May 2013 Health & Wellness Supplement

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Moving Forward.

We’re AmeriHealth District of Columbia (DC), the new name in Medicaid services here in DC. We’re combining Chartered’s best with our 30-year history of serving Medicaid communities across the nation to deliver the best in Medicaid managed care for DC. We’re experienced, credible and committed to partnering with providers, community and business leaders to help build a healthier DC. We’re AmeriHealth DC and we’re moving forward.

Thank you for welcoming us to the community.

Misty Brown, Michelle Phipps-Evans, Eve Ferguson, Elton J. Hayes , Gale Horton Gay, Barrington Salmon, Stacey Palmer, Charles E. Sutton ,James Wright, Joseph Young

PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. De Freitas, Roy Lewis, Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter

SL-2 /may 2013 /HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENt

This program is funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance.

888-987-6380 www.amerihealthdc.com

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AmeriHealth

Promises Enhanced Care for Residents

By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer On a recent morning, the Northwest offices of AmeriHealth DC buzzed with activity as employees continued to get comfortable with catering to the varied needs of 100,000 of its newest members.

May 1 marked the first day that AmeriHealth formally took control of the operations of the now-defunct Chartered Health Plan (CHP). AmeriHealth officials said they’ve set their sights on ensuring a smooth transition while allaying any fears their new clients might have.

AmeriHealth CEO Michael Rashid echoed the elation he said the staff feels about the transition.

“I’m so excited to be here,” he said during a May 1 interview.

“What we’ve been doing is transition. We couldn’t be here without the Chartered Health staff.

They’re a great staff.”

Rashid and several senior staffers said that 150 employees from the Chartered Health Plan were invited to shift over to AmeriHealth.

“We’ve had 30 days to ramp up and during that period, we’ve met with all Chartered doctors and hospitals and 90 percent have agreed to stay with us,” Rashid explained. “… It will be a nice marriage. We want to augment what CHP was doing.

We’re starting from scratch, turning the page. Huge distractions are off the plate for the employees.”

Rashid was referring to the problems that have dogged Charter Health Plan since Jeffrey Thompson, former owner and one of the principals, became embroiled in a federal investigation for alleged campaign finance irregularities. For more than a year, Thompson battled www.washingtoninformer.com

with prosecutors, meanwhile, CHP came under the scrutiny of insurance regulators and city government officials took over the firm and placed it in receivership last October.

Like CHP, AmeriHealth DC will continue to serve low-income residents who’re eligible for Medicaid and other government health programs. AmeriHealth bought the company and inherited Chartered’s 100,000 District residents. AmeriHealth will continue with, and close out CHP’s current contract it has with the city before it commences with its own contract on July 1.

“We’re bringing our 30 years of Medicaid. This is all we do,” said Rashid. “We’ll be focusing on understanding the community and Medicare and Medicaid recipients. We’re developing programs geared to the needs of those in the community. We’re trying to connect people to the system.”

Rashid said Chartered Health laid a foundation on which AmeriHealth will build.

“Charter is different and it has had relevant programs for is clients. Clients should stay because the future is so bright. We bring best practices and increased resources coming in.”

Anne Morrisey, AmeriHealth’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, explained the three top issues the company is focused on.

“We’re making certain that existing members have access to quality care; ensuring that we’re in their communities; and helping them understand the transition,” she said. “They’ll have the same benefits and they’ll have the same opportunity to get a similar level of care.”

Executive Director Karen Dale said no one’s trying to reinvent the wheel.

“We’re using the care man-

Michael A. Rashid, President & CEO AmeriHealth, Caritas and AmeriHealth Executive Director D.C. Karen Dale, give discuss their visions and plans to form community partnerships to bring stellar medical service to the District. / Photos by Roy Lewis

agement approach that meets members where they are,” she said. “We’ve been working for one and a half years on the total care approach.”

That may mean finding out if a diabetic patient has food in his or her refrigerator, checking if they have money for transportation, as well as focusing on and addressing other complex psychosocial issues.

Rashid said AmeriHealth is owned by two Blue Cross plans, which means “patients will be served by Blue Cross which means Cadillac care.”

Keeping Chartered Health staff is a non-brainer the executives said, and with the staff on board, continuity continues unabated.

“Clients will be talking to the same people because we’re brought over most of the program,” Morrisey said. “We’ve met with them a number of times to bring them on. And we’ve talked to them about the advantages they bring to the marketplace.”

She said AmeriHealth is using some Chartered Health staff employed by having them work virtually, assisting staff in other cities.

