HAITI OPEN Winter 2019

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aitiOpen.com was registered on September 20th, 2008 to help promote Haiti and its people and to serve as a bridge between Haiti and its diaspora – a bridge that can help foster economic development in several business sectors in Haiti, from hospitality to retail to business services and more.

Moving forward, we’ll start dedicating some of our time to helping small businesses in Haiti connect with the Haitian diaspora.

September 20th, 2008 to September 20th, 2018

Our upcoming tech sites and tools will create a technological infrastructure that will encourage a better business culture, stronger relationships, and provide greater efficiencies for small businesses in Haiti so they can compete for business in Haiti and abroad.

To connect Haiti with the diaspora, we will be introducing HAITI OPEN International, an Int’l business directory, and a referral service program.

These will launch in the first quarter of 2019. They will be followed in the fourth quarter of 2019 by the HAITI OPEN Marketplace, a platform that will enable the diaspora to buy directly from local businesses in Haiti.

Haitians have an inherent tendency towards starting their own businesses, however small or big, in Haiti and abroad, and regardless of the obstacles. Our primary aim will be to help small businesses that don’t have the means to reach the diaspora or international markets.

We will provide them with the tech tools and support they need to help them grow beyond their local markets.

Publishing some 12 magazine editions within the past several years has been immensely fulfilling and helped us achieve our mission to promote Haiti and its people. But our endgame has always been to help Haitians thrive in commerce. The magazine publications will continue, however some of our focus will be redirected to helping small business owners in Haiti. After all, small, independently owned businesses are the backbone of most, if not all, developed nations.

Jean Alfred Delva Founder & Publisher

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LE PLAZA HÔTEL

WHERE KANAVAL MEETS COMFORT & SECURITY

By Isabelle Vasquez

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arnival in Haiti is a threeday bacchanal filled with music, dancing, fine Haitian rum and cold Prestige to keep you cool while you dance the night away.

Le Plaza offers an inclusive three-night stay deal. With your hotel reservation you get access to the hotel’s privately catered stand, a secure place to park your car and a fun new carnival T-shirt each day, which makes for a great keepsake. Le Plaza’s catered stand offers a traditional Haitian bouillon to all the brave souls who make it through the night of partying and into the wee hours of the morning.

Le Plaza Hotel is a proud supporter of the arts and has a longstanding tradition of commissioning a Haitian artist to paint a different mural onto their stand each year. Last year’s piece was done by the incredibly talented Pascale Faublas, a Jacmel-based Haitian artist who has showcased her art around the world.

There’s no better way to enjoy carnival than by knowing you can enjoy the festivities and party

to your heart’s content without having to worry about having to travel further than your room in the hotel. You’ll spend the night dancing to some of the best carnival songs, all performed

Le Plaza Hôtel is the only hotel situated directly on the official trajectory of Haiti’s carnival parade.

by Haiti’s hottest new artists and longstanding favorites.

Carnival on the Champs de Mars is a much-beloved tradition that brings Haitians of all walks of life together to celebrate and revel for a few days of carefree abandon. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than Le Plaza Hotel!

CALL FOR RATES: Le Plaza Hôtel | 10 Rue Capois, Port-au-Prince Haiti: +509 28 14 6000 Toll-free: 1-877-810-0975 Reservations@PlazaHaiti.com www.PlazaHaiti.com

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An ABOVE & BEYOND

Luxury Car Buying Experience

Jaguar/Land Rover of Treasure Coast in Fort Pierce, FL With Bernard Lagroue, General Sales Manager, Photos by Johny Luc

…25 years of experience in the luxury car market…

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B

ernard Lagroue started as a sales consultant in New York. He launched his career with Saturn in 1993, then continued with a brand-new store, Lexus of Manhattan, where he held various positions – from sales consultant to sales manager – until he moved to Florida in 2003.

He se He started with Mercedes-Benz that same year as a sales consultant, and climbed his way to sales manager, a position he held for seven years.

Now with over 25 years of experience in the luxury car market, Lagroue is now with Range Rover/Jaguar as the general sales manager. Needless to say, the owners and CEO of that group – which also owns Volkswagen, Nissan, Porsche, Audi, Volvo, Chevrolet – only hire teams that are honest, have integrity, and will do whatever it takes to make sure their clients have the best possible experience and ensure their satisfaction.

CAR SERVICES AVAILABLE

Is your Land Rover overdue for service? Whether you need major work or a quick oil change, you can count on the mechanics at Land Rover Treasure Coast in Fort Pierce, Florida, for a speedy turnaround ad quality care.

Our service technicians have years of experience in maintaining Land Rovers. They know the unique service needs of our luxury SUVs and have the tools to keep your Land Rover running like new. Be sure to check out our current service coupons to save on your next appointment.

We’re your one-stop destination for all your regular maintenance appointments. Visit us for • Tire service • Brake service • Battery service • Oil changes Bernard would like to offer his services to the Haitian community. You can reach him at E-mail: Blagroue@jlrtreasurecoast.com Cell: 954 815 7408 Land: 772 293 0400

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CONTENTS| WINTER 2019

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10 HAITIAN RECIPES | 81

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84 STARS & ARTISTS | 10 Naomi Osaka ABS Petit Nathalie Lubin Sony Laventure

BOOKS & STORIES | 33 Books to Read Top Stories

HEALTH GUIDE | 44 Dr. Irwine Sainvil Dr. Christ-Ann Magloire

Dr. Lucie Casthely Dr. Sarepta Isaac Dr. Edwin Smith Dr. Romane Joseph Dr. Leon Gedeon Dr. Franklin Casthely

Aransò Akasan Joumou Pumkin Pie Douce Kokoye Pain Patate Poisson Gros Sèl

NON-PROFIT & PHOTOS | 90 Man Dodo Foundation YDA Foundation Tidor’s Kids Foundation The Primary Family

HEALTH IN HAITI | 62 Dr. Nancy Larco Savinia Exantus

COVER STORY | 72 Angelo E. Gousse, MD

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TALK TO US hello@haitiopen.com

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Naomi Osaka Photo by @maciejkucia for GQ Japan, December 2018 10 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism ÂŤ

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Naomi Osaka Photo by @maciejkucia for GQ Japan, December 2018 HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 13 ÂŤ

NAOMI OSAKA HEADLINES ALL HAIL ‘NEW QUEEN’ OF GRAND SLAMS

The Guardian

SECOND SLAM TITLE SIGNALS NAOMI OSAKA HAS THE POWER TO RULE TENNIS

The New York Times

JAPAN ELATED AFTER NAOMI OSAKA’S SECOND STRAIGHT GRAND SLAM TITLE

Japan Times

THE INCREDIBLE LIFE AND CAREER OF TENNIS PRODIGY NAOMI OSAKA, WHO JUST WON $2.9 MILLION AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Business Insider

NAOMI OSAKA ASCENDS TO NO.1

WTA Tennis

JAPAN CELEBRATES OSAKA’S GROUND-BREAKING TRIUMPH Reuters US OPEN CHAMPION NAOMI OSAKA’S APPAREL DEAL IS REPORTEDLY WORTH $8.5 MILLION PER YEAR CBS Sports NAOMI OSAKA BREAKS $10 MILLION MARK Forbes NAOMI OSAKA HAS SIGNED A 3-YEAR ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH NISSAN — AND SHE’S WELL ON HER WAY TO BECOMING THE BIGGEST STAR IN TENNIS Insider TENNIS CHAMP NAOMI OSAKA RECEIVES A CHAMPION’S WELCOME IN HAITI L’Union Suite NAOMI OSAKA IS THE COOLEST THING IN TENNIS GQ Magazine THE HEIR - NAOMI OSAKA DEFEATED HER IDOL, SERENA WILLIMAS. NOW SHE JUST MIGHT SUCCEED HER. Time Magazine

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THE RISE OF A HAITIAN FASHION STYLIST & COSTUME DESIGNER

ABS PETIT

ABS PETIT by Tiara Ma'Rei

Photos by Tiara Ma’Rei @ tiara_marei, (bio excerpt)

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FASHION STORIES

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10-year pursuit, she worked with a handful of central Florida magazines, photographers and Haitian musicians such as the Haitian super-producer J-Beatz, and KLASS. She was also working as a full-time wardrobe stylist for the African TV network, Afrotainment TV, and styled many of the ongoing shows. She also hosted her own show, “Style Check”, on the same network. It wasn’t until the winter of 2013 that she received an email from an associate producer in LA looking for young women who wanted to work for the legendary American designer Diane Von Furstenberg.

She was ultimately chosen from among nine others to compete for a global brand ambassadorship on

ABS PETIT by Tiara Ma'Rei

bs Petit, born Abigail PetitFrere, is a Haitian fashion stylist & costume designer born in Aquin, Haiti. She was raised in Orlando, FL with her parents and younger brother. She was taught to sew at the age of 8 by her aunt and showcased her first fashion show at the age of 10. Her father gifted her a sewing machine at 13 and she went on to take fashion courses at her high school, West Orange. Shortly after her graduation, she decided not to pursue a fashion degree in New York or LA, but enroll at Orlando Tech in the Fashion Technology program.

She graduated in 2011 and started to focus on her career as a freelance wardrobe stylist.

In the beginning of her almost

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Featured in Teen Vogue, “House of DVF”, film and TV

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ABS PETIT by Tiara Ma'Rei

the E! TV show “House of DVF”. The show aired eight episodes; Abs lasted for six.

After the upset of having to go home, she relocated from Orlando to Miami to further her growing styling career.

Miami offered many new opportunities, including more work with Haitian artists such as Phyllisia Ross, T-Vice and Kreyol La. Abs dived into the modeling world, styling new and established models from agencies like Wilhelmina, Ford, Elite and MP. Abs worked in south Florida until the summer of 2017, and was included in TeenVogue’s “15 Haitian Designers You Should Know”. She then decided to work in the film industry.

The young designer was eyeing a career in costumes, and Atlanta was a growing hub for major productions. Since her move there, she’s worked on films such as Uncle Drew, Marvel’s Venom, How High 2, and her latest project, Undercover Brother 2.

She recently became a member of the film union IATSE 479 as a costumer & buyer.

Between her film & TV projects, Abs works as a costume designer for major music video projects including YFN Lucci’s “Hit em Up” and Future’s “Never Stop”.

In the future, As far she plans to open a costume shop to service the needs of ongoing productions and the general public.

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CONTACT INFORMATION: @abspetit abspetit.com

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JEAN ALFRED DELVA Editor-in-Chief Delva@HaitiOpen.com Cover ANGELO E. GOUSSE, MD Miramar, FL Photographer MACKINLEY 'SPEX' MADHERE @spexphotography Graphic Designer MENDES CHEVALIER @mendes_1812, 786-267-0108 Proofreader ALEC ROSS Layout MOHAMMAD "MA" ALAUDIN Photographers: JOHNY "REDLIGHT" LUC RICARDO SAINT-CYR TIARA MA’REI LETICIA LAMOUR Writers: SHELLY-ANN PARKINSON SHIRLEY DORSAINVIL CHRISTELLE AMISIAL SAVINIA EXANTUS JEAN DOUILLARD ANNICK MÉGIE NATHALIE JB Haiti Representative: PETERSON AGERNORD, PORT-AU-PRINCE +509-3488-2714

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Haitian Culture Is Strong with

NATHALIE LUBIN Photographed by Leticia Lamour @tilamou, bio excerpt

FROM WRITING A HAITIAN COOKING BLOG TO TEACHING ART, AND PRODUCING EXHIBITS AND COMMISSIONED PIECES, SHE HAS DEMONSTRATED HER ARTISTIC APTITUDE OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

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ARTS

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Inspired by Frida Kahlo and the Haitian painter Rigaud Benoit, Nathalie’s paintings are selfportraits that capture human

Submerged - by Nathalie Lubin

athalie Lubin is the epitome of a Haitian renaissance woman.

From writing her own Haitian cooking blog to teaching art and producing exhibits and commissioned pieces, she has demonstrated her artistic aptitude over and over. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in pre-medical studies, Nathalie decided to break the standards of the society she grew up in by fully immersing herself in her passions, art education and art management, and shifting her studies to studio art. Miss Lubin has spent the past 13 years in New York, painting, professionally framing, exhibiting and teaching art to marginalized communities. As a fine art framer, she manages a New York shop where she constantly deals with clients from all over the world who trust her with their art.

emotions (especially women’s) through her own experiences. Her relatable narrative art is like an open book of endless stories and possibilities. While she is interested in patterns and the multiple subjects in Haitian paintings, she has an uncontrollable love for the

art of One; that is, art that focuses on one subject. Her art studies loneliness through introspection, as a woman, to focus the attention on the forbidden and daring. Often, one subject asks its audience for their undivided focus/attention and perhaps turns itself into you.

