productions is hosting the hottest spiritual concert of the summer featuring Ms. Yolanda Adams at the KBC (Kingdom Builders Center). He stated, “I thought the best way I could show my appreciation to GOD and to those who have helped support the Laptop Warehouse is to launch it in thev SPIRIT of thanksgiving and praise. I recognize that I could have been anywhere in life right now. My life could have been cut short in the streets of Sunnyside, but instead I was spared. I took a journey to CHINA that produced technology that will change lives in this community, just as technology has changed mine.”

May - June, 2012

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7.

ELECT LEON HUBBARD FOR PRECINCT 7 process of review and evaluation.

Additiona lly Mr. Hubbard developed, recommended, and implemented programs to enhance efficiency and divisional effectiveness. His ability to resolve conflict has consistently served he and his fellow officers quite well.

Effective team building has been essential to Mr. Hubbard’s success as law enforcement professional. He understands the importance of nurturing respectful relationships with colleagues inside and outside an agency. His personal discipline and work habits contribute to his ability to thrive in high pressure situations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

L

eon Hubbard’s law enforcement career spans over thirty years and includes an educational background in criminal justice.

He is currently retired as of February 12, 2010 as a supervising sergeant in the Civil Division Harris County Constable Precinct Seven, Houston, Texas.

This particular position has given him the opportunity to establish and maintain positive relationships with other local area law enforcement agencies and partners within the public sector in coordinating appropriate police activities as required.

His natural ability to provide decisive leadership has garnered Mr. Hubbard an outstanding reputation among his peers and colleagues.

Mr. Hubbard began his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy constable in Precinct Seven. His primary responsibilities were to serve civil citations, patrol duty, and serve Class C and Felony warrants.

His educational background is fifty hours of criminal justice from Houston Community College, a High School Diploma, and over thirty years of experience.

Mr. Hubbard’s strengths include his ability to identify and rectify challenges while strategically planning ways to improve productivity among his staff. When employed by Precinct Seven he established exemplary standards of performance, then effectively measured his subordinate’s ability to maintain those standards through a

• Served 30 years in law enforcement (1980-2010) • Established a long standing career as a Supervising Sergeant in the Civil Division of Harris County Constables Office Precinct 7 • Holds a Master Police Officer Certificate • Coordinated appropriate police activities as required by agency and public sector • Developed, recommended, and implemented programs geared towards enhancing efficiency and success • Exemplary Standard of Discipline and Organization • Exemplif ied teamwork and dedication • Achieved Departmental Goa ls and Objectives by establishing Priorities and deadlines • Established and Maintained positive relationships with other local area law enforcement agencies and partnered with the Public Sector in coordinating appropriate activities as was required • I n s t r u ment a l i n t he Implementation of Strategic Planning which increased productivity • Exhibited Overall Exemplary Standard of performance

EDUCATION • Sa m Schwartz High Hempstead, TX • Houston Community College • Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education 1163 hours

VETERAN United States Air Force • 4yrs Active Duty • 4yrs Inactive Reserves

MEMBERSHIPS AND PUBLIC SERVICE • NOBLE(NationalOrganization of Black Law Enforcement Executives) • 100 Club of Houston • Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo - Member • National Constable Association • National Black Police Association • South Union Baptist Church • Crestmont Park Civic Club

GOALS FOR PRECINCT 7 Sergeant Hubbard plans to restore honesty, integrity, and experience so the community will have trust again.

Sergeant Hubbard will increase the visibility of patrols to help reduce criminal activity.

Sergeant Hubbard will create a “HOTSPOT UNIT” to aggressively fight high crime areas where there are a substantial amount of complaints about criminal activity in Precinct 7.

Sergeant Hubbard will create a “Special Events Division” to provide security for special community related events.

Sergeant Hubbard will establish a more active warrant division also. He will work directly with business owners to make sure they aren’t taken advantage of by people who write

hot checks and try to get away with it. He’s going to aggressively go after hot check writers and make sure business owners recover compensation for the services they provide to people who’ve written them hot checks.

Sergeant Hubbard will re-establish a dependable Civil Division so citizens who receive civil citations will be served expeditiously and have their day in court in order to prevent default judgments against them.

EARLY VOTING

Tuesday May 14, 2012 through Friday May 25, 2012 PRIMARY VOTING

Tuesday May 29, 2012

8.

May - June, 2012

May - June, 2012

Hercules The Labors of

CEO Social Media Holdouts: Swim Now or Drown Later

By Mark Grimm, Contributing Writer

By Mallary Tylel, Contributing Wrtier

H

ercules is known as the greatest hero of Greek mythology. He was a champion at all he did but invoked the wrath of Hera, wife of Zeus. She cast a spell of madness upon him, under which he committed a terrible crime. When he awoke he realized what he had done and knew he had to atone. His sentence was to perform a series of twelve tasks or “Labors” that he successful completed over many years. By the end of his life, Hercules was to become an ideal of Ancient Greek virtues and values.

As we all know heroes regularly embark on difficult journeys, confront danger, often discover lost treasure and change the world with their courageous acts. They become the stuff of legends, endowed with great strength and ability. They also have to endure much hardship and peril. Eventually they emerge as someone who, by ability and valor, changes the world.

What we may not know is that we, too, can have our own set of tasks to address with competence and skill.

Some are strategic and some are tactical; all of them can take us forward on our path towards strengthening ourselves and others. Though perhaps not quite Olympian in nature, consider the following 12 Labors: I Identify one strategic change in your area that will show a positive return to your organization.

Establish priorities and criteria for evaluating future opportunities. Take a risk and then seek to engage participation at the broadest and highest level you can.

II Manage relationships and people connections.

Take the time to participate in and model cohesion and

c ol laborat ion among the ranks.

Supporting positive working r e l a t i on s h ip s a n d understanding human interaction will improve performa nce overall.

I

I

M

I

Broaden your perspective.

Take the time to make sure you live and work in the real work.

Regularly spend time with others in your organization outside your immediate group and on the “front line.” Seek out valuable insights from those “in the trenches” as well as co-workers you do not regularly work or communicate with.

Fix the top service issue.

Stop ignoring or excusing problems; instead seek out root causes and create a realistic improvement plan. Delivering on the basics maintains your organization’s credibility.

IV M a n a g e by t he numbers. Proactively monitor what you are doing: productivity, service, retention trends and added va lue.

Include both operational, as well as financial, metrics.

V Be the good guy.

Create a service organization that demonstrates respect and appreciation for all your internal and external customers in word and deed.

Recognize the contributions of others and say, “Thank you.”

VI Take responsibility for your career goals and objectives and identify steps and activities that will help you develop and advance over time.

VII Do not a llow yourself to be ruled by circumstances; accept setbacks

and move forward.

VIII Learning is a never-ending process; always be on the lookout for new knowledge.

IX The economic climate is and will always be in motion; be prepared to weather the storms.

X Be proud of your accomplishments ask for feedback and take something positive from every experience.

XI Make an impact. In your own individual and unique way, approach your role and responsibilities as opportunities to be a champion and change the world.

Whether or not you get to score a perfect 10, remember that YOU are a critical contributor to i nd iv idu a l a nd organizational success.

The workplace hero is not the one who is faster than a speeding bullet or leaps tall buildings in a single bound. It is the person who has demonstrated strength and the courage of their convictions.

Contact: Mallary Tytel, PhD, MBA 860-874-7137 mtytel@healthyworkplaces.com © Mallary Tytel, 2012 May be used with permission

9.

any CEO’s have been reluctant to jump with both feet into the social media pond for a variety of seemingly good reasons: 1- They made it to the top without it and would prefer to rely on the things that got them there.

2- They see it as one more infringement on their admittedly valuable time.

3- It feels like the constantly changing landscape makes it impossible to have a structured plan anyway.

4- By virtue of their position, they do pay a

higher price for posting something that could come back to haunt them.

5- Some feel young people have embraced it, but more senior people have not. …And Kodak executives felt digital photography would never rival film.

There have been two revolutionary developments in mass communication in the past six and half centuries. The mid-15th century invention of the printing press created oneway mass communication.

Socia l media made mass communication interactive, instantaneous, and global.

Social media isn’t a fad, it’s the new tapestry where relationships, business, politics, and culture will be placed. And it’s not just for the young. The average age of a LinkedIn user is 44 years old.(1)

The clock is ticking. Social media is about building relationships and that takes time. Business and life is about building relationships, too. Those resisting social media now will find it even harder later to join the game. Swim now or drown later.

The real question is how to use social media. Every executive needs a plan.

It must be guided by customer and prospect behavior, be full of compelling content, and subject to the same returnon-investment test that any other activity would face. It’s a big challenge for CEO’s. There’s no denying that. But isn’t meeting challenges what CEO’s do best?

The writer is a communications consultant and head of his own company. More at www. markgrimm.com

10. May - June, 2012

The Real Truth About Wall Street

By Brian Solik, Contributing Wrtier

T

he lifestyle and retirement of the majority of Americans is based upon trusting the financial experts of their day that all will go well with their Wall Street investments. As the previous article demonstrated, so often economic predictions have been entirely wrong, and multitudes of burned investors

have had to pick up the pieces from failed stock investments and try to manage on what is left. In the past decade, many folks have had blind faith in stocks and have gotten burned.

Here are a few questions I left unanswered: How could experts be so wrong in their predictions? Aren’t they intelligent enough to see the real issues? Can you trust your favorite financial magazine or news show?

What can the average investor do, if the top experts in our country often give disastrous advice?

Should you throw darts at a stock chart, or simply leave all of your money in a money market fund?

Before I answer these important questions, it may help to know a bit about my personal background and experience. I spent nine years, from 2000-2009, as a financial advisor in my local community, working for probably the bestknown brokerage firm in the

country. There were many fine employees in that firm. However, we were part of Wall Street, and as Wall Street did, we did. I noticed that even in the worst of times, when it seemed the country was going to collapse, they were still promoting (in many cases, pushing) to keep our clients in Wall Street investments for a sizeable portion of their assets. In 2008, most of my client’s couldn’t handle the uncertainty, and with my guidance moved much of their money to cash, CDs, and other safe alternatives.

I began to wonder why Wall Street continued to be bullish (positive about stocks and other similar investments). After I stepped away and become an independent advisor in 2009, the obvious dawned on me. You don’t need a college degree to figure this one out. Why was Wall Street always bullish? Because that’s what they sell!

Let’s face it-Wall Street firms are in the business of selling Wall Street investments. Your advisor’s firm may now be owned by a bank, or your advisor may even be independent, but if they are always or almost always bullish and pressing you to invest, even in spite of your protests, then they have been infected by Wall Street hype and mania.

Why are the bullish experts so often wrong? There are several reasons. Most people are hopeful and truly want to see our economy flourish. There is also an inherent optimism about the United States, given our history as a prosperous nation. “This is the United States! That won’t happen to us!” is a common sentiment.

We also tend to forget times of struggle and remember and focus on the hope of good things to come. All of this can distort our analysis of economic data, just like a diehard sports fan may

be optimistic about his team’s chances for an upcoming season even though the roster doesn’t look too promising.

Another major factor for Wall Street analysts and Washington politicians is that their livelihood often depends on them being positive, hopeful and ultimately bullish. If you worked as an analyst for a bank or brokerage firm that makes its money selling Wall Street investments, don’t you think you would feel a bit of pressure, whether subtle or possibly overt, to tell the public they should keep investing? If the economic data was negative, how long could you tell the public to reduce or eliminate their Wall Street investments before management would knock on your door to discuss your advice?

Brian Solik, CRPC is registered with TFS Securities, Inc. and is President and Founder of Wealth Preservations Strategies of NJ. He enjoys educating investors on how to maximize their financial security and minimize taxes.

Comments or questions can be directed to briansolik@tfsrep. com.

By Toni R. Harris Contributing Wrtier

W

hich one is it? I guess it depends on who you ask. To be clear, I am writing to get you to rethink whether home ownership is a viable option for everyone as we have been taught since childhood. In the past, we were assured that owning a home was part of the American dream. It was a natural progression to go to school, get married, and buy a home with the white picket fence to raise our children and live in that home happily ever after. Oh, how the world has changed! So much about that scenario is not our typical society anymore and perhaps buying a home with a long term mortgage may not be the best choice for many families.

Let’s think about it. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider putting off purchasing

a home.

1. It’s not necessarily an investment anymore. In today’s economy, the declining home prices have left many people upside down in their mortgage.

There was a time when the term upside down was only heard when referring to a car. But now, houses are upside down and will likely remain so if there is a gap between your mortgage balance and the value of your home.

2. We don’t stay in one place very long. The average stay in a home is now 5-7 years. Most of the time when paying on a mortgage those 5-7 years, 80% of the payments are interest ,only a small amount applies to the principle. The same is true for our jobs. In the good ole days, our parents stayed on their jobs for 30 years therefore there was no reason to move.

Not anymore. We are not only

changing jobs every 2-4 years, we are moving from city to city. I know many people who are paying double mortgages or renting their home because they were forced to move for their careers and the market wasn’t moving. Talk about a lack of mobility!

3. Taxes, Maintenance & Association Fees, oh my! As a home owner you have the privilege of paying taxes, maintenance and being subjected to home owners’ association rules and fees. True, you can write off interest and taxes, however, it depends on how much you pay as to whether you can actually itemize your deductions to write them off. And depending on where you live, HOAs can dominate your property to the point you wonder whose property it is anyway!

Am I anti-homeownership? Not necessarily. In fact if you want to

see if buying or renting is right for you plug your numbers into this calculator at http://www. nytimes.com/ interactive/ business/ buy-rentc a l c u l a t o r. html. I believe as a society we need to give up the notion that renters are second class citizens and “throwing their money away” (think about all the money a home owner throws away in interest, insurance, taxes and HOA fees).

In fact a smart renter would take the money that they would pay into taxes, maintenance and HOA fees and save for their future or pay down debt. Saving

and paying down debt are harder to accomplish as a home owner because they pour their money into their homes which lately has brought very little return. Who really is the smart one? Think about it.

Toni Harris, also known as the Turnaround Queen, is a speaker, Radio show host, and author. Her book, An American NightmareThe Pitfalls of Homeownership is available for Kindle at www.amazon.com or hard copy online at www.toni-harris.com .

Contact Toni at 713-387-9273 or toni@toniharrisspeaks.com.

May - June, 2012

Ruben Davis: Serving Fort Bend County for 16 Years Constable Ruben Davis, Fort Bend County, Missouri City, TX. Constable Davis has faithfully served Fort Bend County, Precinct Two, since May 10, 1996. He served two terms as president of the Houston Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and one term on the National Board of NOBLE. Constable Davis, a graduate of the University of Houston, majoring in Criminal Justice and Prairie View A & M University with a Master’s degree in Counseling, FBI Command College, holds numerous police certifications including: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Gang Investigator, Homicide Investigator, Police Academy Instructor, DARE Instructor, Crime Prevention Specialists and a Master Police License.

In addition to his professional affiliation with NOBLE, Constable Davis is a member of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), is a lifetime member of the Houston Police Officers Association and the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police), and a lifetime member of A. Phillip Randolph Institute.

Constable Davis has spent nearly half of his career in community policing programs and projects. Empowering people and communities to improve their safety, security and quality of life is a passion of Constable Davis.

