d-mars.com Health & Wellness 28

Health & Wellness Journal Oct. - Nov. 10th, 2013

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Healthy Leadership Makes A Healthy Community

INSIDE

28 th Edition If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. And if you run full speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race.

~ Oprah Winfrey

Falls and Floors

By Sterling Carter, DPT, MS, CSCS In a study in the United Kingdom, researchers concluded that wood floors covered with carpet resulted in a significantly reduced risk of hip fractures in the elderly....

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The Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals of 2013

Delicious Pasta Recipes, Made Easy

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Centers for Disease Control & Prevention The fall season brings an influx of pink ribbons and education around breast cancer and its prevention. In 2006, more than 190,000 new cases of breast cancer were...

Healthy Leadership: Cigna Encourages People to Take Control of Their Health

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The Athlete’s Foot

By Dr. Julie Lester Historically, runners have been thought of as extreme athletes with near super-human abilities.

In recent years, however...

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Organization Awards Scholarships to Aspiring Black Female Physicians at Annual Luncheon

Sisters Network Hosts Pink Angel Luncheon & Style Show

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October November 10th, 2013

Journal Behind The

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

With this month’s journal focusing on taking control of your health, I want to reiterate the importance of being proactive, rather than reactive. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to stress the importance of getting checked, and early.

Statistics show that minorities are being diagnosed later than their counterparts of other races, which can lead to unfortunate outcomes. Early detection and education is so important. This issue will help provide the tools needed for people to take charge of their health – from diet changes to controlling stress and emotion. The healthier lifestyle you lead, the more years you will be able to spend time with your family and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.

As always again, 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.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla Administrative Assistant Angelle Gillum

Contents

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine

Healthy Leadership: Cigna Encourages People to Take Control of Their Health............................................4 The Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals in Houston Awards Ceremony Presented by d-mars.com.................................................................................6 Disability Income Insurance for New Professionals – Who Needs It?..........................................................14

VIDEOGRAPHY Tony Mitchell

Falls and Floors...........................................................................................................................................14

PHOTOGRAPHY

12 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth.................................................................................................16

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Big or Small...Let’s Save Them All...............................................................................................................18

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

Organization Awards Scholarships to Aspiring Black Female Physicians at Annual Luncheon...................22

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Wright

The Athlete’s Foot........................................................................................................................................24

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Valerie Jones Mena Freeman Sterling Carter, DPT, MS, CSCS Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Stephanie Allen-Gobert Judy Blake Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Julie Lester d-mars.com News Provider Dr. Wendy Johnson

Delicious Pasta Recipes, Made Easy...........................................................................................................19 Sisters Network Hosts Pink Angel Luncheon & Style Show.........................................................................20 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...............................................................................................24 A Clean HVAC System is a Breath of Fresh Air for Allergy Sufferers............................................................28 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership...........................................................................................................30 Fibroids and Polyps: What Women Should Know About a Common Health Problem.................................31 Celebrating an Employee Who is Autistic....................................................................................................31

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Commit to working out regularly, choose a goal to work toward, and make a plan that includes scheduling in workouts for the week” -Ramona Braganza, Celebrity Trainer

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October - November 10th, 2013

Healthy Leadership: Cigna Encourages People to Take Control of Their Health

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

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n continued efforts to increase awareness of the benefits of maintaining a healthier lifestyle, Cigna is expanding its outreach throughout the community. Part of that outreach included sponsorship of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) 2013 Symposium “Commitment to Excellence: The Next Generation of Leadership.”

Cigna has developed a seven-year long relationship with NFBPA and is the exclusive health care sponsor for the forum conference. Cigna’s mission is to improve the health, well-being, and sense of security of its customers and communities.

Cigna works with NFBPA to address health care issues in the community.

The focus of this year’s symposium was leadership, with the NFBPA celebrating 30 years in leadership and public service.

The day-long symposium included a session hosted by Cigna titled Healthy Lifestyle: “Does Your State of Mind Influence Your Health?” Attendees were able to hear a panel of experts in health, fitness, and psychology discuss how to keep their mind, body, and spirit in prime condition through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

“You have to start understanding the cues your body gives you,” said Yolanda Robinson, behavioral case manager for Cigna. “Helping to recognize those cues, like when you’re stress or fatigued, can significantly impact your health.”

Paula McHam, Cigna community involvement lead, explained that each individual should define their vision of ‘healthy’ before implementing lifestyle changes. People must also communicate

their plans for lifestyle changes to their friends.

It also helps to be realistic about what healthy really is and not be swayed by society’s sometimes irrational standards.

“We’ve been brainwashed to believe healthy is tiny,” said Dr. Michael Howell, medical senior director and market medical executive for Cigna. “It’s not about size; it’s about your cardiovascular and physical activity.”

Implementing small changes, such as eating more oatmeal (a healthy carbohydrate) and salmon (which has fatty acids that are good for you), eating less sugar, substituting brown rice for white rice, or walking through the air-conditioned mall if it’s too hot outside, can help people ease into a healthier way of life.

What’s important, all the panelists stressed, is for adults to take control of their health and to pass good health practices on to their children through education and action.

“Take advantage of onsite wellness programs if your employer provides them,” said Tacanesha Green-Turner, Cigna health promotion manager. “Sometimes spouses and dependents can participate for free as well, so employees should check into that. The benefits are worth it.”

Howell mentioned the disparity between African Americans and their counterparts, noting that diabetes, lipid disorder, and hypertension are the leading causes of death for African Americans.

“Eating healthy is a chore and it’s a task, but it can be done,” he said.

The four panelists also shared some insight into their personal reasons for getting healthy.

“As I get older, I have to think about if I were sick, who would help me get to the doctor,” McHam said. “A lot of individuals are living independently. Many of Americans are short-term thinkers. They don’t think about the future.”

Robinson mentioned the cost of bad

health from a behavioral standpoint – loss of quality of life and psychological problems such as depression from loss of independence.

Green-Turner said her mother told her at age 19 to start planning for the body she wants at age 30.

“If you don’t take care of yourself, you are going to pay for it, whether by prescriptions, doctor visits or hospital procedures,” she said.

Dr. Howell said it’s okay to teach kids they can have a ‘break’ from eating healthy, but they can’t make that break a lifestyle.

“My goal is simple: to maintain and improve, but not digress,” he said. “Employers need to be out front helping encourage this health initiative. Yes, we’re getting there, but we need to get there a lot quicker. The opportunity is there; take it. Employers need to be leading this initiative a lot more aggressively.”

