CHICAGO WEEKEND CITIZEN 1-11-2023

Pritzker strikes optimistic tone, lays out second-term priorities in inaugural address briefly

NICOR GAS PROVIDED MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION IN UNITED WAY GRANTS IN 2022

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Nicor Gas, a top 25 corporate partner of United Way of Metro Chicago, and its employees have contributed more than $1.2 million to United Way chapters across its service territory. This funding is allocated to local affiliates, nonprofit partners and organizations in underserved communities to support food and energy insecurity, healthcare, education and housing initiatives for customers throughout the Nicor Gas footprint.

The 2022 United Way contributions include employee donations of more than $225,000 and more than $1 million directly from Nicor Gas and the Nicor Gas Foundation. These grants will be spread across the 23 United Way chapters located in Nicor Gas’ Northern Illinois service area, with the largest being United Way of Metro Chicago.

“United Way brings together businesses, government, philanthropic, community and individual leaders, including our incredible donors. With the support of long-standing partners like Nicor Gas, we’re able to help our neighbors meet their basic needs and support our community partners’ goals for equitable transformation in their neighborhoods,” said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago.

“Our partnership with United Way has continued for more than six decades, and from the beginning we shared a mutual interest of advancing the well-being and common good in the more than 650 communities we are proud to serve,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas, who also serves as a board member and 2022-2023 campaign chair for United Way of Metro Chicago.

With our corporate partnership dating back to 1954, Nicor Gas is committed to United Way’s initiatives. Nicor Gas is also committed to investing in other organizations that deliver critical resources to continue charitable operations in service of those in need. To learn more about Nicor Gas’ charitable giving and employee volunteerism, visit nicorgas. com/community.

SHEDD AQUARIUM WINTER 2023 FREE DAYS AND ANNUAL CLOSURE DAYS

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is offering several days this winter for Illinois residents to enjoy free admission. Illinois resident guests can escape the cold outside and look nature in the eye for free on these select dates.

With a valid ID, Illinois residents receive free general admission with advance ticket reservation. Free general admission also includes the option to view an animal spotlight in Abbott Oceanarium, featuring animals like Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, penguins and California sea lions.

In addition, Shedd will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and Wednesday, Jan. 18, for routine maintenance, cleaning and projects that cannot take place outside of normal hours of operation or with guests in the building. Ahead of the closure days, from Jan. 12-16, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission with all-inclusive access to the aquarium.

Advance reservations required. Tickets must be secured ahead of a visit using Shedd’s website, www. sheddaquarium.org.

Please note: A $3 transaction fee applies to all Illinois Resident Free Day tickets reserved online. This helps ensure access to as many neighbors as possible by validating orders.

All adults must provide proof of residency in person when redeeming tickets at a discounted rate. For the latest information about the aquarium hours and discounts, please visit the “Plan a Visit” page.

Continued from page 1

BBY NIKA SCHOONOVER CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS NSCHOONOVER@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker was sworn in to his second term Monday with the state’s other constitutional officers, promising a bold and ambitious agenda for the next four years.

The ceremony was held at the Bank of Springfield Center, the same venue that for several months served as a makeshift House floor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for social distancing. Pritzker recalled that time while reflecting on his first term in his inaugural address.

“The hope we share, the hope I expressed at my first inauguration, was born of a truth lodged firmly in my heart – that Illinois has always stood at the intersection of American ambition and human resilience. And that combination is what has made this the greatest state in the union,” Pritzker said.

A friendly crowd of supporters and fellow dignitaries was enthusiastic about the governor’s proposals, applauding and cheering at the mention of banning assault weapons, bringing down the cost of higher education and ensuring reproductive rights in the state.

Pritzker said education will be a main priority in his second term, and he emphasized the importance of making preschool more readily available and college tuition free for every family with median-income or below.

“I propose we go all in for our children and make preschool available to every family throughout the state,” he said, eliciting an eruption from the crowd. “And let’s not stop there. Let’s provide more economic security for families by eliminating child care deserts and expanding childcare options.”

With time running out to pass a ban on the sale of assault weapons in Illinois before the new General Assembly takes office Wednesday, Pritzker used the opportunity to advocate for the version of a bill passed by Democrats in the state House last week.

“When I campaigned for reelection and promised to pass an assault weapons ban, eight states already had one. Very soon, Illinois must be the ninth. And we ought to have a real accounting of the assault weapons currently in circulation,” Pritzker said. “Let’s get it done, and then the federal government should follow our lead.”

He also touted accomplishments from his first term, including Illinois’ six credit upgrades, raising the state’s minimum wage, legalizing recreational marijuana and passing legislation that targets climate change.

As he emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights, the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and even shouts.

“The extremists still want to take away a woman’s right to choose, and I don’t intend to let them,” Pritzker said. “That’s why yet again, on women’s rights, Illinois will lead.”

Mirroring that sentiment, Attorney General Kwame Raoul in his speech praised Illinois’ reproductive health care laws, comparing them to neighboring Missouri’s, where his daughter recently graduated from the state’s flagship university.

“I was so pleased to drive into the state of Missouri to the tempo-

rary graduation last year, but not nearly as happy as I was to drive out of Missouri – out of a state that does not reflect a woman’s right to make decisions about her body,” Raoul said.

Pritzker was sworn in by Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, accompanied by First Lady MK Pritzker and their daughter Teddi and son Don. He took his oath on two Bibles. One belonged to Henry Horner, Illinois’ 28th governor who held the office from 1933 until 1940. The other belonged to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States whose image is ubiquitous in the capital city, which is home to his presidential library.