During his career with the Houston Police Department, a career that spanned 21 years, he was a member of Police Chief Lee P. Brown’s Executives Police Session Project for Community Oriented Policing, which included other National members such as worldrenowned expert Dr. Herman Goldstein.

Constable Davis organized a series of Teens Oriented Police Seminars in the Houston area.

He also provides assistance, annually, to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage Committee. The Black Heritage Committee is part of the funding source for millions of dollars raised to support Texas youth and education; more than $230 million has been raised.

Constable Davis created the first Community Liaison Deputy Program through the Texas Governor’s Criminal Justice Plan for Texas, in Fort Bend County, to work with at-risk youths, boys & girls, ages 6-16.

Among other accomplishments, Constable Davis has: • organized forums with Community leaders to speak out against violence in high crime

stat areas; • raised funding for a finger printing child safety program that benefited over 2,500 children; • raised funding for fire detectors for low-income homes; • provided safety patrol to local churches when arson was on a rampage in the community; • worked with the community to provide job opportunities to youth that resulted in enhancing their skills • provides courtesy patrol to areas most affected by crime and violence • extends his Reserve Deputy program to patrol areas sponsoring safety programs, fairs, bazaars, carnivals and other events at NO CHARGE • Motorola Corporation’s Walter Lawson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Service.

• Honored by the Texas State Legislative for Outstanding Community Service.

• Honored by the City of Missouri City for Outstanding Community Service.

As Constable I provide the following services to the community: Office of Constable The office of constable is one of the oldest law enforcement positions in county government. In 1823 Stephen F. Austin appointed two constables as law enforcement for Texas. In 1836, 1845, and 1861 Texas Constitutions recognized constables as primary law administrators. In 1876 Texas Constitution provided biennial elections of constables from each justice of the peace precinct. In 1954 Texas Constitution lengthens terms of office to four-year terms. Constables are commissioned by the Governor of Texas as Law Enforcement officials.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (T.C.L.E.O.S.E) licenses constables.

Civil And Writs Deputies serve civil process, execute writs, and serve subpoenas for property and people. The civil processes include but are not limited to: Citations, Attorney General Office, Writs of Attachment, Restraining Orders, Protective Orders, Writs of Execution, Writ of Mandamus, Writs of Garnishment, Writs of Possession, Writs of Re-entry, Writs of Sequestration, and Writs of Execution, Subpoenas, Eviction Notices and Abatement.

Absent Students Assistance Program ASAP or Absent Student Assistance Program strives to keep children in school. Through a variety of means, deputies work to identify truancy problems and find remedies to help students stay in school. In order for a student to receive an education, the student must be in school.

Courts Precinct 2 Deputies are assigned to various courts as bailiffs. These deputies are the law enforcement arm of the court. They keep order in the court, serve legal process or other court documents, and take charge of juries when the court is not in session. Also bailiffs provide general security for the courthouse and its staff.

Child Safety Programs The Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office provides free child safety fingerprinting to all local school children. This includes area daycare centers and Fort Bend ISD schools. All you need to do is call our office at 281-403-8010.

These deputies are the law enforcement arm of the court. They keep order in the court; serve legal process or other court assigned dispensations.

Deputies Volunteer/Reserve Police Officers must complete the state approved Basic Peace Officer Certification course which is now over 600 hours. Most individuals do this training at their own expense through The University of Houston, The Houston Community College System or at other area colleges. Several volunteer deputies are retired police officers.

Warrants The Warrant Division is responsible for serving warrants and arresting fugitives. Most warrants are the result of traffic violations and hot checks.

Fort Bend Toll Road The Fort Bend County Parkway toll road is patrolled by my office.

Neighborhood Contract Patrol Division The Neighborhood Contract Patrol Division provides law enforcement services on a contractual basis to subdivisions or neighborhoods as per agreement with Fort Bend County.

Free Notary Services

11.

12. May - June, 2012

Developing the Vision for the Future T

he National Association of Minority M i n e r a l Owners (NAMMO) is a national advocacy association whose members are primarily minority ranchers, farmers and royalty owners.

Their association strives to create a business and legal environment that is designed to continue the development of exploration and production of oil and gas. They aim to protect and enhance the property rights of the surface and mineral owners, while reducing litigation.

NAMMO is the only national organization working exclusively to protect the rights and interest of minorities as land and royalty owners.

They seek to create a sense of fairness in the relationship between the oil companies and the mineral owners.

association is open only to (minority) individual and entities (trusts, associations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and corporations) who legally own or are otherwise entitled to, or who actively manage fee, surface minerals or royalty interest in the United States of America. Membership is not open to individuals or entities minority or nonminority who earn the Mission Statement majority of their income The mission of The via a working interest in oil National Association of and gas production.

Minority Mineral Owners is to protect and enhance Purpose of the the property and mineral Symposium rights for its members.

To educate the Minority Membership in the Community about the

Energy industry and what actually goes on during the Offshore Technology Conference every May in Houston. Historically the Houston African American community has not been involved in this conference.

The organization also promotes the pursuit of Math and Science to innercity children, in dire hopes that they will pursue an engineering degree. The Developing the Vision for the Future Energy Symposium serves a dual purpose. It was also the launch of the start of the Petroleum Engineering/ Natural Gas Curriculum on the campus of TSU in Fall 2012.

I PA A ( I n d e p e n d e n t Petroleum Association of America) sponsored three high schools (Westside High School, Milby High School and the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy) to increase awareness of the energy industry to our children on the high school level. We have also partnered with HISD at the middle school level exposing strong math and science students from Ryan Middle School and Thomas Middle School.

Contact NAMMO at 3213 Fuqua St Houston, Tx 77047 713-222-7891 www.nammogroup.org

May - June, 2012

13.

Your Miracle Water, Inc.

By Ronda M. Prince, Contributing Wrtier

A

nyone looking to lose weight, reduce cholesterol, get in better shape, look good, feel good, lower blood pressure, improve diet, be a better example for the kids, reduce chances of some health concerns, live longer, enjoy life longer with family, increase quality of health, eliminate need for so many drugs, reduce ailments for self and family …? Well when you get your body back closer to its original state it will take care of itself and perform at a greater level of quality. Anyone trying to be proactive instead of reactive

to symptoms? Anyone looking to eliminate the over usage of drugs? Are you seeking alternatives?

Experience how the proper water recycling itself thru your bodily organs and over 20+Trillion cells in your body will make a major difference in your body’s performance.

Health Awareness Advocate and Chief Executive Officer Ronda M. Prince started Your Miracle Water, Inc. in 2009. What began as an incentive to obtain the best quality of health for her and her family has turned into a Health Awareness Movement to educate and inform families all over the world about the health benefits to getting their bodies back closer to their original state. The body was not created for disease, sickness or drugs, but it was created to take care of itself.

In 1923 Dr. Otto Warburg discovered the cause of

cancer and said cancer nor disease can survive in an alkalined environment, but breeds in an acidic environment. In 1931 he received a Nobel Prize for his discovery (when you know a cause you know a cure). When we are born we are born alkalined, but we fill our bodies with acid consciously and unconsciously. Our bodies are dependent on water.

There is nothing more important to our bodies than water except air. Our bodies are ~75% water, blood ~85%, Brain ~95%, Lungs ~90%, Muscles ~75% and even bones ~25%. Dr. Batmanghelidj says, “You’re not sick; you’re thirsty. Don’t treat thirst with medication”.

New technology/ Trend change (Household Appliance) in the form of a Home Medical Device was brought over to the USA ~8 yrs ago from a company

named Enagic out of Japan (Japan is ranked #1 on United Nations Longevity Chart). They manufacture a machine that has been used in hospitals for over 38 yrs in Japan. This machine transforms your tap water into an Alkalined, Antioxidant Micro-Clustered water with excellent health benefits (no more buying bottled water). The goal is to get the body back closer to its original state and it will take care of itself. The body was not created for disease nor drugs. Getting the body back in its natural harmony, eliminating the

dis-ease within the body will allow it to take care of itself.

Get your free e-book, newsletters and watch videos at www.yourmiraclewater. com and start working to get your body back to its original state. God created an awesome machine, and like I only give my cars premium gas I only give my body Kangen Water. The quality of your water dictates the quality of your health. Change your water and change your life. Call and get a free live Presentation/

Demonstration of the power of water and/or sample the water for free (281) 850-3918.

Greater Southeast Management District Signs On As New Title Sponsor of BACE Productions’ Dancin’ in the Street… Motown & More Revue

M

ore than 40,000 Houstonians are expected to turnout for the 17th annual Dancin’ in the Street Motown & More Revue, a Memorial Day Weekend tradition at Miller Outdoor Theatre. This year’s soul music spectacular pays homage to musical legends Etta James, Whitney Houston, Don Cornelius, Ashford & Simpson and many more.

Dancin’ in the Street…

Motown & More Revue is jointly produced by BACE Productions and One Delta Plaza Educational Center (ODPEC) and sponsored by the City of Houston, through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, CenterPoint Energy, Texas Southern University, Men’s Wearhouse, the Rejoice Television Network, along with new title sponsor the Greater Southeast Management District!

“We’re excited to host the most anticipated community eve n t i n o u r d i s tr i c t, celebrating an amazing line-

up of historic music icons, in a very historic time of growth and development of this area,” said Robert Muhammad, vice chair of the Greater Southeast Management District.

The Greater Southeast Management District’s Dancin’ in the Street… Motown & More Revue will become a signature event for the management district, ensuring continuance of the city’s longstanding celebration of soul music, and its universal and enduring influence on music and culture around the world.

Dancin’s… dynamic cast of vocalists, musicians and dancers feature some of Houston’s most talented artists. New artists to join the Dancin’ in the Street… roster include Anzeo David, Kai Hicks, Shawn Taylor, Phil Wade, and many more, alongside worldrenowned trumpeter Andrew Hayward. “ The title sponsorship by The Greater Southeast Management District demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the arts, culture and community in keeping with long-standing tradition, and to preserve the integrity of the production given

our challenging economy,” said Dalilah Whitmore, co-producer of BACE Productions.

Free tickets for Greater Southeast Management District presents Dancin’ in the Street…

Motown & More Revue are available on the day of each show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre Box Office between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. Patrons 16 and older can pick up four tickets per person at that time. For pre-show T-shirt and ticket donation information call 713 483-0724. For FREE ticket and special needs tickets call the Miller Outdoor Theatre Box Office 832-487-4107.

The Greater Southeast Management District’s Dancin’ in the Street… Motown & More Revue, the ‘real thrill on the hill’ where generations of soul music lovers meet.

14. May - June, 2012

How to Maintain Health Coverage on a Fixed Budget

By Donavon Flegeance

J

ust the other day Thomas Jones a owner of a local barbershop called me up to say thanks for all the help that was offered to him through a supplemental health insurance plan Mr. Jones purchased four years ago. Mr. Jones noted that even though he could not afford the average health care premiums that were offered for him at the time, he opted to go with the next best thing that could have saved him and his family money. He chose an accident plan, Boy, did it come in handy. Mr. Jones was recovering from a car accident just three months prior to calling the office and stated that he and his two sons were going home

from a late night baseball tournament before they were ran off the road by a drunk driver. They were immediately sent to the emergency room.

Mr. Jones was hospitalized for several weeks and his sons released the next day. Not having any major medical health coverage the family didn’t think they would recover. However, after several weeks Mr. Jones was well enough to remind his wife he had a supplemental insurance policy in place that paid him cash directly.

Mr. Jones got enough money back to handle a portion of the doctor bill and help maintain some of the income he lost while he was in the hospital.

There are three things

you should know and be aware of if you are on a tight budget and can’t afford health insurance.

No one wants to have unpaid medical bills on their credit report but if it happens we have a better chance explaining that to the creditors, so know your options. #1 If you can not create an emergency account for illness or sickness and can’t afford health insurance that covers major medical, get an accident plan that starts off for as little as $6.00 a week with some supplemental companies who carry these plans. The amount of the plan might equate to $288 a year but pays well over that if anything should happen. For example: If

you were hospitalized, the per night cost you could receive after investing in an accident policy is $350 per day for up to 365 days. For coverage of $288 a year you would get your money back on the first day. #2 Maybe you are someone that knows that cancer runs in the family and on top of that you’re a smoker, well you can’t afford a rate hike in major medical insurance because it cost too much so you just don’t purchase anything,

wrong. Get a separate policy that covers you for cancer in most cases it locks you in at whatever age you purchase it and even at the age of 58, 60 yrs. old etc. you pay the same amount you were paying if you bought the plan at 28 yrs. old. #3 Get a package that is tailored to your specific need. If you get sick or someone in your immediate family does and you don’t qualify for Medicaid, get a Hospital plan that will

pay out $200 - $300 a night. These policies are dirt-cheap and are very affordable.

K now that these policies and options are supplemental insurance and can be used for your personal needs to pay the mortgage, car or your regular expenses while you are sick and out of work. It helps maintain your credit and helps bear some of the financial burden when you experience an unexpected emergency.

May - June, 2012

15.

16. May - June, 2012

Tips to Minimize Your Personal Risk as a Small Business Owner ENTREPRENEURSHIP | INNOVATION | CAPITAL | MARKETING

By Cynthia Nevels

N

ow is the time to evaluate the risk your small business faces and create an action plan to mitigate those risks in 2012. Here are four practical tips to put on the list.

the right legal structure to protect your family’s assets and personal interests.

How can you determine which legal structure is best? The decision should be based on your net worth, the risk your product or service presents to the end user or customer, and your exit strategy. Contact an attorney to discuss your choices or check out the Texas Secretary of State website for information on selecting the right business structure. http:// www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/ businessstructure.shtml

$ Insurance

If you are planning to open a restaurant, sale $ Select the Right chemical products or sell services to the local, state or Legal Structure national government you The first step to minimizing will want to look at selecting your risk as a small business the proper insurance. owner is all about selecting Many small businesses

do not include insurance expense when creating their startup budget or considering the risks and “what ifs” when they begin.

You run the risk of losing your personal assets if you are sued for negligence, false information or faulty products. A barber can be sued for unsanitary equipment that leads to injury of a client, a restaurant can be sued if a client slips on a grease spot in the establishment, a contractor can be sued if they fail to deliver the service promised and on time. You can protect yourself by investigating the right products to fit your needs from a business owner’s policy, worker’s compensation, general liability, property, group benefits and retirement plans. The Hartford offers plans for small businesses to help insure against risks that

could make or break your business.

$ Educate Yourself Determine what your weaknesses are and take action to fill the knowledge gaps. A client once told me after a customized QuickBooks training to organize her financials, “I know what I know and that’s all I know, I never thought about how I was going to manage the company’s books, pay sales and use taxes, employee taxes when I started my business.” Completing an entrepreneurship course or certificate program can present new information and ideas new owners may not have considered during the startup brainstorming sessions in the beginning.

$ Hire the Right Talent

Determine what type of talent or people you need to take your business to the next level. One person cannot do serve all. In 2012, there is a large enough talent pool of willing and able people to fill in and provide skills you may not have or due to time – cannot fulfill. It is better to pay for the right help now than to pay later with missed deadlines and lost business opportunities.

Look to freelancers to fill the seat using such as sites like eLance.com and oDesk. com.

Cynthia Nevels has owned and operated her small business consulting firm, CynthiaNevels.com, for 11 years. She’s an adjunct professor at Mountain View College and Richland College and developed Mountain View’s Advanced Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate program. Her first career was as a technology recruiter and consultant with Siebel Systems (now Oracle) and Keane Consulting. She wrote the book Financial Bailout and is working on a second one.