Stephen L. Williams, Director of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, said a lot more can still be done.

“People respond to their environment and I’ve noticed when people have fresh fruits and vegetables available or parks and biking trails they can use, people are more likely to take advantage of them,” Williams said. “The community has to see leaders walk the talk. If people don’t see you doing that, then they won’t follow. People notice what leaders do and what they say.”

Williams said there are some good programs in Houston for younger people, such as Recipe for Success – which is dedicated to combating childhood obesity by changing the way children understand, appreciate and eat their food as well as

Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

October November 10th, 2013 educating and mobilizing the community to provide healthier diets for children.

“The benefit of taking charge of your health is you’ll have more energy to do the things you want to do,” he said. “People will be living longer, but having a quality of life that’s much better. Most people fear dying, but that’s not the worst thing

they will face with a chronic disease. I can’t imagine having to live life constantly in and out of emergency rooms.”

The purpose of the symposium, which included leaders from organizations all over Houston, was to help them further develop their leadership skills.

“We want these leaders to not only de-

velop their professional tools, but to put more professional tools in their toolbox,” said NFBPA President Jeana Nellons.

“We want them to look into their organizations and see these aspiring leaders, to help groom them. By providing these tools to those aspiring leaders, they may go on to become the next top executive, city manager, mayor, or even the next

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President.”

Nellons often likes to reference the following Gandhi quote: Be the change you wish to see in this world.

“It only takes one to make that change and you could be that one to plant seeds in the next generation.”

National Forum for Black Public Administrators 2013 Symposium Recap

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October - November 10th, 2013

The Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals in Houston Awards Ceremony Presented by

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ifty of Houston’s elite were honored at the 2nd Annual Top 50 Black Health Medical and Wellness Professionals Awards. d-mars.com hosted the event, which was held at The Hess Club, and recognized the city’s living legends, community heroes, super trailblazers and trailblazers, as well as the super, top and up-and-coming HMWPs. The event allowed for the assortment of HMWPs to be recognized for their excellence and success in their respective fields. The honorees, guests, friends, and family were in attendance and there was a special recognition for Dr. Edith Irby Jones, a 2012 Living Legend, who is retiring from medicine this year after more than 60 years of service in the community.

“It was wonderful to be able to recognize these extraordinary individuals who have contributed so much to the health, medical, and wellness profession,” said d-mars.com President and CEO Keith “D-MARS” Davis. “We celebrate the achievements and success of those men and women who are inspiring a generation of budding medical professionals in our community.”

Ronnie Shields (accepted by son Evan Shields) Plex Gym Living Legend

Dr. Wanda Mott Women’s Specialist of Houston Living Legend

Dr. Robert Austin R J Austin Consulting Living Legend

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“I was encouraged by the networking that was happening and the fact that we were honoring our own. It was not so much that I was being honored – I appreciate the recognition, but it stimulated me to think more about how we can convey this message to our young people. It’s important that we identify ways for the younger generation to

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be involved because they are our future. –Dr. Robert Austin, Living Legend

LIVING LEGENDS

Ronnie Shields - Plex Gym Dr. Wanda Thornton Mott - Women’s Specialists of Houston Dr. Robert Austin - R J Austin Consulting, Development and Training

COMMUNITY HEROES

Martha Kennerson - Amerigroup Leola Anifowoshe - Natural Healthy Hair Society John Mitchell - Phat Body Gym

SUPER TRAIL BLAZERS

Dr. Patrick Wills - Internal Medicine & Wellness Group Robert Horry - Robert Horry Center for Sports & Physical Rehabilitation Terrence Ray - AnesthesiaOS

Trail Blazers

Preston Johnson, Jr. - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Dr. Teriya Richmond - Mary Susan Moore Medical Society

SUPER HMWP

Dr. Sterling L. Carter, DPT, MS, CSCS - Sterling Physical Therapy Faith Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP - Express Yourself Clearly, LLC Dr. Michelle L. Edwards, NP - PICC Health Institute Raquel Wheeler - Williams Billing and Consulting Donnie Pecantte - A Caring Home Care Services

TOP HMWP

Marlene McNeese-Ward - Houston Department of Health and Human Services Qiana James - Friendly Faces Senior Care Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS - Cosmetic Dental Texas Nwanyieze Amajoh, MD - Southwest Obstetrics/Gynecology Associates, LLP Dr. Tamecka Knight, CPNP - Premier Pediatrics of Houston, PLLC

Norman Mitchell - Bee Busy, Inc/Bee Busy Wellness Center Dr. Phyllis Morgan - Morgan & Associates Dental Kenneth Hopkins - Tru Balance Water Dr. Adrienne Williams - Artistic Dentistry Shaundra Hamilton - College of Healthcare Professions Doretta Fisher - Tilton Healthcare, Inc Sarni J. Randle, LMSW - Alignment Alchemy, LLC Chimezie Iloanya. - Pharmacy Plus Dr. Chiara Combs - Ideal Smiles.

Charlene Taylor - Alpha Compliance Consulting Dr. Laura Spencer LaCroix - Sugar Land Dental Monica Lamb - Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation Jacqueline Miller - Optimal In Home Care, Inc Betty Driver, MHA - BB Health and Wellness Boutique Jeffery Thomas - Supply Chain Management Professional Dr. Christy M. Ware - Walgreens Dr. Nicole Cross - Dr. Nicole Enterprises Rhonda Dallas - Reaching to Empower Women Daily Dr. Latisha Rowe - The Rowe Alliance, LLC Alfred Malone - Ego Fitness Studios Dr. Julie Lester - Foundation Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC La Sonja Jordan Henderson - EZ Pediatric Therapy Kim Roxie - LAMIK Beauty La Toya Darden - Central Care Community Health Center Dr. Anjanette Wyatt - Clinical Care Pharmacy Dr. Damita Wyatt - DNA Pharmacy, Inc Paula Ealy - Ready-To-Go Med-Sources Kelly P. Hodges - Sisters Network, Inc

UP AND COMING HMWP

Brittany Nicole Boutte - MBJ & Associates Dr. Sharel S. Sly - Sly Dental Consulting

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October - November 10th, 2013

“I would like to say thank you for nominating me as a living legend. Although I wasn’t there to accept the award, my son Evan Shields did on my behalf. It’s really an honor that they even thought of me for an award such as living legend. It really makes me happy to have been a part of it.

