CrossRoadsNews, January 24, 2009 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

OBAMA MANIA

More from the inauguration Among the millions who converged on Washington Tuesday were a contingent from metro Atlanta. Share their thoughts, and see more images from the momentous occasion. A3-A7

MINISTRY

WELLNESS EXPO

The Food Network’s “Naked Chef” will visit a special fellowship meal at Rainbow Park Baptist Church to gather material for a documentary on food. A9

Diabetes, blood pressure and other screenings, as well as demonstrations and other information, will be available at the fourth annual Health & Wellness Expo on Jan. 31. Section B

The soul of good food

January 24, 2009

Information at your fingertip

Volume 14, Number 39

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Millions gather to witness historic inauguration

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Barack Obama took the oath of office on a cold and sunny Tuesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. An estimated 1.8 million people from all parts of the United States and the world filled the National Mall to witness the historic inauguration of the nation’s 44th and first African-American president. Some wept for joy. Some hugged friends and strangers, and all roared their approval. In his inaugural address, President Obama said he was humbled by the task

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

before us, grateful for the trust bestowed on him, and mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. In the wide-ranging speech about the seriousness of domestic and international challenges ahead, he said they will be met. “But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed,” he said. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The Houston Defender / NNPA News Service

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“As long as I can hear him I’m all right. As long as I can hear him when he takes the oath, that is the biggest moment.”

Opportunity to witness historic moment was too powerful to resist By McKenzie Jackson

If Willie Favors were alive last weekend, he would have been on the bus with his daughter Teresa Favors, heading towards history. But the Civil Rights-era survivor died in 2005 after a battle with cancer, so his daughter, a 47-yearold teacher at M e a d o w v i e w Teresa Favors Elementary in Atlanta, carried his memory with her on a 10-hour bus ride to the historic Jan. 20 inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. “He would have never thought McKenzie Jackson / CrossRoadsNews that a black man could be elected president,” Teresa Favors said this Metro Atlanta residents boarded three buses at Saint Philip AME Church for week. “I’m just really emotional the trip to Washington to be a part of Barack Obama’s inauguration. about it for him. He was mated 1.8 million people group arrived in Washington at from the era where black from various ethnic and 8 a.m. and walked miles from people were segregated.” religious backgrounds the Capitol Riverfront District to Favors and her friends, from across the United the National Mall for the 11 a.m. Deborah Walker and EvStates and around the ceremony. Those who could get elyn Penn, were part of a world who congregated on the Metro, took the train to the group 170 people from on the National Mall to inauguration. around metro Atlanta who Si s te r s - i n - l aw Pa t r i c i a see Obama take the oath boarded three buses on Jan. Cheatham-Bowens and Shirley of office. 18 and traveled through Deborah Walker The trip, organized Bowens-Leach of Decatur were the night to Baltimore and then to by Saint Philip AME member Eu- prepared for the frigid temperathe nation’s capital on Jan. 20 to gene Johnson, departed the church tures and the trek through the witness America’s first black presi- campus at 8 p.m. and arrived in packed streets of Washington, dent take the oath of office. Baltimore at 3 p.m. the next day. which took them two hours to The group of senior citizens, Along the way, they experienced complete. When they got to the young adults, adults and grade snow flurries. inauguration viewing area close to school students joined an estiOn Inauguration Day, the the Washington Monument, the

only thing they could see was other people looking towards the inauguration stage in the distance. Cheatham-Bowens said that she wasn’t concerned about seeing the nation’s 44th president. “As long as I can hear him I’m all right,” said Cheatham-Bowens, one of thousands of people who didn’t have the best view. “As long as I can hear him when he takes the oath, that is the biggest moment.” Bowens-Leach said she just wanted to be in the area when history was made. “I’m here to be a part of change,” she said. “I think Obama will be a wonderful president. There is just something about the man.” All Dorothy Davis of Lithonia could see was one of monitors televising the ceremony in front of the Washington Monument. With binoculars she could view the stage where Obama was taking his oath. She said it was awesome, to be a part of it. “I’m 62 years old and I just felt this was a milestone,” she said. “He recapped everything he talked about during the campaign and I think that tells us he is going to honor his promises.” The crowd erupted in a thunderous cheer when Obama took the oath. When it was time for him to deliver his speech they chanted “Obama – Obama – Obama,” but booed when outgoing President George W. Bush was introduced over the public announcement system.

Andre Hannah, a Riverdale resident, admitted he was one of the boo birds. “I was not a person that was thrilled with George Bush, because of the things he neglected and ignored,” he said. “So, it was impossible for me to cheer for him. With Barack, we can go nowhere but up at this point.” Walker joked about Bush after the event. “The one good thing about him is that he helped Barack get into office,” she said with a laugh. Angela Steele of Acworth said the inauguration was special because of the beautiful blue sky overhead while Obama took his oath. “I actually felt the Lord’s presence there and I like the way he opened up the sky,” she said. “It was an anointing, it was just so powerful.” Bowens-Leach said that when she first head about Barack Obama over three years ago, she knew he was a special man and helped name her grandson after the presidentto-be. “Three and a half years ago, he was named Xavier Barack Leach,” she said. “I knew that name was significant and I know it means blessed.” Favors said that if Obama is reelected in 2012, she and her friends would be in Washington again. “There is no doubt we would do it again,” she said. “Starving, getting nothing to eat, my feet hurt from the walk, but I would do it again.”

CrossRoadsNews

Inauguration

January 24, 2009

“This German lady grabbed my hand and started crying when he took the oath. She just took me like this and we burst into tears.”

Thoughts from people who made the trip to Washington 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Staff Writers Corey M. Edwards McKenzie Jackson Advertising Sales Cynthia Blackshear Graphic Designer Sharif Ffrench CrossRoadsNews is published every Thursday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers.

Pastor George Moore, 72, Saint Philip AME church “I came here because I wanted history to reflect that I was in Washington DC when Obama became president. Whenever someone asked me, I will say I was in Washington. “This was meaningful to me because it was an opportunity for me to witness Obama take the oath of office and to get together with all my children – Rev. George Anthony Moore, L’Tanya Moore and L’Tara Moore – and my wife, Nettie Lewis Moore. “I came in 1977 for Jimmy Carter but this time was more meaningful for me. “At my age, I get to see a black get the opportunity to get to the presidency. It is exciting. I thought it was possible, but I didn’t think I would see it in my lifetime. “It was meaningful for me because Obama has created a new spirit for America. He has involved the young people. I hope they will see that they are going to have to be clean cut and to get ahead. “At this time, we needed someone with the vision he offers. “He offered vision, clean technology, hybrid cars, and ending the war. “I see him as a person, not trying to give in, but willing to face whatever is needed to

Pastor George Moore (seated left) went to Washington with his wife, Nettie Lewis Moore, and their children L’Tanya Moore, L’Tara Moore and the Rev. George Anthony Moore.

remake America. be the leader again in the world. “In his speech, he said we are going to “He has a lot on his shoulder. He is going outlast the enemy and that America wants to to need help.”

Pinkie Johnson, Conyers

Took 200 people from metro Atlanta on buses and by air, including her 20-year-old niece, Chasity Farver from Pine Bluff, Ark., and her husband, Eugene Johnson.

“I just wanted the experience of being here. I just wanted to be in the numbers. I got chills just being there. The people around me were very friendly. “This German lady next to me, from Florida, grabbed my hand and started crying when he took the oath. She just grab my arm and we burst into tears. She said she had never been to Washington before but she felt she had to come for this. “For myself, this is the first black person to be president. We are never going to experience this again. “The crowds – at first it was scary but everybody was so nice. Everybody was so cooperative and nice. Everybody will was telling their own stories. We had some pushing but it wasn’t chaotic pushing. It was just the crush of so many people together. “At first I thought there might be pickpockets, but there was nothing like that.”