“The jobs stay here. Obviously, it depends on performance,” she said.

Dale said that one of the benefits AmeriHealth brings is a system where everything is integrated.

“We can see families, provide prescriptions and close gaps in care,” she said. “Having that integrated system means more and better management.”

The executives said a lot of doctors refuse to take Medicaid because the reimbursements are so low and because the onerous paperwork and administrative burden.

“It’s not a D.C. problem, it’s a national problem,” said Rashid.

“And it’s a rural issue Medicaid numbers are so low. The Affordable Care Act has increased reimbursements. This will attract doctors back.”

“Increased prevention will mean an increase in numbers but less doctors.”

Dale said the company has worked to reverse the problem.

“We’ve done some things with providers to make it better,” she said. “We try to wrap things into one visit and we’ve reduced the administrative burden. We have a provider portal where doctors check eligibility, the status of payments and reduce the time administrative staff would spend on these issues. We have a commitment to providing that level of support.”

Dale said AmeriHealth offers doctors incentives to offer extended hours and office hours on weekends.

“If people are going above and beyond, they can get money for that,” Dale added.

“The end-game is taking care of clients,” Morrisey said. “The capitated rate, incentives and bonuses create a quality health care life for members.”

Rashid acknowledged the challenges of providing healthcare to a disadvantaged population.

“We know there are disparities East of the [Anacostia] River.

There are higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and childhood asthma,” he said. “We plan to leverage our experience and partners, double our teams and dedicate a number of our staff to high-volume pharmacies and practices. Nothing’s changed except the name.”

The trio said they plan to leverage their experience, as well as that of their community partners.

“We’ll work with community resource organizations when we need to connect with a part of the community,” said Morrisey, a native Washingtonian who was born at the Garfield Hospital in Ward 8. “It’s important to connect to different people who know our membership.”

Rashid concurred.

“We’re so big we cannot do it all,” he said. “They can reach people we can’t.”

He spoke of a church-based program which includes health screenings, information sessions and cooking classes in small settings.

“Then it grows into a thing with 3,000-4,000 women – a health ministry for women,” he said. “We have way more power working with community. It can’t happen without the small things we do and build it up.”

Rashid said personal contact with clients is the “sweet sauce” of AmeriHealth’s success.

“We try to make it as easy as possible,” he said. “We try to do as much as we can to make it easier to serve Medicaid recipients.

We’ll call Medicaid recipients, remind them of appointments; we’ll even be in offices to help them explain doctors’ instructions – we’re bringing in resources from outside to improve health care.”

“To operate in a vibrant community and only pay insurance claims is not enough. We want people to be healthier, get well and stay well. Building healthy communities, that’s our mission.” HS

HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-3

Why Do You Need a Yearly Checkup?

AmeriHealth District of Columbia Offers Tips to Keep You Healthy Dr Mark Fracasso is Medical Director of AmeriHealth District of Columbia

Three Steps to Lower Blood Pressure High blood pressure affects one in three Americans.

It puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, often without causing a single symptom. Are you one of them? Ask your doctor to check your pressure. If it’s: • Lower than 120/80, it’s normal • Between 120/80 and 140/90, you have prehypertension and are at risk for high blood pressure

A yearly checkup is the best time to talk with your primary care physician (PCP) about how to take care of your health.

A yearly checkup may also include important preventive measures, such as pelvic exams, cholesterol screenings, and breast exams.

Here’s how to make sure you are prepared when you get to the PCP’s office: • Write down your questions in advance. Bring the list with you, so you don’t forget anything.

• Bring your health records. Bring copies of your personal health records. Also bring information about the health of your close family members. Certain diseases and conditions run in families.

• Bring a list of your medications and supplements. Make sure to include vitamins, herbal remedies, teas, supplements, and prescription medications. If it’s too much for you to write down, bring them all in a paper bag to show your doctor.

• Talk about any changes you’re experiencing. Mention any new sensations, signs, or symptoms that you’ve been having.

• Ask about your numbers. This is a good time to check in on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, weight, and any other numbers that your doctor has been watching.

• Ask about screenings. Certain health screenings—such as those for the prostate, breast, and colon—are recommended for older adults.

• Get needed immunizations. You should be vaccinated against the flu. The shingles and pneumonia vaccines may also be on your preventive health list. Ask your PCP about them.

Sources include: Annals of Internal Medicine, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• 140/90 or higher, you have high blood pressure You can take steps to prevent and treat this silent killer. Use the three S’s: sleep, stress, and salt.