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“I think an award like this is great because younger people look up to you. It

makes them understand that you don’t necessarily have to be a doctor, teacher, or an astronaut. You can be a trainer or anything you want to be for somebody to recognize what you do and also be able to take care of your family.

–Ronnie Shields, Living Legend

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October November 10th, 2013

“The biggest thing you want is to just enjoy what you do. If you enjoy math and science,

talking to people and being around people, then you’ll love this profession because it’s an opportunity to give back, it’s an opportunity to grow, and certainly it’s an opportunity for everyone to receive. It’s a blessing to be able to do this. - Dr. Wanda Thornton Mott, Living Legend

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October - November 10th, 2013

“On behalf of my staff and the Nzuri family I want to commend you for doing such a

great service in recognizing the achievements of so many spectacular individuals in the health and wellness profession. I met some incredible people and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Your staff was inviting, knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. The networking opportunity is commendable and the humor of Mr. D-MARS alone was well worth the evening. He truly is a natural comedian without even trying. I accept the Community Hero award with honor and it is now proudly displayed in my office.

–Leola Anifowoshe, Community Hero

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October November 10th, 2013

“I would like to sincerely thank d-mars.com for the Super Trailblazer award.

Our vision with AnesthesiaOS was to create an Anesthesia Information Management System that provides solutions to hospitals, surgery centers and private providers through data informatics and performance management tools. To receive recognition from an organization such as d-mars.com only strengthens the resolve of my team to continue in our effort to enhance the point of care for both providers and patients.

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“I would like to congratulate all the HMWPs. The d-mars.com Top 50 HMWP

event clearly illuminated the amazing work that is being done every day. The event reinforced my belief that we have both an individual and collective responsibility to make a positive impact on our community, hence the old expression, "We are because I am, and I am because we are. –Terrence Ray, Super Trailblazer

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"I was fortunate enough to be recognized as one of this year's up-and-coming HMWPs,

but I believe the reward was not in the recognition but the experience in witnessing so many black professionals, each special in their own right. It was a very humbling, yet empowering feeling. I had always wished there was a way that black professionals, young and old, or more accurately, new and seasoned, could interact and network; this was truly the event that afforded me the opportunity to do such. The best part about my experience was the honor of meeting and listening to Dr. Edith Irby Jones speak of how good it was to look around and see so many black professionals and speak of how it made "old folks" proud, but the reward, for me, was in recognizing that she, along with Dr. Mott and Dr. Austin, in turn have made the generations that followed just as proud. –Dr. Sharel S. Sly, Up-and-Coming HMWP

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October - November 10th, 2013

Disability Income Insurance for New Professionals – Who Needs It?

By Mena Freeman Contributing Writer

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imply stated, you do. In fact, now is the best time to protect your income.

Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset and the foundation of any financial strategy. As a professional at the beginning of your career, you may already be thinking about future goals – owning a home, traveling, raising a family and accumulating assets.

Your income makes these things possible. It pays your basic expenses and enables you to build wealth for the future.

But what if an injury or illness prevented you from being able to work?

In a recent survey only 1% of employees felt they had a chance of becoming disabled during their working years , but in reality almost one-third of Americans entering the work force today (3 in 10) will become disabled before they retire.2 Unfortunately, most people don’t fully appreciate the value of personal disability insurance until it’s too late. That untimely realization can be financially devastating.

Staying Ahead of the Curve First, assess your financial position and think about how you spend your income.

How would you cover your expenses if you were no longer able to work?

Next, if you belong to a group disability plan, check the coverage. Will you receive benefits if you’re unable to

work in your own occupation, or must you be unable to work at any job to receive payments? Does your policy cover you if you are only partially disabled? Do you have the power to keep it in effect, or does your employer hold all the cards? If you leave your position, will you still have coverage?

Group disability coverage is better than no coverage, but individual disability coverage is far better, particularly if it allows you to customize the coverage to match your needs.

For example, if you’re just beginning your career and anticipate that your income will rise dramatically, you should consider purchasing a future increase option rider. Build in the option to purchase additional coverage as your earnings increase—without worrying whether a change in your health will negatively affect your coverage.

Learn the Lingo The right individual disability income insurance (DI) policy can help you keep your household going, even if you suffer a long-term disability. But before you go shopping for a DI policy, you need to know what features to look for—and the language the insurance industry uses to describe them. The following terms are part of the language describing highquality policies, and are what you should look for to get coverage you can count on: • Non-cancellable: To avoid the possibility of losing your coverage just when you need it most, choose a policy that’s non-cancellable and guaranteed renewable to age 65—with premiums also guaranteed until age 65. With group or association group coverage, you run the risk of being dropped and left unprotected at a time in your life when, due to your age or to a change in your medical condition, it would be very difficult to qualify

for coverage from another provider.

• Conditionally renewable for life: Although premiums may increase after age 65, your policy should be guaranteed renewable for life, as long as you are gainfully employed full time at least 10 months each year.

• The core of any disability income policy is its definition of “Total Disability” which outlines what constitutes being “totally disabled” and therefore eligible for benefits. This definition is in every carrier’s policy; however, it does not always mean the same thing. For example, some policies pay benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation, even if you are able to work successfully in another occupation, while others pay only if you cannot work at all.

• Residual Disability coverage: Through a rider, a good individual DI plan can provide you with protection against the income loss you may suffer as a result of partial (residual) disability— even if you have never suffered a period of total disability.

• A choice of “riders”: Riders offer optional additional coverage such as an annual Future Increase Option which helps protect a growing income, like yours, by allowing the purchase of additional coverage each year without additional medical underwriting. Other examples include Automatic Benefit Enhancements and Cost of Living Adjustments, or “COLA.”

Now is the Time Cost of coverage is based on your age at the time a policy is issued. Generally, the younger you are, the lower the premium.

Insuring your income is as basic to your financial security as insuring your life, your health, your home or your car.

It’s important to take immediate steps to protect your livelihood by scheduling time with your financial advisor or insurance representative to discuss individual disability insurance. Do it today and feel better about tomorrow.

1 CDA 2010 Consumer Disability Awareness Survey.

2 Social Security Administration Fact Sheet, March 2011.

Prepared by Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America, Pittsfield, MA. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products/services and advisory services offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Field Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, (Guardian) New York, NY. PAS is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian.Wealth Design Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC.

