La Voz Latina Central April 2013

La Voz Latina Central

Celebrate Spring

At the Center of Your Community / Al Centro de Su Comunidad

APRIL 2013

What’s Inside: As I See It Freedom and the U.S. Constitution p. 8

Page 24

Meet Fran Rodriguez p. 18 The Tradition and Celebration of a Quinceañera p. 20 Cómo Mantenerse En Forma Y Divertirse A Medida Que Pasan Los Años p. 24

Page 20

Page 18

Page 8

``E

Graham and Esmerelda Hetrick.

A Note From The Publisher l primero de abril recordamos lo que somos durante los otros 364 días del año.” ~ Mark Twain

El buen anciano de Samuel Langhorne Clemens hizo un gran punto con la cita anterior - tal vez no lo tomamos demasiado en serio. Sin lugar a dudas, la vida está llena hasta el borde con situaciones de extrema gravedad y problemas, pero también está llena de momentos ridículos y divertidos que nos recuerdan lo tonto que realmente somos en nuestros corazones. Nadie es perfecto, y quien realmente quiere serlo? Son nuestros defectos que nos hacen interesantes y únicos. Si bien un tonto puede ser considerado como una consecuencia desafortunada de la condición humana, se puede también ser adoptado como un atributo, si es reconocido como una característica inevitable de la humanidad. Como Bill Shakespeare escribió una vez: “El necio se cree sabio, pero el sabio sabe que es un tonto.”

Así que, en este cuarto mes del año que comienza su primer día con un homenaje a nuestra tonta naturaleza humana, no hay mejor momento que Abril para deleitarse con nuestras locuras innatas, para no tomarnos demasiado en serio a nosotros mismos. Después de todo, un poco de despreocupación siempre ayuda durante la temporada de impuestos.

El número de este mes es muy especial. Usted no querrá perderse la función de consejos financieros del Instituto de Contadores Públicos de Pennsylvania 27 página. Otra lectura obligatoria es con la que contribuye il del escritor Kristen Lacaillade de Fran Rodríguez, un líder muy respetado en la comunidad latina de Lancaster (18 página). Lacaillade también echó un vistazo a la tradición latina de Quinceañeras en la página 20.

Además de las columnas regulares por Héctor Ortiz, Oralia Dominic, Mark Kogan y yo, también tenemos otra gran lectura para usted, incluyendo piezas en estilos de vida saludables, consejos de abogados de inmigración por el Representante Peter J. Daley del Estado de Pennsylvania, y una lista de eventos para abril.

Asegúrese de tomar algún tiempo para disfrutar de todo lo que ofrece este mes La Voz Latina Central.

``T

he first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.” ~ Mark Twain

Good old Samuel Langhorne Clemens made a great point with the above quote – perhaps we do take ourselves a bit too seriously. Without a doubt, life is filled to the brim with extremely serious situations and issues, but it is also full of silly and fun moments that remind us how foolish we really are at our cores. No one is perfect, and who would really want to be? It’s our flaws that make us interesting and unique. While being a fool can be considered an unfortunate consequence of the human condition, it can also be embraced as an attribute if acknowledged as an unavoidable characteristic of humanity. As Bill Shakespeare once wrote, “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

So in this fourth month of the year, which begins its first day with a homage to our foolish human natures, there is no better time than April to revel in our innate foolishness by not taking ourselves too seriously. After all, a little lightheartedness always helps during tax season.

This month’s issue is a special one. You won’t want to miss the feature on financial tips from the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs on page 27. Another must-read is Contributing Writer Kristen Lacaillade's profile of Fran Rodriguez, a well-respected leader in Lancaster's Latino community (page 18). Lacaillade also took a look into the Latino tradition of Quinceañeras on page 20.

In addition to the regular columns by Hector Ortiz, Oralia Dominic, Mark Kogan and myself, we also have some other great reading for you, including pieces on healthy lifestyles, advice on immigration attorneys from Pennsylvania State Representative Peter J. Daley and an event listing for April.

Be sure to take some time to enjoy all this month’s La Voz Latina Central has to offer.

Graham S. Hetrick Publisher APRIL 2013 3

April 2013 • Volume 3 No. 4

La Voz Latina Central PUBLISHER

Graham Hetrick . ghetrick@lavozlatinacentral.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Patti Hill-Boccassini . pboccassini@harrisburgmagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR

Jadrian Klinger . jklinger@benchmarkgroupmedia.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Austin Fitz . afitz@benchmarkgroupmedia.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Chelsea Hess-Moore . chessmoore@benchmarkgroupmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Oralia Garcia Dominic, Ph.D., M.A., M.S. | Mark Kogan, Esq. Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz | Dr. Rhonda Johnson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jadrian Klinger EDITORIAL INTERN

Kristen Lacaillade ACCOUNT SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Leé Colaguori (717) 233-0109–ext. 133 Jim Laverty (717) 233-0109–ext. 122 TRANSLATOR

Marisol Aviles

3400 N. 6th Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 717.233.0109 717.232.6010 fax benchmarkgroupmedia.com

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Davy H. Goldsmith–ext. 114

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Len Boccassini–ext. 132

PUBLISHER

Patti Hill-Boccassini–ext. 130

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Chad Overbaugh–ext. 128

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING Jim Laverty–ext. 122

CIRCULATION MANAGER / DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS FINANCE Violetta Chlaifer–ext. 124

4 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

Perfil Racial Por el Mark J. Kogan, Esq.

¿

Alguna vez has escuchado el término discriminación racial? ¿Qué significa eso? La discriminación racial se refiere a la práctica seguida por los funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley de uso de la raza, el origen nacional o étnico como base para la sospecha de actividad criminal. Es un factor clave de si el oficial de policía toma medidas, tales como hacer una parada o detención.

Originalmente, el término se refiere a la práctica de la detención de un gran número de hombres afroamericanos conductores en el supuesto de que tenían una mayor probabilidad de estar involucrado en actividades criminales.

Esto fue visto de nuevo después de los ataques terroristas del 11 de septiembre de 2001, el término fue llamado perfiles étnicos, en referencia a la búsqueda e interrogar a hombres del Medio Oriente en los aeropuertos. Otros ejemplos de perfiles raciales incluyen pero no se limitan a lo siguiente: 1) Los ataques de los árabes, musulmanes y asiáticos del sur para búsquedas “aleatorias” en los aeropuertos.

2) Una persona de color que sea detenida en un barrio "blanco" porque "no deberían estar allí" o "parece fuera de lugar".

3) Una persona de color que sea detenida debido a que son "poco probable" ser dueño o poseer esa marca o modelo de vehículo.

4) Una persona de color que está detenido por una violación menor de tráfico se cuestiona acerca de hacia dónde van y si tienen las drogas ilegales o armas en su poder.

Hay muchas otras formas en que la discriminación racial se presenta, pero estos son actualmente los ejemplos más citados de la discriminación racial en los Estados Unidos.

La siguiente declaración puede atribuirse a Dennis Parker, Director de (American Civil Liberties Union) de la ACLU Proyecto de Justicia Racial: “Estos hallazgos demuestran las disparidades raciales claras y significativas en la forma en que son tratados los conductores una vez que han sido detenidos por la policía. El informe encontró que los negros y los hispanos fueron aproximadamente tres veces más probables de ser buscado durante una parada de tráfico, los negros tenían el doble de probabilidades de ser arrestados y los negros eran casi cuatro veces más probabilidades de sufrir la amenaza o al uso de la fuerza durante las interacciones con la policía.”

Mientras que el Departamento de Justicia dice que el índice más alto de búsquedas de los negros y los hispanos no es necesariamente el resultado de un sesgo racial, se plantea una pregunta fundamental: ¿Por qué los negros y los hispanos son sometidos a registros de manera desproporcionada? Es una pregunta que debe ser contestada.

Usted podría preguntarse por qué es importante la caracterización racial a mí? Debido a que es ilegal y si opta por no estar informado o consciente de este problema de cómo se va a ayudar a usted o a los que te rodean? ¿Cuáles son sus derechos? ¿Qué derechos tiene si usted o alguien en su familia ha sido

víctima de la discriminación racial? ¿Sabes lo que es causa probable o sospecha razonable decir?

