Seven Magazine November

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y wife Latoya and I are pleased with the expansion of Seven Magazine to Richmond, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia. We are excited about the possibilities and the opportunities that this expansion promises. Branching out has introduced us to new people, new places, and new things – some good and some bad. However; every step that we take is a learning experience that has brought us closer as a couple and stronger as business owners. I feel confident that all entrepreneurs know that expanding and growing a business can be challenging. Opportunities are everywhere.

They really are. Therefore, you have to use sound judgment to assure that you are exposing yourself to the right opportunities. I have learned that not every opportunity is in your best interest.

I strongly believe in the motto “easy come easy go. “ Ultimately, every business owner’s goal is to succeed. Being successful requires diligence and hard work and success will not happen over night. There will be mistakes; but please believe, those mistakes will eventually add up to experience. That experience will give you the wisdom that you need to evaluate your options and weigh them against your means. Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. In closing, I encourage all entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone that has a dream to learn from your mistakes, don’t take your blessings for granted, and protect your vision as you would your most prized possessions.

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hen Atlanta’s southern cuisine meets New Orleans Cajun seasoning, you come up with a powerful combination of flair, and that is what you have when visiting, The World’s Famous Sharky’s Seafood Restaraunt, located off the Hwy 138 in Riverdale, Georgia.

Just shy of two years, Sharky’s began in the heart of fAbdul Malik who was fored to evacuate from his home during Hurrican Katrina in New Orleans. Abdul found himself looking for employment and was unable to maintain and find stable work in his new home state. Malik had always had a passion for cooking and decided to take a leap of faith with a delivery and catering service. the dream stgarted to manifest itself when Malik began to build his menu. He recieved huge reponses from family and friends when he’d hand out his menu’s samples.

“The dream just blossomed and with the support of friends and family I was ready to go to the next level.It took a year but I was able to start scouting out various locations to be the home of my first restaurant. After searching for about six months I was able to find our current location and turn it into the birthplace.

Owning a business is hard work but Abdul makes it look easy. With a drive like no other he has defeated the odds and started

a successul business in today’s economy. In addition to starting a business he has set up residence and make a positive impact in a community that was foreign to him. For many people that were forced to relocate from New Orleans, it’s difficult and many have a hard time trying to rebuild a new life.

There have been many success stories and there have been alot of unfortunate one’s.

Many families have taken up residence in other states and some have returned to New Orleans to start over and have found success.

When people asked Abdul about how he was able to make Sharky’s a success he leans on a higher power. “Without God, I would not have been able to achieve my goals and get to where I am today. Sharky’s is dedicated to all those dreamers and those who take that leap of faith. You can accomplish anything imaginable with God.” He goes on toe say, “Each meal is prepared with love and care.

We want to make the best food, provide the most comfortable atmosphere for all of our customers.”

Refusing to call himself a Chef, Abldul likes to call himself a Cook of Love. “I love to cook, it’s a passion, it was a hobby that turned into a living. I have never been to culinary school therefore I can’t call myself a chef, just a man with awesome cooking skills, a dream and the will to accomplish anything.”

Located at 5611 W. Fayetteville Rd. Suite 112, College Park, GA 30349. Sharky’s provides a true restaurant enviorment, it is a family oriented facility with affordable prices and a creative menu, each dish has a Cajun/Creole mix making the menu very creative and unique.

Always fresh never frozen is the motto that they live up to everyday by providing their customers with fresh fish and vegetables. For more information on Sharky’s visit, www. sharkyseafood.com

(ARA) - If your teen is among the 93 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds using your family’s laptop, smartphone or tablet to surf the Internet, they are vulnerable to multiple cyber threats, many of which could be detrimental.

“As hackers continue plotting attacks, the increase in vulnerability among teens is likely, but parents may not realize they are actually the first line of defense in keeping their families safe online,” says Linda McCarthy, cyber security expert, former senior director of Internet safety at Symantec and author of Own Your Space: Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online.

DeVry University has partnered with McCarthy to provide complimentary copies of the eBook to protect individuals and organizations from cyberattacks.

McCarthy offers the following advice: 1. Protect equipment. Install and update antivirus software, spyware protection and firewalls.