The ceremony followed an interfaith service held at First Presbyterian Church earlier this morning. In addition to Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton being sworn in for their second terms, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias was sworn in to his first, replacing Jesse White who is retiring after 24 years.

Raoul was sworn in for his second term, and Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Treasurer Michael Frerichs each took their third oaths of office.

The event featured a variety of musical performances, including The Star-Spangled Banner performed by the Southern Illinois Children’s Reunion Choir and a variety of selections performed by The Illinois Air National Guard Band of the Midwest.

After Pritzker was sworn in, Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement congratulating the governor.

“He showed the country that Illinois stands for progress, overseeing the passage of landmark legislation protecting reproductive rights, reforming our criminal justice system and moving us toward cleaner energy. And he led us through a once-in-a-century pandemic, maintaining constant, steady presence while making difficult decisions,” Harmon said in the statement.

Giannoulias took a moment to thank White, who has spent a historic 24 years as Illinois’ secretary of state: “the legend, who passed me the baton.”

Giannoulias previously served as treasurer from 2007 to 2011, and he expressed excitement for serving in office again, but nodded to the historical baggage attached to the secretary of state’s office, and Illinois government in general.

“Today, as soon as I leave here, I will sign new executive orders ensuring ethics and integrity in the Secretary of State’s office,” Giannoulias said.

He said transparency, good governance and technology innovation can help “eliminate the time tax too many of you are paying everyday just to access simple government services.”

“The secretary of state’s office can make your lives better and we will be relentless in making sure it does,” he said.

The celebration was scheduled to continue Monday night with an inauguration party at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide, as well as hundreds of radio and TV stations. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Oakton Community College becomes Oakton College

As Oakton moves into its second half-century, College leaders identified the name change as an opportunity to reintroduce Oakton to the community

Des Plaines, Ill. – Starting Jan. 17, Oakton Community College begins a new chapter in its proud history as it officially becomes Oakton College. Along with the name change, the College will unveil a new visual identity, including a modernization of the College’s iconic leaf logo and new College seal.

The prospect of transitioning to Oakton College was first discussed by Oakton’s Board of Trustees in 2019 as the College celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Board approved the transition in August 2021. A combination of institutional and societal factors, including the launch of a new strategic plan, created an ideal opportunity for Oakton to reintroduce itself to the communities it serves.

“As a College, our mission is to empower and transform students in our diverse communities by providing quality and accessible learning opportunities to all,” said Oakton President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. “As we evaluated who we are as an institution and who we want to be in the future, we determined this evolution more fully encompasses the life-changing impact of an Oakton education.”

Oakton will remain an open-access community college, offering associate degrees, certificates, and adult and continuing education programs, including the State of Illinois High School Diploma (formerly known as High School Equivalency Certificate) and English as a

Second Language programs, along with providing a host of community resources.

Oakton’s updated logo underscores the College’s continued commitment to inspiration, growth, equity and community. The stylized person at the crown of the leaf reflects Oakton’s focus on students and the broader community. A slight color variation in the oak leaves adds depth and better represents the College’s clear commitment to diversity.

Signs of the transition are visible on both Oakton’s Des Plaines and Skokie campuses, as signage bearing the College’s new identity continues to be updated. Updates to Oakton’s institutional website, Oakton.edu, will go live Jan. 17, coinciding with the start of the spring 2023 semester. Updates to some campus signage will be deferred, honoring the College’s commitment to sustainability and allowing a fiscally responsible transition.

The first graduating class of Oakton College will be honored during the spring commencement ceremony in May 2023.

Founded in 1969, the College serves 17 in-district communities from Des Plaines (west) to Evanston (east) on two campuses, Des Plaines and Skokie, as well as online. Students can choose from 130+ associate degree and certificate programs and 100+ short-term (completion in one semester or less) career-focused programs, including health careers, manufacturing and information technology. Oakton places great value on embracing diversity and advancing equity and there are 50+ languages spoken on Oakton’s campuses.

Surgeon wants the healthcare system to change

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Dr. Firouz Daneshgari is disrupting the healthcare system with his book, “Health Guardianship: The Remedy to the Sick Care System.”

Daneshgari is a Surgeon-Scientist, Educator and Entrepreneur, who has worked at University of Colorado, Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland. He founded Bowtie Medical in 2014. Its goal is to create systemic innovations to bring efficiency and value to the healthcare delivery system.

Daneshgari wrote the book because while serving on the Board at Case Western Reserve University, his eyes were opened that healthcare is delivered through 5,000 hospitals in the United States that are in the business of sick care.

“They are very much financial

institutions that come up with all the mechan ics and protocols and systems that any other financial institution runs. The drivers of the revenue for the hospi tals are clinical services. The clinical services, diagnostic, therapeutic that they do when people get ill.

Therefore, they have a finan cial interest in people being sicker. The sicker the people are the more services they can provide, the more money they can make,” Daneshgari said, adding the problem with hospitals they don’t know how to control their costs.

Daneshgari pointed to independent research that shows 50% of services delivered through the hospitals are waste – services that generate revenue for the hospitals but don’t create desired health outcomes for the user.

hospital, it should be the agent of the consumers,” he said, pointing to a model called direct primary care, in which a consumer pays $100 a month and that physician becomes a healthcare agent, available 24/7.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

REP. MAYFIELD CELEBRATES PROTECT ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES ACT

State Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, passed legislation banning assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire firearm modifications statewide Thursday, shortly after joining activists and advocates from across the state who had gathered to encourage lawmakers to pass the bill.