La Corte Suprema de los EE.UU. ha declarado que la discriminación racial viola el requisito constitucional de que todas las personas de una protección igual de la ley.19 La “guía sobre el uso de la raza por las agencias federales encargados de hacer cumplir la ley” que fue emitida por el Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU. en 2003 estados: “Perfil racial” en su núcleo que se refiere al uso injusto de la raza o la etnia como criterio en la realización de paradas, registros y otros procedimientos policiales de investigación. Se basa en la suposición errónea de que cualquier individuo en particular de una raza o grupo étnico es más probable que participen en la mala conducta de un individuo en particular de otra raza o etnia.

La discriminación racial en la aplicación de la ley no es simplemente erróneo, sino también ineficaz. Basadas en la raza supuestos de aplicación de la ley perpetúa estereotipos raciales negativos que son perjudiciales para nuestra democracia rica y diversa, y menoscaben significativamente nuestros esfuerzos para mantener una sociedad justa y equitativa. ¿Qué puede hacer si está detenido? Abogados de derechos civiles aconsejan lo siguiente: Conozca sus derechos: no están obligados a dar permiso al oficial de policía para buscar su coche. Usted puede rechazar la solicitud -, pero lo hacen con educación.

No discuta: la policía puede tratar de intimidar. No haga una confrontación y provocar una discusión. Obtenga los nombres de los oficiales: asegúrese de obtener sus números de placa, número de patrulla, número de matrícula y tome nota de la ubicación y la hora del día. Presente una queja si usted siente que ha sido mal tratado: en contacto con la ACLU y otras organizaciones de derechos civiles para obtener asesoramiento legal.

Una fuente útil de información sobre los derechos legales y civiles de los ciudadanos y los no ciudadanos es un folleto llamado “Conozca sus derechos:. Qué hacer si usted es detenido por la policía, el FBI, el INS o el Servicio de Aduanas” Este folleto se puede encontrar en el sitio web de ACLU. Si usted cree que ha sido víctima de la discriminación racial injusto o ilegal, puede presentar una queja ante el Departamento de Justicia de Coordinación de Derechos Civiles División y Sección de Revisión en: Sección de Coordinación y Revisión de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia de EE.UU. PO Caja 66560 Washington, DC 20035 a 6560 (888) 848 a 5306 Su dirección es usdoj.gov También recomiendoaclu.org. para más información.

Racial Profiling

By Mark J. Kogan, Esq.

W

hat does racial profiling mean? It is a term that refers to the practice followed by law-enforcement officers of using race, national origin or ethnicity as a basis for suspicion of criminal activity. It plays a key factor in whether the law-enforcement officer takes action, such as making a stop or arrest. Originally, the term referred to the practice of stopping a large number of male African-American drivers on the assumption that they had a heightened likelihood of being involved in criminal activity.

Racial profiling was seen again after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The term was called “ethnic profiling” in reference to searching and interrogating Middle Eastern men at airports. Other examples of racial profiling include, but are not limited to, the following: 6 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

• The targeting of Arabs, Muslims and South Asians for “random” searches in airports.

• A person of color being stopped in a “white” neighborhood because they “don’t belong there” or “look out of place.”

• A person of color being pulled over because they are “unlikely” to own or possess a specific make or model of vehicle.

• A person of color, who is stopped for a minor traffic violation, being questioned about where they are going and if they have illegal drugs or weapons in their possession.

There are many other ways that racial profiling presents itself, but these are currently the most commonly cited examples of it in the United States.

The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Parker, director of the

ACLU’s Racial Justice Project: “These findings demonstrate clear and significant racial disparities in the way in which motorists are treated once they have been stopped by law enforcement. The report found that blacks and Hispanics were roughly three times as likely to be searched during a traffic stop, blacks were twice as likely to be arrested and blacks were nearly four times as likely to experience the threat or use of force during interactions with the police.”

While the Department of Justice says that the higher rate of searches of blacks and Hispanics is not necessarily the result of racial bias, it begs a critical question: Why are blacks and Hispanics subject to searches disproportionately? It’s a question that needs to be answered.

Why does racial profiling matter to you? Because it is illegal and, if you choose not to become informed or aware about this issue, then how are you going to help yourself or those around you? What are your rights? What rights do you have if you or someone in your family is a victim of racial profiling? Do you know what probable cause or reasonable suspicion mean?

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that racial profiling violates the constitutional requirement that all persons be accorded equal protection of the law. The “Guidance Regarding the Use of Race By Federal Law Enforcement Agencies” that was issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2003 states: “Racial profiling” at its core concerns the invidious use of race or ethnicity as a criterion in conducting stops, searches and other law-enforcement investigative procedures. It is premised on the erroneous assumption that any particular individual of one race or ethnicity is more likely to engage in misconduct than any particular individual of another race or ethnicity.

Racial profiling in law enforcement is not merely wrong, but also ineffective.

Race-based assumptions in law enforcement perpetuate negative racial stereotypes that are harmful to our rich and diverse democracy, and materially impair our efforts to maintain a fair and just society.

What can you do if you are stopped? Civil rights attorneys advise the following: • Know your rights. You are not required to give permission to police officers to search your car. You can deny the request, but do so politely.

• Don't argue. The police may try to intimidate you. Do not be confrontational and provoke an argument.

• Get the names of the officers. Be sure to get their badge numbers, squad-car number, license-plate number and make a note of the location and time of day.

• File a complaint if you feel you have been mistreated. Contact the ACLU or other civil rights organizations for legal advice.

A useful source of information on the legal and civil rights of both citizens and non-citizens is a pamphlet called Know Your Rights: What to Do If You’re Stopped by the Police, the FBI, the INS or the Customs Service. This pamphlet can be found on the ACLU website.

If you believe that you have been the victim of unfair or illegal racial profiling, you can file a complaint with the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s Coordination and Review Section at Coordination and Review Section Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice, P.O. Box 66560, Washington, D.C. 20035-6560 – (888) 848-5306. Their website address is usdoj.gov. I also recommend aclu.org for more information.

La Voz Latina Central Want to work in the fun, fast-paced world of advertising sales?

We have a position open for a dynamic account representative to work with La Voz Latina Central clients.

If you have ambition and the drive to help connect different cultures, please give us a call.

Bilingual preferred.

Contact our Sales Manager, Chad Overbaugh at (717) 233-0109–ext. 128, or send your resume to coverbaugh@harrisburgmagazine.com. ¡Llame ahora! Gracias.

APRIL 2013 7

Como Yo Lo Veo Por el Graham Hetrick

Y

o vengo de una familia de inmigrantes. Ellos vinieron aquí hace muchos años, y ellos eran granjeros y soldados alemanes. Muchos soldados alemanes fueron traídos aquí durante la Revolución Americana por el rey británico para combatir a los revolucionarios americanos. Muchos de esos soldados vieron la visión de los revolucionarios y querían tener la misma libertad que buscaban. Dejaron el ejército británico y lucharon en el bando del Ejército Colonial.

Recientemente, en Estados Unidos, han estado debatiendo el papel del gobierno y el poder del ciudadano individual. El 17 de septiembre 1787 se declara aprobada la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Era un documento muy inusual, ya que no dijo lo que debe hacer el gobierno para el pueblo, sino que dijo lo que el gobierno no se le permitió hacer a la gente.

Era un documento de derechos negativos. Esto significa que si la Constitución no otorga un poder para el Gobierno Federal, entonces el Gobierno Federal no tenía derecho a ampliar sus poderes. Todas las demás acciones de gobierno estarían bajo el poder de los Estados. Ahora, esto es interesante para cualquier inmigrante. Al igual que mis antepasados​​ alemanes, que creían que algunos derechos fueron dados por Dios y no por el gobierno, los inmigrantes de hoy en día buscan a América por su libertad y oportunidades.

Hoy en día los inmigrantes deberían unirse a la discusión sobre la América del mañana.

Ellos deberían comprender la naturaleza única de la Constitución. Si nosotros permitimos que el Gobierno Federal ignore las restricciones impuestas sobre las personas haciendo

un lado la Constitución, ¿seria Los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica un país digno de emigrar? Con un Gobierno Federal más fuerte y grande, ¿podríamos aun tener la mayor libertad individual en el mundo?