Sunray - by Nathalie Lubin

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ARTS

Interlaced - by Nathalie Lubin

That is where a certain particularity, uniqueness, grace and beauty is born – through the loneliness and attachment that comes from emotion and personal experience. Ironically, Miss Lubin balances this “sad” feeling with bold, vibrant colors.

Nathalie recently completed her residency with the Guggenheim Learning Through Art program, as she has a strong interest in Art Education and Management. She is now working on a future art exhibit that will combine a collection of women’s personal experiences, symbols and patterns. As a writer, her first children’s book, “Trogon’s song of Hope” (Chante Lespwa Twogon) tries to educate readers about the national bird of Haiti, the Hispaniolan Trogon, whose habitat is threatened by deforestation and erosion.

Drowning or Flying - by Nathalie Lubin

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CONTACT INFORMATION: @nathalielubinart www.nathalielubinart.com

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KITE DANS KONPA MACHE!

By Sony Laventure, CEO/Founder of KOTR Even in today’s Haitian, Latin, American and Angolan society, Konpa dancing is considered an undefined, underrated and underground dance style. Not to say that these communities dislike konpa or konpa dancing, but in my personal interactions and research in places like Brazil, Montreal, Haiti, Bahamas, Florida, or New York, this is always the case. The mainstream couple dance communities rarely play or invite konpa dancing into their programs, mostly because there is no clear identity or clear demonstrations when it comes to konpa dancing.

This elegant yet sensual dance style has been considered underground for over 60 years. This is absurd, because konpa music is a genre well known by many cultures. Songs like “Se Pa Pou Dat”

by Alan Cave, “I Don’t Care” by Sweet Micky, and even “Are You Ready” by Carimi are songs globally known in different cultures, no matter the age group. Yet the dance style is not often found in competitive world dance communities, live musical shows, televised programs or in music videos by Haitian A-List musical artists. Furthermore, it’s not a trend or choice for demonstrations at formal or social events in Haitian or Haitian A m e r i c a n communities.

If you really want to get any konpa dance action, you have to be active at adult social club night parties or at college campuses t h a t have an active Haitian student organization that offer opportunities to learn more about konpa dancing.

The current konpa dancing situation can’t continue be if konpa music is to continue to be a wellknown and influential genre.

Imagine the American NayNay or Stinky Leg songs without their dances, or A-Star’s African Kupe Dance without its popular dance. Communities that know nothing of Hip Hop or Afro Beats are now exposed to those cultures through dance. While music appeals to those who enjoy the rhythms or lyrics of a song, dance introduces the music to other cultures who may not understand the song but enjoy the dance. Dance is an unspoken language that enrich cultures and bring communities together.

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This is important for konpa, because it is the pop cultural genre of Haiti. The pop culture of a community usually appeals to the youth, and the youth are the pioneers who will continue to bring innovation and economic possibilities. It is for this reason that KOTR exists! Konpa should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their class, age, or nationality.

Through Konpa dancing, we aim to reconnect the world to the world of Konpa as a package deal.

KOTR (Konpa On The Rise) is a dedicated group of young and ambitious individuals promoting Haiti’s pop cultural dance to the world through public and private workshops, social media, web tutorials, performances and our newly released urban dance apparel.

CONTACT INFORMATION: wikotr 305-928-0845 konpa2012@gmail.com

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BOOKS

BOOKS TO READ FOR 2019 SUCCESS

THINK & GROW RICH

By Napoleon Hill Think & Grow Rich is probably THE #1 most famous success book of all time. It was written

by Napoleon Hill in 1937 and has sold over 15 million copies.

The premise of the book is simple: Riches begin with a state of mind. If we want to get rich, we must first change our minds so that we become, as Napoleon Hill calls it, money conscious.

He says that we must literally THINK ourselves rich. The term riches by the way could mean any form of wealth like money, happiness, healthy relationships, business success etc..

RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON

By George S. Clason The Book in Three Sentences: Save at least 10 percent of everything you earn and do not confuse your necessary expenses with your desires. Work hard to improve your skills and ensure a future income because wealth is the result of a reliable income stream. You cannot arrive at the fullest measure of success until you crush the spirit of procrastination within you.

THE ALCHEMIST

By Paulo Coelho Will Smith’s favorite book, the Alchemist, tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different— and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

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BOOKS

BOOKS TO READ FOR 2019 SUCCESS

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE BY BOOK

By Stephen Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a self-improvement book. It is written on Covey’s belief that the way we see the world is entirely based on our own perceptions. In order to change a given situation, we must change ourselves, and in order to change ourselves, we must be able to change our perceptions.

1. Be Proactive 2. Begin with the End in Mind 3. Put First Things First 4. Think Win-Win 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood 6. Synergize 7.

Sharpen the Saw

THE 4-HOUR WORKWEEK

By Timothy Ferriss The 4-Hour Workweek is the stepby-step blueprint to free yourself from the shackles of a corporate job, create a business to fund the lifestyle of your dreams, and live life like a millionaire, without actually having to be one. 1. Be effective, not efficient. 2. Validate all of your business ideas. 3. Charge a premium to make your life easier.

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MAXIMUM ACHIEVEMENT

by Brian Tracy Brian Tracy shares strategies, and skills that will help you to unlock your hidden powers which will help you to get successful. Through this book You will learn to create success that encompasses every area of lifehealth, wealth, personal-professional happiness and relationship, whether you are already on the road to success or just taken a first step this book principles and strategies will help you to realize your true potential and help you to build the life the way you want and also help you to attain the peace of mind which comes through knowledge because of which you control your destiny.

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HEADLINES

2018 TOP STORIES Read Full Stories on Lunionsuite.com Delta Launching New Direct Haitian Chinese Student Flight From New York to Kristine Guillaume Becomes Port-au-Prince Harvard Crimson’s First Black Woman Editor Merely hours after American Airlines announced a slew of new (and expiring) routes, Delta is swooping in with new routes of its own. This winter, Delta will operate more than 100 flights per week to 15 Caribbean destinations from New York (JFK), including a handful that will be new for 2018-2019.

Haitian Nurse Who Sued Hospital For Retaliation Awarded $28 Million

Haitian-Chinese student, Kristine E. Guillaume, 20, made history as the newly elected president of The Harvard Crimson. Her upcoming post has made headlines since it was announced earlier this month. Guillaume becomes the third black editor and the first black women editor, The New York Times reported, in the paper’s 145-year history. “If my being elected to The Crimson presidency as the first black woman affirms anyone’s sense of belonging at Harvard,” she says, “then that will continue to affirm the work that I’m doing.”

Chef Creole Opens Miami International Airport Location

Union’s newest mayor was sworn into office in a packed Town Hall meeting room during the Township’s Reorganization meeting. Michele Delisfort began her remarks by acknowledging her family and colleagues. “It is a given that none of us ascends to elected office without the sacrifices and support of others,” she said. “So, I’d like to dedicate this moment to those whose sacrifices and support made it possible for me to appear before you today as the first Black female and first HaitianAmerican mayor of the great Township of Union.”

“Gessy Toussaint sued the hospital in 2014, describing in her lawsuit how she stuck up for another Haitian-American nurse who she believed was the victim of verbal abuse. After that, Toussaint said, the Brigham targeted her, investigating her for numerous instances of allegedly poor patient care.

Toussaint and her Haitian-American colleague Nirva Berthold filed a joint lawsuit against the hospital, but Toussaint’s claims were the first to go to trial. She became involved in the case because she defended Berthold, who had nursed cancer patients at the Brigham for nine years.”

“More than a businessman, I am my community’s biggest supporter,” owner Wilkinson Sejour, affectionately known as Chef Creole said. He is willing to take a chance on employees who have been denied by other employers, whether due to criminal records or lack of experience.

“Growing up in Little Haiti, Lemon City, Liberty City, I understand that stuff happens. It doesn’t make you a bad person, it just means you made a mistake; I’m trying to solve the problem.”

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Haitian-American Michele Delisfort is Union New Jersey’s First Black Female Mayor

Rwanda and Haiti Establish Diplomatic Relations

“A number of Haitian students have pursued their undergraduate studies at the National University of Rwanda on full scholarships provided by the Government of Rwanda within the framework of the Commission,” the statement reads in part.

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HEADLINES

2018 TOP STORIES Read Full Stories on Lunionsuite.com New York City Council Approves Co-Naming Street In Honor of Haitian Leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines

The newly co-named Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard will be set just a few blocks from Toussaint L’ouverture Boulevard, which is located on Nostrand Avenue between Glenwood Rd. and Flatbush Ave. The two Haitian leaders are celebrated in Haitian-American culture for their roles in establishing a free and independent Haiti.

SLS Hotel South Beach To Pay $2.5 Million Over Discrimination Claims By Haitian Dishwashers

According to the lawsuit, the dishwashers at restaurants in the SLS South Beach, in the 1700 block of Collins Avenue, were called “slaves” by chefs and forbidden from speaking Creole despite Hispanic employees being allowed to speak Spanish. The lawsuit also said the Haitian staffers claimed that they were fired because of their nationality and race.

Haitian Born Singer Yama Laurent Wins The Voice Canada

“Thank you very much to each one of you, it’s like an adoption,” said Yama Laurent excitedly a few minutes after her victory. “It’s just amazing the night I just lived.

The former candidates came back so we could all sing together, but I do not want to cry tonight. This victory was unexpected for me, but I think I’m up to it.”

Haitian-American Claudine Gay named Dean of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences

“Claudine Gay is an eminent political scientist, an admired teacher and mentor, and an experienced leader with a talent for collaboration and a passion for academic excellence,” Bacow said in announcing the appointment.

“She is a scholar of uncommon creativity and rigor, with a strong working knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing the FAS. She radiates a concern for others, and for how what we do here can help improve lives far beyond our walls. I am confident she will lead the FAS with the vitality and the values that characterize universities at their best.”

New Barbados Gov’t Abolishes Visa Requirements For Haitians

CARICOM is a group of 20 countries, which Haiti is a member since 2002, that came together as The Caribbean Community aka CARICOM. The group’s main goal is to promote economic integration and cooperation amongst its members. In 2009, the group introduced the CARICOM common passport which is a passport document issued by the member states for their citizens in order to guarantee visa-free travel.

L’union Suite Opens Computer Lab in CapHaitien, Haiti

“It’s amazing to see that everyone’s support during the Charity Bowl came to fruition. I’m excited to see these kids discover technology, some for the first time ever, it’s truly humbling,” expresses L’union Suite CEO Wanda Tima-Gilles.

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Health Guide

BODY GOALS

It’s Time for a Lifestyle Change

By Christelle Amisial

obesity, depression, and breast and colon cancer.

2. INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING

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s 2019 gathers steam, it’s time to focus on implementing your New Year’s resolutions.

If daily physical activity or exercise aren’t on your list, now is the time to add them. Daily exercise has beneficial effects on your long-term mental and physical health!

Here are four key reasons why incorporating exercise into your daily lifestyle will make your year better:

1. LOWER RISK OF DISEASE

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood Pressure, type 2 diabetes,

Anxiety and depression are two common mental health concerns in our society. One simple lifestyle change, such as exercising daily, can help you manage and cope with adverse mental health symptoms.

3. LONGER LIFE

Who wouldn’t want to add 5 years to their lifetime? Believe it or not, exercising can help you live five years longer, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

People who are physically fit are healthier and mentally stronger.

4. LOOK & FEEL BETTER

Have you heard the expression “Look Better, Feel Better”? The next time you feel down about yourself, get off the couch and get some exercise instead. Not only will you feel better; you’ll be more confident and energized.

People who are physically fit are healthier and mentally stronger.

They are able to maintain their optimal weight and are unafraid to face life’s ups and downs. But becoming physically fit often requires a lifestyle change. A regular exercise routine, healthier meals and adequate sleep are required.

Here are some ways start your journey into the fitness world:

Spend More Time Outdoors!

Besides signing up for the gym and exercising indoors, walking, fishing, cycling, swimming, hiking and even playing ball can be a part of your regular exercise routine.

Sleep More!

Getting enough sleep helps you maintain your weight, sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of weight gain. And the less energy you have, the less likely you’ll be to get up and exercise.

Go Green!

Reducing energy consumption, using non-toxic household products, shopping at Whole Foods, and using alternative means of transportation are beneficial to your health and also the environment.

CONTACT INFORMATION: @cecechristelle camisial26@gmail.com

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Health Guide

13 TINY TEETH TRUTHS

By Dr. Irwine Sainvil, DDS, MS + Photos by Mackinley "Spex' Madhere DIPLOMATE OF AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

1. WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay (or dental caries) is a multifactorial process that can result from poor oral hygiene, poor dietary choices, medical history and use of medications, lack of fluoride use, smoking and genetics, to name a few.

2. IS TOOTH DECAY PREVENTABLE?

Yes, dental caries can be prevented by maintaining a proper oral health regimen.

