February 2021
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News • Community • Lifestyle • Food and Drink • Health and Wellness • Active Living (55+)
V I E WPO I N T February is Black History Month. I remembered when I was in school, it was the only month black heritage and history was discussed. There were limited icons discussed and of course Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were the most talked about. But as I became an adult, I realized there were so many black Americans that accomplished a lot. They fought for our freedom and help shape our history. February is also the love month. Valentines Day is a tradition where people show their love for one another. As I have gotten older, love means many different things, it
evolves into different feelings and emotions over time. This issue celebrates our black history and our love for one another and things that make us who we are. The hope is you will enjoy this issue and share the link with a friend. This is 2021 and Ujima will continue to bring community stories of interest. We are a monthly digital magazine and we thank you for reading. We would love for you to share our link with your friends and family. #blackhistorymonth #valentinesday #viewpoint #ujimamagazine
Damita Miller-Shanklin EDITOR IN CHIEF Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit UjimaMagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazine@gmail.com
Black History Moment By Damita Miller-Shanklin | Resource: AustinTexas.gov The Dedrick-Hamilton home was owned by Thomas Dedrick one of the first free slaves in Travis County. The home was built around 1880 in an early African American community in East Austin. The restored historic home is now the location of the African American Visitors Center.
Ujima and Friends Podcast is another way to reach out to people around the world and share our voice. This podcast is about Ujima Magazine stories, people we interview, and our take on different issues and topics. The podcast is hosted by Damita Miller-Shanklin and Eliza Edwards. We hope you join us by listening to us talk about stories and our take on different topics. We have chatted about health and beauty, voting, hope for our future, and organizing our work. But we have many exciting topics and interviews to come. You can find our podcast on Apple podcast and other podcast platforms you may use. We also post the latest episode on our IG and Facebook Page. We hope you join take a listen in the future.
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When you visit the home, you will find murals and a collage of historical Black icons that helped shaped the Austin Black Community. There are several projects you will find at the Dedrick-Hamilton house. They are as follows: 1). The Pivot Podcast-Learn about current events and how businesses, the creative community, and East Austin residents can foster a collaborative ecosystem. Each segment features a musical performance from local musicians. The Pivot airs every first and third Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on the @AACHFAustin Facebook page. 2). The African American Portraits Project- This project The African American Portraits Project features African American leaders who have made lasting contributions to the African American community and the greater Austin community. Every year an honoree is selected by the City of Austin’s African American Resource Advisory Commission and added to the artwork. The hope is you will take some time and visit the Dedrick-Hamilton House. This is another way for us to celebrate our Black History in Austin. Visit the website at austintexas.gov. UjimaMagazine.com
BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE
MEN AND SKINCARE By Contributing Writer, Jacquie Parish
Men may think that taking care of their facial skin is not important. We beg to differ. It is just as important as women taking care of their facial skin. The same way men care for their hair, teeth and eating habits is the same way they should care for their facial skin. Remember that our skin is a living tissue. It is vulnerable to harmful effects of the air pollution, dietary habits and of course time. Skincare products have a real, noticeable impact; they protect the skin, they boost blood circulation and nourish the skin. The bottom line is that it is vital for men to take care of their facial skin just as much as women. Here are some surprising facts about why men’s facial skincare is just as important as women’s facial skincare. 1. More active sebaceous glands and bigger pores Men have more active sebaceous glands, which means more and larger pores. This means two main things: men’s facial skin is more prone to the effects of free radicals in the air (larger pores) and the skin is oilier and shinier. That alone serves as a wakeup call for all men; you need to better protect your skin and get rid of excess oils.
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2. Signs of aging Signs of aging appear later for men, but when they do, they occur more quickly and more fully formed. This is why taking a preventative approach is incredibly important. Nourishing your facial skin on a regular basis will diminish the appearance of aging when it comes.
lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, preventing them from settling in and making you appear older than you actually are. It will also make the skin feel more supple and healthy, contribute to its natural glow, and help avoid that "tight" feeling the skin gets when you wash your face in the morning.
