La Voz Latina Central January 2013

La Voz Latina Central

Feliz Año Nuevo

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

JANUARY 2013

What’s Inside: The Tradition of El Dia De Los Tres Magos p. 7 13 Ways to Transform Your Life p. 10 Breaking the Chains of Addiction p. 14 Helping Cancer Patients Live To Be Born Again p. 16

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Page 18

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A Note From The Publisher

he new year is upon us – farewell to 2012 and greetings to 2013.

The new year is a time for fresh beginnings, second chances, clean slates, renewed resolves and newborn convictions. It’s a time for popped corks, waning holiday lights, collective countdowns, heartfelt toasts, hugs, handshakes and midnight kisses.

Perhaps even more than anything else though, a new year is about forgetting past transgressions and forgiving those who may not even deserve it. It’s a time to reacquaint yourself with what matters most in this life. Good old Billy Shakespeare once said, “Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.” And, in his so-often wise words, there is an undeniable truth to what occurs on New Year’s Eve, which is, in a way, a washing away of the previous year to make way for the first day of the new.

This first issue of the new year is filled with some compelling content. First, you won’t want to miss contributing writer Len Boccassini’s exploration of the tradition of El Dia De Los Tres Reyes Magos on page 7. We also take a look at two Latino judges nominated to the federal bench in the Keystone State (page 5). On page 18, you also get to see some of the great photos taken at Estamos Unidos of Pennsylvania's Fiesta del Niño.

We’d also like to welcome a new columnist to our already wonderful staff of regular writers. For her initial column, Chelsea Hess-Moore brings you a piece about a Lancaster cancer support group who helps those who deal with a language barrier in health care (page 16).

I wish you all the happiest of new years, and a toast to the fresh beginnings, second chances, clean slates, renewed resolves and newborn convictions as well as forgetting past transgressions and forgiving those who may not even deserve it.

Enjoy the read, and happy New Year!

Graham S. Hetrick Publisher

Graham and his new 12-week-old Goldendoodle, Sherlock Si Hetrick.

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l año nuevo está sobre nosotros – adiós al 2012 y un saludo al 2013. El año nuevo es un tiempo para nuevos comienzos, segundas oportunidades, borrones y cuentas nuevas, determinación renovada y nuevas convicciones. Es un buen momento para corchos pinchados, menguantes de las luces navideñas, cuentas descendientes colectivas, brindis sinceros, abrazos, apretones de manos y besos de medianoche.

Tal vez más que cualquier otra cosa, sin embargo, un nuevo año es para olvidar las transgresiones del pasado y perdonar a aquellos que aun no se lo merecen. Es un buen momento para reencontrarse así mismo con lo que más importa en esta vida. El buen viejo Billy Shakespeare dijo una vez: "Venid, señores, Yo espero que eliminemos todo acto de mezquindad." Y, en su forma menuda de hablar, sabias palabras y una verdad innegable de lo que ocurre en la víspera del Año Nuevo, que es en cierto modo, un lavado del año anterior para dar paso a la primera jornada del nuevo año.

Este primer número del nuevo año está lleno de algún contenido interesante. En primer lugar, usted no querrá perderse la contribución del escritor Len Boccassini en la exploración de la tradición de El Día de los Reyes Magos en la página 7. También echa un vistazo a dos jueces latinos nominados a los tribunales federales en el Estado clave (página 5). En la página 18, también puedes ver algunas de las grandes fotos tomadas en la Fiesta de Navidad de Estamos Unidos de Fiesta de Pennsylvania.

Además nos gustaría dar la bienvenida a un nuevo columnista a nuestro ya maravilloso personal de escritores regulares. Para su columna inicial, Chelsea Hess-Moore le trae un artículo sobre un grupo de apoyo para el cáncer de Lancaster que ayudan a los que hacen frente de la barrera del idioma en el cuidado de la salud (página 16).

Les deseo a todos ustedes un feliz año nuevo, y un brindis a los nuevos comienzos, segundas oportunidades, borrones y cuentas nuevas, determinaciones renovadas y nuevas convicciones, así como olvidar las transgresiones del pasado y perdonar a los que ni siquiera se lo merecen. Disfruten de la lectura, y feliz año nuevo!

Graham S. Hetrick Publisher JANURARY 2013

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La Voz Latina Central Janurary 2013 • Volume 3 No. 1

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 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Oralia Garcia Dominic, Ph.D., M.A., M.S. | Mark Kogan, Esq. Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz | Dr. Rhonda Johnson Chelsea Hess-Moore |Len Boccassini | Sonya M. Toyler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jadrian Klinger ACCOUNT SALES REPRESENTATIVES

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

Marisol Aviles BENCHMARK GROUP MEDIA

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

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LATIN JUDGES

Judicial Nomination of Nitza Quiñones Alejandro, Eastern District of Pennsylvania Since 1991, Nitza Quiñones Alejandro has served as a judge for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas’ criminal and civil trial divisions. Prior to her judicial appointment, Quiñones Alejandro served as an arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1980 to 1991.

Alejandro has also worked as a staff attorney for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 1979 to 1991, an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1977 to 1979, a staff attorney for Community Legal Services from 1975 to 1977 and a legal intern for the Legal Aid Society at the University of Puerto Rico from 1973 to 1975.

A native of Puerto Rico, Alejandro holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico. She lives in Philadelphia.

Judicial Nomination of Luis Felipe Restrepo, Eastern District of Pennsylvania Luis Felipe Restrepo has served as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since June 2006. Prior to his nomination to the bench, he worked as a partner at Kreasner & Restrepo in Philadelphia, focusing on criminal defense and civil rights legislation.

Restrepo served as an assistant federal defender for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 1993, and an assistant defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia from 1987 to 1990. He is a past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.

A native of Colombia, Restrepo became a U.S. citizen in 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981 and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 1986. He lives in Swarthmore.

JANUARY 2013

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Comprender Por Qué Nosotros Pagamos Impuestos Por el Mark J. Kogan, Esq.

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odo el mundo paga impuestos en una manera o otra-en su mayoría de ingresos y los impuestos de ventas. Pero, ¿por qué tenemos que pagar impuestos?

El gobierno federal usa sus dólares de impuestos para apoyar a seguridad social, la asistencia sanitaria, la defensa nacional y los servicios sociales, tales como cupones de alimentos y vivienda. Los servicios prestados por los impuestos en Pensilvania son escuelas públicas, carreteras seguras, salud, prisiones y servicios sociales para los ciudadanos de bajos ingresos. La ciudad o el condado donde usted vive provee servicios de agua y basura, policía y protección contra incendios y también contribuye a las escuelas públicas.

Nuestro sistema fiscal está basada en nuestra “habilidad de pagar.”. Mientras más dinero ganamos, más los impuestos que pagamos. Y lo contrario también es cierto.

Si ganamos un ingreso pequeño, pagamos menos impuestos. Todo el mundo está sujeto a impuestos. La cantidad de impuestos que debe se basa en sus ingresos. Usted debe pagar impuestos durante todo el año. Las personas que ganan más ingresos tienen más tasas de impuestos que los que ganan menos. Esto significa que las tasas de impuestos se hacen progresivamente más elevada cuanto más

se gana. Usted puede reducir sus impuestos aprovechando de beneficios fiscales diferentes.

Por último, le toca a usted tomar el control de su situación fiscal.

En primer lugar, toda persona, compañía, organización, o sin fines de lucro está sujeto al impuestos. "sujetos al impuesto sobre ingresos" significa que las personas y organizaciones deben reportar sus ingresos y calcular sus impuestos. Algunas organizaciones están exentas de impuestos.

Todavía tienen que presentar una declaración y su estado exento de impuesto podría ser revocada si la organización no cumple con ciertos criterios.

En segundo lugar, usted paga impuestos sobre sus ingresos. Los ingresos son el dinero que usted gana basado en sus salarios o inversiones. Los ingresos incluyen salarios, intereses, dividendos, ganancias de sus inversiones, las pensiones que reciben, y así sucesivamente. Ingresos no incluye regalos.

Usted no paga impuestos sobre los regalos que recibe, tales como herencias y becas.

