From the Editor Dear Readers, It’s been at long hot summer and it’s still not yet over. This month’s issue focuses on summer love and marriage. Love is not just an emotion, it’s a way of life and plus there are several different types of love. Whatever type of love you’re in, we at CM just want you to be aware of the positive Malcolm Armstrong Jr. effects that it has on the human psyche. Love will motivate you do to so much and become this live person that you may not even recognize. Falling out of love does hurt, but acknowledge the fact that you had the courage to even open your heart to someone (or something) enough for it to be broken. Know that with every source of love, there is a lesson(s) learned that will make your ride in life just a lil’ bit smoother. Love NEVER fails, so are you loving this summer? Enjoy this issue and also check out our exclusive coverage from the Essence Music Festival.
Yours in #WELLNESS, Malcolm M. Armstrong Jr. Founder & Chief Editor marmstrong@cognitionmagazine.com Follow us on twitter: @cognition_mag Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/cognitionmagazine
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MASTHEAD Founder & Chief Editor— Malcolm M. Armstrong Jr. Creative Director—Quinn Gordon Public Relations– 365 Public Relations Interns— Corey Armstrong Daniel Doubleday Contributors Ada Craige Roberson, Ed.D., LCSW Alanna McCreary Cory Turner, B.S., CFT Gentelle Pedescleaux Lavonia Perryman Paris Hughes Elizabeth Parker Contact Us Cognition Magazine, LLC Visit our website at: www.cognitionmagazine.com For Advertising inquires: Advertising@cognitionmagazine.com For general inquires: info@cognitionmagazine.com Connect with us on social media @Cognitionmagazine @cognition_mag @cognitionmagazine Cognition Magazine™ is a trademarked product of Cognition Magazine, LLC. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The information within this publication is believed to be accurate but cognition Magazine does not guarantee accuracy. Cognition Magazine, LLC will not be held responsible for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any portion of this publication. © 2012 Cognition Magazine, LLC
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CONTENTS Volume 2 Issue 3 2013
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2. Editor’s Note 8. Health & FitnessCrunch to the Abs You Want 12. CM Chats with SWV 12.
14. Love & Relationships 16. Mental Health: Foods to Boost Your Mood 17. Why Counseling with Therapist Latrice Sampson
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18. Essence Music Festival Coverage 21.
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21. Event Coverage – Marriage Rocks Luau 23. Be Inspired– Healing after Love
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Health & Fitness Crunch to the Abs You Want
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From the same position, you can attempt a ost people associate reverse crunch. For this the appearance of an exercise, you will place abdominal six pack with the your arms straight down, ultimate sign of fitness. While close to the sides of your many people have a goal of body, with your palms achieving perfect-looking abs, there is more to it than just doing touching the floor. Raise exercises geared toward developing your legs to make your the abdominal muscles. thighs perpendicular to Cory Turner, B.S., CFT the floor. At this point, your knees should be bent and your lower legs should be Abdominal exercises do strengthen the muscles, but to achieve the effect one wants, he or she must lose excess fat parallel to the floor. Maintain this as your starting position. Keeping your feet together, contract your abs to covering the tendinous intersections that cross the rectus lift your pelvis off the floor and roll your knees toward abdominis. It is these intersections that give the your forehead. Feel the abdominal muscle crunch and appearance of the six-pack. One can do abdominal then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position to exercises day and night, but, unfortunately, there is no begin another repetition. such thing as spot reduction of fat. To be successful, one must address a holistic approach that includes proper Now that you are on nutrition, fat loss, and exercise. Over the years, one thing the floor, you can try has definitely changed regarding abdominal exercises. a bicycle crunch. Now, no one recommends sit-ups, and their alternative, the You can assume the crunch, is often seen as old school; however, I still use standard crunch them in my personal routine. position and place your hands besides A standard crunch can be your head. Again, do performed from a sit-up not push your neck as position, lying on the floor your perform this face-up, with your feet flat exercise. Get your lower body into the starting position on the floor. You can for the reverse crunch, which is with your thighs either place your hands behind your head (do not perpendicular to the floor, your knees bent and your lower allow yourself to push on legs parallel to the floor. To begin, slowly begin a cycling your head as you are doing motion with your legs. Perform the crunch by bringing the exercise) or fold your your left elbow close to your right knee, and, then, as you cycle, bring your right elbow close to your left knee arms across your chest. Unlike the sit-up, your range of motion is to simply contract your abs and then to return to remembering to control your movements and to breathe! the starting position.