Si nos fijamos en la historia de los Estados Unidos, vemos que cuando los Estados eran los más fuertes, Estados Unidos era el más próspero. América sin duda puede cometer errores pero siempre ha tenido la capacidad de corregirlos. Tenemos 50 estados. ¿Sería mejor tener el poder dividido entre los 50, y no en las manos de uno solo? Por ejemplo, si no me gusta la forma en que un Estado está ejecutando su atención de la salud, la educación o los sistemas tributarios, puedo optar por dejar ese Estado e ir a uno que me guste más.

Pero si todo el poder y los sistemas están en el Gobierno Federal, y uno de ellos falla, no hay ningún lugar para ir. Prefiero tener 50 opciones a quedar atrapado en un mal sistema.

Animo a todos a leer la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Muchos han emigrado para escapar de un gobierno dictatorial y fuerte. Sería una verguenza inmigrar a este país por la libertad y luego ver a los que nacieron aquí, regalarlo. Creo que muchos inmigrantes saben muy bien cómo el poder puede corromper y cómo la dependencia del gobierno conduce a la pobreza y la esclavitud. Los hispanos se están convirtiendo en una parte importante de las pequeñas empresas porque entienden la libertad. La libertad para iniciar un negocio, contratar a otros y crear confianza en sí mismo está disminuyendo al aumentar la regulación y control por parte de un gobierno federal cada vez mayor.

As I See It

By Graham Hetrick

I

come from a family of immigrants. They came here many years ago, and they were German farmers and soldiers. Many German soldiers were brought here during the American Revolution by the British king to fight the American revolutionaries.

Many of those soldiers saw the vision of the revolutionaries and wanted to have the same freedom they sought. They left the British army and fought on the side of the Colonial Army.

Recently we, in America, have been debating the role of government and the power of the individual citizen. On September 17, 1787, the states adopted the Constitution of the United States. It was a very unusual document because it did not say what the government should do for the people; rather it said what the government was not allowed to do to the people.

It was a document of negative rights. This means that if the Constitution didn’t grant a power to the Federal government, then the Federal government had no right to expand its powers. All other actions of government would be under the power of the states. This is interesting for any immigrant. Just like my German ancestors, who believed that certain rights were given by God and not by government, today’s immigrants seek out America for its freedom and opportunity.

Immigrants today must join in this discussion about the America of tomorrow. They should understand the unique nature of the Constitution. If we allow the Federal 8 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

government to ignore the restrictions put upon it by the people through the Constitution, will America be a country worth immigrating to? With a stronger and a bigger Federal government, can we still have the greatest individual freedom in the world?

If we look at the history of the United States, we see that when the states were the strongest, America was the most prosperous. America can certainly make mistakes, but it has always had the ability to correct them. We have 50 states. Is it not better to have power divided between 50 rather than in the hands of one? For example, if I don’t like the way a state is running its health care, education or tax systems, I can choose to leave that state and go to one I like better. But if all power and systems are in the Federal government, and the systems fail, there is no place to go. I would much rather have 50 choices than be trapped in one bad system.

I encourage everyone to read the United States Constitution. Many have immigrated here to escape a dictatorial and strong government. It would be a shame to immigrate to this country for freedom and then watch those born here give it away. I think many immigrants know very well how power can corrupt and how dependence on government leads to poverty and enslavement. Hispanics are becoming an important part of small business because they understand freedom. The freedom to start a business, hire others and create self-reliance is being diminished by increasing regulation and control by an ever-growing Federal government.

APRIL 2013 9

La Actitud Positiva, Un Camino para Convertir Sueños en Realidades Por el Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz

L

na actitud positiva necesita de la continua afluencia de una energía proactiva. La energía positiva está representada por una serie de impulsos que influyen en el humor, el carácter, el temperamento, y la predisposición para actuar, de manera que nuestras intenciones no sean afectadas por influencias o impedimentos externos. La energía positiva hace que todo sea posible. Además, es necesario que nosotros nos presentemos estas ideas a nosotros mismos con un sentido de curiosidad, un poco de información, entusiasmo ilimitado, consideración analítica y racional, y autocontrol emocional.

Un sueño es una oportunidad que la mente crea, el intelecto lo desarrolla y su corazón lo afirma. Por lo tanto, un sueño representa la interconexión completa de nuestro ser.

Esto convierte una intención visionaria en una realidad pragmática. El negativismo es un punto de vista extremo que está basado exclusivamente en el desbalance de respuestas pesimistas. Acepto que nosotros no podemos mantener un modo positivo de forma absoluta e invariable, pero por seguro una actitud positiva condicionada, es seguramente posible. “Los conceptos no son cosas que pueden ser cambiadas solo porque alguien lo considera como un hecho,” como lo dice George Lakoff. “Nosotros podemos ser persuadidos por los hechos, pero para que ellos tengan sentido, ellos tienen que cuadrar con lo que pensamos en nuestro cerebro.”

Nuestro marco de referencia depende de nuestra actitud. El permitir que en su mente se aniden opiniones diferentes le ayudara a afirmar la ventaja de crear un pensamiento crítico y positivo. Muchas son las razones por las que nuestra mente debería apreciar la diferencia de opiniones. Por ejemplo, esto nos otorga la posibilidad de refrescar el criterio de nuestra aparente objetividad e interpretar los factores que pueden presentar diferentes significados para los demás. Tenga en consideración que nosotros tenemos la libertad de escoger y la responsabilidad de aceptar las consecuencias de nuestra

elección. Nuestras preferencias pueden estar basadas en nuestros valores elementales, sin embargo, esta elección puede también venir de percepciones y asunciones pre-condicionadas. Este es el primer paso para lograr un mejor entendimiento dado que una teoría o axioma necesita ser probada antes de ser aceptada como una verdad. Por eso, nosotros debemos de ser cautelosos dado que en realidad, todo en la vida es relativo.

Por otro lado, es también beneficioso el estar consciente que existen diferentes maneras de interpretar cualquier situación o condición que tengamos que enfrentar.

La forma en que nosotros aceptamos o rechazamos las interpretaciones de los demás, puede causar amargura, altercado y resultados negativos. Este tipo de conflictos pueden originarse de una forma de pensar injusta, un tono de voz rudo, una expresión corporal inconsciente o inflexible. Cualquiera que sea la situación, lo importante es que siempre hay maneras de lidiar positivamente cualquiera sea el caso o la circunstancia. Por lo tanto el enfoque debería ser en encontrar soluciones y aprovechar las oportunidades en vez de concentrarse solamente en las dificultades y en los fracasos. Un pensamiento positivo, crítico y realista debe basarse en una aproximación práctica, entusiasta y afirmativa. Cuando las dificultades aparezcan, uno siempre debe estar preparado para aplicar la teoría del pensamiento positivo de tal manera que cada inconveniente sea analizado de una manera proactiva. La actitud es el elemento principal para generar y recrear el pensamiento positivo y la actitud positiva es un camino para convertir nuestros sueños en realidades.

Positive Attitude, A Way to Convert Dreams into Realities

By Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz

P

ositive attitudes need the continuous support of proactive energy. Positive energy is a series of impulses that influence your mood, character, temperament and predisposition to act without being affected by external impediments. Positive energy makes everything possible. In addition, it is necessary to present ideas to us with curiosity, a little bit of knowledge, unlimited enthusiasm, rational considerations and auto-controlled emotional commitments.

A dream is an opportunity your mind creates, your intellect develops and your heart supports. Therefore, a dream represents the interconnectedness within our holistic self. It converts a visionary premise into pragmatic reality. Negativism is an extreme viewpoint based exclusively on unbalanced pessimistic responses. I accept that we cannot maintain an absolute and invariable positive mood, but a conditioned and positive realistic one is possible. “Concepts are not things that can be changed just by someone telling us a fact,” George Lakoff said. “We may be pervaded with facts, but for us to make sense of them; they have to fit what is already in the synapses of the brain.”

Our frame of reference depends on our attitude. Allowing different opinions will help us affirm the advantage of creating critical and positive thinking. There are many reasons to open our minds to different opinions. For example, it allows us to refresh our apparent 10 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

objectivity by interpreting facts that may have different meanings for others. Keep in mind that we have the free will to choose and the responsibility to accept the consequences of our choices. Those choices are based on our core values, but they mold perceptions and reduce conditioned assumptions. This is the first step toward understanding that any theory or axiom needs to be tested before you accept it as true. We should be cautious because, in reality, anything in life is relative.