3. Shaving stresses, the skin Did you know that every shave removes the upper layer of skin cells, exposing immature skin that is more sensitive to external factors? Oversensitive skin demands more pronounced care.
So, to the guys who claim that they just don't have enough time to develop and maintain a skincare routine, that's just not true. The reality is that it's not complex. It shouldn't be daunting; you should be able to get it done and get it done quickly. Remember, men’s skincare is just as important as women.
4. Using a sunscreen One of the most inexpensive ways to keep your skin looking its best for the longest period of time is to use a good sunscreen and moisturizer. Sun damage is cumulative, which means the sooner you work to prevent it by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, the better off you'll be. Moisturizer is another cornerstone for men's skincare. It will, over time,
Contributing Writer Jacquie Parish creator and founder of the Jacquie ooh Collection. The Jacquie ooh Collection is an organic skincare line packaged and distributed in Round Rock, TX. www.jacquieooh.com
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TRAVEL
Raise Your Hand If You Have Visited Kerrville Texas By Eliza Edwards
Kerrville, Texas is 22 miles Southwest of Fredericksburg and a 2-hour drive from Austin. Its beauty is charmed by being located in the Texas Hill Country, which counts for its colorful parks that are located along the Guadalupe River. Late Fall 2020 I had to venture back to Kerrville, my third visit. This time to The Cross at Kerrville located in “The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden”. This spectacular location is heaven on earth. Its elevated location not only draws you up and away, but it also contains many sculptures along with walking paths that will encourage your body, mind, and soul. All this is free, so pack a picnic lunch and head south. Kerrville also has many parks along the Guadalupe River. Louise Hays Park, for example, has hiking trails, two playgrounds, a dog park, a water pad, facilities, and beautiful scenery. I am looking forward to exploring the Museum of Western Art which I will do next time, along with shopping at James Avery Headquarters. ”Elevated Day Trip” just 2 hours south of Austin. #mustdo
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Health and Wellness
A Random Act of Kindness By Damita Miller-Shanklin
Have you ever been in a Starbucks line and when you get to the window, the barista says your coffee was paid for by the person ahead of you? I have had that happen and I have done the same thing for someone else. This month of February is a celebration of acts of kindness. A random act of kindness is an unexpected act of charity or helpfulness and is often done for a stranger. (goodtherapy.com). If you are looking for ideas that will help you share in the celebration, Happyolgist.com shared some activities you can participate in: 1. Smile 2. Hold the door open
3. Give an honest compliment 4. Thank someone who you appreciate 5. Be a good listener 6. Offer your help to someone 7. Ask the person who’s serving you how their day is going 8. Treat someone to a coffee or tea 9. Let someone go past you in the grocery queue 10. Send flowers or chocolates to a friend out of the blue
For more cool ideas, visit https://happyologist.co.uk/happiness/10random-acts-of-kindness/
Heart Disease and Covid-19 Source: American Heart Association The month of February is Heart Month. There are many people who live with heart disease and the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for some. The American Heart Association News wrote about what heart patients should know in March 2020 but the information is still important today. These are a few points you should know about Heart Disease and Covid-19: 1. The virus's main target is the lungs. But that could affect the heart, especially a diseased heart, which has to work harder to get oxygenated blood throughout the body 2. Someone with an underlying heart issue also might have a less robust immune system. People's immune systems weaken as they age, “in those with chronic medical conditions, the body's immune response is not as strong a response when exposed to viruses.” For more information, please read the full article at https://www.heart.org/en/news/202 0/02/27/what-heart-patientsshould-know-about-coronavirus.
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Valentine Day and Covid-19 Black In America
By Damita Miller-Shanklin Resource: Goodhousekeeping.com
By Theodore Mosley
America, America, America; freedom enforced and enslaved our freedom of birthrights.
stone? Did your finger engraved the ‘Ten Commandments”?
America where is the promises that were made over 245 years ago.
Your protest of our protest warranted no sanctions of truth!