May - June, 2012

17.

Social Media – What’s Your Customer Saying About You?

By Errol Allen, Contributing Wrtier

W

h i l e researching a new restaurant to visit, I purposely read the online reviews concerning how customers felt about the service. Luckily for me (and the restaurant), the majority of the reviews were positive. Within myself I wondered if someone affiliated with the restaurant was aware of the online reviews. Social media has proven to be a powerful tool. It allows mass communication of ideas, thoughts and opinions. It can be a wonderful marketing tool for your business. It's to the business community's advantage to embrace social media as a way for customers to voice their opinion about products and services. Social media is an additional channel to monitor to insure awareness of customer opinion. Customers utilize Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to advise the social media community of their experiences with your product or service.

By simply googling poor customer service - your city (in my case - Houston, TX) you'll find examples of customer comments regarding their customer service experiences.

Consider these statistics when making the decision of whether or not to monitor the social media channels.

According to Customers Rock, over 58% of tweeters who have tweeted about a bad experience have never received a response from the offending company.

55% of consumers expect

a response the same day to an online complaint yet only 29 % receive one.

43% of consumers say that companies should use social media to solve customer problems. These statistics appear to indicate that customers have embraced social media as a way to express their opinions, while some companies have yet to embrace the necessity to monitor and respond to customer complaints placed on the social media channels.

While there are differing opinions regarding how many followers the average Twitter user has (I've seen numbers as high as 125 followers per user to as low as 10 followers per user), the mere fact that negative information is broadcast in this manner is not to be taken lightly. The "old" method of offering one's opinion to other consumers via chance opportunities has given way to the ability for immediate distribution to multiple consumers. The revenue and reputation impact can be great. Remember, some will chose to do business with you based upon the experiences of others. Make the decision to monitor the social media channels for conversation regarding your business. You might say that you don't have the time or manpower to do this. I would suggest that you accept that consumers have chosen social media as a way to express their opinion and treat this just as you would if someone

called your business to complain or complained in person. Another reason to monitor the social media channels is that it gives you an opportunity to determine what percentage of your customers utilizing social media to give their opinion, speak negatively about their experience with your company. Are there patterns in regards to the comment topics? As an addition to the more traditional methods of accumulating data about your customer's experience with your company, social media allows you to collect data quickly in order to correct issues promptly. Just as you would respond to an "in person" complaint, do the same with a negative social media comment.

Research by evolve24, a Maritz Research company, shows that of the 29% of consumers receiving a reply after tweeting negative information about a company, 83% stated that they liked or loved the fact that they received a reply to their Twitter complaint.

Social media is here to stay. Just as the 1-800 number and email have proven to be customer friendly options for allowing the customer to give their opinion about your company, social media has added another channel for you to address in your quest to providing great customer service.

Civility – Where Did It Go?

By Elaine Fields Smith, Contributing Writer

I

f a young man trips on the stage at his college graduation and falls into the dean’s arms, will he say, “My bad?” Such casual replacements for common courtesy are more and more frequent in today’s society.

What the dean would hope that young man would say is: “Excuse me!” or “I am so sorry!”

Graduation, being a more formal situation than most that young man had experienced, might have been an event for which he received no training. Casual speech so commonplace is accepted, or overlooked, in most circles due to the emphasis on a more casual society. Gone are the days when people dressed up to go out to dinner. When www.errolallenconsulting. travelling, men wore dress pants and women donned com heels. Now sloppiness is 1-800-830-4167

expected in airports; flip flops are considered shoes in restaurants.

So why did people dress nicely during those occasions in decades past?

One reason was because they wanted to look nice. It felt good and necessary to be well thought of. Civility is the same as politeness and courteousness. Rude behavior, including appearing to be a slob, is not civil.

What happened?

Courtesy and politeness is an extension of one’s selfimage. The lack of, or the presence of, civility could be directly related to the level of self-esteem of the individual. If our graduate cares what the dean thinks of his blunder on stage, he will be more likely to respond in a civil manner.

In a more casual situation such as fumbling with a beaker in science lab in

front of other students, he will be more likely to be less civil. Caught in an occurrence for which he has no respect, he will react without respect; in an uncivil manner. Further, the young man will likely react uncivilly in any of the circumstances if he doesn’t care how he is treated. Even the Golden Rule won’t help a person who has negative feelings about himself.

One of the definitions of “casual” is “indifferent”.

Civility is directly related to one’s indifference. People should care what happens to other people and how they are treated. That is what makes us human.

Elaine Fields Smith is an author in Central Texas. www.blazingstarbooks.com color

18. May - June, 2012

Think About It! S

By Alvin E. Terry, MBA, Contributing Wrtier

mall businesses are being highlighted this month on a national level. Small Business Week is from May 20th – 26th. Improving your business image is very important.

If you are serious about your business, then the image that you portray and display to the buying public, whether you are engaged in B2B or B2C customers can be the measure of your ultimate success when you reference your bottom line. I know that you have heard it before, but corporate branding is still at the top of the list of “things to do” for your company.

Business is a universal language and is included on the level of medicine or music as an example.

Whether you are engaged in any medium, you still have to go about the business of getting that business to your market. Everyone understands the language and it is recognizable in any language, culture or dialect. The “Bottom Line” is still the “Bottom Line’ in relation to net profits or losses.

It means the same in America,

Europe, Africa, Russia or Asia.

Being a team player in the global economy which generates business success is what we all are aspiring too. Succeeding in business means that you have mastered most of the components that are inherent in that discipline.

Mastering these mechanics at times can be a daunting task with all of the other tasks that you have to perform on a daily basis.

Being a champion of the “Media” component of your business is a must have in your arsenal of weapons in your tool box. You can have a great product or service, but if no one knows about you it can be very frustrating when you go to the bank.

Gaining credibility in your industry may include obtaining advanced degrees and certifications, but it will also mean obtaining public relations opportunities, advertising, and getting endorsements and referrals. Reaching out to association memberships, attending networking events and

supporting volunteer causes can only help your efforts to get your brand out there.

As a business owner engaging in special promotions, starting a blog, generating newsletters, writing articles, sending out flyers, mailing out brochures, participating in talk shows, whether Radio or TV is very important to building your brand. If you do not have the time to do it all yourself, hire a professional or some professionals to assist you so that you can free up that valuable time for selling and closing the deal.

I know that this is a lot to do, been there, done that, still doing that. It never ends! Embrace the proper mind set and go for it. It can only reap you more success.

Think about it!

If you would like to contact me for advice about business or real estate, I can be reached at alvin. terry@rocketmail.com or directly @ 713-392-9107. Good Luck!

May - June, 2012

19.

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy Girls Today, Women Tomorrow, Leaders in the Future

YWCPA’S Future Leaders and Art Teacher, Ms. Bennett

T

he Foundation For The Education of Young Women has started six schools for girls only. Their schools are 6th through 12th grade college preparatory public schools which capitalize on the intellectual curiosity and creative spirit inherent in all young women.

The schools view learning as a dynamic participatory process that must allow young women to experience success upon success because young people with the confidence to learn want to learn more. They have developed a seamless articulation of curricula in English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Foreign Language, the Arts, Health, Physical Education, and Technology based on a structure of balanced learning, infusing and integrating literacy into every course and moving toward making every student an independent, lifelong learner.

The schools shine as proof of the educational benefits of receiving all-girls, college preparatory, public education. They offer young urban girls in Texas a choice in their education … a choice for a brighter educational future. Each school is built upon their core values of College Preparation, Responsible Leadership, and

Wellness Life Skills.

Houston’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is the local school that is a part of the All Female College Preparatory Academy movement.

The mission of the Foundation for the Education of Young Women (FEYW) is to support single sex, college preparatory, public education in Texas that will give young women in urban schools the academic skills to achieve success in college and life by thinking critically, leading purposefully, and living active, healthy and responsible lives.

By utilizing public-private partnerships and innovative methodologies, FEYW is working within the system to address one of Texas’ greatest challenges: the state has one of the worst high school graduation rates in the nation. FEYW formed its first public-private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District, and in August 2004, the first all-girls public school in Texas, the Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, opened its doors. After compiling impressive results in Dallas, FEYW partnered with school districts in Austin, San Antonio, and Lubbock and opened three more Young Women’s Leadership

Schools in 2007 - 2008. Their fifth school opened in Fort Worth in August 2010 and the sixth school opened in Houston in August 2011.

The Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School graduated its third class of seniors in June 2011. They are proud to say that one hundred percent of the class graduated and was accepted to a college or university.

The graduates received over $3.6 million in academic and merit YWCPA’s students are smiling in anticipation of a brighter scholarships. This builds upon future. the success of the school’s first two graduating classes (2009 and 2010.) One hundred percent of the girls also graduated and were accepted to college. The girls received over $1.4 million in academic and merit scholarships in 2009 and $1.6 million in academic and merit scholarships in 2010.

They anticipate these same outstanding results from the other Young Women’s Leadership Schools as they begin to graduate their first senior classes.

Taken from www.feyw.org Advertise today in D-MARS D-Mars.com Business Journal

Call US TODAY! 713. 272. 9511

Mr. D-MARS and YWCPA Principal Delesa O’Dell Thomas

20. May - June, 2012

High School Dropouts: A National Concern

By Dr. D. L. Jones , Contributing Writer

A

merica is slowly climbing out of her economic slump, yet our nation’s dropout woes continue to spiral downward.

This persistent downward spiral increases the threat to the country’s future strength, productivity, innovation and prosperity.

A few years ago, I watched Dr. Abelardo Saavedra, the former Superintendent of Houston ISD knock on neighborhood doors trying to get dropouts to come back to school.

This phenomenon wasn’t

just isolated to Houston, Texas but all across the country, mayors, politicians, superintendents and community activists were hitting the streets encouraging dropouts to ‘drop-back-in.’

Studies suggest that only half of the high school students in the nation’s 50 largest cities graduate in four years. However, a statistician can make numbers (data) say what they want it to say. I suggest, that when all variables, i.e. leaver codes, falsified homeschooling attendance, etc. are factored in, the true national dropout rate exceeds fifty percent and growing.

In a global economy, the single most important issue facing our country is an educated work force.

Somebody who lacks a high

school education won’t stand a chance of obtaining gainful employment.

Think about it, if a person can’t compete due to a lack in academic abilities, what choices will he/she have in life to succeed? The undereducated will face a future of social and economic challenges unimaginable.

What’s the solution?

America has such a huge number of students dropping out at an alarming rate that you can’t point to any one factor or any one solution. I’ve seen where the home is so dysfunctional that the child is literally raising himself and taking care of mom. I’ve seen where drugs are the sole variable leading to dropping out of school. I’ve also seen where institutional labeling, cultural insensitivity,

and unconcerned and/ or apathetic teachers were the catalyst to high school dropouts. The variables are many, the problem is increasing and the solutions are too few. What do we do?

Bill White – the former Mayor of Houston came up with an idea along with his wife called “Reach Out to Dropouts.” This program consisted of volunteers including city leaders who went out to neighborhoods and visited homes of students who hadn’t returned to school.

Records show that this program was successful in re-enrolling over 5,000 former dropouts in the city of Houston.

In recent years one national initiative for saving our children was “One Church-One School.”

This program proved to be successful and was gaining ground in establishing the relationship that our constitution once held separate; church and state.

The list goes on and on with past, present and future ideas on curbing the

dropout rate in America; as the list grows so does the nation’s list of dropouts.

Frankly, it’s a growing problem that’s out of control!

About fifteen years ago, I gave an opening illustration before a sermon. It went something like this: A frustrated dad came home from work after a long and disappointing financial audit and began ripping up everything in sight on the kitchen table. Shortly before dinner his daughter came into the kitchen and asked who moved her homework assignment from the kitchen table?

Sorrowful and hurt, the dad lamented to his precious daughter, I think a tore it up by accident and threw it in the trash. Oh no, she replied, that was my geography drawing of the world!

The young girl began to pick up the ripped pieces out of the garbage as dad looked on with tears in his eyes; every little torn piece of paper she placed in a brown paper bag. After about two hours, the young girl came back down to

the kitchen where her dad was seated. Look dad, I put it all back together.

With astonishment the dad carefully took the drawing and asked; how did you do it? The young girl said, I remembered that I drew a picture of our family on the opposite side of the paper; me, you and mommy eating Sunday dinner at the kitchen table. When I put the family back together I turned the page over and the world was put back together.

I know we are facing a growing problem with our babies dropping out of school. I know that from former mayor Bill White and other leaders across the country have implemented programs to curb the high school dropout rate.

Nevertheless, I believe with all my heart that if America can put the family back together, we can put the world back together, therefore, resolving the problem of our children dropping out of school.

Think about it!

May - June, 2012

6

Things to Think About Before Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Becoming an Entrepreneur

By Dr. Wendy, Contributing Writer

A

ccording to Forbes Magazine, Houston is the 2nd best city to find a job. As a matter of fact, Texas has added 200,000 oil and gas jobs over the past decade. Although Houston is a great place to find a job people still want to do their own thing. They want be an entrepreneur!

Having a good idea and owning a business is great, however before you “hang that shingle” or quit that job you must first ask yourself – Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?

Below are 6 things for you to think about before you take that plunge: Step 1: Evaluate your personality - Can you handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including financial ups and downs? Can you handle and professionally deal with conflict, have difficult conversations and accept rejection? Do you know how to talk to people?

If you prefer to control your situation, financial consistency and stability, a new business may not be right for you.

Step 2: Define your motivation – Why do you really want to start a business? Are you tired of your current job? Are you looking to get off of work early? Are you looking forward to taking extended lunches? Do you plan to get rich quick? These are not legitimate reasons to start a business. In other words, if you like creating procedures and systems, passionate about servicing customers, love the idea of running an entity, and if you thrive on wearing many multiple hats and balancing

multiple responsibilities, then entrepreneurship may be something to look into.

Step 3: Assess how well you work with others – Some see opening a business as an escape from the obnoxious boss or the annoying coworker who won’t leave you alone.

Being a business owner is the complete opposite.

If you want investors, assistance with the business (lawyers, etc.) and clients your personality and people skills must be sharp.

Step 4: Take stock of who you know – Having a degree and graduating at the top of your class is awesome and I applaud you. I am an advocate of education and think it should be a lifelong endeavor. However when it comes down to business (in many cases) it is not what you know, it’s who you know. If you don’t know many people, you must start to understand the importance of “effective” networking and being connected. It is never too late to get connected however you must start this process immediately.

Step 5: Be honest about your relationship with money - Do you have any money to invest in your business, or will you be relying on others? Are you financially responsible? Do you panic about spending money? Do you avoid financial risk? If so, do not expect your relationship with money to change just because you open a business.

Bottom-line,

opening a business requires money! You must have enough for your start-up costs, operate your business and to live on and it is vital that you practice sound financial management principles in your personal life in order to get off to a good start.

Step 6: Examine the marketplace and your competition - Before you take the plunge take a hard look at the marketplace and your competition. Is your market inundated with successful businesses? Is your industry plagued with so many bad businesses that it’s developed a bad reputation? Both good and bad competitors will influence just how successful your business will be. This can be challenging as you must market and brand your business to stand out above the good competitors, and to make up for the bad ones.