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Health & Fitness Healthy Eats
Current thought is that the plank is one of the best exercises for strengthening abs and for stabilization of the core. Begin by getting into a prone position and bending your arms, allowing you to support your weight on your toes and your forearms. Lift your body on your forearms and your toes and keep it straight, as it would be in a perfectly executed push-up. You should hold this position as long as possible. Later, you can raise an arm or a leg while performing the exercise to increase the exercise’s level of difficulty.
The Halle Berries Smoothie Ingredients:
3/4 cup instant oatmeal nuked in water or
fat-free milk
3/4 cup fat-free milk 3/4 cup frozen blueberries, strawberries, and
raspberries
2 tsp vanilla whey protein powder 3 ice cubes
Dump the cooked oatmeal, milk, berries, whey powder, and ice into a blender, and puree until drinkable. (For a sweeter smoothie, add honey to taste.) Makes 2 servings. Bio Cory Turner is a freelance writer and an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer in New Orleans. A former law enforcement officer and non-profit leader, he has a keen interest in health and fitness, especially in promoting community health and wellness and empowering through improving personal fitness. He can be reached at coturner@fpnola.com.
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Per serving: 144 calories, 7 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 109 mg sodium, 4 g fiber Source: womenshealthmag.com
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Dispelling the Myths about Hospice Gulf South Hospice would like to take a minute to inform the community about the importance of outpatient hospice. Within this 6 month series of informative articles, Gulf South Hospice hopes to eliminate the myths, phobias, reservations, and even ignorance surrounding hospice care. We can surely agree that hospice can be a difficult subject because our culture is not fond of talking about death and life transitions. We must understand that death happens to everyone, even the ones we love. Hospice is a family and team oriented program that brings comfort to individuals/ patients faced with limited life expectancy. Hospice ensures that the patients last days consists of controlled pain, comfort and constant efforts to preserve their quality of life. Hospice not only involves care for the patient, but it also provides support for his or her family members as well. Hospice care assist families in coping with the life transition of their loved one for we know that losing someone we love is not an easy task. Gulf South Hospice would also like you to know that hospice is not a “death-bed� concierge service. Hospice care consists of a concise plan for the last 6 months (usually longer) of a patients life. Once a patient has been notified of having limited life expectancy, hospice initiates care to relive physical pain and to address life transition needs. Let Gulf South Hospice be at your side for the care of your loved one during their time of need and life transition. The sooner hospice care is initiated, the more comfort your loved one will experience. Let us be there for you. 11
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Talks Health & New Show on
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M: Ladies tell us about your new project with WE tv.
Taj: We have our new reality docu-series, it’s called SWV on WE tv coming soon. You will get to know all about SWV, our ins/outs, ups/downs, loves/hates; all the stuff we went through up until today. We started working on some new music; you’ll see how we get through that process and how it goes. Make sure you watch! CM: When is the launch? Taj: We don’t have a start date but it’s coming on real soon. I’m gonna see if I can get it on real quick lol. CM: Our publication is dedicated to mental health
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awareness and wellness and we want people to take better care of themselves. I know you all are moms and on the road a lot; what do you ladies do to take care of yourselves? Taj: Everyday it’s a struggle. You try to eat right and work out but our schedules are so hectic that it’s so easy to eat this stuff (points to a bag of chips) and keep it moving. It’s hard but we do the best we can with what we have. LeLee: I say you start with your yearly physicals and see where you’re at because there are some things that may be in you that you can get out of you, if you just check in enough time. Save yourself if anything.
