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May 2023
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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189th Edition
Superior Care at Reincke Vein Center – Dr. Tonie Reincke –
20-21
INSIDE
04 Are You Supporting Your Employees Work-Life Balance?
06 MR. D-MARS and Keith J. Davis Jr. Congratulate Their First Cousin, Eureka Gilkey (Executive Director Project Row Houses), on Third Ward’s El Dorado Ballroom: A Magical Venue Reborn.
07 Comcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2023
2 | May 2023
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May 2023 | 3
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE a minority at that, and opening her own solo practice.
When it comes to health, the concern of self-urgency is always a key component to our longevity. Here’s a question to think about – how well do you know about caring for your veins? Trainer Jillian Michaels, known for her work on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” once said, “At the end of the day, your health is your responsibility.” For the month of May, we salute Dr. Tonei Reincke whose work at Reincke Vein Center isn’t at all in “vein.” Reincke’s dedication to medicine and the benefits it gives to patients is not only a specialty but an amazing feat not everyone can do.
MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:
HMSDC
Port of Houston
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
METRO
04 BUSINESS 04 Are You Supporting Your Employees Work-Life Balance?
SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Chivon Jones
30 DID YOU KNOW 30 Eddie Murphy
PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Mike Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITERS d-mars.com Frenetta Tate Stacy M. Brown
City of Houston
20,21
SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATORS Bria Casteel Lindsey Ford
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emma Aguiñaga
— Jillian Michaels
COVER STORY Superior Care at Reinkcke Vein Center “Even If It’s Just For Their Peace Of Mind, Patients Can Call Me Anytime” Dr. Tonie Reincke
06 COMMUNITY 06 Third Ward’s El Dorado Ballroom A Magical Venue Reborn 07 Discover the Heartwarming Stories in Pastor Tabatha Whitten’s Latest Book 07 Comcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2023 08 UNCF Hosted Over 250 Minority College Seniors At Disney... 08 Houston Independent Filmmaker Courtney Glaudé’s Collaborates with Monique
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Erick Fontejon
The “secret” to success isn’t based on hearing other’s testimonies and copying their style. Success lies within your journey, what you choose to do with ambition and the faith you have to ride the waves.
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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Émil Flemmon
“At the end of the day, your health is your responsibility..”
While her medical journey had its challenges, it’s a lane she’s carved for herself with trimuph. She’s the first one in her family to graduate from medical school,
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd
“I’ve had to go through humble beginnings. There was a time where my family was homeless and it was part of the motivation for me to do better,” she said. “I think that’s what helps me to pour into my patients. I never want to see them without the fullest extent of help.”
10 EDUCATION & CAREER 10 Why The Insurance Industry Could Be A Career Possibility For You 10 Tips to Reduce Your Health Care Expenses 22 ENTREPRENUER 22 Interscope Record and The NFL Collaborate to Show Players Opportunities Beyond Football
24 3 Smart Tips to Help You Budget for Activities in 2023 13-19 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 Biden Issues Proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week 15 Here’s Why Public Safety Leaders Need to Invest in Mental Wellness... 16 Guys, Just How Much Do You Know About Vegan Diets? 18 Federal Judge Says Health Insurance Companies Don’t Have to Cover Preventive Care Services 19 Retro Fitness Continues to Expand Project LIFT Initiative 04 OLD FOLKS SAYING 04 “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show” 24 REAL ESTATE 24 How a Housing Counselor Can Help Prepare You for Homeownership 26 TECHNOLOGY 26 From Satellite to Streaming: 5 Tech Trends to Watch
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30 RECIPE OF THE MONTH 30 Grilled Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce
22 FINANCE 22 Accelerating Your Positive Beliefs On The Road To Entrepreneurship
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4 | May 2023 BUSINESS
ARE YOU SUPPORTING YOUR EMPLOYEES WORK-LIFE BALANCE? By d-mars.com News Provider
t’s a question that many members of the modern workforce are consistently asking themselves. Working a 9-5, 8-4, 7-3, or the late shift can become very laborious to some after a while. While some employees relish in the routine, others may not be well adjusted – and that is okay! According to Sage.com, work-life balance is an important component for your company and employees. As a business, employers aren’t able to give a 100% guarantee, but they can make an effort on behalf of their team. Employees’ responsibility also take precedent in the matter such as their attitudes with work and home life in addition to maintenance. Check out their recommendations for workplaces to adopt supportive maneuvers to help balance their employees work-life stability: 1. OFFER FLEXIBLE AND REMOTE WORKING 81% of 3,500 employees we polled placed importance and value on flexible working. They want to be trusted to manage when, where and how they work. It’s no surprise really. Workers value employers who empower them to manage their own time. Employees feel valued at companies where they know they can finish earlier get their boiler fixed or see a physician when needed, safe in the knowledge that their employer knows that they’ll still get the job done. 2. ENCOURAGE MANAGERS TO FOCUS ON PRODUCTIVITY RATHER THAN HOURS Rather than count the hours employees work, encourage managers to focus on the completion of a particular task. Some days employees may need to put in long hours to complete a task, but this is offset by the days when they don’t need to do a full eight-hour day. 3. ENCOURAGE BREAKS Encourage your employees to take breaks, take a walk or even work in an entirely different part of the office.