2. Realize social networking sites are here to stay. Review your teen’s Facebook and Twitter profiles. Make sure they do not display personal information such as full names, addresses or school names.

3. Boost password strength. Utilize a mixture of letters, numbers and characters. And most importantly, never share passwords with anyone.

To download a complimentary copy of Linda McCarthy’s eBook, Own Your Space: Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online, visit DeVry.edu/ OwnYourSpace.

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tone Mountain’s Memrial Drive has been known to house a varied array of the hottest Atlanta nightspots. September of 2011 Atlanta was introduced to a unique flavor of the upscale reggae nightspot, Pisces. The diversely and highly populated West Indie cultural community

was in need for a stirring twist to the traditional idea of a reggae club environment.

Many people associate the reggae party scene with the familiarity of the bare essentials… the dancing, the dim lights, and the music. Pisces nightclub offers their guests with so much more than the basics. Pisces offers a dramatic alternative to a typical night of reggae revelry while maintaining all those essential ingredients we gravitate to that immerses the authentic flavor of a reggae club. Pisces nightclub has infused the experience with also a night of stylish ambience, delectable Caribbean cuisine, a well stocked top shelf bar, live performers, and the pinnacle of DJ’s from in and out the Atlanta area; starting with Pisces’ electrifying house disc jockey, DJ Jahfrica.

Pisces nightclub is aggressively growing into one of Atlanta’s hottest nightlife venues. The mother of this creation is Millient Levy. The Levy family has brought their West Indies’ heritage along with an upscale decorum and proficient service into Atlanta. The grown and sexy atmosphere is lavished with chic chandeliers and a professional servicing staff. The elite VIP areas are adorned with stunning draperies and stylish design.

Pisces nightclub delivers all of the highly expectant amenities and supreme level of service for their guests. Natasha Levy and sister Vaughna manages their mother’s ingenious 1,600 capacity venue. The business-minded sisters work alongside their uncle, known as Mr. Wacky, who oversees the booking for

Pisces. Mr. Wacky and his partner Mr. Dave have many years of experience within the nightclub and entertainment industry. Their combined expertise has allowed the Pisces nightclub to host the best of parties, and the finest of live entertainment. Pisces nightclub entertains their 21 and over adult patrons with the reggae reverberation of national DJ’s such as New York’s DJ Stone Love and DJ Renaissance.

Enjoy a weekend of excitement! Friday the party begins with the sounds of live party disc jockeys that keep the crowd dancing and the party going. Saturdays the party continues and is often enlightened with live performances. Then Sunday is the celebrated retro night of reggae as Pisces hosts Throwback Sundays. Every night at Pisces nightclub take a tasteful pleasure in a menu that serves anything from domestic wings and fries, to the authentic flavor of Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken with rice and beans. Pisces’ well stocked bar always engages in pleasing spirits.

The night after night varied events leaves no room for monotony within the Atlanta nightlife. Host your next event at Pisces nightclub.

The Pisces’ professional and attentive staff will see to your every need!

For booking your next event contact PISCES booking at: PH: (404) 693-7787 EMAIL: ClubPiscesAtlanta@gmail.com

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o get the maximum effectiveness from your breakfast, it needs to be nutrition-packed. Of course, it’s just as important that what you eat to start the day is delicious.

With that in mind, consider these options for quick, tasty and nutritious breakfasts. * Toast with toppings - A simple slice of bread can be much more than just that Food For Life’s Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Sprouted Grain bread offers the protein equivalent of steak or eggs, making it far more than an average carbohydrate. Top with avocado, fresh sliced tomatoes or hummus with a squeeze of lemon. * Steel-cut oats with super fruits - When

you need a stick-to-your ribs morning meal, it’s hard to beat oatmeal. If you want some sweetness, look to “super” fruits like fresh blueberries or dried goji berries. * Breakfast sandwich - In most households, opinions vary on whether breakfast should be sweet or savory.

Customizable breakfast sandwiches are a simple solution that keeps everyone happy. Top wholesome bread with everything from apples and honey to smoked salmon with cucumbers and dill.