It is also helpful to be aware that there are different ways to interpret the same situations or conditions. The way we accept or reject people’s interpretations can cause bitterness, altercations and negative outcomes. Such conflict can arise from an intolerable way of thinking, a rude tone of voice, inconsistent body language and/or a preconceived attitude. Whatever the situation may be, there is always a way to deal positively with any issue. The focus should be on solutions and opportunities and not merely difficulties and failures. Realistic, positive, and critical thinking comes from a practical, affirmative and enthusiastic approach. Be predisposed to apply positive thinking when difficulties arise in order to handle them in a proactive manner. Attitude is a key element in generating positive thinking, and positive attitude is without doubt a great way to convert dreams into realities.

Fruits & Vegetables

By Oralia Garcia Dominic, Ph.D., M.A., M.S.

I

n the month of April, our Pennsylvania farmers have started and are plowing their farmland so that it can produce edible fruits and vegetables for us to consume all year long. This is important because fruits and vegetables are our primary source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that help protect us from chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Fruits & Vegetables According the PA Department of Health’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data, in 2009, on average, only 24 percent of adult residents in Pennsylvania 18 years and older reported eating the recommended five or more fruits and vegetables each day. Worse yet, only 22 percent of adult Latinos in Pennsylvania and 19 percent of rural residents in Pennsylvania do a good job eating their fruits and vegetables each day.

Fiber The usual intake of dietary fiber in the United States is 15 grams per day, much less than required. Generally speaking, adults need an intake of 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. However, talk to your doctor about your specific fiber needs as well as the best way to meet your needs, especially if you have food allergies that prevent you from consuming certain foods.

Three potential strategies that can help you increase your daily fruits and vegetables intake: consume adequate amounts of dietary fiber from a variety of plant foods because each fruit and vegetable has its own unique characteristic, texture, flavor and health benefits; eat more high-fiber foods; and shop at your local farmers’ market.

In my opinion, visiting your local Pennsylvania farmers’ markets is an awesome place to start learning about (and buying) more fruits and vegetables. First, local farmers’ markets 12 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

are more likely to allow you to taste the fruits and vegetables prior to purchase and also offer favorite local recipes. This means that you don’t have to wait to get home to find out that the fruits and vegetables were “bad” and toss them in the waste basket. Second, farmers’ markets will allow you to have access to (and consume) the freshest crop possible. Third, buying your fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ markets helps support our local farmers and their business, which, in turn, helps generate money for our local community – yes, it also helps keep jobs in the U.S., particularly in Pennsylvania. Lastly, buying locally allows you to “meet” the farmers who grew the crops and even ask questions. You get to know exactly where your food comes from as well as the person who planted the seeds and tended to that crop until the moment you purchased it.

Some general recommendations for your daily fiber intake: • Consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, if possible.

• Be selective of your food choices – try to avoid processed foods that are low in fiber.

• Visit/shop at the local farmers’ market in your community.

• Avoid pesticides, wash your fruits and vegetables.

• Buy organic products, if possible.

• Find (and try) a variety of recipes that use fruits and vegetables as main ingredients.

• Grow your own fruits and vegetables, if possible.

• Talk to your doctors about your fiber intake needs.

• As always, maintain a healthy weight by balancing calories with physical activity.

Please don’t forget to eat more fruits and vegetables, and take good care of yourself. Send your health questions to ¡Hola, Oralia! at dr.oraliagarciadominic@gmail.com. Together we can help keep Pennsylvania residents healthy. ¡Salud!

ADVERTISEMENT

SIGA LA PISTA A SUS AHORROS, RESUELVA EL MISTERIO ¿A qué niño no le gustaría proyectarse en un abrigo militar, despolvar una vieja lupa y ponerse un bigote para jugar a convertirse en detective por un día?

Los niños de todo el mundo están intrigados por la emoción de los misterios y les gusta jugar a los detectives para resolverlos. ¡Qué poco saben los niños, ellos también tienen la habilidad de entrar en el modo de detective investigando maneras de ahorrar y convertirse en una cooperativa de crédito detective de ahorro durante el mes de abril.

Incorpore a los niños para que sigan la pista a su tesoro interno y ayúdelo a conducirse por el camino del ahorro. Visite a una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito, y participe durante la semana del 21 al 27 de abril y ayude a celebrar la semana Nacional de Ahorro y Crédito de los Jóvenes. El tema de este año, "Siga la pista a sus Ahorros, resuelva el misterio, ™" pruebe cómo la cooperativa de ahorro y crédito de los jóvenes y adolescentes le pueden ayudar a utilizar sus propios instintos y la unión de crédito les ayudara con los recursos para cumplir sus metas financieras.

Cualquier joven que siga la pista a sus ahorros en las cooperativas de crédito les puede dar las herramientas que necesitan para investigar formas de ahorro.

A través de una serie de actividades, los jóvenes que siguen la pista a sus ahorros van a descubrir en su vida el misterio de ahorrar.

SAVINGS SLEUTH, SOLVE THE MYSTERY What kid wouldn’t want to throw on a trench coat, dust off an old magnifying glass and slap on a play mustache to become a detective for a day? Children everywhere are intrigued by the thrill of mysteries and the detectives that solve them. Little do kids know they also have the ability to tap into detective mode by investigating ways to save and becoming a credit union savings sleuth during the month of April.

Introducing children to their inner savings sleuth will help lead them down the path of saving. Visit a participating credit union during the week of April 21-27 and help celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week™. This year's theme, “Savings Sleuth, Solve the Mystery,™” shows youth and teens how credit unions can help them use their own instincts and credit union resources to meet financial goals.

Whatever young sleuths are saving for, credit unions can give them the clues they need to investigate ways to save. Through a series of activities, the young savings sleuths in your life will uncover the mystery of saving.

¿Tienes mas de 50 años? ¿Te gusta aprender? ¿Disfrutas convivir con los demás?

Ven y conoce el nuevo proyecto para adultos mayores que LHAAC ha preparado para ti:

“Compartiendo sabiduría” Te esperamos el próximo Cada miércoles de marzo de 2013 9 am a 12 pm Latino Hispanic American Community Center 1319 Derry Street Harrisburg, PA, 17104 ¡No te lo puedes perder!

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a LHACC al (717) 232 8302.

APRIL 2013 17

Meet Fran Rodriguez

By Kristen Lacaillade

E

veryone has his or her niche in the world. The talents and skills we are given, learn and harbor are used for good to help those who need it the most. Frances “Fran” Rodriguez uses her skills help Latinos in Lancaster County to reach their goals, follow their dreams and ultimately mold themselves to be the best that they can be. Currently residing in Lancaster herself, Rodriguez channels her passion and talent for helping others through a number of outlets and positive programming.

Her laundry list of accomplishments and positions held in itself is one to be admired.

It all began with a study. Rodriguez wanted to know how socioeconomic and educational status affected Latinos in Lancaster County, so she did. As a result of this comprehensive and informative study, Rodriguez was able to use this as a springboard for numerous programs that are still currently in place today. She used this study as a starting point and thus developed and still manages two multi18 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

faceted programs in the county, The Lancaster Latino Education Committee and the Latino Empowerment Project.

Each of these programs aid Latinos in different ways, but ultimately produce one result, helping to make the Latino community in Lancaster County as confident and proactive as possible.

Currently, Rodriguez is most excited about the representation of Latinos in the 2013 class of The Latino Empowerment Project. The program’s spring season kicked off on March 2, and Rodriguez explains that she hopes to instill a better understanding for community involvement in this year’s members. “More than anything, my hope is to create a platform for the group to better understand their individual contributions to our community. The definition of leadership is warped and misunderstood in our society, often creating a perception that it’s a title held by certain people. We are all leaders in our own rite,” she says.

Another accomplishment Rodriguez is extremely proud of is co-chairing

the Adelante Lancaster Education Committee. Formed in March 2008, the committee serves as a catalyst for students, parents, educators and members of the community by addressing and supporting innovative educational ideas.

“It’s a phenomenal feeling when your work within the community is actually making a difference for students and parents and society at large. I cannot think of anything more important than to pave the way for future Latino leaders.