En tercer lugar, debe pagar sus impuestos durante todo el año. Para la mayoría de la gente, significa que los impuestos son sacados de su sueldo y se envía directamente al gobierno federal. Al final del año, usted ha pagado una cierta cantidad de impuestos. Si pagaste

de más dinero del que debías, el gobierno le devolverá la cantidad sobre pagada. Esto se llama un reembolso de impuestos. Si usted no ha pagado lo suficiente para cubrir lo que debe, entonces usted tiene un saldo a pagar. Y usted debe pagar la cantidad debida antes del 15 de abril del año siguiente, o el gobierno le cobrará intereses y multas sobre la cantidad que no haya pagado.

Por último, el sistema de impuestos de los EE.UU. es progresiva. Eso significa que las personas que ganan más dinero tienen una mayor tasa impositiva, y las personas que ganan menos dinero tienen una tasa de impuestos más bajo. Su tasa de impuestos va a cambiar dependiendo de la cantidad de dinero que se hizo ese año. Hay un debate sobre si nuestras tasas de impuestos debe ser progresiva o fijo. Los políticos que apoyan un impuesto fijo argumentan que una tasa única para todo el mundo simplificará en gran medida las vidas de las personas. Los políticos que apoyan a tasas progresivas de impuestos sostienen que es injusto pedir a una persona de ingresos modestos a pagar el mismo porcentaje de sus ingresos como una persona rica.

Esta idea de la justicia es la motivación para todo tipo de beneficios fiscales. Los beneficios fiscales son como el Congreso recompensa

a las personas para hacer ciertos tipos de decisiones. El objetivo de la planificación fiscal es elegir qué ventajas fiscales tienen más sentido para usted.

En conclusión, el sistema de de impuestos es voluntario. Eso es porque la gente es libre de organizar sus asuntos financieros, de tal manera de tomar ventaja de los beneficios fiscales. Voluntario no quiere decir que las leyes tributarias no son aplicables a usted.

Voluntario significa que usted puede elegir pagar menos impuestos por el manejo de sus finanzas en un modo de minimizar sus impuestos. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con el Sistema de beneficios fiscales, un contador o un abogado que se especializa en derechos fiscales Si tiene más preguntas, me puede contactar en mkogan@hgsklawyers.com

Understanding Why We Pay Taxes

By Mark J. Kogan, Esq.

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veryone pays taxes in one form or another – mostly income and sales taxes. But why do we need to pay taxes?

The federal government uses your tax dollars to support Social Security, health care, national defense and social services such as food stamps and housing. Services provided by taxes in Pennsylvania are public schools, safe highways, health care, prisons and social services for low-income citizens. The city or county where you live provides water and garbage service, police and fire protection and also contributes to public schools.

Our tax system is based on our “ability to pay.” The more money we earn, the more taxes we pay. And the opposite is also true.

If we earn a small income, we pay less taxes.

Everyone is subject to taxation. The amount of taxes you owe is based on your income. You must pay taxes throughout the year. People who earn more income have higher tax rates than those who earn less. This means tax rates

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get progressively higher the more you earn.

You can reduce your taxes by taking advantage of various tax benefits. Finally, it’s up to you to take control of your tax situation.

First of all, every person, organization, company or nonprofit is subject to income tax. “Subject to income tax” means that people and organizations must report their income and calculate their tax. Some organizations are exempt from taxes. They still have to file a return and their tax-exempt status could be revoked if the organization fails to meet certain criteria.

Secondly, you are taxed on your income.

Income is any money you earn based upon your wages or investments. Income includes wages, interest, dividends, profits on your investments, pensions you receive and so forth. Income does not include gifts. You are not taxed on gifts you receive, such as inheritances and scholarships.

Thirdly, you must pay your taxes throughout the year. For most people, it means your income taxes are taken out of your paycheck and sent

directly to the federal government. At the end of the year, you have paid in a certain amount of taxes. If you paid in more than what you owe, the government refunds the amount over what you owed. This is called a tax refund. If you haven’t paid enough to cover what you owe, then you have a balance due. And you must pay this amount due by April 15 of the following year, or the government will charge you interest and penalties on the amount you haven’t paid.

Lastly, the U.S. tax system is progressive.

That means that people who make more money have a higher tax rate, and people who make less money have a lower tax rate. Your tax rate will change depending on how much money you made that year. There is a debate over whether our tax rates should be progressive or flat. Politicians who support a flat tax argue that a single tax rate for everybody will greatly simplify people’s lives. Politicians who support progressive tax rates argue that it is unfair to ask a person of modest income to

pay the same percentage of their income as a wealthier person.

This idea of fairness is the motivation for all sorts of tax benefits. Tax benefits are how Congress rewards people for making certain types of decisions. The goal of tax planning is to choose which tax benefits make the most sense for you.

In conclusion, the income tax system is voluntary. That’s because people are free to arrange their financial affairs in such a way to take advantage of any tax benefits. Voluntary does not mean that the tax laws don’t apply to you. Voluntary means you can choose to pay less taxes by managing your finances in a way to minimize your taxes. For more information, please contact the Internal Revenue System, an accountant or attorney specializing in tax law. If you have additional questions, I can be reached at mkogan@hgsklawyers.com.

The Tradition of El Dia De Los Tres Magos

By Len Boccassini

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egardless of what the television networks, newspapers, radio advertisements and shopping malls insist we believe, the 12 Days of Christmas do not begin on December 13 and end with a last-minute shopping rush just hours before we sit down to dinner with family and friends on Christmas Day. Perhaps this is a vision the retail giants would like us to buy into considering the overcommercialized, modern-day world we find ourselves in the midst of; but fortunately, there are many of us who refuse to lose sight of the spirit of the holiday season while adhering firmly to our core beliefs and traditions. And for those that do, it is common knowledge that the 12 Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6 and has absolutely nothing at all to do with holiday sales.

January 6 is celebrated throughout Latin America, Spain and Hispanic communities throughout the United States as Three Kings Day, or El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos.

The Hispanic tradition of celebrating El Dia De Los Tres Magos actually holds its roots to the Catholic tradition of January 6, being the Epiphany of the church calendar. The Epiphany,

the 12th and final day of Christmas, was when the Magi – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar – arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus.

In Catholicism, the Epiphany is celebrated with a special mass at church, and in following with the faith of the Catholic Church, Hispanic Catholics go to mass and celebrate that day with a dinner. Though the traditions may vary from country to country, or even region to region, for the most part, most Hispanic traditions share the same essence of the celebration.

In Spain, as well as other Spanish-speaking countries, the tradition had always been to observe Christmas Day as a solemn religious occasion, reserving Three Kings Day, or Dia de Los Reyes, for partying and exchanging gifts. The Dia de los Reyes is celebrated with a merienda (a light supper) consisting of hot chocolate, and the Rosca de Reyes, which is a huge oval sweet bread with dry fruit decorations, sprinkled with sugar on top.

Inside the bread, there is a ceramic doll which represents Baby Jesus.

The person who gets the piece of bread with the baby must be the Godparent of Baby Jesus in the celebration of the Candelaria (Day of Purification) on February 2. This is the day when the nativity scenes are put away, and the

two-month long celebration comes to an end.

In Latin America, the days preceding Three Kings Day are when children write letters to the Magi requesting a present that they would like to receive. On the night of January 5, the figures of the Wise Men are placed in the nativity scene.

The following day, January 6 and not necessarily Christmas, is the day that children receive their gifts. However, today gifts can be given on Christmas Day as well.

In Mexico, tradition differed slightly.

Children would leave their shoes out with a bit of hay in them to feed the animals of the Magi (similar to the American tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer). When the children awoke in the morning, their gifts would have appeared in place of the hay. Today, like Santa Clausetradition has evolved to the kings placing their gifts under the Christmas tree instead of in a shoe.

Puerto Rico recognizes Three Kings Day as one of their most important holidays.

Traditionally, they marked the eve of January 6 as the day to exchange presents rather than December 25. Children would gather grass, hay or straw and stuff it in shoeboxes for the Magi’s horses or camels, and in the same spirit

as Mexican children, they would await their morning presents.

Today, Puerto Rican children typically receive their presents on December 25, but there’s always a smaller and perhaps even more significant gift reserved for good children on Three Kings Day. The island observes the holiday with parades and festivals: a time for family celebrations of a more spiritual nature. Old San Juan throws an annual festival at the Luis Muñoz Marín Park and the highlight of the day occurs when the Three Kings come walking into town.