By adding a few new items to your shopping list, you’ll have a whole new range of options for a tasty morning meal. For more ideas for nutritious eating, visit www.foodforlife.com.

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abrina Sutton-Bryant has been a Realtor for 9 years.

She is a member of the National Association of Realtors. As a Realtor, Sabrina has taken an oath to be loyal and trustworthy. When asked if she had a motto she stated, “I am the consultant of a winning team.� Her goal is to have a lasting relationship with her clients so when they think of real estate they will think of her.

Sabrina specializes in military relocation and is proud to serve military families relocating to Georgia. As a member of the Armed Forces, you are eligible for and you will receive special consideration, benefits and savings when you decide to purchase or sell a home with Sabrina. For your service to our country you are entitled to cash back and special savings on the cost of your next real estate transaction purchased or sold.

With the changes that have occurred in the real estate market over the past few years, Sabrina explains that low home prices combined with low interest rates make this the best time in years to become a real-estate investor. If you are thinking about becoming an investor it is important to have an expert like Sabrina to guide you through the process

and assist you to make well informed decisions regarding your investment.

“The current real estate market is also great for first time homebuyers. Buying your first home has many benefits. You’ll become part of a community, experience the security of owning the roof over your head, and have the opportunity to create a home that meets your needs and style”, says Sabrina. She continues, “In Georgia this is the best time for you to get more “house” for your money. It’s a great time to invest because prices are at their lowest. It’s a buyer’s market. There are more houses at a cheaper price and people can purchase houses up to 50% less than what they previously sold for”.

First time homebuyers are provided with a free seminar that explains the home buying process. This seminar allows the first time home buyers the opportunity to talk to home inspectors and lenders who share valuable information about down-payment assistance and other programs that are offered in various counties. I asked her, if there were additional benefits of becoming a first-time homebuyer? With ease she explained, as a first time homebuyer you will: Build home equity - Unlike rent, the principal portion of every mortgage payment you make has the potential to grow your asset.

Gain potential tax benefits - Your mortgage interest and real estate property taxes are usually tax deductible when you file your income tax returns. (Consult a tax advisor.)

Build your credit - Making on-time mortgage payments can help you create and keep up a strong credit history.

Take control - Rent increases, cancelled leases and other unexpected tenant hassles will be things of the past.

Sabrina’s advice to those with credit challenges is to start now. “Take a moment to look at your credit, income, and where you want to live. Don’t be afraid to be a homeowner”.

Although home ownership is a dream for many, some may feel as though they are not financially capable of purchasing a home at this time. Credit challenges may hinder the home buying process; however, bad credit should not be viewed as a permanent obstacle.

As a part of her services, Sabrina refers individuals who are in need of credit repair to credit repair specialist who are knowledgeable and experienced at evaluating your credit report and providing sound recommendations that will improve and increase your credit score. Sabrina’s trusted credit specialists will work with you for 6 to 12 months towards getting your credit strong.

Sabrina recommends that a person wanting to purchase a For Sale by Owner home contact her to represent them as a Buyer’s Agent. Since the seller of the home pays for it –there is no cost to the buyer. Why not have a Buyer’s Agent to protect your interest?

Visit www.solidchoicerealty.com to read 50 Reasons Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent. Sabrina is ready to help you through every stage of homeownership – as you plan to buy, when you purchase and even after you own your home. From your mortgage application to your move, Sabrina is with you every step of the way.

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orty percent, or 5 million, of unemployed Americans are considered “long-term unemployed,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, meaning they have been jobless for at least 27 weeks. With so many people facing long-term unemployment it’s inevitable that the topic is raised as they seek and interview for jobs.

For those unemployed workers looking to get around the bias, the Career Advisory Board, established by DeVry University, recommends the following: 1. Showcase your situation in a positive light - Be confident, concise and non-emotional in interviews. Employers are likely to ask about the gap, but answer questions in a constructive way by mentioning how you’ve

sharpened your skills in the meantime.

2. Keep learning and growing - Fill the gaps on your resume by taking a temporary or volunteer position so that you are actually working while looking for a new job.

3. Be active in your industry community - both online and off - Strengthen your personal brand by engaging with your industry experts on social channels. Attend a networking event, which will put you in touch with new contacts and will enable you to practice telling your story.

