Business Journal 162

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Legal | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

February 2021

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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162nd Edition

FDA Approved COVID-19 Clinical Trial Makes History Dr. Richard E. Harris II, M.D., Pharm.D., MBA

12, 21

INSIDE

04

5 Tips for Starting Your Own Business

12

30

Need Mortgage Relief Due To COVID-19? Here’s What To Know

The Ymca Of Greater Houston Launches Htx+, A Transformative Virtual Platform

February 2021 | 3

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d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the com- concentration in Government and Policy. munity, publishing positive content and success stories promoting Taking the road less traveled is a consistent theme of how Pollard the advancement of our African American businesses and civic and operates. Whether it’s the way he runs his law practice or his biparcommunity leaders. tisan approach to city leadership, he sees value in As we are still in the midst of the pantaking an innovative or modern view when necesdemic, and with this month recognized sary, and that was never more evident than during as Black History Month, February’s covhis first year in office. In just one year, the city “Change will not come if we er story highlights an FDA approved council member has earned a reputation for getting wait for some other person COVID-19 clinical trial making history, things done at City Hall. or some other time. We are addressing the health disparities in our Pollard is a true example of being a public servant. the ones we’ve been waiting community.

His story and others in this month’s journal will for. We are the change that This month’s cover story highlights encourage you to participate in being a driving force we seek.” the Council Member representing for change in your community and that in whatever District J, Edward Pollard. Pollard is a you are called to do, do it with a spirit of service.

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CONTENTS

OUR SERVICES

04 BUSINESS 04 5 Tips for Starting Your Own Business 04 PenFed Foundation Announces ‘Black History Month Ignition Challenge’ to Support Black Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs 06 It’s a Win-Win 5 Ways Businesses Can Help Themselves by Giving Back 08 New World, New Business 5 Ways Small Businesses Are Adapting To COVID

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12 COMMUNITY 12 The Ymca Of Greater Houston Launches Htx+, A Transformative Virtual Platform 12 Crystle Stewart Makes History as First African American National Director of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants 10-11 COVER STORY 10-11 FDA Approved COVID-19 Clinical Trial Makes History 13-20 HELTH & WELLNESS 14 Fighting Flu and Staying Healthy All Year With Medicaid and CHIP 15 Medical Innovations Poised To Transform Healthcare in 2021 16 Stroke Awareness It’s Always an Emergency 18 Study Social Isolation Among Seniors Is Widespread, but These Resources Can Help 22 EDUCATION & CAREER 22 Finding Fulfillment Is This the Right Time To Switch Careers?

22 Keeping the Lights on for Afterschool Programs 24 FINANCE 24 Study: Most Americans Say They’re Optimistic About a Brighter Financial Future in 2021 24 More People Are Concerned About Their Financial Future: 4 Steps To Protect Yours

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26 POLITICS 26 Biden Administration to Appoint Kristen Clarke to Key Civil Rights Post 30 REAL ESTATE 30 Need Mortgage Relief Due To COVID-19? Here’s What To Know

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4 | February 2021 BUSINESS

5 Tips for Starting Your Own Business such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) to get to know the market for your business.

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

here's no doubt the pandemic has hit small businesses hard. Even in its early weeks, February to April 2020, the number of active businesses plummeted by 22%, according to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research. And unfortunately, the consequences of the early shutdowns impacted minorityowned businesses even harder, with Black-owned businesses seeing a 41% drop, Latinx businesses 32%, Asian businesses 26% and women-owned businesses 25%.

Does that bad news mean that now is the wrong time to consider starting a new business? Not necessarily.

Opportunities exist for small businesses today, including support and funding for start-ups - and especially for minority business owners.

youwant wantto tostart startaasmall smallbusiness, business,here hereare IfIfyou are steps toyou get started. you started. steps to get 1. Do your research First, make sure you understand the current market for your business. This step is crucial to turn an idea into a full-fledged business plan.

Ask questions like: * Is this product or service in demand right now? * Are there similar products and services out there, and are they succeeding? * Can this product or service be delivered safely for employees and customers? * Could the business support rapid growth if it really took off?

Ask other business owners about their challenges and rewards to explore whether this is a good option for you.

Use market analysis tools recommended by resources

2. Write a business plan No business can find funding, investors or partners without a solid business plan. Learning to write a comprehensive plan also forces you to fully think through every aspect of your proposed idea. The SBA is a great resource to research types of business plans.

Enlist the help of other business owners during the process if you can to understand how their plans helped them and what to avoid.

3. Fund your business Every business needs capital to get started. Your business plan's financial section should provide a clear idea of the capital you need to launch. Most businesses rely on multiple financial sources, including: * Personal funds * Bank loans or personal loans * Investors * Crowdfunding SBA loans can be a good option. For example, Huntington Lift Local Business is a small-business lending program focused on serving minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. Huntington is a top SBA 7(a) lender that has developed creative lending options and other features to help bring relief, recovery and growth to small businesses across the Midwest.

With Huntington's program, businesses can secure SBA-guaranteed loans from $1,000 and up to $150,000 with: * Zero origination fees * SBA fees paid by Huntington * Lower credit score requirements

* Free financial education courses * Checking accounts with 24-Hour Grace overdraft fee relief, and service fee waived for 36 months * Flexible, longer-term repayment options

"The economic uncertainty sparked by the pandemic has highlighted the need for increased financial opportunity for everyone starting or sustaining their small businesses," said Huntington's SBA program director, Maggie Ference. "Everyone deserves a shot at success, and our program delivers a new solution to customers when they need it most, whether for a startup or an established business looking to grow."

4. Develop a marketing plan Creating a brand identity and communicating it well is crucial to success. Consider hiring or contracting marketing services to help you choose your business name, create a logo, build your website and develop a strategic marketing plan to get the word out about your business.

5. Take care of business Dotting the Is and crossing the Ts is necessary for any business. Details include choosing your business location and registering your business, applying for all the required licenses and permits, including federal and state tax IDs - plus opening your business bank account.

Also, consulting an accountant with experience helping small businesses can ensure you have your business and financial ducks in a row.

Starting a small business is a daunting challenge, but it can also be a rewarding opportunity. Taking the time to fully explore and utilize all the resources at your disposal can help ensure that your new business will be a success.

Source: BPT

BUSINESS

PenFed Foundation Announces ‘Black History Month Ignition Challenge’ to Support Black Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs By d-mars.com News Provider

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he PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, recently announced the launch of the PenFed Foundation Black History Month Ignition Challenge. The challenge supports Black veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, and military spouse entrepreneurs by helping them to identify their business impact and goals, and providing an opportunity to compete to win funding and mentorship.

"PenFed is proud to celebrate Black History Month and support the Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program's Ignition Challenge for Black entrepreneurs," said PenFed President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck.

"The program is designed to highlight, celebrate and support Black veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs and their positive community impact."

Proposals for new businesses and ideas can be submitted via the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur

Investment Program (VEIP) website here through January 18. The VEIP Selection Committee will review all proposals and select the top 10-20 submissions.

Participants' pitches and photos will be posted on the VEIP website and the community is invited to vote for their favorite idea February 1 through 17. The winner with the most votes will receive $15,000 in funding, while second place will receive $10,500 and third will receive $5,000.

Additionally, VEIP staff will provide coaching and support to the winning entrepreneurs to help each fine-tune their business and help to further position them for future success.