“There is absolutely no reason why anyone, other than some police officers or members of the Armed Forces, should have access to these weapons of war,” Mayfield said, after the bill had passed. “Our communities called on us to act to protect them from the terror of gun violence and mass shootings that continue to threaten them, and we, therefore, had a moral duty to take this step, so that children and their families in our great state are now no longer forced to live with the fear that today or tomorrow or next week they may go off to school or work or to the supermarket—and never return.”

Mayfield passed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which addresses longstanding goals of the gun safety movement, but gained added momentum after the events of July 4, 2022, when a disturbed individual opened fire on Independence Day paradegoers in Highland Park, IL, firing 83 rounds from a military-style assault rifle, killing seven people and wounding 48.

Her vote will ban new sales of assault rifles in Illinois, ban the sale of ammunition clips containing more than 12 bullets, and ban modifications that make semi-automatic weapons operate like fully automatic machine guns. Additionally, the bill establishes an Illinois State Police anti-trafficking unit to combat the flood of illegal guns from out of state.

“These weapons are meant for battlefields, not for neighborhoods,” Mayfield said. “And yet, in neighborhoods across our state, we have continued to see the awful human toll caused by weapons like the ones covered by this bill. That’s why we did what we did tonight—to stop the carnage and to protect life and peace and justice. We did it to make everyone in Illinois safer.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE MAYFIELD IS REACHABLE

AT 217-558-1012 OR

60THDISTRICT@GMAIL.COM.

State Senator Cunningham supported law starts off 2023 with a tax cut

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Daneshgari wanted to know why the United States’ healthcare system is becoming more expensive and has become the number one cause for personal bankruptcies. He went to business school for two years and studied how the hospitals went from being charity institutions of the late 19th Century to financial institutions and why United States is the most expensive healthcare system in the world.

Daneshgari believes the United States healthcare system is expensive and mispriced and that “we are spending too much on the thing and getting the worse service.”

He believes misalignments, which include misalignment between the doctors and the patients; misalignment between third party payer and the consumer; and the consumer is not aware of the waste because they don’t see the total cost of healthcare.

In the book, Daneshgari also gives a solution that he said is readily available. It relies on innovation and American ingenuity to reverse the misalignments.

“First things first, the primary care should not be the agent of the

With Bowtie Medical, Daneshgari has created subscription-based primary care, along with coupling the primary care with the guardian –nurses, medical assistants, advisors – who have been trained to understand price variability in the market. These guardians also know where the independent facilities are located and they can do price shopping for the consumer and can advise you on appropriate care.

Daneshgari explained the bowtie is a risk management philosophy. The knot of the bowtie is the event that someone wants to prevent. The left side are the things to prevent the event. The right side are the things where the event happens and then it is solved.

“If we turn our attention to the left side of the bowtie, we can prevent the majority if not all of the chronic conditions,” he said. “We know scientifically, it is very very possible.”

Daneshgair wants his solution to become part of the National conversations regarding healthcare in the United States.

For more information about Bowtie Medical, visit www.bowtiemedical.com. For more information about the Why Can’t We Have it All? The Missing Pieces in Our Healthcare Podcast, visit www.wcwha.com.

Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law supported by Senator Bill Cunningham that going into effect of Jan. 1, 2022.

“Inflation is still hurting families, especially those on a fixed income,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I am proud to announce this law starts off the year with a tax cut.”

Cunningham voted for House Bill 5304, which will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

Under the act, an individual qualifies if they are 65 years of age or older or if a single person’s income is less than $33,562 a year and less than $44,533 for a couple.

Before going to the Secretary of State, older adults who may be eligible should apply through the Benefit Access Program administered by the Illinois Department on Aging. Residents may call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or visit the Department’s website.

CONCERNED COMMUNITIES FOR AMERICA URGES IL LAWMAKERS TO FIX CONTROVERSIAL NEW LAW

“We cannot allow this radical experiment in ‘Woke’ justice to become a precedent for other states.”

Washington, D.C./January 3, 2023 – Today, Concerned Communities for America (CCA) Executive Director DaQuawn Bruce issued the following statement applauding the Illinois Supreme Court for taking emergency action to temporarily prevent a new law from ending cash bail and pre-trial detention for a variety of serious criminal offenses.

“The Supreme Court made the correct decision to prevent this particularly harmful provision of the misleadingly named ‘SAFE-T Act’ from taking effect. Without their action, murderers, arsonists, kidnappers, and other violent criminals would have been allowed back onto the streets while awaiting trial, putting local communities in danger.

“Illinois lawmakers should use the court’s temporary stay as an opportunity to revisit this misguided law and eliminate this dangerous provision once and for all. This is a misguided approach to criminal justice reform, because there is no justice in a soft on crime posture that releases individuals who have committed crimes for them to go out and commit them again. The victims of this policy are disproportionately likely to be Black and Brown citizens living in the City of Chicago and the surrounding communities.

“I have seen firsthand the devastation that violent crime can cause to families and communities, and I implore Illinois lawmakers to take immediate action to avert this preventable tragedy. We cannot allow this radical experiment in ‘Woke’ justice to become a precedent for other states.”