Being a business owner can be very rewarding however before you decide to leave your job or take all of your money out of your savings account, make sure that you properly assess your current situation and take the necessary steps to become an informed entrepreneur and do not go into this venture with you “eyes WIDE shut.” Yes, it will be challenging as you will not get rich over night as you must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make your business a success. www.drwendyjohnson.com

Hanging Out In 3rd Ward

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22. May - June, 2012

Creativity at Work is a Magic Elixir Think About What You Value

By Leanne Hoagland-Smith

By Blaze (Barbara) Lazarony, Contributing Wrtier

Creativity Elixir #2: Just Sing, Sing a Song

C

reative, who has time to be creative at work?

Every workday it’s the same routine; you remove your jacket, place your bag in the lower right drawer of your desk, and turn on the computer. While it’s booting up, you search for coffee- a quick boost to get your day started.

And then it’s retrieving phone messages, reading email, and checking your calendar for meetings. Does this sound like your day--boring, right?

Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.—Albert Einstein Einstein was correct; creativity is the magic elixir for solving problems. And now is the perfect time to chuck boring to the curb, May is Creative Beginnings Month, and great reason to begin to inject a little creativity into your work life.

Are you ready to start mixing up a creative cure for all that ails your work boredom? Here are five creative ideas to get you started:

Creativity Elixir #1: Do a Little Dance

Dancing gets out of our thinking minds and into our bodies. Try getting up and dancing around your office the next time you’re on a conference call. It can be a slow dance like the waltz or even something fast like some bold hip-hop steps.

This will get your blood moving and increase your energy level, you might even chose to start simple and just move your body to the rhythm of voices on the call. Creative side note: You might want to mute the phone line if you’re prone to getting out of breath with your dance moves.

Okay, just go with me on this one. It may not be fun to sing alone at the office, so ask a few coworkers to join in share a refrain from one of your favorite songs.

You don’t have to be the next Adele, just sing something simple like the Itsy Bitsy Spider or Do Your Ears Hang Low or even Old MacDonald and have fun.

Creative side note: If it feels too silly to sing in your office, go to the restroom and sing, just sing.

Creativity Elixir #3: Smile-a-While

Have a smiling fest; ask five of your favorite colleagues to enter into a contest with you. The rules are simple: You offer as many smiles as possible over the course of the workday to others and for every smile that is returned you get one point. The person with the least amount of points at the end of the day brings treats for everyone the following day.

Creative side note: This elixir can get very interesting; people may really begin to wonder what you’re up to, and start asking lots of questions-simply smile.

Creativity Elixir #4: Blind Drawing

Take out a piece of paper and a pencil; pencils are important here, trust me on this one. Next, find an object to draw from your desk: a calculator, a tape dispenser, or even a simple photograph. Then begin looking at your object and begin drawing, the key here is to not look at the paper while you draw, this is way it’s called a blind contour drawing- just focus on the object and don’t lift your pencil from the page. Creative

side note: Allow your pencil to glide across the paper and don’t be tempted to use the eraser.

Creativity Elixir #5: Journal Mania

It only takes five minutes, paper, and a pen. Set the timer and begin to write about anything-from what you had for breakfast yesterday to describing the clothes that you are wearing, to outlining your to-do list for the day. Allow whatever comes into your mind to spill out onto the page. There are no rules here— throw grammar and punctuation out the window. Creative side note: If at any time while you’re writing and you seem to run out of ideas, simply write, “I don’t know what to write.” until the next thought comes.

And there you have it, five simple creative elixirs to make a boring workday more fun. And every single time I’ve tried one of these magic potions at work, I’ve had a break-through: a new idea came to me; an answer to a problem dropped in, or even a colleague that could help appeared in my mind’s eye. Einstein was right, creative thinking changes everything!

Blaze, aka Barbara Lazarony is a fire-starter and mentor to people who want to light up the world. She is a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Workshop Leader, and Author who committed to helping professionals discover who they are and what they want to manifest in their lives. To discover more of your passion, purpose, and power in your life and business visit www.

BlazeABrilliantPath.com

V

alue is a hot topic in business not to mention society.

More and more business books within the area of sales and marketing have the word “value” in the titles or subtitles.

Years ago my father, a professional salesman his entire life, shared with me his two universal buying rules: 1. People buy from people they know and trust.

2. People buy first on emotion; then justify that decision with logic.

During my almost 40 years in sales, I realized a third buying rule: 3. People buy based on a value system that is unique to them.

Today this is truer than ever before because individuals have far more heterogeneous experiences than homogenous ones. What another person values, may mean nothing to someone. Just look at the plethora of vehicle manufactures, clothing lines even restaurants if you think value is not important to buyers.

One of my most favorite exercises in helping people to understand the word “value” is to share what happens when we fail to bring our written grocery list to the store.

The result is more money spent, more time spent, more energy spent and more items bought not to mention forgetting those items that were really needed. I often ask my audiences, “Does a written grocery list have value?” After everyone has finished shaking their heads, I then ask if a written grocery list has significant value because of all the wasted resources we have a tendency to make when we over spend. Again, the nodding heads show agreement. My final

question is “If a written grocery list has significant value, then where is the written plan for your business and your personal life?”

Value extends to our personal core ethics and beliefs. What we value, we not only demonstrate but protect.

To understand exactly what we value does require reflection or introspection along with critical thinking skills. Until we are honest with our own beliefs, we truly cannot be authentic as to what we value. We may become the shadows of others following what they value and lose what we value in the process.

When we think about what we value, there are consequences.

Are we willing to step up to the plate and challenge someone when we know his or her behavior is in error?

With all the brain research happening, future generations will understand this concept of value far better than we do today. Yet if we invest the time to think about what we value and then align our behaviors to reflect what we value, we actually could generate far greater results both in our businesses and in our personal lives. Who knows we may possibly be even quite a bit happier.

Leanne Hoagland-Smith is an executive consultant, small business coach, author and speaker who looks to solve the real problems facing organizations and individuals instead of the symptoms others may have addressed. Call 219.759.5601 CDT USA and speak with Leanne to just have a conversation about the results you are seeking.

May - June, 2012

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24. May - June, 2012

May - June, 2012

Can You and Will You?

By Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, Contributing Writer

I

n 1766, the world was introduced to the word “re c - i - p r o c - i - t y . ” Reciprocity has known synonyms such as cooperation, exchange, mutuality, or interchange. The short definition can be summed up in two words, “giving back.” In this edition of D-mars, the emphasis has been placed on the essentials of giving back. I am a strong advocate of reciprocity and it is incumbent upon everyone to understand that there is true value in helping others and giving back. In fact, many of you who will read this article are able to read because someone in your past (home, school, etc.) decided to reach out and help you.

He or she took the time to teach the rudiments of discerning the alphabet, interpreting symbols, and reading for understanding and comprehension. It was not long before you mastered it and could understand the most complicated literature. Some of us decided that it was simply enough to learn the skill while others chose to pursue a career at helping others begin their reading journey. We call refer to those individuals as teachers.

People often times approach me after I give a speech or present a training session and ask me do I minister or preach at a church.

I am always flattered; however, my typical response is two-fold and centered on the two types of ministers in the world, ministers by profession and influence. In either case, we are all ministers.

Likewise, we are all teachers because we have an influence (positive or negative) on everyone we come in contact with on a moment-by-moment basis. Susan Skog once wrote: “There’s a deep wave of grassroots giving back sweeping the country.

A surge of people across all age groups is volunteering like never before. But giving back doesn’t mean that you don’t get anything in return. Helping others reach for a new day rejuvenates us in ways that another margarita-soaked

25.

The Internet and the Earth

By Jeffrey Gitterman, Contributing Writer

vacation, more stuff, a fatter resume, or a supersized house can’t begin to. We want to feel useful. We want to find meaning.

We want to feel this alive and on fire with possibility.”

Here are three simple ways you can give back from finding your true calling to boosting your overall sense of joy:

1.

Join a prayer group – prayer is an essential component of our existences as well as our destiny. Intercessory prayer has been the bedrock of our salvation and our country’s freedom, so why not fall on bended knees for someone else (in season and out of season). Do not just say I am going to pray for Brother John Doe or Sister Jan Doe…take the time to pray without delay. In these uncertain times, we need to say more than God bless you!

2.

Iron up – some people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could, so reach out and help another person attain a career goal or objective. King Solomon once wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (KJV)

3.

Be creative - maybe you have a relative who is interested in a certain academic area, rather than just getting them a bathrobe or slippers, get them information and possibly tickets to a speaker that is coming to town.

Compliment your neighbor on a “yard-well-done”…send a hand written note (text messages and emails do not count) to an employee who completed the project on time and under budget.

We do not need a season to begin giving back because if you have the opportunity to get up in the morning, then that is reason enough because when you do it unto the least of them, you are really doing it unto God... so, have fun giving back because one day someone will give back to you! Happy Birthday Mom, Debbie Pinnock! We love you and thank you for teaching us the art of giving back through examples worth emulating. Because of these and other examples, I can humbly say that I CAN and WILL give back because when we have done it unto the least of them…then we have done it unto GOD!

T

he phrase “World Wide Web” literally conjures up an image of a spider web made up of six billion lines connecting all the people on the planet. During our lifetime, this amazing technology has emerged and can be seen as an outward manifestation of the idea that we are all one large system.

Although spiritual mystics have told us for millennia that we are all One, it does seem that science and technology are starting to confirm this insight. Just a decade or two ago, it would have been much harder to describe this notion to people without it seeming abstract.

Albert Einstein once wrote, “A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest; a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

It helps to know that we are not alone. I think these days, more and more people are realizing this, and again, the Internet is playing a big part. Just a few years ago, someone with a particular niche interest or an unusual problem might have felt isolated, not knowing where to turn or who to talk to. But today, there are chat rooms on every conceivable subject, where like minds can connect and discover their sameness throughout all corners of the globe.

Just as the Internet makes a great analogy for describing the interconnectedness of billions of people, it is also a great example of the potential impact of one ordinary individual.

Have

you ever heard of Vint Cerf? I certainly hadn’t until I read about him in the back pages of Esquire magazine, but he impacts our lives every day, because Cerf is the man credited with being the “father of the Internet.” An American computer scientist, he developed the language that computers use to communicate over the Net (technically known as TCP/IP protocols.)

What I find fascinating about Cerf (who insists that the fact that his name is pronounced “surf” is just an interesting coincidence) is that he comes across as such an unassuming, ordinary man.

Most people may not know his name, yet his invention touches the lives of billions of people every day. What I like about Cerf’s example is that it points to the impact one individual can have, and the kind of legacy that can be created within a human lifetime, thanks to the miraculous speed of change.

Thinking about our own individual legacies in the world requires stretching to see our connection to the broadest circle possible, and recognizing the importance of our own actions and choices in relationship to that greater whole. It’s not necessarily about trying to take bigger actions to affect more people; it’s about bringing the awareness of that larger context into every small action and interaction we have. The most important thing to remember is that if we want to make a real difference, we have to start with ourselves. Once we stop trying to fix the people around us and instead focus on learning to listen and widen the circle of our own awareness as far

as possible, we discover that we can begin to have an impact in profound and unexpected ways, and begin to leave a legacy for the future that is not measured in money, but in human energy that has been generated by freely giving our attention to others.

When we give our attention to another human being, that person suddenly feels met and fulfilled, and will stop craving your time and endlessly taking. And when that man or woman goes home, his or her energy will be freed up to be given to others in turn.

Freely given attention generates more energy, and energy fuels creativity. That’s what our legacy to the world can be, in ways that we may not ever be able to see, but will undeniably be felt by people far beyond the sphere of our personal relationships and by generations to come.

Adapted from Beyond Success: Redefining the Meaning of Prosperity ©2009 Jeffrey L. Gitterman - All rights reserved - Published by AMACOM Books www.amacombooks.org - A Division of the American Management Association.

For more information about Jeff Gitterman, please visit Beyond Success Consulting www.BeyondSuccessConsulting. com and Gitterman & Associates Wealth Management www.gawmllc.com

26. May - June, 2012

Michael Coleman, Running for Harris County Constable Precinct 7

M

ichael Coleman is running for the elected position of Harris County Constable Precinct 7. He has faithfully served the citizens of Harris County, Texas as a law enforcement professional for over twenty-three years; and, now, he wants to use the experience,

education and leadership skills that he has developed during his tenure to serve and protect the citizens of Harris County, Precinct 7, as their next Constable.

It is his goal to restore the faith of his potential constituents by establishing closer ties with the residents, community leaders and businesses in that precinct.

This is the fastest, most time-tested method for fostering a “communityoriented” policing relationship.

Officer Coleman states that “Cooperation, not competition, between law enforcement agencies is another necessity in making Precinct 7 a safe place to reside and do business. Now, more than ever, it is essential that all facets of law enforcement work together in serving the public in a manner aimed to keep the community safe. It is a proactive rather than a reactive mentality that must be developed.”

As a commissioned Texas Master Peace Officer, he is concerned about and willing to take a stand against crime. In this mission, he is adamant that he will not falter. It is his belief that the community and precinct needs a new leader in the Constable position.

How do we, as a team, do

this? His answer is simple. We remain a team by engaging in the relationship birthed by the “Contract Deputy Program.”

This program is the essence of Community Oriented Policing.

It develops a close tie with the deputy patrolling an assigned area and the residents and businesses in that area. In order to help this relationship flourish, he wants to develop closer ties within the Precinct’s neighborhoods and communities. He will accomplish this by identifying the uniquely different problems that are so often inherent to the diverse neighborhoods or communities within the Precinct. He will ensure that his Command Staff and force is properly trained to develop comprehensive strategic plans of action whereby both the Constable’s Office and the citizens within that area of concern have input and, most importantly, get results. Officer Coleman is committed to being a good steward of the public’s tax dollars and maximizing precious resources, while making our communities safer aimed at improving everyone’s quality of life. He deeply believes that Community Oriented Policing builds trust between the communities they serve and the Deputy Constables who serve within the precinct. When elected as your Constable, he will build upon that trust every day.

Michael Coleman is proud to be a native Houstonian.

Michael is the son of Ms. Mary who owned several businesses (Almeda Lounge, Ms. Mary

Anchor, and Mary’s Place) in the community. He grew up in South Park, went to Cullen Middle School, and graduated from the “Mighty” Jack Yates High School in the Third Ward.

He currently holds the rank of Captain and is a member of the Constable’s Executive Command Staff. He was the first African-American to make the rank of Lieutenant and Captain at Precinct 5. Michael currently commands the Patrol Support Services Bureau, a job he has mastered over the seven years he has spent there. In this capacity, he personally oversees the enforcement activities of over one hundred seventy personnel assigned to that division. Additionally, he also commands the departmental Communications Division.

During Michael’s law enforcement career, he has served in a variety of field and supervisory assignments in the Patrol Division, Criminal Warrants Division and the Tactical Division.

Michael is also a Public Information Officer and spokesperson for Precinct Five, often tasked with speaking with the media, disseminating information regarding departmental business and passing-on relevant information to the community.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Sam Houston University, Master Peace Officer Certification, TCLEOSE Instructor License, Concealed Hand Gun Instructor License and Mental Health Certification.

May - June, 2012

27.

28. May - June, 2012

MetLife Study: 401(k) s: The Competitive Advantage

By Charles Swindell, Financial Services Representative MetLife Financial Group of Houston

A

n attractive benefit plan can play a fundamental role in recruiting and retaining qualified staff. And, when trying to save for the future, a 401(k) retirement savings plan can help employees attain their retirement objectives on a tax-advantaged basis.