Sleep Soundly Good rest may be as important to health as diet and exercise. People who get less than seven hours of sleep a night have a higher risk for high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor if you regularly have trouble sleeping or feel extremely tired during the day despite getting enough sleep at night.

He or she can recommend lifestyle changes or other treatments. For instance, exercise regularly, but stop two to three hours before bedtime. Working out too late in the day can make it harder to fall asleep.

Soothe Stress Poor sleep and stress often go together, and both may influence your risk for high blood pressure.

When we’re under stress, our bodies release stress hormones that raise our heart rate and blood pressure. To reduce stress, exercise regularly, talk with family and friends, and remember to laugh.

Jokes and funny movies can make you feel good and protect you from stress’s harmful effects.

Study Salt For years, we’ve been told to put down the saltshaker. Recent studies confirm that low-sodium diets reduce blood pressure. Reduce your sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day—about 1 teaspoon of table salt. To get started, eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed foods, like soup and packaged meals.

Sources include: American Heart Association; American Journal of Hypertension; Hypertension; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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More Food Can Equal Fewer Pounds

Eat more. Weigh less. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t—as long as you’re eating more of the right foods. Here’s how you can pile your plate high but still shed pounds.

Some Foods Do More with Less There’s still no magic diet pill that can get rid of fat. However, certain foods can fill your belly, curb cravings, and cut your calorie count. Eating vegetables and soups can fill you up with water and fiber, helping you to eat less at mealtime.

And adding hot peppers to food may not only help decrease your appetite for unhealthy foods it also may increase your metabolism so that you burn more calories even after you dine.

Try It at Home Tonight Give your favorite recipes a makeover, cutting calories without sacrificing satisfaction. Take macaroni and cheese, for instance.

Here’s how you can transform this unhealthy classic: 1. Choose whole wheat pasta instead of white, refined noodles.

2. Use nonfat milk instead of whole milk, and light cream cheese instead of full-fat cheddar.

3. Stir in cooked, pureed cauliflower, squash, or carrots.

4. Also add spinach, tomatoes, or another favorite veggie.

5. Sprinkle with hot red pepper or another source of spice.

Serve this dish after a soup or salad. Choose a soup that’s broth-based with lots of vegetables. For salads, add colorful veggies, and avoid high-fat dressings, chunks of cheese, and bacon bits.

Sources include: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Appetite, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.washingtoninformer.com

Still The One. AmeriHealth District of Columbia (DC) now offers the benefits, services and commitment of Chartered Health Plan.

AmeriHealth DC is moving forward with the best of Chartered to provide you with the same high-quality personal care and services, delivered by many of the same people you’ve known and depended on for generations.

We’re still the one for: • Transportation to and from appointments • Prescription drug coverage • Vision care and dental care

• Personal support from nurses • High-touch community outreach • And more...

AmeriHealth DC. Still the one.

This program is funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance.

202-408-4720

www.amerihealthdc.com

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HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-5

Confronting the World’s Number One Killer

By Don Williams “I know there will be people who don’t understand what I’m going through— what it’s like to literally feel pain when you’re hungry and have nowhere to turn, nowhere to go, and nothing to eat. I can still say that I got through it. That’s why I do what I do, why I chose to share my story.” — Barbie Izquierdo, anti-hunger advocate In world of plenty, it’s hard to believe that malnutrition is the world’s number one killer. More people die every year from malnutrition than from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Around the world, a child dies from nutrition-related causes every five seconds. Yet malnutrition is entirely preventable.

Children under age 2 are hit particularly hit by malnutrition. If a child does not receive necessary nutrients during the crucial thousand-day window from pregnancy to her second birthday, the damage will be irreversible. Stunting and cognitive impairment will be permanent—even after proper nutrition is restored.

If this seems like an issue just for

developing countries, think again.

Malnutrition is also a challenge right here in our community. African-American women and children are among the most vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity— meaning they frequently do not have enough food for everyone in the household. More than a quarter of African-American households suffer from food insecurity, and nearly 30 percent of African-American children live in these food-insecure environments. That is significantly higher than the food insecurity rates for all U.S. households. And because our brothers and sisters are more at risk than ever, we have more motivation to stop this injustice from continuing.

Hunger deprives kids of more than food; it deprives them of their full potential. Hungry and malnourished kids perform more poorly in school. Nutritional deprivation diminishes cognitive ability, impairs immune function, and shortens height.