Today at 2:00 p.m. ET, PenFed Digital will host a live discussion on the PenFed Facebook page as part of the challenge kick-off. Thereasa Black, a US Naval Officer and VEIP Master's Program participant, will join PenFed Credit Union's Senior Vice President of Global Fixed Assets/retired US Marine Corps Brigadier General Terry V. Williams and PenFed Foundation's Director of Outreach/retired US Army Command Sergeant Major David M. Clark to share insights about her experience as a Black veteran entrepreneur

and CEO of Bon AppéSweet.

"We're incredibly proud to work alongside veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses to empower them as they pursue their aspirations for civilian life and realize their career goals," said PenFed Foundation President and retired Army General John W. Nicholson, Jr. "This program provides a meaningful way to celebrate Black History Month and support veteran businesses and the greater Black and military communities."

Founded in 2018, VEIP has a three-pronged approach to create a robust network for veteran-owned start-ups and businesses: 1. Investment of seed capital, providing access to other capital investment programs and connecting entrepreneurs to funders; 2. Preparation through the Master's Program, a year-long fundraising accelerator; and 3. Education through virtual and in-person Pop-Up Lab workshops.

The PenFed Foundation was created in 2001 and, since then, has provided more than $38.5 million in financial support

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to veterans, active-duty service members, families and caregivers.

AboutPenFed PenFedFoundation Foundation About Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to empowering military service members, veterans and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity. It provides service members, veterans, their families and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, homeownership, veteran entrepreneurship and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides. Equal Housing Opportunity. To learn more, visit www. penfedfoundation.org.

Source: PenFed Foundation

February 2021 | 5

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6 | February 2021 BUSINESS

IT’S A WIN-WIN 5 Ways Businesses Can Help Themselves by Giving Back By d-mars.com News Provider

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ost businesses recognize the importance of finding ways to give back to their communities. But it often takes time for them to discover the full range of benefits they can realize when they commit to corporate giving.

The good news? Philanthropic donations from U.S. businesses are on the upswing. When polled in 2019, such corporations had gifted charities with an impressive $21.09 billion - a 13.4% increase over the year before. That giving has likely impacted the businesses themselves in a multitude of direct and indirect ways.

"Corporate donations are a great way to generously help nonprofit organizations that matter to you, your employees and your community," writes Molly St. Louis on Inc.com. "(And) enterprise businesses have come up with some pretty creative ways of doing social good.

You don't need a huge budget or full marketing team to execute a strong 'giving back' campaign."

Thinking of initiating or increasing a corporate giving campaign? Here are five key benefits to such a campaign that you may not have considered.

It's probably important to your employees.

Today's more socially conscious workers, especially millennials, tend to have strong preferences for employers that give back. Statistics gathered

by Charities.org show that 71% of U.S. employees place importance on working in a culture that's supportive of giving and volunteering, while 87% of U.S. corporate leaders believe their employees expect them to support causes and issues that matter to those employees.

It can strengthen the communities that support your business. Targeting donations toward your local community or communities can be mutually beneficial, since it bolsters your customer base even as it demonstrates appreciation to your supporters.

For former Maryland state senator the Honorable Francis X. Kelly Jr., helping lead a philanthropy-minded employee benefits, administration and payroll business has been in alignment with a career defined by public service, business and civic involvement. He and his wife Janet founded Kelly & Associates Insurance Group in 1976 as a way to help small businesses secure affordable health care benefits for their employees. After bringing those small organizations together through common industry, trade and profession associations, they were able to form larger groups, which then allowed for access to the same health insurance benefits as larger companies. "This was a way we could create a business by helping existing businesses, and how we could sink roots into the community and earn a living at the same time," Kelly explains.

These days, the Kellys and their Maryland-based company are committed to supporting a number of key charitable organizations including the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

It can teach you about your community.

Involving yourself in the joys and challenges faced by your customers and other community

members can teach you lessons that can be applied to your business strategy. "Being involved in your community and giving your time, talent and/or treasure exposes you to different perspectives and experiences," notes Kelly. "While you may think you are giving to someone else, if you really put your heart into it, you will take away far more than you could ever give."

It can help build relationships. Businesses tend to live or die based on the strength of the relationships they form with people and organizations.

"Giving of yourself expands your 'network' in a personalized way that social media could never replicate," Kelly advises.

It can inspire new perspectives, ideas and strategies. Interacting with the nonprofit community and learning about the different goals, challenges and achievements of various organizations - can be a way to open your eyes and challenge your own assumptions. "Giving back to the community gives you the opportunity to be involved in bold proclamations, big goals and inspired vision," Kelly explains. "That naturally will lead you to further drive your own business strategies, heighten your goals and develop a bolder vision for yourself and business."

Corporate giving can be more than just another imperative to cross off your "to-do" list as a company leader. Think about all the benefits such philanthropy can offer, and use them to enrich yourself and your company in myriad ways. For more information, visit kellyway.com/about-kelly/kelly-in-the-community.

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Source: BPT

February 2021 | 7

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8 | February 2021 BUSINESS

New World, New Business

5 Ways Small Businesses Are Adapting To COVID By d-mars.com News Provider

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OVID-19 has irrevocably altered the way that we do business. Some small businesses have floundered, while others have completely reinvented themselves.

In a recent survey by SCORE, just 34% of U.S. small business owners now categorize their companies as profitable, compared to 55% in 2019. As a result, they're working hard to adapt - reconfiguring their offerings to boost revenues and planning such new strategies.

"The unexpected has forced many to reevaluate plans, practices and procedures," notes Andrea Forstadt on USChamber.com. "Yet one of the advantages of being a small business is the ability to more easily lean in to, embrace and adapt to change. For many, the short-term alternate plans or adjustments are fast becoming the realities of the foreseeable future."

Here are five trends that have impacted small business this year.

Freelancing has surged. As people rely on contract work to replace lost jobs, the number of freelancers in the U.S. is growing steadily. NPR reports that two million more Americans began freelancing between September of 2019 and September of 2020, boosting the freelance portion of the U.S. workforce to 26%. Studies also show that women lost jobs at a faster rate than men during the past year; and are more likely to pursue full-time freelance careers due to autonomy and flexible schedules.

Cashless commerce is growing. To reduce person-toperson contact, businesses of all kinds are discouraging or completely eliminating cash payment options in favor of card or digital payments. "Ongoing shifts toward e-commerce, digital payments (including contactless), instant payments and cash displacement have all been significantly boosted in the past six months," confirms an October McKinsey report. In one example, the raw

volume of invoices sent on Invoice2go, which saw more than $24 billion in invoicing volume in 2019, has risen from 58 million to 78 million invoices sent per month - a boost of about 30%. As consumers seek efficiency and convenience, Invoice2go also has seen a 50% boost in digital payments via its payment platform - a crucial assist to help small businesses stay competitive.

Demand is up for digital tools. As small businesses lean more on online business functions and/or e-commerce during social isolation, they're calling for leading-edge tools that can help them navigate the logistics. Women-owned businesses are often primary customers for financial management tools - studies show they're 43% more likely than male business owners to be concerned that limited access to funds could hurt their businesses. Around 43% of U.S. small businesses plan to expand their businesses through digital and related technology as a response to COVID-19, according to the Verizon Business Survey. In fact, 30% of these businesses have already added ways to deliver products and services digitally. To meet this demand, Invoice2go has recently added "Reviews" and "Profiles" features prompting a star-based review after each transaction and enabling creation of an auto-generated website to help small businesses get discovered and build

credibility. This is especially crucial for solopreneurs (37% of the platform's users), who can't always devote valuable time for customer follow-up and encourage the word-of-mouth that generates future business.