Named for the section of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that created it, a 401(k) plan may be one of the most popular and valuable fringe benefits available. Although the technical aspects of 401(k) s can be complex, the advantages can be far-reaching. Consider the following: Plan participants receive a tax deferral for earnings on the contributions they make to their specific accounts under the plan and on those made by employers on their behalf.

Some employers offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage.

This provides the plan participant with the opportunity to further enhance the tax-deferred accumulation of his or her plan assets.

•

•

•

Plan participants may select from a variety of funding options. In addition, most plans allow employees to change their funding options over time to reflect their individual requirements.

Because plan contributions are typically made on a pre-tax basis (subject to certain limitations), money going into the plan is deducted from the employee’s salary before federal income taxes. Consequently, by lowering taxable salary, participants are able to lower their federal income tax each year they participate in the plan.

Many plans also allow employees to make aftertax contributions (again, subject to certain limitations). While these contributions do not lower the current year’s income tax, as do pre-tax contributions, after-tax contributions also accumulate earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

•

•

How They Work 401(k) plans are com-

monly referred to as defined contribution plans because each plan participant has a separate account to which a specific or “defined” contribution is made. Employees determine how much they wish to contribute (not to exceed contribution limitations) and are able to choose among a variety of funding options offered by the plan.

In addition, if the plan permits, employers may also contribute to employee accounts by matching a percentage of employee contributions, subject to the annual deferral limitation. For instance, an employer may contribute $1 for every $2 an employee contributes. The advantage of matching contributions generally depends on the level of the match and the employer’s vesting requirements. Vesting refers to the employee’s entitlement to the funds in the plan. An employee’s contributions— and the earnings on those contributions—are fully vested from his or her start in the plan. On the other hand, an employer’s matching contributions may vest according to the employee’s length of service. Thus, an

employer can arrange his or her contributions to follow a vesting schedule that rewards loyalty by fully vesting plan participants after a specified number of years (for example, after six years).

Plan Restrictions As with all retirement plans, 401(k) plans have certain restrictions. For instance, the contributions of highly compensated employees may be limited if lower paid employees do not contribute a sufficient amount. Every year, plan administrators must perform top-heavy tests to determine the maximum amount highly compensated employees may contribute.

Another restriction involves taxes. Plan participants are subject to income taxes for pre-tax contributions and earnings when they withdraw the funds.

(After-tax contributions are not subject to further taxation when withdrawn.)

Withdrawals usually occur at retirement, when plan participants are more likely

to be in a lower tax bracket.

Withdrawals prior to age 59½ are only available under certain circumstances, and when available, they may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.

Certain exceptions to the distribution penalty apply.

The best employees seek out employers with the best opportunities. Taxdeferred saving through an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan can be a highly desirable way for a valued employee to build a retirement nest egg. When funds are combined with income from other sources, such as a pension, Social Security, and personal savings, plan participants may be able to achieve a level of financial security consistent with their retirement objectives.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this document is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of insurance products. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independ-

ent tax advisor.

MetLife, its agents, and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change.

Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary depending on the facts and circumstances.

You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisers regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances.

Copyright © 2011 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This column appears courtesy of Charles Swindell. Charles is a Registered Representative with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and MetLife Securities, Inc. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of Houston business owners. You can reach Charles at the office at 832-251-5493.

L0811199134[exp0812] (All States)(DC)

May - June, 2012

29.

The Subject of Civility and the AUTHORPRENEURSHIP , Need for Civility in Our Society The Business of Writing

By Dr. Lewis King, PhD Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation

T

he 21st Century has and will continue to witness a profound convergence of accelerators that have fundamentally undermined the conditions for a civil society in America. With breakdown in family values and the emergence of the “me” first mentality the need for civility is greater now than ever before. The resulting entrenchment of regressive social policies and rise in social ills such as family disintegration, mass incarceration, lack of access to supportive services, violence, substance abuse, depression, chronic unemployment or underemployment, youth failure in school and overall citizen disengagement are directly related to the decline in civil society.

It is becoming particularly apparent that with the dominance of the ‘machine’ and new technologies in the development and socialization of citizens in our material culture that progressive expansion of citizens for social responsibility and civic participation is being left to chance.

Civility training throughout communities on a grand scale is needed as a countervailing power to habits of mind and behavior now dominated by the quick fixes of ‘machine thinking.’

What civility represents is a new effort to radically improve human relations to match the spectacular achievements of man-machine relations of the 19th and 20th centuries, a renewed effort to solve the problems of humans working with each other to address issues of racism, genocide, hunger, war and human sustainability on planet earth.

The action of civility must be intentional. If we are to preserve that which is fundamentally human, we must intentionally engage in conscious and deliberate action to teach and inculcate social responsibility into people at all ages and levels in society (Baldi, 2001).

One classic example of the need for training in Intentional Civility is in the area of addressing the persistence of racism, particularly in America, and genocide in all societies. Our present day human solutions create token gestures of solutions along lines of affirmative action and number representations. We have not addressed deep solutions based on ethical principles and values.

Intentional Civility is a specific social model to help foster peaceful and responsible relationships in human community. It is not a quick fix. It requires determined effort to address four primary principles: 1. Developing personal habits of assessment and response to situations so as to ensure recognition of the ‘other’. The primary attention is to reducing impulsive emotions.

2. Developing internal codes of conduct based on four key values – truth, responsibility, and courage, equity.

3. Developing a positive attitude toward learning with particular focus on problem solving, science and money.

4. Learning how to respect one’s own and other cultures (King, 2004).

(Dr. Lewis King is the Scholarin-Residence of the Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation (http:// www.tebfoundation.org/). He is recognized by his peers also as one of the world’s greatest minds capable of translating thought into social action. Independently of his work with the Tom & Ethel Bradley Foundation, Dr. King has developed both nationally and worldwide, at least ten major think tanks (including the Fanon Institute, 1974) focused on social and economic development among developing people.)

By Sharon C. Jenkins, Contributing Writer

I

have traveled this literary road for the last twenty years. I started out writing poetry at the age of eight. It was a time when children were not allowed to speak, and so being the defiant little one, I decided to use my pen to say what I really wanted to say to the world. That began my long road of self-discovery. As a teenager in the 1960’s and 70’s my poems took on the voice of the “revolution” and I fell madly in love with the likes of “The Last Poets”, Maya Angelo, and Nikki Giovanni. As a young mother I put my pen away, being married and raising children took up most of my time. And then there was the divorce that made me find my old friend, the pen again. But it wasn’t until the late 1980’s that I found my voice.

My inspiration came in the form of a challenge from a very big, mean woman. At least that’s what I perceived her as. She invited us to her home to read our poetry. I’m thinking Greenwich Village, sitting in a dark sultry place, listening to a little jazz, and we’re snapping our fingers after every piece. I forgot to tell you, I had a very vivid imagination and when the world didn’t act the way I wanted it to, I would revert to “my happy place.”

Well that big mean woman wanted us to do spoken word and being the introvert I was, I got very offended when she criticized my rhythm and diction.

Obviously my discontent was written all over my face. A very nice young lady, Lorna was her name, invited me to her drama class. I went because I was angry with the “big mean woman” and even though I often lacked courage to self initiate things of this nature, anger truly could motivate me to do the unthinkable. I went.

I spent a telephone call to Lorna, complaining about the “big, mean woman” with the prerequisite that “I was just going to watch and make my decision later if I was joining the class.”

She assured me that I could do just that and so I took my scared self to the class. When I walked in the door I found myself a seat in the rear and prepared myself to watch the class. Another big, grandmotherly woman came out on the stage and proceeded to prepare us for the class. By the way Lorna was late. Mrs. Parks took one look at me and called me to the front. I politely told her that I was there to watch and she politely told me that “No one came into her class and did not participate.” It was a divine set up. I was taught to respect my elders, being the liberated woman I was it was a struggle to do so, but I did. A year later I was performing the “big mean woman’s” poetry and my own in anyplace that would let me.

I know you are wondering why this literary rambling?

What does this have to do with “the art of business?” It was not until I agreed with the universe that I literally had talent that was marketable and worthy of

publishing that I began to find my true purpose in life as a writer.

This is my story. Yours most likely is quite different. Some people write to make money, others write because it is an integral part of their DNA. They can’t live and do otherwise. I am of the former bookish tribe. Often those belonging to my clan, get so lost in the passion of writing that they ignore the practical side … the business side of writing and are handicapped in getting their message to the masses because the ledger in their checkbook is rendering a big fat “0.”

One last little bit of advice: Don’t run away from “big mean women”, run to them. It may be a challenge that revolutionizes your life. For some of you, conquering the business side of writing is that challenge.

Happy Writing!

Sharon C. Jenkins is an author, motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, serves as the Inspirational Principal for The Master Communicator Writing Services and is the mastermind behind the successful Authors Networking Summit. Her most recent release is Authorpreneurship: The Business of Writing.

(Which is available at http://www.amazon. com/dp/B007ZXPFVE). This book is a tool chest of resources and strategies for authors who desire to better understand the business side of writing. It equips you to be a literary leader in the midst of a major paradigm shift in the industry. Also showcasing authors who have “in their out of the box” thinking mastered the art of Authorpreneurship.

30. May - June, 2012

May - June, 2012

31.

Smart Women Give Their Business a Marketing Makeover

By Joy Chudacoff, Contributing Wrtier

W

hen you begin y o u r jou r ne y as a woman entrepreneur, your most important action step is to get clients and create a “buzz” about your product or service so you can keep the business alive and get on a path to profitability. With effective marketing, your business will grow and over time, word will spread about the results people are getting when they work with you. If becoming a leader in your industry is a goal for you, now will be the time to consider an updated look in your business – a new brand image – both personally and professionally.

Over the last few months, I’ve completely revamped my online presence and I’m in the process of updating my personal brand as well. When you have a big vision for your business, it’s essential that you stay “current” in every area. If you’re in a product business, you’ll need to keep a fresh, new look for your product packaging.

If you’re in a service based business, you’ll want a “new and improved” version of who you are becoming as a leader in your industry.

You may be reading this and thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work; my personal and professional brand seems to be working

for me.” I, too, was slow about creating my own “new and improved” upgrade for far too long because I didn’t want to spend the time making the necessary changes.

In the last few months, amazing opportunities have presented themselves to me and I know this is no accident. It’s because I stepped up my professional and persona l bra nd image to reflect who I am becoming as a leader in my industry.

Not sure where to start?

Here are a few tips and solutions on how to give your business a “new and improved” look and feel: Online/Offline Brand 1. Website/Blog – Take some time to review your website and ask yourself if it truly reflects your business and more importantly, where you are going in the future. This is one of the first places people look to “check you out” and make buying decisions.

2. Social Media – Make sure your profile or “Like” page reflects the message you desire to send to your potential clients and referral sources. Tip: Add a current photo to all your social media pages. There’s nothing worse than going to connect with someone and finding a photo of their dog or worse, no photo at all.

3. Printed Materials – Carry your desired “new

and improved” look all the way through to your business cards, brochures and any other printed material.

Personal Brand 1. Manage The “Mane” – Is it time for a new hairstyle?

For years, the length of my hair was much longer until one day I realized this style no longer served me or my business. I’ve opted for a shorter more current look.

2. Say “Cheese!” – Is it time for a new photo? It’s essential that you update your professional photo at least every two years.

It’s not as expensive as you might think to hire a professional for a few hours and it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re ready to uplevel yourself and your business.

3. Hit The Mall – Is your closet full of clothes that no longer reflect who you are?

You don’t have to break the bank buying a whole new closet full of clothes.

Invite a “nutritious” friend who has great sense of style to join you for a day of shopping. If your budget permits, you might want

to hire an image consultant for a few hours to give you some tips on what colors and styles highlight your beauty and genius.

If you’re ready to step out in your business in a bigger way, these tips and solutions will cause people around you to sit up and take notice that you are serious about success in business. Taking these steps will unleash more referrals, more clients and more income – 3 necessary ingredients for complete success.

Anything is possible.

Everything is waiting for you. © 2012 Joy Chudacoff Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational

Speaker, and Entrepreneur.

She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion [1].

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Health & Wellness Journal Health

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wellness

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medical

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research

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sports

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fitness

15TH Edition |

Lifestyle

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beauty

Inspire, Inform & Educate

13

Ways to Maintain Your Brain Feed Your Mind to Prevent Disease

By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

S

tore shelves are drowning is books and magazines dedicated to the care and maintenance of your body. Your abs, your thighs – even your heart – get special attention.

But what about your mind?

Why does it seem like the brain, your most important part, is left to fend for itself? Even if there are no bookshelves dedicated to it, you can feed and improve your brain just like any other body part, with more important, more life-altering results.

One of the greatest fears and da ngers of growing older is A lzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is progressive and irreversible.

It cha nges behavior, era ses personality and impairs memory and thinking, by causing the brain to develop abnormal protein deposits and tangle nerve fibers that damage brain cells.

The chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease are partly genetic, but current research is uncovering several lifestyle and dietary factors that also play a role. In other words, you can prevent brain drain with your eating and exercise decisions.

Check out the following health tips to help maintain your brain power:

1. Be a Mover and Shaker

Daily physical activity can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, bathing it with vital nutrients and oxygen.

Exercise also helps control cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and weight. All of these increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Work that heart muscle, for 30 minutes daily if possible, by walking, swimming, biking, golfing, or hiking.

2. Be a Thinker

Keeping the mind active can help lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Stimulate your brain with board games, cards and puzzles. Read a book, magazine or newspaper. Sing a song, play an instrument or learn a new language. These brainchallenging activities increase the blood flow, establish more connections between the brain cells and stimulate brain cell growth.

3. Go Fishing

Eating fish and other food sources high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of brain cells and may help to reduce inf lammation of the brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids also help to protect arteries and improve blood flow to the brain. So go fishing for some salmon, sardines, tuna, shrimp, shellfish, walnuts, olives, olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseed, and flaxseed oil…all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Fat Attack

Saturated fat and trans fatty acids may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. These unhealthy fats are found in highfat meats, high-fat dairy products, many margarines and other processed foods. They promote the buildup of the Low Density Level Lipoproteins (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. This may cause a narrowing of the arteries, reduce blood flow to the brain, and cause inflammation.

5. B-Vitamins

Preliminary research is showing a connection between folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 intake and Alzheimer’s disease.

It appears that people with

Alzheimer’s disease have higher levels of homocysteine (a body chemical that causes arteries to clog) in their blood. Although homocysteine levels naturally increase with age, high levels are also due to a diet low in folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6. Until more is uncovered about this chemical’s effect on the brain, eat a diet high in the B-vitamins. For vitamin B-12, reach for lean meats, fish, chicken, milk and cheese. For vitamin B-6 and folate, include more dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, broccoli, oranges, orange juice, lima beans, asparagus, whole grains, and fortified grain products.

6. Antioxidants

The brain can be damaged by free radicals in the body and their oxidation effect. So eating a diet high in antioxidants (vitamin E and vitamin C) can help lower the risk of these harmful effects and protect the brain. Dietary sources of vitamin E include whole grains, nuts, seeds, milk, egg yolks, wheat germ, and vegetable oils. Vitamin C sources include citrus fruits, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, and peppers.

7. A Boost with Blueberries

Blueberries contain compounds that can improve short-term memory, navigational skills, balance and coordination.