To learn more about Concerned Communities for America, please visit concernedcommunities.org. You can follow CCA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Dr. Firouz Daneshgari is a Surgeon-Scientist, Educator and Entrepreneur and the Founder of Bowtie Medical. Photo provided by Ascot Media Group.

“Health Guardianship: The Remedy to the Sick Care System” is a book written by Dr. Firouz Daneshgari. Photo provided by Ascot Media Group.

Keva Latham Named to Color Magazine’s Power List 40 Under 40

MEMPHIS, Tenn., PRNewswire -- First Horizon is pleased to announce that Keva Latham, SVP Director of Compensation, has been recognized by Color Magazine in its 2022 Power 40 Under 40 list. The honorees were celebrated and are highlighted in the online publication.

COLOR’s POWER 40 Under 40 publication highlights rising leaders of color in business, arts and community who are transforming their industries and forwarding the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Candidates were nominated by their organization for demonstrating leadership in their chosen field as well as their involvement in the community and volunteer efforts.

“Keva consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership in her current role, as a mentor and as the chairwoman of the Women’s Initiative associ -

ate resource group in Memphis. Keva also makes community involvement a priority. As the founder of Banking and Buckets Youth Financial Literacy and Basketball Skills Camp, I am proud she was recognized for her efforts within our company and

our communities,” says Bryan Jordan, President and CEO of First Horizon.

First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $80.3 billion in assets as of September 30, 2022, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

How Demeeka Cobb Took BGW Home Team From TikTok to TV

ORLANDO, Fla., PRNewswire -- Demeeka Cobb, the Founder of BGW Home Team, runs a successful real estate business in Central Florida. She specializes in making real estate relatable and easy to understand for anyone from the first-time homebuyer to the investor looking for non-traditional options.

During the height of the pandemic real estate agents were forced to get creative, so Cobb created a Tiktok account, @marriedrealtors_florida, to keep her mission alive while everyone was in lock down. Within weeks of creating the account she had over 13K followers and was getting 100’s of inquiries per day from clients eager to buy their first home.

“I can still remember my first phone call, asking to start the homebuying process because of a lady they saw on Tiktok,” she recalled. “Tiktok made my business a national name and opened doors I could never imagine. Now 100% of my business comes from social media.”

Demeeka explains how she used her large presence on Tiktok to start gaining a massive following on other platforms like Instagram, where she created an account, @marriedrealtors_florida, and now has over 200K followers all over the world, including celebrities and professional athletes. “It’s so important to leverage your growth and use it to create the life you want.”

With no real estate experience, Demeeka was able to create a presence that commands attention and has since tripled her commissions. This has

opened the door for multiple 5-figure brand deals and more exposure for her brand around the world. “Consistency on social media is the key to keeping the algorithms pushing your content, including weekends and holidays”, Demeeka explains. “Remember you’re only one video away from going viral and changing the trajectory of your business forever.”

Just recently, Cobb was offered the opportunity to become a television personality for Emmy Nominated American Dream TV, and she attributes it directly to her social media presence. Only 5 Realtors out of over 20,000 were chosen to host “Selling Orlando”, and Cobb is proud to say she is one of them. The show will be airing on Cable, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku, and other sources in 2023.

The show is focused on culture, lifestyle, and listings across the country and Demeeka will be interviewing business owners and homeowners in the Central Florida area, all because of Tiktok. “Social media and short form video is the best way to build relationships that will endure any real estate market,” said Cobb. “When other realtors are nervous, I don’t flinch because my business is serving clients all over the country.”

BGW Home Team is a national and international real estate team, making homeownership and financial literacy relatable and easy to understand. To learn more, visit www.bgwhometeam. com and follow us on Instagram.

eva Latham. PRNewsfoto/First Horizon Corporation.

BGW Home Team

Goals Ventures LLC Launches Streetwear Apparel Collection for the Everyday Entrepreneur

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Blackowned, Goals Ventures LLC launches the first streetwear apparel collection to offer digital and social tools and technology to individuals looking to scale their business, all accessible through custom QR codes on the clothing tags. This launch serves to promote the work-life balance seamlessly with an assortment of everyday, ready to wear garments to help business creators, content creators, and/or influencers achieve their business goals.

This collection of streetwear staples embraces the elements of street culture while keeping the active lifestyle of the everyday person in mind. These good-for-the-environment pieces are meant to be a staple in everyone’s closet, with sustainable garments crafted from organic materials, recycled materials, or made in the USA. With the goal to bring these tools, technology, and training to underserved entrepreneurs and those interested in overall entrepreneurship, the launch of the apparel line allows for easy accessibility to help creators and businesses grow their audiences.

Goals Media Group, founded by Aubrey Flynn to “Get Over All Limits Successfully,” is the first black-owned company to combine software and apparel, and provide access to technology, digital tools and training for brand building. Flynn is a digital strategist and marketing expert with over 15 years of experience working with influencers and generating significant revenue for their brands, including Ciroc by Diddy, Indoggo by Snoop Dogg, and Redmont Vodka by Charles Barkley. His experience spans digital strategy, branded entertainment, strategic partnerships, brand positioning, entertainment

marketing, storytelling, big data management, client services and more.

“Our company is divided into services, software, training, and apparel with the goal to bring this accessible technology to underserved entrepreneurs, such women, college students, people of color, veterans, reentering citizens, immigrants, and people interested in entrepreneurship” said Goals Supply CEO Aubrey Flynn.