It’s our civic duty and a role to be taken seriously,” she expresses.

With her list of projects, employment ventures and accomplishments growing daily, Rodriguez doesn’t plan to stop her efforts any time soon. When asked about her professional and personal goals for the future, Rodriguez says, “Wow, that’s almost like asking what would I want to be when I grow up. So many people have encouraged and want me to run for public office, and while it seems to be a perfect fit, I’ve found that the very gifts making me a perfect candidate actually empower my ability to navigate specific community initiatives freely.”

Because of this free-spirited approach to her goals, Rodriguez also aspires to pursue a doctoral degree and writing a book.

These selfless and productive acts, such as Rodriguez’s, are what allow us to see so much good in the world, which further outweighs the negative that may be present.

Getting involved in helping others in the Latino community and being able to see them grow and change as individuals can be some of the most rewarding work one can complete and play a part in. When asked about advice she would give to those who are interested in getting involved in the kind of work that Rodriguez does on a daily basis, she advises that each person has an expertise that they possess and deliver effortlessly.

“If we could find a way to agree on what we bring to the table and collectively deliver these gifts, I believe Latino communities will thrive,” she says.

Rodriguez is just one person of millions who make a difference in our communities each and every day – no matter in what capacity – and for this, she is an inspiration.

Expendedoras Saludable, Empleados Saludables Por el Eboni Bryant, MS, MBA, Manager, LiveWELL Lancaster County

E

ste mes, LiveWell del condado de Lancaster, en colaboración con Lighten Up del condado de Lancaster, están patrocinando una Feria de Expendedoras Saludables para promover el acceso a opciones más saludables de aperitivos y bebidas en las máquinas expendedoras. La razón es simple... aunque las máquinas expendedoras son un canal muy popular para los bocadillos y bebidas convenientes, es a menudo también una fuente de productos escasamente saludables. La mayoría de las opciones en las máquinas expendedoras son altas en calorías, grasas y azúcares añadidos, y bajos en nutrientes, las que se las han relacionado con el aumento de peso.

Los empleados en el Condado de Lancaster, al igual que muchas otras comunidades en todo el país, luchan para mantener un peso saludable. En el 2011, el 64% de los adultos en el condado de Lancaster tenían sobrepeso o eran obesos. No sólo en la mayoría de los lugares de trabajo tienen máquinas expendedoras también se encuentran en los alrededores de sus lugares de trabajo, los empleados de tiempo completo que pasan por lo menos la mitad de sus horas de vigilia en el trabajo son los que consumen una proporción sustancial de las calorías diarias. Las fuentes de alimentación en el entorno de trabajo no sólo incluyen las máquinas expendedoras, también las encontramos en las cafeterías de las empresas, en las reuniones y eventos patrocinados por las compañías, en las oficinas de recaudación de fondos, en el espacio de oficinas para refrigerio compartido o alacena.

Además, el vecindario que rodea al lugar de trabajo puede tener tiendas de comestibles, tiendas de conveniencia, carritos de refrigerios y restaurantes. La selección de las opciones no saludables en las máquinas expendedoras es uno de los factores que contribuyen a este problema, pero es un tema en el cual los empleadores pueden tener un impacto.

Alentar a los empleados a comer alimentos más saludables, especialmente en el trabajo, no sólo es una buena práctica sino que también tiene sentido en sus finanzas. En el 2008, los gastos médicos asociados con la obesidad se estima en $147 mil millones; los gastos médicos pagados a terceros por personas que son obesas fueron de $1.429 más alto que las personas de peso normal. Los trabajadores a tiempo completos de los EE.UU. tienen sobrepeso o son obesos y tienen otros problemas de salud crónicos, perdiendo un estimado

de 450 millones de días de trabajo cada año, en comparación con los trabajadores sanos, esto resulta en un costo estimado de más de $153 billones en pérdidas de productividad al año. Las personas que reportaron tener sobrepeso u obesidad con una o dos enfermedades crónicas, perdieron un promedio de 1,08 días por mes, debido a su mal estado de salud.

Los individuos que tenían sobrepeso u obesidad, informaron que padecían de tres o más enfermedades crónicas, lo que registra más de 3 días no saludables por mes, que dio un promedio de 42 días por año.

Una fuerza de trabajo saludable beneficia a un negocio en muchas maneras. Algunos de estos beneficios incluyen: • La reducción en los costos generales de atención médica y reclamaciones • El aumento de la productividad • La reducción en el ausentismo • Mejoras en la moral de los empleados y la contratación / retención • Mejoras en la experiencia del trato al cliente • Mejoras en la salud general de la población activa • Una comunidad cada vez más competitiva para la contratación de los empleadores y trabajadores.

Hay muchas oportunidades para que los empresarios fomenten dietas más saludables entre los empleados, una oportunidad más saludable es a través de las máquinas expendedoras. Un paquete informativo acerca de las maquinas expendedoras saludable estarán disponible a finales del mes de abril del 2013 para asistir a los lugares de trabajo, escuelas y otras organizaciones en adoptar maquinas expendedoras saludables y políticas globales de alimentos, en colaboración con sus empresas expendedoras de alimentos saludables para aumentar las meriendas y opciones de bebidas, y la promoción de aperitivos y bebidas saludables en la organización. Para solicitar una copia electrónica de la Guía práctica, y aprender más sobre LiveWELL Lancaster County, o inscribirse para participar en la Feria de expendedoras de alimentos saludables del 12 de abril, por favor visite livewelllancaster.org o llame al (717) 544-3779.

Healthier Vending, Healthier Employees

By Eboni Bryant, MS, MBA, Manager, LiveWELL Lancaster County

T

his month, LiveWELL Lancaster County, in partnership with Lighten Up Lancaster County, is sponsoring a Healthier Vending Fair to promote access to healthier snack and beverage options in vending machines. The reason is simple… although vending machines are a popular channel for convenient snack foods and beverages; they are often a source of less-than-healthy products. Most options in vending machines are high in calories, fat and added sugars, and low in nutrients, which have been linked to weight gain.

Employees in Lancaster County, like in many other communities nationwide, struggle to maintain a healthy weight. In 2011, 64 percent of Lancaster County adults were overweight or obese. Not only do the majority of worksites have vending machines, but full-time employees that spend at least half their waking hours at work also consume a substantial proportion of daily calories in and around work settings. Sources of food at the workplace environment not only include vending machines, but also company cafeterias, company-sponsored meetings and events, office fundraisers and shared refrigerated or cupboard space. In addition, the neighborhood surrounding a workplace may have grocery stores, convenience stores, snack carts and restaurants. Selecting unhealthy options from vending machines is one of the contributing factors to this problem, but it’s one that employers can impact.

Encouraging employees to eat healthier foods, especially at work, is not only a good practice, but also it makes financial sense as well. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs paid by third-party payers for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. Full-time workers in the U.S. who are overweight or obese and have other chronic health conditions miss an estimated 450 million additional days of work each year compared with healthy workers

– resulting in an estimated cost of more than $153 billion in lost productivity annually.

Individuals who reported being overweight or obese with one to two chronic conditions missed an average of 1.08 days per month due to poor health. Individuals who reported that they were overweight or obese with three or more chronic conditions recorded over three unhealthy days per month, averaging 42 days per year.

A healthy workforce benefits a business in many ways. Some of those benefits include: • Reductions in overall health care costs and claims • Increases in productivity • Reductions in absenteeism • Improvements in employee morale and recruitment/retention • Improvements in customer experiences • Improvements in the overall health of the workforce • The community becoming more competitive for recruiting both employers and workforce There are many opportunities for employers to encourage healthier diets among employees; one opportunity is through healthier vending. A Healthier Vending Toolkit will become available in late April 2013 to assist worksites, schools and other organizations in adopting healthier vending and comprehensive food policies, working with their vending companies to increase healthier snack and beverage options, and promoting healthier snacks and beverages in the organization. To request an electronic copy of the Toolkit, learn more about LiveWELL Lancaster County or register for the Healthier Vending Fair on April 12, please visit livewelllancaster.org or call (717) 544-3779.