Businesses are diversifying. Many small businesses have devised new offerings as previous income streams dwindled. For example, hotels are now offering day-rate rooms for people who need to work remotely, distilleries are producing hand sanitizer in addition to spirits and restaurants are offering better, easier take-out options.

"Difficult times often lead to changes in the way the world operates," says Wade Thomas in Forbes. His advice to business owners is, "Develop products and services that not only solve today's challenges, but will also thrive in the new, post-difficult-times world."

Virtual experiences are expanding. Companies have transformed in-person events into digital experiences.

From virtual happy hours, to podcast product releases, to YouTube customers videos, everything is going online. "The real opportunity is to somehow provide the experience and connectivity of former live events to a virtual one that actually can sustain itself over time, even after the end of the pandemic," explains Bernhard Schroeder in Forbes.

Need a suite of effective digital tools that will help you run your small business smoothly and efficiently?

Invoice2go offers user-friendly products that can streamline your day-to-day workflow so you can focus on your business. Functions include estimates, expenses, invoices, payments, appointments, ratings and reviews. It's going above and beyond for passionate small business owners and freelancers looking to improve and streamline processes in the new year. Learn more at Invoice2go.com.

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Source: BPT

February 2021 | 9

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10 | February 2021

Addressing

Health Disparities

in the African AmericanPopulation By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he alarming releases by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to report the racial and ethnic disparities in illness and death in COVID-19. It is widely known that underlying medical conditions increasing this risk for severe illness from COVID-19 may be more common among people from racial and ethnic minority groups. And the common underlying conditions among those who require mechanical ventilation or died included diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic kidney disease on dialysis, and congestive heart failure. But through a new FDA-approved clinical trial, this first of its kind study is specific in developing a cure to help African Americans with the coronavirus. Nitric Oxide Innovations (NOi), founded and led by Dr. Nathan S. Bryan, established this study to prevent the rapid progression of the virus, improve recovery and survival of African Americans, or anyone who is symptomatic. Among the adept and renowned medical team supporting Dr. Bryan’s study is Dr. Richard E Harris II. Not only as a doctor, but as an African American seeing how the coronavirus impacts our community, Dr. Harris recognizes this clinical trial’s focus is imperative for a cure to help combat the disease, reducing the number of infections among African Americans.

NOi is positioned to advance patented nitric oxide (NO) science into new and innovative therapies for human disease across different markets. NO is considered one of the most important molecules naturally produced by the human body. Loss of NO is one of the most important contributors to aging and age-related disease. It is a cellsignaling molecule responsible for many important and essential cellular functions including acting as a vasodilator and regulating oxygen delivery. Our endothelial cells, the cells that line the interior surface of our blood vessels, are the main source of NO production. Endothelial NO production is what maintains the integrity of our endothelium. Loss of NO is referred to as endothelial dysfunction.

Every major chronic disease is characterized by endothelial dysfunction. NO is also important in our immune system. NO produced by macrophages and neutrophils

is responsible for killing invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

NO is vital for the maintenance and regulation of blood flow. It's also important for our immune system. “The older you get, the less nitric oxide you make, and once you hit 40, NO levels start to rapidly decrease. But also certain diseases, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are known to decrease NO, as well as lack of exercise and certain dietary decisions. So if you're eating a lot of processed foods or not enough fruits and vegetables, you can decrease NO. And we also know that there are some genetic abnormalities and genetic differences that African Americans have that contribute to lower NO levels,” said Dr. Harris. This contributes to the reasoning as to why we are seeing the health disparities with COVID-19, where the African-American population is being hit at a much higher rate with the disease. “NOi’s clinical trial is targeting African Americans in the 50 to 85 age range with pre-existing conditions. This is the highest risk group and the group that we're most likely to see in the hospital, being most at risk for severe COVID infection and the worst outcomes. So this is the group that we really want to focus on keeping out of the hospital, because once they are admitted to the hospital, the stays for this group are very long, and the risk of severe complications is very high.

We're still scratching the surface on the long-term implications of COVID,” Dr. Harris said

This clinical trial is being done to help provide a solution and answers to help address the health disparities that we see, with safe and effective therapy. Unless we do the research and unless people are willing to come forward, we cannot develop a solution. And if we don’t address the health disparities, they’ll continue to grow over time. The participants in this study are going to advance science.”

—Dr. Richard Harris M.D., Pharm.D, MBA

Dr. Bryan has earned the support of Dr. Harris and the medical community in this study as he is a global leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry. “We recognized early on that our patented NO technology would have a very important role in the treatment and protection from the coronavirus. We filed for our investigational new drug application (IND) through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program back in June 2020 and received clearance in July. The FDA immediately recognized how our study design and technology could potentially impact the African American community, allowing us to move forward with our study,” said Dr. Bryan.

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February 2021 | 11

Q&A with Dr. Bryan and Nitric Oxide Innovations: Q: Please educate our readers on NOviricid, created by

Nitric Oxide Innovations, the first oral NO-generating drug to be specifically tested to treat African Americans diagnosed with COVID-19.

A: NO is a gas that is normally produced inside the lining of the blood vessels. The older we get, the less NO we produce and the loss of NO responsible for symptoms and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, pulmonary disorders, the exact same comorbidities that put people at increased risk for contracting COVID-19.

African Americans suffer from NO deficiency more than any other population, and that explains their increased risk of COVID infection, rate of hospitalization, and higher death rate. NOviricid is a NO generating tablet that is designed to restore and replete NO in the African American patient. The amount of NO produced by NOviricid inhibits coronavirus replication, preventing its rapid spread throughout the body and also allows for better circulation to mobilize the immune system to fight the virus. NOviricid is natural and is designed to restore the natural production of NO, making it very safe.

Q: Late last year your company aimed to enroll 840

African American COVID-19 patients, each within 72 hours of them testing positive for the infection. Did you meet that goal/exceed it?

A: We are currently in the midst of our 840 patient trial.

We need more patients to know about our study and to enroll so we can quickly fulfill enrollment and get the data to apply for approval of our drug. We feel very confident that this drug can save the lives of millions of African Americans. One of the benefits of enrolling in this study is that we provide you with a pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen levels, a blood pressure device, and a thermometer to monitor your progress. We also have someone call you and check on you several times per week during the 30-day study. We understand that being diagnosed with COVID-19 can be scary so we continually check on you to monitor your health and progression of symptoms.

Q: According to the CDC, African

Americans experience a 2.8 times higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, a 4.7 times higher hospitalization rate, and 2.1 times higher death rate than Caucasians. Is this the main reasoning behind your company’s study targeting the African American community?

A: Yes, indeed. The medical and scientific community have known for decades that African Americans have a higher incidence of all major diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, pulmonary disease, etc. However, no one has done anything about this health disparity. Our objective is to take the most vulnerable patients, which is the African American between ages 50-85 with at least one underlying comorbidity recently diagnosed with COVID to show how effective our drug can be in this population.

If we can show safety and efficacy in this population, it will work very nicely in the general population. Our aim is to save the lives of the African American community who are needlessly dying from COVID-19. We have the science and understanding of what causes the health disparities, and we have the technology to treat and make the community healthier. We can no longer ignore the health disparities of African Americans when we have the technology to specifically address this.

Q: Where is NOi with this study? Are there any results you can report or provide to our readers?