Goals Media Group can be hired for the creation and running of digital advertising campaigns or used for training purposes to scale your company. When users scan the QR code on the clothing tag, the mobile Goals app will open, which grants access to the business toolkit, setup, and business audits. The toolkit allows users to schedule social media posts, send SMS messages and emails to customers, revamp their website with WordPress, and have their data distributed on search engines such as Google.

The streetwear apparel encourages the work-life balance seamlessly with a line of everyday, ready to wear clothing. Compiled of headwear, hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, joggers, shorts, and footwear, this collection features relaxed fit, moisture-wicking pieces that are great staples for everyday wear. Pricing ranges from $30-$105. Get exclusive access to tech, tools and training for business on demand when you scan the QR codes on the tags of the clothing.

The GOALS Supply apparel is available for purchase exclusively at goalssupply.com and on the Goals Supply app available in the App Store and Google Play store.

NU STANDARD® LAUNCHES NEW HYDRASILK® HYDRATING BOND SYSTEM EXCLUSIVELY WITH COSMO PROF STORES NATIONWIDE IN

JANUARY 2023

(Black PR Wire) Nu Standard®, a state-of-the-art haircare brand curated for the Busy Queen on-the-go, will launch its new professional haircare treatment, HYDRASILK® Hydrating Bond System, in January 2023 exclusively with Cosmo Prof stores nationwide – the leading distributor of salon products to Licensed Professionals in the hair industry. The launch will mark the first-ever distribution of a bond system curated by a Black woman and specifically designed for textured hair, regardless of ethnicity.

Nu Standard® strategically partnered with licensed hairstylists to create safe and advanced products for professional use, with HYDRASILK® being one of the direct outcomes of this approach.

“Honestly D-I-Y was overrated for me...I needed performance over promises. Only an informed licensed hairstylist could help me realize my hair goals,” said Autumn Yarbrough, Founder of Nu Standard®. “I noticed there weren’t any bond system products made specifically for textured hair. The ones I used left my hair feeling weak, dry, and brittle which resulted in breakage. That’s when I knew we needed to get involved and include the stylist.”

The HYDRASILK® Hydrating Bond System is made up of the HYDRASILK® Bond Builder and the HYDRASILK® Silkner, which powerfully unite for a two-step reconstructive treatment for textured hair. The system provides intense moisture and strength to each strand – making the hair many times stronger than before, and decreasing shedding and breakage.

Nu Standard® enlisted the expertise of veteran chemist Tracy Ashley, who has over 30 years of cosmetic chemistry experience, along with legacy textured hair expert, product developer, and master educator Lenita Griffis-Browning who has over 40 years in the industry, to truly design innovative products for licensed professionals.

“Before joining Nu Standard®, I tried HYDRASILK®’s reconstructive treatment application multiple times over an eight month period with friends who had post-COVID trauma, or weak, dry or damaged hair - to see if the product did what it claimed to do - and the system worked exceptionally,” said Griffis-Browning, Nu Standard®’s Education Director. “I, the product snob, was impressed with the results!”

The complete HYDRASILK® Hydrating Bond System, which includes the HYDRASILK® Bond Builder and the HYDRASILK® Silkner, will be available exclusively for professionals at Cosmo Prof stores nationwide beginning in January 2023, and will retail starting from $60.00. For more information on Nu Standard™ and HYDRASILK™, visit hydrasilkpro.com.

GOALS Supply Apparel. PRNewsFoto.

SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in America reported about their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment in 2021. The 2021 NSDUH national report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age group. It is the most comprehensive report on substance use and mental health indicators that SAMHSA has released to date.

Estimates from the 2021 NSDUH should not be compared with estimates from previous years because the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated methodological changes to the data collection process.

Key findings from the 2021 NSDUH include: Drug Use and Substance Use Disorder

Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 61.2 million people (or 21.9 percent of the population) used illicit drugs in the past year. The most commonly used illicit drug was marijuana, which 52.5 million people used. Nearly 2 in 5 young adults 18 to 25 used illicit drugs in the past year; 1 in 3 young adults 18 to 25 used marijuana in the past year.

9.2 million people 12 and older misused opioids in the past year.

46.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 16.5 percent of the population) met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million people who were classified as having an alcohol use disorder and 24 million people who were classified as having a drug use disorder.

The percentage of people who were classified as having a past year substance use disorder, including alcohol use and/or drug use disorder, was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 compared to youth and adults 26 and older.

In 2021, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all people with a substance use disorder who did not get treatment at a specialty

facility did not think they needed treatment.

Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) Among Adolescents

In 2021, 1 in 5 adolescents had a major depressive episode in the past year. Of these, nearly 75 percent had symptoms consistent with severe impairment, which caused severe problems with their ability to do chores at home, do well at work or school, get along with their family, or have a social life.

The prevalence of past year MDE among Black and Asian adolescents was lower compared to adolescents from most other racial/ethnic groups.

More than half of youth with an MDE did not receive treatment in the past year.

Mental Illness among Adults

Nearly 1 in 4 adults 18 and older, and 1 in 3 among adults aged 18 to 25, had a mental illness in the past year.

Adults with serious mental illness had higher rates of treatment compared to those with any mental illness. Despite having the highest rate of serious mental illness, people aged 18 to 25 had the lowest rate of treatment in comparison to adults in other age groups.

White and Multiracial adults were more likely to receive mental health services in the past year than Black, Hispanic or Latino, or Asian adults.

Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder with Any Mental Illness

13.5 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 had both a substance use disorder and any mental illness in the past year.

Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness.

