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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:
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INTERNS
Skylar Nelson, Howard University
Tait Manning, Howard University
By Micha Green WI Managing Editor
Greetings and Happy May!
As the weather warms up, people are cleaning off their grills, pulling out their lawn chairs, and grabbing their fans because it’s officially cookout season!
With many cookouts comes good food, enjoying the outdoors, dancing and making memories. As May
is both National Physical Fitness and Older Americans Month, The Washington Informer is offering tips for enjoying this season and staying healthy all at once.
From healthy cookout recipes (more online), diving into the benefits of line dancing, and offering seniors tips for exercising outdoors in the heat, this is more than a special edition, it’s a summer resource and guide.
While there’s still a month before the official start of summer on June 22, this guide will provide tools that lead to a healthy and enjoyable cookout season— which, for many, kicks off Memorial Day weekend in just a few short weeks.
So check out this guide, grab your fans and get your “boots on the ground,” while staying healthy and active this cookout season! n
Healthy Alternatives for Cookout Food
Delicious Doesn’t Mean Unhealthy —Meet the New Cookout Classics
By Dr. Patrise Holden Contributing Writer
This season, elevate your cookout game with dishes that are just as exciting as they are nourishing. Whether grilling for a big holiday bash or keeping it intimate with a few loved ones, these vibrant, feel-good rec-
Strawberry Vegan Cornbread
Bianca Barnes
Baker & Creative Designer
Bianca’s Alluring Gifts
About the
Dish:
Second-generation culinary talent, Bianca embodies the perfect blend of family tradition and artistic creativity with her flavorful, decadent food creations. This decadent, dreamy treat is moist and delicious, using dairy-free substitutes to ensure everyone can enjoy it. Topped with optional luscious cream cheese drizzle, it’s a dish that will leave your guests inspired and asking for seconds.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
ipes prove that wholesome food can be the star of the party. “I grew up watching my mom turn food into delicious art on a plate. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat well,” said Bianca Barnes, a second-generation culinary artist. “Healthy alternatives at a cookout aren’t about restriction, they’re about reimagining traditional favorites with heart, health, and a lot of creativity.”
1 cup cornmeal
2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 banana (mashed)
2 cups soy milk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup strawberries, diced small
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F.
In one bowl, combine all wet ingredients.
In another bowl, mix dry ingredients.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in diced strawberries.
Spray baking pan or nonstick skillet with nonstick baking spray.
Pour batter into pan.
Bake for 30 to 60 minutes, substi-
tutes may affect bake time. For best results, bake until middle of cornbread firms up, checking occasionally. May also check with a toothpick until it comes out mostly clean. n
palettes of all ages. (Courtesy Photo/Bianca Barnes)
In Memoriam
5 Bianca Barnes signature specialty, strawberry vegan cornbread is a delicious way to level up your cornbread and delight
Listen to Your Body:
heat safety is key, especially as summers grow hotter.
Brad and Danielle Brown of Image Made Fit emphasize that incorporating outdoor fitness is critical for all generations.
“Our bodies will always age, but exercising at any age helps preserve what God has given us,” said Danielle Brown.
Here are six tips offered by the wellness and nutrition coach duo to protect oneself while enjoying the great outdoors:
Time It Right:
Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. For those who adore activities during the midday sun, be sure to use sunscreen.
Dress Smart:
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.
Hydrate:
Don’t wait until you're thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay ahead of dehydration. Be sure to drink water before, during, and after exercising.
Stop activity immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, weak, or confused. Seek shade or air-conditioning if needed.
Apply (and Reapply)
Sunscreen:
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours or after sweating.
Take Supplements:
Supplement needs vary from person to person; consider electrolytes to replenish what is lost in sweat. Electrolytes also help balance the body’s pH levels. Magnesium is also known to aid in muscle recovery.
With a little planning and awareness, like Barnes, people of all ages can continue to thrive and find strength, connection, and healing under open skies.
“The calmness and sense of freedom that I received from outdoor air is something that this North Carolina boy enjoyed from 7 straight into my 70s,” he fondly remembered. “Outdoors, I’ve always found peace.”
SAGE program offers classes for seniors ready to stay fit or sharpen their skills. Enjoy strength training, dance, computer skills, and more—all for just $40 per class.
Healthy Flavors Bring Nutrition Education and Culture During National Nutrition Month
By Alexis Rogers INSPR journalism intern
Food Jonezi and local community partners recently brought flavor and health education to Southeast D.C., celebrating National Nutrition Month with a mission to show that nutritious eating can still be delicious and culturally rooted.
Experts agree that nutrition plays a critical role in promoting health and preventing or managing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Research from the National Institutes of Health confirms that community-based nutrition education can significantly improve health outcomes by encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing diet-related illnesses.