APRIL 2013 19

Quinceañera

By Kristen Lacaillade, Photography by Paul V Photography

M

any Latina girls look forward to the day that they can truly be considered a “woman.” Womanhood for these girls means the absolute world. With this new title and consideration, however, comes much responsibility. For these girls, the day comes before they know it, and they are finally given the recognition they have earned in their 15 years of life and living thus far. This commitment and responsibility to both themselves and their families is celebrated in this unique ceremony highly comparable to the American version of a Sweet Sixteen. A Quinceañera, sometimes called a fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años or simply quince, is the celebration of a young girl’s coming of age – her 15th birthday.

With a religious basis, this celebration is the one night that these girls will never forget.

This lavish celebration typically begins with a religious ceremony. There are instances in which a quince does not include this ceremony, but those are few and far between. The woman taking vows, making a tribute to her parents and sharing her hopes and dreams for the future is looked to by others as entering a world where these declarations will be held to her in the sharing of both her impending journey and her aspirations. A reception is held to solidify the celebration of the young girl’s transition to womanhood, including food, music and, in most cases, a choreographed waltz performed by the Quinceañera and her “court.”

This “court of honor” is carefully and selectively chosen by the Quinceañera herself.

Members of this “court” typically include her closest friends, brothers, sisters, cousins – the special people in her life with whom she wants to share the spotlight on her big night.

A Quinceañera’s “court” can be made up of all girls or boys, or a combination of both, dependent solely on her preference.

The Quinceañera herself traditionally wears a tasteful yet elegant ball gown, with her “court” dressed in gowns and tuxedos to compliment her overall look. Much like at a wedding, guests receive a small token, capias or cerámicas to remember this once-in-alifetime celebration.

20 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

Throughout the night, there are many traditions that are upheld and showcased to reiterate the young girl’s transition and commitment to the responsibilities that come with womanhood. One of the most popular of these traditions is the “Changing of the Shoes.” This meaningful symbol of the Quinceañera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady requires the father or favored male relative to change the shoes of the young girl from flats to high heels.

The “last doll” tradition is one of these rituals that is used to solidify the young girl’s commitment and understanding of her new role in the world. This doll is used as part of the ceremony or as a decoration or keepsake from the night. This small figure is a reminder and memento of the life the young girl led before she was officially transitioned into her new role as a young woman.

With the times comes much change. For Quinceañeras, this is no exception. Some of these Latin American-based families are choosing to merge their Hispanic and American heritages by simply choosing to celebrate a Sweet Sixteen instead of sticking to their traditional roots. Many of the same customs remain throughout the night – the religious ceremony, the reception, the tiara with the number 16, but waiting an extra year to make their young woman’s transition official is becoming all the more common.

The Quinceañera is as much a family statement as it is a celebration of the young life and transition. This reaffirmation of a family’s cultural identity and unity in a new world is also a lavish, over-the-top celebration. The celebration of a Quinceañera is a glorious celebration full of tradition and love, which is cherished and honored with every new girl who makes this life commitment to adulthood.

Shot on location at the Hershey Hotel, Hershey.

Limousine provided by Premier 1 Limousine, Middletown.

Dresses by Michelle René

APRIL 2013 21

Prepárese Para El Nuevo Mercado De Seguros Médicos Por el Dr. Rhonda Johnson

E

n 2014 se producirán algunos cambios importantes relacionados con la aprobación de la Ley de Atención Asequible (en inglés, Affordable Care Act).

Según la doctora Rhonda Johnson, directora médica de servicios de equidad y calidad de salud de Highmark, quizás le convenga recortar este artículo y guardarlo para futura referencia.

El Nuevo Mercado De Seguros Médicos Uno de esos cambios afectará la forma en que las personas obtienen seguros médicos. Un nuevo mercado de seguros médicos, que a veces se denominan “intercambios”, modificará la forma en que se adquiere la cobertura de cuidados médicos. Los consumidores podrán comprar seguros directamente del mercado de seguros médicos. Asimismo, una cantidad sin precedentes de personas reunirán los requisitos para acceder a los programas de cuidados médicos gratuitos o de bajos costos.

A continuación figura una breve lista de las características que tendrán los nuevos “intercambios” en 2014: • Las personas podrán comparar todas sus opciones de seguros médicos en un solo lugar.

• Los planes de salud ofrecidos en estos intercambios tendrán que cumplir con las normas estatales y federales.

• Los seguros médicos también serán más asequibles para muchas familias.

• Todos sus costos se informarán por adelantado, de modo que sabrá cuáles serán sus gastos.

• Las empresas de seguros médicos no podrán excluirlo ni cobrarle más dinero por enfermedades preexistentes o crónicas (como diabetes o asma). ¿Quién Reúne Los Requisitos?

Todos pueden utilizar el mercado de seguros médicos para explorar sus opciones de seguros médicos, incluso si ya tienen un seguro médico. Los únicos requisitos para obtener un seguro médico a través del mercado son: • Vivir en Estado Unidos.

• Tener la ciudadanía o la nacionalidad estadounidense (o ser un residente legal).

• No estar encarcelado.

Prepárese Desde este momento hasta octubre de 2013, escuchará, verá y leerá mucha más información sobre estos nuevos intercambios. Mientras tanto, le ofrecemos algunos consejos para prepararse: • Obtenga información sobre distintos tipos de seguros médicos. A través del mercado, podrá elegir un plan de salud que le brinde el equilibrio adecuado de costos y cobertura.

• Haga una lista de las preguntas que tenga antes de que llegue el momento de elegir su plan de cuidados médicos. Por ejemplo: “¿Podré seguir tratándome con mi médico actual?” o “¿Este plan cubrirá mis costos de salud cuando viaje?”

• Asegúrese de comprender cómo funciona el seguro médico, incluyendo los deducibles, el máximo de desembolsos personales, los copagos, etc.

• Comience a recopilar información básica sobre su ingreso familiar. Quizás reúna los requisitos para obtener una reducción de costos, y necesitará información sobre los ingresos para conocer el monto de la reducción que le corresponda.

• Establezca su presupuesto. Habrá distintos tipos de planes de salud para satisfacer una gran variedad de necesidades y presupuestos, y desglosar los costos le permitirá delimitar sus opciones.

• Pregunte a su empleador si tiene la intención de ofrecer un seguro médico, especialmente si trabaja para una pequeña empresa.

• Explore las opciones actuales. Quizás pueda obtener ayuda sobre los seguros médicos a través de los programas existentes o de los cambios que ya se introdujeron bajo la nueva ley del cuidado de la salud.

Dónde Puede Obtener Más Información Un gran recurso para obtener información sobre la reforma de los seguros médicos es healthcare.gov La doctora Rhonda Johnson es la directora médica de los servicios de equidad y calidad de salud de Highmark Inc. Dirige los esfuerzos de Highmark para reducir las diferencias raciales y étnicas de salud entre los miembros de Highmark a través de intervenciones clínicas y mejoras en la información de salud, el acceso lingüístico y la competencia cultural de los planes de salud.

Get Ready for the New Health Insurance Marketplace

By Dr. Rhonda Johnson

M

ajor changes related to the passage of the Affordable Care Act take place in 2014. According to Dr. Rhonda Johnson, medical director of health equity and quality services at Highmark, you may want to cut this article out and keep it for future reference.

The New Health Insurance Marketplace One of these changes will be in the way people will get health insurance. A new health insurance marketplace, sometimes called “exchanges,” will change the way health insurance coverage is purchased. Consumers will be able to buy insurance directly from the health insurance marketplace. In addition, more people than ever before will qualify for free or low-cost health-insurance programs.

Here’s a brief list of what to expect in the new “exchanges” in 2014: • People will be able to compare all their health-insurance options in one place.

• Health plans offered in these exchanges will have to meet state and federal standards.

• Health insurance will also be more affordable for many families.

• All your costs are stated upfront, so you will know what your expenses will be.

• Health-insurance companies can’t exclude you or charge you more for pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions (such as diabetes or asthma).

Who is eligible?

Anyone can use the health-insurance marketplace to explore his or her health-insurance options, even if you already have insurance now. The only requirements to get insurance through the marketplace are: • You must live in the U.S. • You must be a U.S. citizen or national (or lawfully present).

• You can’t be currently incarcerated.

22 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

Get prepared Between now and October 2013, expect to hear, see and read a lot more information about these new exchanges. In the meantime, here are a few tips to get ready: • Learn about different types of health insurance. Through the marketplace, you’ll be able to choose a health plan that gives you the right balance of costs and coverage.