Barbie Izquierdo is one young mother who struggled to feed her two children. When she lost her job

during the recession, she was often unable to buy enough food for her family. Looking back on the hardest days, Barbie recalls thinking, “I literally have nothing left. What do I give them?” Some days, Barbie skipped meals to make sure that her children ate.

We all have a stake in making sure that Barbie’s children have enough healthy food. Research shows that each dollar invested in nutrition can yield up to $138 in better health and increased productivity later in life. Our entire community benefits when children grow up to be healthy adults.

Over the past few years global leaders have started to pay attention to the public pressure. Nearly one thousand days ago, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the launch of the 1,000 Days Partnership to fight maternal and child nutrition. Nine months later, in June 2011, more than 350 government officials, leaders, and activists from around the world met in Washington, D.C., to develop global and political support for nutrition efforts that have helped

save the lives of at least two million children under age 2.

Now, two years later, on June 10, 2013, Bread for the World, Concern Worldwide, and other key organizations will reconvene in Washington, D.C., under the theme, “A Call to Action for the Next 1,000 Days.”

Participants will discuss progress, develop a plan to keep up the momentum, and continue to garner political support. This event is part of Bread for the World’s 2013 National Gathering, June 8-11.

We have a moral duty to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Our collective voices are powerful and can help ensure that our brothers and sisters at home and abroad get enough to eat. I cannot overstate the urgency in telling the government that hunger is more than a line item in the federal budget; federal funding cuts jeopardize vital programs like SNAP (formerly food stamps) and WIC in the United States and poverty-focused development assistance overseas. Any cut to nutrition programs will result in more malnourished children.

Barbie is now an anti-hunger

May

“We have a moral duty to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.” advocate, leading passionately involved in advocacy campaigns and speaking to groups about her experience with hunger and poverty.

Through her story, Barbie is fighting for change that will have lasting impacts on children in her neighborhood and around the world.

Join Barbie at Bread for the World’s National Gathering in Washington, D.C., June 8-11. Visit www.bread.org/gathering to find out how you can speak up for hungry people. HS Bishop Don Williams is the associate for African-American Church Relations at Bread for the World, (www.bread. org) a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.

31, regi 201 ste 3 to r b get efore a sp ecia lr

ate

abreadplace at the table for the world's 2013 NatioNal gatheriNg & lobby day Join us in setting a place at God’s table for hungry and poor people June 8-10, 2013: National Gathering June 11, 2013: Lobby Day

The MeaD CeNTer 1101 SixTh STreeT, SW WaShiNGToN, DC 20024

www.bread.org/gatheriNg SL-6 /may 2013 /HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENt

www.bread.org

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The DC Office on Aging

New DCOA Call-In-Talk Line The DC Office on Aging has launched a Call-In-Talk Line to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that many seniors in the community experience. The program allows seniors an opportunity to share their concerns with a caring individual that directs them to resources and services available to assist DC residents. The Free service is available Monday - Friday 9 am – 4 pm. Call in weekdays to 202-724-5626!

Faith& Grace “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Are you or a loved one being discharged from a hospital?

Wondering how to access services you need to remain healthy at home?

Receive the assistance you need before being discharged.

–Proverbs 16:31 ESV

By Ronda Smith WI Contributing Writer

D

octors and scientists once avoided the study of spirituality in connection to medicine, but findings within the past 10 years have made some take a second look. Studies show that religion and faith can help to promote good health and fight disease by: offering additional social supports, such as religious outreach groups; and improving coping skills through prayer and a philosophy that all things have a purpose.

In a 7-year study of senior citizens, religious involvement was associated with less physical disability and less depression.

Death rates were lower than expected before an important religious holiday, which suggested to researchers that faith might have postponed death in these cases. Elderly people who regularly attended religious services had healthier immune systems than those who didn’t.

They were also more likely to have consistently lower blood pressure.

In some cities like Chicago, senior health and wellness is tied explicitly to spirituality. One great example is the care being

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shown through the Sacred Aging Program at the oldest African American synagogue in the country, Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.

“Our physical health is just as important as our spiritual health.

The two feed off each other,” said Rabbi Capers C. Funnye, Jr. Sacred Aging is open to senior citizens of all faiths. The group meets four days a week in the synagogue social hall, where the seniors are offered breakfast, lunch, exercise, health screenings, arts and crafts, Bible studies, and spiritual teachings.

In the summer, the young children of the congregation have the opportunity to interact with the seniors.