The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Pinkie Johnson (left) and Chasity Farver

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Quick Read Opportunity to witness history Songs steeped in pride help Causes, treatment of uterine too powerful to resist A3 unite students and elderly A8 fibroids to be discussed B8 If Willie Favors were alive last weekend, he would have been on the bus with his daughter, heading towards history.

Barack Obama’s ability to bridge the generation gap took shape in song Tuesday at the Lou Walker Senior Center.

For many women, reaching the age of 35 means they join the sisterhood of uterine fibroids.

Being there was an awesome Conference goal is to get men Nonprofit agency to provide experience A5 fired up B9 A9 free HIV/AIDS testing Like nearly two million other people, my husband Curtis and I went to Washington, D.C., to bear witness to the inauguration of our first African-American president.

It’s the men’s turn at Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Ministry when the twoday “Men on Fire” Conference kicks off.

In the war on HIV/AIDS, Standing to Achieve New Directions (STAND) Inc. is on the frontline.

Health & Wellness Expo During stroke, quick response Inauguration a major down returns on Jan. 31 B1 can minimize damage B10 payment on King’s dream A6 The 2009 Health & Wellness Expo will African Americans in Georgia and other Slightly more than 45 years after the historic March on Washington, the inauguration of President Barack Obama is a major down payment on the fulfillment of the dream.

Narvie artists’ work carries ‘messages for the world’ A8 Twenty students from Narvie J. Harris Traditional Theme School unveiled their “messages to the world” on Jan. 13.

be rolling into the Mall at Stonecrest with dozens of health care exhibitors offering information and free screenings.

parts of the country are twice as likely as whites to die from stroke.

Prostate cancer highly curable Hidden conditions revealed when detected early B13 through free screenings B6 With prostate cancer touching the lives Early diagnosis of most health problems can lead to a good outcome, but alas, many don’t find out about their afflictions until it’s late and more difficult to treat.

of a growing number of African-American families, the disease which disproportionately affects African-American men has put our community on the warpath.

index to advertisers

Circulation Audited By Capstone Medical Group.............................. A11 CDC Federal Credit Union............................. A11 Chick-fil-A (Inside the Mall at Stonecrest).....A12 DeKalb Co. Schools-Parent Resource Ctr........A3 DeKalb District Attorney’s Office.................... A5 DeKalb Medical Center.................................. A5 EOS The Medical Spa.................................... A6 Felicia V. Anderson CPA LLC...........................A7 Freshone Productions Limited........................A7

Full Body Loving Care Chiropractic................ A8 Georgia Families............................................ A8 Lorillard Tobacco Company........................... A9 Care Improvement Plus................................. B9 Golden Glide - Atlanta Family Fun Centers...B10 Grady Health Systems, South DeKalb...........B10 H & M Insurance........................................... B11 Heritage Circle Realty................................... B11 Humana........................................................ B11

Legacy Obstetrics & Gynecology.................. B11 Malcolm Cunningham Ford.......................... B12 Mednet......................................................... B12 Omni Tech Institute....................................... B13 Optimal Health & Wellness Center............... B13 Peachstate Health Plan................................. B14 Q Clinical Research.......................................B15 Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia...................B15 Radium Soft..................................................B15

Rainbow Park Baptist Church..........................B3 Samson’s Health & Fitness Center................. B4 Senior Connections........................................ B4 Southeastern Primary Care Consortium Inc... B5 Steps to a Healthier DeKalb........................... B6 Stoneview Injury & Wellness Clinic.................B7 SWH Apparel..................................................B7 The Master’s Hands Music Studio...................B7 The Spa at Stonecrest.................................... B8

January 24, 2009

Inauguration

CrossRoadsNews

“I know he would have loved Obama, and all of this. When Obama took the oath of office, I said ‘Daddy, this is for you.’ ”

Being there was an awesome experience By Jennifer Parker

Michelle Walker, Snellville “It was phenomenal to be there. I had to be there for all the South. I had to be there for my family. “My dad, Cornelius Walker, grew up in Jena, La. He went through a lot. I saw it in his face. He died in 2000 but I know he would have loved Obama, and all of this. When Obama took the oath of office, I said ‘Daddy, this is for you.’ “It was a special moment. “Slaves built the White House and now this black man is in the White House. Come on, I had to be there. God is good. “There was a lot of camaraderie around strangers – on the Metro, at the mall. “We were all there for the inauguration. It was all joy. “The special moments. Which ones? “The time when a tall black man was trying to start a fight with another man and this young white guy, about 19 years old, jumped in the middle of it and said, ‘This is Obama Day. We are having none of that.’ “There was so many people and this woman in her wheelchair was almost pushed over. A group of us, all strangers, formed a circle around her and pushed back. It was people coming together. “It was looking around the rainbow of people who were there. “It was the cheers when Obama took the oath. It was hearing Aretha tear up that song.”

Mark and Lisa Paylor, Minneapolis Clark-Atlanta University graduate and former resident of Austell, Ga.

“It was a good experience to be here. I had been to the mall for the Million Man March so I was prepared for large crowds. I brought an extra dose of patience. “I felt it was important to be here. It was an historic moment. Now I can tell my three-year-old son, Channing, that I was there when the first black man became president. I wanted to witness it. Twenty or 30 years from now, I can say I was there.”

Like nearly two million other people, my husband Curtis and I went to Washington, D.C., to bear witness to the inauguration of our first African-American president. It was both awesome and trying. The awesomeness came from being part of a sea of humanity, as far as the eyes could see. The trying part came from being a part of a sea of humanity, as far as the eyes could see. Yes, you get the picture. The crowd was both inspiring and overwhelming. It took hours to get on the metro, to pick up tickets at the Capitol, to get into the National Mall. To get back from the inauguration. To get around. I now know what a million people in one place look like. I pray it is my last time. The crowd was so thick and pressed together, it could have been frightening, but for the utter calmness and politeness of everyone. It was the most courteous and friendly crowd. Everyone came to witness the moment, and it seems nothing was going to spoil it. Strangers struck up conversations with each other everywhere, and with ease. A woman and her two daughters from Pennsyvania said they were just going to get near to a Jumbotron [the huge screens on which the event was televised] on the National Mall. “We just want to be part of all those people,” she said. I was pressed shoulder to shoulder with people from across the country and across the world. I heard German and other foreign languages. Sometimes, the press of people was scary. Everyone was there for one reason – Barack Obama. We all just wanted to get to the Mall so that we could bear witness to this moment of history. We set out at 6 a.m. from our hotel in Baltimore. Five hours later, we were still in a thick crowd

A stranger snapped this photo of CrossRoadsNews editor and publisher Jennifer Parker and her husband, Curtis.

outside the Blue Gate, praying we would make it inside to be a part of the inauguration. Our Blue tickets were actually very good tickets. Thank you, Congressman Hank Johnson. We could have been right behind the seated area, but by the time we made it through the security checkpoint, all the best spots were gone, and President Obama was a speck in the distance. People came from everywhere. Even in that big crowd, I ran into people from home. I saw Justin Frasier from the E2 Wireless Store on Flat Shoals Parkway. We looked at each other questioningly until recognition dawned. I saw Omar and Erica Cash,

who used to go to my church, First Afrikan Presbyterian, but now live in Virginia. I exchanged pleasantries with people from Maui and Chicago and Tampa and Phoenix and Dallas and everywhere, it seems. As Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. congratulated President Obama after he took the oath of office, I roared and cheered with the people around me -- white, black, locals, foreigners, old, young, healthy, infirmed. I saw it happen. I heard him say the words. But it was still surreal. Our great nation now has an African-American president – in my lifetime! Forgive me, but I am still pinching myself.

Inauguration

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

The walk got a little hard, but I felt we just needed to persevere; some people turned around and went back, but I felt we came this far and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“I saw the stage, but didn’t get a chance to actually see Barack because there was so many people up there, but I did see the stage. It was a historical moment man, and you can’t replace it. I would have been in the Gray Section. Could have been right there if I was on time. . I was one of the ones that was booing [when Bush left]. I was not a person that was thrilled with George Bush because of the things they neglected and ignored. It was impossible for me to cheer for him. With Barack, I think he is going to do a good job.”