3. WHAT IS CONSIDERED GOOD ORAL HEALTH?

Good oral health is when the appropriate oral care techniques are consistently practiced, such as brushing minimum of two times a day, flossing at least once a day, using mouth rinse, eating a well-balanced diet low in fermentable carbohydrates, and visiting a dentist every 6 months.

4. HOW CAN A WELL-BALANCED DIET PROTECT A CHILD’S TEETH FROM CAVITIES? A well-balanced diet includes 2-3 servings of fruit and vegetables, grains, and protein daily. Check to see how frequently your child is snacking and reduce it to 2-3 healthy snacks a day (i.e., carrots, apples).

Limit juice to only ONE CUP of juice per day, and preferably water down the juice.

Shop smart, and stock your pantry wisely.

5. BY WHAT AGE SHOULD CHILDREN BEGIN TO SEE THE DENTIST?

Parents should establish a dental home for infants by the child’s first birthday, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The earlier the visit, the better!

6. WHAT IS A DENTAL HOME?

A dental home provides individualized comprehensive,

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continuous, and coordinated oral health care. Each patient undergoes a caries-risk and periodontal disease risk assessment that follows up with prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management.

7. ARE BABY TEETH REALLY THAT IMPORTANT? “OH BABY YOU’VE GOT WHAT I NEED…”

Baby teeth are the foundation for good oral health care and help children speak clearly and chew naturally.

Encouraging a child to practice good oral health care techniques and eating habits will carry into their adulthood. A lifetime of healthy habits is the key!

Yes, they will fall out, but baby teeth fall out at certain ages. For example, a second baby molar that comes in around 24 months of age is expected to fall out when the child is between 11-12 years old. Therefore, lack of a dental home or lack of treatment can lead to various complications – such as pain, dental abscess, bad breath, and facial swelling – that Pediatric Dentists see quite often.

8. WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

Pediatric Dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. They are dedicated to the oral health care of infants through adolescence, including infants and children with special health needs. This specialty requires an additional two to three years of study after graduation from dental school, and includes advanced training in diagnostic and surgical procedures along with child psychology and clinical management, oral pathology, child development, management of oral/ facial trauma, sedation, and hospital dentistry.

9. ARE DENTAL X-RAYS NECESSARY FOR CHILDREN?

Dental X-rays are a diagnostic tool that help pediatric dentists identify cavities, oral pathology, fractures from trauma, and orthodontic abnormalities. For kids, we call it our “camera.” We exercise all precautions to limit their radiation exposure, which is very minimal from dental

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x-rays. In fact, we receive more radiation from the sun than from dental x-rays.

10. AS A PARENT WHO IS AFRAID OF GOING TO THE DENTIST, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO PREVENT MY CHILD FROM BEING AFRAID AS WELL?

Many Pediatric Dentists understand that dental anxiety results from past bad experiences, but in the 21st century, pediatric dentistry has become much more modernized. It offers various techniques that provide a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for a child.

We do recommend refraining from words such as “needles”, “shots”, “pull out” , “hurt” , or “drill a hole,” which can lead to dental fear and a more or less bad dental visit. Allow the doctor to guide the behavior management, because they’re pretty good at disguising and hiding our tools.

11. CAN NURSING CAUSE CAVITIES?

Yes, nighttime breastfeeding with no brushing can cause tooth decay. Nursing is important for the development of an infant, but pediatric dentists stress the importance of brushing or wiping baby’s gums and teeth right before bedtime. Any unswallowed liquid in the mouth feeds bacteria and produces acid that attacks the teeth. Have your infant drink water right before bedtime.

12. HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILD’S TEETH IF THEY PLAY SPORTS?

Sports-related injuries are prevalent amongst athletes. Mouthguards can provide protection to your child’s teeth, lips, and face and help prevent a sport injury. Please visit your local dentist for evaluation of a mouth guard.

13. WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN ARISE FROM THUMB/FINGER SUCKING AND PACIFIER USE?

Although it provides a sense of comfort for babies, prolonged thumb/finger and pacifier use can change the shape of the upper arch and position of teeth. Most kids stop the habit on their own. If your child persists with it, try to DISCOURAGE it by age THREE or ask your dentist for creative ideas.

ABOUT DR. IRWINE SAINVIL:

Dr. Irwine Sainvil, is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist currently practicing in south Florida, her hometown.

She received her dental education from Meharry Medical College and residency training from Boston University. A dream that was fostered at twelve years old, Dr. Sainvil is now an accredited Pediatric Dentist, business owner, oral health educator, and mentor.

CONTACT INFORMATION isainvildds@gmail.com

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SOME TRUTHS ABOUT VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN (VBAC)

By Christ-Ann Magloire, MD Serenity Holistic OB/GYN & Wellness Spa

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Dr. Magloire with a patient at Serenity Holistic OB GYN & Wellness Spa Miami, FL

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Health Guide WHAT IS A VBAC?

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is the term applied to any vaginal delivery that occurs following a Cesarean section. A VBAC may be chosen for multiple reasons and is associated with unique risks and benefits.

Once upon a time, after a Cesarean delivery had occurred, the standard of care was to continue performing Cesareans in any subsequent deliveries. This pattern was initially used to avoid the higher chances of a uterine rupture, which was a problem in early practice. Thankfully, due to today’s more advanced Cesarean approaches – specifically in the lower, less contractile segments of the uterus – the risks of rupture have been been greatly reduced.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Given the accompanying emotions during childbirth, a vaginal delivery can often offer a more connected experience, thus promoting bonding and the opportunity for an “authentic” delivery. As well, there is less blood loss, wound complications and clot formation. Additionally, having a successful VBAC reduces the risk of complications in future pregnancies compared to Elective Repeat Cesarean Section (ERCS).

WHAT ARE THE STATS?

Currently, the number of women who elect to have a vaginal birth after a Cesarean delivery is approximately 17%.

In fact, it is estimated that close to 75% of women who attempt a VBAC are successful with no prior complications.

Furthermore, having a VBAC may actually be safer, especially in women who plan on having more than 2 children.

Didn’t I hear that…?

• “Once a Cesarean, Always a Cesarean...”

Since the 1960s, this has no longer been the case. Women who have had a Cesarean can safely go under Trial of Labor and a VBAC. • “VBAC has a 60-70% risk of uterine rupture!”

Such risks were in reference to prior Cesarean techniques. With the advancement of Cesarean surgical approaches, such risks are vastly reduced.

• “VBAC moms can’t have epidural!”

According to the American

Be sure to educate yourself and loved ones. It is possible to give birth vaginally after a Cesarean. Serenity Ob/Gyn is here for you now and always!

College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women undergoing a VBAC may absolutely receive an epidural.

It has been shown that an epidural does NOT mask the pain associated with uterine rupture.

• “VBACs carry a 25% chance of maternal/fetal death!”

Historical statistics indicate that that risk has been radically

reduced. The current risk of maternal mortality is well under one percent (approximately 0.0038%).

• “Cesarean surgeries carry no risks!”

Often underestimated, the risk in Cesarean surgeries actually compounds with each subsequent delivery.

• “VBAC Is illegal in my state!”

VBAC is an approved procedure and legal throughout America.

• “VBACs don’t have the option of induction!”

Per ACOG, induction during a VBAC remains an option.

• “If your doctor doesn’t offer VBAC, you must have a Cesarean!”

The ACOG affirms that “restrictive VBAC policies should not be used to force women to undergo a repeat Cesarean delivery against their will.”

Facts About Our Community • In African American populations, there are higher Cesarean rates and lower VBAC rates. [1] • African American women are significantly less likely to experience uterine rupture. [1] • Common presumed barriers to receiving VBACs include socioeconomic disparities, general maternal health, social stigma or “mother blaming”.

DR. CHRIST-ANN MAGLOIRE CONTACT INFORMATION: Serenity Holistic OB/GYN & Wellness Spa 13499 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181 Phone: 305-705-3377 caamagloire@gmail.com

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Health Guide

STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH WITHOUT METAL BRACES From Casthely Orthodontics / Dr. Lucie Casthely, DMD, MPH, MS

Dr. Lucie Casthely is an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist and can determine if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.

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Health Guide INVISALIGN INVISIBLY STRAIGHTENS YOUR TEETH WITH A SERIES OF CUSTOM-MOLDED ALIGNERS.

The Invisalign System employs a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth and gradually straighten them. No braces or wires are used, and they are effective for mild to moderate orthodontic problems in patients whose growth is complete and teeth are fully erupted. Dr. Lucie Casthely is an Invisalign Certified Orthodontist and can determine if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.

For years, orthodontists have used removable appliances for very limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, the Invisalign System treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

Invisalign uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to transform your impressions into a custom-made series of clear, strong aligners. There may be as many as 48 in the series or as few as 12, depending on your individual treatment plan. You wear each set of aligners day and night for about two weeks, removing them so that you can eat, brush, and floss normally.

Your visits to your orthodontist are no more frequent than with conventional braces. Invisalign treatment costs slightly more (15 to 20%) than conventional braces.

INVISALIGN TREATS THE VAST MAJORITY OF COMMON PROBLEMS FOR ADULTS AND TEENS.

Whether your smile needs minor improvements or something more extreme, Invisalign can help. Invisalign is successful at treating crowding or excess

spacing of teeth. It can also be used to treat more complex cases such as overbites, underbites, and even crossbites. In fact, an experienced Invisalign-certified doctor can use Invisalign for all or part of almost any treatment plan.

MADE TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE, NOT CHANGE IT.

Because Invisalign uses comfortable plastic aligners to move teeth, you can continue to enjoy your active lifestyle even during treatment. There are no metal or wires to irritate your lips or cheeks. You can still play sports or enjoy a game of catch in the backyard without worrying about injuring your mouth. And since Invisalign is removable, you can always take it out for that special event or when you get that midnight caramel apple craving.

LOOK YOUR BEST DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT.

Is maintaining your professional appearance important to you?

Are you ever asked to speak during a meeting in public?

Because Invisalign is nearly invisible, most people won’t know you are straightening your teeth unless you tell them. After completing your treatment, you’ll also enjoy the added assurance of being able to express yourself with confidence—without being embarrassed or insecure about your teeth.

• Clear brace solutions use a series of clear removable appliances to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.

• The appliances are made through a combination of Dr.

• •

•

•

Lucie Casthely’s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.

You wear each set of appliances for almost 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

As you replace each appliance with the next in the prescribed series, your teeth will incrementally move, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Lucie Casthely has prescribed.

You’ll visit Dr. Lucie Casthely about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Total treatment time may average 9 – 15 months, and the average number of appliances worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

ABOUT DR. F. LUCIE CASTHELY:

Dr. F. Lucie Casthely, DMD, MPH, MS, affectionately referred to as “Dr. Lucie” by her patients, obtained her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1995, as well as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Casthely Orthodontics 1400 NE Miami Gardens Dr., Suite 101, Miami, FL 33179 305-940-4911 www.casthelyortho.com

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Health Guide

10 WAYS

to begin take charge of your health

By Dr. Sarepta Isaac, DPM, MBA Serenity Enterprises, LLC

L

ife is complicated. There are lots of fast moving parts.

Responsibilities to family, friends and work can all easily overshadow the responsibility you have to yourself to take care of your health. We’ve all heard the phrase, “you can’t help others unless you first properly help yourself.” The same goes for your health. You can’t properly take care of someone else’s health until you are in a good place with your health and wellness.

If you are one that is dealing with a difficult health condition or trying to manage multiple chronic diseases, you know firsthand that it can quickly get very overwhelming.

Frustration and stress can quickly come about, thus leaving you with a feeling of lost control when it comes to your health. Here are 10 ways to begin to take charge of your health:

1

Do some of your own research on your medical diagnosis and conditions and gain clarity on what’s going on in your body.

2 3

Prepare in advance for your doctors’ appointments.

Be informed of what exactly your medical conditions are, the medications you are currently taking and their respective dosages.

4

Know as much of your family history as possible and share

that information with your doctor.

Be organized and place in a safe place any referrals or visit summaries that have been given to you.

5

6

Be prepared to ask questions of your medical provider after each visit, if needed.

7

Speak up! You know your body better than any doctor ever could, if something does not feel right, be vocal about it.

8

Write things down. Often time, a lot of complex medical information is given to you which makes it difficult to remember.

Write it down to review later.

9

Ask for help, clarification and additional resources when needed of medical instructions and recommendations.

10

Be gentle on yourself. Recovery, healing, and proper chronic disease management takes time to achieve, it does not happen overnight.

Put yourself in the drivers’ seat when it comes to management of your health and wellness. Take back your control of this, even in the mist of chaos in other areas of your life, so that you can get back to doing those things you want to do and living well.

ABOUT DR. SAREPTA ISAAC:

After completing her undergraduate studies at Pace University in NYC with a major in biology and minor in chemistry, Dr. Sarepta received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree in 2011 from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She went on to her residency training at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, NY. She served as Chief Resident in the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery residency program during her final year.

