Living Well - January 13

LIVING

WELL

Take 10 Getting better together

Germ City What’s the harm in hand washing?

Take Stock Low-cost healthy essentials to stock in your kitchen

Turn Back Time Exercise will help you look and feel younger

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2 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

Michigan Moves Toward A Better State of Health It’s no secret that we have a public health crisis facing us in Michigan. Obesity in our state is at epidemic levels. Two thirds of our adult population is struggling with their weight, and what’s even worse is that more than 400,000 youth are obese in Michigan.

We all want to make healthier choices, and many in Michigan want to lose weight. But often, it’s hard to find the time to exercise and eat right.

We are encouraging you to find that time, and we’re going to help you lose that weight.

On MI Healthier Tomorrow campaign: Going from “bad” to “better” is a much easier thanks to the MI Healhier Michigan campaign, which focuses on encouraging participants to take small incremental steps to feel good, rather than attempt big transformations that often end badly when bodacious weight loss or lifestyle goals are not met.

We like the multimedia campaign’s bite size info nuggets and digestible lifestyle recommendations that are so easy to incorporate that participants will barely discern a change in their daily routine.

These kinds of small simple steps will lead to a better tomorrow. Let’s start now.

I ask you to make today the day you put your health first in your life.

Take the MI Healthier Tomorrow pledge and we’ll help inspire, motivate, and get the conversation started in Michigan so that we can move our state in the right direction. It is our job at the state health department to facilitate and support you on this journey. And more importantly, it’s critical that we create a healthier Michigan.

Take the pledge at www.michigan.gov/mihealthiertomorrow, and we’ll guide you through your journey with tips, motivation, and reminders to help you achieve your goals. We can start you down the right path by helping you attain just 10 percent. By creating a healthier Michigan, we’re working towards a stronger Michigan. In order to make Michigan a stronger place for businesses to grow, we must begin to offer a more sustainable and healthy environment. We can create a stronger, healthier future for ourselves and our families’ one step at a time.

Jackie Berg

James K. Haveman

Publisher

Director

LivingWELL Magazine

Michigan Department of Community Health

WELL

LIVING

Governor Snyder has called upon the Michigan Department of Community Health to address this epidemic, and as Director, it is with great pride that I announce a new initiative in that fight. Through MI Healthier Tomorrow, we’re asking that you to pledge to lose just 10 percent of your body weight. By losing just 10 percent, you will see significant improvements in your physical and mental health, and you will begin to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Jackie Berg Publisher 313.963.6694 Direct Line 313.962.4467 FAX jackie.berg@michronicle.com

Editor Andrew Losen Design Director Gail Green

Contributors Nick Chiles Grace Derocha Denene Milner

Ellis Moore Sterling Wise C.L. Price

LivingWELL • January 2013 3

y t i C m Ger What’s the harm in hand washing?

By Jackie Berg

BEATING THE BUG

Germs travel. One of the quickest ways to stop their spread is frequent hand washing, according Dr. Frank McGeorge, Henry Ford Hospital ER physician.

Despite the fierce spread of the flu throughout the Midwest and higher than normal reports of severe cases resulting in deaths, 75 percent of us don’t change our hand washing habits seasonally.

Hands represent the single greatest transmission agent for all types of infections, according to researchers.

We’re doing a good job in the hygiene department if you rely on non-scientific surveys that report that, on average, 95 percent of Americans claim they wash their hands after using public restrooms.

The empirical evidence is less promising: The American Society of Microbiology reports that as many as one third of Americans skip hand washing altogether.

Gross, right?

And among those washing, nearly 57 percent are not washing their hands long enough, according to the 2012 healthy hand washing survey conducted by the Bradley Corporation, the industry’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom accessories.

One of the quickest ways to stop their spread is frequent hand washing, according to Dr. Frank McGeorge, Henry Ford Hospital ER physician.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing for a least 20 seconds — about the time that it takes to sing happy birthday twice — to allow sufficient time to remove germs.

4 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

“Hand washing is the best way to help your body fight off cold and flu germs,” notes Dr. McGeorge.