“A religious organization is more than a community of members. It is at its best when it serves the entire community in which it exists,” said Rabbi Funnye. “Our goal is to help people live longer, and live healthful and more vibrant lives as they grow older.” Wonderful connections are being built through this holistic program. “My reward is seeing the smiles of all the seniors when I come into the room,” Rabbi Funnye said.

“Healthful living happens when minds are active and people are engaged in conversation.” HS

Contact the DC Office on Aging today!

Hospital Discharge Planning Program One Stop Assistance Personal Care  Housing  Transportation  Respite  Benefit Assistance, and much more 

DC Office on Aging 500 K Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 www.dcoa.dc.gov 202-724-5626 Government of the District of Columbia Vincent C. Gray, Mayor

HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-7

Dr. Clive O. Callender

C

live Callender, one of the nation’s foremost specialists in organ transplant medicine recently spoke with the Informer about how medicine and spiritually co-exist and positively impact each other. The Howard University Hospital surgeon has focused much of his career on transplant medicine among minority segments of the population, along with the unique health and social issues relevant to them as potential donors. Born in New York City in 1936, Callender contracted tuberculosis at 15 and was not expected to live beyond the two to five year life expectancy. Crediting God’s grace and mercy with his recovery, Callender went on to graduate from Nashville’s Meharry Medical College, and serve as a missionary doctor in Africa. In Callender’s estimation, every aspect of his life has been impacted by his spirituality and beliefs.

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Everything I’ve done since I was 7 revolved around spirituality and becoming a physician and eventually, I became a medical missionary or surgeon. So there is nothing that I’ve done in my career -- and this year represents 50 years as a physician -- that was not impacted by my spirituality and my belief that Jesus Christ came to the world to save the world. Everything I do as a consequence with all the patients I see, with all of the surgeries I perform with everything, is impacted by that.

It’s God who does the healing and I am his instrument and so I am a physician who assists in the healing process. So now I think one of the interesting experiences I’ve had along these lines didn’t necessarily increase my spirituality, but did validate what I live for as a transplant surgeon. I do and did liver and

kidney transplants and we had a patient about 25 or 30 years ago who had end-stage liver disease.

This patient had such a severe hepatitis caused by a viral illness that we felt that he was incurable and so we thought about the consequence of a transplant. Unfortunately, the viral disease was so overwhelming and he was a religious person and so the officers of his church came and anointed him and laid hands on him and this is not an uncommon practice at Howard University but we decided that there was nothing else we could do for him.

Now you have to keep in mind this patient was on a respirator and a ventilator and we considered him almost brain

See HEALING HANDS on Page SL 9

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on Spiritual Health and Physical Well-Being HEALING HANDS continued from Page SL 8 dead and we believed that there wasn’t anything else we could do. So what we did thereafter was to begin to decrease our treatment as we do with patients to allow them to die. As we withdrew our treatment, he kept getting better. Then within a week to 10 days he walked out of the hospital. It was a very exciting thing for me to run into him on the Metro and share the experience that God had saved him and blessed his life when we could do nothing for him.

One of the important things that I realized in my career is that I should not be proselytizing to my patients and so I have always respected whatever my

patient’s faith is. Whether or not they choose to have a Bible in the bed with them, I still pray for them. I don’t necessarily pray with them unless they ask me to do so, but, it has been something that I have recognized is an important part of the health process. That’s what my daily prayer sessions are about, what I should do next, how I should operate, if I’m operating in a difficult spot, I pray that God helps me and shows me the way.

I have always recognized that from Imhotep, the first physician, to all of the African antiquities and Egyptian’s religion, spirituality all were a part of healing. It wasn’t until the European advent that spirituality was actually taken out of the

realm of healing, so it is appropriate, for example, that Howard University and the Hospital for the last 150 years to bring spirituality back through the recognition of holistic medicine. The body, mind, and spirit have to be together in order for you to be well.

There is no health without a union of the body, the mind, and the spirit. When I define health or wellness, I define it as an unobstructed journey to fulfill your life’s goal. In order to achieve balance you have to have the body, mind and spirit must function together as one.

I recognize that among physicians there are divisions – where medical doctors and physicians are called allopathic physicians, those who work with the nat-

ural elements are called naturopathic. In order to have the practice of holistic medicine we have to have all of those elements together.

I believe that there is a place for the natural and a place for the supernatural, as well as a place for what is garden-variety medicine. But life and death is in the hand of God and so I try to do my very best job. I wasn’t always that wise -- my first 10 years I wasn’t that smart and sometimes thought that I had the power. I learned that what I needed to do was my very best and that’s what I teach all my students. After you’ve done the very best you can, put it in the hands of the Lord. HS

“There is no health without a union of the body, the mind, and the spirit.”