A: We are only a few months into the study, and we

are not allowed to review any data until the study is complete. However, our clinical trial coordinators who call on the patients reveal that many patients feel better and are staying out of the hospital. This is very encouraging. We have several clinical sites set up across the United States. We have a clinical site in Houston at the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine (5252 Hollister, St. #201, Houston, TX 77040, (713) 690-1991). We also have clinical sites in Chicago, Los Angeles, Jackson, MS, Augusta, GA, and Lakeland, FL. African Americans in the target group of 50-85 with an underlying condition and recently diagnosed with COVID-19, please visit www. aacovidstudy.com and see if you qualify. You can also contact the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine at the number above.

Q: Though there may be some side effects (normal signs

that the body is building protection) after taking the vaccine, is there anything else people should be aware of before taking the current COVID-19 vaccines (produced

by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) available in the U.S.?

A: NOviricid is considered a therapeutic, not a vaccine.

We have over 10 years of safety data on our NO drug technology. This new class of COVID vaccines using messenger RNA does not have a history of safety in humans. There is very little safety information on the COVID vaccines, and so we just do not know how patients will react to the vaccine. We do know how patients respond to NOviricid, and there are no side effects. I encourage every person to do their own research and consider the available data on both therapeutics and vaccines. There is very little safety information on the vaccines. I wrote about this just a few months ago. Visit the link at https://drnathansbryan.com/ vaccines-vs-therapeuticsunderstanding-thedifferences/ to read more.

"The health disparities of African Americans have been apparent for decades.

No one has done anything about it until now. Our goal is to provide safe and effective therapies to eradicate the unnecessary illnesses and deaths in the African American community."

—Nathan S. Bryan, Ph.D., Founder, Inventor, and CEO of Nitric Oxide Innovations, LLC

Q: What are your thoughts/opinions on news stories

we see when there are reports of people becoming ill/ dying as a result of a COVID-19 vaccine? This is very concerning. A: The new COVID vaccines are not like vaccines from the past. This is a brand new concept and technology that has not been adequately tested in humans. There are always people that have an adverse reaction to vaccines, including the flu vaccine. I think

it is important to always consider the risk benefit of taking a vaccine or therapy. We know from the seasonal flu vaccine that at best it may protect 40% of the population from the flu. The best available data on COVID is that it may protect 65% of the population, assuming there are no new variants or strains of the coronavirus. We already know there are new variants that the vaccine may not protect against, and there is new data showing that COVID is actually learning how to resist vaccines. This drastically reduces the benefit of getting the vaccine while we really don’t know what the risks are and if patients will become ill or die from the vaccine. In this case, the risks far outweigh any benefits. In my professional opinion, the vaccines were rushed to market without sufficient short-term and long-term safety data. We need more safety data before we begin a mass vaccination effort.

Q: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about NOi or NOviricid?

A: NOviricid is unlike any other drug technology. Most

drugs act as inhibitors of specific biochemical reactions in the body. When you inhibit a normal biochemical process, there are always side effects. NOviricid is not an inhibitor, but actually a NO donor that repairs and restores normal NO production in the human body. We call this applied physiology. Our strategy of drug development is to understand the mechanism of disease to the extent we can develop safe and effective therapeutics to address the underlying cause of disease.

Everything we have learned about COVID-19 points to a deficiency in NO production that explains the increased risk of infection, increased rate of hospitalization, and increased death in the African American community.

NOviricid specifically addresses the root cause of COVID disease. NOviricid is the first in our line of potential drug candidates for a host of human diseases. We will continue to be the market leader in safe and effective NO drug technologies.

With this history-making medical treatment and new approach to COVID-19, the efforts of Dr. Harris and Dr. Bryan could not be possible without some of the most experienced and top medical professionals in the world.

The members of the medical team include: • Lane Rolling, M.D. • Michael A. McGee, MD, MPH, FACEP. • Dr. Byron Dean, DO • Dr. Cheng Ruan M.D.

*Full bios are on the website.

African Americans experiencing a 2.8 times higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, a 4.7 times higher hospitalization rate, and 2.1 times higher death rate than Caucasians is the reasoning behind NOi’s focus on our community. A limited breakthrough study, NOi is predicted to impact and improve the health of African Americans during the pandemic and in the future.

This clinical trial as the first of its kind is specifically addressing the health disparities in people of color, one of the most affected, high-risk populations of the virus.

And with trial participation supporting the progress of medicine and treatment, this can go beyond COVID-19, with a worldly impact to the medical world’s approach in treating our community effectively.

For more information about this study and to see if you qualify to participate, please visit www. aacovidstudy.com. To read more on Nitric Oxide Innovations, LLC, visit www.nitricoxideinnovations.com.

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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

12 | February 2021 COMMUNITY

The Ymca Of Greater Houston

Launches Htx+, A Transformative Virtual Platform The first-of-its-kind virtual platform is geared to tackle social isolation by providing Houstonians resources to strengthen spirit, mind and body in the comfort of their homes By d-mars.com News Provider

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he YMCA of Greater Houston recently announced the launch of HTX+, a new on-demand, one-of-a-kind virtual platform with fitness and wellness courses and resources for all ages. The multilayered platform includes fitness, HTX Kids, ForeverWell, YLife, mindfulness, virtual personal training, educational resources and more. Since the start of the pandemic, The Y has taken unrelenting action to eradicate inequities in the community and support critical needs. The virtual service is another step in the Y’s mission to provide access to all and combat food insecurity, racial inequities, health disparities, social isolation and learning gaps.

“Given the safety precautions and restrictions of COVID-19 last year, the Y pivoted to ensure the community could still access YMCA programs and rolled out virtual classes on YouTube to keep everyone active and feeling connected,” states Stephen Ives, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “During the peak of the pandemic last year, the virtual classes witnessed record-breaking check-ins by members of all ages and backgrounds spending 43,000+ hours per week connecting and staying active. With this in mind, The YMCA elevated its online platform with HTX+ by offering more classes and resources. Through the new platform we can better serve the community and provide more opportunities to connect whether inside or out of a YMCA location.”

HTX+ offers interactive elements for kids to seniors, differentiating the online platform from any other virtual platform in Houston. To keep moving, HTX+ offers an array of fitness classes including: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength, cardio, cycle, yoga, barre, low impact, bootcamp, mind and body, dance, Pilates and more. HTX+ also features ForeverWell which is designed for adults 55+ and includes a variety of exercise classes such as low impact, strengthening, cardio, fall prevention and more. For a guided fitness regimen, HTX+ includes virtual personal training lead by a certified personal trainer who will create a customized plan to help achieve short and long-term wellness goals.

In YLife, members

will discover everything from games, recipes, mindfulness videos, documentaries and more. For the young members, HTX Kids includes arts and crafts for kids of all ages, STEM, as well as plenty of sports videos to help teach kids the basics and get them ready for the next sports season. Videos for the platform are updated each week to ensure fresh and engaging content year-round with LIVE classes coming soon.

As an added bonus, all members can access the full library of workouts, water safety, swim lessons, sports and educational videos whenever or wherever – at home, in the gym or on the go by steaming from a laptop, mobile, tablet or tv through the Houston YMCA app or HTXplus.org. The Y is transforming its membership to become a powerful tool to create equity and impact in our community. HTX+ is one of the many ways that helps create a stronger, healthier and more connected community for all.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Houston, visit www.ymcahouston.org or follow the organization on Facebook @YMCAHouston and Instagram @YMCAHouston.

Source: YMCA of Greater Houston

COMMUNITY

Crystle Stewart Makes History as First African American National Director of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants By d-mars.com News Provider

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rystle Stewart has made major strides since being crowned Miss USA in 2008 and long proven that she is more than a pretty face. In a span of a little over a decade, the Missouri City-native has gone on to establish a successful career as an actress, model, entrepreneur, and now, the president and national director of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.