Falls and Floors

By Sterling Carter, DPT, MS, CSCS Contributing Writer

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n regards to falls, these are the facts:

1. One in four people that live at home and are over 65 will fall within the next year.

2. Sixty percent of all falls occur in the home.

3. In the senior population, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

It isn't surprising that so many seniors fall if you analyze their life situation. For example, many seniors are on medications, many of which have the side effects of dizziness or disorientation. Many seniors do not participate in any type of regular exercise program, so they are deconditioned as well. They often suffer from arthritis pain, might be overweight

and sedentary as well. Considering the above, it becomes readily apparent why falls are so common.

What should a senior do to decrease the risk of falling? Obviously, addressing medication side effects, exercising, and remaining active is important. But if one of your family/friends is planning to retire and purchase a new home consider the following: In a study in the United Kingdom, researchers concluded that wood floors covered with carpet resulted in a significantly reduced risk of hip fractures in the elderly.

They looked at forces generated with impact on carpet-covered wood floors verses other surfaces. The results indicated that if a person lands on a carpet-covered wood floor, the odds of breaking a hip are significantly less and the impact forces were much lower. So if you have a choice, carpet-covered wood floors seem like the right choice.

Until Next Month, Thanks from Sterling Carter, PT, MS, CSCS Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation www.sterlingtherapy.com 281-240-3140

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12 FOODS THAT NATURALLY WHITEN YOUR TEETH

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Contributing Writer

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e've all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries, and black coffee in our quests for pearly whites, but what about foods that actually brighten your smile? Try these natural solutions for a brilliant beam.

STRAWBERRIES

They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, said Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

SEEDS AND NUTS

Chewing these lightly abrasive, hard foods rubs plaque and stains off the surface of teeth, said Dr. Matthew Messina,

a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Pop a few almonds for a midafternoon snack – they’re full of protein, healthy fats, and the crunch you need to get pearly whites.

won't cause surface stains, said Messina, adding that after eating them you're more likely to brush, which is a surefire way to get whiter teeth.

ONIONS

The loud crunch you hear when you bite into this hard fruit may be annoying, but it's also good for your choppers.

Apples' crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralizing colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque, said Smigel.

Although they may not be the ideal pre-date snack, the notoriously badfor-breath alliums could be beneficial to teeth. Because they're colorless, they

APPLES

BAKING SODA

Take a toothpaste break and try brushing with this common ingredient. Baking soda is a base, like bleach, notes Messina, and the "soda" – which is actually a form of salt – in this pantry staple is a mild abrasive that works to scrub off plaque and surface stains.

ORANGES

This bright fruit contains citrus, an acid that can wear away tooth enamel if ingested in large doses, making teeth whiter – but at a cost, said Messina. So while we don't recommend gulping down bags of oranges in the spirit of a bright smile, a juicy helping once in a while is good for your pearly whites, and thanks to loads of vitamin C, your overall health, too.

WATER

Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile bright, advised Smigel, who recommends sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining. However, while water reduces the acidity in your mouth and the resulting damage to your enamel, Dr. Smigel warned against imbibing too much sparkling water, which has greater potential to erode enamel and harm teeth.

CELERY AND CARROTS

The same high-water content that makes these veggies great for your waistline and your health also helps them whiten your teeth by stimulating saliva production, which aids in washing away food debris and strengthening gums, according to Smigel.

BROCCOLI

Unlike beets and cranberries, this crunchy vegetable doesn't stay stuck to teeth, so it won't cause unsightly surface stains, said Messina. Throw some raw broccoli into your lunch – the florets will scrub the surface of teeth, giving them a brief and natural midday brush.

CHEESE

Hard cheese, like the little blocks you get on those delicious appetizer trays, is full of calcium, which strengthens teeth and gums, explained Smigel. Plus, most cheeses are near colorless, meaning they won't stain your teeth. So go ahead, order that cheese plate.

PEARS

Smigel recommended munching on a pear to neutralize pesky odor-causing and staining bacteria colonies on teeth.

Increased saliva production brought on by this sweet, delicious fruit also washes away food debris, leaving teeth clean and sparkling.

MILK AND YOGURT

These dairy products are teeth super foods. Their high calcium content strengthens teeth, making enamel healthier and whiter, said Messina. But be warned: Not all calcium-rich foods—like spinach with its dark, stain-causing pigmentation—have the same effect. Chow down on a high-protein Greek yogurt for a snack, or pair after-dinner cookies with a cold glass of milk to get that gleam.

For breakthrough dental technology, GIVE US A CALL TODAY! For More Information, call us at 713.654.7756 or visit our web-site at www.cosmeticdt.com

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October - November 10th, 2013

Big Or Small…Let’s Save Them All

By Stephanie Allen-Gobert Contributing Writer

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amming and listening to one of my favorite radio stations yesterday, I was devastated to hear that one of my favorite radio hosts/DJs, Kandi Eastman, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to make her recent diagnoses public. The phone lines, Instagram, Facebook, and all the other social media outlets went busy. So much love, support, and prayers were given to Kandi and all other women who face the difficult struggle of fighting breast cancer. Pink balloons were raised in the sky to signify Kandi’s and so many other women’s upcoming fight (and the victories we are claiming) and to start the month of October, which is breast cancer awareness month.

I personally have never had a family member faced with the struggles breast cancer can bring. But I have seen firsthand the pain, financial burden, emotional and physical stress that any cancer alone can bring to individual’s and their family and friends. I have had an aunt and an uncle die of lung cancer. I also have worked in several cancer hospitals throughout the state and have had numerous encoun-

ters with patients, doctors and their family facing the struggles involved with the Big”C.” In some instances, the breast cancer diagnosis seems to be a little different to me from a women’s point of view. As a young girl growing up, and similar to so many young girls growing up today, we could not wait to get that first training bra and see little nubs start to grow in our chest area. We had breasts! Now that we had them, we didn’t know what to do with them or their purpose, we just knew we had them and a bra and the girl next door didn’t yet…so we were okay! As we aged we realize the purpose of the breasts God had blessed us with. We started learning that they are a form of beauty men do not possess. We learned that they are a way of feeding our young, giving them the proper nutrients and vitamins that only breast milk can provide. We saw firsthand that some women are blessed with big ones, some women are blessed with small ones, and then we see some who are blessed without any. Some of the ones without are the ones faced with the heartfelt decision of a mastectomy, associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. A mastectomy is a surgical operation to remove the breast.