While 60 percent of Americans realize that hand washing is important step to stay healthy, awareness does not necessarily translate into action, according to a survey of more than 1,000 Americans sponsored by SCA, a maker of out-of-home hygiene products.

GERM AGENTS

Survey respondents admit to skimping on personal hand hygiene after coming into contact with a number of germ-laden environments and objects — including ourselves.

Nearly four in 10 adults — 40 percent — admit to not washing their hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.

If germs represent such yucky things, why do we knowingly carry them around with us?

JUST CAUSE The reasons non-hand washers “skip” the sink vary.

The top three reasons reported by Bradley’s Healthy Hand Washing Survey are: 1) Used hand sanitizer instead 2) No soap in restroom 3) No paper towels in restroom

When hygiene takes a hit, illnesses spread rapidly. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports nearly 22 million missed school days and 20 million sick days from work associated with the common cold alone.

Perhaps it’s time for a different approach.

THE GROSS FACTOR Poo on you, wash your hands.

You just peed, wash your hands.

University of Denver researchers moved the needle on student hand washing habits in 2007 in an effort aimed at calling out bad behaviors with innovative stall wall messaging linking key words: gross, germs and youwill-get-sick.

The potty posts worked, increasing hand washing by 26 percent among female students. The campaign was less successful with males, moving the needle by only 8 percent.

Scientists agree that In order to protect against the spread of harmful germs, we must close the gap between beliefs and practices.

Why wait to wash?

STOP

SPREAD E H T

Fighting the Flu Henry Ford Health System recommends the following tips to protect yourself and your family, especially during cold and flu season: • W et hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if available.

• R ub hands together, lather and scrub all surfaces for 15-30 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend.

• Rinse hands well under running water.

• D ry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

• Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

• I f soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs are just as effective as soap and water, in most cases, and reduce the number of germs on skin. They are also fast-acting.

Finally, if you observe a doctor or nurse not practicing proper hand hygiene, speak up and ask them politely to wash their hands. Remember, good health is in all of our hands.

Henry Ford Health System offers free flu shots and implements measures to control its spread.

Henry Ford Health System has implemented two measures to minimize the spread of infection during this year’s flu outbreak: • P eople with flu-like symptoms are advised not to visit loved ones in a Henry Ford hospital.

• P atients with flu-like symptoms who are seeking medical care are advised to obtain a mask at the information desk or mask station upon entering a Henry Ford hospital or outpatient medical facility.

Signage promoting the measures is being posted at the entrances of Henry Ford’s hospitals in Detroit, Clinton Township, Ferndale, Mount Clemens, West Bloomfield and Wyandotte, as well as entrances of its outpatient medical facilities across metro Detroit.

“These measures were implemented to help control the spread of infection from the flu,” says William Conway, M.D., Henry Ford’s executive vice president and chief quality officer.

“The best thing for people to do if they have flu-like symptoms is to stay home, drink plenty of liquids and rest. Most people with the flu have mild illness and don’t need medical care or antiviral drugs.”

Common flu symptoms include: • Fever • Sore throat • Chills William Conway, M.D Henry Ford Hospital • Headache Executive VP & Chief Quality Officer • Muscle aches

• Cough

The best protection against the flu is vaccination, says Dr. Conway, adding, “It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu season can last into March or April.” Vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older.

Henry Ford is offering walk-in flu clinics – no appointment necessary – at select Henry Ford locations. Visit www.henryford.com for details.

LivingWELL • January 2013 5

BLOG LOG

by Denene Milner

Crushing On Girl Crush: An Unconventional Conversation on Beauty

It’s the New Year—raise your hand if, at the stroke of midnight, you joined Weight Watchers, hired a personal trainer, poured all through those long-bookmarked fitness blogs and swore to sweet baby Jesus, your man, your best girlfriend and your bathroom mirror that this time, you’re going to go hard losing weight/working out/taking better care of your health/dressing a little better/insert any other personal-care resolution here.