Celebrating the holiday according to Hispanic tradition is an extremely rewarding experience.

Doing so makes it far easier to avoid the growing commercialization of the holiday as the humble observation of values we grew up with teaches our children about our history and traditions of our faith, imparting a deeper, more fulfilling understanding. Best of all, the longer season of celebrating allows for more family bonding, festivities and, of course, joyous celebration.

So the next time you see a commercial on December 13 stating the countdown has begun, change the channel and know you have 12 more days to begin your countdown.

JANUARY 2013

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Como Yo Lo Veo Por el Graham Hetrick

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ecibí esta nota de prensa de la Oficina del Representante del Estado de Pennsylvania Ángel Cruz, demócrata del Condado de Filadelfia. Creo que lo mejor es que usted vea el documento ya que no puedo verificar toda la información, pero yo creo que es muy importante.

Si todo esto es cierto, esto no hace más que reforzar mi creencia de que el gobierno la mayoría de las veces crea un problema, y luego exige que el mismo busque la solución. Durante años, las escuelas de Pennsylvania han estado arrastrando sobre sus pies el proyecto de los estatutos escolares y el tema del derecho a escoger la escuela.

Desconozco el récord de votación del Representante Cruz en la votación para el derecho de elección de las escuelas, pero este es un gran ejemplo de cómo le hemos quitado el poder de la toma de decisiones a los padres y se la hemos dado a la burocracia y a los sindicatos.

Esto no sólo ha interrumpido la educación de nuestros niños, sino que también ha convertido en delincuentes a unos padres que no estaban haciendo otra cosa que buscar una buena educación para sus hijos. El hecho de que el distrito escolar está persiguiendo penalmente a los padres, muestra la insensibilidad del distrito y la pésima estructura de la educación en el Estado de Pennsylvania.

Si algún acto es criminal, este sería el de la Legislatura de Pennsylvania por no resolver los asuntos relacionados con el derecho a elección de las escuelas y de los estatutos escolares. Nosotros, como nación nos estamos quedando atrás del resto del mundo en lectura, escritura y matemáticas, pero nos negamos a experimentar, debatir y cambiar los

modelos de los trabajadores de la educación.

Contamos con sindicatos que no están de acuerdo en otorgar el pago basado en el mérito y la evaluación de los maestros, y de legisladores que pliegan a los grupos de presión, mientras que los padres carecen de voz para opinar en la educación de sus hijos.

He escuchado una y otra vez que esto no es culpa del sistema, sino que es culpa de los padres por su falta de interés en la educación de sus hijos.

No creo que alguien esté interesado en asistir a una reunión de padres cuando saben que nada va a cambiar y sus escuelas no van a mejorar. ¿Por qué debería García no ser capaz de dejar que su hijo termine el año escolar en su escuela, si están dispuestos a pagar por la matrícula?

Lo que han hecho es tratar de resolver los problemas académicos de sus hijos con un sistema que se ha olvidado de ellos y que se dedica a defender un modelo defectuoso que está llevando a los niños a un futuro de desempleo y pobreza. Nosotros, los ciudadanos de este estado, somos los verdaderos criminales porque no hemos exigido mejores escuelas del gobierno. Esto no es una cuestión de dinero. Esto es lo que el sistema hace con nuestro dinero. Necesitamos una reforma de educación seria. Necesitamos coraje para hacer lo cambios. Algunos de los esfuerzos fracasarán y otros tendrán éxito, pero sólo podemos duplicar lo que funciona.

La educación es el tema más importante para los hispanos. No es justo tratar a los padres como criminales porque están tratando de proteger a sus hijos de un sistema estatal de educación criminalmente malo.

As I See It

By Graham Hetrick

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received this press release from the Office of Pennsylvania State Representative Angel Cruz, Democrat from Philadelphia County. I think it is best just to let you see the document since I cannot verify all the information myself, but I also think it is very important.

(Press Release Above) If all this is true, it only goes to reinforce my belief that government, most of the time, creates a problem or issue and then demands to be the executor of the solution.

For years, Pennsylvania schools have been dragging their feet on the issue of charter schools and school choice. I don’t know Representative Cruz’s record on voting for school choice, but this is a great example of 8

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how we have taken the power of decisionmaking away from parents and given it over to bureaucracies and unions.

Not only has this situation interrupted a child’s education, it also made criminals out of parents that were doing nothing more than seeking a decent education for their child. The fact that the school district is criminally prosecuting the parents shows the insensitivity of the district and the greater structure of education in Pennsylvania.

If any act is criminal, it is the Pennsylvania Legislature for not resolving the issues around school choice and charter schools. We as a nation are falling behind the rest of the world in reading, writing and math, yet we refuse to

experiment, challenge and change working models of education.

We have unions that will not discuss merit pay and teacher evaluations and legislators that bow to lobbyists, while parents have little voice in their children’s education. I have heard over and over that it isn’t the fault of the system; it is the parent’s fault for their lack of interest. I hardly think somebody is going to rush to a PTA meeting when they know nothing is going to change and their schools are not going to improve.

Why shouldn’t the Garcia’s be able to let their child finish out the school year at her school if they are willing to pay for tuition? What they have done is try to solve their child’s education problems

in a system that has forgotten about the child and dedicates itself to a failing model that is casting our children into a future of unemployment and poverty. We citizens of this state, are the real criminals because we have not been demanding better of our schools and our government. This is not a money issue. This is what the system does with our money. We need serious education reform. We need courage to make changes.

Some of the efforts will fail and some will succeed, but we can just start duplication of what works.

Education is the biggest issue for Hispanics. It is not right to treat parents as criminals because they are trying to protect their children from a criminally bad state education system.

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.

La Voz Latina Central

JANUARY 2013

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Happy

New Years

2013

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

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his year, I want you to have the best year ever – in all aspects of your life. I want you to improve your health status (your body, mind and spirit) and feel the best that you can. You know what works and what doesn’t work for your health and mental happiness, and thus it is time to change what doesn’t work.

Even Albert Einstein knew this. He stated, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

I asked NYU graduate student Monica Lynn Moore, who has formal training in health literacy and communications as well as a passion for helping people help themselves to better health, including mental, spiritual and emotional health. She has much to say on these topics, particularly on ways to transform a person’s life from the inside out (see 13 baby steps listed below). This is a unique perspective because I usually talk about health from the outside in.

Stress is real, and it can affect a person’s performance, employment and relationships.

Emotional distress can also dampen one’s spirit and related activity. According to the

PA Department of Health’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data, in 2010, on average, one in four (22 percent) adult Pa. residents 18 years and older reported that they had limited activity due to physical, mental or emotional problems. This should not be the case.

Another known fact is that you must be proactive in your own health care because if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will. This is especially true if you have others depending on you. If you are sick, your loved ones suffer, too. From this perspective, you must have a healthy, well-balanced life and disengage from risky behaviors (excessive drinking, smoking, overeating, low level of fiber intake, sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep and worrying too much about the small stuff). Yes, change is difficult, but it can be done.

Today is the day for change.

Here are 13 small ways to transform your life. These are suggestions, baby steps that are doable, realistic and inexpensive. They focus on proper attitude and cultivating gratitude.

13 Ways to Transform Your Life Monica Lynn Moore, B.A, M.S(c)

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ake up 10 minutes earlier every morning, and say a prayer. Don’t be afraid to talk to God, however you know him – whatever you consider him to be. If you don’t know how to pray, pray to learn how to pray. Pray for a more open heart. Pray to learn how to forgive.

When you feel down, make a gratitude list of everything for which you are thankful. If you can’t think of anything, chocolate and sunshine are safe bets.

At night, before bed, take inventory of the day, and think of what you could have done differently or communicated in a more effective way.

When you need to act on something, and you are in doubt, honestly ask yourself, “How is this beneficial? How is this going to help the situation?” Don’t worry about your ego or being right. Worry about how it is going to end in a positive result.

Every time you feel yourself getting upset or irritated or angry, give yourself a timeout.

Walk out of the room, take a deep breath, do anything to make yourself stop and think before acting on your negative emotion.

Create a family or friend ritual one day of the week – no electronics, no technology. Just for an hour, or maybe even two, if you can do it – even 30 minutes.