A mastectomy can be voluntary (usually if there is a strong family history of breast cancer), but with some breast cancer patients, it is an elective and sometimes mandatory surgery to save your life.

Starting off this month with breast cancer awareness, let’s all take the time to

embrace the struggles of life and the life of a breast cancer patient and survivor face.

Let’s do the necessary foot work to get mammograms done yearly and every six months, if requested by your doctor and you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Let’s get back to monthly breast self-exams, teaching our young daughters everywhere how to examine their breasts.

Let’s try to exercise regularly, watching our alcohol intake and eating healthy fruits and vegetables to nourish our bodies. Let’s continue to stay proactive in our own health and wellness. We all face struggles. Let’s continue to up lift each other in whatever struggle life throws our way. There is power in numbers.

On the radio yesterday, so many inspirational and motivational songs were played for Kandi and other people and their family who face the daily fight with

breast cancer. Out of all the songs, I was able to hear and dance to, my favorite was Destiny’s Child “Survivor!” I watched Kandi and so many others on Instagram and other social media networks throughout the day, dancing, singing and telling their struggle and victory against breast cancer, with the kick-off of breast cancer month. There was also praying and praising. They were praising Him for the victory and the strength to endure and conquer the fight ahead. The many men and women who face breast cancer realize yes…we are survivors! Your family and friends admire, support and love you, not just in the month of October, but every month and any day that passes.

As a nation, we will continue the breast cancer fight on the battleground…because remember big or small…we saving them all!

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October November 10th, 2013

19.

Delicious Pasta Recipes, Made Easy

Three-Cheese Lasagna

Linguine with Spinach-Herb Pesto

Linguine with Spinach-Herb Pesto

Ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella combine to give this lasagna an irresistible gooey factor. Store-bought tomato sauce offers convenience and is perked up with a little fresh basil, garlic, and ground red pepper.

Here is a lovely twist on beloved pesto for spring. Baby spinach takes the place of most of the basil to give the sauce an earthy flavor. The thick, emerald sauce beautifully coats the flat noodles and serves up big flavor in every forkful.

Here is a lovely twist on beloved pesto for spring. Baby spinach takes the place of most of the basil to give the sauce an earthy flavor. The thick, emerald sauce beautifully coats the flat noodles and serves up big flavor in every forkful.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 6 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 ounce fresh Parmesan cheese, grated and divided (about 1/4 cup) 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup torn fresh basil 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 (24-ounce) jar lower-sodium pasta sauce 9 cooked lasagna noodles Cooking spray

• • • • • • • • • • • •

4 ounces fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 large garlic clove, chopped 2 tablespoons organic vegetable broth 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated and divided (about 1/4 cup) • 8 ounces uncooked linguine

• • • • • • • • • • • •

4 ounces fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 large garlic clove, chopped 2 tablespoons organic vegetable broth 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated and divided (about 1/4 cup) • 8 ounces uncooked linguine

Directions

Directions

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, 1 cup mozzarella, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and egg in a small bowl.

Combine basil, red pepper, garlic, and pasta sauce in a medium bowl.

3. Cut the noodles into 9 (7 x 2-inch) pieces; discard remaining pieces. Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce mixture in bottom of an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over pasta sauce mixture; top with about 2/3 cup ricotta mixture and 3/4 cup pasta sauce mixture. Repeat layers twice, ending with 1/2 cup pasta sauce mixture.

Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes.

4. Preheat broiler to high. (Keep lasagna in oven.)

5. Broil lasagna for 2 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.

1. Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl; cover bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until spinach wilts. Remove plastic wrap; cool slightly.

2. Place spinach, almonds, and next 5 ingredients (through garlic) in a food processor. Process until chopped. Add broth, juice, and salt; pulse 5 times.

With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute; process until well blended. Scrape into a bowl; stir in half of cheese. Cover with plastic wrap.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Toss pasta with 1/2 cup pesto.

Arrange about 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture in each of 4 bowls; top each serving with 2 tablespoons remaining pesto and 1 1/2 teaspoons remaining cheese.

1. Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl; cover bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until spinach wilts. Remove plastic wrap; cool slightly.

2. Place spinach, almonds, and next 5 ingredients (through garlic) in a food processor. Process until chopped. Add broth, juice, and salt; pulse 5 times.

With processor on, slowly pour oil through food chute; process until well blended. Scrape into a bowl; stir in half of cheese. Cover with plastic wrap.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Toss pasta with 1/2 cup pesto.

Arrange about 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture in each of 4 bowls; top each serving with 2 tablespoons remaining pesto and 1 1/2 teaspoons remaining cheese.

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October - November 10th, 2013

Sisters Network Hosts Pink Angel Luncheon & Style Show

STYLE SHOW

Sisters Network Inc. honored advocates for breast cancer awareness recently at its 2013 Pink Angel Celebration Luncheon and Style Show. This year’s 2013 Pink Angel honorees, which included Mr. Keith “D-MARS” Davis, are not only leaders in the community but committed warriors in the fight against breast cancer.

The models who walked in the style show were styled by Esther Wolf and Elizabeth Anthony and their makeup was done by LAMIK Beauty. There was special recognition of Founder and CEO Karen E. Jackson for her 20 years of being a breast cancer survivor.

Sisters Network Inc. was founded in 1994 and is the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States.

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Together, we will end cancer.

In 1962 President John F. Kennedy issued a challenge to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. This courageous act inspired MD Anderson Cancer Center to implement its Moon Shots Program – an initiative designed to work aggressively toward a cure for eight major cancers. By mobilizing unparalleled collaboration among leading minds in cancer, MD Anderson ensures breakthrough discoveries. Together, we will end cancer.

CancerMoonShots.org Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

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October - November 10th, 2013

Organization Awards Scholarships to Aspiring Black Female Physicians at Annual Luncheon

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

T

he Mary Susan Moore Medical Society (MSMMS) is named after the first black female physician to practice medicine in Texas. The organization was formed in 1991, called the Association of Black Women Physicians – Houston, and the name was changed to its current name in 1997. The organization’s mission is to be an example of medical excellence and encourage and empower future AfricanAmerican female physicians.

The MSMMS recently held its annual scholarship luncheon at the Bayou City Event Center, recognizing four scholarship recipients as well as honoring the great Dr. Edith Irby Jones with a special presentation.