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You can create break-out rooms or set aside spare desks that workers can go to. Sometimes team chatter and phones can be overwhelming and it’s healthy to break away for a bit. 4. REGULARLY REVIEW WORKLOADS Review your allocation of duties to ensure individuals have achievable workloads. You will need to familiarize yourself with the processes of allocating work. What seems like a small task to management might take an individual a day to do. Managers who talk to their teams regularly will know who is busy and stressed, and who has capacity. Ask your staff regularly to indicate to managers whether they are overworked, just right or have spare capacity. 5. LEAD BY EXAMPLE Ensure that managers and the senior leadership team enjoy a healthy work-life balance too. Make sure they’re leaving the office on time, taking breaks and not emailing workers out of office hours or expecting them to deliver work in unworkable time scales when it isn’t urgent. 7. RECONSIDER TIME OFF Could you afford to give your staff more time off? Equally, another way to prevent burnout is to force workers to take their time off within the holiday year by not allowing them to carry over holiday or capping how many days they can carry over. Most team members would rather book the time off than risk losing them. 8. INCREASE SUPPORT FOR PARENTS Often companies lose great talent, especially mums, because they can’t cater to their childcare needs. The problem isn’t restricted to mums alone, with many men saying they want to spend more time with their children, too. Ensure the mums and dads in your organization are getting a better work-life balance, so you don’t lose precious expertise. Not all companies can provide company crèches. However, you can consider ways to help with
childcare costs. Also, providing better and equal benefits for maternity, paternity or shared parental leave will encourage all parents to balance their working life and parenthood regardless of their gender. And consider if you can do more to offer parents part-time roles or job shares. 9. OFFER HEALTH CASH PLANS Provide health cash plans providing reassurance to employees knowing that they have insurance if they or their family become unwell. It also encourages a more pro-active approach to health check-ups and inoculations leading to fewer staff absences. 10. PERKS OR NO PERKS? Their research revealed that while 40% of business owners believe office games and similar benefits are important to employees, just 5% of workers agree. So, if you’re considering perks in the office such as ping pong tables, think again. However, there may be additional services that can save employees time and money and alleviate stress. These may include: • Subsidized gym membership or free fitness classes • A discount at the dry cleaners • Massages in the office • Company cars or support including petrol allowance • Repairs and maintenance • Helping staff with their tax returns or tax support if they have any questions. Think about what’s right for your people and your company, and design experiences personalized to your workforce and your people. Source: Jessica Fuhl, Sage.com
Old Folks Saying ONE MONKEY DON’T STOP NO SHOW The saying is transparent as it is the Black version of “time and life are going to keep going on and on” like an Erykah Badu song. Whatever you’re doing in life, the highs and the lows, circumstances won’t dictate your forward movement. You have to keep “moving on” like Mya and Silkk the Shocker. Kaboom!
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My dream? To update my kitchen like the ones on the cooking shows.
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6 | May 2023 COMMUNITY
THIRD WARD’S EL DORADO BALLROOM A MAGICAL VENUE REBORN
By d-mars.com News Provider
ack in late March, Project Row Houses were excited to announce their grand reopening of the historic Eldorado Ballroom. This historic venue holds significant cultural value and preserving its rich history is an important part of Project Row Houses’ commitment to the community. Project Row Houses Executive Director Eureka Gilkey was thrilled to see the finishing touches being put on the ballroom as she toured the space with PRH staff.
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Third Ward deserves this revival! I am excited for the community to see what has come to fruition, as we work to preserve and protect historic black spaces, black culture and history.
Gilkey is thankful for the supporters of this historic venue who played key roles in our revitalization efforts. Together, we are honoring the Dupree legacy and restoring the heart and soul of Third Ward.
the Ballroom and reclaim it as a cultural, social, and economic hub. By leading and successfully concluding the $9.7M Road Back to The Eldorado Campaign, Project Row Houses has preserved the rich history and culture embodied in one of Houston’s best-loved Black landmarks.
Guests stepped back in time to the 1940s and relive the glamour and elegance of Third Ward’s heyday as PRH regifts this historic gem back to the community. Encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and come dressed to impress, attendees are in for an evening of live music and performances, glitzy catering, and glamorous cocktails.