Books that Promote Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Well-Being Blessed Health

By Dr. Melody McCloud and Angela Ebron Blessed Health offers African-American women the medical information and inspirational motivation they need to achieve total health -- a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Many Black women will go to church all day every Sunday but won’t take one day out of the year to get a Pap test and mammogram done. Dr. Melody McCloud and Angela Ebron urge women not to wait until a health emergency happens before turning to their faith and their physicians. You can achieve optimal health by arming yourself with medical knowledge and a strong spiritual base. Research has proven that a well-nurtured spiritual self can help to replenish, rejuvenate, and safeguard your physical self.

Faith, Health, And Healing In African American Life

Edited by Stephanie Y. Mitchem, Emilie M. Townes This book offers a better understanding of the varieties of religiously-based approaches to healing and alternative models of healing and health found in Black communities in the United States. Contributors address the communal aspects of faith and health and explore the contexts in which individuals make choices about their health, the roles that institutions play in shaping these decisions, and the practices individuals engage in seeking better health or coping with the health they have. By paying attention to the role of faith, spirit, and health, this book offers a fuller sense of the varieties of ways Black health and health care are perceived and addressed from an inter-religious perspective.

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Standing In The Need Of Prayer: A Celebration Of Black Prayer

By The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture In this remarkable book, striking photographs and powerful prayers drawn from the unparalleled collections of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture span the broad spectrum of black religious traditions during the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries.

From the plaintive Yoruba prayer to “Look after us,/Look after our children” and the humble opening prayer of the Qur’ân to “Guide us on the right path” to W. E. B. Du Bois’s prideful prayer to “Let [Thy children] grow in the capacity for worthy work...and may they in the end prove worthy of their great heritage,” this extraordinary volume reflects the struggle, despair, determination, and triumph of the black experience through the ages. Drawing from faiths as diverse as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Vodou, the book also includes prayers from some of history’s most powerful voices, among them Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gifted Hands

By Ben Carson Ben Carson, M.D., works medical miracles. Today, he’s one of the most celebrated neurosurgeons in the world. In Gifted Hands, he tells of his inspiring odyssey from his childhood in inner-city Detroit to his position as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33.

Ben Carson is a role model for anyone who attempts the seemingly impossible as he takes you into the operating room where he has saved countless lives.

Filled with fascinating case histories, this is the dramatic and intimate story of Ben Carson’s struggle to beat the odds -- and of the faith and genius that make him one of the greatest life-givers of the century.

HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-9

Yoga

By Ronda Smith WI Contributing Writer

Some African Americans hear the word yoga and immediately become uneasy. The terminology is different, and its cultural source relatively unknown to Americans; still, nothing could be simples than breathing and balance. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, which means “to yoke” the spirit and physical body together and as a fundamental form of bal-

The Path to Harmonious Living

ance yoga has evolved over thousands of years to embrace a wide range of styles and disciplines.

Yoga is a popular activity for athletes, children, and seniors and can be modified to suit all levels of fitness. Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and increase strength and flexibility, while energizing the body and calming the mind.

“Physically as we get older, we all begin a process of fighting gravity and attempt to keep limber. It’s not just about be-

ing able to touch ones toes and keep agile, but bringing focus and balance into everyday life to achieve overall mental, spiritual, and physical health,” said Ericka Hines, a Takoma resident, who has practiced yoga since 2001.

Hines, 42, said that in addition to purging the system of negative energy and imbalances (some of which manifest themselves as physical and mental disorders), yoga affords its practitioners an inner peace and calm.

“Not only does flexibility and Ericka Hines of Takoma demonstrates the “mountain pose” used to achieve calm and balance. / Photo by Shantella Y.Sherman

2013 U.S. Meditation Tour

May 19 – July 5 Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj Meditate with an Indian Master

Sri Shivabalayogi, lovingly called Swamiji, is a true Yogi whose mission is to bring people of all faiths into meditation. His blessings serve to elevate our consciousness and deepen whatever spiritual path we have undertaken. Meditation practice helps us to: ❖ Achieve peace of mind ❖ Deal with stress, worry and illness ❖ Gain clarity about our true purpose in life, and ❖ Contribute to a more peaceful world.