For additional career advice and to learn more about the 2012 Job Preparedness Indicator visit: www.careeradvisoryboard. org.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE AND REACH THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. CALL 757-754-0787 OR 678-561-2257

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even Magazine was founded in 2007 by Thomas Corbin in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The mission of Seven Magazine is to create a forum for small business owners to feature their products and services in a magazine that was designed to be an affordable approach to advertising. Seven Magazine has now broadened its horizons by expanding our readership to the fabulous City of Atlanta.

Thus far, Atlanta has welcomed us with open arms and we are proud to become a part of the Atlanta community. Seven Magazine plans to continue to grow and expand with the hopes of offering a valuable asset to business owners and our readers. For advertising opportunities please call 678-561-2257

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id you know that if you text and drive you could be breaking the law?

The U.S. Department of Transportation has called for a complete ban on smartphone use by U.S. motor vehicle drivers. One reason why: According to a 2010 statement by the National Safety Council, 28 percent of all traffic crashes - or about 1.6 million crashes per year - involved drivers talking on their cellphones or texting.

Because of this growing epidemic, 37 states and Washington, D.C. have banned text messaging while driving by all drivers in their jurisdiction, according to FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading source of free online legal information.

Ten states and Washington, D.C. also have banned the use of hand-held use cellphones while driving.

Here are some tips from FindLaw.com about how to avoid distracted driving: * Turn off your cell or smartphone and put it out of reach while you’re driving. * Many cellphone and texting laws also involve other electronic devices such as GPS units and MP3 players that could lead to distracted driving so configure those devices before you begin to drive. * Ask a passenger for help - to look things up, provide directions, make a phone call or read an email or text out loud - but, don’t do it yourself. * If you’re traveling by car to another state, familiarize yourself with local texting and cellphone laws.

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lessing mics and stages, DilemMa Top Notch has proven herself to be a very versatile artist. She’s a dynamic spitter and performer representing the streets of the A to the fullest. Recently featured on Hot Block Magazine’s new 2012 issue titiled “Hottest Independent Artist in the South”, DilemMa Top Notch is known to be a no-nonsense type of MC that is guaranteed to empower females with her lady anthems. If you’re a follower of the underground Atlanta music scene, then you’re no stranger to her dynamic flow and strong lyrics as a guest artist. With over 15 features in the streets. She inspires to work with all who are both struggling and progressing in the Hip-Hop Movement. In the past DilemMa Top Notch has opened up for Alley Boy, Bubba Sparxx and Pastor Troy and featured at events such as Southside Day. She has also performed at various venues around the ‘A’ such as Club Crucial, Crowe’s Nest, Throwbacks, Club Libra, The Atl Music Room, 285 east, Club 291 and many others including Royal Peacock resulting in her being a guest feature at Hot 107.9’s A-team morning show. Dilem Ma last Mixtape Release Party at Club Icon was a success!! ********She is now preparing to drop another mixtape by the end of June/mid July********. I hope you are ready cause DilemMa Top Notch is bringing a problem to the game!!

COMING SOON. FEATURING TOP ARTIST ONLY.

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Tradition of Excellence.

This is what separates the authentic Karate Warrior Association from other schools of marital arts.

This tradition of excellence spawns the pride and confidence foun in all the champions of “The Wrecking Crew.�

The black belts of the A.K.W.A. have used this tradition of excellence to succeed in whatever they had dreams to do. Whether they were training to be tgournament champions, for personal satisfaction and comfort, or both, this

tradition of excellence has become a part of their life.

Now, you have a chance to become part of history and our tradition of excellence, by becoming a member of the A.K.W.A’s affiliate schools.

Classes are open to both nmale and female, regardless of age. All classes will be conducted by trained black belts under the supervsion of Master Michael L. Jackson. Master Jackson’s credential are extensive to say the very least. His list of black belts and other students are testimony to this fact.

Whatever you condition,natural ability, or problem, we have a martial arts program for you. A better you is the goal. You owe it to yourself. Join today.

Patience to learn proper training builds character.