“I saw the monitor and I could see with binoculars close up. I’m 62 years old and I just felt this was a milestone. The walk got a little hard, but I felt we just needed to persevere; some people turned around and went back, but I felt we came this far and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The energy was great and that is what kept me going. When one person would say, ‘I’m tired, it’s too far,’ another person would pump them up. I’ve never had to walk that far before.”

Andre Hannah, 28 years old, Riverdale

Dorothy Davis, Lithonia

Inauguration of President Obama is a major downpayment on King’s dream By. U. S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) NNPA Special Commentary

Slightly more than 45 years after the historic March on Washington, the inauguration of President Barack Obama is a major down payment on the fulfillment of the dream King spoke about that day. It is as though God is saying, you may kill a few men, you may kill a few women and children, but the dream they dreamt, the truth that they stood for was too real, too right, too necessary, too noble to ever die. So we need to take a moment to thank all those who came before us who survived some of the greatest perils human beings have ever

Freedom is not free. Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is a series of actions that we must all continue to take to guarantee freedom, justice, and equal opportunity in our future. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.

faced to emerge victorious. We have to stop and take a moment to celebrate the wonders that hands that picked cotton have manifested. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Rosa Parks and Coretta King, Martin and Medgar may be gone, but we still have a work to do. Freedom is not free. Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is a series of actions that we must all continue to take to guar-

antee freedom, justice, and equal opportunity in our future. Our forerunners have done their part; now it is time for each of us to honor the great heritage of our community. We must do what they did. We must prepare ourselves and then do what we can to help build the Beloved Community, an all inclusive society based on simple justice that values the dignity and the worth of every human being.

With the election of Barack Obama, African-Americans have a reason to be proud. Too often we, as a community, focus on how we have failed. But the presidency of Barack Obama is a time for us to celebrate what we have accomplished as a people. “You who protest courageously,” said Martin Luther King Jr., “and yet with dignity and…. love – when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, ‘There lies a great people, a B lack people, who injected new meaning and dignity into the very veins of civilization.’” It was our heritage of struggle and a lineage that pressed toward freedom that helped save America from itself and delivered us to this day. It was a people, Black people, who acted on their faith and deep spiritual conviction that helped transform an entire nation. In the Civil Rights Movement, we were lucky. We were fortunate to be led by some of the greatest minds to ever set foot on American soil – A. Phillip Randolph, the dean of the Movement; Whitney Young, the negotiator and diplomat; Thurgood Marshall and Constance Baker Motley, masters of the legal battleground, and of course, Martin Luther King Jr., the embodiment of the nonviolent call for social change. But the Civil Rights Movement was not a movement of leaders. It was the maids and porters, wash women and butlers, farmers and sharecroppers, students and their parents--it was ordinary people with extraordinary vision, they were the marching feet who trans-

formed this nation forever. First they prepared themselves. They studied the discipline and philosophy of non-violence. They attended trainings and mass meetings where they gained information and inspiration from leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and others. They planned their method of protest, and then they were ready to answer the call of their conscience. Some of us were beaten. Some of us went to jail. And some of us paid the ultimate price trying to register people to vote. We lost Jimmie Lee Jackson, and four little girls one Sunday morning in Birmingham, Ala. We lost Medgar Evers and Lemuel Penn. We lost young Virgil Ware and Vernon Dahmer. And we lost our most inspired leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Nobody knew when we were sitting down on lunch counter stools in Birmingham and Nashville. Nobody knew when lighted cigarettes were put out in our hair or down our backs. Nobody knew when we were arrested on trumped up charges and taken to jail. Nobody knew then that today our children and grandchildren would be able to eat where they want to eat, sleep in any hotel where they want to sleep, and ride on a bus freely without fearing for their lives. And nobody knew on March 7, 1965, when a small group of nonviolent protestors made a sacred vow to walk from Selma to Montgomery. Nobody knew when some of us were left beaten and bloody on the Edmund Pettus bridge, that today the hands that picked cotton would have picked the next President of the United States.

January 24, 2009

Inauguration

CrossRoadsNews

“This is going to go down in history and I get a chance to say that I was there. It was a one of a kind trip.

“This is something that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life. It took me probably about two hours to get to the mall, We did the train. The D.C. officials were well prepared. We got there about 10 a.m., we were in a perfect spot to see the viewing screen. We came and got what we wanted. I thought his speech was fantastic; it was moving and I’m looking forward to him getting to work on the country which he is doing right about now. I know he is going to make a big change in this country. I think he is going to go down in history as the best president in our lifetime.” Gwen Hannah, retired teacher, Decatur

“When I was like 12 or 13, Martin Luther King did the march on Washington and I wasn’t old enough to understand what was going on and to be a part of that. Just to have a second chance to be a part of something so tremendous, so historical is just wonderful. That is why I’m here to be a part of the change. I think he will be wonderful. There is just something about the man. When my grandson was born four years ago, that is the first time I heard his name, and I thought to myself Barack Obama that is a wonderful name. I gave my grandson that middle name, Barack. I knew that name was significant. I know it means blessed.” Shirley Bowens Leach, Decatur

“This is going to go down in history and I get a chance to say that I was there. It was a one of a kind trip. I’m the only person from my school here. We saw the beginning of the parade. We were on the corner of Constitution Avenue. The parade was unique, for the 44th president, they had 44 motorcycles. I’m going to tell them that they are going to have to go next time. It was actually fun and cool. A lot of them will be jealous.” Justin Fortson, 14, ninth-grader at Wilson Academy in Decatur

“ I never thought a black man could do this. This will inspire the kids, especially the boys” Tracy Hubbert, Justin’s mom

Schools

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

“Mary and I felt like instead of singing ‘America the Beautiful’ we needed to sing the Negro National Anthem all the way.”

Narvie artists’ work carries ‘messages for the world’ Men needed for Twenty students from make a presentation. Narvie J. Harris Traditional n Give money earned back to Theme School unveiled their the school for creative teaching “messages to the world” on supplies and resources. Jan. 13. As a reward for their creThe students, who were ative expressions, the technol“hired” by Atlanta-based ogy holding company awarded ScanTech Holdings through the students a $500 grant to the Creating Pride Corporate purchase additional art supArt Program, illustrated their plies. thoughts on pivotal issues like Dolan Falconer Jr., presidemonstrations of peace, feeddent and CEO of ScanTech ing the hungry and preserving Holdings, said it was hard to nature. express how proud he was to The art students spent the receive the paintings. month of October creating “This is one of the best gifts the colorful paintings, which Students from Narvie J. Harris Elementary presented a poster filled with we’ve ever received,” Falconer were placed on a canvas and colorful drawings to ScanTech president and CEO Dolan Falconer Jr. told the students. “It is almost presented to the ScanTech staff overwhelming to receive this at their headquarters. The program requires students to agree love offering from you – for you to have Motivated by the theme “Deep Down to four tenets: given me something you put your time and Inside of Me – Here’s My Message to the n Be as creative as you can be. effort into.” World,” the Corporate Art Program teaches n Build each other up, using positive comFalconer said the paintings would be feastudents the art of presentation, eye contact, ments only. tured in a prominent area of the ScanTech ofhandshaking, and professionalism. n Hand-deliver artwork to the executive and fice and shared on the company’s website.

literacy project

Men can help local children build their appreciation for reading during the annual “Men Do Read” program Feb. 4 at Fairington Elementary School. Laura Houser, administrator for DeKalb Literacy Services, said people who read on a low level are less likely to read to their children, which can affect their development. “Research shows that if you read to your children just six minutes a day it will tremendously affect their ability to do well in school,” she said. At the 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. event, the male volunteers will be asked to read their favorite book by an African-American author and then discuss the importance of being lifelong readers and learners. Houser said seeing the men read will help the children become more interested in reading. The school is at 5505 Phillip Bradley Drive in Lithonia. For more information, call Sharon D. Bussey at 678-676-8720.