“The Mary Susan Moore Medical Society Luncheon exudes the essence of who we are as black women in medicine,” said president Dr. Teriya Richmond. “We

female physicians. Guest speaker Dr. Sabrina Echols, medical director at Bee Busy Wellness and Central Care Community Clinic, spoke with admiration about her mentor Dr. Edith Irby Jones and how she was “grateful and honored to be in her presence – a woman of God who has practiced in and served her community for 62 years.”

Echols referenced Dr. Jones when she told the crowd, “there are going to be some places you don’t want to be and people that don’t want you there, but God says you got to go. God opened the door for Dr. Jones at the University of Arkansas when some people didn’t even want us there.”

Dr. Jones was the first black graduate from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1952.

Echols addressed the crowd and asked them what legacy they were going to lead.

Dr. Jones was honored with a special presentation before she addressed the crowd. The 85-year-old trailblazer will

have a responsibility to be the best we can be and continue in our purpose so that others can come after us because we stand on the broad shoulders of many like Dr. Mary Susan Moore, Dr. Edith Irby Jones, Dr. Wanda Mott, and Dr. Sabrina Echols.

I'm excited today because we are building

be retiring from her medical practice this year. She mentioned the pride she had for the strides made in the medical field, where women are accepted into medical programs on the same basis as men, and blacks are accepted almost on the same basis as other races.

leaders and supporting up-and-coming black female physicians in training.”

The room was filled with multiple generations of physicians and aspiring black

“There’s no way you can climb the ladder of success and not help others,” Dr. Jones said. “Don’t be selfish. When you get there, take somebody with you. I may be retiring, but I’m still going to be an advocate. I may be retiring from the one-

to-one practice of medicine, but I’m not retiring from helping people.”

MSMMS awarded four scholarships: one resident scholarship for $1,000 and three medical student scholarships for $500 each.

“I’ve never questioned my decision to go into medicine,” said LaTashia Irving, medical student scholarship recipient.

“It’s not medical school that’s so hard; it’s the obstacles that happen in life while you’re in medical school.

Irving is active in Mary Susan Moore Medical Society and credits the organization for many of the connections she’s made, including mentors in all different specialties.

“I’m able to interact with people who

have paved the way for me. Being able to meet Dr. Jones was extremely profound for me,” Irving said. “Seeing the doctors helped me understand that I’m not the first one, and I’m not going to be the last one, but I can do it. No matter how hard it gets, I can make it.”

Irving shared a conversation she had recently with one of her mentors, Dr. Garland Gossett.

“He told me he wasn’t very impressed at being the first black to do something,” she said. “It’s not about being the first black to do something; it’s making sure that another black comes behind you.”

2013 MSMMS scholarship recipients included Irving, Dr. Jennifer Variste, Courtney Furlough, and Chelsea Thomas.

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October - November 10th, 2013

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

T

he fall season brings an influx of pink ribbons and education around breast cancer and its prevention. In 2006, more than 190,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported nationwide and more than 41,000 women died from the disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among adult women in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. One of every eight adult women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports breast cancer surveillance and research and provides free or low-cost mammograms to underserved women. In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. The growth becomes uncontrollable without treatment, ultimately resulting in the formation of a tumor. A tumor can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Related to this description, a cancer growth can also be non-invasive (confined to the infected area) or invasive (spread to surrounding breast tissue), which determines the severity of disease upon detection.

Breast cancer is preventable with early detection According to Vital Signs, a special pub-

lication of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), more than 7 million women have not had a recent mammogram, an X-ray of the breasts, to screen for breast cancer as recommended.

Mammograms can find breast cancer early, before it is large enough to feel or cause physical symptoms. All women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every two years, and those between 40 and 50 years should talk with their doctor about when to start screening.

Breast cancer risk is linked to age, ethnicity, and family history of disease The risk of cancer increases with age.

Although white women are more likely to get breast cancer, African American women are the most likely to die of it.

Minority women are most likely to have advanced breast cancer when the cancer is first discovered. Women of other ethnic backgrounds (Asian, Hispanic, and Native American) have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer than white women and African American women. If a close family member (e.g. mother, father, grandmother, sister, or aunt) has had breast cancer, the risk for other family members getting breast cancer may be higher. If you think you may be at increased risk, ask your doctor if you should be tested earlier or more frequently than standard recommendations.

For more information about breast cancer or to find out how to get a free or low-cost mammogram, go to www. cdc.gov/cancer/breast, or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

The Athlete’s Foot

By Dr. Julie Lester Contributing Writer

H

istorically, runners have been thought of as extreme athletes with near super-human abilities. In recent years, however, running has become a lot more popular for many individuals as a form of routine exercise. Whether this peak in interest is due to an increase in health awareness or an increase in the number of 5K walks/runs throughout various communities, choosing the proper shoe gear for your chosen activity is key to preventing potential injuries to the lower extremity.

The first step in choosing the shoe that works best for you is to understand the normal biomechanics of the foot, and to find out your exact foot type. As the heel strikes the ground during the gait cycle, the arch flattens, and the foot rolls inward. This action is referred to as pronation. It is the body’s natural response to ground reactive forces, and helps the foot to absorb shock. Pronation is a positive attribute as long as it does not occur in excess. The degree at which the arch flattens is relative to the degree at which the foot pronates.

In general, there are three foot types: pronated, supinated, and neutral. If your shoes show the most wear on the inside borders of the soles, you have low arches or flat feet due to over-pronation. If your shoes show signs of wear mostly on the outside borders of the soles, you tend to supinate (under-pronate), and have high arches. If your wear pattern is more evenly distributed across the soles of your shoes, you have a neutral foot type.

Each foot type requires a different level of support and shock absorption to prevent injury. If you have a flat foot due to over-pronation, you need a shoe that provides stability and arch support. Many

manufacturers offer a motion-controlling shoe that helps limit the amount of pronation the foot goes through during the gait cycle. If you have high arches due to a supinated foot type (or under-pronation), you should look for a more flexible shoe with substantial cushioning. Because the feet do not pronate, they do not absorb shock very well. Finally, neutral feet with medium arches require a shoe that offers a combination of stability and cushion.

When shopping for athletic shoes, keep in mind that foot size does change over time, even into adulthood. You should have your feet measured every year to ensure that you are buying the correct size.