Eat a healthful breakfast every morning for one week and see how it makes you feel.

Try going without something you think you “need” for one day, just to practice discipline and self-control. See if you can do it again the next day.

At night, before bed, take time to read or do something quiet, away from computers 10

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and the TV, and see if you sleep better. TV and the Internet are stimulants and not great before bedtime.

Make a list of careers you wanted to have when you were a kid. An astronaut? A singer?

A writer? Have fun with it, and make it as long as you want. Share it with your spouse or children, or keep it for yourself.

Find things to do related to those career paths. Join a writing group, or get a book on writing. Go to the space museum. Find a choir or a local group with people who share similar passions.

Volunteer at a nursing home, reading to children at the library or at an animal shelter.

Remember that love is a verb. Write it on a little card and stick it to your bathroom mirror.

Never forget it. And never forget how much you are loved.

While most articles focus on losing weight, changing habits and “out with the old, in with the new,” we propose that transformation can happen in small increments, with little adjustments. You can transform your day into nothing short of a miracle. You don’t need to make any solemn promises or declarations. Be yourself, with the good and the bad, but be yourself with a better intention in your heart and attitude – a positive attitude that is.

Take good care of yourself in 2013 and beyond. Thank you Monica for sharing your words of wisdom with our La Voz readers. Send your health questions to ¡Hola, Oralia! at dr.oraliagarciadominic@gmail.com. Together we can help keep Pennsylvania residents healthy.

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The Benefits of Using a Credit Union Overall, credit unions provide financial benefits to members through lower loan rates, high saving rates, and fewer fees than traditional banking institutions.

Estimates show that Pennsylvania credit unions provided more than $241 million dollars in direct financial benefits to the state’s 3.6 million members during the 12 months ending June 2012 using Datatrac.

These benefits are equivalent to $66 per member or $126 per member household.* These benefits are calculated from the average pricing differences between banks and credit unions. This is money back into the hands of the member and more importantly, back into Pennsylvania communities.

Consider this: Financing a $25,000 new automobile for 60 months at a Pennsylvania credit union will save members an average $260 per year in interest expense

compared to what they would pay at a banking institution in the state.

Further, loyal members - those who use the credit union extensively - often receive total financial benefits that are much greater than the average.

Pennsylvania credit unions excel in providing member benefits on many loan and saving products. In particular, Pennsylvania credit unions offer lower average loan rates on the following accounts: new car loans, used car loans, personal unsecured loans, home equity loans, and credit cards.

Further, Pennsylvania credit unions also pay members higher average dividends on the following accounts: regular savings, share draft checking, money market accounts, certificate accounts, and IRAs. To find a credit union to join, visit www.iBelong.org. *Assumes 1.9 credit union members per household.

Las Ventajas de Usar una Unión de Crédito En general, las cooperativas de ahorro crédito ofrecen beneficios financieros a los miembros a través de las tasas de préstamos más bajas, tasas de ahorro más altas, y menos impuestos que las instituciones bancarias tradicionales.

Las estimaciones muestran que las uniones de crédito Pennsylvania han proporcionado más de $241 millones de dólares en beneficios económicos directo a los 3,6 millones de miembros en el estado, durante los 12 meses que finalizaron en junio del 2012 utilizando Datatrac (tecnología de alto nivel).

Estos beneficios son equivalentes a $66 por miembro o $126 por familia. * Estos beneficios se calculan a partir de las diferencias de precios medios entre los bancos y las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito. Se trata de devolver el dinero en las manos de los miembros cooperativistas, y lo más importante es que regresa de nuevo a las comunidades de Pennsylvania.

Considere lo siguiente: Financiación de un automóvil nuevo de $ 25.000 a pagarse durante 60 meses en una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito de Pennsylvania, le ahorraría a los miembros un promedio de $260 por año en gastos de intereses, en comparación con lo que ellos pagarían en una institución bancaria en el estado.

Otros, miembros leales – son esos quienes utilizan ampliamente la cooperativa de ahorro y crédito - a menudo reciben beneficios financieros totales que son más grandes que el promedio.

Las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito de Pennsylvania sobresalen en proveer a sus miembros muchos beneficios en calidad de préstamos y productos de ahorro. En particular, las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito de Pennsylvania ofrecen bajas tasas de préstamos promedio en las siguientes cuentas: los préstamos para autos nuevos o usados, préstamos personales sin garantía, préstamos hipotecarios y tarjetas de crédito.

Además, las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito de Pennsylvania, también paga a los miembros altos promedios de dividendos en las siguientes cuentas: ahorros regulares, verificación de cheques por acciones, cuentas del mercado monetario, cuentas de certificados y cuentas IRA (inversiones de retiro).

Para encontrar e inscribirse en una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito, visite www.iBelong.org. * Supone 1,9 socios de las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito por familia.

¡Un Feliz y Venturoso 2013!

Por el Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz

E

l comienzo de un nuevo día, un nuevo aniversario o un nuevo año es siempre una oportunidad para reflejar lo que acabamos de pasar, así como para figurarnos o imaginar lo que nos gustaría que ocurriera en nuestro futuro cercano. Aspiro realmente que usted haya tenido la oportunidad de disfrutar de la belleza de esta temporada de las fiestas de Navidad y el Año Nuevo, las cuales de una forma u otra nos ayuda a experimentar de los nobles sentimientos de paz, amor y amistad.

Como cualquier nuevo comienzo, el nuevo año trae consigo retos y oportunidades que debemos usar si somos como aquellos que hacen todos los años una lista de promesas, objetivos, sueños o aspiraciones.

Como usted sabe, la diferencia entre los sueños y objetivos se cristaliza cuando uno se auto impone una fecha límite para la realización de esos sueños. Espero que usted haya decidido seguir sus objetivos y 12

encontrar el equilibrio que se necesita para generar confianza y lealtad hacia nuestras nuevas metas, sin dejar que ni los episodios momentáneos del pasado ni la angustia o desesperación del futuro afecten su modo de vida.

Para hacerlo, necesitamos tener una perspectiva razonable del presente y mantener el equilibrio entre lo que tenemos y lo que queremos. Esto es muy importante para mantener nuestra mirada fija en nuestros objetivos y actuar de forma consecuente, sin perder de vista nuestra misión y propósito de vida. De manera similar puede uno juzgar nuestras acciones futuras que aspiramos tengan efecto en el año que acaba de comenzar. Recuerde que somos lo que pensamos y lo que hacemos es lo que creamos. Por lo tanto, nuestra actitud promueve acciones y nuestras acciones generan consecuencias.

Muchas veces, lo que tenemos o lo que observamos se basa principalmente

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en nuestras percepciones y experiencias pasadas. El hecho es que nuestras percepciones se relacionan directamente con la forma de ver la vida-experiencias como oportunidades y desafíos. Como tal, nosotros tenemos el poder de utilizar nuestra imaginación para visualizar lo mejor en lugar de concentrarnos solo en lo peor, a ver lo positivo en vez de sólo lo negativo, de contemplar la belleza en vez de observar únicamente las imperfecciones.

Vamos a concentrarnos en las nuevas ideas y sueños que vienen a nuestras mentes en 2013. Los invito a hacer el compromiso de vivir profundamente la grandeza de la vida y comprometernos profundamente a disfrutar de las bondades que el mundo nos ofrece cada día. Veamos con más frecuencia nuestras virtudes y las fortalezas de los demás en vez de anteponernos limitaciones y enfrascarnos en los supuestos defectos o aparente deficiencias de los demás. Amemos más, reconozcamos las virtudes de los otros

con frecuencia, riamos continuamente, sonría más a menudo y piense siempre positivamente. Cada día es una nueva oportunidad de vivir y disfrutar lo que la vida nos ofrece. Un Nuevo Año lo hace aun más alcanzable, por lo menos desde el punto de vista emocional. Vamos a proponérnoslo y seguramente lo conseguiremos. Me gustaría usar esta oportunidad para desearles a todos ustedes un Feliz Año Nuevo 2013. Que este año sea lleno de paz, amor, venturas y muchas bendiciones.

Feliz Año Nuevo… Happy New Year…

Gluckliches Neues Jahr…Glaedelig Jul… Bonne Anee… O Kenorios Chronnoshuc…

Gelukkig.Nieuwjaar…Feliz Ano Novo…

Novin Godom… Chuc Mung Tan Nien...