Songs steeped in pride help bridge divide between students and elderly By Corey M. Edwards

Barack Obama’s ability to bridge the generation gap took shape in song Tuesday at the Lou Walker Senior Center. The Marbut Elementary School Chorus was ending its salute to Obama with a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” and Sandra Benjamin stood respectfully but with an unenthusiastic look on her face. Her friend Mary Woodard shared her lack of interest. As everyone began settling back into their seats, Benjamin, a retired city government

worker from California, leaped back to her feet and began singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Woodard quickly joined in and the two encouraged the others at their table to stand. By the time they reached the middle of the first verse, the more than 500 senior citizens and Marbut students packed into the center’s cafeteria to watch the Presidential Inauguration stood and sang the Negro National Anthem with them. Benjamin said she felt it was important for the Marbut fourth- and fifth-graders to

understand the struggle and pain it took to reach this point in history. She said the anthem is a part of our progress. “It’s a sign of our fight,” she said. “ Black people, we encourage ourselves. We encourage our families. We encourage our neighbors. So Mary and I felt like instead of singing ‘America the Beautiful’ we needed to sing the Negro National Anthem all the way.” Rachele Ziegler, principal of Marbut Elementary, didn’t bother hiding her enthusiasm. “That’s exactly the kind of thing we wanted,” she said. “We wanted our children to have the opportunity to interact with them, have lunch and hopefully pass on some of the things that they’ve experienced so that the students would know that someone worked hard and struggled in order for them to be able to celebrate today.” Ziegler and DeKalb for Seniors president

Carleen Cumberbatch set up the inauguration-viewing luncheon as a way of bridging the gap between the two generations. More than 50 Marbut students entertained the seniors with a 30-minute show prior to the inauguration ceremony. The children sang, danced, stepped and played African Katonga drums for the adoring crowd. After the show, the students passed out Barack Obama stickers and then sat and had lunch with the seniors while they watched the nation’s first African American and 44th president take the oath of office. Fifth-grade drummer Garrett Eldred said he enjoyed spending time learning a little bit about every senior he met. “To be able to come out and spend some time with people who have been through a lot of things in the past and the way they’ve been treated has been great,” he said.

Decatur Schools cut jobs, workdays By Corey M. Edwards

Four employees from City Schools of Decatur will be among the latest victims of the state’s education cutbacks. The city school board on Jan. 13 approved Superintendent Phyllis Edwards’ plan to cut more than $2 million from the 2009-10 general budget to offset a reduction of state funds. The plan, which takes effect July 1, calls for four elementary school aides to be laid off. Four openings at the district’s central office Phyllis Edwards will remain unfilled and the administrative staffs at Decatur High and Renfroe Middle schools will also be reduced. Edwards’ plan also trims one day of work from every teacher in the district. The cuts are expected to save $2,017,000 on next year’s $37 million general budget. Edwards said Wednesday that she tried to reduce the budget by eliminating positions, not hiring for open positions, and by cutting back on part-time positions, which are typically filled by retirees. “There are no good places to look when you’re trying to cut jobs, but we tried to eliminate programs that would impact the least amount of children,” she said. Although none of the district’s employees will receive raises next year, teachers will still be eligible for step increases. DeKalb County Schools, which also was

forced to trim its 2009-10 budget, slashed $7.5 million in teacher step increases and cut its transportation and other programs to make up for its $10.5 million loss of state funding. Other cuts in the Decatur city district include eliminating the professional learning budget and stipends, cutting funding for the after school program and Alternative Education Program, except at the Decatur Housing Authority, and significantly reduce bus and summer school services. District administrators’ workdays will also be reduced from 230 to 225. Edwards said the cuts should be sufficient to see the school system through the next round of cuts, but they may have to revisit the issue again before the end of the school year. School officials were able to salvage the Foreign Language Program to help lessen the blow of the budget cuts. The program is a locally funded initiative to teach Spanish to kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The Frasier Child Development Center, which offers free childcare to district faculty members, teachers and teen mothers at Decatur High, could also be saved if the district can raise enough money to make the program self-supported. Edwards said the layoffs are going to be “very hard” on many people. “If we find out in March or April that things are looking better and the economy doesn’t look quite so bleak, then I plan to go back to the board and see how we can put these things back in,” she said.

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

Ministry

“The men in our church kept saying, ‘Pastor Thomas, when are you going to do something for the men?’”

Conference goal is to get men fired up Its the men’s turn at the Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Ministry on Jan. 30, when the twoday “Men on Fire” Conference kicks off. Katherine Thomas, the church’s pastor, said a conference where men can share their experiences with God was long overdue. “The men in our church kept saying, ‘Pastor Thomas, when are you going to do something for the men?’” she saidJan. 15. The men’s conference follows the church’s popular D.I.V.A. – for Divine Inspirational Victorious Anointing – conference for women held every October for the past five years. Four powerful speakers will headline the event. Speakers include Pastors Elbert Brown and Vincent Winfrey, elder Chauncey Boone and prophet Bobby Martin. Brown is pastor of Restoration Church of Deliver-

Jamie Oliver will use Rainbow Park’s fellowship meal to illustrate the essence of Southern cooking.

Food Network’s ‘Naked Chef ’ to visit Rainbow Park By Corey M. Edwards

A special worship service on Jan. 26 at Rainbow Park Baptist Church will have a British twist when Jamie Oliver, host of the Food Network series “The Naked Chef,” visits to take part in a potluck fellowship meal after the 7 p.m. service . Oliver’s visit to the Decatur church will be taped and used in a documentary called “American Dream.” The soon-to-be-released program will explore the origins of American food and what it means to people in different areas of the country. It’s Oliver’s first trip to the East Metro area, which is widely known for its flavorful food and Southern hospitality. Oliver and representatives from Fresh One Productions learned about the Decatur church after seeing its advertisement in CrossRoadsNews. Rosalind Malthouse, producer for Fresh One, said she thought Rainbow Park would be the perfect place for Oliver to show the world the essence of Southern cooking. “Food is a big part of life in the South,” she said. “We want people around the world to know how people in Georgia come together at the dinner table.” Church assistant Sandy Ferguson said she was shocked when she heard the British accent on the other end of the line, asking questions about their post-service dinner. “We were all pretty excited when they told us what they wanted to do,” she said. “Having them call us out of the blue like that, wanting to give our church exposure around the world is nothing but God’s work.” Oliver will also travel to Macon and Savannah before ending his

tour of the Southeast at the annual Florida State Barbecue Championship at the Lakeland Pig Festival in Lakeland, Fla. While at Rainbow Park, the Food Network star will be talking to church members about the ingredients that go into their favorite dishes and, more importantly, how their using food as a therapeutic remedy during these tough economic times. “Southern food seems to be a comfort for many people, so we want to see how dinners like these are used to help people cope with tough times,” Malthouse said. Rainbow Park senior pastor Steven Dial said Oliver’s visit is a celebration for the whole community and invites members of other area churches to join them for the morning service and fellowship meal afterward. Oliver, who grew up in Essex, England, where his parents run their own highly respected pub/ restaurant, said the documentary is something he’s wanted to do since he came to America to tape his popular cable series, which first aired in 1999. During the 30-minute show, Oliver strips food down to its bare essentials, and in his own “hands-on” style breathes fresh air back into the food. The energetic Brit, who is known as one of the top young chefs in the world, is also a bestselling author of eight books. His bestknown titles – “The Naked Chef,” “The Return of the Naked Chef ” and “Happy Days with the Naked Chef ” – followed the success of his television show and became instant hits in the United States. His latest book, “At Home with Jamie,” was published in fall 2008. The church is at 2941 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404-288-1910.