Interview by: Malcolm M. Armstrong Jr.
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Love & Relationships The Culture of Love
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can be a powerful drug. We can get lost in it, it can be a distraction, damaging and addicting, yet it can be healing and inspirational. It is up to us not only to pick ummer time inspires us to our poison but how it will shape or mold us. shed some layers and mingle To be reckless in love is to be free of inhibitions; it’s like in the heat. We think of phrases like free falling without a safety net or parachute. To love “love is in the air”, “summer romance” someone is a raw emotion without hesitation, without and “summer flings”. We hear summer expectations, without promises in spite of their flaws. Love anthems about falling in love and is rare and inspiring, even transformational. If you allow it, watch movies about forever love can inspire you to be a better person. This might be the Alanna McCreary romances. We breathe hope into the ultimate risk, with no guarantee of reward, while new possibilities as we frolic under an intoxicating summer simultaneously giving you everything you ever needed or sun and fraternize under the warm night sky. Summer is possibly wanted. romantic and fresh; we lust for love but do we know what love is? What we have seen, experienced, and/or even heard about hinders us to be open to the endless possibilities of love. We as a society have so many misconceptions about love. Whether based on the examples of our parents, our past We complicate the simplest human exchange. Love is born relationships, our friends, the music we listen to, or the out of chemistry… a chemistry based on so many things: a things we watch; our surroundings have a severe impact on connection, a feeling, a spark, an attraction, a friendship. how we choose to love, how we perceive love, and how we Love is, in simple terminology, an unexplained link or bond show others love. We have become desensitized to our between individuals. Yet love is one of the hardest concepts feelings. Love in pop culture is excessively intertwined with for us as a society to grasp and dish out. We crave it, yet we sex; we do not see love in its raw form. We see love on TV, are not open to its endless possibilities. in the media, and in popular songs as something tangible Is the struggle really about not knowing what love is or is it an issue of fearing it? Historically love was a privilege. People joined together out of need, love was an afterthought. People grew to love partners over time. To be “in love” was not something the average individual got to experience. Yet now in our modern existence to be “in love” is not a privilege, it’s the goal, the expectation, our need. While we have moved love from a privilege to center stage in the human existence, we don’t all know what love is. We do not allow our hearts to speak to what love is. We fear it, we hide from it, and we push it away because at the end of the day love is not always convenient. In actuality it is scary, unknown, and ever changing. Love is a senseless language of the heart and soul. Love is what separates us from beasts and enhances our humanity. Love is not perfect, actually it’s very flawed. Love comes from within; it sees no color, no size, and no shape. Genuine true love is an unexplained force. Love is inconvenient, but 14 it is a beautiful experience shared between two people. Love
Hot Date Spot;
when in reality love is abstract. Love is not sex, which can be an expression or an experience within a loving relationship, and often we mistakenly confuse the two. We need to be optimistic and open to love. Love is like a dance, someone leads and the other follows but both partners work together to keep in time with the beat. You can’t look for love, it just happens in unexpected places with unsuspecting people. Love should not be difficult, it should be natural. I am not saying that a relationship is easy but the act of loving someone just happens. You do not have to try, it is either natural or it’s not happening. You cannot force it. The downside of this is that love can be one-sided and that can be heart breaking. Yet if you don’t play the game you can never win so it is pointless not to try. I, like so many have been hurt, lied to, heartbroken, and betrayed. With that said I refuse to be bitter, not because I am better than the next but because it doesn’t feel good. I challenge others to not let the past shape their future but be the learning curve and an individual ray of hope for what can happen if they allow it.
Local Love Quotes “Love is a risk.” -Reneta Speak, Esthetician at Bella Brazilian
“You know its love when you can’t go a day without thinking about that person. Their mere presence puts a smile on your face.” -Ethan Nicholas, Thibodaux Louisiana
“Love is like bubble guts, when it hits, it hits hard” –anonymous.