Dr. Sarepta enjoys researching and exploring all aspects of healthcare.

She is a sought-after speaker and contributor of various health and wellness topics in numerous publications. To help her reach the masses and those that need this information, Dr. Sarepta holds monthly “Serenity Health Talks” seminars where she meets with her patients and family members of her patients to discuss pertinent health and wellness topics.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Serenity Enterprises, LLC Phone: 404-937-700 Web: www.drsarepta.com

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Health Guide

HEALTHY SMILE HEALTHY LIFE

By Dr. Edwin Smith, DDS

D

entistry is often thought of as a field of medicine primarily focused on esthetics, which makes sense when you consider the power of a smile. Not only does seeing a loved one’s smile brighten up your day, but studies show that even forcing a smile has been shown to decrease stress and even lower your heart rate. Smiling makes you feel good during your day to day activities, and taking pride in your smile can make you healthier and happier.

However, the mouth is a lot more than a feel-good tool you smile with.

It’s often forgotten the degree to which the mouth is integrated with the body. Systemic diseases often have oral manifestations, and

to the body.

Like all parts of the body that are exposed to the elements, the mouth is packed with bacteria, and the bacteria forms a sticky biofilm known as plaque. In a perfect world, we would remove the plaque by brushing and flossing twice a day and avoid sweets. But, as we all know, the world is not always perfect. In fact, dental caries is the most common disease in children, and some studies show that nearly 75% of adults have gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene can allow for the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the mouth. Enough bad bacteria can lead to dental caries and gum disease in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis.

Untreated

oral diseases can have systemic consequences. Gum disease causes chronic inflammation, and those inflammatory factors can negatively affect other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, all of which can increase your chances of heart attack and stroke. The body functions as a whole, and the mouth is the opening

periodontitis can lead to bone loss, dental pain, dental abscesses, tooth necrosis, and ultimately tooth loss.

It is a common misconception that teeth just decay and fall out with old age, when in fact there isn’t any time limit on your teeth at all. Teeth are strongest tissue in your body, and they don’t fail because enough time has passed. They fail because

Poor oral hygiene can allow for the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the mouth.

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of poor oral hygiene or poor oral and systemic health.

Everyone wants a beautiful smile to make their lives and the lives of their loved ones a little better every day. The key to a healthy smile is regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits to catch and treat oral disease in the early stages.

A healthy smile can help lead to a long, happy and healthy life.

ABOUT DR. EDWIN SMITH:

Dr. Edwin Smith is a devoted, caring, and highly-skilled dentist who graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in NYC. He was raised in Miami, Florida, attending Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory HS, and graduated with a Bachelors in Science from Florida International University. In 2013 he was awarded the Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award from the Internation Congress of Oral Implantologists.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Next Dental Oral Health in Medicine 16125 NE 18th Ave., North Miami Beach, FL 33162 (305) 949-2766 www.nextdentalcare.com

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Talk with your OB-GYN Doctor

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WEIGHT LOSS

JOSEPH SURGERY

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

T

he Joseph Surgery WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER offers a multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss tailored specifically for you. We offer individualized weight management programs that suit your unique needs.

Joseph Surgery has affiliations with many surrounding hospitals that meet the most rigorous standards for patient care, professionalism, expertise, and proven results.

Our board-certified physicians, registered dietitians and nurses, and physical trainers are also experts in the care of bariatric clients.

Whether your weight loss goal is 20, 50 or 100 pounds, or you are looking for expert guidance to help manage your diabetes, the WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER is the place for you. We do not promote a particular product or service; instead, our comprehensive, medically supervised programs are custom-tailored to fit your specific needs.

Are there surgical and nonsurgical options?

Yes. Based on your individual goals and health requirements, your program at the WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER may include: o Nutrition consulations o Expert lectures and education classes o Body composition analysis o Weekly weigh-ins o Ongoing counselling and support o Exercise sessions at the gym/ wellness center o Leading-edge Minimally Invasive Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery

WHO DETERMINES WHAT MY PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE?

Our multidisciplinary professional team, which includes bariatric and minimally invasive surgeons,

bariatric-trained nurses, registered dietitians, fitness consultants and exercise specialists, counselors, therapists, and support staff, will conduct a detailed assessment.

Through this process they will col-

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WEIGHT LOSS WHY CHOOSE BARIATRIC SURGERY?

BEFORE

AFTER

lect information about your age, weight, health, fitness level, family history and other factors. Based on the result, they will create, WITH YOU, a personalized program just for YOU.

My physician has suggested that I consider surgical weight loss.

How can I find out about the options, process and costs?

Attend one of the WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER ’s free, no-obligation seminars, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet our staff, including our surgeons, or view the information online to learn more about our comprehensinve bariatric surgery program.

WHY JOSEPH SURGERY WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER ?

• Individualized care • Free educational seminars • Onsite multi-disciplinary team • Convenience and continuum of care • Direct contact with your surgeons • Lifelong support of your doctors, Bariatric team, Dieticians, and Fitness trainer • Free Gym Membership

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Morbid obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, gallstones and premature death while reducing mobility, respiratory function and quality of life. Bariatric surgery (a set of gastrointestinal procedures, such as Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve, used to treat obesity) is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an effective alternative for morbidly obese people who have tried, yet failed, to lose significant weight.

Achieving significant, permanent weight loss through bariatric surgery can reduce disease risk and, in many cases, resolve or improve obesity-related health conditions such as adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, gastric reflux, infertility, joint pain caused by arthritis and sleep apnea.

SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS OPTIONS

Gastric sleeve: a restrictive procedure that decreases food intake Gastric bypass: a combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedure that decreases food intake and food absorption Gastric band: a restrictive procedure that decreases food intake Orbera Intragastric Ballon: a soft balloon placed in your stomach for six months to encourage portion control.

Learn more about our MBSAQIP-accredited centers and meet Dr. Onyeka Nwokocha and Dr. Romane Joseph at one of our free, no-obligation seminars or in the office.

For more information, call the WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER at 786-401-6455.

BARIATRIC SURGERY OPTIONS

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Your surgeon creates a small pouch from the top of the stomach and makes a bypass so that food skips parts of the small intestine. Following the surgery, patients will need to supplement their diets with additional vitamins and minerals to compensate for those that will no longer be absorbed by their body. A gastric bypass involves reattaching part of the stomach to the intestine, creating a different food pathway, or “bypass.” Patients who embrace the required lifestyle changes can expect to lose 80% of excess weight fairly quickly.

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WEIGHT LOSS

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Your surgeon reduces the size of the stomach by creating a small, sleeve-shaped pouch the size of a banana. The pouch is larger than the one created during the Rouxen-Y procedure, and there is no bypass or re-routing of food through the intestines. Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a gastric sleeve procedure reduces stomach size by about 85%, yet the stomach retains normal function. Patients who receive the sleeve procedure can expect to lose about half their excess weight over 2-3 years.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Your surgeon places an inflatable band around the top part of your stomach, creating a small pouch. The band is adjustable, so its size can be changed to control your appetite. This procedure is fully reversible. The “lap band” is an adjustable silicone band surgically placed around the top of the stomach to limit food intake and make you feel full sooner. While this is the least-invasive bariatric procedure, some people find it less effective for weight loss.

Orbera Intragastric Ballon ORBERA™ combines a clinically tested and proven medical device with your own customized plan and support team to effectively manage weight loss. The comprehensive, two-part program starts with a soft balloon placed in your stomach for six months to encourage portion control. A team of support experts will then help guide you through a diet and exercise program. At six months, the balloon is removed and your support team will continue to guide you toward making healthy lifestyle choices. They will help you retrain your appetite, adopt new nutritional habits, and establish a reasonable exercise routine that will be essential to your long-term success.

Revisional Surgery Sometimes patients regain weight after their initial surgery. If that happens, we offer both laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures to help continued weight loss.

No matter which procedure is the right one for you, our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, fitness experts and patient advocates will work with you to meet your specific pre- and post-operative needs. We’re committed to your successful surgery and long-lasting results.

YOUR PATH TO BETTER HEALTH BEGINS HERE:

Joseph Surgery WEIGHT MANAGEMET CENTER VISION A community where all individuals have access to quality health care.

MISSION To continually improve the health of our entire community.

VALUES: Hospitality, Compassion, Advocacy, Excellence, Leadership Want to learn more or schedule an initial appointment?

Call us at 786-401-6455 or

email us at

Josephsurgerymiami@gmail.com VISIT US AT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS: Dade: 9415 NE 6th Ave, Miami, FL 33138 Broward: 4900 W Oakland Park Blvd, #107 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33313

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LIVING WITH

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

By Leon Stephane Gedeon MD, Board Certified in Family Medicine Memorial Primary Care

Why is it important for me to know about high blood pressure?

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States has hypertension, and just over half of these adults have their blood pressure under control.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, and one of the most common causes of heart disease is hypertension. In 2014, hypertension was the primary or contributing cause to an average of 1,100 deaths per day in the United States.

What is the relationship between blood pressure and the body?

Let’s look at the composition and function of the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and the blood vessels that are responsible for circulating blood throughout the

From left Leon Gédéon, MD, and his mother, late Patricia Michaèle Amédée Gédéon, MD, MPH

body, mainly to transport oxygen, nutrients, disease-fighting cells, and waste to and from the body parts (or organs). The heart functions as a pump that pushes the blood through pipes called arteries and veins, which lead to and from different organs including the lungs, brain, skin, intestines, kidneys, liver, eyes, genitals and more. In other words, the blood flows from the heart (the pump) through the arteries (pipes) to the organs (body parts), and then back through the veins (the return pipes) to the heart. It is a closed loop. Blood pressure is the force with which the blood flows through

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the loop and pushes against the walls of the arteries and veins.

What is hypertension, and how can it affect me?

Hypertension is when one’s blood pressure is higher than it should be. High blood pressure is when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high. The higher the blood pressure, the more pressure is applied to the walls of the arteries and veins, and the more back pressure the heart must fight against.

If one’s blood pressure stays high long enough it can damage the heart,

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blood vessels, and many organs that receive blood. In other words, hypertension puts you at great risk for heart disease that can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke (also known as brain attack), kidney failure (leading to hemodialysis), eye disease (leading to blindness), and erectile dysfunction, just to list a few. Approximately 7 out of every 10 people who experience their first heart attack have hypertension.

Seven out of every 10 people with heart failure have hypertension.

Eight out of every 10 people with their first stroke have hypertension.

How do I know if I have hypertension?

Contrary to popular belief, hyper-tension provides no warning signs or symptoms.

The only way to find out if you have hypertension is to actually measure your blood pressure. According to the CDC, 1 out of 5 people with hypertension are not aware they have hypertension. That is why hypertension is known as a silent killer.

Is it true that I can prevent or manage hypertension with diet and exercise?

Yes, hypertension has a direct link to diet and exercise. Eating foods that are low in salt (sodium) and higher in potassium can help maintain a normal blood pressure. Beware of processed food seasonings and spices, as they contain a significant amount of salt. It is better to prepare your own seasoning and spices using natural herbs and roots. Exercise by walking at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Avoiding smoking and limiting your alcohol intake can also help maintain lower blood pressure.

Maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference can help you prevent and manage hypertension and its complications. However, you must first consult your healthcare provider to make sure exercising is safe for you.

I was diagnosed with hypertension and was prescribed medications, but I don’t believe in medications.

Can I use home remedies instead?

Many home remedies, including bush teas, do indeed help lower blood pressure. The questions are, how much should you take; how many leaves or how big of a root should you boil; and for how many hours or minutes does it lower your blood pressure? Many prescription medications are derived from nature. They, however, are wellstudied and labeled, allowing healthcare providers to know how much product is in each tablet or capsule, how long the medication will last in the body, and by which route it is eliminated from the body. This helps us know whether a medication is safe for people who already have kidney or liver disease.

Is it true that the blood pressure medications cause kidney and/or liver damage?

The kidneys and liver work to clean the blood. Anything that makes the kidneys and liver work overtime can irritate and potentially hurt them.

This includes natural home remedies.

For this reason, it is important that you inform your healthcare provider of all the home remedies and prescription medications you take. Your healthcare provider will recommend routine examinations to monitor your kidney and liver function. The main cause of kidney failure in people with uncontrolled hypertension is the hypertension itself.

How low should my blood pressure be?

The recommended blood pressure varies based on an individual’s age and other health factors. It is best to follow the personalized health plan provided by your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that for most people, low blood pressure is not a problem unless the person shows

signs and symptoms including lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting.

Any last words?