Uh huh. Honestly, I don’t bother with resolutions. Not anymore. I’d go nuts in, like, the first six weeks, then hit a wall and totally crash— swearing off the gym, eating right, and whatever other random promise I made that I knew full well I couldn’t keep. One year—I can’t remember which—I decided that it was more important to take care of myself everyday, year ‘round, in small but impactful ways: get more rest, get into the habit of drinking more water, eating smaller portions and moving more.

This philosophy is the impetus behind my new obsession, Girl Crush, a delicious original YouTube series that takes a refreshing look at beauty from some of the most stunning, interesting and opinionated women in popular culture. The series, conceived by beauty maven and mom-offour Jodie Patterson, co-founder of the uber gorg Georgia Beauty Salon, features stirring, inspiring interviews with contagious and fresh-thinking women from New York’s downtown scene talking about the deliberate act of being beautiful, loving one’s self wholly and embracing the journey to self-discovery.

Basically, Girl Crush is an unconventional beauty series about how to be comfortable in and love the skin you’re in, by women who are doing just that—in sensible but fly ways. I’m so very proud to partner with Jodi to host Girl Crush here on MyBrownBaby. My hope is that the incredible circle of moms here at MBB will be as engaged and inspired by the series as I was when I first watched it—and that we all will be moved to become our own “girl crush,” no matter what time of the year it is. Press play and enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Denene Milner is a LivingWELL Magazine editorial contributor and founder of My Brown Baby, an irreverent, funny website filled with posts that make you think and occasionally say “Amen” because it reminds you of what’s going on behind your closed door with your family. Check out Jodie, her company and her blog at www.GeorgiaNY.com.

6 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

One day your weight will catch up with you.

MAKE TODAY THE DAY YOU PUT YOURSELF FIRST AND LOSE 10%.

DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES

TREATED FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

HAS A HEART ATTACK

FINDS CANCER

APRIL

JANUARY

SEPTEMBER

M AY

2014

2015

2015

13

22

07

28 2017

Losing just 10% of your body weight decreases your risk of chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. Make today the day you put yourself and your future first, for once. Take the pledge to lose 10% today and get the support you need to change your life at www.michigan.gov/mihealthiertomorrow.

LivingWELL • January 2013 7

The Power of

10

“As Black women, we take care of everybody and nobody takes care of us and we don’t take care of ourselves.”

It’s important to take smaller, simple steps toward maintaining better health

TODAY

is the day I change my future, one bite at a time. www.michigan.gov/mihealthiertomorrow

8 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

Small Steps for Big Change

By C. L. Price If you’re not overweight now, you likely will be soon.

That’s the news from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which reports that four out of five African American women are overweight today.

Given such alarming evidence, one has to ask if obesity has become the new norm for Black women.

And, if so, shouldn’t we really begin asking “why?”

Our curve-driven culture, dominated by a “thick is sick” mentality, masks trouble ahead, according to minority health experts who worry that too many Black women are actually choosing to be overweight.

Clinging to our ‘big is beautiful’ mantra despite evidence that obesity is a leading contributor to the escalating number of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, stroke and dementia cases reported among African American women is not good for our health.

“Losing just 10 percent of your body weight can make significant improvements to both physical and mental health.”

– James K. Haveman, Director, Michigan Department of Community Health

Neither is supporting wrong-minded thinking that big women want to stay that way, according to minority health experts Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D. and Gayle K. Porter, PsyD, founders of the Gaston & Porter Health Improvement Center.

The fact is that there are a number of major factors from depression, yo-yo dieting, cravings, poor self esteem, sexual abuse, and emotional eating to access to healthy foods at the root of weight issues among African Americans.

“These and other contributing factors must be addressed quickly,” says Dr. Gatson. “As Black women, we take care of everybody and nobody takes care of us and we don’t take care of ourselves.”

It’s important to take smaller, simple steps toward maintaining better health in order to sustain lasting value, according to Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director James K. Haveman.

Haveman unveiled a program, coined “MI Healthier Tomorrow,” aimed at helping Michiganders do just that at a press conference this week.

The campaign focuses on the power of 10.