America, America the great had hidden clauses for humans unknown for their Declaration of Independence.
Tribes of Kings, tribes of Queens with Prince and Princess; dignified in culture; dignified in talking; dignified in life!
Your Declaration of Independence was written on the ashes of Black bodies and souls. You worshipped our humanistic ways until we exhaled; Blue Lives Matter law extracted our life with their law of dying to inhale. America, America; the earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Who gave you dominion over another human? Who told you your words were graved in
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Your horticulture of purpose; your domestic tutoring; your eclipse of rights; your grandeur of teaching; the Black Man and Black Woman way of life is not your domain of chastisement. Black in America is worse than dogs returning to its vomit; Black in America is the coalition of your truth; Black in America is the whispers of democracy blooming in the wind. January 19, 2021
This month we celebrate the act of love. The feeling of love and sharing that feeling with our loved ones. But despite the love, we may feel for our significant other, Covid-19 will still be in our midst. We will need to wear a mask, stay in, and social distance. We still need to have a good time. Here are six ideas to get you started A. Make breakfast in bed B. Decorate with heart-shaped items C. Create a photo album of all the activities you do that day D. Recreate your first date E. Write a love letter F. Plan a romantic movie marathon For more information about ideas of Valentine Day despite Covid19, click https://www.goodhouse keeping.com/holidays/valentinesday-ideas/g35140980/quarantinevalentines-day-ideas/
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FOR SENIORS | ACTIVE LIVING MARY LINNEN | EDITOR
FIGHT WINTERTIME DEPRESSION Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many seniors have less contact with others during cold months. This can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation.
ENCOURAGE HYDRATION
Tips for avoiding the winter blues: If you live alone, hopefully, family members, friends, or neighbors will check in on you as often as possible. Feeling lonely? Reach out with a phone call. Even a short, daily phone call can make a big difference. Covid-19 has made a big difference in the services available. Check with your senior center as well to see if you can get a phone number and start a phone buddy plan.
HOME HEATING SAFETY
Seniors are especially prone to dehydration because they tend to eat and drink less than younger people, thus they consume less water. In general, people feel less thirsty during the winter and do not drink as much fluid as they should. Cold, dry air also contributes to moisture loss, so make sure your elderly loved one is drinking consistently. Signs of dehydration in seniors include infrequent urination, dark urine, dizziness, and confusion. Complications of dehydration can be serious, but monitoring water intake is an easy way to guarantee an elder is getting enough fluids.
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More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year mainly due to home heating devices and people age 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire than those younger. In addition, heating devices and household appliances that are fueled by gas, oil, kerosene, or wood in a closed-up house can also produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Some simple things seniors can do to protect themselves are: ● Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and check the batteries every month and change them at least once a year. ● If you’re using a space heater remember that space heaters need
space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heater, and if you’re looking to buy a new space heater get one that automatically shuts off if the heater falls over. ● If you use a wood-burning fireplace make sure you have a glass front or screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs and have chimney flue pipe checked once a year. ● Get an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher for the home; learn how to use it and check it yearly to be sure is working. The installation and battery checks would be safer for seniors if someone else is available to do it for you.
DO YOU HAVE OLD RECIPE BOOKS? Do you remember your old recipes? Browse through one of your old books and try something you made a long time ago. This could be fun and a chance to bring back memories and allow some old stories of the family during a time when everybody was able to be together. Hopefully, soon we will be able to eat together with our families again. p7
TASTY COOKBOOKS Courtesy of Tasty BuzzFeed
There are so many ways to find a new recipe. I will always be a fan of a easy and delicious dish! Social media has become a real hot spot for finding good food to cook. Since we are basically unable to get out to eat as before home cooking has a new life. Tasty is a cookbook that has many different ways to enjoy a meal. There are several books and a new one for me , on my list of books to purchase there is also UTube and a free app you can use as well. The cookbooks are specifically designed to get you to delicious on the shortest route possible . These 75 anything-but-average recipes will help you fit dinner (and more) into your packed schedule.