Elbert Brown

Vincent Winfrey

ance in Lawrenceville and Winfrey pastors Faith Deliverance International Ministries in Morrow. Boone is an elder at Ministries of Reconciliation Through Jesus Christ and Martin serves at Broken Vessels Full Gospel Ministries. They will discuss topics range from ing the role of men in marriage, to becoming a role model to the younger generation, and living with integrity. Thomas said she specifically selected the four to lead the conference because they exemplify the

type of inner strength that can uplift other men in the community. Members at the Scottsdale church have worked extensively with the men in housing communities near the church. Thomas says the Men on Fire conference will give them the opportunity to reach out men all over Atlanta. The conference will also feature performances by praise and worship leader Gary Fordham and minister of music Darlan Dannil. Local artist and singer Isaiah will be selling his original drawings during the intermissions on both days. The Men on Fire conference takes place 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 30 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 31. The church is at 3096 North Decatur Road. For more information or to register, call 404-455-6678 or 404587-2751.

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CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information. This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, e t c . , i f i t s o u n d s t o o g o o d t o b e t r u e – i t m a y i n f a c t be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

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CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Thursday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

Marketplace COMPUTERS

EMPLOYMENT

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4 0 4 - 2 8 4 - 18 8 8

for Rates & Information

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When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

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CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness Expo 2009 January 24, 2009

www.crossroadsnews.com

Section B

Showing You How To Get Fit

Health & Wellness Expo returns to Stonecrest on Jan. 31

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness

2009 Health & Wellness Expo at mall has lots to offer Expo goers stop by the DeKalb Medical booth at the Health& Wellness Expo last year. At the 2009 Expo, DeKalb Medical will offer free screenings for diabetes, hypertension and body mass index.

2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

The Health and Wellness Expo Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews Inc., East Metro Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Graphic Design Sharif Ffrench Reporters Corey M. Edwards McKenzie Jackson Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The 2009 Health & Wellness Expo will be rolling into the Mall at Stonecrest on Jan. 31 with dozens of health care exhibitors offering information and free screenings to encourage adults and children to stay healthy. The expo, which is in its fourth year, will be on the lower level of the mall from noon to 5 p.m. More than 40 exhibitors including hospitals, health centers, physicians, dentists and other health care professionals, health insurers, training institutes and government agencies will discuss and offer resources on some of the health issues that plague our community. Jennifer Parker, editor and publisher of

CrossRoadsNews, which presents the annual event at the 1.3 million-square-foot Lithonia mall, says the Health & Wellness Expo is East Metro Atlanta’s largest gathering in celebration of health and wellness. “Since its launch in 2006, the Health & Wellness Expo has attracted between 7,500 and 10,000 people to the mall every January,” Parker said. “It is a great place for people to educate themselves about health issues and become motivated to take better care of themselves.” Parker said that CrossRoadsNews and the expo’s title sponsors, DeKalb Medical, Humana and the 100 Black Women of DeKalb-Decatur, and the dozens of health

care exhibitors are passionate about helping to empower with health information. “We are offering information that can help us make better decisions about staying healthy,” Parker said. Expo goers will have their pick of screenings for diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, HIV/AIDS and BMI. Doctors from DeKalb Medical will discuss fibroids, diabetes and strokes, and will take questions from the audience. Performances and demonstrations from the Main Stage in front of Sears will show fun ways for adults and children to stay active. For more information about the Expo, call 404-284-1888.

2009 Health & Wellness Expo Exhibitors and Grand Prize Entry Form Visit at least 20 of these exhibitors* at the Mall at Stonecrest and enter to win two roundtrip airfares to Jamaica, compliments of Air Jamaica. Drawing to be held at 5 p.m. You must be present to win.

5 100 Black Women 5 4th Congressional District 5 Blount Family Dental 5 Capstone Medical Group 5 Care Improvement Plus 5 Chick-fil-A Inside the Mall at Stonecrest 5 CrossRoadsNews, Inc. 5 DeKalb Community Service Board 5 DeKalb District Attorney's Office 5 DeKalb Medical 5 Full Body Loving Care Chiropractic

5 Georgia Center for Female Health 5 Georgia Families 5 Golden Glide Skating Rink 5 Grady Health System 5 Humana, Inc. 5 Legacy Obstetrics & Gynecology 5 Mednet Research 5 Omni Tech Institute 5 Optimal Health & Wellness Center 5 Peachstate Health Plan

5 Q Clinical Research 5 Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia 5 Radium Soft 5 Samson’s Health & Fitness Center 5 Select Comfort 5 Smiles At Stonecrest 5 Southeastern Primary Care Consortium, Inc. 5 STAND, Inc. 5 Steps to a Heathier DeKalb 5 SWH Apparel 5 The Spa at Stonecrest

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________________________________ Home phone _______________________________________ Cell ______________________________________ * Eligible entries must have the numbers of at least 20 exhibitors, your complete name, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Employees and immediate family members of CrossRoadsNews, the Mall at Stonecrest and Air Jamaica are excluded from winning. Drawing will be at 5 p.m. at the Main Stage in front of Sears on the Mall Lower Level. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. You MUST be present to win.

January 24, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

2009 Health & Wellness Expo Program Jan. 31, 2009, Noon to 5 p.m.

Grand prize trip to Jamaica

Main Stage in front of Sears, Lower Level, The Mall at Stonecrest Noon

Exercise Demo Fitness Instructor Rae Rae Clark & The Top Notch Dance Krew

Greetings Rep. Hank Johnson, 4th Congressional District

12:30 p.m. Entertainment “East Lake Elementary Cardinals & Dance Team” 12:45 p.m. Presentation: “Fibroids & You” Dr. Al Scott, DeKalb Medical 1:15 p.m. Entertainment All 4 You Dance Training & Performing Arts Center 1:30 p.m. Fitness Demo The SilverSneakers, Humana Health Care 1:50 p.m. Presentation: “Pre-Diabetes: How to Tell If You Are At Risk” Dr. Andrea Miles, DeKalb Medical 2:30 p.m. Fitness Demo Zumba – Samson’s Health & Fitness Center 3: p.m.

Presentation HIV/AIDs – Why Knowing My Status Could Save My Life Terry Barlow, STAND Inc.

3:30 p.m. Fitness Demo The SilverSneakers, Humana Health Care 4 p.m.

Presentation : Strokes: Sign & Symptoms Dr. Timothy Milner, DeKalb Medical

4:30 p.m. Entertainment D’Lauren Dance Troupe, The Conservatory of Dance 4:45 p.m. L’Tanya Moore, Gospel Vocalist 5 p.m. Air Jamaica’s Michelle Henry, seen here picking last year Grand Prize winner, will be back with the 2009 Grand Prize of two round-trip airline tickets to Jamaica. Expo goers who visit at least 20 exhibitors can enter the Grand Prize drawing, which will be held at 5 p.m.

Grand Prize Drawing 2 Roundtrip Tickets to Jamaica, Compliments of Air Jamaica See you at the 2010 Health & Wellness Expo!

January 24, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

Hypertension is called “the silent killer” because about a third of the people who have it don’t know they do.

Hidden medical conditions can be revealed through free screenings Early diagnosis of most health problems can usually lead to a good outcome, but alas, many African Americans don’t find out about their afflictions until it’s late and more difficult to treat. On Jan. 31, at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest, sponsors and exhibitors will offer free health screenings for Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), HIV/AIDS and prostate cancer. DeKalb Medical Center, Grady Health System, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, STAND Inc. and Capstone Medical Center are among the sponsors and exhibitors who will be offering free screenings.

Body mass index Knowing your BMI is important because of the rising rate of obesity in the African-American community. It allows doctors to assess the risks that patients have for obesity-related problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, cancer and heart problems. During a BMI screening, physicians measure the patient’s height in inches and weight in kilograms. Then, they divide the weight by height to get the BMI number. A BMI between 18.5-24.9 is considered normal; BMI between 25-29.9 is overweight and BMI 30 or above is obese.