The percentage of adults aged 18 or older who met criteria for both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year was higher among Multiracial adults than among White, Black, Hispanic or Latino, or Asian adults. Asian adults were

less likely to have had both AMI and a substance use disorder in the past year compared with adults in most other racial or ethnic groups.

Serious Thoughts of Suicide, Suicide Plans, and Suicide Attempts 12.3 million adults aged 18 or older had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, 3.5 million made suicide plans, and 1.7 million attempted suicide.

Hispanic or Latino adults were more likely than White or Asian adults to have attempted suicide in the past year, and Black adults were more likely than Asian adults to have attempted suicide in the past year.

Recovery

7 in 10 (72.2 percent or 20.9 million) adults who ever had a substance use problem considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery.

2 in 3 (66.5 percent or 38.8 million) adults who ever had a mental health issue considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery.

About the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Conducted by the federal government since 1971, the NSDUH is a primary source of statistical information on substance use and mental health of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population 12 or older. The NSDUH measures:

Use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, Substance use disorder and substance use treatment, Major depressive episodes, mental illness, and mental health care, and Perceived recovery from substance use and mental health issues.

Anyone in the United States seeking treatment for mental health or substance use issues should call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline. org.

CANDIACE IS BACK WITH DEEP SPACE DELUXE EDITION OUT NOW

New York, NY — Rising R&B powerhouse CANDIACE presents Deep Space Deluxe Edition, out now. She re-upped, re-energized, and recharged her acclaimed full-length debut album with eight new recordings. This pops off as the most dynamic and definitive vision of Deep Space.

Right out of the gate, it incited critical applause and earned plugs from the likes of Bossip and That Grape Juice, who noted, The ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star has been making solid strides with tracks such as ‘Drive Back’ and its housing album ‘Deep Space.’ And the trajectory continues with her newest number.” Rated R&B raved, “The spicy track contains some of the bluntest lyrics and heartfelt vocals as Candiace lets a fragile lover know it’s all him and not her, putting a damper on their relationship.” BET highlighted, “she’s telling the insecure folks about themselves.” Meanwhile, the track continues to put up numbers.

Plus, Deep Space Deluxe Edition boasts a sequel to the knockout “Benefits,” namely “Benefits (Part II),” a live rendition of “Drive Back,” and the re-invigorated “Win 2.0.” Its unreleased new tracks span “INSECURE” as well as “Affirmations,” the seductive “Do It Again,” and the entrancing “Since Then.”

Check out the full tracklisting below.

Now, she welcomes listeners even deeper into her world.

On Sunday nights, CANDIACE enchants millions of viewers everywhere on BRAVO’s The Real Housewives of Potomac.

Earlier this year, CANDIACE concluded her highly successful debut run, DEEP SPACE TOUR: Live at City Winery. Playing to thousands of enthusiastic fans, she captivated audiences in four major cities. She canvased Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. She notably sold out both Atlanta and D.C. Among those fans, cast members from The Real Housewives of Atlanta and various “BRAVOLEBRI-

TIES” attended the Atlanta gig to support her.

On the road, CANDIACE notably paid homage to R&B icon Toni Braxton with a showstopping cover of “He Wasn’t Man Enough” at each date. She also energized the proceedings with a series of highlights from her Deep Space Deluxe Edition.

2022 saw CANDIACE return for the 7th season of The Real Housewives of Potomac on Bravo. As always, she lit up the screen like only she could, stealing each and every scene with confidence and charisma. With a lot more heat from CANDIACE, this season brought the fireworks to a whole new level, with episodes airing on Bravo on Sunday at 8 pm EST.

The original Deep Space continues to put up num-

bers, reeling in streams in the millions. Beyond the traction on DSPs, she incited the applause of everyone from Anita Baker and Nicki Minaj, to Toni Braxton. Upon arrival, it landed as one of the Top 25 R&B Albums in the Country. Among many highlights, it boasted the fan favorite single “Win.” Beyond hundreds of thousands of streams, That Grape Juice hailed the single as an “empowering anthem, which aims to encourage and uplift.”

CANDIACE keeps shining, with her single “Drive Back” recently reaching 3 million plus streams and her album Deep Space also reaching more than 3 million streams.

Get ready for her to make major moves in 2023!

TRACKLISTING:

Since Then... * Do It Again* Fine Whine*

INSECURE* Affirmations*

Benefits (Part II)* Drive Back (Live)* Win 2.0*

Let Them Talk (Intro)

Cause A Scene Hands In The Air Is It Enough? Show Me ‘Lude Behavior (Interlude) Situat Benefits Do It (Nostalgia) Love Notez I’m Gone (Interlude) Drive Back Stay With Me Insomnia (Interlude) Win

NAACP AND BET ANNOUNCE “54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS” TO AIR LIVE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 ON BET

(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES – Recently, the NAACP and BET announced that the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years. Nominees will be announced and online international voting opens on Thursday, Jan. 12. Voting closes on Friday, Feb. 10.

Leading up to the Image Awards, NAACP will be hosting a range of week-long activities in Los Angeles to further celebrate and honor achievements in film, television, music, and literature. Media credential application for these activities and the show will be released at a later date.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose. The “54th NAACP Image Awards” will also include three new submissions within the motion picture, television + streaming categories. New submission categories include:

• Outstanding Hairstyling

• Outstanding Make-up

• Outstanding Costume Design

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,”

said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Black voices are necessary to continually inspire audiences around the world. We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.” “BET is extremely proud

in each category by members of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others) NAACP Board members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff, partners and others. As of November 18, nominee submissions are now closed.

to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP and magnify their endeavors to honor the incredible contributions made by the Black community,” said BET President and CEO Scott Mills. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Black excellence at next year’s Image Awards on all of our platforms, honoring those who help tell our diverse stories in powerful ways.”