About our classes Conditioning Excercises These exercises are designed to improve the overall condition of the body-particularly strengthing the heart for greater efficiency, and increasing th capability of the lungs for endurance.

Stretching Ninety percent of stretching is dedicated to the legs. We intend to make your legs as mobile as your arms. This will make you a more complete fighting machine as you will be able to double the utilization of lyour limbs. A good stretcher is easily a

good kicker.

Meditation Meditation is the time spent putting the mind, body, and spirit in totoal harmony with one another. Time is spent in knowing yourself, becoming a part of the universe. There are manyh forms of miditation; whatever the mode of travel, the destiantion remains the same. A better self.

Forms This is a precise, pre-determined series of movements practiced to preserve the fighting arts. A virtual encyclopedia of correct movements and passed down through the ages. Forms are a treasure of both offensive and defensive movements. While performing a form, the practioner imagines that he is fighting, usually a number of opponents.

Practices religiously with proper timing, speed, power, and accuracy, the practioner

will not only be an efficient fighting machine, but also a beautiful fighting technician-- an artist.

One-Step Sparring This is ideal fighting situations. A person attacks you with a pre-determined attack, and you counter with a technique which would overwhelm your attacker if carried out with proper timeing, force, and accuracy.

Breaking Breaking demonstrates the capabilities of the being when mind, body and spirit work in harmony. Proper speed, force,

and coordingation defy the laws of science and nature, demonstrating the destructive capabilities the martial artist can summon if and when it is needed.

Free Sparring This puts all the above mention together for the ultimate test. Would you be able to protect yourself, your loved ones, your beliefs in thier time of need? All sparring is well supervised by trained black belts in order to eliminate unnecessary injuries, but still allowing enough contact to simulate actual combat.

The Challenge The challenge is from one’s self to one’s self!

You never compete with others-- you compet with yourself. Always striving to achieve more than you achieved yesterday, you travel at your own rate of speed. Advancement depencs on the individual. Some people learn some things faster than others. Some people are more naturally coodinated than others.

Some people remember more than others.

You are not competing with them. You are competing with yourself. You learn yourself.

The goal, always, is a better you.

By products Through proper training in the martial arts, not only will we be successful in the school, but outside as well. Proper training affects positively all aspects of your life. You gain confidence, discipline, appreciation of life, patience, humility, leadership qualities, better deductive reasoning, better health, pride, understanding of self and others, loyalty, and a tradion of excellence. Children’s grades pick up. Adults’ work habits become more productive. Your entire life is generally improved.

Examinations for promotion’s which are never mandatory, are held on a regualar time schedule. Examinations are conducted by Master Michael L. Jackson.

How good you become and how rapidly you advance depends on you. Training is hard, but not impossible. The benefits are numerous. What you get out of it is what you put into it. It’s all up to you.

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ouldn’t it be great if there was a number you could call if you had any sort of question about resources in your community, from something as simple as where to find the nearest library to something as urgent as where you can find relief after a catastrophic event? Good news: You don’t have to wish for this all-in-one help line, as it already exists in vast majority of American communities. It’s as simple as three numbers: 2-1-1.

While the Eastern Seaboard recovers from Hurricane Sandy, 2-1-1 operators have been standing by to direct the storm’s victims to the resources they need, and inform volunteers how and where they can help. While calling 9-1-1 will get you help when you are in immediate danger, 2-1-1 can point you in the right direction for less pressing, yet equally important, needs. And when emergency personnel are operating at peak capacity during major emergencies like Hurricane Sandy, 2-1-1 becomes a valuable resource for those seeking aid.

‘We are truly the only ones open 24/7, willing and able to be the live voice of comfort as the government is too busy with rescue and emergency operations,’ says Naomi Adler, CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York, which operates a 2-1-1 call center.

If you haven’t heard of 2-1-1, it may be because it’s a relatively new creation. Established by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 as the go-to number for information about and referral to health and human and community services, 2-1-1 services have grown quickly and are now available in 90 percent of the United States.

From the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, to today, 2-1-1 has played a crucial role in responding

to every man-made or natural disaster in the U.S. During major disasters, information and referral specialists from 240 2-1-1 call centers from throughout the country can be called into action to help in the affected area, but the service is there to help people at all times, not just during disasters.