Stewart recently announced her new role in an interview with Good Morning America. The historic move marks the first time an African American woman or person of color has served in that role in the pageant system's 68-year history.

"I am ecstatic about my new role as the president and national director of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants

and look forward to showing show off their healthy lifestyle, American households the and learn life skills all while power of pageantry," shared strutting in a fabulous evening Stewart. gown and high heels."

Working on the deal for Her family celebrates her more than a year in conjuncnewest venture, including her tion with the Miss Universe mother, Cynthia Stewart, who Organization, according to commends her daughter's tirean Instagram post by Paula less work. "This journey keeps Shugart, president of the orgetting miraculously incredible. God is definitely orderganization, Stewart acquired the licensing for both pageants ing Crystle's steps, and I thank Photo credit: Him daily," said the retired last summer. She was able to MISS Academy by Crystle Stewart informally announce her new school administrator. role to pageant directors at the close of No stranger to making historic the 2020 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA moves, Stewart assumed leadership of pageant competition. the Miss Houston USA pageant in 2018 The multi-faceted Stewart describes her upon relocating from Los Angeles after vision for the Miss USA and Miss Teen appearing in Tyler Perry's For Better or USA pageants as #pageantry re-imagined. Worse, Close to Home, and later makShe is poised to take pageantry in a new ing her big screen debut in a lead role in direction that provides a "platform where Acrimony. The talented actress received young women can amplify their voice, a star on the Walk of Fame at Perry's Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Atlanta-based film studio in 2019.

Stewart's enterprising spirit also led to the launch of MISS Academy, a training ground for young women and teens seeking to compete in pageants, or enhance their self-confidence and poise which align with her goals to empower and inspire young women through the power of pageantry.

Stewart never imagined that she would one day own the license of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant and play a leadership role in the pageant system that she competed in, and is excited to "showcase the beauty, intelligence, and fierceness of today's generation of American young women" as she executes her vision and transforms pageantry for a new generation.

For more information or to set up an interview, email Crystleassist@ themissbrand.com.

Content provided by: Diane Tezeno, Savvy Productions

d-mars.com

February 2021 | 13 June 2020 | 13

FREE

® ®

HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

February 2021

|

Inspire, Inform & Educate

|

12th Edition

STUDY

Social Isolation Among Seniors Is Widespread, but These Resources Can Help 18

INSIDE

14

Fighting Flu and Staying Healthy All Year With Medicaid and CHIP

15

Medical Innovations Poised To Transform Healthcare in 2021 Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16

Stroke Awareness It’s Always an Emergency

14 | February 2021 HEALTH

Fighting Flu and Staying Healthy

All Year With Medicaid and CHIP

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

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ach year, millions of Americans get sick from “seasonal influenza” (“the flu”). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million people got sick with the flu during the 2019-2020 flu season. The flu is more dangerous than the common cold and children are at higher risk for developing serious complications. More than 12 million children under the age of 18 were diagnosed with flu last year, and of those children diagnosed, more than 52,000 were hospitalized. However, there are preventive steps parents can take to protect their children and family from the flu.

Flu viruses change each year, so the best way to keep your kids and teens healthy is to make sure they get their yearly flu shot. The flu is a serious illness, but getting the flu shot helps lower the number of

hospital visits and deaths. Remember, even healthy kids can get sick from the flu and spread it to family and others.

This year, it’s more important than ever for children 6 months and older, as well as adults, to get a seasonal flu shot. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot early in the season, but getting it at any time during the flu season can help.

Medicaid offers free or low-cost health insurance for eligible kids up to age 21; the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers eligible kids up to age 19. Medicaid and CHIP covers vaccinations for children, like the flu shot, but also other services like preventive care, well-child visits, dental and vision care, and mental and behavioral health care. Eligibility varies by state and depends on your household size and income. On average, a family of four earning up to $50,000 a year or more may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Enrollment is open all year, but you have to renew your health coverage yearly.

Catch Up on Missed Care This is also a good time to catch up on other care and necessary preventive services your child may have missed because of COVID-19, like routine well-child visits and vaccinations. Routine well-child

visits help health care providers ensure children are growing and developing normally, including meeting important developmental milestones and provide ageappropriate

counseling and immunizations to keep children healthy. With Medicaid and CHIP coverage, parents can schedule preventive visits for their children. Your provider will tell you how to be safe and how to get important care to protect your kids’ health now and for the future.

Preventive care can keep you, your family and community healthy. Get covered with Medicaid and CHIP and catch up on care to prevent disease. Don’t forget to schedule your child’s yearly flu shot and protect your child’s health.

To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP, visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) to speak with an enrollment specialist and get covered today.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

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Source: StatePoint

 February 2021 | 15 HEALTH

Medical Innovations Poised To Transform Healthcare in 2021

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

E

xperts in healthcare are continuously striving to develop new innovations that can improve and save lives. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists, physicians, and researchers continued to advance medical knowledge, enhance screening and diagnostic tools, and improve disease management platforms, bringing new hope to patients in 2021.

When it comes to medicine, there's a lot to be excited for in the new year. Here are the top innovations you should know about and the potential impact they may have on healthcare.

Novelblood bloodtest testdetects detects over over 50 types of cancers Novel cancers While current guideline-recommended cancer screenings in the U.S. are critical, they are limited, testing for just five cancers and screening for a single cancer at a time. The Galleri test from GRAIL strives to transform cancer care and save lives by detecting a multitude of cancers at once and at earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

In clinical validation studies, an earlier version of Galleri demonstrated the ability to detect more than 50 types of cancers - over 45 of which lack recommended screening today - with a very low false positive rate of less than 1%, all through a single blood draw. Galleri will be commercially available in 2021 and could have a tremendous human and economic impact.

Learn more at grail.com/ galleri.

Life-changing vaccinations for COVID-19 With pharmaceutical companies accelerating vaccine development timelines to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, and healthcare researchers around the world collaborating and exploring solutions, hope is on the horizon: long-awaited vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Now in the process of being distributed, the vaccine will first be available to vulnerable populations and frontline workers most at risk of the virus.

Smart-deviceconnected connectedpacemakers pacemakers Smart-device Pacemakers and defibrillators are implantable devices that regulate and correct heartbeats through electrical pulse. Remote monitoring of these devices is essential to ensure proper functioning, which in the past has occurred through bedside technology that communicates data to healthcare teams. This can be cumbersome, confusing, and time-consuming for patients.

In 2021, patients will have new pacemaker options that work through wireless communication to a mobile app that provides data to their physicians. In addition to streamlining the data collection process, these apps are intended to engage the patient more deeply in their healthcare so they better understand their wellness journey.

Telehealthand andremote remote patient patient monitoring Telehealth Resource constraints and a global pandemic has positioned telehealth to be more widely adopted, with many experts predicting remote healthcare to become standard practice for a multitude of applicable purposes, including routine checkups and mental health appointments. Insurance policy changes are also supporting this option for connecting patients and their providers, even when physically distant.

Although standard telehealth appointments might take place via secure video conference, the potential of virtual healthcare is even more dynamic. Remote patient monitoring uses special technology to connect healthcare teams to patients in their homes and can be used in chronic disease management, post-op recovery, and much more. Patients input vitals and other data and complex algorithms advise healthcare teams of trend departures so they can act quickly and effectively, helping improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

Source: BPT

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16 | February 2021 HEALTH

Stroke Awareness

It’s Always an Emergency By d-mars.com News Provider

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he sudden onset of stroke symptoms can happen to anyone at any time, making education about the signs and symptoms of a "brain attack" the first line of defense to stroke prevention.