“We want everyone to understand that losing just 10 percent of your body weight can make significant improvements to both physical and mental health,” says Haveman, who explains that a 10 percent weight loss for those who are overweight can: o Improve blood pressure o Lower cholesterol levels o Improve heart health o Decrease risk of type 2 diabetes o Strengthen the immune system o Decrease back and joint pain o Improve breathing and sleep o Increase energy and stamina o Improve mood and self-confidence “The multimedia campaign’s bite size info nuggets and digestible lifestyle recommendations are so easy to incorporate that participants will barely discern a change in their daily routine,” states LivingWELL Magazine Publisher Jackie Berg, who encourages readers to take the online pledge.

Participants will receive a free getting started kit, along with email and text messages to guide them on their weight loss journey. Messages sent out twice a month with motivations, reminders, tips and recipes will support weight loss efforts.

These kinds of small simple steps will lead to a better tomorrow. Let’s start now.

“4 out of 5 African American women are overweight today.”

Editor’s Note: Upcoming issues of LivingWELL Magazine will explore weight loss challenges among African American men. Stay tuned.

LivingWELL • January 2013 9

My Ta st

How to make (nearly) guilt free goodies

Lie te hi

y

t l t e i L W

Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator and health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has a sweet tooth, too.

Here are some of the recipe substitutions she uses at home to limit calories without cutting the taste we all crave. Grace suggests: • T ry using whole-wheat flour instead of white flour.

• I nstead of shortening, butter, or margarine, use liquid oil. Please note: use 1/4 less liquid oil for the solid fat in recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, use 3/4 cup liquid oil.

• S ubstitute applesauce or prune puree for half of the butter, shortening or oil in your cookie recipe.

You may have to reduce your baking time by 25%.

• U se skim or no fat milk instead of whole milk, half and half or evaporated milk.

1 cup white flour

By Grace Derocha I love cookies, but then, who doesn’t? The other day I brought these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies made with white beans into the office. I didn’t tell my colleagues at first and when I did, they were surprised to find out that there were white beans in them. I am not claiming that they are “good” for you or they taste exactly like a bakery cookie, but the recipe adds some good nutrition to a cookie.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies with White Beans Ingredients: 3/4 cup pureed white beans (drained and rinsed) – the key is to puree them to almost a liquid, no lumps 1/4 cup butter substitute (I prefer Brummel and Brown because it is a yogurt base that bakes well) 1/2 cup brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute) 1/2 cup sugar (or sugar substitute specifically for baking) 1/2-3/4 cup of peanut butter 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup whole wheat flour 10 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

1 Tbsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 2 1/2 cup ground oat flour (put regular oats in blender or food processor until they are the consistency of flour 1 cup of chocolate chips 1 cup of peanut butter chips (optional) Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix white beans, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla thoroughly. Mix dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently but thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

• U se egg whites (usually 2 egg whites for every egg) or 1/4 cup egg substitute.

• R educe sugar by 1/4 to 1/3. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup, use 2/3 cup.

• U se sucalose (baking Splenda or brown sugar Splenda) instead of regular granulated or regular brown sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in addition to each cup of Splenda used. Baking time is usually shorter and the product will have a smaller yield, too.

• A dd some cinnamon, vanilla or almond extract to your cookies to give the impression of sweetness, while cutting back on the sugar.

Drop by the tablespoon onto your cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. This will make about 3-dozen cookies.

You can also omit the peanut butter and peanut butter chips to have chocolate chip cookies with white beans. And remember, even though this cookie recipe is healthier, it is still a cookie.

Editor’s Note: Grace Derocha is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For other healthier cookie recipes check out Grace’s blog on: AHealthierMichigan.org

Grace Derocha Continue the conversation at: www.aHealthierMichigan.org

Low co$ t healthy essentials to stock in your kitchen After a busy few weeks of multi-course family cooking during the holidays, it’s time to replenish your cupboards with some healthy kitchen staples that won’t break the bank. To help, we’ve compiled a list of healthy and versatile essentials to help build your meals.