Operated by the United Way in partnership with other nonprofit and government entities, 2-1-1 can help with any area related to health and community information. In fact, disaster services accounted for only a small portion of 2-1-1 calls in 2011. Here were the 10 most common subjects of 2-1-1 calls that year: * Housing and utilities * Food and meals * General information services * Legal, consumer and public safety * Individual, family and community support * Income support and assistance * Mental health and addictions * Health care * Clothing, personal and household * Other government and economic services Whether you want to find a community organization to volunteer with or have a question about how the new health care laws affect you, 2-1-1 can help. To find out what type of services are available in your area, visit www.211.org or simply dial the number. Whether it’s helping you cope during an emergency or simply providing a helpful bit of information when you need it, 2-1-1 exists to get you the answers you’re looking for.

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our home - it’s your castle, your sanctuary. But could the place you go to escape the rest of the world be bad for you? Formaldehyde, chloroform and even asbestos could be in your home and you may not even know it.

First, the good news. “Today we’re designing houses that are green-friendly,” says Dan Lee, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Dallas, a campus of South University, and the president of Lee Design Group. “Materials today have fewer chemicals and less carcinogenic substances.”

But if you’re in an older house or did some remodeling or refurbishing on your own, there could be substances in your home that are bad for your health. “There’s something called volatile organic compounds or VOCs,” says Kathleen Wakefield, Interior Design and Design & Technical Graphics program coordinator at The Art Institute of San Antonio, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston. She adds, “They are emitted from certain solids and liquids like paint.”

Wakefield says that short-term exposure to VOCs can cause nausea and irritation to the eyes, while long-term exposure could damage your kidneys and liver. VOCs are also emitted from carpet foam made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). So Wakefield suggests that if you’re putting down carpet you stay elsewhere for a few weeks while the chemicals are being released.

And keep windows open if possible to air out the space more quickly and not trap the compounds in your home.

Lee suggests you avoid carpet altogether. “Go with wood or natural stone floors over carpets and make sure you’re shopping for PVC-free floors,” he says.

When adding a little color to your home, look for paints with low or no VOC emissions. It should be right on the label. According to Wakefield, federal limits for flat paint are 250 milligrams per liter, and 380 milligrams per liter for all other kinds. California standards are more stringent - 100 milligrams per liter for flat paint and 150 milligrams per liter for all others.

If you’re building your home from the ground up, consider using copper plumbing. “Builders have gotten away from copper and switched to PVC,” says Lee, “but copper is a natural sterilizer. If water sits in copper, it’s being sterilized.

In PVC, it’s growing something.”

If your home was built in the ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s, the press board used could contain formaldehyde, explains Lee. And the plastic laminate in those homes was almost always glued and manufactured with formaldehyde as well. And if your home was built before the ‘60s, the floor and wall coverings may contain asbestos gluing agents.

If you’re careful about the materials you’re using in your home building and remodeling projects, make sure that caution extends to the household products you bring into your house as well, says Lee. Many fabric softeners actually contain chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane. These are cancer-causing agents, warns Lee. Also, make sure you’re using natural pesticides in the yard as well.

Wakefield advises researching products on the internet before you go out and buy them. She also advises hiring an interior designer that specializes in environmental and sustainable design for any home improvement and renovation projects you undertake.

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eterans returning home face many challenges that weren’t present when they were serving in the armed forces.

Between adapting to civilian life, reacquainting with family and friends, and finding employment, the adjustment can be a difficult process.

Unemployment numbers for veterans are dropping, but returning solders often struggle to compete for jobs due to lack of education, lack of experience or in some cases, the stigma of returning from overseas with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This is why programs like Sprigster’s Boost a Hero crowdfunding for military veterans and spouses are developed to help alleviate some of these career obstacles, like raising funds for entrepreneurial dreams. Crowdfunding provides an opportunity where friends, family and strangers can donate funds to support a cause online. The need is great. Nearly one in 10 small businesses are veteran-owned, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports.