Sri Swamiji does not give lectures. He silently teaches the ancient practice of Dhyan. His gift of meditation is given as a friend without obligation. Sri Swamiji’s meditation programs are always free and open to all. They include an introduction, one hour of silent meditation, singing of traditional Indian spiritual songs, arthi, and an opportunity to speak with Sri Swamiji individually and receive his blessings and guidance. To learn more about Sri Swamiji’s mission and tour, which includes programs in the NJ, PA, DC/MD area, NC (including a week-long retreat), CO and Canada, visit www.shivabalamahayogi.com.

Washington, DC Area / Maryland Programs Saturday, May 25 at 7 pm

Wednesday, May 29 at 7 pm

Unity of Gaithersburg 111 Central Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Argyle Park Activity Building 1030 Forest Glen Rd Silver Spring, MD 20901 (1 mile from Forest Glen Metro Stop)

For directions and detailed info contact: shivabalamahayogi.dc@gmail.com Rene 301-593-5855

SL-10 /may 2013 /HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENt

balance remove toxins from the body, a lot of emotional and spiritual stuff is pulled out as well.

Yoga encourages you to be quiet and listen to your own thoughts.

Too often we are indoctrinated as a society into being uncomfortable and alone with our own thoughts,” Hines said.

Ancient Yogis (practitioners) believed that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he had to integrate the body, the mind, and the spirit. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance.

The Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance and it is done through exercise, breathing, and Meditation - the three main Yoga structures.

In Yoga, the body is treated with care and respect for it is the primary instrument in man’s work and growth. Yoga exercises improve circulation, stimulate the abdominal organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can generally result to better health.

Breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life.

In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing. By focusing on their breathing, they prepare their minds for the next step Meditation.

There is a general misconception that in Meditation, your mind has to go blank. It doesn’t have to be so. In Meditation,

students bring the activities of the mind into focus resulting in a ‘quiet’ mind. By designing physical poses and Breathing Techniques that develop awareness of our body, Yoga helps us focus and relieves us from our everyday stress.

Six Branches of Yoga Hatha Yoga or Yoga of Postures is the most popular branch of Yoga in the West. It uses physical poses or Asana, Breathing Techniques or Pranayama, and Meditation to achieve better health, as well as spirituality. If what you want is a peaceful mind and a healthy body to go along with it, Hatha Yoga may just be the path for you.

Bhakti Yoga teaches a person to have devotion to the “One” or to Brahma by developing a person’s love and acceptance for all things.

Raja Yoga or Yoga of Self-Control is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga found in the Yoga sutras and teaches practitioners to achieve self-respect by first becoming masters of themselves.

Jnana Yoga positions wisdom and intellect as important and attempts to unify the two to surpass limitations.

Karma Yoga practice selfless service in order to adjust their perceptions and attitudes toward the good in each person and process.

Tantra Yoga uses rituals to experience what is sacred. HS www.washingtoninformer.com

Spirituality & Wellness by the Numbers

#1 77 50 61

Cause of Stress among Americans is Job Pressure, which is described as disharmony between co-workers, bosses, or work overload

79

The percent of U.S. adults that believe spiritual faith can help the and others recover from illness, injury, or disease

The percentage of people who regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress

The percentage of Americans who cited irritability or anger among the psychological effects experienced as a result of stress

The percentage of college students who pray at least weekly;

28percent of college

students pray daily.

2to3

One of a kind. Unique.

In the profession of nursing, you stand out.

This 2013 Nurses Week, we celebrate and thank the 7,600 MedStar Health nurses who deliver quality and innovation in patient care every day.

Each of you is knowledgeable. Each of you is compassionate.

The number of additional years added to the lives of those who attend regular (at least weekly) religious services.

And each of you is appreciated and admired for the difference you make in the lives of others.

Thank you.

Data provided by the 2012 American Psychological Association, American Institute of Stress Study

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HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-11

Peace

Out

F12: PEACEOUT – 600 words with 2 horizontal photos [Photos on FTP; story to be loaded 5/6 5pm]

By Ronda Smith WI Contributing Writer

PARTNERS

Dr. James Coleman, Pastor All Nations Baptist Church

Held at Michigan Park: 18th & South Dakota, NE Celebrating the Anniversary of WYCB’s “Think on These Things” talk show (Every Friday @ 6PM) A RADIO ONE NETWORK

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Many college students find navigating college life far from home more stressful than adults with 70-hour a week jobs and families to support. In addition to deadlines, papers, and an environment often more conducive to experimentation than academia, out-of-state college students develop and express their character and spirituality for the first time without parents or family members nearby. Howard University students attending Rankin Chapel recently discussed how their spirituality is fostered and their overall health thrives through a community of student believers.