Current research indicates that blueberries can boost weakened neuron signals. Blueberries contain this powerful punch whether fresh, frozen or dried.

Enjoy them by the handful, add them to your cereal, muffins, and pancakes, or whip up a blueberryyogurt smoothie.

8. Stop Smoking

Smokers are more than twice as

likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as non-smokers. Smoking decreases blood flow to the brain, starving it of oxygen and nutrients. The best defense is to stop smoking, but beta-carotene and flavonoids found in foods may help to offset the effects of smoking to some degree. If you continue to smoke, add more colorful fruits and veggies to your diet. Eat more kale, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cranberries, green and black tea, and legumes.

9. Healthy Heart

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease and diabetes may also increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Once again, anytime blood vessels are damaged, the blood supply to the brain can be affected. It is important to know your numbers. Monitor your blood pressure reading, lipid profile tests, and blood glucose tests. See your physician regularly.

Make appropriate dietary, lifestyle, and medication changes that are necessary to keep your body at peak performance.

10. Stress

supplement for memor y enhancement. It is thought to protect the brain by reducing oxidation damage to the cells.

Research ha s not shown Ginkgo Biloba to protect against Alzheimer’s disease, but it may help with ver y mild to moderate dementia. People with severe dementia showed no improvement when given Ginkgo Biloba. Most of the studies used between 120 milligrams to 240 milligrams daily. Discuss usage with your physician.

12. Weighty Issues

People are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease when a Body Mass Index of 20-27 is maintained.

Weight change is very common with those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease: • In the early stages of the disease, some gain more than 5% of their initial body weight.

• In the later stages, weight loss of 5%-10% is common. The risk of excessive weight loss increases with the severity of the disease.

13. Spice Up Your Life

Studies have shown that chronic, excessive stress may alter the brain structure. This makes the brain more susceptible to damage by free radicals in the body and can result in neuron damage.

To manage stress, try practicing meditation, muscle relaxation, yoga, or T’ai chi. Talk to a mental health professional, or sign up for a stress management class.

The yellow spice turmeric may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This spice is used in Indian cuisine and is a major ingredient in curry powder.

Sprinkle on potato soup, chicken soup, omelets, chicken entrees, veal, and cream sauces.

This is the only brain you’ve got.

With some simple maintenance, it can perform as well as your body does for years to come.

In the United States, Ginkgo Biloba is sold a s a dietar y

Taken from www.sparkpeople. com

11. Ginkgo Biloba

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3 Fresh Ingredients for Summer Healthy, Hot Weather Fare

By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

Summer is the season for cooking fresh and fabulous feasts. The summer months bring ripe and juicy produce that nearly falls off the vines, farmers markets in their fullest glory, and perfect weather for celebrating the bountiful harvest in your very own backyard. Three summer all-stars are tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Delicious and versatile, this trio is also incredibly healthy.

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Bell Peppers

Available in practically all shades of the rainbow, bell peppers all start off green, then ripen to their eventual shades of red, yellow, orange, and even purple. (That’s why green peppers are the least expensive; they take less time and care to grow.) When they ripen, they become sweeter, especially if allowed to ripen on the vine in the sunlight.

They are excellent sources of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene and also contain good amounts of Vitamin B6.

Select peppers that are firm and smooth, have fresh-looking stems and no wrinkles on their skin. Store them in the crisper of your refrigerator, where they will keep for a week.

They can also be frozen (whole or chopped) and added to soups and stews throughout the winter. And you may want to consider buying only organically produced bell peppers.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s 2006 report “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce,” bell peppers are one of the top 12 foods that commonly harbor pesticide residues.

A great recipe which combines all three of these nutritional powerhouses is Summer Gazpacho, a Mediterranean soup that is served cold. Besides tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers, gazpacho usually includes olive oil, onion, garlic, wine vinegar and sea salt, and this combination of ingredients is a prolific source of a variety of diseasefighting nutrients.

Boasting a unique and refreshing flavor, cucumbers (they’re technically fruits, too) make a cooling snack for hot summer days. They’re also a good source of water, fiber, and nutrients like vitamin C. But the real nutritional benefits come from the skin, which contains minerals like silica, potassium and magnesium. Silica is an essential component of healthy connective tissue—important for your skin, bones and joints. So eating unpeeled cucumbers is essential. Unfortunately, when conventional growing methods are used, the peel also contains the bulk of the pesticide residue, too, and conventional cucumbers should always be peeled to reduce your pesticide exposure. So you’ll reap the greatest health benefits of cucumbers if you buy organic ones.

Besides providing vitamins and minerals to your body when you eat them, cucumbers can also supply nutrients directly to your skin when applied externally. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and caffeic acid are two compounds in cucumbers thought to prevent water retention. Applying cucumber slices over the eyelids can help relieve swollen eyes and other minor skin irritations.

Choose firm, medium to dark green cucumbers that are unwaxed and organic, and store them in the refrigerator.

Although commonly regarded and categorized as a vegetable, the tomato is really a fruit, a very healthful one. Tomatoes are known for being exceptionally high in lycopene, a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties and may help prevent cancer and heart disease. Eating tomatoes with fat (try to choose a healthy fat source like avocado, olive oil, or nuts) increases your body’s ability to absorb the lycopene.

Besides that famous carotenoid, tomatoes are also a rich source of vitamin C, folate (folic acid), riboflavin, and chromium, each with its own extensive list of health benefits.

For the tastiest tomatoes, grow them yourself or buy them from a farmers market or road-side produce stand. That ensures that your tomatoes are fresh from the vine—and healthier, too. Although tomatoes that have been shipped from across the country are still technically tomatoes, the flavor and texture doesn’t even remotely compare to those that are freshly picked. Select tomatoes with a deep rich color and smooth skin and store them on the countertop, where they’ll keep for a few days. Never refrigerate tomatoes as it changes the flavor and texture.

Gazpacho

Ingredients 4 cups tomato juice 1/2 medium onion, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 small green pepper, peeled, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped 1 small cucumber, peeled, pared, seeded, and coarsely chopped 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 clove garlic, minced 1 drop hot pepper sauce 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 large tomato, finely diced 2 tablespoons minced chives or scallion tops 1 lemon, cut in 6 wedges

Yield: 6 servings--Serving Size: 1 cup Nutrition Info: Calories: 92.5 Fat: 4.8g Carbohydrates: 13.7g Protein: 2.3g

Directions 1. Put 2 cups of tomato juice and all other ingredients except diced tomato, chives, and lemon wedges in the blender.

2. Purée.

3. Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of tomato juice to pureed mixture. Add chopped tomato. Chill.

4. Serve icy cold in individual bowls garnished with chopped chives and lemon wedges.

42. May - June, 2012

Accepting Your Greatness

By Julie Murphy Casserly, CFP, CLU, ChFC

F

ew things are more va lu able than our space: physically, mentally and emotionally. Our space is prime real estate, yet many of us fill it with things that lower the value.

What are those things filling your space?

That trinket from an ex that we just can’t let go of. Our favorite skinny jeans from a few years ago. The toxic friendship.

We all have them; the items that we hold on to, not for sentimental reasons, but to keep a present grip on something that’s in our past. We tell ourselves they’re good for us – we’ve known that one friend for decades! – But is it a positive force in our lives, or is it actually trapping us in a reality that we don’t want.

Many people have trouble letting go of the things that fill up their space – both physically and emotionally. In this case, the emotional stuff is habits. As many people know, falling prey to undesirable routines isn’t very hard. Escaping those

routines, on the other hand, can be quite challenging. In terms of finances, it’s the difference between falling into debt and climbing your way out of it.

The money habits we’ve picked up along the way are no different from the other stuff we just can’t let go of. With money we carry such strong feelings of shame, blame, judgment and guilt surrounding it.

We’re so down on our present situation and so ashamed of our past that we look into the future and see doom and gloom. But it doesn’t have to be that way. What I’m telling you to do about those feelings is to first face them, and then to let go of them.

Holding on to the past blocks the abundance that lies in the future. Keeping those old clothes that don’t fit in hopes of attaining our younger bodies may motivate us to change, but not from a positive place.

Hanging on to toxic relationships that are very much over but too comfortable to eliminate takes your attention away from the new, healthy ones waiting in the wings.

And holding on to the bad feelings associated with our finances – as well as the detrimental habits that go hand-in-hand with them – halts us in a financial reality

that we don’t want.

Let go of your old financial worries, insecurities, neurosis and habits. Stop feeling ashamed of your past and discouraged about your future. Accept where you are right now, and remove all the shame and blame associated with your money.

Step into your new financial reality and allow it to take you where ever it leads.

Accept that you deserve a healthy and wealthy financial life, and surrender to the greatness that awaits you.

Spend time each day letting go of the things holding you back – clutter, acquaintances, fear, insecurity – and focus on accepting both your present and your future.

Julie Murphy Casserly, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, is a 16-year veteran of the financial services industry and founder of JMC Wealth Management in Chicago.

Julie helps people understand how their

emotional attitudes and behaviors affect how they earn, spend and save. To purchase her award-winning book, “The Emotion Behind Money,” sign up for her “Weekly Wisdoms for Wealth” e-newsletter, and to read her blog, please visit http://www. emotionbehindmoney.com. Connect with her on Twitter @JulieMCasserly

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Cardio Exercise Tips for Seniors Defy Your Age with Exercise!

By Dean Anderson, Certified Personal Trainer

T

here’s no doubt that getting older changes your body and appearance, but it also affects your ability to exercise. Your maximum heart rate declines with age, which means your heart and lungs can’t pump as much oxygen and blood to your muscles during intense physical activity.

As a result, your muscles won’t be able to work as hard or as long as they once could.

With age comes reductions in muscle mass, reducing the maximum effort you can sustain. Your tendons and ligaments will stiffen and shorten, reducing your natural range of motion and flexibility. And unless you’re very lucky, you’ll probably have some age-related problems with bones, joints and/or nerves, like arthritis or neuropathy, which will also affect your ability to move as freely as you once did in your younger years.

But does any of this mean you might as well accept the inevitable decline, scrap your exercise plans, and head for your favorite easy chair?

Nope - just the opposite, in fact. Researchers have discovered that much of the physical decline in we associate with aging may have more to do with increased inactivity than with aging itself. Moreover, starting (or continuing) a regular exercise program can delay and reduce the affects of aging, and in some cases, even reverse some of the declines already brought on by previous lack of exercise. The benefits of regular exercise, and the negative consequences of not exercising, are probably most notable between ages 50 and 70 than at any other time in your life.

To put it simply, if you can still move, it’s not too late to improve your fitness level and your quality of life. Not doing that could spell real trouble. For best results, aerobic (cardio) exercise, which I’ll cover in this article, should be a regular part of your daily routine.

But it will be important to choose activities and intensity levels that are right for you. Here are some simple rules you can follow to make sure you stay safe and use your exercise time effectively.

1. Know your safety limits and the warning signs.

If you are new to cardio (aerobic) exercise, have been inactive for awhile, or have any medical conditions that could be affected by exercise, it’s very important that your health care provider clear you for exercise before you start. If you take any medications for blood pressure or heart disease, make sure you ask what effect they can have during exercise, whether you need to adjust your target heart rate accordingly, or if you should avoid any specific activities. If you have any chronic conditions (including diabetes or hypoglycemia), ask your doctor to identify any symptoms or signs (such as

faintness, dizziness, chest pain, irregular heart beat or joint pain) that may mean you should stop your exercise session, as well as any special instructions for timing your exercise sessions in relation to eating or taking your medications.

In very general terms, you don’t need to exercise so intensely that you find it difficult to catch your breath or talk during your workout. It should be somewhat difficult to engage in a normal conversation or sing a song during a proper workout, but you should be able to talk in short phrases, a measure known as The Talk Test. If you can’t, you may be working too hard and should slow down a little (more on exercise intensity, below). Likewise, a small amount of muscle soreness after an exercise session can be normal, but any significant or sharp pains during your exercise, especially in a joint, are not normal. If you experience this kind of pain, stop and figure out what’s wrong and see your doctor if it persists.

“No pain, no gain” is NOT the advice you want to follow.

2. Have a plan.

Although you certainly can pick one cardio activity you enjoy and “just do it,” you may see better results and stay motivated longer if you make a plan first. To improve the three components of aerobic fitness (heart and lung performance, muscle endurance, and functional capacity), make sure your routine includes some of each of the following elements: • Short bouts of higher intensity exercise Getting your heart rate up into the upper half of your aerobic zone (70-80% of your MHR) is the best way to improve the ability of the heart and lungs to deliver blood and oxygen to your working muscles.

The idea of “high intensity” exercise can be a little scary if you haven’t exercised in a while, but keep in mind that high intensity is relative to you—not to someone who’s 20 years younger or exercises regularly.

You don’t have to sprint up a mountain or run a marathon. How much actual work you have to do to get your heart rate up to that level will depend on your current fitness level—it may be that a moderate walking pace up a small hill will work for you. As your fitness improves over time, it will gradually take more work to raise your heart rate high enough, so as long you’re monitoring your heart rate during exercise, you’ll know when to increase your effort and when to slow down a little without having to worry about finding out what’s too much the hard way. This link will help you calculate your heart rate range for exercise.

Action plan: Three 15-minute sessions of high intensity cardio exercise per week (or the equivalent amount incorporated into other workouts) • Longer bouts of moderate intensity exercise

Each time you exercise, you help train your muscles to use the oxygen that your heart and lungs deliver. But if you only exercise your legs (by biking, for example), the rest of your muscles aren’t going to get much out of it. This is why doing a variety of different exercises is important for overall fitness. Walking on flat ground, walking uphill and downhill, and riding a bike will each work your lower body muscles in different ways, and a combination of these will provide the overall balanced development you need for your lower body.

Playing tennis, volleyball, or golf (without a cart) will add the upper body work you need, as will swimming, water aerobics, and most other activities that involve continuous use of your upper and lower body muscles at the same time. Because you won’t be working as hard during these moderate intensity sessions (55-70% of your MHR), you can make them a little longer. That way, your muscles will build endurance.

Action plan: Two or three sessions (30-60 minutes each) of moderate intensity cardio exercise per week (Note: Your high intensity and moderate intensity sessions don’t have to be separate workouts.

You can do a little bit of both in a single workout, such as 15 minutes of highintensity exercise and 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise for a 45-minute workout.)

• Warm-ups, cool-downs and stretches The older we get, the more likely we are to have problems with ligaments, tendons, joints and the small muscles we don’t think of when we’re making our exercise plans.

The best way to prevent these problems is to include a warm up at the beginning of your cardio workout, a cool down at the end, and some stretching when you’re finished.

Action plan: Spend 5 minutes warming up by doing lighter exercise to slowly elevate your heart rate before every workout. After each workout is over, take another 5 minutes to gradually slow down and allow your heart rate to come down before you stop moving completely. Then take 5-10 minutes to stretch the muscles

you used during your workout. If possible, try to include 2-3 sessions of yoga or TaiChi in your weekly exercise plan; both can be really helpful with improving balance and flexibility.

3. Be creative and have fun!

There’s no rule that says your cardio exercise plan must include walking, jogging, biking or swimming. While those activities are popular and provide great workouts, the best way to stick to your plan is to pick activities that you actually enjoy doing. Anything that keeps you moving and gets your heart rate up will do the trick—dancing, gardening and yard work, even chasing the grandkids in the park could all count as exercise!