Dried whole-wheat pasta Packed with more nutrients than its white-flour counterpart, wholewheat pasta is a solid pantry item with a strong shelf life and tons of potential. Toss it with some olive oil and garlic, or add in steamed vegetables, and you have a main course or hearty side dish.

Canned chicken or vegetable stock Soups and stews increase in popularity during the winter, so it’s always nice to have canned stock and broth in the pantry. Just like other canned goods, it’s important to make sure you’re opting for lower-sodium varieties.

Adding some grains — pasta and barley are great options — vegetables, and meat can easily turn your stock into a satisfying, savory soup.

Canned vegetables Whether you need corn for chowder, or canned tomatoes for a marinara sauce, canned vegetables are a great item to stock up on post-holiday. The sodium content in canned goods tends to be high, so look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” labels, and always double check the nutrition label. Canned beans, like chickpeas, make a great after-school snack when toasted and tossed with sea salt and paprika.

Frozen fruit & vegetables Don’t let the “frozen” part fool you — flash-frozen fruits and vegetables pack in tons of vitamins and nutrients because they’re frozen at the peak of their ripeness. Frozen fruits and vegetables provide a great alternative in colder climates when some fresh produce is simply unavailable.

Cereal Cereal isn’t just for breakfast. Cold cereals make great snacks, and many are now available in multi-grain varieties. In addition, hot cereal like oatmeal has become a popular base for healthy desserts including apple, pecan and brown butter steal cut oats.

For more healthy tips for the New Year, visit AHealthierMichigan.org. Healthy Blue Xtras members are eligible for savings at grocers and other retailers throughout the state. For the full list, visit: bcbsm.com/ xtras.

LivingWELL • January 2013 11

Power Naps

By Jackie Berg and Ellis Moore

Weighty Evidence

• Enhance how the body uses carbs

It turns out that sleeping on the job may actually enhance your performance. Tell that to your boss.

When energy naturally drops in the afternoon, coffee and sugar tend to be the usual stimulants of choice. But afternoon sleepiness is a biological rhythm related to a slight decrease in body temperature — nature is telling us that it wants us to take a nap. By attempting to ward off drowsiness with caffeine and sugary snacks, biorhythm is disrupted, extra calories are consumed and a rollercoaster ride of energy spikes and crashes begins. This vicious cycle contributes to unwanted extra pounds.

• Minimize stress hormones

Georgetown University researchers are coming closer to understanding the science behind why the right side of the brain (the hemisphere most associated with creativity) recharges itself during a nap.

Sleep study author Andrei Medvedev speculates that the right brain performs important “housecleaning” tasks during a nap, consolidating memories and experiences giving new credence to our urge to “sleep on” important matters before making decisions.

The act seems to facilitate the transfer of information from our short-term memory bank into the more permanent memory bank.

At The Heart of it All Greek researchers found that men who took a 30 minute nap at least three times a week lowered their risk of dying from a heart attack by 37 percent. Factors such as smoking, diet and activity level were included in the study reported by blackdoctor.org.

• Alleviate migraines • Reduce brain chatter before nighttime sleep

Reduced Risks, Better Performance A mid-afternoon nap can help with depression, dullness and lack of clarity — all of which can hinder physical and mental performance. As seen in the Harvard Health Letter, a New Zealand study found that “air traffic controllers working the night shift scored better on tests of alertness and performance if they took advantage of a planned nap period of 40 minutes.”

A nap can also: • Slow down or reverse the process aging • Increase the sex drive • Accelerate the ability to perform motor tasks

Vitamin ZZZ Scientific evidence is suggesting that naps - - even short catnaps - - have the power to significantly enhance cognitive function and improve body function. Sleep on that.

Editor’s Note: Ellis Moore is a regular contributor and writer for blackdoctor. org, a partner of LivingWELL Magazine.