• Make a list of questions you have before it’s time to choose your health plan. For example, “Can I stay with my current doctor?” or “Will this plan cover my health costs when I’m traveling?”

• Make sure you understand how insurance works, including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, etc.

• Start gathering basic information about your household income. You may qualify to get a break on costs, and you’ll need income information to find out how much you’re eligible for.

• Set your budget. There will be different types of health plans to meet a variety of needs and budgets, and breaking them down by cost can help narrow your choices.

• Find out from your employer whether it plans to offer health insurance, especially if you work for a small business.

• Explore current options. You may be able to get help with insurance now through existing programs or changes that are in effect already from the new health care law.

Where To Go For More Information A great resource to get information about health-insurance reform is healthcare.gov.

Dr. Rhonda Johnson is the medical director of health equity and quality services at Highmark Inc. She leads Highmark’s efforts to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities among Highmark members through clinical interventions and improvements in health literacy, language access and health plan cultural competency.

P

ennsylvania State Representative Peter J. Daley says his experience of being raised in an Italian-American home in western Pennsylvania set the stage for the soft spot he has for those who want to become U.S. citizens.

“I am the grandson of Italian immigrants who became honorable citizens of the United States,” says Daley. “My grandmother Angelina taught me about the values and traditions of the Italian-American immigrant, and I have not forgotten them.”

Daley, an attorney with law offices in California and Harrisburg, says he heard stories about his family’s early days in America from his grandmother and uncles on a regular basis. “I heard stories about discrimination that was experienced by my grandparents upon their arrival in America,” says Daley. “I heard how my grandfather changed his Italian last name of ‘D’Elia’ to the more American sounding name of ‘Daley’ in order to get a job.”

He says the stories he heard and the lessons he learned about love of family, love of country and caring for others who are less fortunate have had a profound impact on his law practice and the clients he represents.

“My firm, Peter J. Daley and Associates, provides counsel on employment-based temporary and permanent visa categories for employees working in small businesses, as well as family-based permanent residence applications to individual clients,” says Daley.

Daley says the challenges that employers, especially in businesses that rely on lowskilled labor, face as they struggle to fill jobs is huge.

“Employers of less-skilled workers are between a rock and a hard place,” Daley says. “That’s why they rely on attorneys who are well-versed in immigration law to help them make sure their employees are legal.”

Daley adds, “As Congress continues its debate on immigration overhaul, one of the toughest issues our elected leaders face surrounds the framework to provide legal statues with a pathway to citizenship for

Do Your Homework Before You Hire An Immigration Attorney the 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.”

Daley says he follows the immigration debate and knows the process is complex and is constantly changing.

“An immigration attorney has to keep current with changing immigration rules, document requirements and procedures to make sure all documents are filed correctly,” Daley says.

“If you run into a snag partway through the immigration process, you might need legal assistance to work through the issue. If your immigration situation is complicated, or if you simply don't have the time or confidence to prepare the forms yourself, you might benefit from the help of an immigration lawyer.

Daley underscores the fact that if you’re going to hire an immigration attorney, you need to do your homework. He offers these tips: • Get references. Ask friends or colleagues if they know any immigration attorneys. Even if they haven’t been through immigration themselves, they may be able to connect you with someone they know who has retained the services of an immigration lawyer. People are quick to recommend a good lawyer and even quicker to name a poor one, which can be a great help when you’re beginning your search.

• Ask about fees. Some attorneys bill by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Ask if there might be additional costs such as postage, courier fees or long-distance charges.

• When you’re sure you’ve found an immigration attorney you feel comfortable with, there’s only one thing left to do before you sign a contract for services. Contact the Pennsylvania State Bar Association to find out if your lawyer is licensed and in good standing, and if he or she has ever been subject to disciplinary action.

“A good immigration attorney can be worth his or her weight in gold, while a poor one may just add to your problems,” says Daley.

Peter J. Daley can be reached at (724) 3440100 or pdjassoc@zoominternet.net.

APRIL 2013 23

Cómo Mantenerse En Forma Y Divertirse A Medida Que Pasan Los Años Family Features

A

cualquier edad, la actividad física regular puede ayudarle a vivir más, sentirse mejor y reducir los problemas de salud. Pero existen demasiadas personas que no se ejercitan lo necesario, incluida la generación nacida después de la segunda guerra mundial. Según el informe denominado 2012 Participation Report del Consejo de Actividad Física (PAC), el 35% de los estadounidenses mayores de 55 años son físicamente inactivos. Dado que la ejercitación regular ayuda a controlar la presión sanguínea, el peso corporal, el colesterol y muchas cosas más, estas personas necesitan encontrar maneras de estar en movimiento para vivir más y mantenerse más saludables.

“Aunque es beneficioso hacer ejercicio, en cualquier cantidad, los adultos deben hacer ejercicio, al menos, 30 minutos la mayoría de los días de la semana, en tanto y en cuanto se sientan cómodos y no sientan dolor”, afirmó el famoso nutricionista Joy Bauer. “Desde tomar una clase de baile hasta caminar y los ejercicios de elongación, 24 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

hacer actividad física regular ayuda a mantener articulaciones sanas, mantiene la masa muscular y hace fluir la sangre, lo cual facilita las tareas diarias.”

El Consejo Americano de Ejercicio recomienda a los estadounidenses mayores elegir programas que incluyan ejercicios cardiovasculares, acondicionamiento muscular y flexibilidad. Los ejercicios de bajo impacto y suaves como caminar y nadar son buenas opciones. Una clave para mantenerse en un programa de actividad física es la diversión.

Un nuevo programa de diversión para los adultos mayores es Zumba Gold, un ejercicio con base de baile de bajo impacto diseñado específicamente para adultos mayores y personas de la tercera edad. Las rutinas de ejercicios combinan movimientos de salsa, merengue, flamenco y cumbia con música divertida. Para aquellos que prefieran hacer ejercicio en la comodidad de su casa, también hay una colección de DVD denominada Zumba Gold “Live it Up” que ofrece 3 discos con ejercicios físicos, además de consejos de expertos en áreas de

nutrición, salud neurológica y bienestar, y mucho más.

El programa fue creado por Joy Prouty, un veterano de 71 años de la industria de la actividad física y ex integrante del grupo Rockette. “Desde el cuidado cardíaco hasta la tonificación, esta colección reúne algunas de las ofertas más populares en un formato que permite a los adultos mayores redescubrir la energía de su juventud”, afirmó Prouty. Para obtener más información sobre Zumba Gold, adquirir los DVD “Live it Up” y encontrar una clase cerca de su domicilio, visitezumbagold.com.

Consejos de seguridad para hacer ejercicios Cuando comience un nuevo programa o una actividad física, asegúrese de hacerlo de manera segura.

Use zapatillas cómodas.

Manténgase hidratado y beba mucho líquido.

Escuche a su cuerpo. Si algo le duele o siente que la ejercitación es demasiado, deténgase.

Además necesitará estar alerta a los

signos de peligro mientras hace ejercicios.

Suspenda la actividad, llame a su médico o al 911 si siente dolor o presión en el pecho, los brazos, el cuello o la mandíbula; si se siente mareado, con náuseas o débil; si le falta el aire; si le duelen las piernas, las pantorrillas o la espalda, o si siente que su corazón late muy rápido o con latidos irregulares.

“Es importante consultar al médico antes de comenzar con cualquier rutina de ejercicios para recibir una evaluación cardiovascular exhaustiva”, afirma Bauer.

“Cuando su médico lo haya autorizado, recomiendo comenzar poco a poco.”

Elija una actividad que disfrute La mejor manera de mantener una rutina de ejercicios consiste en elegir actividades que disfrute. De esta manera, es más probable que continúe y aproveche los beneficios de la actividad física.

Bauer agrega que un programa como Zumba Gold es genial porque, si disfruta bailar, no lo sentirá como un ejercicio y también podrá ser una actividad social: “La combinación de la actividad física con la social es un éxito total.”

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra harrisburgsymphony.org (717) 545-5527 Symphonic Splendor April 13 & 14 In this Springtime Masterwork’s concert, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra gives it their all to anxious listeners. In all their glory, Respighi’s showpiece, The Pines of Rome, is paired with Mahler’s triumphant Fifth Symphony to be played by one of the area’s best orchestras. Ticket price: starting at $12.