Food Jonezi hosted its annual Healthy Flavors of the City event in March at the Benning Stoddert Recreation Center in Ward 7 this March. The event featured
a wide array of tasty dishes—all made without added sugar, salt, or unhealthy oils—to emphasize that healthy food can still be full of flavor.
“We wanted the community to see that you can eat healthy and still enjoy your cultural and traditional foods—without salt or sugar,” said Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN, founder of Food Jonezi. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between nutrition awareness and everyday access to healthy meals in low-income communities.”
What started nearly a decade ago as a blog sharing nutritious spins on classic cuisine has grown into a full-fledged initiative. Food Jonezi now provides community-based nutrition education, cooking demos, and one-on-one counseling, especially for those communities facing higher rates of diet-related illnesses.
“Too often, there’s a lack of accessible nutrition guidance in our neighborhoods,” said Jones. “We’re changing that by meeting people where they are—with real food and real solutions.”
The event, which takes nearly six months to plan, was co-sponsored by the Managed Care Collective, including Amerigroup DC, AmeriHealth, MedStar Family Choice DC, and DC Healthy Families, a program under the Department of Health Care Finance. East of the River Living, a local community organization, also participated.
Nolan Carr, a representative from Amerigroup DC, underscored the importance of community partnerships.
“Nutrition is fundamental to good health,” said Carr. “Organizations like Food Jonezi help drive healthier outcomes by connecting people to the resources they need.”
Looking ahead, Jones shared that Food Jonezi will soon open a new Wellness Center near the event site—an exciting expansion of their work in Ward 7.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re here to stay—and we’re here to help our community eat well and live better.”
For more information, recipes, and upcoming programs, visit foodjonezi.com.
n
May Is for Mental Health
Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)
This time of year, you might see reminders to check in with yourself or to prioritize your mental wellness, but what exactly does that look like? When it comes to your mental health, it’s important to recognize when you need support and know where to find it while continuing to have conversations about mental well-being.
These days, conversations about mental health have become more common — whether it’s discussions about feeling burned out at work or the effects of social media. However, there is still a stigma around prioritizing mental health. Some people hesitate to seek professional help out of fear of being judged, while others do not believe they need support. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and while mental health challenges are common, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The importance of accessible mental health support
Accessibility remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health care for many people. Traditional therapy may feel out of reach due to cost, scheduling issues, or a lack of nearby providers. The good news is that mental health resources have expanded in recent years, making it easier to get the help you need in a way that works for you.
• Telehealth and virtual therapy: Virtual therapy platforms allow you to connect with licensed professionals from the comfort of your home. No need to make a long drive or sit in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. Telehealth services offer several remote services while teletherapy focuses solely on mental health.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Many workplaces offer lowcost or no-cost mental health services for their employees. If you feel overwhelmed by work stress or personal issues, check to see if your employer offers mental health benefits.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in a crisis, the 988 hotline offers confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost. Trained counselors are available to provide help and connect callers with local mental health resources.
Nurturing mental health in everyday life
Taking care of your mental health does not always mean scheduling a therapy appointment or calling a crisis hotline. While those resources are valuable, mental well-being is also shaped by small, everyday choices. This could mean setting boundaries at your job, unplugging from social media, or simply chatting with a friend.
You should also take the time to check in on loved ones and the people around you. Many people struggle in silence, not wanting to bring others down with their problems. Simply asking someone, “Hey, how are you doing?” can open the door for them to share what they are going through. If they need help beyond what you can offer, gently encourage them to seek professional help.
While the month of May shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health, the conversation should not end when the month is over. Prioritizing mental well-being is a year-round effort. Whether you are taking advantage of available resources, advocating for mental health in your community, or checking in on a friend who may be struggling, every step matters. It is crucial to keep talking, supporting, and caring for ourselves and each other.
Sources
1.“Measles,” World Health Organization, November 14, 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/measles.
2.“Measles Symptoms and Complications,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 9, 2024, https:// www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/ index.html.
All images are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model n
Don’t wait to vaccinate: The importance of EPSDT and preventive care
With measles outbreaks making headlines in the last few months, parents may be wondering how to keep their children safe. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. This disease spreads when a person with a measles infection breathes, coughs, or sneezes.1 Measles can cause serious complications, especially in children. Nearly 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.2 Measles is preventable with routine childhood vaccinations, which AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees can receive under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services at no cost. EPSDT services make sure that children and teens receive necessary preventive care. EPSDT visits include:
• A physical exam
• Growth and development checks
• Hearing and vision screenings
• Any necessary vaccines, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Blood work
• A mental health check
• Additional information to help keep your child healthy AmeriHealth Caritas DC makes it easy for parents and their children to access EPSDT services. For help finding a provider, scheduling an appointment for your child, or getting transportation to appointments, contact the Community Outreach Solutions (COS) team at 202-216-2318. Protecting your child’s health starts with prevention — schedule their checkup today!
HEALTHY REWARDS
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