S

ean Walsh, 21, a Biology major from Atlanta said that being away from home has essentially forced the rubber to the road, testing his belief system and challenging him to embrace the spiritual foundations formed by his parents during his childhood.

“It can be difficult at times when you are new to a city and the campus experience, but I wanted to build on the spiritual foundation from my home. I found that at Rankin Chapel there were a lot of like-minded students and we’ve been able to keep each other grounded. There are times when I have felt empty and as a biology major, things have been very rigorous and stressful; however, I have discovered that with God – I am easily encouraged and am able to encourage others facing similar things.”

A recent study by the Higher Education Research Institute Graduate School revealed that over half of students with a strong spiritual orientation are “frequently” able to find meaning during difficult times (55 percent) and feel at peace and centered (58 percent), compared to only 11 percent and 18 percent, respectively, of low scorers on Spirituality.

Ebony O. Richardson, 25 of Long Beach, California epitomized that and said, attending services at east weekly. She said that since coming to Howard University, her spirituality has grown.

“My mother passed away three years ago and I felt a lot of anger.

But God got me; He showed me that in life I had Him to rely on.

It became my duty to serve God. I feel so much more blessed and grateful since I have allowed my spirituality to develop.”

Joseph Dillard, 22, a Political Science major from Dallas, Texas said that while his family was not particularly religious, he grew into his spirituality as a major support system for his life.

“God has always been my real support system and I began preaching when I was 14 years old.

Once I arrived at Howard, God showed me that life, scholarship, spirituality and leadership all function together. I have come to understand the tenets of other faiths and know that there are more similarities than there are differences.

I’ve learned to be open to other viewpoints, while knowing God. If there is no spiritual support, it is difficult to remain mentally and emotionally stable.” WI www.washingtoninformer.com

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Percentage of deaths in DC attributed to cancer, one of the ten leading causes of mortality among DC residents.*

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600 Maryland Avenue, SW • Washington, DC 20024 HEALTH WELLNESS & NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT / may 2013 / SL-13

INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY LINDEN

Viewp int

Marta Solomon Washington, D.C. I believe that my body is a temple – that is the core of my spirituality. So anything I do with my body actually is a form of worship. There’s no compartmentalizing, all aspects of my life are driven by my spirituality. It drives my professional career, my personal relationships; it’s a driving force for me. My spirituality is the spring from which my joy, sadness and everything emerges.

Alecia Walker Washington, D.C. For me, it’s been the opposite. My health has always had an impact on my spirituality.

The better I eat, the more spiritually connected I feel. I’m not necessarily connected to a specific religious group, but I do feel that having a healthy diet and eating vegan and natural foods has helped me to grow spiritually by allowing me to become calmer and more centered.

HOW HAS YOUR SPIRITUALITY IMPACTED YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

Trudy Perry Washington, D.C. I believe in the goodness of people and that is the part of my spirituality that anchors me. It gives me balance and I rely upon it in hard times. I consider myself to be somewhat well balanced.

I practice yoga which has many elements of spirituality, and that also help me to maintain a wellbalanced lifestyle. My personal spirituality helps me maintain my composure throughout the good and bad times.

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Kenda Fields Washington, D.C. It affects a lot of my personal life [because] I’m a Seventh-Day Adventist. We have a health message, so there’s a biblical base that I follow for my diet. I don’t eat things I believe to be unclean such as pork and shellfish. There’s also a clean-eating movement that I subscribe to that encourages eating foods that are from the earth that don’t have additives and are also low in sodium.

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My spirituality has encouraged me to want to live a healthier lifestyle and to think about what I want to put into my body [because] it’s a temple of God. I’m a Seventh-Day Adventist, so it’s very important for me to be informed about how I can continue to keep myself healthy so that I can live a stronger and active daily life.

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DC Free Summer Meals Program

June 24, 2013 through August 23, 2013 at select DC Parks and Recreation Camp Sites and June 24, 2013 through August 16, 2013 at Non-DPR Summer Meals Program Sites

To find a site near you: Call 311 or TEXT 202.6565.EAT 3 2 8

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Moving Forward.

We’re AmeriHealth District of Columbia (DC), the new name in Medicaid services here in DC. We’re combining Chartered’s best with our 30-year history of serving Medicaid communities across the nation to deliver the best in Medicaid managed care for DC. We’re experienced, credible and committed to partnering with providers, community and business leaders to help build a healthier DC. We’re AmeriHealth DC and we’re moving forward.

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www.washingtoninformer.com