Naked and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.

His pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker. Ticket prices: $35, $40 and $45.

B.B. King April 19, 8 p.m.

B.B. King has helped to shape the world of blues music worldwide. King has released over 50 albums since he began recording in the ’40s and has created a sound and style all his own. He has mixed blues, jazz, swing and modern day pop into his own unique sound. Ticket prices: $45, $59.50 and $75.

Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) Sci-Fi: Feel the Force April 27 & 28 1301/1319 Derry Street, A journey through space and time will Harrisburg allow you to hear themes and suites you can lhacc.org only imagine. Music from the biggest and (717) 232-8302 best science fiction movies and TV shows, including Star Wars and Star Trek. Travel to the edge of the universe with this music and feel the force. Ticket price: starting at $12.

Theatre Harrisburg 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg theatreharrisburg.com (717) 232-5501 Theatre Harrisburg Presents Arts Awards 2013 April 28, 6 p.m.

Theatre Harrisburg presents an evening of tribute and entertainment honoring Linda Tedford and PA Media Group for distinguished service to the arts in the capital region. Ticket prices: $150, $250 and $500.

The Whitaker Center 222 Market Street, Harrisburg whitakercenter.org (717) 214-ARTS David Sedaris April 10, 8 p.m.

Having been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy album, author David Sedaris has been recognized for his bestselling collections Barrell Fever and Holidays on Ice. Additionally, Sedaris has published collections of personal essays including

Great Big April Thing 2 April 13, 10 a.m.

PNC Bank hosts this fun and free day filled with activities for young children and information for parents. There will be health screenings, kindergarten transition planning, community resources, activities, crafts, healthful snacks, educational performances and entertainment. Held at the Harrisburg Area Community College’s Cooper Student Center (One HACC Drive, Harrisburg).

2013 Health Diversity Festival April 12, 10 a.m.

Hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Office of Health Equity, the festival will feature free health screenings, family fun, entertainment, games, diabetes education and health empowerment workshops, a kids corner, healthful food sampling, Zumba and fitness demos, vendors, prizes and more – all for free. Held at Hamilton Health Center (110 S. 17th Street, Harrisburg). For more information, call (717) 547-3313.

APRIL 2013 25

Meet Monica Swidler

By Kristen Lacaillade

M

onica Swidler, the woman behind Magnolia’s Jewelers in Carlisle, is very much a people pleaser in every sense of the word. Stepping into her small, quaint jewelry store, you are greeted with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Magnolia’s has been located in Carlisle for eight years, but Swidler has been in the jewelry business far longer than that. For the past 10 years, Monica has spent her days showing, speaking about and selling jewelry to a number of her consistent, and even first time, customers. “I’ve always had a passion for jewelry,” she says. “Any chance I had, I wanted to have jewelry. I think of the beauty, it’s something that people like, even just to talk about, conversation pieces that bring out a lot of different ways to communicate. To me, it’s art.”

This art form has offered Swidler many opportunities within her field to succeed as a Latino woman. Her Chilean heritage has proved helpful time and time again in that Swindler is able to speak Spanish with her customers. This, she finds, makes them feel much more comfortable because they want to be able to get to know her on a personal level and get to know her background. “Many of my customers, regulars even, speak little English to none at all. The fact that I do helps them feel at ease knowing that I am here to help them with not only jewelry sales, but also with things outside of the store and out in the world,” she explains.

“I am the first Latino woman to own a jewelry store in Carlisle that I know of, and that says a lot.”

Not only does Swidler strive to maintain many close personal relationships with her customers, but she is also able to take her extensive knowledge of the jewelry industry and latest trends to assure that customers are getting exactly what they are looking for. “A lot of my customers like to be unique. Some people get stuck with one thing, but others, I’ve found, want one-of-a-kind pieces. I help them make that happen. From the beginning to end, I cater to everyone and make sure they are able to make their one-of-a-kind pieces come to life.”

No matter what the season, Swidler notes that the most popular color trends she has seen walk out of her store are greens, purples and turquoise – those she considers to be the “fun” colors right now.

26 LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

Much of her jewelry collection also consists of those pieces that are based strongly on the Latino heritage. In addition to regular jewelry, she also offers her customers the unique selection of Quinceañera bracelets, pendants and rings; Virgen de Guadalupe rosaries, bracelets, pendants, rings and Centenario bracelets. This unique selection is one that cannot be ordinarily found at chain jewelry stores, and she points out, that is one of the many advantages to her heritage being a large part of her business.

Jewelry, however, is not the only passion of Swidler’s. Because of her people-pleasing attitude and outlook on life, she is very much eager and willing to be a mentor. “I love to give back. I love to just grab someone who has no money but ideas about a business, and I want to help them. I want to help them create that idea and materialize or evolve that idea to see them succeed much like I have,” she says.

Even in the briefest of conversations one may have with Swidler, this passion for helping others is clear. “I want to be the mentor my husband has been for me, for people wanting to start a business.

Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to know what I’ve learned through his knowledge.”

Twenty years ago, Swidler made the journey from her home in Santiago, Chile, and found herself in York where she met her husband, to whom she gives most of the credit. “With the help of my husband, I want to give him the credit for most of what I do. He has supported me a lot.”

For the future, Swidler hopes to open a satellite store to offer the same services she does now in the Harrisburg area, ideally. “I want to be closer to a different community, and I want to reach out. If I can help people here in Carlisle, I really want to help people in Harrisburg as well,” she says. With all of her successes amounting day by day, her motto, “Everything is always 30 percent less than the rest,” is sure to ring true wherever her businesses are based.

Magnolia’s Jewlers 728 N. Hanover St., Carlisle (717) 440-1403, stuller.com Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, by appointment only.

6 D

Ways to Teach Kids about Sensible Spending

o you talk to your children about the value of money and the importance of wisely managing it? All parents hope that their children will grow up to be prudent spenders, yet few actually take the time to talk to them about how to accomplish this goal, a new study has found. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), parents are more likely to have talked with their children about good manners, smart eating habits, the importance of good grades, the dangers of drugs and alcoholand the risks of smoking than about sensible spending. If you’re not sure how to get started with your kids, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) has this advice.

1. Don’t Wait Even young children understand what it means to build – or save – toward a goal, such as a toy or trip to an amusement park. Parents can encourage this basic understanding in their children by having them set aside money they receive for birthdays or holidays to save up for a special purchase. Older children can save money earned from afterschool or weekend jobs, and parents can give younger kids small jobs to help them earn money.

2. Make It Fun Create colorful charts with your children that monitor their progress or illustrate the chores they can do around the house to earn money. Suggest that your child draw a picture of what he or she is saving for and use it to decorate the piggy bank or jar that holds the savings.

3. Turn It into a Family Project Talk to your children about the steps you take when saving toward a long-term goal or cutting down on expenses. Get them involved by giving them a grocery list and

asking them to find coupons for the items on it. Figure out how much the coupons saved your family, and “reward” them with a portion of the savings.

4. Understand Their Priorities Long-term objectives, such as saving for college, won’t mean as much to a child as more immediate goals, such as a new bike or a night out with friends. So, while it’s a good idea to show them their college savings account statement and discuss how and why you contribute to it, remember that they will get more excited about shorter-term rewards.

5. Repeat Often Dealing with financial issues is part of everyday life for adults, which means there are a lot of teachable moments available.

Talk to your children about how you manage your money, including your efforts to save for short-term goals, such as a family’s vacation, and long-term objectives, including college or retirement. Point out some of the ways you save money each day, such as bringing a brown-bag lunch to work or carpooling with co-workers. This dialogue will introduce them to good habits that will last a lifetime.

6. Stand Your Ground Your children won’t have much motivation to save if you buy them a toy whenever they ask or pull money out of your wallet whenever they want to meet friends for pizza. Although it can be hard to say no, keep in mind that by doing so you are helping them learn how to budget and the value of delayed gratification.

To be a good role model for your child, ensure that your own financial house is in order. That’s where your local CPA can help.

Turn to him or her with all your financial questions. To find a CPA in Pa. by location or area of expertise, visit ineedacpa.org.

ADVERTISEMENT