Napping Tips Research has found that napping regularly may reduce stress and even decrease your risk of heart disease. To get the most out of a power snooze, follow these quick tips: 1. Be consistent. Keep a regular nap schedule. Prime napping time falls in the middle of the day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

2. Make it quick. Set your cell phone alarm for 30 minutes or less if you don’t want to wake up groggy.

3. Go dark. Nap in a dark room or wear an eye mask. Blocking out light helps you fall asleep faster.

4. Stay warm. Put on a sweater or cover yourself with a warm coat to maintain body temperature, which drops during sleep.

12 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

Turn Back

Time

Exercise will help you look and feel younger “ Before I began my fitness journey, I was on a path to destruction.”

By Sterling Wise We’ve all heard of the fountain of youth. If you could visit it, would you go? I took a trip to the fountain 10 years ago and my life has never been the same.

– Sterling Wise

I was 24 when I started this journey back in 2003. I feel better than ever and have more energy, strength and ambition than I did as a young man.

Before I began my fitness journey, I was on a path to destruction.

I wasn’t morbidly obese, taking any medication for diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, nor did I have major health concerns — but I was on the road to destruction.

I knew what it felt like be the “big guy,” with limited or no clothing options at regular department stores.

And, I knew what it felt like to want to be thin and in desperation to turn to fat burners and fad diets.

Most people don’t change until they are forced to change, and I was no different. But in 2003 I made the “wise” decision before I was forced to make it. I decided that I didn’t want any physician to tell me that I had to stop eating this, or start taking certain medications, or that I had to come in to for test x, y, and z. I decided that I wanted to be in shape and look better!

As someone who’s been there myself, I can tell you that you can’t excuse yourself from exercise, which is vital part of cultivating a strong, healthy and attractive body.

Exercising just two to four times each week makes dramatic improvements in daily life, renewed energy and strength.

Some feel that playing golf, tennis or Wii alone will make them “fit.”

I wanted to control my own life and I wanted to be fit! I tried a lot of things to help with the weight loss, but I didn’t see success until I stopped trying things and became committed and “Just Did It!”

But, as a personal fitness trainer, I’ve learned that you can’t become fit simply by being active. It’s when you achieve fitness that you actually can become more active.

It’s now 10 years later and I’m still setting and reaching fitness goals, but my goals today aren’t just about better looks. I want a longer life and more happiness, too! Healthy eating and exercise makes you feel better and will help you live longer, and those are some of my new goals.

Many golfers cannot touch their toes in a simple flexibility test. And some tennis players cannot jump rope for more than 60 seconds. And despite claims, I’ve encountered active Wii players who cannot even manage a one-mile jog.

ARE YOU “ACTIVE”, OR ARE YOU FIT?

The majority of these so-called ‘active’ people encounter injury after injury.

People have a lot of reasons why they don’t exercise.

To be lean and to maintain a level of fitness there is no Often times their reason is self-inflicted: “I don’t have the time.” substitute for a consistent, challenging exercise program.

It’s the only way, folks.

Sometimes it’s procrastination: “I’m going to start as soon as tax season ends.”

To truly be fit is when your body is able to do whatever And occasionally the reason is downright funny: “I don’t like to sweat.”

you ask of it. This comes from a combination of flexibility, strength and endurance.

So, do you exercise?

Or are you fooling yourself with the idea of ‘being active’?

How do you feel about your current level of fitness? Are you able to do each and everything you want? Or do you end up opting out of activities that you know would be too challenging?

If you’ve used the excuse of ‘being active’ in the past, take a minute to reconsider your position.

Don’t bank on your ‘active’ lifestyle with the hope of true results.

As they say...there’s no trial run in the game of life.

Editor’s note: Sterling Wise is a certified fitness consultant and owner of The Wise Group. For additional information, contact Sterling at 877.402.3348 or visit: www.thewisedecision.com LivingWELL • January 2013 13

blog log

Envying Malia and Sasha’s Dad— What I Would Give for a Secret Service Detail For My Girls

By Nick Chiles I admit that I got a little thrill when I read about the lengths the Obama’s went to make sure there were no pictures sent out into the world showing their daughters in bathing suits.