In conclusion, hypertension is a common, silent, and potentially fatal illness that must be taken seriously

The World Health Organization estimates that, worldwide, hypertension is responsible for 17 million deaths a year, or nearly 1 of every 3 deaths. For most people, hypertension is preventable or controllable. and managed carefully. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to check your blood pressure. For most, hypertension can be prevented or controlled. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, you must follow your healthcare providers’ recommendations strictly and not wait for signs or symptoms before acting.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Leon Stephane Gedeon, MD Memorial Healthcare System 1750 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard Hallandale Beach, Florida 33351 954-276-5552 mhs.net

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Health in Haiti

HOW DIABETIC YOUNGSTERS IN HAITI GET ALONG Dr. Nancy Charles Larco Executive Director of FHADIMAC

C

hildren with diabetes represent one of the most vulnerable populations in Haiti. A child with Type 1 diabetes requires insulin at all times to avoid the life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A 2008 report from Haiti State University showed that approximately 52% of children hospitalized for DKA do not survive.

This alarming statistic highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment for these patients. Access to insulin remains a major challenge for children in Haiti.

The Fondation Haïtienne de Diabète at de Maladies Cardio-

and young adults. Unfortunately, FHADIMAC faces many challenges regarding patient management, such as: Early detection: which requires continuous training of medical personnel for immediate and effective diagnosis and management.

Regular medical visits: ensure adequate and continuous care for young people. FHADIMAC wishes to have a mobile medical team attached to this group of children to develop a standard management program used in all health centers dedicated to their care, and supervise their management and care to diminish the complications

Vasculaires (FHADIMAC) is the only institution dedicated to this cause.

FHADIMAC has been in the field for the past 32 years, and its work is recognized by Haiti’s Minister of Health. Since June 2010, FHADIMAC has administered two programs to help children and young adults with this condition to live a better life. One program, Life for a Child, is for children under 25 years old; the other program, Insulin for Life, is for those over 25 years old.

FHADIMAC receives glucometers, strips and insulin, which are given free of charge to the children

in the eyes, kidneys and nerves that some patients have already started to experience.

Medicines and control materials (Insulin, glucometers and test strips): allow for constant diabetes management to avoid long-term complications.

Education: provides the necessary tools that enable diabetic patients to take care of themselves.

Adequate diet: helps children avoid hypoglycemia and allows them to enjoy normal physical and intellectual development.

Prevention of debilitating

Currently, FHADIMAC supports more than 350 children and young adults with type 1 diabetes or diabetes related to malnutrition.

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complications requires standardized and adapted management.

Management of particular situations: such as DKA episodes, difficult adolescences, pregnancy, use of toxic substances and cigarettes, unemployment and inability to cope.

Cold chain supply: logistics, often involving customs, stock, and management.

Marketing and advertising: are necessary to inform the population about the symptoms of diabetes and the need to immediately respond to diabetic symptoms by going to the hospital.

Psycho-social support: through support group meetings and supervision by knowledgeable and competent staff. Every year since 2012, FHADIMAC has organized a camp (Camp Friendship) where diabetic youngsters are taught how to manage their diabetes, feel “normal” by meeting others living with the same frustrations and fears, and learn to have a healthy, active, happy and productive life.

There, children have said they felt stigmatized and isolated because of this fateful diagnosis and believed that they were cursed. At the end of camp, many said their participation in this camp changed their perceptions of their diabetes and encouraged them to take better care of themselves.

FHADIMAC CONTACT INFORMATION: 208, Lalue – Port-au-Prince Haïti P.O. Box 48 North Miami Beach, FL 33162 4005-3931 / 2942-6651 fhadimac@hotmail.com www.fhadimac.org

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Health Guide

THE 5 GOLDEN RULES OF PERFECT ORAL HEALTH

by Dr. Franklin Casthely former Harvard University Instructor

ONE

Recognize the importance of good dental hygiene.

TWO

Photo @Spexphotography

We are what we eat. That notion should never be underestimated.

THREE

Prioritize a diet rich in vegetables and limited in sugar and salt.

FOUR

A regular dental checkup is an important part of bodily maintenance.

FIVE

The best service a dentist can provide is to keep you healthy through regular checkups and prevention.

ABOUT DR. FRANKLIN CASTHELY:

Dr. Franklin Casthely started his practice in Miami in the early 1980s after relocating from Boston, Massachusetts.

Although at the time he was Clinical Instructor of Prosthodontics at the prestiguous Harvard School of Dental Medicine, he longed for the tropical climate of his homeland Haiti and a community with a larger HaitianAmerican presence.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Franklin Casthely, DDS 160NE 82nd Street.Miami, FL 33138 305-756-7602 www.casthelydental.com

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 63 «

Health Stories

How a successful Haitian immigrant CHANGED AMERICAN MEDICINE

By Shirley Dorsainvil

W

hen he was only 13 years old, an aspiring physician left Port-au-Prince, Haiti to settle in Brooklyn, New York seeking the American dream.

Dr. Henri Ford went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from Princeton, his M.D. from the illustrious Harvard Medical School, and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Southern California. The ivy-league student attended medical school to alleviate human suffering and, as a result, went on to an extremely gratifying and prolific career.

Ford has played an integral role in the development of a cutting-edge,

minimally invasive surgery program during his tenure as the chief of surgery and senior vice president at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). His fellowship in pediatric surgery at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, along with his drive to bring positive and meaningful change to medicine, led to his groundbreaking research on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a lethal disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract of premature infants. With over 300 publications, book chapters, manuscripts and presentations, Ford is an immigrant with a success story that always motivates students looking to follow in his footsteps.

Ford is renowned for his risky and rare medical milestones… On May 22, 2015, [he] traveled to Mirebalais, Haiti to perform the first separation of six-month-old girls joined at the abdomen in the country.

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The Haiti-born pediatric surgeon maintains a close relationship with his native country. During the years of political turmoil in Haiti, Ford stopped visiting due to worries for his safety. After the devastating earthquake struck Haiti, Ford put his concerns behind him and traveled to the country to help develop its healthcare infrastructure— by providing medical care and training physicians—while spearheading a new, world-class, nationwide critical care and trauma network to cope with preventable causes of death in the Caribbean country.

“There is a strong need for Haiti to invest in a national trauma critical care network,” explains Ford.

Ford is renowned for his risky and rare medical milestones. His knowledge of medicine extends from surgery and trauma to critical care and infections. His experience in these areas have led to his rarefied accomplishments. On May 22, 2015, the chief of surgery at Children’s Hospital, Los Angles, California traveled to the University Hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti to perform the first separation of six-month-old girls joined at the abdomen. He joined an organization tied to the University of Miami’s Medical School, two dozen volunteer health professionals from

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Health Stories

Conjoined twins Marian and Michelle Bernard before their operation

the US, and Haitian medical staff.

He performed the successful sevenhour operation on the conjoined twins during a medical mission trip.

Today, Ford continues to make history as the first Haitian-American doctor to head a medical school in the United States. He is embarking his journey as the Dean of the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. In Miami, he will be living among America’s largest Haitian community and answering the need for greater access to healthcare in a city developed by immigrants. But the university has a long history of providing critical and primary care, medical equipment, and training in Haiti.

“I’m very excited about the tremendous opportunity to potentially help Haiti establish muchneeded trauma and critical-care infrastructure,” says Ford. “Haitians [won’t] have to jump on an airplane to come to the U or Jackson Memorial for treatment, or simply die in country whenever they sustain significant multi-system trauma, a heart attack, or a critical burn. “[That] also applies to other impoverished Caribbean and Latin American nations that may potentially benefit from the expertise that is readily available at the Hemispheric University.”

Ford feels his calling at UM is to build a state-of-the-art research facility that attracts a diverse group

of faculty and students—specifically, underrepresented minority students.

He is an active member of several professional and scientific societies, including the American Surgical Association, the American Physiological Society, the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons, the American Trauma Society, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Pediatric Surgical Association, the Society of University Surgeons, the Shock Society, the Surgical Infections Society, the Society of Black Academic Surgeons and the Association for Academic Surgery. His past accomplishments include serving as a professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, and professor and chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Ford’s students describe him as “a true hero who exemplifies the professional and personal qualities of a great doctor.” Such praise had led to prestigious honors and recognition for his mentorship to medical students and his medical discoveries regarding several pediatric disorders. This recognition is to no surprise to his colleagues, who are keenly aware of his devotion to medicine and his

desire to help others.

The physician has taken on many roles as a physicianscientist, physician-educator, and administrator throughout his medical career. Ford says his lifelong goal is “to establish a culture of excellence in scientific research and promote the translation of discoveries into interventions that will transform lives, build healthier communities, and improve global health.”

To promote change and achieve his lifelong goal, Ford and representatives of the nonprofit Project Medishare, the Haitian Ministry of Health, and the Interim Commission for Haiti’s Reconstruction have joined Haiti’s government initiative of establishing a National Trauma Critical Care (NTCC). In addition, he will participate in a commission to develop a long-term sustainability plan for the hospital’s facilities and to cultivate donors. This project will reduce the mortality arising from major traumas, heart attacks, strokes, severe burns and maternal emergencies in Haiti.

“The healthcare needs in Haiti are great, and [the NTCC] will benefit the citizenry and help the overworked physicians providing the care for patients on a daily basis.”

successful Conjoined twins separation

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UNCOVERING SOME OF THE DEADLIEST ILLNESSES IN HAITI

Photo @Spexphotography

By Savinia Exantus @TheSaviNurse

A

mongst other infrastructure-related issues, healthcare is categorically one of the most challenging in Haiti. We are faced with not only the common illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. – but also, after the devastating earthquake of 2010, a rise in vector-born

diseases such as cholera and chikungunya. Let’s assess some of our most lethal ailments in the recent years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cardiovascular diseases are the deadliest in Haiti. These include: heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart valve problems. They are often diagnosed too late or upon an incident leading to the patient’s demise. The major risk factor for these cardiovascular diseases is none other than hypertension. Despite the fact that Haitians walk to most places, hypertension is still prevalent due to the fact that we consume an excessive amount of salt.

According to a study conducted by the heads of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP). “Haitians consume 30 to 35 g of sodium (Na) daily in their diet. This is in dramatic contrast to the 4 g recommended by WHO. Haitians eat nearly 9 times as much salt as is recommended!”

This disturbing reality can only be counteracted through education.

The second deadliest affliction is none other than tuberculosis (TB). According to USAID, Haiti is among the highest per capita rate of tuberculosis in the Latin

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America and Caribbean region.

It has become one of the most infectious causes of mortality in both children and young adults.

Few of these young people are diagnosed, and even fewer have access to treatable care. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake, there was a rise in tuberculosis cases in Haiti due to malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions in camps. The WHO estimated that Haiti had the highest tuberculosis incidence in the Americas (230 per 100,000 population in 2010), a rate nearly 10-fold higher than the regional incidence of 30 per 100,000. About half of the tuberculosis cases in Haiti occur in the West Department; this includes Port-au-Prince, which was most heavily affected by the earthquake.

Severe cholera broke out following the earthquake in 2010, causing 700,000 cases of illness and approximately 8,500 deaths.

This epidemic was surprising, as no cholera outbreak had been reported in Haiti in more than a century. In 2014, 27,750 residents of Haiti reported having cholera, and 296 deaths resulted from the disease. Symptoms of cholera include diarrhea, which comes on suddenly and may quickly cause dangerous fluid loss. It

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Health in Haiti resembles water in which rice has been rinsed (ricewater stool). Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting; dehydration ranging from mild to severe; and electrolyte imbalances that can lead to shock. However devastating cholera was and still can be, in January of this year the UNICEF revealed that the number of cases significantly declined over the past 8 years. Roughly 100 suspected cases were recorded, which is the lowest level since the epidemic began in October 2010, and there was no explosion of cases last year, even during the rainy season.

Talking about Haiti’s deadliest illnesses would not be complete without addressing the country’s broken healthcare system.

In Haiti, hundreds of people die every day for preventable reasons that might be averted by something as simple as a health awareness campaign to educate the public about the simplest ways to be aware of your own health. It is as much as an epidemic as any other disease – and surprisingly, this epidemic is not due to a lack of medical facilities, but rather a lack of primary care and investment in public health. In a report done by the World Bank, “the annual per capita public health spending in Haiti is $13, compared with $781 in nearby Cuba and $180 in the Dominican Republic. Public investment in health care has plummeted from 16.6 percent of the total Haitian government budget in 2004 to 4.4 percent in the current budget.”

The solution is not as complex as one would think.

According to the World Bank, an increase in spending as

… cardiovascular diseases are the deadliest in Haiti. These include: heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart valve problems. They are often diagnosed too late or upon an incident leading to the patient’s demise. The major risk factor for these cardiovascular diseases is none other than hypertension.