Annun Nuovo…Kurisumasu Omedeto...

Masaganang Bagong Taon…

A Blessed and Happy 2013!

By Dr. Hector Richard Ortiz

T

he beginning of a new day, a new anniversary or a New Year is always an opportunity to reflect on what have just happened to us as well as to envision what we would like to occur in the road ahead. I truly aspire that you have had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this holiday season and experience in one way or another those noble sentiments of peace, love and friendship.

As any new beginning, the New Year brings challenges and opportunities that we must use. As you know, the difference between dreams and objectives is a deadline. I hope you decide to keep straight in your objectives and find the balance you need to gain confidence in your new goals without letting momentary episodes from the past, neither the anguish nor desperation of the future, affect you and your way of living.

To keep a fair perspective of the present and keep balance between what we have and what we want, it is very important to maintain focus and act accordingly without losing sight of our mission and purpose in life. Something similar may be used to judge our future actions in the year that has just started. Remember that we are what we think and do is what we create. Consequently, our attitude promotes actions, and our choices embrace consequence. Many times, what we have or what we observe is mainly based on our perceptions and previous experiences. The fact is that our perceptions relate directly to the way we see life experiences – as opportunities and challenges. As such, it is optional to us to use the power of our imagination to picture the best instead of concentrating on the worst; to see the positive instead of just the negative; to contemplate the beauty.

Let us concentrate on the new ideas and dreams that come to our minds in 2013.

Let us make ourselves a commitment to live deeply the greatness of life and engage profoundly in the immensity that the world offers to us. Let us see more of our gifts instead of our self-imposed defects. Let us love more, praise frequently, laugh continuously, smile often and think positively. Any single day offers us a new opportunity to live and enjoy what life offers to us on a continuous basis, and a New Year enhances that vision from the analytical, spiritual and emotional view point. Let us do so! I use this opportunity to wish all of you a happy New Year. I hope that 2013 is filled with peace, love and blessings.

Happy New Year…Feliz Año Nuevo…Gluckliches Neues Jahr…Glaedelig Jul… Bonne Anee… O Kenorios Chronnoshuc… Gelukkig.Nieuwjaar…Feliz Ano Novo…

Novin Godom… Chuc Mung Tan Nien... Annun Nuovo…Kurisumasu Omedeto...

Masaganang Bagong Taon…

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP OTHERS! We would like to thank you, our sponsors, partner organizations, volunteers, and all La Voz readers who helped spread the word about the Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC) and our mission. Thanks to all of you, we made connections and we made a difference in the lives of thousands of clients throughout 2012! Please know that we are truly grateful, and we are hoping for your continued support in 2013.

Special thanks to the United Way of the Capital Region, and our caring donors! If you would like to assist LHACC, feel free to visit our secured website, read about our mission, and make a donation.

On behalf of our staff, Yessenia, Edgar, Myra, Leslie, Maria, the entire LHACC Board, and myself, THANK YOU!! Best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2013!

Gloria Merrick, Executive Director JANUARY 2013

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Breaking the Chains of Addiction ``P

eople can do crazy things for love,” as the saying goes.

For Nelson Caldero Hernandez, a fresh young love led to bitter old habits. At just 15 years old, he fell into a triangle of love, drugs and addiction. He recalls the memories of when it all started.

“I met a beautiful young girl. She was my first girlfriend, and she also lived in ‘the projects,’” says Hernandez, reflecting on the neighborhood he lived in during his adolescent years. “Her father was a big-time drug dealer and had a bad reputation with authorities. When my mother found out about her, she told me to let her go.”

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But it was too late. He was already in love, and it was taking over his life in more ways than he could imagine. “I saw her every day in and out of school. I stopped playing all my favorite sports because of her. I knew her father would do anything to see his daughter happy, so I approached him and asked for a job. I knew the type of work that he had for me.”

In later years, Hernandez studied accounting at the University of Puerto Rico. With this in mind, his peers hoped for him to handle the money of the drugs being sold. He found himself along with his girlfriend living in the house where the drugs, money and weapons were stored. It was only a matter of time before the police were on his tail.

“It only took me four months to start having problems with the law,” he recalls.

“I had my first arrest at 16 because I sold drugs to an undercover cop. The court sentenced me to the inconceivable sentence of two years probation and 100 hours of community service. Later, I realized that was a slap on the wrist.”

This sentencing wasn’t enough to get him out of that lifestyle. He gained money, cars and trust from his father-in-law, but he lost the trust of his own family. And even through these bad times, the worst was yet to come.

“One day, a drug runner asked me to go with him to get more drugs to sell,” he remembers. “He pulled out a plastic bag with something inside that looked like a drug but was a different color. That was the worst day of my life because I used heroin for the first time.”

Three short days later, Hernandez was addicted to heroin and described the addiction as needing the heroin for his body to function normally.

The addiction took over his life, which led to a family intervention. He was sent away to Newark, New Jersey, to a rehabilitation center. While attending the program, he came to Pennsylvania to reunite with an old girlfriend. They reconnected, and Hernandez decided not to return to the program. He experienced good times with her by going to church, spending time with family and friends and getting a stable job.

He had some relapses in between, but nothing that put him back at square one.

Even so, he knew he still had a problem and that he needed help fighting his addiction.

But it wasn’t until his cousin’s funeral that he decided to change his ways.

“In 2001, I went to Puerto Rico for the funeral of my cousin Miguel, a retribution killing from another drug dealer,” states Hernandez. “I saw my aunt’s eyes welling with tears. My mother was looking at me

with such sad eyes; I turned my eyes from her. I realized my mother, sitting there with her salt-and-pepper hair, knew that it could be me in that casket.”

Two weeks after looking in his mother’s eyes and seeing her fear of losing him, he decided to look for help in Pennsylvania.

He was directed to the Nuestra Clinica Residencial (NCR) in Lancaster. After two months in the program, he topped off his recovery by attending The Gate House for Men in Lititz for three more months. It was the final stepping stone to his full recovery.

Thankfully, Hernandez turned his life around and not only tells his story of addiction, but also helps those who are battling addiction themselves. He went from a life full of gangs, drugs and disconnection from his family to being a homeowner with a successful life full of education, hard work and community involvement.

Currently, Hernandez holds a certificate in accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, an associate’s degree in social services from Harrisburg Area Community College and is pursuing a degree from Drexel University in the Behavioral Health Counseling Program. His dream is to become a professional counselor to help addicts.

He has been a recovered drug addict for five years, and he is now working in the facility that helped him find a life without drugs: the NCR in Lancaster. The NCR is part of the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) and Hernandez is the associate addictions counselor as well as the certified recovery specialist.

“I can show other people that it is possible to make changes in our lives,” he says. “I feel like I am a warrior helping others to break free from the chains of addiction.”

Through his faith in God, his support from family and true friends and his determination to overcome his addiction, he’s pursuing his life dreams and is thankful for the chances that he was given through his relapses and struggles.

“I believe in second chances because I am the result of one,” says Hernandez, “but we have to make sacrifices to reach our goals.

I would like to thank God and all the wonderful people that he put in my path to help me in my recovery. It is possible to change, if we take one day at a time.”

JANUARY 2013

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Helping Cancer Patients Live to F be Born Again

or 42-year-old Ingrid Smith, cancer is a very real thing. Having been diagnosed with stageIV lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, she now walks cancer free. Although the cancer is gone, she holds the memories of the rough times and the situations that could have been handled better with better options offered to her.

By Chelsea Hess-Moore

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“Although I speak English, English is not my language,” says Smith. “I’m still learning.

There are some things that people of another language may not be able to express, especially when being really sick. I did have very nice people around me, but there are others who have tried and can’t communicate, and they didn’t have a chance to find support. They found themselves sick, and when you’re suffering from this illness, you need all the support you can get when going through the illness and treatment. It’s difficult. Cancer can just be so devastating, not only because of the illness itself, but it’s also emotional. It carries the whole family along, and it can kill you.”

Suffering through a chronic and life-threatening illness is something that cannot and should not be left for someone to fight through alone. Support systems are crucial in the battle and recovery process for individuals going through what could potentially be the hardest trials of their lives. It’s important to reach out to those in need and be able to accommodate them as best as possible.