Expo exhibitors will be offering screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV/ AIDS and prostate cancer at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo.

blood drawn from a finger prick. The test assesses your blood sugar Free health screenings at the Health & Wellness Expo to determine if you have preExhibitor BMI Diabetes Hypertension HIV/AIDS PSA diabetes or diabetes. Capstone Medical Center 3 If the results register a glucose DeKalb Medical Center 3 3 3 level higher than 200 mg/dL and are accompanied by classic symptoms Grady Health System 3 3 3 of unexplained weight loss, fatigue Radiotherapy Clinics of Ga. 3 and increased thirst and urinaSTAND Inc. 3 tion, then the doctor will suspect diabetes mellitus and will request a fasting blood glucose level test to pressure is called “the silent killer” is taking one’s blood pressure. If confirm the diagnosis. because about a third of the people you have a blood pressure over 140/90, that is either a systolic who have it don’t know they do. Hypertension Diabetes High blood pressure is easy to (first number) of 140 or higher or Hypertension or high blood diagnose because all that is involved diastolic (second number) of 90 or Diabetes tests are taken from

more, or a combination of the two above the respective limit, then hypertension exists. It is however, a disease without symptoms, which means that the only way to detect it is to have your blood pressure measured by a nurse, physician or another knowledgeable person – including yourself. To screen for it, you must be in a relaxed state, preferably in a sitting position. Allow half an hour since your last cup of tea, exercise or stressful situation.

HIV/AIDS Test The non-invasive OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV Test is being offered by nonprofit STAND Inc. The test is done from a swab of the mucous membrane in the mouth. Results are available in 12 minutes. From a private physician, an HIV test costs $100. STAND is offering it free. Prostate-specific antigen A PSA test can identify abnormality within the prostate gland and help doctors identify the cancer early. It generally takes two to five minutes and is done from blood drawn from the arm. Results are available in four to six weeks. Without health insurance, a PSA test is $200. Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is offering it free of charge during the expo to African-American men 40 years and older, and all men over 50.

January 24, 2009

CrossRoadsNews

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

January 24, 2009

“Their growth is not related to what you eat, but they do run in certain families and may have an hereditary component.”

Causes, symptoms and treatment of uterine fibroids to be discussed By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

For many women, reaching the age of 35 means they join the sisterhood. Which one? The sisterhood of fibroid sufferers. On Jan. 31 at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest, well-known South DeKalb gynecologist Dr. Al Scott will discuss uterine fibroids –the non-cancerous tumors that grow on or within the muscle tissue of the uterus – which plague one in four women over age 35. Scott says that fibroids are three times more prevalent in African-American women, and that most women don’t know they have them until symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, unitary frequencies, bloating and increase in abdominal girth drive them to their doctor. “It’s nothing that you do to cause them,” he said. “Their growth is not related to what you eat, but they do run in certain families and may have an hereditary component.” Fibroids require treatment only if they are causing excessive bleeding or significant discomfort or bladder problems. Scott said symptoms only show up when fibroids grow in size. Because fibroid tumors are hormonally sensitive, Scott said, taking estrogen during menopause can cause them to enlarge and aggravate symptoms. Fibroids can range in size from that of a walnut to ones the size of a cantaloupe. Physicians typically measure uterine fibroids in terms of the size of the uterus during pregnancy. For example, a very large fibroid can cause the uterus to become the size of a six- or seven-month pregnancy (24-28 weeks). There can either be one dominant fibroid or a cluster of many small fibroid tumors.

Treatments available for women with fibroids

Dr. Al Scott will talk about uterine fibroids and ways to treat them at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo.

Scott says he has seen them as large as 10 centimeters and that they can contribute to abdominal girth, but that you cannot look at the size of a woman’s stomach and know that she has fibroids. At 12:45 p.m., from the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lowel level, he will discuss some of the treatment options, which range from embolization to freezing, ultrasound and surgery.

Scott, whose DeKalb Women’s Specialists ob-gyn practice is based in the Stonecrest Professional Center on Mall Parkway, said the right treatment is a personal decision and will depend on whether a woman wants to retain her childbearing capabilities. “You might try one option and it works for a while or doesn’t work and you have to do another,” he said. “It’s what best fits your situation.”

The most common forms of fibroid treatments include: n Medical therapy: Women with fibroids and heavy menstrual periods are often prescribed hormonal medications, including oral contraceptive pills and progestational agents, to try to reduce bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle. The medications will not cause fibroids to shrink nor will they cause them to grow at a faster rate. If bleeding doesn’t improve after three months, consult your doctor. n Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The outpatient procedure blocks the blood supply to the uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink 50 to 75 percent. It reduces the major symptoms of uterine fibroids and is an alternative to a hysterectomy. n Myomectomy is an operation in which fibroids are removed from within the uterus, but fibroids can re-grow. Women nearing menopause are the least likely to have problems from fibroids again. The procedure results in a 4-inch horizontal scar near the “bikini” line and requires a two-night stay in the hospital and 4-6 weeks resting at home. n Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure in which the uterus or womb is removed. After hysterectomy, menstrual bleeding stops, pelvic pressure is relieved, frequent urination improves and new fibroids cannot grow. Also, a woman can no longer become pregnant. Hysterectomy requires a three-day hospital stay and six weeks recovery at home.

January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“You don’t want to wait until you are sick to take a HIV test. You want to it take it when you are healthy.”

Nonprofit agency to provide free HIV/AIDS testing during Expo By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

In the war on HIV/AIDS, Standing to Achieve New Directions (STAND) Inc. is on the frontline. The 10-year-old nonprofit provides prevention services, support and education to metro Atlanta’s underserved communities and on Jan. 31, it will be offering free HIV/AIDS tests at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest. Michael Banner, who directs STAND’s Prevention Services, said that people need to know their status so that they Michael Banner can begin lifesaving treatment and slow the spread of the disease. “The earlier you know, the better your chance of living a fulfilling life,” Banner said. “If it is detected late, your body is already damaged. Your body will react better to the treatment if you are diagnosed early. You don’t want to wait until you are sick to take a HIV test. You want to take it when you are healthy.” During the fourth annual Expo, which is presented by CrossRoadsNews and the Mall at Stonecrest, STAND will offer 100 free OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV Test at their booth located near Kohl’s during the noon to 5 p.m. expo.

The OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV Test is done from a swab of the mucous membrane in the mouth.

Banner said that if they run out, they will give vouchers for people to come to their office at 3423 Covington Drive in Decatur to get the free test. The office is open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The test, which costs up to $100 from private physicians, is quick and noninvasive. Banner said it’s

STAND supports HIV/AIDS education like this AIDS awareness program at MLK Jr. High School in December that was sponsored by the Rotary Club of South DeKalb.

done from a swab of the mucuous membrane in the mouth. Results are available in 20 minutes. The test looks for antibodies that indicate infection. If it is positive, a second swab is taken and sent to the lab for confirmation. Lab results are available in a week. He said they also offer the Clear View test, which is done from a

drop of blood taken from a finger prick. “It is very similar to a diabetes test,” he said. Results from the Clear View test are available in 12 minutes. Last year, Banner said STAND tested 3,000 individuals and 4 percent or 120 were HIV positive. “Sixty to 70 percent of the new

HIV cases were African-American men,” he said. Banner said that statewide, south DeKalb County has one of the highest rates of HIV infection. “There is a need for HIV prevention and conversation in DeKalb County,” he said. “That is the only way that we are going to slow the spread of the disease.”

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January 24, 2009

“In some cases, it may be due to a lack of healthcare access. However, in many cases it may simply be a case of waiting until it’s too late.”