Despite the fact that Haitians walk to most places, hypertension is still prevalent due to the fact that we consume an excessive amount of salt. According to a study conducted by the heads of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP). “Haitians consume 30 to 35 g of sodium (Na) daily in their diet. This is in dramatic contrast to the 4 g recommended by WHO. Haitians eat nearly 9 times as much salt as is recomme-nded!” This disturbing reality can only be counteracted through education.

well as a reallocation of funds with more emphasis on primary clinics and preventative care, and less spending on hospitals, would solve more than half of the problems. This would save countless of lives. Let us all agree that this solution may seem unreasonable in light of our other social issues – but it is definitely not impossible.

References

Haiti’s killer cholera epidemic could end this year – UN. (2018, January 20). Retrieved December 6, 2018, from https://www. rappler.com/world/regions/ latin-america/194091-haiticholera-epidemic-end-2018 Jean-Charles, R. R. (2014).

Challenges in Hypertension: The Haiti Experience [Abstract].

Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

Retrieved December 1, 2018, from https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4237537/.

Koenig, S. P., Rouzier, V., Vilbrun, S. C., Morose, W., Collins, S. E., Joseph, P., . . . Pape, J. W. (2015).

Tuberculosis in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti [Abstract]. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/ BLT.14.145649 Piarroux, R., Barrais, R., Faucher, B., Haus, R., Piarroux, M., Gaudart, J., . . . Raoult, D. (2011). Understanding the Cholera Epidemic, Haiti.

Emerging Infectious Diseases. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/ eid1707.110059

Young, N. (2017, June 30). Haiti’s Troubled Healthcare System.

Retrieved December 12, 2018, from https://nonprofitquarterly. org/2017/06/30/haitistroubled-healthcare-system/

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DIRECTORY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Ernst Louis-Jacques 754-214-2345 ernstlj@medicarehp.com

ADMAX SERVICING, LLC Max Boriuex 866-271-2662 www.admaxservicing.com

ENFORCEMENT PROTECTION, INC. 305-200-5799 www.enforcementprotection.com

THE CHURCH OF GLORY, INC. 786-344-1631 www.thechurchofglory.org

KLASS INSURANCE Ludvy Joseph 7863830753 www.klassinsurance.com

MACILLON GRIOT FISH & CHICKEN 1026 N Miami Beach Blvd, N. Miami Beach, FL 33162 (786) 320-6093

FAMILY, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY 16777 N Miami Ave , N. Miami Beach, FL 33162 Dr. Francisco Azar (305) 866-9644 www.azardentistry.com

GOOD FRIEND COUNSELING SERVICES, LLC Dr. Jean Bien-Aime 450 N Park Rd, Suite 801, Hollywood, FL 33021 954-840-4663 www.gfcounselingservices.com

A NELCO INSURANCE UWEM Nelson IKPE 831 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161 www.homeinsuranceagentmiami.com 305-981-3363

LAROCHE LAW FIRM Les Laroche 305-921-9950 www.larochelawfirm.com

EMPIRE PROPERTY RESTORATION, LLC Kevin Delvar 954-242-4206 empire.pro.restoration@gmail.com

LOUIS LAW GROUP Pierre A. Louis, Esq. 7951 Riviera Blvd, Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 676-4179 www.LouisLawGroup.com

MICHEL & J BARBERSHOP 12470 NE 7th Ave, North Miami, FL 33161 305-728-9455

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70 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

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HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 71 ÂŤ

Coordinating Delivery of HALO Supplies on the Ground

FIRST RESPONDERS TO HAITI’S 2010 EARTHQUAKE: Personal Accounts of Angelo Gousse, MD

Former HALO President

A

magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on the afternoon of January 12, 2010. This natural disaster was yet another severe blow to a country that was already suffering from bad fortune on many levels.

With approximately 3 million people affected, this earthquake was the most devastating natural disaster ever experienced in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Roughly 250,000 lives were lost, and

300,000 people were injured.

After I heard of this horrible news, I felt that it was not enough to send money to Haiti – I wanted to travel to help. When I asked my wife for her support to allow me to travel to a disaster zone, she replied she wanted to travel also in order to offer her services to the people of Haiti.

Upon our arrival at the international airport of Haiti, we were greeted by UM/Medishare

72 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

staff and driven via a pickup truck to the UM/Medishare camp. The camp consisted of two large tents previously used for UN military operations. Medical staff slept in sleeping bags on the floor or behind the tent on chairs/boxes etc.

We carried with us a sleeping bag, bottles of water, Ritz crackers, canned tuna fish, dried raisins, and hand sanitizer We worked at the UM camp near the airport from Saturday Jan 16th

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My wife and I, both University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Employees, traveled to Haiti to be part of the postearthquake medical relief efforts. My wife Marie May is a pharmacist, and I am a urologist. We joined the University of Miami / Medishare group and left for Haiti on Saturday January 16, 2010, four days after the earthquake. We both left with the hope that we could be useful to our injured brothers and sisters suffering from post-earthquake physical trauma. We traveled via Opa Locka Executive Airport on a small 12-passenger jet. It is my understanding that the jet service was donated by a benefactor of Dr. Barth Green’s foundation. Dr. Herold Merisier (President of AMHE - South Florida) and Dr. Michel Dodard also helped coordinate our trip.

Marie May Gousse, Pharmacist, in Haiti 2010 Earthquake Pharmacy Tent

to Monday Jan 18th and performed many urologic procedures.

Marie-May organized the Pharmacy supplies. She labeled and classified the medications according to class and usage upon arrival. She also organized the dressing supplies.

Afterwards she was made responsible for the camp pharmacy by Dr. Ginzburg (UM chief of operations).

EXPERIENCE # 2

On Monday January 18th, 2010, Dr. Reginald Pereira – a Haitianborn UMHC critical care physician who was returning to Florida after his heroic service at the Hopital De la Communaute Haitienne A staff member from Freres hospital came to pick us up via a pickup truck..

We had 2 or 3 teams of Americantrained orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists performing most of the orthopedic procedures. I started 3 wound care teams led by nurses and assistants to change the dressings of all the hospitalized patients inside the hospital and the nearby hospital tents on a regular basis.

Marie-May started a Main Pharmacy Supply center on the second floor of the hospital (HVH – Freres) which supplied the newly created satellite pharmacy close to the ICU and pre-op area. She recruited a squad of young Haitian volunteer “runners” who brought supplies, medications, and dressings from the main pharmacy to the satellite.

Finally, we started instituting physical therapy and evaluation for DVT in our patient population.

Hopital Freres accommodated us very well. Throughout the day, the administrative staff provided water, tuna fish, sardines, canned food, and bread to the medical staff. They provided sleeping arrangements at some nearby private homes. The families which hosted the medical staff provided a hot dinner at night.

On Wednesday January 20th, at around 6 a.m., after we worked all night, we were awakened by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake aftershock.

By the time we ran back to the hospital, virtually all the patients had “self-evacuated” the premises from fear of being injured again. Relatives carried patients in their hospital beds to the front streets. I could not believe that it had taken less than 30 minutes to evacuate so many amputated patients.

On the afternoon of Wednesday January 20th, we went back to the UM site to help. There we noticed that medical delivery was much better organized.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our countrymen in such difficult times. We thank all who made our trip to Haiti possible so soon after the earthquake.

HALO CONTACT INFORMATION: info@halohaiti.org www.halohaiti.org

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 73 «

Dr Beauvoir and Dr Gousse

Dr Thelusme and Dr Gousse

DR. NOELSAINT BEAUVOIR AND DR. JOLIUS THELUSME:

First Haitian-Trained Fellows in Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstruction at the Bladder Health and Reconstructive Urology Institute From BHRUI Doctor Noelsaint Beauvoir and Dr Jolius Thelusme are the first Haitiantrained fellows accepted at the Bladder Health and Reconstructive Urology Institute training program, under the direction of Dr. Angelo E. Gousse.

Dr. Gousse, Clinical Professor of Urology, is the director of the Female Urology, Voiding Dysfunction, Urinary Tract Reconstruction Fellowship,

which has been in existence for more than 15 years. Dr. Gousse has trained more than 14 Urologists, now either in the U.S. or Canada, who are currently leading academic urologists practicing throughout the country.

However, Dr. Gousse has never trained young Haitian urologists.

Through GASHU, several Haitian, American, and international urologists have dedicated great

74 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

efforts and resources for the past five years towards numerous seminars, workshops, video teleconferences and lectures in Haiti. Activities included the American Urological Association (AUA) supported Ultrasound Workshops and twoday conferences in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

This has helped the association evolve into a better organized and

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Training residents in Haiti

HEALTHCARE STORIES coordinated Urology Association.

GASHU has been able to streamline philanthropic efforts and equipment donations in order to maximize the positive impact of urology training, practice and patient care in Haiti.

GASHU recently identified the newly built Hospital St Francois de Salles (Port-au-Prince, Haiti) as one of the premiere hospitals in Haiti to offer great potential for the training of residents and the development of surgical workshops. One of its strategies has been to train young Haitian urologists outside of Haiti in various urology sub-specialties.

The urologists who receive training abroad are expected to return to Haiti to share their knowledge and expertise and train others. In line with this strategic plan, Dr. Noelsaint Beauvoir and Dr. Jolius Thelusme have traveled to South Florida for the Urodynamics, Voiding Dysfunction, Female Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstruction Fellowship under the supervision of Dr. Gousse.

About Dr. Noel Saint Beauvoir and Dr. Jolius Thelusme: Dr. Beauvoir was born in Lagonave, the largest island in Haiti. He attended medical school in Haiti at Universite Lumiere and successfully completed his residency training in Urology at University Hospital Justinien in Cap Haitien, under the supervision of Dr. Jean Geto Dube.

Dr Jolius Thelusme was born in Ganthier Haiti, 5th section communale of Pays Pourri. He completed his Primary schooling at Siloe school at Fond Parisien, High School Lycee de L’amitie of Ganthier, Medical School at Quisqueya University - Faculte des Sciences de la Sante. He is completing his residency training in Urology at University Hospital Justinien in Cap Haitien under the supervision of Dr. Jean Geto Dube.

Dr. Beauvoir and Dr. Thelusme have always been interested in voiding dysfunction and urodynamics. They were selected amongst numerous young Haitian urologists who applied for the program. The fellows will be trained

in the techniques and interpretation of urodynamics, female pelvic floor reconstruction, prostate ultrasonography and biopsy techniques, lower urinary tract endoscopic procedures, prosthetic surgery (penile implants, artificial urinary sphincter, Interstim), urethral reconstruction and general office urology.

A DONATION FROM LABORIE

Dr. Beauvoir and Dr Thelusme are being trained with a Laborie, Goby -TM, multichannel urodynamic unit. The unit was donated by Laborie to serve philanthropic and educational purposes in Haiti. The unit is the world’s most compact urodynamic system and is modular and wireless. The donated unit will be delivered to Haiti after graduation of the fellows. Currently, there is no urodynamic laboratory in Haiti to study voiding dysfunction.

Dr. Beauvoir reports: “I am very fortunate to have been selected for the fellowship. I am indebted to GASHU and Dr. Angelo Gousse for this unique opportunity, which will certainly reshape my entire clinical career.” Said Dr. Thelusme: “I am very fortunate to train under the tutelage of Dr. Gousse. My urology training will be vastly expanded.”

Dr. Beauvoir completed his training in September 2018, and Dr. Thelusme will complete his training in March 2019.

FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT

The fellowship is supported by a personal grant from Dr. Angelo Gousse and the Bladder Health and Reconstructive Urology Institute.

Dr. Gousse is hoping to obtain extramural grants or donations to support this endeavor in the future.

The fellows are provided a cost-ofliving stipend, a motor vehicle for transportation, and educational supplies.

The fellowship is being offered as part of the strategic planning of GASHU to improve Urology care and access in Haiti.

Dr. Gousse, a native of Haiti, has been active in medical and urology missions in his homeland for the past 18 years. He has played a major role in the genesis of the Global Association for the Support of Haitian Urology (GASHU) www.urohaiti.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Global Association for the Support of Haitian Urology (GASHU) ) www.urohaiti.org

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 75 «

ANGELO E. GOUSSE, M.D. A Haitian Academic Urologist

By Shelly-Ann Parkinson Photo by Mackinley ‘Spex’ Madhere

76 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

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COVER STORY

H

aitian-born, Dr. Angelo E. Gousse is currently the Director of the Bladder Health and Reconstructive Urology Institute and is one of the few fellowship-trained reconstructive and neuro-urologists in South Florida. He has performed over 1000 complex reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Gousse has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of medicine with numerous awards and accolades including the prestigious peer-reviewed, Best Doctors in America Award for the past 15 consecutive years.

Angelo E. Gousse was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to a family of intellectuals with a father who was a physician and a grandfather who was a Latin and Greek professor. He migrated to the United States after high school to attend college in New York. There, he graduated from The City University of New York’s York College as the valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA after 3 years. He continued to excel at Yale University School of Medicine where he graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Gousse is double board certified by the American Board of Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

According to Dr. Gousse, “When I moved to Florida, I wanted to be useful to the Haitian community.