But how can someone be reached and offered help if they can’t understand and can’t communicate with medical professionals? There is a real need for more communication between the Latino community and medical professionals, and there is a noticeable hole in the ability to reach out to Spanish-speaking individuals who need medical attention.

Lancaster resident Edna Lizardi, along with Smith and two others, not only noticed this need, but took action in filling the gap that could assist the lives of those who may not know how to get help simply because they don’t speak English.

Lizardi has previous knowledge and experience in the health field. Being born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, she attended college at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan. In 1979, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and associate’s degree in social sciences. Upon graduation, she obtained a job at the university hospital in the oncology unit working with cancer patients. After holding numerous nursing positions in varying departments, she became the intensive care specialist.

In 1997, the severity of her son’s asthma led Lizardi, her husband and two children to move to Lancaster, where the climate and environment were better for his health. She landed a position as a nursing assistant and later moved on to become an outreach worker for the parent program of Salud Hispana. Unable to work in the state as a nurse due to her not obtaining her Pennsylvania nursing license, she started the process of pursuing her studies for it. In the midst of it, Catholic Charities offered her a position as a family therapist for its Latino program in the Lancaster Counseling Office.

“As counselor, I have seen how Hispanics in our community miss out on free public services due to the language barriers,” says the 56-year-old.

Support groups were needed. Lizardi knows the importance of a support group. Two short years ago, her sister who resides in Puerto Rico was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“She was blessed to receive the appropriate medical services and to participate in a cancer support group,” says Lizardi. “The support group gave her hope, and she did not feel alone in her journey.”

Lizardi is not alone in noticing the lack of support for the Spanish-speaking community.

“I met with a small group of women from my church, New Life Baptist of Lancaster, that share the same concerns regarding this issue,” says Lizardi. “We concluded that the reason why they are missing out on services is because they do not have enough information in Spanish available to them.”

Along with Smith, Yomary Febrillet is a survivor. She won her battle against breast cancer. They realized that Lancaster has many support groups in English that reach out to patients with terminal or chronic illnesses, but few are in Spanish.

Therefore, the women created a Spanish-speaking support group for women dealing with cancer, Re-Nacer – Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres con Cancer y Sobrevientes. ReNacer, meaning “born again,” opened its doors on November 19, 2012. The group consists of four founders: Edna Lizardi, Hildamary Hernandez, Ingrid Smith and Yomary Febrillet.

“Born again is the reality for cancer survivors, they are born again,” explains Lizardi.

“Our goal is to provide a friendly, loving and understanding environment for women.”

The group offers trained facilitators and staff that are experienced in the medical field.

The group has available resources from Lancaster General’s Wellness Center, allowing them to accomplish their goal of educating and assisting those in medical need.

“Our group offers support and education,” says Smith. “Our members are able to see women who already went through it, and they can tell their stories and help the others be prepared. Knowing there is so much out there, it could have been so much easier. The support that we give you can only be found from people that have gone through it. We just want to tell women that they are not alone, and we can make it a lot easier.”

For more information on the Re-Nacer Group, contact Edna Lizardi via email at mujer_ renacer@yahool.com.

EUP Award Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania (EUP) has been selected by the City of Harrisburg to receive the Non-Profit Award at the Martin Luther King Pillars of the Community Awards Gala on February 23, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza in Harrisburg.

In addition, Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania has welcomed five new members to the EUP board of directors. The new board members are: Mauricio Conde (Maximus), Jonathan Encarnacion (UPMC), Dr. Luis Gonzales (Consulting Firm), Karen Roman (Millersville University) and Noel Soto (FDA).

These dynamic individuals have expertise in their respective fields and will help advance and strengthen the organization on all fronts.

JANUARY 2013

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FIESTA DEL NIÑO

On December 12, 2012, Estamos Unides of PA celebrated the FIESTA DEL NIÑO. Over 1,600 people enjoyed food and the spirit of Christmas, and over 900 gifts were given to the children.

Sponsors include: The Pa. Republican Party, MEMBERS 1st Federal Credit Union, Hershey Foods, Capital BlueCross, Highmark, UPMC, Metro Bank, McNaughton Homes, Pa. Rebublican Women, plus individual supporters.

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JANUARY 2013

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¿Te Sientes Estresado? Aprende Cómo Controlar El Estrés Por el Dra. Rhonda Johnson, directora clínica de Highmark El estrés tiene que ver con la manera en que manejamos situaciones que afectan nuestra vida diaria.

Mucho de nuestro estrés deriva de los cambios repentinos tales como la pérdida de un trabajo, una enfermedad, la muerte de un ser querido o de cambios en relaciones cercanas. Enfrentémoslos; los cambios no siempre son bienvenidos, y tratar de controlarlos puede provocar estrés.

Reducir el estrés y la tensión es muy importante para tu salud. El estrés y la tensión crónicos contribuyen al aumento de presión arterial, dolores de cabeza, dolores corporales y agrava muchas afecciones de la salud; además puede originar enfermedades cardíacas. ¿Cómo sabes si estás estresado?

Los síntomas pueden variar, pero aquí detallamos algunas formas comunes para identificar si estás estresado: • ¿Te has encontrado alguna vez caminando de un lado a otro?

• ¿Te has encontrado alguna vez cerrando el puño o rechinando los dientes?

• ¿Te sientes enojado, temeroso o desvalido con frecuencia?

• ¿Te encuentras comiendo todo el tiempo?

• ¿Te sientes que "necesitas un trago” o algo más para “aliviarte?”

Aprende a controlar y evitar el estrés No hay forma de evitar el estrés totalmente, pero uno puede aprender cómo controlarlo.

• Cree en lo positivo. En otras palabras, debes tener una “nueva actitud”. Dí a ti mismo con frecuencia que las cosas mejorarán y saldrán bien. Acepta que hay algunas cosas que puedes controlar y otras que no.

• Ponte en movimiento. Estudios han demostrado que la actividad física reduce el estrés. Elije una actividad que puedas hacer y hazla. No tienes que inscribirte en un gimnasio o club. Bailar, caminar al aire libre, o simplemente hacer cualquier actividad que te mantenga en movimiento ayudará.

• Encuentra apoyo. Vuelve a contactarte con algún miembro de tu familia o amigo cercano. Planea una actividad simple que te ponga en contacto con los demás. Ve a las reuniones de la iglesia o tu comunidad.

Ofrécete como voluntario para servir a los demás. A veces puedes ayudarte a ti mismo ayudando a los demás.

• Tómate tiempo para disfrutar. ¿Tienes una película, canción o hobby favoritos? Pasa parte de tu tiempo haciendo algo que disfrutes. Mira una comedia. Mira tu programa favorito de TV. Ve a pescar.

• Ríete a carcajadas. ¿Sabías que la risa es muy buena para tu salud? ¿Qué te hace reír? Estudios han revelado que la risa puede: • Bajar tu presión arterial.

• Aumentar el flujo de oxígeno al cerebro.

•“Ejercitar” a varios grupos musculares de tu cuerpo, incluso el rostro, abdomen, pecho espalda y músculos de las piernas.

• Reducir ciertos niveles de las hormonas del estrés en tu cuerpo.

• Mejorar la lucidez y la memoria.

Por eso ¡adelante! Y a reírse a carcajadas. Es el principal “destructor del estrés”.

•Trata de evitar “hacer mucho”. ¿Tu lista de "cosas para hacer" es muy larga? ¿Piensas que debes tener todo hecho de inmediato? Poner mucha presión sobre nosotros mismos provoca estrés.

Feeling Stressed?

Learn How To Manage It 20

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Pregúntate a ti mismo, ¿realmente necesito hacer esto hoy? Intenta hacer una cosa por vez y hacer menos cada día.

Pasos a seguir durante una situación o sentimiento estresante Obviamente que hiciste lo mejor para controlar cualquier posible estrés, pero a veces es inevitable.

Usa estos pasos para mantenerte tranquilo y controlar tus sentimientos.

• Respira hondo. Si respiras hondo, es simple, no toma tiempo, no se necesita equipos y puede hacerse en cualquier lugar. Simplemente inhala y exhala rápidamente por la nariz manteniendo la boca cerrada. Si te encuentras en un lugar donde puedes cerrar los ojos, hazlo, siéntate derecho y repite esto respirando tres o cuatro veces. Te sentirás mucho mejor. El secreto está en respirar lentamente y con regularidad. Te sentirás inmediatamente más tranquilo. Repite este procedimiento con la frecuencia que lo creas necesario.