Only submitted work will be reviewed for consideration. All valid entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean Page, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

INSTAGRAM: @naacpimageawards

TWITTER: @naacpimageaward

FACEBOOK: /naacpimageaward

The Purple Agency

5 Simple Tips to Conquer Your Fitness and Wellness Goals This Year

(Black PR Wire) Every new year brings new resolutions, and achieving fitness and wellness goals is typically in the top three. Unfortunately, the average person stops following their game plan after 2 weeks and has totally given up by February. There are common missteps people make as they list their resolu tions. These include making superficial goals in an effort to look like someone else, goals that are too vague in just vowing to exercise more, or goals that are too technical as one can drive themse lves crazy counting calories. This leads to failure year after year. Here are 5 guideposts to help you achieve your personal fitness and wellness goals that are obtainable and sustainable.

1Stop doing things you hate, right now.

If you only show up to a group exercise class because it fits in your schedule, but you really hate the music and the instructor isn’t that exciting, you will gradually stop giving your best effort.

You’re simply going through the motions of being physically present and it does not take long for this to be a complete waste of time with no results.

2Seek variety

They say variety is the spice of life and this totally applies to exercise too.

Just as you wouldn’t eat the same meal every day, your workout should also be full of options. Introducing several activities to your weekly routine helps bust plateaus and keeps monotony at bay.

Additionally, variety helps prevent overuse injuries due to repetitive movements.

3Find Your friends to help you achieve fitness and wellness goals

Once you have planned out your schedule, recruit a different friend for each activity.

A running partner with a similar pace, a fellow yogi, and a friend that enjoys lifting weights as much as you do keeps the conversation fresh and camaraderie high.

In addition to workouts with friends, remember to

take time for yourself. Devoting a day or two for a solo workout also has its perks. This is the perfect time to collect your thoughts, enjoy new music or catch up on an audiobook.

4Keep a journal to track your fitness and wellness activities  Journaling has benefits beyond tracking your exercise progress.

It is an excellent way to have an honest conversation with oneself. Understanding how we function emotionally plays a bigger role than one may think when it comes to our decision-making process.

If a person is stressed and frustrated, they might channel that anger into the best workout they’ve ever had or skip the workout and eat a pint of ice cream.

Acknowledging our triggers helps us navigate through them and make better choices.

Every evening before you call it a night, instead of scrolling through social media, take 10-15 minutes to document your workouts, the foods you ate, and your feelings.

Include reflective thoughts and motivational quotes as well.

Designate a day to review a week of entries to gain more insight into what drives you. This visual accountability is very beneficial for identifying behavioral patterns that point to why you keep falling off the fitness wagon.

5

Meditate

Meditation goes hand in hand with journaling. This is a time for you to be in your personal space, free of distractions. Guided imagery, breathwork, reciting mantras, or simply sitting in silence are all forms of meditation.

This practice can evoke mindfulness, focus, and clarity in your daily life and help you eliminate stress and negative self-talk. It also has a plethora of health benefits from calming anxiety to lowering blood pressure. This practice can help you set the tone for daily physical activity. As this can be a challenging process to “be still”, it is good, to begin with 5 minutes each morning and progress from there.

Resolutions are not unattainable. These guideposts are uncomplicated ways to find the right direction toward your goals. Find your variety, find your friends, find your inner peace and find your success!

Shimmy, the Free Seven-Minute Fitness App, Promotes Healthy New Year Habits Through Charitable Donations

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewswire -- Shimmy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is re-launching its free iPhone app with a research-based approach to building healthy habits in the New Year.

Rooted in behavioral science, the app is bringing back its popular assortment of seven-minute “fun-size” workouts from through Jan. 31st. “Shorter workouts like these lower the friction of starting a new exercise routine, and the variety keeps people from getting bored,” says Kristen Berman, a leading expert in behavior change and a Shimmy advisor. Shimmy has also tapped into research on physical activity, like this recent study from Nature Medicine, showing that even a few minutes of daily exercise can have a positive, longterm impact on health.

Shimmy’s novel charitable program offers an added incentive for users to stick to an exercise resolution, and to bring their friends along. For each workout completed in January, Shimmy will donate $1 to charity, plus an additional $10 for each new person referred to the app. “Shimmy amplifies the benefits of working out by supporting a cause you care about, and accountability from friends and family can help you stick to

your plan,” Berman says.

Shimmy’s charity partners this month include Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Essie Justice Group, and Razom for Ukraine. “We are excited to be supporting this new set of charities that are particularly meaningful to our team of volunteers,” added co-founder Kaitlyn Krieger.

The app’s January launch builds upon the success of its

first fitness challenge, designed like an advent calendar, through which a highly-engaged community of individuals enjoyed seven minutes of movement per day in December. Thousands of users signed up and collectively completed over 100,000 minutes of workouts including Bollywood cardio, 80’s aerobics, and yoga.

“This January, Shimmy will continue to show users the joyful, positive impact of just a few minutes of movement each day,” says Shimmy co-founder Nina Samarguliani.

Anyone interested in participating this January can download the free Shimmy app here and can follow along at @lets_shimmy on Instagram.