If you have physical limitations that keep you from doing standard exercises, there are several alternatives available. There are aerobic (and strength-training) exercises you can do while sitting in a chair, which you can find in the form of video programs you can do at home or in classes offered by many gyms, YMCAs, and social groups for seniors. The same is true for waterbased exercise programs like water aerobics and pool walking/dancing, for those who have to avoid the impact or weight-bearing movements associated with land-based exercise.

If you’re social and find it easier to stick to an exercise program when you have support, you can check out the many challenges and exercise-based SparkTeams, look for activities that other SparkPeople are doing in your local area, and check out real-life groups such as Silver Sneakers and mall walking groups where you live.

With a little preparation and imagination, you will find the right cardio workout for you. Now all you have to do is get started!

SparkPeople encourages every person over the age of 65 to see his or her doctor to get medical clearance before starting a diet or exercise program. This article has been reviewed and approved by SparkPeople fitness experts Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer, and Nicole Nichols, Certified Fitness Instructor.

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Protecting Your Back Can Be a Lifesaver Diet Plays A Role In Your Mental Health

By Zora Ait El Machkouri

By Yngrid Perez-Torrens

H

umans walk upright, which decreases the energy required to walk, but requires that the spine curve to maintain balance. The inward curvature of the lower spine, or “lordosis,” is a normal part of the walking posture. During our lives, the back, and especially the lower spine, undergoes adaptive changes. Infants are born without the lordosis curve and develop it as they learn to walk. Poor postural habits during sleeping, sitting, and above all lifting can cause us to lose normal flexibility. In motion or at rest, imbalances in the flexibility and strength of the hips, shoulders, and neck will cause asymmetric forces on the spine, affect posture, and cause pain. A breakdown will occur if the stress on the spine exceeds the capacity of its supporting tissues. If this continues untreated, then additional injuries and more frequent muscle fatigue will result.

Repeated mechanical stress may not cause immediate problems, but over time could be a precipitating factor in lower back pain, progressive deformation, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, or other problems.

What can we do to preserve a healthy spine and prevent further or future back problems?

1) SLEEP: Sleep on a firm mattress.

When one lies on the right side, a small pillow will support the neck; a pillow between the legs will help maintain hip alignment; another pillow can support the upper left arm. Some experts recommend using a folded towel to fill the gap between the pelvis and ribs to prevent the spine from sagging. When one lies face down, a rolled-up towel can be used beneath the hips to prevent extreme extension of the lumbar spine. One can also be used to fill the gap between the mattress and the lumbar spine when one is sleeping face up with legs outstretched.

2)SITTING: Many people suffer from back pain because of bad sitting habits alone. The right posture is chin in, with hips and knees bent at ninety-degree

angles. When sitting correctly, the lumbar spine has the lordosis curve, but not the maximum amount. There is an exercise that will help to develop good sitting posture. First, sit with your upper body collapsed forward in a deep slouch for a few minutes. Then, over correct: straighten up, push your chest up, look ahead, and curve your back as much as possible. Repeat several times. After the last repetition, relax to about ten percent of the over-corrected posture. This will put you in the perfect sitting posture. If you practice the ”slouchovercorrect” procedure three times daily, for fifteen to twenty times each session, and maintain this routine for five days at least, the correct posture should become automatic. A cushion or roll to support the normal lordosis will facilitate a more desirable “chin-in” position of the head.

One should adopt work and driving habits that allow frequent changing of posture, especially if one is sedentary. Get up and walk every hour!

3) LIFTING: Lifting heavy objects places considerable demands on many muscles throughout the body, especially the lumbar spine. Therefore, we must reduce the frequency and velocity of lifting and the amount of weight lifted. Maintain the external load between the knees as close to the body as possible. This ensures a good mechanical base and reduces mechanical shear on the low back. At the moment of lifting, the lumbar spine should be as close to a neutral lordosis as possible. Use hip and knee muscles to reduce the forces on the low-back muscles (“squat” lift).

When lifting, avoid twisting or any kind of horizontal movement. Lift as slowly and smoothly as possible, and open your legs while maintaining the alignment of the knees. It is best to get help from a mechanical device or another person.

4) STANDING: Prolonged standing is another position that can cause or aggravate lower back pain. To stand correctly, fold the arms and allow the chest to drop. The chest and thoracic spine move to the back and pelvis moves to the front. To relax while standing, move all the weight to one leg and bend the knee on the other leg, causing the pelvis to droop on that side. If you have to work standing for a long time, interchange legs and place one foot on a stool or step.

Postural correction and re-education can prevent back pain, especially if the stressful position is maintained for a long period.

We must exercise to maintain strength and flexibility, avoid improper sitting and sleeping, and avoid lifting heavy loads without caring about the body mechanics.

Once we practice the correct positions and reduce the stress on our body, we will automatically stop tossing and turning at night. Adopting the correct posture will prevent us from suffering because of back problems.

S

o much depends on the human mental state. We rely on our minds day-in and day-out more than we do anything else. Our bodies are virtually useless without them. Naturally we all want to keep our minds healthy. The thought of a chemical imbalance, autism, Alzheimer’s, or any mental affliction is terrifying at best. I think it’s safe to say that all human beings want to keep their mental health for their entire lives. We’ve seen what can happen to those who don’t.

But, is there a way to improve our chances of staying healthy as long as we shall live?

Fortunately studies show that there is.

When you think of mental health, sanity may be the first notion that pops into your head. This is to be expected. Typically we associate poor mental health with being crazy. However, this is not always the case. Probably one of the greatest concerns today is Alzheimer’s. This is a mental affliction that clouds your memory and judgment. You could be speaking with your 40 year old daughter at one moment, and then not know who she is the next.

This is one mental illness that has a terrible effect on families. My wife’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s. When my wife and her mother went to visit the grandmother in Germany, all was fine for a while. But, then she woke up in the middle of the night and didn’t have any clue who her daughter and

granddaughter were. Suddenly all hell broke loose and they were forced to leave the home. Currently the grandmother is in a home where she can be watched more carefully.

Whether you believe it or not, your diet plays a role in your mental state. As time passes on, our bodies wear out, for a lack of better words. All of the food and beverages you consume on a regular basis take a toll on your body. For example, studies show that too much coffee and alcohol can affect your mental health over time. This concerns your body’s hydration. These beverages pull water off of your body and brain. You need to consume more water than anything else. This is the fluid your body and mind require and thrive on. A proper diet is also crucial when it comes to your physical and mental health. If you plan to live a long and fully functional life, I recommend that you adopt proper eating habits.

Taken from http://en.articlesgratuits.com/

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Younger Athletes Have Different Nutritional Needs Can Be a Lifesaver

By Cheryl Wheeler Duncan, Certified Nutritionist and Mother of Two

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any parents want to know what their physically active child should eat in order to gain a competitive edge or perform optimally in sports. There are so many conflicting messages and information out there regarding children and athletics, that sticking to the basics is often the best strategy.

More time spent in physical activity means that more calories and other nutrients are needed to support the extra demands. In other words, the more a child sweats and works out, the more food he or she will need. Make sure that fresh and healthy choices are always available.

PROTEIN: It’s important that child athletes are obtaining a balanced diet of healthy protein, carbohydrates and fat…

Protein is important for building muscle and proper immune function. Protein

feeds the brain and since it doesn’t affect blood sugar, it tends to help energy levels stay constant and even. Protein promotes strength and endurance. Healthy protein choices are the best… Good sources are lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and grass-fed lean beef or bison. Eggs are high in protein and easy to assimilate. Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt are also high in protein and satisfying to the young appetite. Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are a good vegetarian source of protein as well.

CARBOHYDRATES: Carbohydrates give athletes the competitive edge! They provide the main source of fuel for muscles during exercise. Children need plenty of wholesome and healthy carbohydrates to keep energy levels strong and athletic performance up. Lack of carbohydrates in their diet will manifest as tiredness or fatigue, poor mental function, and lack of endurance and stamina. Complex carbohydrates are the best form of energy for children to eat and are found in most whole grain breads, pastas and

cereals, potatoes, brown rice, legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, beans and root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, leeks and radishes. The energy generated by complex carbohydrates tends to be released at a slow and steady rate… perfect for athletic performance.

FATS: Fat also provides body fuel. If physical exercise lasts more than an hour, the body converts to using mostly fats for energy production. It’s important for children to eat enough fat, but the key is to eat “healthy” sources of fat… Healthy fats are found in nuts or nut butter, seeds, avocados or a fun version for kids is guacamole, olive oil, sesame oil, fatty fish such as salmon, dairy products, and organic meats.

HYDRATION: Child athletes have special fluid needs, partly because of the fact that they respond differently to exercise than adults do. For example, children have a lower sweat rate and a greater

relative body surface area, so they produce more heat than adults, but they are not as efficient at transferring this heat from the working muscles to the skin. Children often don’t recognize thirst and will forget to drink during strenuous physical exercise. Most coaches of children’s team sports are on top of this, and constantly remind kids to hydrate! Symptoms of dehydration include muscle weakness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and cramps.

Keep these things in mind when preparing meals for your little athlete, especially in the hot summer months.

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Let’s Roll! Wheelchair Dancing Four Principles of Self-Esteem I Used to “Mask”

By Victoria Marin, Contributing Writer

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or many who find themselves in a wheelchair, the dream of gracefully dancing across a ballroom dance floor does not seem a reality.

Today, many dance studios are offering programs to make this dream possible for many people with disabilities. Studios are providing people with varying degrees of disability the opportunity to benefit from the social and physical components of wheelchair dancing. Wheelchair dancing or adaptive dancing allows for creativity and expression through movements of the body. The beauty of such programs is that all individuals, with and without disabilities, verbal or non-verbal, can participate.

Wheelchair Dance was founded in 1968 in Sweden by Els-Britt Larsson, a wheelchair user. The popularity of the sport grew with the first competitive meet being held in 1975. By 1977, the importance of wheelchair dancing was recognized with its first international competition.

In 1978, the first World Championships were held in Japan and wheelchair dance became an official sport by Governance and Management Authority of the International Paralympic Committee.

Wheelchair dance brings together dancers with and without disabilities to reach a desired outcome of achieving success in a sport otherwise known for its emphasis on agility, coordination and balance. Dancers can learn a variety of dances including but not limited to waltz, slow foxtrot and tango. Those dances which allow for movement across the dance floor are easier to learn, however, samba, cha-cha and jive are also possible.

Growing in popularity is line dancing and square dancing.

Typically, the wheeler is coupled with an able-bodied dancer (combi-style dance). The able-bodied dancer leads while the wheeler propels the wheelchair.

Each partner is responsible for learning the dance steps and keeping in time with the count of the music. In some cases, two wheelchair dancers perform in either manual or power chairs (duo dance).

Impressive to all is the group dance which incorporates wheelchair dancers and ablebodied dancers who synchronize their movements. For younger wheelchair dancers, there is a freestyle or single dance where the wheelchair dancer dances alone.

Programs such as Roll Call are not only for those individuals whose means of mobility is a wheelchair. Individuals with

By Susanne Veder Berger movement disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, or the early stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) also benefit from the choreographed and coordinated movements intended to target specific muscle groups. Aspiring dancers with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis thrive in such programs as the activity is graded from a seated position to standing with consideration given to the sustained activity tolerance of the participant.

The benefits of wheelchair dancing extend beyond the obvious element of socialization. A wheelchair dancer is afforded the opportunity to build confidence in a social setting. For many in wheelchairs, they find themselves isolated from peers and excluded from activities commonly known for able-bodied people. The slow, rhythmic movements help to reduce stress and decrease muscle tone while at the same time, increasing coordination and increasing muscle strength.

The wheelchair dancer is improving core strength which in turn increases stamina and decreases pressure on the lungs brought upon from sitting in a slouched position. Weight management, which can be a concern from being primarily sedentary, is addressed in the physical nature of dancing. Psychologically, wheelchair dancers can develop friendships and lessen feelings of depression.

In today’s society where each of us is touched by someone with a form of a disability, it is our calling as able-bodied individuals to highlight the abilities in each of these amazing and resilient people.

Through such programs ballroom dancing is brought to the disabled community allowing for the empowerment of each participant to actively participate in an activity which is beneficial for their mind, body and spirit.

Victoria Marin is the author of Aiden’s Waltz which is a sublimely reflective tale of a young boy with Autism who journeys to find acceptance and strength within himself.

From peering through a frosted window while watching boys and girls playing soccer, Aiden rises from the shackles of Autism as he dances across the ballroom dance floor with the grace and elegance of a swan. Visit www.aidenswaltz. com for additional information.

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omething that no one ever told me when I was young is that different is actually good.

When I was a teen, I literally wore a mask every day of my life to cover up a wine-stain birth mark which spanned much of the left side of my face.

I was so worried about my mask slipping – smudging the makeup on my turtleneck, letting anyone touch me – that it became hard to relate to the same people I was trying to impress.

My mask consumed my entire life – and my self-esteem. It was only after my husband left me along with two children that the light bulb finally went on.

I overcame my fears later in life, but if you follow four principles of self-esteem, your teenage years will be fulfilling regardless of any difference you have compared to others: 1. Turn nightmares into challenges.

Deep down, I think most of us are competitive and I’m a firm believer that you aren’t handed a challenge that you can’t overcome. Challenges built my character – even if I didn’t know it in my tween years.

Challenges made me think, taught me to solve problems and to trust myself – which will help you throughout your life.

2. Early Perspective = Early Confidence.

Most people say you don’t get perspective until you’re older. I think that with more experience, information, and pressure thrown at tweens than in past generations, it’s important to feel confident about thinking on your own and looking at your life and how people treat you from a broader perspective. Once I did that, began to appreciate being unique.

3. Step out of your comfort zone. Do public speaking or ask someone on a date – it can be a valuable way to grow, learn something new, and overcome fear.

4. Happiness as Your Own Best Friend.

You’ll be amazed how much you will shine in front of others when you’re satisfied from your relationship with yourself. Selfesteem is kind of like a beacon – it comes out in the sparkle in your eyes and the smile on your face, and when other people see that you are happy, they will be drawn to you, because they want to be happy too.

Susanne Veder Berger is a nationallyrecognized inspirational speaker and expert in building self-esteem at all ages. She is a successful CEO and is the founder of the self-perspective blog www. createanewlifewithsusanne.com.

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The Power Of Proactive Health

By Laura M. Turner, M.Sc. CNHP

It is important to recognize, when you resistance train 2-3 times each week with weights, you will not only strengthen your muscles to support your skeleton, the muscle will also work to displace cells known as adipose - better known as fat. Check out Phil’s Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness for a great workout.

Weigh Less:

This topic could also be renamed - eat less. In truth, there is really no other way to lose weight efficiently. To exercise away the pounds alone would be exhausting, ask me! Further, cutting back on calories and learning how to choose the right foods for you will help you get into the weight loss mode. To help get you started, I’ve created a short eCourse called “7-Easy Weight Loss Strategies.” If weight is a concern for you, give my eCourse a read to help get you moving in the right direction.

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n the book 101 Great Ways To Improve Your Health, Dr. Joseph Cilea describes our health as a bank account.

In effort to live in a state of what he calls “Proactive Health” then, we need to make more deposits than withdrawals. I love this idea.