I felt there was a need for more public education related to health conditions.” It was this desire that motivated him to host his radio show, “Consultation Urologique en Creole.” and his television show, “Urology Health,” for the past 10 years. He also writes bi-weekly articles on urology in the Floridien and co-founded the non-profit organization, Haitian American Leadership Organization (HALO).

Regarding his philanthropic work, Dr. Gousse shares that, “currently my main focus is to develop better urologic training and care in Haiti.”

Most of this work is being done through another organization that he has spearheaded along with a

group of Haitian and international urologists called the Global Association for the Support of Haitian Urology (GASHU).

“Follow your dream. Never be discouraged.

Overcome challenges. Remain focused. Make friends and find collaborators. Aim for excellence and dedicate your life to serving others. All the rest will follow.”

– Angelo E. Gousse, M.D. Q: Where were you born?

I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

I attended Union School, followed by “Les Freres de L’instruction Chretienne”, and Notre Dame for elementary school. I completed my high school education at Petit Seminaire College Saint Martial in Port-au-Prince. After I completed Philosophie, I traveled to the United States to study.

Q: Tell us about your family.

My father was a physician, an infectious disease specialist and hospital administrator, and director of the military health care system in Haiti. I grew up in a nuclear family

with my mother, father, grandfather (a Latin and Greek professor), grandmother and my siblings. I met my wife when we were both high school students in Haiti. I married Marie May, who is from Cap-Haitien, in the last year of my medical school studies. My wife studied Pharmacy at Texas Southern University while I was completing my Urology residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Both of our children were born in Texas. Our son was our first born, and years later we had our daughter. Both of our children have graduated from the University of Miami.

Q: When did you move to Florida?

I moved to Florida in 1998, after I completed my fellowship in NeuroUrology and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). After my fellow ship, I was recruited by the University of Miami to develop the Female Urology and Reconstructive Urology Program.

Q: Tell us about your formal training. How long did it take you to train after you graduated from high school in Haiti?

After I graduated from high school in Haiti, I attended the City University of New York (York College). I graduated with a 4.0 perfect GPA in my major (3 years) and was the valedictorian of my class. I received my medical degree summa cum laude (4 years) with highest honors from the Yale University School of Medicine. I completed my residency (6 years) at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a postdoctoral fellowship in Urodynamics (University of Miami), female urology and pelvic floor reconstruction at the University of California, Los Angeles (2 years).

I am double board-certified, by the American Board of Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. This adds up to 15 years of training after high school.

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COVER STORY

Dr Gousse and the famous Nobel Laureat Dr. Jonas Salk - Year admitted to medical school - age 22

Q: Tell us a little bit more about your academic career.

I am one the very few fellowshiptrained reconstructive and neurourologists in South Florida. I am currently the Director of the Bladder Health and Reconstructive Urology Institute.

I have performed more than 1000 complex reconstructive procedures.

I am the Fellowship Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Urology at the Memorial Hospital Miramar. I am a former tenured Professor of Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Urology, and Vice-Chairman of the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Urology service, where I was also the Urology Residency Program Director and Fellowship Director for Female Urology, Urodynamics, and Reconstructive Surgery for more than ten years. I was also the Director of the Urodynamics Laboratory at the Miami VA Medical Center, where I supervised the Neuro-Urologic care of spinal cord injury patients.

Q: Tell us about your greatest academic and professional accomplishments.

I was the first to offer Sacral Nerve Modulation (Interstim, 1998) and intra-detrusor injection of Botox for urinary problems in South Florida in 2000 to benefit patients with various bladder control conditions. My research interests have focused on overactive bladder neuropharmacology, reconstruction of the urinary tract, neurogenic urinary incontinence, as well as functional recovery from spinal cord injury. I have pioneered the optimal dosage of neurotoxins (Botox) to manage bladder dysfunction.

My investigatorinitiated research projects on Botox chemodernervation in human subjects have led the way to the first FDA urologic indication of Botox in the United States, the neurogenic bladder clinical trial.

I have also participated and coauthored in clinical trials which have led to the FDA approval of the first Beta-3 drug to treat overactive

78 Haiti Open | People Culture Tourism

bladder, Merebegron (marketed as Myrbetriq). I am currently the chief surgeon investigator (Precision Medical Devices) for a novel artificial urinary sphincter being developed for human usage using bluetooth technology and a telemetric computerized platform.

I have authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications (Pub Med), numerous textbook chapters, journal articles and scientific abstracts and poster presentations. I serve as an editor of many Urology journals in the United States and abroad.

I currently serve on the Guideline panel of the American Urologic Association. The Guidelines dictate standard of urologic care in the United States.

Q; Tell us about your speaking engagements in the United States and globally.

I have delivered more than 200 scientific presentations globally.

I have participated as a guest professor in the United States

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COVER STORY and abroad on various aspects of reconstructive urology and voiding dysfunction, and I regularly lecture as an expert in the field of urology. I have lectured in Asia, Europe, South America, Central America and the Caribbean on numerous occasions.

I was the keynote speaker at the centennial meeting of the Association Francaise d’Uurologie – AFU in Paris, representing the United States.

I have been a plenary panelist or speaker at the most prestigious American Urologic Association (AUA) yearly meeting on numerous occasions.

In fact, I currently serve on the scientific planning committee of the American Urologic Association Annual Meeting. I was appointed to the board for the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) where I served for 10 years. I was at the Chairperson of the SUFU Residency Committee. I also served on the executive board of the GenitoUrinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) Society In addition, I served on the American Urology Association Female Urology Core Curriculum Committee. Working with the Global Philanthropic Committee in Urology (GPC), I am currently the AUA liaison for the Global Association for the support of Haitian Urology (GASHU), which is dedicated to developing the field of Urology in Haiti. I have served as chair and organizer of the internationally well-attended yearly didactic Urology Conference in Haiti.

Q: Tell us about some of your accolades.

I was listed in “Best Doctors in America” for 13 consecutive years 2005-2018. (Best Doctors in America is the most prestigious peer-reviewed doctors award in the US);US News and World Report 2011-2012; America’s Top Urologists by the prestigious

Consumer’s Research Council of America 2008; Strathmore’s Who’s Who since 2001,; the Miller University of Miami Medical School’s Urology Teacher of the Year Award on numerous occasions; the Pfizer Scholars in Urology Award,; the Cullen Research Award from the Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine; and the Dr. Jonas Salk Scholar Award. In addition, I have received community awards, which I cherish very much.

I received the “Award of Excellence” from the Association des Médecins Haitiens a L’ Etranger (AMHE) on Dcemeber 15, 2018.

Q: Among all these awards, which one means the most to you?

I must say that I cherish all my awards. However, I would admit that the Dr. Jonas Salk Scholar Award is very important to me. This awarded was given to me by the Nobel Laureate, Dr Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine. I was selected for the scholarship because of my First Prize College work on E Coli microbial genetics under the supervision of Dr. Leslie Lewis, my Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) Program mentor.

The Dr. Jonas Salk Scholarship allowed me to afford my Yale University School of Medicine tuition.

Q: How have you interacted with the Haitian Community?

When I moved to Florida, I wanted to be useful to the Haitian Community. I felt there was a need for more public education related to health conditions. I started hosting a radio show, “Consultation Urologique en Creole”, and a television show, “Urology Health”.

Both shows have been on the air, uninterrupted, for more than 10 years. I addition, a few years ago, I started writing bi-weekly articles in the Floridien. In addition, I cofounded the Haitian American Leadership Organization (HALO).

Q: What exactly was the mission of HALO (www. halohaiti.org) that you cofounded?

The mission of HALO is to support and promote the development of future leaders through education, to provide a link between existing community organizations to facilitate networking, provide a platform for thought leaders and experts from all academic, professional and technical backgrounds to exchange ideas, collaborate, and share their knowledge with our community, and finally to improve the image of Haitians throughout South Florida and promote excellence in our community. HALO has provided scholarships to young talents from our community and organized elaborate galas to promote our culture while fundraising for our philanthropic endeavors.

Q: What philanthropic work are you currently doing in Haiti?

Currently, my main focus is to help develop better urologic training and care in Haiti.

Most of the work is being done through the Global Association for the Support of Haitian Urology (GASHU), which I have spearheaded with a group of Haitian and international Urologists. The work has led to novel approaches to rapidly develop urology in resource poor countries such as Haiti.

Q: What are your hobbies?

Traveling, cycling, roller-skating, table tennis, jet-skiing, fishing, and boating.

Q: What advice do you have for others who want to be successful in their profession?

Follow your dream. Never be discouraged. Overcome challenges.

Remain focused. Make friends and find collaborators. Aim for excellence and dedicate your life to serving others. All the rest will follow.

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FILM

SYNOPSIS

The story of this movie is one of the greatest in the history of mankind but is one of the least known. Man’s desire to be free is best exemplified by the slaves of the West Indies that risked their lives to fight for freedom against the greatest army of its time. After years of torture and enslavement, the African slaves of the island known today as Haiti shattered their chains and battled Napoleon’s army until the day they succeeded and declared their freedom and independence on January 1, 1804- nearly 100 hundred years before its nearest neighbors, the USA, would itself end slavery. Just like Spartacus had in 60 BC, Toussaint Louverture was the leader of this incredible revolution that had such a tremendous impact in the history of the world.

“More than ever before, the need to improve Haiti’s image worldwide is imperative and I cannot think of a better way than getting this film produced and distributed to every cinema and television screen possible” …. Claude Mancuso

Claude Mancuso with wife Marie and daughter Sarah

PRODUCER

Claude Mancuso decided to develop a film script that would bring attention to Haiti’s story and the heroes that overcame the incredible odds to create the world’s first black republic in the western hemisphere. His objective is to make an American film with the biggest release possible so that Haiti’s story can be better understood and appreciated.

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CONTACT INFO: Reach out to participate and/or invest in the film.

954-709-6513 www.blackspartacus.com

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RECIPES

ARANSÒ (Smoked Herring)

From Annick Mégie (tchakayiti.com)

PREP TIME 5 MINUTES

COOKING TIME 10 MINUTES

INGRÉDIENTS

SERVES 5

• Hareng Saur (Salted Smoked Herring) • Onion • Shallots • Bell Pepper • Piment Bouc • Black Peppercorn • Garlic • Oil for frying

METHOD Step 1 Soak your herring in some cold water for at least one hour Step 2 Chop the onions, shallots, bell pepper, piment bouc and garlic Step 3 Drain the herring and flake it using a knife or scissors (I prefer scissors) Step 4 Heat your oil in a frying pot Step 5 Drop the herring in the hot oil and fry for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave it too long so the herring doesn’t dry out and turn crispy Step 6 Add the chopped ingredients, the peppercorn and the piment bouc Step 7 Cook for a few minutes just long enough for the onions to become translucent Step 8 Enjoy with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.

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RECIPES

AKASAN (Corn Flour Shake)

From Jean Douillard (haitiancooking.com)

A

kasan is a corn flour based shake popular in Haiti. Unlike traditional shakes this shake starts by cooking corn flour. In Haiti, there are many vendors that sell the shake pre-made, but most just make it at home. The drink can be served warm, but it usually chilled and served as a refreshing drink. Try it out and let us know what you think.

PREP TIME 10 MINUTES

COOKING TIME 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 5

• 2 1/2 Cups of water • 12 oz can of evaporated milk • 1/2 Cup of corn flour • 3 Anise stars (or 1 tsp of Anise star extract) • 1 tsp of vanilla extract • 1/4 Cup of Sugar • 1/2 tsp of salt • 1 tsp of cinnamon

METHOD Step 1 In a sauce pan, bring 2 cups of water, salt, cinnamon, and anise star to a boil.

Step 2 Using a small mixing bowl, mix the corn flour and water into a paste.

Step 3 Slowly add the paste to the boiling water and stir constantly to eliminate lumps.

Step 4 Reduce the heat to medium and allow the corn flour to cook for 4-6 min while constantly stirring.

Step 5 Remove the anise star and add the vanilla and evaporated milk.

Step 6 Mix thoroughly then serve warm or chilled.

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RECIPES

JOUMOU PUMPKIN PIE

From Annick Mégie (tchakayiti.com)

T

his savory Haitian joumou pumpkin pie is easy to prepare and flavorful. It only calls for a few pantry ingredients and your favorite cheese. You can also use it to make a crust less pie. Please note that you can and should adjust the seasoning and cheese to taste.