During a stroke, quick response is surest way to minimize damage By Corey M. Edwards

African Americans in Georgia and other parts of the country are twice as likely as whites to die from stroke. That staggering statistic is even more sobering when you consider that half of all African-American women will die from a stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, parts of the brain begin to die, forcing the portions of the body controlled by the damaged area to malfunction. Nationally, stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Every year, 780,000 new and recurrent strokes are reported in the United States. A stroke can happen very quickly and victims often don’t realize they are having one. A Gallup survey found that 97 percent of people over age 50 did not recognize the warning signs of a stroke. Everyone, especially those who are at increased risk for strokes, should learn these warning signs and know what to do if they occur. Recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability. Health professionals say a stroke is a medical emergency and people must call 911 right away. Symptoms include numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; blurred or double vision in one or both eyes; slurred or garbled speech; unsteadiness or dizziness and confusion. Dr. Timothy Milner, a DeKalb Medical vascular surgeon, says there’s no single reason why African Americans have an increased

Know the signs of stroke When stroke symptoms occur, quick action is vital but you must know the signs and act in time. Warning signs can begin from a few minutes to days before a stroke. If you think you or someone with you is having a stroke, call 911. Stroke warning signs and symptoms n Weakness in an arm, hand, or leg n Numbness on one side of the body n Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye n Sudden difficulty speaking n Inability to understand what someone is saying n Dizziness or loss of balance

Dr. Timothy Milner says that while African Americans suffer strokes at higher rates than whites, the ability to narrow the gap lies in paying attention to symptoms and getting help quickly.

stroke risk but that the ability to narrow the racial health gap lies in our hands. “A lot of it has to do with paying attention to medical symptoms and the availability of healthcare givers in the community,” said Milner, who will speak about stroke at the CrossRoadsNews 2009 Health and Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest on Jan. 31. “If people in the community become better educated about the health risks affecting them, they can help themselves and others avoid things like strokes.” Milner said that other vascular disorders that affect African-Americans disproportionately include peripheral artery disease, more commonly known as PAD. Many stroke and diabetes patients often

end up with PAD, a disease of blood vessels outside the heart and brain that is often associated with a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the legs and pelvic area. Left untreated, PAD, which affects 8 million to 12 million Americans, can lead to gangrene and amputation. A 2008 study by researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found the amputation rate for African-American PAD patients was five times higher than the general population. Milner said the greatest tragedy is that the vast majority of these amputations could have easily been prevented. “In some cases, it may be due to a lack of healthcare access,” he said. “However, in

many cases it may simply be a case of waiting until it’s too late.” Milner said that ignorance and fear often keep people from seeking the appropriate medical attention. African Americans’ higher incidences of hypertension, obesity and smoking contribute to their increased risks for stroke and other vascular disease. One in three African Americans suffer from high blood pressure. During his 4 p.m. presentation from the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lower level, Milner said he will show how to reduce the risk of strokes and highlight the symptoms of strokes and PAD. “Both of these health disorders can have devastating consequences on your life,” Milner said, “and only slight modifications in your lifestyle can tremendously reduce your risk.”

By the Numbers

$65.5

700,000

The cost of stroke in 2008, in billions

The number of people suffer a new or recurrent stroke annually

60.8

The percent women who died from stroke in 2004

The number of seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke

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January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

Lifestyle can impact risk of diabetes In Dr. Andrea Miles’ Stonecrest Medical Practice, diabetics account for 20 percent of her patients. All of them are type 2 diabetics – men and women who got diabetes because they were overweight, didn’t exercise regularly, had a family history of diabetes or had gestational diabetes durAndrea Miles ing pregnancy. For most of them, the outcome could have been different had they been to the doctor before the symptoms of diabetes showed up and had been able to change their lifestyles. Miles, a DeKalb Medical doctor who is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, said that if caught early, patients who have pre-diabetes have to power to prevent their diabetes. “It is something they can change,” she said. “They can make a difference by changing their lifestyle. People have to exercise regularly, eat healthy and come see their doctor early.” At the Jan. 31 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest, Miles will discuss pre-diabetes, the condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. She will speak at 1:50 p.m. from the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lower level. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adultonset diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age – even during childhood. Miles said she has seen children as young as 11 years old with type 2 diabetes, which usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Miles said that when patients are diagnosed before diabetes symptoms – eating a lot and still losing weight, frequent urination, excessive thirst – show up, their doctors can monitor them and help them change their lifestyles. “We have had some successes,” she said. “The challenge is to keep them motivated after the first six months. The changes are something you have to do for the rest of your life.” Miles said that usually we don’t talk about what can be done to prevent diabetes. She will during her talk at the expo. At the end of it, she wants people to know that they can change their outcome. “If they don’t, they will have a higher risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and early death,” she said. In DeKalb County, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death for residents and African Americans are 1.7 times more likely than whites to die from the disease. Statewide, the disease afflicts 750,000 Georgians and nationally, it kills 182,000 Americans annually. Miles, who has practiced in Lithonia and Ellenwood for four years, said the growing epidemics of obesity and inactivity are contributing to the high incidence of diabetes. To combat the disease, she said doctors are now monitoring patients who have pre-diabetes if they have a fasting blood sugar of 100-126, are overweight, don’t exercise regularly and have a family history of diabetes. Across the country, there are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes and are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Miles said the good news is that prediabetics can reduce their risk of getting diabetes. “If they lose weight, exercise four to five times a week, and change their eating habits, they can turn it around,” she said. “They can delay or prevent their progress to diabetes.”

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January 24, 2009

“The people in the class are so great that it’s hard to miss a day.”

SilverSneakers program offers strategies to help seniors stay fit By Corey M. Edwards

If Jan Hooper didn’t have her SilverSneakers class at the Covington Athletic Club, she would hardly leave her house. “I tend to hibernate if I don’t have something to do,” said 67-yearold Hooper. “If I didn’t have SilverSneakers, I’d probably be in the house today instead of working out.” Instead Hooper tries never to miss any of the Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes. “The people in the class are so great that it’s hard to miss a day,” she said last week. At the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo on Jan. 31 at the Mall at Stonecrest, Hooper and some of her buddies from the close-knit group of senior citizens will show how exercising and staying fit certainly don’t have to end when you grow older. Besides, daily exercise will keep muscles and bones healthy and enable older people to keep their mobility much longer. The SilverSneaker’s demonstrations will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lower level. SilverSneakers, a socially oriented fitness lifestyle program for older adults, was founded in 1992 by Mary Swanson as a way to bridge the gap between managed care programs and insurance companies. By forcing the two entities to take a more proactive approach to the well-being of the nation’s older generation, she opened the door to better health and greater independence for thousands of seniors like Hooper. SilverSneakers is one of the benefits offered by Humana-Medicare to its 4.5 million Medicare members nationwide. It is designed for members at all fitness levels, and they can take part in group exercise classes and work with trained advisers who help then develop a personal fitness plan. Hooper, who lives in Covington, said she found out about the program from a walking buddy twoand-a-half years ago. Since then, she has religiously attended the aerobic classes, which are customized for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. The total body conditioning classes range from 45 to 60 minutes and are offered several times a week and are available from a number of health insurance companies. Brandon King, who manages the Humana SilverSneakers program in east metro Atlanta, says the classes help Humana’s members create a family bond that often leads to parties and social gather-

Photos by Corey M. Edwards / CrossRoadsNews

Seniors from the SilverSneakers class at Covington Athletic Club will demonstrate exercises to help improve mobility and keep bones and muscles healthy.

“We want our members to feel free to take whatever class or use whatever piece of equipment they want to achieve the goals they’re looking for.” Brandon King, program manager for Humana SilverSneakers

ings outside the club. “The classes give them a social hour outside of their homes and encourage them to meet new friends,” King said. “We’ve even had some members who’ve made love connections through SilverSneakers.” When participants aren’t in the aerobic room, they have full access to the club’s other conditioning classes as well as exercise equipment, pool, sauna and other available amenities. Nationwide, SilverSneakers

members have access to more than 2,900 participating fitness centers. Participating facilities have specially trained senior advisers to introduce SilverSneaker members to the equipment at each site and help them feel at home. King said accessibility is really the main focus of the program. “We want our members to feel free to take whatever class or use whatever piece of equipment they want to achieve the goals they’re looking for,” he said. The program also holds health education seminars and other events to promote healthy lifestyles for older adults. Members can also join the SilverSneakers online community and can share photos, discuss topics and get the latest health and wellness news. For more information on the SilverSneakers Fitness Program or to find a participating health plan, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 888-423-4632.