• Relaja tus músculos. Tensa y relaja tus músculos. Empieza con los dedos de tus pies y continúa hacia arriba con los demás músculos de tu cuerpo.

Contrae y relaja los músculos de las piernas, los glúteos, abdomen, brazos, manos y luego tus hombros. Tensa cada grupo muscular contando hasta cinco y relaja. Gira tu cabeza en círculos un par de veces. Levanta tus brazos por encima de tu cabeza varias veces estirando suavemente.

• Toma una siesta o descansa un rato. A veces, lo mejor que podemos hacer es descansar. Una siesta en un lugar silencioso y oscuro durante 30 minutos o simplemente una buena noche de sueño reducirá tu nivel de estrés.

• Toma una ducha o baño caliente. El agua caliente es muy calmante y relajante para la mente y los músculos tensos. Posiblemente ayude también a activar la circulación y mejorar el flujo sanguíneo por los diferentes grupos musculares. Algunas personas descubren que también pueden dormir mejor después de una ducha o baño caliente.

• Admite que necesitas ayuda adicional. Si estas técnicas de autoayuda no reducen tu estrés, consulta con tu proveedor de asistencia médica. Tal vez estés sufriendo una afección de salud mental tal como depresión o ansiedad que podría mejorar con otro tratamiento: medicación o terapia. No hay razón para sentirse incómodo o avergonzado por consultar sobre afecciones de salud mental. Si no se tratan, la depresión, ansiedad o las adicciones pueden causar consecuencias serias en tu vida.

Si eres un miembro de Highmark, ingresa al sitio Web de miembros para obtener más información sobre cómo controlar el estrés, www.highmarkblueshield.com La doctora Rhonda Johnson es la directora clínica de los servicios de calidad y equidad en salud en Highmark Inc., un licenciatario independiente de Blue Cross y Blue Shield Association. Ella encabeza los esfuerzos de Highmark para reducir las disparidades raciales y étnicas que existen entre los miembros de Highmark a través de intervenciones clínicas y mejoras en materia de salud, acceso al idioma y competencia cultural para obtener un plan de salud.

By Dr. Rhonda Johnson, Highmark medical director Stress has to do with how we manage situations affecting our daily lives. A lot of our stress comes from rapid change, such as a loss of a job, an illness, death of a loved one or changes in a close relationship. Let’s face it, change is not always welcome, and managing change can lead to stress.

Lowering your stress and tension is very important to your health. Chronic stress and tension can contribute to high blood pressure, headaches, body pain and aggravate many health conditions; and it can predispose to heart disease.

How do you know if you are stressed?

Symptoms may vary but here are some common ways to identify if you are stressed: • Do you find yourself pacing back and forth?

• Do you find yourself clenching your fists or grinding your teeth?

• Do you often feel angry or afraid or helpless?

• Do you find yourself eating all of the time?

• Do you find yourself “needing a drink” or something else to “take off the edge?”

• Take a deep breath. Taking a deep breath is simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Simply inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth shut. If you are in a place where you can close your eyes, do so and sit up straight and repeat this for three or four breaths.

This will make you feel even better. The trick is to try to breathe slowly and evenly. You will feel calmer immediately. Do this as often as necessary.

Learn to manage and avoid stress There is no way to avoid stress altogether, but you can learn how to manage it.

• Believe in the positive. In other words, you have to have a “new attitude.” Tell yourself often that things will get better and things will work out. Accept that there are some things that you can control and there are some things that you can’t control.

• Get moving. Studies have shown that physical activity will reduce stress. Choose an activity that you can and will do. You don’t have to join a gym or fitness club. Dancing, walking outside or simply any activity that gets you moving will help.

• Find support. Reconnect to a family member or a close friend. Plan a simple activity that puts you in touch with others. Go to a meeting at church or in your community. Volunteer to serve others. Sometimes you can help yourself by helping others.

• Take time to enjoy. Do you have a favorite movie, a favorite song or a favorite hobby? Spend a little time doing something that you enjoy.

Watch a comedy. Watch your favorite TV show.

Go fishing.

• Laugh out loud. Did you know that laughter is very good for your health? What makes you laugh? Studies have found that laughter can: • Lower blood pressure • Increase oxygen flow to the brain • Give a “workout” to many muscle groups in your body, including your face, your abdominal and chest and your back and leg muscles • Reduce certain stress hormone levels in your body • Improve alertness and memory

• Relax your muscles. Tense and relax your muscles. Start with your toes and work your way up your body. Tighten and relax the muscles in your legs, your buttocks, your abdomen, your arms, your hands, then your shoulders.

Tense each muscle group to a count of five and relax. Roll your head in a circle a few times.

Raise your arms up over your head a few times in a gentle stretch.

So go ahead and laugh out loud. It’s the ultimate “stress buster!”

• Try to avoid “doing too much.” Is your list of “to-do’s” too long? Do you feel that you have to get everything done right away? Putting too much pressure on ourselves can cause stress.

Ask yourself – do I really have to get this done today? Try doing one thing at a time and doing less each day.

Steps to take during a stressful situation or feeling So you did your best to manage any possible stress, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. Use these steps to keep yourself calm and manage your feelings.

• Take a nap or get some more rest. Sometimes, one of the best things we can do is get some rest.

A nap, where you can be in a quiet darkened place for 30 minutes or simply getting a “good night’s sleep,” will decrease your stress level.

• Take a warm bath or shower. Warm water can be very soothing and relaxing to tight and tense muscles and to the mind. It may also help boost your circulation and improve blood flow to various muscle groups. Some people find they can also sleep better after a warm bath or shower.

• Admit if you need additional help. If these self-help techniques don’t lower your stress, consult with your health care provider. You may be suffering from a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety that could benefit from additional treatment such as medication or counseling. There is no reason to feel embarrassed or have feelings of shame about getting help for mental health conditions. If left untreated, depression and anxiety or addictions can have serious life consequences.

If you’re a Highmark member, log in to the member website to get more information about stress management, highmarkblueshield.com.

Dr. Rhonda Johnson is the medical director of health equity and quality services at Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 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.

Maryanne Knaub, H.I.S. • Donald Shriner, H.I.S. Pérdida De La Audición Puede Conducir A La Demencia Y Un Mayor Riesgo De Caída Las personas mayores con pérdida del oído son más propensas a desarrollar demencia con el tiempo, que aquellas que mantienen su audición, de acuerdo con un estudio reciente realizado por la Universidad Johns Hopkins y el Instituto Nacional del Envejecimiento (de la tercera edad). Los resultados convencieron a los investigadores para decir que esto podría conducir a nuevas formas de combatir la demencia, una condición que afecta a millones de personas en todo el mundo y lleva pesadas cargas sociales.

El líder del estudio, Frank Lin MD, PhD, indica que la pérdida de audición puede conducir a la demencia por lo que las personas se aíslan más socialmente. El constante esfuerzo que se hace por descifrar los sonidos con el tiempo puede abrumar a los cerebros de las personas con pérdida del oído, dejándolos más vulnerables a la demencia. El afirma que usted es cinco veces más propensos a desarrollar demencia si usted sufre de pérdida de audición sin tratarse.

La pérdida del oído sin ser tratado a tiempo también contribuye a un incrementado riesgo de caer tanto como tres veces. El Dr. Lin añade: “la manera de caminar y el equilibrio son cosas que la mayoría de la gente da por sentado, pero en realidad son muy exigente cognitivamente. La pérdida del oído es una carga cognitiva en la que se siente abrumado el cerebro con las demandas de sus recursos limitados.”

Los descubrimientos del Dr. Lin ofrecen un punto de partida para las intervenciones.

Incluso algo tan simple como las ayudas auditivas podrían retrasar o prevenir la demencia, mejorando la audición del paciente.

“Muchas personas ignoran la pérdida del oído debido a que es un proceso lento e insidioso a medida que envejecemos.” Dr. Lin dice. “Incluso si las personas se siente como si ellos no están afectados, estamos demostrando que esto bien puede ser un problema más serio de lo que imaginamos.”