PREP TIME 30 MINUTES

TIME 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 6

• 1/2 lb Giraumon (pumpkin) • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 garlic clove • 1/4 cup cream • 1/3 cup of grated Tête de Maure cheese • 1 prepared pie crust

INSTRUCTIONS Step 1 Cook the giraumon in some water until tender enough to be mashed Step 2 Mash the giraumon into a puree Step 3 Season with salt, pepper and a mashed garlic clove Step 4 Incorporate the cream and the cheese Step 5 Mix well, adjusting the seasoning if needed Step 6 Pour the mixture over a pie crust Step 7 Bake until the crust is golden

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@islandTVMiami

(305) 919-7993 www.islandtv.tv

24hr CHANNEL

CH 578 Without Cable Over the Air CH 16.8 With Cable Comcast

HaitiOpen.com | Winter 2019 85 «

RECIPES

DOUCE KOKOYE (Coconut Fudge)

From Annick Mégie (tchakayiti.com)

T

he shredded coconut is a personal touch for texture purposes. Feel free to omit it for an unctuous fudge. If you’d rather a toned down coconut flavor, this recipe is yours.

PREP TIME 5 MINUTES

COOKING TIME 50 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 3-4

• 2 cups coconut milk • 1 cup evaporated milk • 1 cup sugar • 1 lime peel • 1 cinnamon stick • star anise • 1 dash salt • 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Step 1 In a thick bottom pot, mix the coconut milk and milk Step 2 Add the sugar, lime peel, cinnamon stick, star anise, salt and shredded coconut (optional) Step 3 Cook on the stove while mixing constantly until the mixture thickens and caramelized Step 4 Once the desired consistency is achieved, spread on a sheet on parchment and let cool Step 5 Cut into squares and enjoy

Note: The longer this coconut fudge cooks, the more unctuous and caramelized it becomes, even if you include the shredded coconut.

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RECIPES

PAIN PATATE (Sweet Potato Pudding)

From Annick Mégie (tchakayiti.com)

PREP TIME 2 H. 30MINUTES

COOKING TIME 1 H. 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 3-4

• 2.5 Lbs Sweet potatoes • 1 Tsp Cinnamon • 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg • 1 Tsp Ginger (Optional) • 1/4 Tsp Salt • 1/4 Tsp Pepper • 2 Tsp Vanilla • 1/2 Cup Sugar • 12 Oz Evaporated milk • 14 Oz Coconut milk • 28 Oz Water • 1/2 Stick Butter • 1 Banana

INSTRUCTIONS Step 1 Wash and peel the sweet potatoes Step 2 Grate the sweet potatoes Step 3 Mash the banana and mix with the sweet potatoes Step 4 In a thick pot, mix all the ingredients Step 5 Cook while stirring constantly about 45 minutes Step 6 When the mixture starts detaching from the sides of the pot, turn off the heat Step 7 Transfer to a baking dish Step 8 Bake for about 1h 30 mins or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean Step 9 Let cool and enjoy

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Note: We use Haitian sweet potatoes for this recipe. While, I have never tried it with the orange variety, I have heard of people using it as a substitute. If you try it with those, please do let me know how it comes out. This dessert can quickly spoil, I thus recommend that you keep it in the fridge if it takes you longer than a day or two to eat it all.

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RECIPES

POISSON GROS SEL

From Annick Mégie (tchakayiti.com) + Photos by Nathalie JB

P

oisson Gros Sel, a red snapper cooked in a court-bouillon with coarse salt, is a typical Haitian dish that is quite popular in many households on Good Friday (Friday before Easter), though it is eaten throughout the year. The fish is cooked whole and served with plantains, salad and rice.

PREP TIME 20 MINUTES

INSTRUCTIONS

COOKING TIME 40 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS • Red Snapper • Limes • Coarse Salt • Black Pepper

SERVES 2

Step 1 Clean the fish by rubbing it with limes inside and out Step 2 Cut slashes (about 3) in the fish to allow the seasoning to penetrate Step 3 Season with coarse salt, black pepper and parsley smashed in a pestle, making sure not to forget the inside. Place the sliced onion inside the fish

• Parsley

Step 4 Pour some oil and let the fish marinate for about an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish

• Sliced Onion

Step 5 Place the fish in a shallow pot.

• Shallots

Step 6 Add enough water salted with some coarse salt to cover the fish Add the habanero pepper to the liquid without cutting it. This will transfer the pepper flavor to the fish without making it too spicy.

• Habanero Pepper

• Oil

Step 7 Bring to a boil and simmer until the fish is cook entirely.

Step 8 Add some shallots to the resulting sauce and serve.

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NON-PROFIT

MAN DODO FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT

Man Dodo Foundation is a faithbased, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economic, social, educational, and health care status of impoverished and underserved men, women and children of Southern Haiti.

Our focused efforts include: • Economic – Direct provision of essential items including food, clothing, medications, annual toy distribution and financial assistance • Social – Fellowship and service to foster hope among Haitian individuals via collaborative partnerships with Haitian and US-based churches and organizations.

• Educational – Support schools by providing resources to enhance and implement high quality education at all level; promoting student health and success through ongoing immunization, nutritional support, and deworming • Health Care – Periodic medical missions with a combined direct care, screening, and health education focus, primarily concentrated in remote, underserved locations with lack or no access to basic medical care

ABOUT US

• Micah 6:8 says “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to

do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” • We think for anyone wishing to donate or get involved, it’s important to understand the origins of The Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation. So we encourage you to read the letter below. And of course, investing time in the What We Do section will help provide wonderful insight into our actions on the ground in Haiti!

• Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation INC, a 501 (c) (3) registered Non-profit organization with volunteers from all over the United States and Haiti. The inspiration for Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation came from the work that Evanne “Man Dodo” Lozama dedicated her life to helping make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in Haiti.

OUR VALUES

• Accountability & Integrity – We are accountable for our actions, decisions, and policies • Collaboration – We develop relationships to achieve positive outcomes • Compassion – We are driven to reduce physical and emotional suffering, discomfort, and distress • Leadership – We inspire, enco-urage, and provide

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support to empower, influence, and implement change in those we serve • Respect – We provide support and guidance grounded by respect and dignity

OUR TEAM

List of Advisors Evens Brice Dr. Paula Shaw Pierre Saliba Fesner Petion, Esq Prinston Jean-Claude Andre Pierre, Esq Dr. Nancy Calixte Stephanie Williams Odiane Medacier Nadine Barreau Suzanne Danis Lynn Hood Marilyn Rousseau

Executive Board Precile Lozama President Berthude Gregoire Vice-President Asseline Francois Secretary Marjorie Lozama Treasurer Sabine Carre Assistant Treasure Jeff Lozama Executive Director

3333 NW 168th Street, Miami, FL 33056 305-628-3421 www.mandodo.org

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NON-PROFIT

MAN DODO 2018 MEDICAL & TOY DISTRIBUTION TRIP TO HAITI

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NON-PROFIT

YVONIA DELVA AMISIAL FOUNDATION, INC Dear Sir/Madam

WE ARE ALSO COLLECTING DONATIONS OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SUPPLIES, CLOTHES OR TOYS.

The YDA Foundation is a 501 C-3 nonprofit organization involved in humanitarian mission works. The foundation consists of a team of dedicated physicians and professionals who provide medical aid to underserved communities.

In the spirit of helping, the YDA Foundation is raising money to help run an imaging center at the newly built “Hopital la Providence des Gonaives” in Haiti.

The Hospital received a CT scanner 2 years ago from the Phillips Foundation through RAD AID International. The machine is currently still packed in boxes due to the lack of funds and resources available to build the special vault for its installation.

Based on previous estimates, $ 60,000.00 are needed for the construction of that special room.

Having that CT scanner installed will have a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Haitians living in Gonaives, as well as the communities in surrounding towns and villages.

The YDA Foundation will greatly sport your monetary contribution by sponsoring this project in one of the following levels: 1) $ 2000- Gold Medal Banner with your company name and logo placed on a plaque, and a banner at the main lobby at the Hospital and on T-shirts for special events.

2) $ 1000- Silver Medal Banner sign with your company name and logo placed on a banner at the main lobby at the Hospital and on T-shirts for special events.

3) $ 500- Bronze Medal, Your logo will be placed on T-shirts for special events.

We are also collecting donations of medical and surgical supplies, clothes or toys.

The YDA foundation thanks you in advance for your consideration and kind donations.

Edy Amisial, MD, MPH, OB-GYN YDA Foundation President

CONTACT INFORMATION: Yvonia Delva Amisial Foundation, INC 17101 NE 19th Ave, Suite 202, North Miami Beach, Fl, 33162 (786) 657-2269 www.ydafoundation.com

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MICHELLE TIDOR'S KIDS FOUNDATION 3RD ANNUAL CHARITY GALA

Michelle Tidor's kids Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps children in Divillon/ Haiti through education. www.michelletidorkidsfoundation.org

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A Family Affair, Driven by Faith

By Shelly-Ann Parkinson

P

rinston and Edwige JeanGlaude, the owners of Primary Medical Care Centers, opened their first community clinic in Miami in 2013.The couple was inspired to do so after taking their elderly parents for their medical visits and were dissatisfied with the care they received. The mandate to deliver excellent care to every patient while never placing profit over patient health is the model at the core of Primary Medical Care Centers.

On June 9, 2018, their second location in Lauderdale Lakes celebrated its one-year anniversary.

In fact, 2018 was a banner year for Primary Medical Care Centers – both their Miami-Dade and Broward clinics were up and running at full capacity, enjoying active community engagement, and gaining recognition as award recipients.

These two community clinics, located in Miami and Lauderdale Lakes, specialize in family medicine and accept patients aged 14 years and older, yet maintain a very strong geriatric patient base. The clinics are housed in state-of-the-art facilities with on-site lab-testing, x-rays, and diagnostic services. They are both served by medical doctors and a highly competent and friendly staff who handle non-life-threatening emergencies, prescription refills, specialist referrals, nutritional counseling, disease management, and education. They accept walkins, appointments, and even housecalls upon request.

This has been a labor of love for the Jean-Glaudes, who turned this venture into a true family affair by bringing Edwige’s sister, Dr. Alie Darbouze, on board as the Executive Director of Primary Medical Care

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Centers. Both Prinston and Edwige sacrificed their comfortable careers to step out on faith into entrepreneurship. While the sisters – Edwige, a nurse, and Alie, a pharmacist – were already seasoned healthcare professionals, Prinston came from the corporate world as an information technology executive.

However, this combination of knowledge, skill, prudent business savvy, along with hard work and unshakeable faith, makes this family mission to serve a winning formula.

Prinston Jean-Glaude credits his parents and his mother-in-law for inspiring his entrepreneurial spirit.

He also drew inspiration from former President of the United States, Barack Obama, whose “Yes, we can,” tagline is now Prinston’s mantra.

“When Barack said, ‘Yes, We Can’ and did it, I knew that I could do anything,” says Prinston.

From left, Dr. Alie Darbouze, Prinston and Edwige Jean-Glaude

Primary Medical Care Centers:

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CORPORATE STORIES He now hopes to inspire others who also dream to open their own businesses. Through his strong foundation in faith and guided

by Christian principles, he sees Primary Care Centers as a mission to serve his community.

With the addition of the Lauderdale Lakes clinic, Primary Medical Care Centers have been actively serving not only their patients, but the community at large. They have increased their engagement in educational initiatives through their “Wellness Wednesday” series, which touches on a variety of wellness topics ranging from mental health and safety to healthy eating and exercise. The series has branched out to include a walking club and a community forum hosted by popular media personalities.

Refreshments are served at all Wellness Wednesday events, which are always free to the public.

Through their free community events throughout the year – such as their Mother’s Day Celebration, Father’s Day Celebration, Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, and the Seniors Holiday Giveaway – Primary Medical Care Centers maintains a spirit of giving joyfully.

They also sponsor and participate in several community events, such as the Health and Wellness Festival in Griffing Park and the City of Lauderdale Lakes Community Resource Fair. In addition to giveaways, raffle prizes, food, and entertainment, free massages have become a standard at Primary Medical Care Center events.

In 2018, Primary Medical Care Centers was recognized for its service and leadership. On the 4th of November, the Global Women’s Initiative Network made them a 2018 Star Honoree for Empowering Women & Families in Healthcare Services at the Balancing Life– Pearls of Wisdom– Global Women’s Initiative Network Luncheon. On the 1st of December at the Annual Red Dress Soiree, Primary Medical Care

Centers was presented with the Outstanding Healthcare Organization Award by the Community Health & Empowerment Network.

Feeling blessed and grateful for the growth and success of 2018, the Primary Medical Care Centers family – which includes its entire staff, vendors, and well-wishers – is looking forward to the rest of 2019 with great optimism. Their mission is to continue to provide the highest

quality, affordable, patient-centered care – the same kind they have always delivered. They will continue with their educational initiatives, as a main part of their mission is to educate their patients about healthy living in order to promote compliance and achieve successful outcomes. There are plans for even more community outreach and involvement to support their mission to serve.

“Primary Medical Care Centers is about patient care,” states CEO Prinston JeanGlaude. “It is about making sure that every patient who walks through our doors receives the highest quality of care and feels valued as a person.”

BROWARD

DADE

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