SilverSneakers classes are customized for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness

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“Usually when a man comes in for a doctor’s appointment because of a problem, he is cancerous and the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.”

Prostate cancer is ‘highly, highly curable’ when detected early By McKenzie Jackson

With prostate cancer touching the lives of a growing number of African-American families, the disease which disproportionately affects African-American men has put our community on the warpath. Women are now encouraging their husbands, significant others, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, cousins, male friends and neighbors to take the prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA, to help them diagnose the disease early and begin treatment. In the last year, the Teach Reach and Inform Men (TRIM) Initiative of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia (RCOG) and the Morehouse School of Medicine have been offering free PSA tests to men at churches and malls throughout south DeKalb County. On Jan. 31, TRIM will be at the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo offering the test, which can cost up to $200 from a private physician, free of charge to African-American men 40 years and older, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and all men over the age of 50. Dr. James Benton, an RCOG radiologist, says prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. “This cancer is highly, highly curable if presented early,” he said. Debbie Wright, RCOG’s community outreach coordinator, said screening is the best way to identify the presence of the disease, which usually doesn’t produce any notice- Debbie Wright able symptoms in its early stages. “Usually when a man comes in for a doctor’s appointment because of a problem, he is cancerous and the cancer has spread beyond the prostate,” she said. “By the time they are diagnosed they are so far along in their disease, their chance for a cure is lessened.” Nationally, almost 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually. African American men are 61 percent more likely than white men to develop the cancer and nearly 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease. The non-invasive PSA test that RCOG will offer at the expo is done from blood drawn from the arm. It generally takes two to five minutes and can identify abnormality with the prostate gland and help doctors identify the cancer early. Test results normally take four to six weeks. Treatment options that range from surgery, to radiation or freezing the prostate. Wright said the free screening is ideal for men who have no health insurance or are under insured.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Gospel radio deejay Reggie Gay was among men who got a PSA test from Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia at the 2008 Health & Wellness Expo.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

RCOG and the Morehouse School of Medicine have been offering the PSA test free of charge to men who meet certain criteria.

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January 24, 2009

“When we allow God’s radiant love to shine on us, it makes the darkness of life disappear. It draws us nearer to Him.”

The Top Notch Dance Krew will demonstrate high-energy dance moves that can help keep you fit.

Dancers from Conservatory of Dance and Fine Arts and All 4 You Dance Training and Performing Arts Center will perform during the 2009 Expo.

Fitness instructor Rae Rae Clark will team up with dancers to present a warmup routine to kick off the Expo.

Stage performances provide entertainment, motivation during Expo Staying active and fit doesn’t have to be a chore and a number of performers will demonstrate fun ways to get moving during the 2009 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stonecrest. Performers at the Jan. 31 event include the East Lake Elementary Cardinals Cheer and Dance Teams, the Top Notch Dance Krew, All 4 You Dance Training & Performing Arts Center, Conservatory of Dance, the Samson Fitness Center’s Zumba Dancers and the Silver Sneakers from the Covington Athletic Club. The East Lake Elementary Cardinals Cheer and Dance Teams

of kindergartners, and first- and second-graders, and third-, fourthand fifth-graders will show that it is easy for kids to beat back obesity by cheering and dancing. The high-energy Top Notch Dance Krew, under the direction of Mickie Lewis, will demonstrate dance moves that will keep you fit. They will help fitness instructor Rae Rae Clark kick off the expo at noon. The group, which was formed in October 2008, is based at the Academy of the Arts in Stone Mountain. They have performed at a number of venues and community events including a Candlelight Vigil for

Domestic Violence, Step Up to Better Health, the North DeKalb Mall, the city of Conyers Christmas Tree Lighting and several parades. All 4 You Dance Training & Performing Arts Center and the Conservatory of Dance are no strangers to the CrossRoadsNews Expo stages. They have performed at Health and Wellness, Summer Camp and Adoption Expos. Their dancers perform ballet, hip-hop and other dance styles, which are all great ways for kids and adults to stay active and fit. The Zumba Dancers from Samson’s Fitness Center will show off a high-energy workout that mixes to-

gether Brazilian, Latin and African dancing for a full-body workout. For those people combating stress, music is always a great way to get relaxed. Fourteen-year-old hip-hop artist Braden “BJ” Johnson and gospel-recording artist and psalmist L’Tanya Moore will offer music for the teens and adults. BJ, who is a student at Cedar Grove Middle School, has been rapping and playing the drums since he was 10. Since kicking off his musical career at the Horse Park in Conyers in 2005, he has opened for major hip-hop acts like Soulja Boy and Juney Boomdata. Hip hop artist “BJ” Johnson has been performing since he was 10.

Gospel artist to close out health event Gospel recording artist L'Tanya Moore will help bring the curtains down in fine style to end the 2009 Health and Wellness Expo on Jan. 31. Moore, who is Saint Philip AME's award-winning psalmist, will perform at 4:45 p.m. from the Main Stage in front of Sears on the mall’s lower level. People who attended the Jan. 5 inauguration of DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will remember her stirring rendition of the national anthem. Moore, who is the daughter of Saint Philip’s Pastor George Moore, is the church’s music and activities director. She is the director of the McDonald's Stellar Awards youth choir and a sought after choir directors, praise and worship leaders, and workshop practitioner in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Ministry Development. Her CD “Radiant,” an eclectic mix of spiritual songs, was released in spring 2006, the same year she was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist in the Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards. She said that even though “sometimes it’s difficult to deal with the uncertainties of life, we will make it and become all that God has called us to be.” “When we allow God’s radiant love to shine on us, it makes the darkness of life disappear,” she said. “It draws us nearer to Him. His love is bright enough to burn away the trials of life so we can dance through Saint Philip AME music and activities director L’Tanya Moore will close out the 2009 Health Wellness Expo. the ashes in victory.”

January 24, 2009

Health & Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

Zumba blends Brazilian, African and Latin dance moves to generate a high-energy cardio workout that burns lots of calories.

Dance routine melts pounds away Zumba, the high-energy workout that mixes Brazilian, Latin and African dancing, is coming to the Jan. 31, 2009 Health & Wellness Expo at the Mall at Stoncrest. Dancers from the Samson’s Health and Fitness Center in Lithonia will demonstrate the calorieburning moves from the Main Stage in front of Macy’s at 2 p.m. Ayana Roberts, the center’s fitness director, calls it a great cardio workout. “It involves a lot of dance movements and has an easy choreography for any one of any fitness level to pick up on,” she said, “It will get you moving.” Ever since fitness instructor Alberto Perez introduced it in a 1980’s aerobics class, Zumba, which is Spanish slang word for ‘buzz like a bee’ or ‘move fast,’ has found favor among adults looking for a fun way to stay active. After a 2002 workout DVD showcased the calorie-burning swiveling and shaking, Zumba’s popularity spread like wildfire. Roberts said their Zumba class has a staple at the fitness center, which is located on the campus of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. “We wanted to have a unique aerobics class that would not only attract the typical aerobics participant, but also something that our new members would like to participate in as well,” she said. “If they don’t like the typical aerobics schedule like step or spin class, it still provides the same great cardiovascular results.” Along with its Zumba class, which is held Mondays at 8 a.m., Samson’s Fitness Center offers classes in body scope, hip-hop dance, stretch and flow and the popular core and spinning class. The five-year-old center also has a sauna, four basketball courts, bicycles and treadmills, free weights and other workout equipment. “Quite a few of our participants just do free weights, but our

Dancers from Samson’s Fitness Center in Lithonia will demonstrate Zumba on the Main Stage in front of Sears.

aerobics programs have a strong following,” Roberts said. As a full-body workout, Roberts aid Zumba is a great cardiovascular exercise. “It is shown to reduce your risk of health disease, reduce your risk of hypertension, high blood pressure,” she said. “It gives you more energy throughout the day. Zumba makes you use your full body so that you are able to get a great work out in.” The Samson’s Health and Fitness Center is at 6400 Woodrow Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 678-824-1099.

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January 24, 2009