"I'm a fanatical fan of football, so you can imagine how excited I was to enter the stadium to see my favorite team play; but I lost my balance and fell. I'm lucky the people near me jumped into action and called 911," recalled stroke survivor William Martin. "They are the real heroes in my medical emergency story; they knew the signs of a stroke."

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide. Today, only 10% of stroke survivors make a full recovery and 25% recover with minor impairments. Forty percent of survivors experience moderate to severe impairments that require special

care. Strokes are common and deadly but the good news is almost all strokes can be prevented.

Whatisisstroke stroke What A stroke happens when the blood vessels carrying nutrients to the brain either form a clot or rupture, causing a sudden blockage in the arteries leading to the brain. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

Howtotoprevent preventstroke stroke How Generally, there are three treatment stages for stroke: prevention, therapy immediately after stroke, and poststroke rehabilitation. Engaging in active prevention is the most effective treatment.

What can you do to prevent stroke?

1. Monitor your blood pressure 2. Control your cholesterol 3. Keep your blood sugar down 4. Keep active 5. Eat healthy 6. Lose weight if necessary 7. Do not smoke 8. Talk to your physician about aspirin and other medications

theevent eventofofstroke: stroke:Act ActF.A.S.T F.A.S.T InInthe "Every minute from the time the stroke occurs to when you receive treatment makes a difference," said neurointerventional radiologist at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Jared Halpin, M.D. "Many types of stroke are now treatable with emergency medical interventions to either quickly dissolve or remove the blood clot or stop the bleeding that is causing symptoms."

Seek treatment, F.A.S.T. Follow the acronym below to check for signs of stroke: • FACE Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?

• ARM Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• SPEECH: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

• TIME to Call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

"My doctor restored the blood flow in my brain by threading a tube through an artery in my leg and used a medical device called Solitaire™ X to remove the clot.

I was surprised I didn't need brain surgery," said Mr. Martin. "The best part - I watched the final quarter of the game on TV while in the hospital recovery room."

Eighty million people have survived stroke worldwide.

For more information on stroke prevention tips and treatment options please visit the World Stroke Organization at www.world-stroke.org.

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Source: BPT

February 2021 | 17

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18 | February 2021

STUDY HEALTH

Social Isolation Among Seniors Is Widespread, but These Resources Can Help

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

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ecause of the pandemic, we've all experienced social isolation - the loss of close contact with family and friends. We're feeling that isolation even more acutely during the winter season, when we typically get together with those we love.

For older adults who have had to take extra isolating precautions against exposure to COVID-19, these losses have been magnified, and in many cases, they're layered on top of longstanding disconnections.

With 36% of adults in America age 50 or older and 17% over 65, it's reasonable to assume that social isolation is widespread. A recent survey of U.S. adults conducted

by AARP Foundation and the United Health Foundation confirms it: The study found that two-thirds of respondents are experiencing social isolation, with nearly that number feeling more anxiety because of the pandemic.

The consequences are disturbing.

"Social isolation has reached epidemic proportions during the pandemic," says AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. "Decades of research on prolonged social isolation and loneliness show that it's worse for health than obesity, and as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day."

The survey also reveals that most isolated older adults are not asking others for assistance, perhaps because they don't realize help is available.

If you or a loved one are experiencing social isolation, whether it's COVID-related or a daily reality that was already present, here are some important facts to know based on the AARP Foundation/United Health Foundation survey - followed by tips that can help increase social connection.

Few have sought help about their feelings. Of those reporting social isolation during the pandemic, 50% say it has affected their motivation, 41% report greater anxiety and 37% have experienced feelings of depression.

Yet only 11% have turned to medical professionals to help address these concerns, and nearly a third haven't sought help from anyone.

Women are more susceptible than men. Women 50 and older are more than twice as likely as men to feel overwhelmed as a result of the pandemic. Forty-six percent of women in that age bracket have felt anxious (compared to 36% of men), and 50% have felt stressed (compared to 40% of men). Twenty-nine percent of women 50 or older have gone for as long as three months without interacting with others outside their homes or workplaces.

Low-income adults have seen greater impact. People 50 and older in income brackets of lower than $40,000 a year have been more affected by isolation than those

with incomes of $75,000 or more. Forty percent of lower-income respondents report having trouble accessing various resources, 20% point to problems getting food and about 20% have struggled to secure health care services.

Steps you can take. AARP Foundation launched Connect2Affect to address the growing problem of social isolation. Connect2Affect offers helpful tools and resources. Here are some steps you can take to help yourself or a loved one combat social isolation: • More medical professionals are now attuned to the physical and emotional toll social isolation can take. Discuss with your primary care doctor how you're feeling and that it might be related to social isolation.

• Connect2Affect lists health care, food assistance and other community services available to seniors.

• Request a supportive phone call from one of AARP's Friendly Voice volunteers. This program is available free of charge, and you can arrange for ongoing check-in calls.

• If the holidays or winter season have made social isolation worse for you or a family member, take the 3-minute test on the Connect2Affect site to assess your level of connectedness, then check out some practical (and safe) tips for interacting with others.

• AARP Foundation offers free chatbots to the general public and in some senior living communities that can provide the comfort of daily conversation.

Social isolation can affect anyone. Find more helpful information at AARPFoundation.org.

Source: BPT

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February 2021 | 19

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20 | February 2021

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February 2021 | 21

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22 | February 2021 EDUCATION & CAREER

EDUCATION & CAREER

Finding Fulfillment

Keeping the Lights on for

Is This the Right Time To Switch Careers?

Afterschool Programs By d-mars.com News Provider

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By d-mars.com News Provider

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he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in countless ways. From quarantine and social distancing to remote working, furlough and job loss, many people are reassessing how they spend their time and make money. Turning proverbial lemons into lemonade, people of all ages and backgrounds have decided to pivot their careers to do something that they truly enjoy.

Time Timeprovides providesthe thegift giftofofinsight insight With extra time at home, people are taking stock of their jobs and paths for the future. They are exploring hobbies and passions that may have been put on hold.

Finding enjoyment in these activities and realizing strengths and talents can be the inspiration for a new chapter. For example: • Limited restaurant hours and options paired with ample kitchen time has inspired foodies to flex their culinary muscles. Some have started showing off their creations on social media and recording how-to videos to share with friends and family. Live cooking videos have been a fun way to connect socially with others from a distance.

• Having last-minute needs for items like desks, DIYers started working on projects in garages and sheds, realizing they have a maker mindset and handy capabilities. Talking with others and sharing images of finished projects, they've discovered their talents are in demand.

• Unexpected changes due to hour reduction, job loss and more have financial consequences for many families. After creating agile budgets that help their family thrive in uncertain times, some may even share their budgeting tips and find joy in helping others discover financial security.

The silver lining of the pandemic is the gift of time for reflection and self-discovery. However,

it's one thing to enjoy a talent or passion, it's another to figure out how to monetize it.

Desireinspires inspiresthe theneed needfor forchange change Desire Being your own boss is appealing. If you've discovered a talent and you want to make it a career, it's important to explore options that can help set you up for success. Taking orders for custom-made desks can be a rewarding side gig or even full-time career, if you have the space, tools and organization skills. Passionate cooks can explore culinary school and consider hosting online cooking classes to help garner some money and grow their reputation.