We all know how to make healthy deposits - go easy on the red meat, easy on the carbohydrates, eat desserts only in moderation, drink water, and exercise daily.

Yet, we’ve also been told - with all of the best of intentions - even the elite of health can fall prey to chronic diseases due to poor genetics. If this is true, then why bother depositing anything into our wellness account in the first place?

Yes, you and I are health conscious. But based on the statistics, obesity is more the norm than the exception. And as I’ve told readers previously when I confessed to gaining twentyfive pounds in college - even the veterans of fitness can fall off the wellness wagon. Yet, there are reasons to keep getting back on the road to health. According to authors of the Definitive Guide To Cancer, Lise Alschuler, ND and Karolyn A. Gazella, genetics plays only a small role in your risk for chronic disease. Turns out, according to research, our first line of defense against cancer (and other chronic diseases) is none other than prevention.

Eat Organic:

With this in mind follow your healthy instincts. And from the author’s of the Definitive Guide To Cancer’s prescription for disease prevention, I’d like to give you a short list of healthy minded activities that I feel will make the largest deposits into your health account.

Exercise More:

The good news is, any amount of movement will stimulate metabolism and get the body’s systems working more efficiently.

There is no need to restrict your exercise to the gym. For example, I’ve personally used the 10,000 steps a day program to lose a significant amount of weight.

Too, aerobic/anaerobic activity is one of your best bets for staying heart healthy, burning calories and body fat. Again, there’s no need to spend tons of time in the gym. According to my friend, research scientist and author of Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness, Phil Campbell, 20 minutes sprints are all you need to get your body moving effectively. And if you don’t believe me check out the September issue of Oprah’s O Magazine - his program was reviewed and given the thumbsup by her editorial staff, as well.

In addition, resistance training is also key to building lean muscle mass and winning the war on body fat. Resistance training builds what is called “lean muscle mass.”

As I’ve discussed in past articles, toxins love to live in the body fat.

Therefore, eating organic and eating the right foods could be the best and wisest thing you could do for your body. Finding and buying from the organic section of your supermarket will help you reduce your exposure to toxic hormones, pesticides and scary genetic engineering of foods. If you still feel confused - there is a great book that you can use as a resource that I keep on hand. It’s called What To Eat by Marion Nestle. Here, Nestle uses her intelligence as a professor of nutrition in effort to give you simple common-sense information.

Boost Your Immune System:

In a perfect system our bodies could get all of the nutrients it needs from our diet. However with the continuation of genetic engineering a nd pesticide treatment, as well as the increase of processed foods - this is becoming less possible. Therefore, finding the right balance of diet and supplementation for your body is challenging, yet necessary.

There are resources available here as well. My favorites include : The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book

by Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. and Nancy Bruning and Dr. Jansen’s New Vitamin Revolution by Michael Janson, M.D. There is also evidence that liquid

antioxidant products have great value when it comes to balancing our bodies delicate pH. Keeping the body’s environment alkaline is important as it will create an unfavorable environment for pathogens to live. For this reason, it is well worth your while to check out a liquid antioxidant supplement. I use NingXia Red by the Young Living company, daily. This is the supplement I endorse, yet there are hosts of others. Continue your research for more information and to find an antioxidant source that is right for you.

Connect Mind and Body:

Studies continue to show promise in the connection between mind and body for promoting health. To get all of your cylinders firing, you will want to learn more about exercising your spiritual muscle.

In many of my previous articles, I’ve extensively covered ways to do this. Here’s my favorites: Meditation, journaling and affirmations. These three continue to top my list of healthy mind, body and spirit activities. To learn more you won’t want to miss my article: “Cultivate A Sense Of Spirituality” available from the New Body News and Wellness

Letter. Another favorite resource on spiritual healing I continue to reference is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. If you don’t own this book already, it is a highly recommended addition to your healthy book collection.

In Conclusion:

I do hope you will find all of the activities I’ve described here are easy to add in to your daily life.

It is up to you to make time for them. In your efforts, continue to think as Dr. Cilea when making lifestyle choices and continue to add more currency into your lifetime wellness bank account.

I think you will find your efforts will reward you - with interest.

Laura M. Turner, M.Sc., CNHP is an author, journalist and wellness mentor specializing in natural anti-aging practices and nutritional medicine. Visit her online at www.beauty-andbody.com and subscribe to the BodyTalk eZine - www. bodytalkezine.com. While you’re there grab her new eBook RetroAging and enroll in her “Take Charge Of Your Health” eCourse FREE, as well as improve your health with Nature’s Healing Treasures: www.beauty-and-body. com/youngliving.

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Faith Based Journal

12TH Edition

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Feeling the Spirit: A Prayer Makeover

By Dr. Pamela Randolph, Contributing Wrtier

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t’s springtime and summer is almost here.

Hopefully all efforts of your New Year’s resolution have brought you to good physical shape and prepared you for the many activities that take place during this time. It is important to stay in good health and physical shape, but it is more important according to the Apostle Paul to stay in good spiritual shape. 1Timothy 4:8, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” He is saying that our spiritual fitness profits us in all areas of life. It just may be time for your prayer makeover.

Being in good spiritual shape is the best way to start a makeover. If your spiritual life has been less than ideal, start to improve your spiritual habits. Here are three good reasons: (1) your spiritual life is the foundation for everything you do; (2) a strong spiritual life provides the wisdom and insight needed for other areas; (3) a strong spiritual life will provide the fortitude, endurance and staying power needed when you face the difficult demands of life.

I want to present a major area for development in your spiritual makeover— Prayer. This is very vital to feeling the Spirit. I am offering seven steps. They are all equally important and give critical support to each other. Therefore, none should be omitted and none should be given more attention than the other.

Effective prayer begins with designating a time void of interruptions. You might think how can I do that with all that’s going on in my life. I remember someone once told me that John Wesley’s (the founder of the Methodist Church)

mother, Susanna, had nineteen (19) children. The story goes that she would sit with her apron over her head when she took time to pray and the children knew to be quite and not interrupt her. If she could find a way to have uninterrupted prayer time with 19 children, I think we can find a way, also.

Designating a specific place to pray will provide a more intimate experience, because you will choose a special place and give special significance to it.

You may choose to have a special chair, specific lighting, books, journals, or music resources in your special place. Your special place may be near the lake or some water feature to take advantage of the calmness the water provides. The specia l place may be under the old oak tree; but whatever place you choose, make it a habitual place for those special designated times of prayer. Jesus often went up on the mountain to pray.

God has made available to every believer an avenue to speak directly to Him. He says those that worship Him, must worship Him in

spirit and in truth. Prayer is a form of worship. It is important to connect with God spiritually. 1 Corinthians 14 talks about a way we can pray that we speak directly to God and no man can understand it.

That’s great; because when it really comes down to your prayer makeover, it’s about you and God. Romans 8:26-27 says we can use this type of prayer to pray the perfect will of God; and according to 1 John 14:1415, the perfect will of God is the only prayer that we can have confidence that God answers. It is crucial to prayer in the Spirit.

Pr ayer i s t wo -w ay c om mu n ic at ion. It i s fellowship time with t he L ord . L i s ten for instructions from God during prayer. Go into your special place expecting God to speak life to you.

Jesus said He speaks words of spirit and life to us. His aim is to have a relationship with us and prayer is one of the avenues He has chosen to use. Don’t sell yourself short by going into prayer

and telling God all of what is on your mind, but never allowing Him to share His thoughts with you. In Jeremiah 29:11, He tells us He is thinking thoughts toward us. How can we know what those thoughts are unless we allow Him to tell us? Prayer is the perfect setting for Him to share His thoughts with you.

I mentioned earlier that you might want to have a journal in your designated place. That’s because it is important to capture what the Lord speaks to you.

Since He is speaking words that are spirit and life, you would definitely want to record each precious message. God will speak profoundly. When He does, we have all intentions of remembering what He says. However, it is very likely that we will not remember it after a short lapse of time. Writing it down gives reinforcement to you r memor y a nd provides a much needed reference for future use.

Ta k e t i me to g ive God tha nk s a nd pra ise

for t he t i me you h ave shared with Him. Thank H i m for t he awe s ome privilege of fellowship and communication with Him. Show gratitude for the instructions you receive.

(Man shall live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.) Let Him know that you are grateful and appreciative for all His goodness and mercy. Thank Him in advance for fulfilling any requests you presented.

The ultimate in feeling the spirit from your prayer makeover is acting on any instructions you received from God. Faith without work s is dead. Acting out what God says is the epitome of feeling the spirit. His presence engulfs you as you walk out His revealed plan. Jesus was so filled with the spirit, because He always acted out God’s instructions.

This is the climax and the culmination of our time spent in His presence.

Feeling the Spirit will truly manifest through a prayer makeover!

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Joy During Times of Tribulation W

By Michelle Lawson, Contributing Wrtier

h e n w e are going through trials and tribulations, often times it is difficult to have joy in our hearts. Even as believers, when we are going through those “valley moments”, many of us find it difficult to be happy. But, unlike those in the world, Christians have a reason to rejoice while we are going through tough times. We have God on our side. We have the Lord to count on.

And we can depend on the promises of God to never leave us or forsake us to give us strength.

James 1:2-3 says:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I am so grateful to God for showing me that no matter what my current circumstances, I have no reason to be sad. God is always in control. God is always on the throne. So, even when we feel out of control, we can feel assured that God is concerned about our well-being. As the song goes, “Trouble don’t last always.” No matter what struggles we are experiencing, joy does come in the morning.

In order to feel joy during hard times, we just need to remember that God will work everything out for His good in the end. If we pray for His will to be done (and not ours), have faith in God, and patiently wait for His response, God will answer our prayers. Now He may not give us what we want, but He will give us what we need - if we trust Him. As someone who prayed for a particular outcome,

and was blessed with God granting me what I wanted, I have learned to pray for God’s will. When I received what I wanted, I soon learned that what I wanted was not what God would have wanted for me.

Over the years, because of this prayer, I have experienced a great deal of hurt and pain. So for those of you who have a desire in your heart, whether it is for a certain job, love interest, or material good, ask and you shall receive.

So for those Christians, who are going through trials, let us remember that a New Life Today is possible.

Having the confidence that God will answer your prayers is the reason why you can praise God in advance, and why we can be filled with joy and peace on the inside, even when the world around us may seem chaotic and out of control.

Below are a few Bible verses that will inspire you during times of trials and tribulations:

1 Peter 5:10

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be

constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 34:17-18

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Michelle “Chelle” Goodwine Lawson, a Christian entrepreneur, marketing and HR consultant, writer, and professional speaker.

Recently Michelle founded NewLifeTodayBlog.com. The purpose of this Christian blog is to help people looking to start a new life with the necessary tools.

Article Source: http://www. faithwriters.com-Christian Writers

Advertise today in D-MARS D-Mars.com Business Journal

Call US TODAY! 713.272.9511

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The Need for Christian Education in the African-American Community

By Marilyn Johnson

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am three weeks into my new position as the principal of a kindergarten thru eighth grade Christian campus. Though I have been a Christian and an Educator for over 25 years, this is my first parochial assignment. Chapel has begun and I am sitting in the back observing the way the current principal and staff start their day. All the children respectfully enter the 500 seat Holy Place.

A row of pews have been assigned to each class and they are quickly seated in anticipation of worship.

Immediately I feel like I am in children’s church on Sunday morning at my local house of ministry. Pledges to the bible, Christian, Texas and American flag are reverently recited from the student body. This is all

Christian faith. It is an awesome sight to observe.

The principal leads the children in a melodic stanza of “Jesus Loves Me.” Then like a ton of bricks it hits me. It was like someone turned on a faucet in my soul. I had to excuse myself from Chapel and disappeared into the nearest restroom where I wept and

thro u gh the i r l o c a l assemblies the blessing of being in a Christ-centered atmosphere. They have learned how to maintain a C hr i s ti an - c e n tere d

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

-Proverbs 22:6 followed by prayer, singing and students quoting their scriptures from memory.

Their Christian teachers are gleaming with pride as their students freely display their

wept. I had an epiphany and I begin to say, “I get it Lord. I understand why parents send their children to Christian schools”.

Parents have learned

atmosphere in their homes.

However, each day many Christian parents send their child to a non-religious school that educates them academically but

not spiritually. They send their children to Christian schools to ensure that their child has the freedom to openly exercise their faith in Christ while being educated academically. In addition, their children are able to observe adults modeling Christian character throughout the day.

There is no physical fighting among students or verbal confrontations with the use of profanity in these classrooms. I’ve observed a sweet peace in the hallways and classrooms that is absent from the public schools I’ve worked in. Most importantly, their children

have more time to learn about God and develop a relationship with Him on a daily basis through bible class. Parents know that the Christian foundation they are providing will help their children become productive Christian citizens in their careers, families and society. The investment is well worth it because after all these children are our future pastors, evangelists, teachers and world leaders.

Marilyn Johnson Principal Living Word Christian Academy

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God and Unborn Baby Plan Surprise

By Greg Miller

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aria and her husband, Marvin, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. Their son, Maxwell, was due on Mother’s Day. Marvin planned to treat Maria to lunch at her favorite restaurant, but he didn’t want to take a chance that Maxwell would decide to make his grand entrance into the world during Maria’s Mother’s Day lunch celebration.

“Let’s celebrate a week early,” Marvin suggested to Maria. “If we wait until Mother’s Day, little Maxwell may make his presence felt in a big way.”

Maria agreed with Marvin’s assessment of the situation “Yeah, I’d hate to sink my teeth into a big juicy steak and not even be able to eat the meal after we’ve paid for it,” she said.

Little did Maria and Marvin suspect that God and Maxwell were planning their own surprise. Maxwell was taking a nap inside his mother’s womb when he heard the Lord whisper his name “Maxwell, Maxwell.”

This wasn’t the first time Maxwell had heard the Lord’s voice, because they communed on a regular basis.

“We’re going to surprise both your mom and dad,” God smiled at His unborn friend. “You’re going to be born two weeks before Mother’s Day.” “That’s fine with me, Sir,” Maxwell respectfully addressed his creator. “I can’t wait to be born, so I can discover all the fantastic surprises you have planned for me.”

“I have so many wonderful things planned for your life, there’s not nearly enough time to tell you about all of

them before you are born,” shared the Father.

“I will tell you that you’re going to be a big brother to a brother named Mitchell and a little sister named Maxine,” the Lord continued. “You’re going to attend a great little church, where you will learn about me. When you’re seven years old, you’re going to ask my son, Jesus Christ, to come live in your heart and wash away all your sins.

Eventually, you’re going to live in heaven with me forever.”

“Heaven,” Maxwell sighed.

“I don’t even know what it means, but I sure like the sound of it!

“Lord, can you tell me a little bit about the kind of person I will be?,” asked Maxwell.

“Sure, Maxwell,” replied the Lord. “You’re going to have brown hair and brown eyes. You’re going

to be a preacher when you grow up. One of your most important jobs on earth will be to always look out for your brother and sister.”

“Shouldn’t that be mom and dad’s job?,” asked Maxwell.

“Oh, they’ll have their hands full watching out for all three of you, but you’ll have to help take care of Mitchell and Maxine.

Moms and dads can do a lot for their kids, but there are some things that can only be taken care of by a big brother!”

To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements and/ or puppet ministry, please email kidcool4jesus@yahoo. com.

Greg Miller 2011 raysofsoncolumn.webs. com Article Source: http:// www.faithwriters.com

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