Tom Perez used Boost a Hero to raise money to open a Meineke Car Care Center in Pensacola, Fla. He is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served as a police officer and also earned a business degree. He currently employs four veterans in his shop and will be looking to hire more as his business grows.

Perez decided to pursue owning his own business after he had applied, and been

rejected for 100 jobs - even with his 10 years of experience in the Navy. Then, he approached Meineke Car Care Centers.

Meineke’s Franchise Development team worked closely with him to get his business established.

Between a discounted franchise fee and a low interest rate loan, Perez was close to having the money needed to start his business. Boost a Hero helped him raise the additional $10,000 he needed, and his shop opened in May. Now Perez works closely with his customers and employees in finding the right service for them, their car, and their budget. His shop was named one of the top five finalists in the national “Hiring Our Heroes” Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The award cited Perez for addressing the challenges faced by veterans in finding employment and transitioning from military to civilian life. ‘ Veterans like Tom have served our country - giving so much of themselves in the process,’ says John Vitagliano, vice president of marketing for Meineke Car Care Centers. ‘Offering career opportunities to veterans interested in entrepreneurship is a way of giving back - and crowdfunding opportunities like Boost a Hero provide veterans with the financial means to help make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.’

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s summer subsides, people may lose sight of their weight loss goals until the start of the New Year. And the temptation of unhealthy holiday treats right around the corner may make it even more difficult to stay on track. But the fall can serve as the perfect time to commit to fighting fat with a healthier approach to eating and being active.

‘With over two-thirds of U.S. adults overweight or obese, this is creating a staggering burden of disease,’ says Dr. Caroline Apovian, director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center and co-director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Support Service at Boston University Medical Center. ‘It’s important for people to understand that reaching a healthy weight through safe, moderate weight-loss (5 to 10 percent) is a critical step toward reducing the risks associated with obesity.’

For many people, alli - the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight-loss aid - can help achieve this goal. Alli is clinically proven to help people lose 50 percent more weight than they would with diet alone. So, for every two pounds you’d lose through diet and exercise, alli helps you lose one more.

Apovian shares even more tips to help you fight unhealthy fat through fall and beyond: * Know your nemesis. Become more conscious of the foods, amount of fat you eat, and how it affects your body.* Stay committed. It’s not always easy to stay on track with weight loss - remind yourself as necessary (weekly, even daily) of your healthy motivation to fight fat. * Try something new. There are plenty of seasonal healthy foods that not only taste good but are good for you. A low fat snack could be a baked apple with cinnamon or pumpkin soup. * Build a support system. Online or in-person support groups, as well as encouragement from family and friends, can make all the difference in the world. * Find tools. Visit www.myalli.com for more information on how alli can help you safely and effectively boost your weight loss success.

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eenagers across the country experience excitement, anxiety and stress as they get ready to head back to the classroom. This mix of emotions can shift teens’ hormones into overdrive, aggravating the symptoms that cause acne. A breakout is the last thing any teen wants to deal with on the first day of school.

Teens look forward to greeting classmates for the first time after summer break, but it also comes with some pressure as they want to look and feel their best. While 90 percent of teenagers develop acne at some point, a breakout can lower self confidence, particularly during special times like the start of school.

bath, doing yoga or walking the dog. * Prevent acne with a daily routine To maintain clear skin, stick to a daily acne-fighting skin care routine. One popular treatment is the Proactiv 3-Step System. Use the Renewing Cleanser with prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to cleanse skin. Then use the Revitalizing Toner to hydrate and remove dead skin cells. Finally, use the Repairing Treatment to help heal existing blemishes and kill bacteria that can cause new blemishes.

No teen should have to feel like he or she needs to hide. Here are some acne treatment tips to help avoid breakouts so skin can look its best today and in the future:

* Remove makeup before physical activity Many teens participate in afterschool sports, meaning they likely will work their bodies and break a sweat. For females, combining sweat and makeup can be the ultimate pore-clogger. It’s wise to remove makeup prior to physical activities with a quick face wash or cleansing wipes that can easily be stowed in a backpack.