For people who desire to help others with budgeting or financial concerns there's no better time to explore the possibilities for a bright, vibrant new career as a financial professional. Organizations such as The Guardian Life Insurance Company provide training on how to build your career and find clients. They partner you with mentors in a team setting so that you can learn from peers as you help clients reach financial confidence. They even provide proprietary software that will help you build plans for clients so they can visualize their future success.

Financialrepresentatives representativesare areinindemand demand Financial A financial representative is someone who owns their own business and makes their own hours. You can decide areas of specialty and what you're most passionate about.

Financial representatives come from all backgrounds and exploring this career doesn't require previous experience. There is a growing need in the industry to have people from diverse groups become financial representatives in order to best represent a diverse group of clientele.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com.

timeyou youchanged changedyour yourfuture? future?

IsIsitittime Many people have been reassessing their life path during the pandemic and desire to make a change so they can spend their time doing something they love while making an honest living. If this is something you've been thinking about, there's no better time to consider options and opportunities.

Source: BPT

fterschool programs help students succeed in school and in life and provide invaluable support to communities. As we’ve seen this year, these programs play an especially important role when students, families, and communities are struggling.

Programs across the country have stepped up in the pandemic, providing virtual educational activities, delivering meals and enrichment kits, helping families bridge the digital divide, connecting people to social services, and continuing in-person care for the children of essential workers and first responders.

Unfortunately, a large majority of afterschool programs that were open in the fall of 2020 report they are straining to meet the needs of the students and families they have long supported. National surveys of parents and afterschool providers conducted by Edge Research for the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit awareness and advocacy group, find that programs and parents are challenged by virtual learning; program budgets are inadequate to address new safety protocols and students’ emerging needs; and students from low-income families are now less likely t h a n others to have access to afterschool programs.

To underscore the value of afterschool programs and the need to invest in them, the Afterschool Alliance recently organized the 21st annual “Lights On Afterschool,” the only national rally for afterschool. It took place throughout the fall and included local, state, and national events – many of them virtual this year – showcasing the skills students hone and talents they develop at their afterschool programs. From virtual STEM fairs and art contests to car caravans and letter-writing to isolated nursing home residents, events focused on academics, civic engagement, STEM education, social and emotional wellbeing, bullying prevention, mental and physical health, and more.

“The strength and resilience afterschool programs demonstrated in 2020 was remarkable. Despite scarce resources, programs found ways to help students through what has been, for many families, the hardest of times,” says Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. “However, there aren’t nearly enough afterschool programs to meet the need, especially now, with so many schools functioning virtually and with school schedules changing without warning. We need to invest much more in afterschool and summer learning programs.”

To learn more about the Afterschool Alliance and “Lights On Afterschool,” which will next be held on October 28, 2021, visit aftershoolalliance.org.

“In normal times, afterschool programs help students succeed by keeping them safe, inspiring them to learn, and by supporting working parents,” says Grant. “During a pandemic, the support they provide is even more essential.”

Source: StatePoint

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February 2021 | 23

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24 | February 2021 FINANCE

FINANCE

More People Are Concerned Study: Most Americans About Their Financial Future: Say They’re Optimistic 4 Steps To Protect Yours About a Brighter Financial Future in 2021 F By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

By d-mars.com News Provider

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s we enter 2021, here's one more essential item to put on your list in addition to canned goods and masks: a financial checkup. According to Fidelity Investments' 2021 New Year Financial Resolutions Study, more than two-thirds of Americans experienced financial setbacks in 2020, often from the loss of a job or household income or another emergency expense. Even those lucky enough to maintain their income still may have had to tap savings to help others, as nearly one in five attribute their financial setback to providing "unexpected financial assistance to family members or friends."

Despite this, many Americans remain optimistic and determined to make their money work harder in the New Year, with 72% confident they'll be in a better financial position in 2021.

"Americans are clearly ready to leave 2020 behind and start 2021 off on the right foot, including when it comes to their finances," said Stacey Watson, senior vice president with oversight for Life Event Planning at Fidelity Investments. "This year's top financial resolutions are consistent with what we've seen in the past, however, what makes 2021 unique is how people will achieve them, given the financial pressures and major life events many continue to experience throughout the pandemic."

This year, 65% of Americans are considering a financial resolution for 2021, which is down marginally from last year (67%), but still quite strong given the headwinds experienced by so many families. Younger generations appear to be more committed to actively improving their finances in the new year, with 78% of all Gen Z and Millennial respondents considering a financial resolution compared to 59% of all Gen X and Boomers.

"Younger generations are building up their careers, families and finances, so it makes sense they have important financial resolutions to make. Still, Gen-X-ers and Boomers also experienced significant financial challenges in 2020 and may want to consider making some resolutions of their own to build a stronger financial future particularly when it comes to retirement readiness," continued Watson.

Making a resolution, and checking it twice Resolutions are an important start, but the key is to keep good financial routines going strong well beyond January - and ultimately have them become life-long habits. The study reveals the key to a successful resolution is the good feeling of making progress and setting clear and specific financial goals. Having someone to help keep you on track and hold you accountable also plays a role, as nearly onein-five indicated this was a major reason they were able to stick to a financial resolution last year. In fact, more than three-quarters (77%)

of people working with a financial professional were able to stick to their financial resolution in 2020, compared to just half (50%) of those who did not work with one.

Putting 2020 in the rearview To help build a better financial future, consider these three things you can do to move forward: • Begin with a budget • Of those who said they were in a 'better' financial situation this year compared to last, more than one in five attributed the success to budgeting better.

With so many online tools to make tracking your spending and savings easier, including Fidelity's Budget Checkup, there are simple ways to create and stick to a budget aligned with a '50-15-5' guideline.

• Replenish that rainy-day fund • More than 8 in 10 Americans say they'll build up their emergency savings in 2021, an important money move considering that many may have tapped into their stash of cash due to financial setbacks in 2020.

• Find new sources of income • Nearly two-thirds say they plan to find new ways to make money in the new year, whether with a side hustle, selling items online or getting a part-time job. And with 30% of Americans planning to 'declutter' their homes in 2021, there's a good opportunity to find more than just loose change in those cushions and closets.

To get more tips for making and keeping your financial resolutions, visit Fidelity.com.

Source: BPT This study presents the findings of a national online survey, consisting of 3,011 adults, 18 years of age and older. The generations are defined as: Baby Boomers (ages 56-74), Gen X (ages 40-55), millennials (ages24-39), and Gen Z (ages 18-23; although this generation has a wider range, we only surveyed adults for the purposes of this survey). Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was conducted October 14-21, 2020 by Engine Insights, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all adults meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

Margin of error is +/- 1.79% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups will have larger error margins.

inances are consistently a top concern for many Americans, with "saving money" a top-10 most common New Year's resolution.

This year, Americans are more concerned than ever before due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

USE Credit Union reported that more than 75% of non-transactional calls received since the start of the pandemic were from members concerned about their financial future, citing economic hardship as the primary reason for concern. The economy and job market remain in a state of constant flux, which is causing many families to worry about their ability to pay an unexpected bill, continue to pay off student loans, mortgages or credit card debt, or save money for the future.

"Saving money is more than just putting spare change into a coffee can, or simply ordering takeout less often," said Jeff Schroeder, vice president and chief product officer at Mercury Insurance. "Sure, those things can add up over time, but people may find that their greatest savings can come from taking a look at the necessary expenses they pay for every month, such as insurance."

Schroeder recommends these four tips to help protect your finances in the coming year: 1) Check your auto insurance coverages. There's no reason to pay for more coverage than you need, but being underinsured can leave you exposed. "The cost of repairs after a collision has grown in recent years, as a result of more crossovers and SUVs on the road, and more technologically advanced vehicles," said Schroeder.