When trying on shoes, you should have ½-inch to 5/8-inch of space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. It’s also important to consider the type of activity you will be performing. If you will be walking or running for exercise, you should shop for running shoes. If you prefer activities with lots of side-to-side movement such as tennis or aerobics, you should consider cross-trainers or sportspecific shoes. Finally, the more active you are, the sooner you will need a new pair of shoes. Running shoes typically need to be replaced after 400 miles, usually every 3-4 months for a regular runner. If your shoes no longer provide support, or are uncomfortable, it’s time for a new pair.

Physical fitness requires a great deal of effort and determination. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, or just beginning your journey to health, you don’t want to be sidelined due to an injury that could otherwise be prevented. Making sure you choose the best shoe for your foot type and activity can help keep you at the top of your game and pain free.

For severe pain, or pain that is not alleviated with a change in shoe style, talk to your local podiatrist. You may have a more significant biomechanical or structural condition. You may benefit from custom fit insoles, or need more invasive medical or surgical treatment.

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October - November 10th, 2013

It’s your moment.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations andhundreds of programs and degree plans. What are waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

visit hccs.edu to learn about our logistics program

CONVENIENT Mammograms Right in Your Neighborhood!

Its your future D-Mars Fall 2013 .indd 1

7/31/13 3:10 PM

Evenings and weekends available by appointment.

Four convenient locations • 14044 Spring Cypress at Grant Cypress, Texas 77429

• 11307 FM 1960 West at Steepletop Suite 340 Houston, Texas 77065 • 27126 Highway 290 at Mueschke Cypress, Texas 77433 • 7015 Barker Cypress Rd at 529 Cypress, Texas 77433

Mention this ad when you get your mammogram and get a free women’s imaging vanity bag. Value $9.99.

*According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Affordable Care Act, routine screening mammography is a preventive service now covered 100% by health insurance plans for women aged 40 and older every 1 to 2 years.

Schedule now 281.897.3121 • www.CyFairWomensImaging.com Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

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October - November 10th, 2013

A Clean HVAC System is a Breath of Fresh Air for Allergy Sufferers d-mars.com News Provider

G

esundheit! If allergy season has you sneezing and sniffling, you might believe you're better protected inside your house than outside in the fresh air.

Think again. In a typical six-room house, everyday living creates up to 40 pounds of dust every year, according to NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Association. What's more, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system pulls in a sizeable amount of contaminants, and may re-circulate those irritants five to seven times a day.

Your heating and cooling system can be considered the heart and lungs of your home, taking in air and breathing it out. Generally, the cleaner the lungs, the cleaner the air in your home - and the fewer allergy triggers circulating in the air.

While dirty ducts don't necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions or some environmental allergies. That's why it's important to get a quality HVAC cleaning done on a regular basis.

Having your HVAC system cleaned by a professional could actually save you money in the long run. That's because contaminants in your home's heating and

cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Even though you use filters, the HVAC system still gets dirty through normal use. When the system is clean, however, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you want, and will use less energy - saving you money.

Once you've decided to have your HVAC system cleaned, how do you choose a professional? NADCA urges you to resist those fliers you might get from fly-by-night companies. Firms offering "$99 whole house specials" and similar gimmicks may do work that's not up to industry standards or try to squeeze more money from you by using scare tactics.

Here are other suggestions from NAD-

CA: Look for a company that's certified

by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning and is a member in good standing of NADCA. The organization has a list of member companies; visit www. nadca.com. NADCA members carry general liability insurance, have at least one person on staff trained and certified as an Air Systems Cleaning Specialist, and clean and restore heating and cooling systems following the organization's guidelines.

• Ask at least two contractors to inspect your system and give you time estimates for their work. This will give you a general idea of how long the job should take.

• Not every house needs an HVAC cleaning. A quality company will do a visual inspection first and recommend a complete cleaning only if necessary. The professional should be able to point out debris buildup that is visible to the human eye, such as by removing a floor register and taking a picture with a digital camera.

• Has the company been in business long enough to have adequate experience? Ask if the company has done work

in homes similar to yours. Get and check references.

• Ask for proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.

• The company may use one of two main types of vacuum collection systems - either one mounted on a truck or a portable unit. All vacuum units should be attached to collection devices for safe containment prior to disposal. Any device that exhausts indoors must be HEPA filtered.

• A vacuum collection device alone won't get your HVAC system clean.

The professional should also use tools designed to actually clean debris off the components, such as brushes.

• Run through a checklist of what needs to be done with the professional before and after the job, to ensure it's done properly. You can find a thorough checklist at www.nadca.com.

Keeping allergies at bay can be a multifaceted job. But having clean air ducts in your home will go a long way toward everyone breathing more easily. -(BPT)

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October - November 10th, 2013

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

By Dr. Wendy Johnson Contributing Writer

E

motional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you. The ability to control and express your emotions is vital so is your ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. For leaders, emotional intelligence is essential for success.

This article will provide three emotional intelligence qualities and how you can develop this area.

1. Self-awareness - Being self-aware as a leader is critical. This means that you have a clear picture of your strengths/ weaknesses, how you feel, and how your emotions and your actions can affect the people around you. What can you do to develop this area? First, slow down and start writing. Journals help you improve your self-awareness. Take a step back and spend a few minutes each day writing down your thoughts; this can move you to a higher degree of self-awareness.

2. Self-regulation - Leaders who regu-

late themselves rarely verbally attack others and make rushed or emotional decisions. This is all about having the ability to stay in control. What can you do to develop this area? Sustain your values, be accountable and take a deep breath and practice being calm. Knowing what you value is vital, as you probably won't have to think twice when you face a moral or ethical decision. Make a commitment to admit to your mistakes and to face the consequences, whatever they are.

3. Empathy - Having empathy is criti-

cal to managing a successful team or organization. These kinds of leaders know how to put themselves in someone else's shoes. If you want to earn the respect and loyalty of your team, then show them you care by being empathic. How can you do this? Take the time to look at situations from another person’s perspective. Learn the art of body language, as this will tell you how a person really feels about a situation. Listen and respond to how a person is feeling. Do not ignore their thoughts and if necessary follow up timely.

Being an effective leader is not easy. It takes time, as this skill is not developed overnight. There will be bumps in the road, however you must learn from your oversights and keep an open mind. You must keep in mind that this is an ongoing learning process and you must be willing to sharpen the saw if you want to grow.

Make time and start working on your “EI” as doing so will develop your person and professional leadership skills.