Shimmy is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to get America moving. The free Shimmy iPhone app, which first launched in December, delivers a seven-minute workout video each day, and applies behavioral science insights to support users’ wellness goals in the New Year.

For every workout that users complete in January, Shimmy will donate $1 to charity. The app is easy to share with family and friends, and Shimmy will give an additional $10 to charity for each new referral. https://www.shimmy.org

citizennewspapergroup.com

BlackPRWire

Trainers Raquel Horsford, Christa Janine, and Joya Kazi. Credit: Chris Escamilla

A Foil Packet Meal for Sweet Fall Simplicity

(Family Features) Fall provides almost endless opportunities to gather friends and family around great food. From tailgates and family events to those precious last outdoor meals before winter sets in, the scenery of autumn is a perfect backdrop for sharing meals together.

Those favorite fall foods are often best when they’re delicious without complications. Taking the guesswork out of cool-weather classics can be as easy as these Sweetpotato Foil Packet Tacos, which are loaded with flavor and can be customized to fit everyone’s taste buds with personalized toppings.

As the key ingredient, sweetpotatoes show off their versatility as an ideal addition to simple or elevated, sweet or savory dishes. Because you can cook and prepare them multiple ways – such as baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or on the stove – they’re easy to use in a wide array of recipes.

Plus, according to the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes are a “diabetes superfood” because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease. Their “sweet” flavor without the added sugar makes them a pantry staple throughout the fall.

Pro tip: Sweetpotatoes are abundant and have a long shelf-life – up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – but never store in the refrigerator as this can cause “chill damage,” leaving them with a hard center and unpleasant taste.

Make the most of your fall meals with family and friends by finding more recipes at ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Sweetpotato Foil Packet

Tacos

Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission

Servings: 6

1/2 pound ground turkey

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained nonstick cooking spray

2 pounds North Carolina sweetpotatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 tablespoons butter

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh chopped spinach

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sour cream (optional)

guacamole (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 F.

In skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground meat. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce and beans; set aside.

Lay out six 12-inch aluminum foil pieces; spray each with nonstick cooking spray.

In center of each foil piece, place 1 cup sweetpotatoes, 1 teaspoon butter, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup spinach, 1/3 cup taco meat and 1/4 cup cheese.

Fold foil sides in over mixture; fold top and bottom foil ends inward and seal.

Place packets on rimmed cookie sheet; bake until sweetpotatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.

Serve with sour cream or guacamole, if desired.

1. Hearing Information: The hearing for the Motion I filed is scheduled:

A. On Feb. 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom

208. Remotely by video conference: zoom. I certify that everything in the Notice of Court Date for motion is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penalities provided by law under 735ILCS 5/1-109 /s/ REBECCA B. AYSON 10142 S. VERNON, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60628.

TECHNOLOGY

How to Prevent Being a Victim of Scams and Fraud

(Statepoint) Scams and fraud are more deceiving these days, reaching you in more ways than ever before. The FTC reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 alone, with reported fraud losses increasing 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million.

Identity theft protection expert Carrie Kerskie says being aware of what new cyber and phone fraud trends to look out for is your biggest defense against unwanted fraud.

“The more that we can get this information out there the better,” Kerskie recently told T-Mobile Stories, “Unfortunately when it comes to technology, privacy and identity theft, the same old advice that was given 10, 15 years ago is still the gospel of what you’re supposed to do. And that is outdated. None of it works. It’s not true, it’s not relevant anymore.”

Scammers have expanded from targeting consumers with only traditional email and phone calls. The most recent trending scams are occurring using person-to-person payment platforms or P2P, remote access software and even public Wi-Fi.

Kerskie says the most desirable accounts to criminals include bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, credit card accounts and Amazon accounts. Now, with P2P payment platforms, criminals can get access to your bank account and use it to transfer money within moments.

The latest tactic that concerns Kerskie is using remote access software to gain access to everything on your computer without having to directly ask you for things like your social security number, bank account or credit card number. While many workers use remote access software safely from their companies’ IT departments, criminals are also using this software in their scams.

Criminals also try to access your information in settings like coffee shops or libraries using public Wi-Fi. A laptop or smartphone using public Wi-Fi

can easily fall victim to scams. An easy fix is to use your smartphone’s wireless data and hotspot to help keep your personal information secure.

Kerskie says there are ways to keep scammers and fraud at bay.

Prioritize Privacy: Kerskie says, if it’s easy for you, it’s easy for a criminal. Privacy means having strong and unique passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, and for pins using random numbers and taking advantage of extra security. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your various apps and accounts will also protect yourself from potential threats.

Use Available Resources: Take advantage of the free anti-fraud safeguards offered by your mobile carrier. In the case of T-Mobile's Scam Shield, services include enhanced caller ID, scam ID and

blocking, which flags suspicious calls and gives customers the option of blocking those numbers. Additionally, customers can get a free second number to keep their personal number personal, or even change their primary number completely.

Validate or Eliminate: Whatever potential threat you come across via email, text message, letter or even a phone call, try to validate the information. If you cannot confirm the information is true or confirm the senders’ validity, throw it away, block the phone number or email address and report it as spam or junk mail.

As potential cyber threats and fraud evolve, it’s important to understand how they work. Doing so will help you stay safeguarded and protected.

NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR MOTION STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY Rebecca Bengco, Ayson, Plantiff/Pettioner

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) tsingha25 / iStock via Getty Images Plus