As the father of two daughters roughly the same age as Malia and Sasha, I can attest to that numbing feeling of shock I got when I woke up one day and realized that my 13-yearold daughter, who in most ways still very much has the mindset of a young adolescent, is now viewed by the rest of the world—and the males in that world—as a woman.

Every day, as I see her walking out my front door with the earrings and the cute little outfits and the bounce in her dreads, this realization slams me all over again, making me want to go invest in a store full of overalls to shelter her from prying male eyes.

The Obama’s were vacationing in Hawaii and happened to be on the beach at the same time as Jessica Simpson, who is a paparazzi obsession. According to Celebuzz.com, as one of the creepy photogs aimed his camera lens in Jessica’s direction, he realized that he was viewing the Obama girls, in bikinis, without their parents. So he snapped away—until he found himself confronted with Secret Service agents.

But they didn’t snatch his camera away and smash it up like Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather.”

No, the next steps were really classy, just like the Obama’s. The agents simply

checked the photographer’s identification and went on their way. But when the photographer sent out pictures of the Obama girls through his agency’s wire, he got a letter on White House letterhead requesting that the images not be released—and pointing out that other media had been respecting these requests.

Oh, what I could do with an entire government agency of armed federal officers tasked with the job of keeping prying eyes—and curious dudes—away from my girls! And a press office intent on making sure no one will ever run pictures of them or write anything remotely negative about them.

Word.

Obama acknowledged as much on one of the late night talk shows last year. When asked whether he was worried about his girls becoming young ladies, the president said he has a whole force of guys with guns to make sure boys stay away from them. I think he was only half joking. But I felt him.

The fact is that parents need every bit of help we can get to keep our girls from growing up too early. And we certainly don’t get any assistance from pop culture, which seems dedicated to inappropriately sexualizing girls too fast. Everywhere you turn, you’re bombarded with these uncomfortable images, from “Toddlers and Tiaras,” which covers the tiny faces of the toddlers with excessive makeup continued on page 15

14 LivingWELL • Jauary 2013

Image courtesy of the White House

continued from page 14 and their bodies in ridiculously racy clothes— this is the show that gave the world Honey Boo Boo—to the scary momager moves of Kris Jenner, the genius behind the creation of America’s sex kitten, Kim Kardashian. Mrs. Jenner now has directed her attention to turning her two youngest daughters, Kendall, 17, and Kylie, 15, into the next generation of Kardashian sex goddesses—and in the process sending out the clear message to every young girl in America that sexualizing herself is the quickest path to riches.

As the perfect counterpoint, we offer this lovely anecdote told

by Muhammad Ali’s beautiful daughter Hana, who co-authored the 2004 book, “More Than a Hero: Muhammad Ali’s Life Lessons Presented Through His Daughter’s Eyes”:

to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them.” He looked at me with serious eyes. “Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered, too.”

This is a sentiment all of us— parents and daughters—should all hold close to our hearts at all times: Our girls are more precious than diamonds and pearls.

Editor’s Note: Author Nick Chiles is a regular contributor to mybrownbaby.com and a Pu“When we finally arrived, the litzer Prize-winning journalist, Author Nick Chiles chauffeur escorted my younger is the author of eight books, insister, Laila, and me up to my father’s suite. As cluding the New York Times bestselling tome The usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms, scare us. We exchanged many hugs and kisses co-written with gospel legend Kirk Franklin. as we could possibly give in one day. My father Chiles recent efforts to call attention to the plight took a good look at us. Then he sat me down of the poor and its impact on children raised aton his lap and said something that I will never tention and awareness of many, including former forget. He looked me straight in the eyes and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We’re proud of said, “Hana, everything that God made valuyour efforts man! able in the world is covered and hard to get LivingWELL • January 2013 15

You do everything you can to protect them, including choosing the right health coverage.

As parents, you go to great lengths to protect them. And a card from the Blues makes sure the ones who matter most get the best care whenever they need it. No wonder more parents in Michigan choose Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network. A card from the Blues. More people carry it. More doctors and hospitals in Michigan accept it. It’s simply amazing.

bcbsm.com

Leading Michigan to a healthier future.

SM

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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