"Beyond paying for more expensive repairs if your insurance doesn't cover it, if you're underinsured, you may also be responsible for paying out of pocket for medical bills, which could potentially devastate savings for a down payment on a house, your child's college tuition or a future vacation. It's vitally important to make sure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen events."

2) Know what your homeowners insurance covers. First and foremost, be sure to read your policy so you're clear about what it does and doesn't cover. It's a good idea to check in with your insurance agent each year to ensure you have adequate coverage, especially if you've made renovations, own collectible or valuable items, or live in an area that's prone to flooding or earthquakes, as standard homeowners insurance policies typically don't cover these situations. Also, maintain a home inventory to make sure to have an accurate record of your belongings and property.

3) Be aware of potential gaps in coverage. A standard homeowners insurance policy often doesn't cover mechanical failures to your home's appliances, HVAC or other essential systems, nor does it cover a break to service lines on your property that supply your home with electricity, gas or sewer functions. In either of these scenarios, this means you would be responsible for writing a big check to a repair company or having to purchase a pricy replacement. However, adding home systems protection and service line protection endorsements can help provide coverage for costly repairs and replacements, saving money and your peace of mind.

Pennies spent now can save you thousands of dollars later.

4) Regularly shop for the best coverage and price. Insurance prices can vary significantly from company to company, so it's a good idea to take a few minutes to see if you're getting a good deal. Shop around at least once a year - making sure to look for the exact same coverage limits - to see if you can find a more affordable rate.

"Often, regional insurers like Mercury Insurance are more attuned to their policyholders' needs and can offer better rates," Schroeder added.

The most effective way to make sure your finances are minimally impacted by insurance costs this year is to speak to an independent insurance agent.

They can help make sure you have the proper amount and type of coverage to keep yourself, your family and property protected.

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Source: BPT

February 2021 | 25

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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26 | February 2021 POLITICS

Biden Administration to Appoint

Kristen Clarke

to Key Civil Rights Post Photo Caption: Kristen Clarke has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career as an attorney in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

C

risten Clarke, the president of the Lawyer’s Committee Civil Rights Under Law, will serve as assistant attorney general for civil rights under the new Biden Administration.

Clarke’s appointment adds even more diversity to an incoming administration that has kept its campaign promise to ensure that top staff and cabinet members reflect all of America.

“Our first-rate nominees to lead the Justice Department are eminently qualified, embody character and judgment that is beyond reproach, and have devoted their careers to serving the American people with honor and integrity,” Biden said in a statement.

“They will restore the independence of the department, so it serves the interests of the people, not a presidency, rebuild public trust in the rule of law, and work tirelessly to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system.”

Clarke has extensive civil rights experience, starting her career as an attorney in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

While at the DOJ, the Brooklyn-born attorney served as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Section Division, responsible for police misconduct, hate crimes, and human trafficking.

Through the Division’s Voting Section, she also worked on voting rights and redistricting cases.

The current president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Clarke has also served as the head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General’s Office, where she successfully led landmark efforts to address discrimination in housing, the school-to-prison pipeline, and reforming practices and policies of police departments.

Clarke previously served at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, focusing on voting rights and election law.

Clarke received her A.B. from Harvard University and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Source: NNPA

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February 2021 | 27

Women face higher risk of stroke STROKE IN U.S. WOMEN BY THE NUMBERS One in 5 women has a stroke.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in women.

About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.

Stroke kills over 80,000 women a year.

Among women, black women have the highest prevalence of stroke.

TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL ABOUT HOW TO LOWER YOUR RISK and use the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association prevention guidelines:

STROKE RISK INCREASES IN WOMEN WHO:

Are pregnant Pregnant women are three times more likely to have a stroke as non-pregnant women of the same age.

Have preeclampsia

Take birth control pills

This dangerous condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy doubles stroke risk later in life.

These can double the risk of stroke, especially in women with high blood pressure.

Use hormone replacement therapy It doesn’t lower stroke risk if postmenopausal, as once thought.

Have migraines with aura and smoke Strokes are more common in women who have migraines with aura and smoke, compared with other women.

Have atrial fibrillation This quivering or irregular heartbeat can increase stroke risk fivefold.

STROKE RISK DECREASES IN WOMEN WHO: Talk to their health care professional to determine safest medication if pregnant with high blood pressure.

Discuss with their health care professional low-dose aspirin guidelines starting in the second trimester (week 12) to lower preeclampsia risk.

Get their blood pressure checked before taking birth control pills and monitor every six months.

Learn more at stroke.org

Review the risk and benefits of hormone replacement therapy with their health care professional and discuss if the benefit outweighs the risks.

For some women, it might not.

Quit smoking.

All women who experience migraines and smoke should avoid smoking, nicotine use, vaping and e-cigarettes.

Get screened for atrial fibrillation if over the age of 75 as this condition then becomes more common in women.

© Copyright 2020 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. American Stroke Association and Go Red for Women are registered trademarks of the AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS. Unauthorized use prohibited.

DS16317 10/20

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28 | February 2021

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February 2021 | 29

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30 | February 2021 REAL ESTATE

Need Mortgage Relief Due To COVID-19?

Here’s What To Know up the missed payments. Just remember, you are never required to pay back missed payments in a lump sum if your loan is owned by Freddie Mac.

By d-mars.com News Provider

A

s the pandemic continues to affect Americans across the country, many are facing financial hardship.

For homeowners with a Freddie Mac loan, COVID-19 mortgage assistance is available in the form of “forbearance,” which temporarily suspends or reduces your mortgage payment without penalty so you can get back on your feet.

Here is how forbearance works and what happens when it ends: How do I request forbearance?

To request forbearance, you must contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) who will help you understand your options. Forbearance is available for up to a year, though servicers will typically start you on a shorter forbearance plan and reassess to see if your financial situation has changed.

What happens when forbearance ends?

It’s important to remember mortgage forbearance is not the same as mortgage forgiveness and you will have to repay your missed payments. About 30 days before the forbearance plan is scheduled to end, you and your servicer will determine next steps. This could include additional forbearance or a workout option to make

How does repayment work?

Even though you must pay back payments that were missed during forbearance, you have several options for doing so. Additionally, you won’t accrue additional fees, penalties or interest beyond the amounts already scheduled or calculated based on the terms of your mortgage. For example, let’s say you enter into a forbearance agreement of three months. If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000, you will owe about $3,000 in missed mortgage payments at the end of your forbearance term.

Your servicer can help you determine the workout option that works best for you, including: • Full repayment, where you pay back the missed payments all at once.

• Repayment plans, which allow you to catch up gradually while you are paying your regular monthly payment.

• Payment deferral, which

allows you to resume making your normal monthly payment. Your servicer can work with you to leverage alternative ways for you to pay back the missed payments from your forbearance period at a later date and in a manner that is affordable.

• Modification of the loan, which changes the terms of your loan, usually to reduce your original monthly payment amount. Your servicer can help with a modification that might suit your new circumstances.

Additional Information: To stay on track with paying down your loan balance and less interest over the life of the loan, it’s important that you resume your payments as soon as you’re financially able. Keep in mind that while you’re not charged “extra” interest, you won’t be paying down your principal, and the interest will continue to accrue on your unpaid mortgage balance.

For information on forbearance and how to get help with your mortgage, visit My Home by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Remember, contacting your servicer is the first step in getting help with your mortgage payments if you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or for other reasons. They can explore available options with you and determine what works best for your circumstances.

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Source: StatePoint

February 2021 | 31

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