* Reduce stress Even though going back to school is stressful, it’s important to relax. Remember, acne starts inside hair follicles, where glands produce the protective oil that keeps skin soft and supple. Stress affects the hormones that control these glands. Teens might consider doing calming activities, such as taking a

* Always wear sunscreen The sun dries out skin, causing it to produce more oil and dead skin cells, the ideal combination for breakouts. Furthermore, sun damage to skin can happen at any age, and even though the effects may not be apparent for many years, it’s wise for teens to get into the habit of wearing

sunscreen each day now. Smart teens will avoid excess sun exposure and wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy.

fewer breakouts. In general, choose fresh, unprocessed foods from all four food groups and drink eight glasses of water a day.

* Treat body breakouts Acne doesn’t just affect the face - it can appear anywhere on the body, and many teens experience breakouts on their chest or back.

A medicated cleansing bar is perfect for in the bath or shower to help prevent body breakouts. For example, the Proactiv Medicated Cleansing Bar is a convenient, soapfree bar that lathers with 1 percent salicylic acid to gently wash away dirt, impurities, excess oil and layers of dead skin.

* Rest up each night A good night’s rest has many health benefits. Besides helping teens concentrate better in the classroom, sleeping seven to eight hours each night will boost the immune system, helping to fight infection and clear acne so skin can look its best.

* Eat the right foods Do french fries and chocolate cause breakouts? While indulging in these foods from time to time does not cause pimples, eating an unbalanced diet may trigger acne flareups. Keep in mind there is some evidence that teenagers who eat more vegetables have

* Spot treat when needed When a pimple does occur, spot treating the issue can help resolve it quickly. The Proactiv Advanced Blemish Treatment provides an emergency dose of concentrated benzoyl peroxide (6 percent) to help kill the blemish fast.

Additional ingredients help absorb excess oil, sooth irritation, and moisturize skin.

W

hether it’s low pay, a heavy workload, fear of being laid off or simply that annoying co-worker in the cube next to you, there’s a variety of reasons why you might feel stressed at work. If you think of yourself as someone who’s consistently stressed at work, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there are things you can do reduce the stress of your job.

Workplace stress is common in America, as a recent survey by Harris Interactive on behalf of Everest College found that 73 percent of Americans are stressed by at least one thing at work. Reasons for workplace stress varied, from lacking opportunities for advancement, working a job outside of your chosen career, long commutes and poor work-life balance.

While reasons for workplace stress vary, the most important thing you can do is take control of your career, says John Swartz, regional director of career services at Everest College.

‘It’s easy to get stressed if you’re working a job you weren’t particularly excited about in the first place,’ says Swartz.

Swartz offers the following tips for taking control of your career, which in turn should help reduce the amount of stress you face at work: * Stay on top of current trends in your field.

One of the best ways to improve your situation at work is to give yourself room to grow by becoming an expert in your field. Employees who demonstrate the ability to adapt and learn are a valuable commodity, which will help ensure your advancement at your current place of employment or elsewhere. * Learn practical skills. Don’t wait to be asked by your boss to learn something now.

Seek out ways you can increase your value within your company. While it may seem like a lot of work at the time, acquiring more skills will open more doors for you in the long run. * If necessary, increase your level of education. If you’re having trouble getting the job you want because you don’t have the re-

quired amount of education, it’s time to think about going back to school. If you’re not happy at your job, it will be worth the sacrifice to get a degree that puts you in a better position to succeed. * Choose a career in a field where growth is projected, if possible. If you are exploring going back to school, it makes sense to first take a look at the job prospects in the fields you are considering. Recent projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics note that health care, personal care and social assistance, and construction are projected to have the fastest job growth between 2010 and 2020.

Finding a college that’s focused on providing the necessary practical skills specific to your career is also important, especially if you’ve already been to school and received a broader education in the liberal arts. Your college of choice should also help you tailor your training to areas within your chosen field that are expected to see growth.

“All government labor projections continue to show that health care is and will continue to be one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.,” says Swartz. “The overwhelming majority of Everest’s programs are in this sector and we have worked very hard to make sure our curriculum is relevant to the industries our students are interested in.”

The best way to avoid workplace stress is to put yourself in a position to get the types of job that you know you’ll enjoy. For more information on career-specific degree programs, visit www.everest.edu.