Hearing Loss Can Lead to Dementia and an Increased Risk of Falling Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, according to a recent study by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging. The findings convinced the researchers to say that this could lead to new ways to combat dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens.

The study leader, Frank Lin M.D., PhD, suggests that hearing loss can lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated. The constant strain of decoding sounds over time may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. He states that you are five times more likely to develop dementia if you suffer from untreated hearing loss.

Untreated hearing loss also contributes to an increased risk of falling by as much as three-fold. Dr. Lin adds, “Gait and balance are things most people take for granted, but they are actually very cognitively demanding. Hearing loss is a cognitive load in which the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources.”

Dr. Lin’s findings offer a starting point for interventions. Even something as simple as hearings aids could delay or prevent dementia by improving a patient’s hearing.

“A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age.” Dr. Lin says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem.”

1 Briarcrest Square • Hershey • 717-298-6170 ReNewedHearingSolutions.com

JANUARY 2013

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El Hospital General De Lancaster Se Encuentra En La Vía De La Transformación Del Sistema De Salud De Sus Residentes.

Por el Sonya M. Toler

E

l Hospital General de Lancaster ha estado trabajando para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de sus comunidades a las que sirve desde 1893. Durante décadas, sin duda, el panorama de la salud ha cambiado, pero solo la dedicación a su misión de promover la salud y el bienestar de las comunidades que sirve, la ha fortalecido.

En septiembre del 2011, El Hospital General de Lancaster fue galardonado con cinco anos de beca de Transformación de la Comunidad (CTG) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos para hacer frente a las enfermedades crónicas en el Condado de Lancaster.

Administrado por los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), los premios fueron para 61 estados y comunidades para apoyar la planificación y ejecución de proyectos probado para reducir las enfermedades crónicas, las cuales son responsables por el 75% de los costos de salud en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica.

Mediante la promoción de estilos de vida saludables, especialmente entre los grupos de la población que experimentan la mayor carga de enfermedades crónicas, se espera que estas becas ayuden a mejorar la salud, reducir las disparidades de salud y controlar el gasto de atención médica.

CTG el Jefe del Programa Eboni Bryant explica que el Hospital General de Lancaster ha estado muy ocupado en educar y orientar a las personas para que se hagan cargo de su salud, mientras se transforma la manera de la atención que se emite por un largo tiempo.

Esta donación ayudará al hospital para promover sus esfuerzos ya establecidos.

Mientras el hospital recibió la beca de la CDC, el programa involucra a todos los miembros de la comunidad. Los llamados socios comunitarios de la salud - los distritos escolares, organizaciones religiosas, organizaciones sin fines de lucros, otras organizaciones de la salud, y los gobiernos municipales - jugarán un papel importante en la aplicación de la beca.

Ya, los miembros de la comunidad han proporcionado una visión sobre lo que debe cambiar en el condado para ayudar a hacer que las personas sean más saludables.

"La idea detrás de este programa es para que la comunidad pueda ver los cambios de estilo de vida, tales como: caminar, comer más frutas y verduras, y beber más agua; los cambios en la política, tales como: los parques y áreas de juegos infantiles libre de tabaco; los cambios del medio ambiente, tales como: hacer más senderos para caminar y andar en

bicicleta, esto ayudara alas personas a vivir una vida más saludable ", dice Bryant.

El desarrollo del programa se pondrá en marcha octubre de 2013, según Bryant, y se centrará en cinco áreas: servicios preventivos, comida saludable, construcción de medio ambiente seguro y saludable, vida activa y libre de tabaco.

La aplicación ya ha comenzado en algunas de estas áreas. Actualmente, el programa está trabajando con los seis centros más grandes de atención primaria en el Condado de Lancaster, la cual está desarrollando una estrategia para ayudar a las personas a tomar control de su presión arterial.

Diversos estudios han demostrado que la presión arterial alta puede causar problemas del corazón, tensión en sus ojos, y dañar sus riñones entre otras cosas.

“A 12 - a 13 puntos de caída en la presión arterial sistólica se ha encontrado para reducir los ataques cardíacos en un 21 por ciento, los derrames cerebrales en un 37 por ciento y las muertes por enfermedad coronaria en un 25 por ciento”, dice Bryant. “No sólo veríamos una reducción de muertes y la discapacidad relacionada con la presión arterial alta, pero también queremos ver una disminución en los costos de salud asociados con el tratamiento

de las enfermedades del corazón y derrame cerebral.”

Además, 13 municipios en el Condado de Lancaster han adoptado Pulmones Jóvenes en las políticas de juego, un parque y área infantil de juego libres de tabaco, iniciativa organizada por el Departamento de Salud de Pennsylvania.

A pesar de los progresos realizados por el área, las iniciativas de prevención de tabaco siguen siendo importantes porque el consumo de tabaco sigue siendo la principal causa de muerte prematura y evitable en los Estados Unidos. Fumar sigue siendo un problema entre los jóvenes y adultos en el Condado de Lancaster.

Con el tiempo, el personal de los hospitales y las organizaciones sanitarias no serán los únicos que entienden el impacto de la salud en nuestra vida cotidiana, todos en la comunidad, incluyendo a los líderes municipales, lugares de trabajo, escuelas, organizaciones religiosas, y comunitarias comprendan el papel que desempeñan para garantizar la salud y el bienestar de nuestros vecinos, empleados, estudiantes, residentes, miembros de la familia y otros para quienes les interesan, proteger, educar, emplear o servir.

Lancaster General Hospital On Path To Transform The Health Of Residents

By Sonya M. Toler

L

ancaster General Hospital has been working to improve the health and well being of communities it serves since 1893. Over the decades, the landscape of health care has certainly changed, but the dedication to its mission to advance the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves has only grown stronger.

In September 2011, Lancaster General was awarded a five-year Community Transformation Grant (CTG) from the Department of Health and Human Services to address chronic disease in Lancaster County.

Administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the awards went to 61 states and communities to support the planning and implementation of projects proven to reduce chronic diseases, which are responsible for 75 percent of health care costs in the U.S. B y promoting healthful lifestyles, especially among population groups experiencing the greatest burden of chronic disease,

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these grants are expected to help improve health, reduce health disparities and control health care spending.

CTG Program Manager Eboni Bryant explains that Lancaster General has been busy engaging, educating and guiding people to take charge of their health while transforming the way care is delivered for a long time. This grant will help the hospital to further its already established efforts.

While the hospital received the grant from the CDC, the program involves every member of the community. Community health partners – school districts, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, other healthcare organizations and municipal governments – will play a major role in the implementation of the grant. Already, community members have provided insight about what should change in the county to help make people healthier.

“The idea behind this grant program is for the community to see that lifestyle changes such as walking, eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water; policy changes such as tobacco-free parks

LAVOZLATINACENTRAL.COM

and playgrounds; and environment changes such as the addition of walking and biking paths can help people live healthier lives,” says Bryant.

The roll out will begin in October 2013, according to Bryant, and will focus on five areas: preventive services, healthful eating, healthful and safe-built environments, active living and tobacco-free living.

Implementation has already begun in some of these areas. Currently, the program is working with the six largest primary-care practices in Lancaster County to develop a strategy to help individuals take control of their blood pressure.

Various studies have shown that high blood pressure can cause heart problems, strain your eyes and damage your kidneys among other things. “A 12- to 13-point drop in systolic blood pressure has been found to reduce heart attacks by 21 percent, strokes by 37 percent and deaths from coronary heart disease by 25 percent,” says Bryant.

“Not only would we see a drop in death and disability related to high blood pressure, but we would also see a drop in the health care

costs associated with treating heart disease and stroke.”

Additionally, 13 municipalities in Lancaster County have adopted Young Lungs at Play policies, a tobacco-free parks and playgrounds initiative organized by the PA Department of Health.

Despite the progress, tobacco prevention initiatives remain important because tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States. Smoking continues to be an issue among youths and adults in Lancaster County.

In time, the staff at hospitals and health care organizations will not be the only ones who understand the impact of health on our daily lives; everyone in the community, including municipal leaders, workplaces, schools and faith-based and community organizations will understand the role they play in assuring the health and well-being of our neighbors, employees, students, residents, members and others for whom they care, protect, educate, employ and/or serve.