Loa Recently I stumbled across the most perfect bar, Loa at the International Hotel on Camp. Loa is a classy intimate bar, with lush décor and excellent cocktails. The bartenders are attentive mixoligist that know boundaries. This gem in the CBD is one of the most perfect spots to take date. Not only is it impressive but it a mix of old world romance and modern charm all at once. What more can you ask for? Loa Bar located in the International Hotel on Camp Street http://www.ihhotel.com/bar.html 221 Camp St New Orleans, LA 70130 15 (504) 553-9550
“I think a lot of people are in love and they are not.” –Jayda Jones, Tulane University Research Coordinator
“The Greatest Tragedy in Life is to Never RECOGNIZE the omnipresence of Love.” -Randy Smith, Royal Engineers, Business Development
“Do not allow material things measure love because someone who is truly in love with you, will love you rich or poor.” -Jason V. Holmes, United States Air Force
“Love happens when you trust me enough to open the door of your heart.” -J’mella Hinkston, Houston TX
“Don't be silly enough to think YOU will find love when you're learning what it looks like..love knows us, let it catch you..” –Kelley Campbell
Mental Health 5 Foods to Boost Your Mood Have you been feeling down lately? Try some of these foods to naturally boost your mood and give you an enhanced state of being. 1) Chocolate- Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) has many health benefits but it’s also a great mood booster because it contains Phenylethylamine, a mood regulating chemical found within the brain. Chocolate consumption has also been noted to improve cognition. 2) Carbs – Carbohydrates has been viewed as the no-no of foods but neglecting them in your diet can have negative consequences. Carbohydrate intake boosts your body’s serotonin aka the “feel good” chemical. Lacking carbohydrates can also negatively affect your memory. 3) Fish- Saltwater and Freshwater fish contain selenium which is known to improve depression. The recommended intake of selenium is 55 micrograms.
4) Coconut- Coconuts contain medium chain triglycerides which are fats that improve brain functioning and boosts mood. Try unsweetened coconut flakes in your oatmeal and baked goods. 5) Tea- Like coffee, tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant which aids in mood improvement but in moderation only. Teas such as rooibos and green tea contain numerous health qualities.
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Why Counseling? Latrice Sampson, LPC, NCC is the owner of Sampson Theraputic Services, LLC, a privately owned mental health service provider in the Greater New Orleans area that believes everyone has a voice and desire to be heard. The Mission of her company is to increase self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-action amongst minority and disadvantaged populations. Latrice specializes in marriage counseling and encourages everyone to seek counseling. Cognition Magazine spoke with Latrice on her practice and the benefits of counseling and here is what she had to say:
“I think it’s extremely important for people to seek counseling when they need to. I tell people all the time that you don’t have to be crazy in order to go and talk to somebody. Everybody can use somebody to talk to every now and then. If you’re going to talk to someone, you want to talk to somebody that’s not going to judge you, somebody that’s not going to come in with preconceived notions about what you should or shouldn’t do and somebody that’s not biased. When people come into my office, all I know is what they tell me. My job is not to try and fix all of their problems, my job is to help them to process whatever it is that’s stopping them from being able to move their life forward. I believe that we as human beings have the ability to solve all of our own problems but I think sometimes we get a lil’ stuck because we experience an intensity of emotions that we are not used to or an intensity of emotions that can just make us scared. I think sometimes we just need a lil bit of help processing it and getting comfortable with it so we can do what we know needs to be done. Counseling is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful thing and I think if more people went to counseling I think there wouldn’t be so much devastation in the world. People would be a lot happier! www.sampsonts.com Facebook.com/sampsontheraputicservices 17
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Top 5 Ways couples can Reduce Stress Together: 5) Take Long Sensual Baths Run some warm water, burn scented candles and add an aroma infused bubble bath to the water for a soothing ambient bath for two. Soak and enjoy each other.