Sources: Mindtools.com and Psychology.com

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Fibroids and Polyps: What Women Should Know About a Common Health Problem d-mars.com News Provider

W

omen might be surprised to know that most of them will develop fibroids or polyps as a health issue sometime in their lives. In fact, studies show that 70 percent of white women and 80 percent of African-American women will develop fibroids by the time they are 50. Although these growths are among one of the most common health problems a woman can face, few know what they are, what the symptoms can be, and what treatments are available to them.

So what is a fibroid or polyp and how do you know if you have them?

Fibroids and polyps Fibroids and polyps are growths in a woman's uterus that are usually benign but can be malignant in some cases.

While they are mostly be benign, some of the most substantial problems they cause for women result in infertility, trouble with getting pregnant and suffering recurring miscarriages.

Polyps are small growths on the surface of the uterine wall, an overgrowth of the lining that is easy for the ob-gyn to re-

move. Fibroids are larger and are usually imbedded in the smooth muscle of the uterine wall.

Fibroids vary in type, size, and where they grow in the uterus. Two types of fibroids can grow inside the uterus on a stalk or outside the womb. Others can grow just below the lining of the uterus.

Some fibroids grow in the middle of the uterine wall and some develop under the outer covering of the uterus. Heredity and race can increase your risk of developing fibroids.

Uterine polyps usually occur in women in their 40s and 50s. Factors that can put you at risk for fibroids are obesity, high blood pressure and a history of cervical polyps. Endometrial polyps, or those that grow in the lining of the uterus, occur in 10 percent to 25 percent of women, and are present in 25 percent of women with abnormal uterine bleeding, or heavy periods.

What are the symptoms?

While some fibroids and polyps can go undetected based on size and where they are located, there are a number of symptoms that women should be aware of. Many will suddenly suffer from heavier periods than usual (lasting seven days

or longer), sensations of abdominal or pelvic-area bloating, belly or pelvic pain, constipation, or pain during sexual intercourse. While none of these symptoms are life-threatening, they can detract from a woman's quality of life.

If you've been diagnosed with fibroids or polyps, you should talk with your health care provider about your treatment options.

Treatment options There's no single best treatment approach. For uterine fibroids and polyps, your doctor might recommend "watchful waiting," where active treatment is unnecessary unless the fibroid or polyp changes or if you're at risk for development of cancer.

Certain hormonal medications, including progestins, may shrink polyps and lessen symptoms. But such medications are short-term solutions at best – symptoms typically recur once you stop taking the medicine.

Fibroids usually grow slowly—or not at all—and tend to shrink after menopause when levels of reproductive hormones drop. Medications for fibroids target hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, treating symptoms such as heavy men-

strual bleeding and pelvic pressure. They don't eliminate fibroids, but may shrink them.

As recently as 20 years ago, hysterectomy was the standard treatment for fibroids and polyps. In addition to the complete loss of fertility that comes with a hysterectomy, patients routinely faced long, painful recuperation times six weeks or more. New procedures for laparoscopic hysterectomies may have reduced recovery time for some women, but did nothing to prevent the loss of fertility and hormonal changes associated with a hysterectomy.

Today, alternatives exist that are less invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. These procedures, such as the MyoSure tissue removal system, can eliminate fibroids and uterine polyps without having to cut or remove any part of the uterus. The MyoSure System works for fibroids located within the uterus, and is a short procedure which allows you to go home the same day. The procedure can help eliminate fibroids and polyps as well as the heavy periods that may be associated with them. To learn more, or to find a doctor who can perform the procedure, visit www.changethecycle.com or Facebook.com/ChangetheCycle. - (BPT)

Celebrating an Employee who is Autistic

W

hen celebrating people with unique abilities, it can be difficult to determine just what abilities they have when they act differently than the other employees. The potential employee may lack eye contact and you think they’re being rude or disinterested.

When you try to engage them in small talk during an interview, you receive brief answers in a monotone voice leading you to believe the candidate is distant and unfriendly. You question what they could add to the company and if they’re a team player.

Companies are beginning to find out that hiring someone with Autism means they’re hiring an employee that is reliable, loyal and adheres to rules and procedures.

It can be challenging for employers to see this at first but once they get to know their new employee, they quickly realize how honest and hard working they are.

Diversity in the workplace is a hot topic as companies strive to hire a diverse workforce. Diversity comes in various forms

Community Healthcare Advocates

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

The National Black Nurse Practitioner To take an active role in our communities as Association is an organization comprised healthcare advocates for health and wellness of advance practice nurses committed by fostering: to improve the health and welfare of all • Community awareness communities and to serve as a platform to • Health education outreach enhance the awareness of advance practice • Excellence in practice • Leadership nurses within the community.

• Team work

“ Please join us at one of our monthly educational meetings

or volunteer to assist in our community outreach programs.

“

By Judy Blake Contributing Writer

including ethnic, racial, religious, gender and generational. One of the newer recognized types of diversity is “neurological diversity” – employees who appear typical on the outside but are very different on the inside. Most of us judge by what we see and if we see that someone looks fine, we expect them to act a certain way. If a co-worker differs from what is expected, word travels throughout the workplace and the employee can be labeled as strange or difficult.

It is complicated for others to see the autistic employee as dedicated or trustworthy when they lack the basic social skills we’ve come to know and expect.

Different does not mean less than and this point cannot be stressed enough.

Educating companies about existing or potential employees with hidden special needs is imperative if we want to continue to make every effort to promote a workplace that is diverse in all aspects.

Judy Blake is a public speaker and author of Judy’s World – The World of Autism through the Eyes of a Mother. Her speeches and book chronicle her life and that of her sons as they cope with hidden special needs. She travels throughout the country and speaks to audiences of all ages. Corporations, schools, churches and community groups – her audiences are introduced to a world they thought they knew. To purchase her book or schedule her as a speaker, please contact judy@judysworld.info or check out her website at www.judysworld.info.

Board Members Stephanie Brown-Elder DNP President

Lutrisha Harrison-DNPc, FNP Vice President

Sheila Webber-FNP Secretary

NBNPA is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization

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Tamara Welsh-FNP Treasurer

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October - November 10th, 2013

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October 2013

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October 2013

Now Hiring Experienced Therapist

Does your child ACE Communication?

EZ Pediatric Therapy‌ Articulate expanding communication, Can she pronounce all sounds growing minds.

and words correctly?

Comprehend Does he fully understand what is said to him?

Express Does he use as many words as his peers when speaking?

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