4) Feel the Power of Touch Everyone loves to be pampered so try a couples massage either at home or at a spa. Show each other how to soothe your bodies after a long day.
3) Meditate There's nothing more relaxing than quieting the mind so try it with your loved one. Sit facing each other and don’t say anything. Just focus on your breathing, embrace each others vibration and send each other positive energy.
4) Be Sporty Plan some kind of sporty activity with your loved one. The healthy completion will draw you guys closer. Engaging in physical activity can reduce stress dramatically.
5) Communicate Let your feelings be known and acknowledge how your partner feels in a non judgmental way. I know it’s a cliché saying but communication really is key.
New Orleans, Louisiana July 4th - 7th Images by Q. Bleu Photography 18
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Events Marriage Rocks
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he evening of June 28th 2013 was filled with marital bliss as the YOUTHanasia Teen Dynasty organization celebrated the Marriage Rocks Luau sponsored by the Fellowship Journal and Chick-fil-A. Hosted by renowned soul singer Gina Brown and DJ Polo, married couples engaged in games such as “How well do you know your spouse?” singing, music, great food and of course island inspired cocktails at the Westwego Community Center. Lead organizer and Director, Kim Dilosa summarized the moment by stating that “Society says that marriage is un-cool, so we wanted to show that marriage is hot and this (tonight’s event) is in honor of Fellowship Journal, a faith based organization that is celebrating 25 years of circulation.” In addition to the menu, Luau themed activities and entertainment, there were also vendor tables to promote small businesses. One of the businesses featured was the Hearts of Change Foundation, lead by Rene Woods Theirry. The Hearts of Change Foundation, served guests at the bar to raise money to support their mission of advocating for pregnant teens. Married for almost 12 years, Shawn and Andraneisha Booth stated “It was an awesome event and a night out from the kids. Just seeing couples married 50+ years gives us hope that we can make it.” To find out more about the Teen Dynasty, Hearts of Change Foundation, and the Fellowship Journal, visit the links below. www.theteendynasty.com www.fellowshipjournal.com facebook.com/heartsofchange
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Be Inspired
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The Healing after The Love
Malcolm Armstrong Jr.
is good but you can’t love externally without ometimes when the relationship is first loving the internal. Consider your over we feel defeated, worthless, breakup as a time for you to move forward lonely and even intense anger. But believe it and start an ecstatic honeymoon with yours or not, there is healing after a breakup. truly. Shower yourself with gifts, affirm your Although you may not realize it at the exact love for YOU and submit to your every last moment that the breakup happens, there is a wish! Explore the unknown, take a spiritual powerful agent to it. When we open up our conquest and do all the things that you hearts to love someone, we lose a part of couldn’t do while you were committed to ourselves, which is natural. In order for us to that other person. create a new relation to someone else, we have to shed parts of ourselves that don’t What do we do when we go to see an ill match what we are attempting to achieve. It’s loved one? We visit them with flowers, fresh ok to lose parts of you in a relationship, but fruit and gifts. Shower yourself with these it’s not ok to lose our character. things after a breakup, buy yourself fresh flowers because you’re not well and you are Now where does the healing come in? A well on the path to recovery. After your breakup forces us to focus more on the most breakup, grieve but also look forward to the important relationship that could ever be, the new relationship with you because for every relationship with ourselves. Yes, it may seem loss there is a gain. lonely but it’s necessary because how are you going to love and appreciate someone P.S. if you see your former love with else, when you can’t do it for yourself? someone else, just know that the universe A breakup serves as a wakeup call, a real loves you so much that it will not allow you time reality check that forces you into to sail on yet another broken ship… alignment with who you really are. It makes us realize that we are not here to live for mates, but for ourselves and an appropriate mate will complement you, not complete you. We get ourselves into relationships and we forget about us. Caring for someone else 34
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