A Quick History Recap Project Row Houses acquired the ballroom in 1999, as a gift from oilman Hub Finkelstein. During that time, the Ballroom served as a retail space, meeting facility, and gathering place for Third Ward residents and African Americans near and far. Utilizing community-driven revitalization efforts to steer the inevitable gentrification in a constructive and inclusive direction, the time came to restore
The restored cultural gem will now enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for Third Ward and capture a slice of Houston life that deserves to be remembered and carried forward into a new era. For more information, please contact: info@projectrowhouses.org
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Source: Project Row Houses
May 2023 | 7 COMMUNITY
representing her childhood, DISCOVER THE HEARTWARMING STORIES IN statement “I wrote this book to honor my father whom I didn’t know as a child. After I buried my mother and my only sister, the only family to have had left was my estranged PASTOR TABATHA WHITTEN'S LATEST BOOK — both father. As an adult woman in my 50’s seeking to establish a relationship with my father was no easy task,” she said. “Not only because of his medical 'D.A.D.S: DADDY AND DAUGHTER STORIES' biological conditions, but more importantly because we had never had a father/daughter relationship before. I wrote this book to chronicle our journey of forgiveness, understanding, and love. The process of healing the trauma of his absence and learning to love despite it. She added, “As we approach Mother’s and Father’s Day, it is my hope and prayer that those relationships will experience the same love, joy, and healing that my dad and I were able to experience during the last seven years of his life. Though her father’s passing was recent in the latter half of 2022, Pastor Whitten described the bookwriting process as “cathartic” while giving her “grief a divine purpose.” The multifaceted creative leads with a heartfelt message behind the importance of relationship between a father and his daughter(s) saying,
By d-mars.com News Provider
astor Tabatha Whitten recently released her latest book, “D.A.D.S: Daddy and Daughter Stories.” A graduate of Jack Yates High School, the author spent 25 years as a school guidance counselor in the Aldine Independent School District (AISD). After retiring, she went to the Seminary School and became an ordained minister. Eventually, she established her own church in the 5th Ward, Remnant Fellowship Church, and initiated many community- based ministries to serve my 5th Ward community. When detailing as to why she wrote the book, Pastor Whitten gave a personalized
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I trust in God so much, that I am willing to bare my soul and be completely transparent about a journey that is so difficult in many ways, to help others who may also be struggling with Daddy Issues. Yes, it is a thing. But so is Healing. So is Forgiveness. So is Grace. Second chances are a blessing, and I received mine with open arms.
Author Whitten concluded, “Ultimately, these stories are intended to foster hope that fractured relationships can be restored between daddies and their daughters.” This powerful new book is available now on Amazon, Applebooks, and www.pastortab.org.
COMMUNITY
COMCAST TEXAS COMMITS MORE THAN $1M TO SHRINK LOCAL DIGITAL DIVIDE IN 2023
By d-mars.com News Provider
omcast Texas, the Houston area’s largest internet service provider, will commit more than $1 million to shrink the local digital divide this year by supporting more than 60 organizations and programs that help people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder. The investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity across the nation and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. To help fuel economic mobility locally this year, a large portion of Comcast Texas’ $1 million
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investment will go to area nonprofit organizations to fund community programs with the following focus: Connectivity & Adoption, Digital Skills in the Workforce, and Entrepreneurship. Connectivity & Adoption Connectivity programs equip individuals, families and community partners with the right tools and resources to take advantage of the Internet. Adoption programs teach individuals the skills needed to increase competency and confidence in technology in order to use it proficiently. Digital Skills in the Workforce Over 90% of jobs available today require digital
Source: Pastor and Author Tabatha Whitten
skills, yet nearly one-third of US workers lack opportunities to build these skills. Digital skills programs teach individuals the tech skills needed to land a job and stay competitive in the changing marketplace. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship programs focus on helping people build digital skills to launch and grow their businesses. “These investments are part of Comcast Texas’ ongoing commitment to provide people with the digital tools needed to succeed in this ever-connected world,” said Ralph Martinez, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. “As we expand our next-generation network across southeast Texas, we’re here to be good neighbors. We’re here to support and uplift the communities we’re honored to do business in by teaming up with trusted partners to invest in programs that make a difference.” The first round of Comcast Texas’ 2023 grant funding and other support to local organizations will be announced in May with more announcements made throughout the year. Additional support will be considered for local organizations that raise awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Internet Essentials provides affordable home Internet for qualifying households ($9.95/mo for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/mo for up to 100 Mbps) — as well as low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and free Internet training. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides qualified households with a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet and mobile services.
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Source: Steve Campion, Comcast Texas PR Manager
8 | May 2023 COMMUNITY
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND HOSTED OVER 250 MINORITY COLLEGE SENIORS AT DISNEY FOR PANDA CARES INSTITUTE FEATURING PINKY COLE, DALEN SPRATT By d-mars.com News Provider
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anda Cares Presented by Panda Express & UNCF returned post-pandemic with a 3-Day Leadership Conference that took place at Disneyworld in Orlando Florida! For over seven decades, UNCF has helped minority students reach their educational goals through scholarships, workshops, galas, and more. During 2023’s spring break, Panda Cares
brought over 250 college seniors to Disneyworld for an all-expense-paid experience consisting of workshops, on-site field training, and a career fair with top companies such as Wells Fargo, The Walt Disney Company, and AT&T. Scholars joined the conference from 115 institu-
tions including Clark Atlanta University, Grambling State University, Spelman College, Dillard University, Morehouse College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Prairie View A&M University and many others.
The conference kicked off with a welcome dinner where the students wore attire that represented their schools and divine 9 organizations. It also consisted of students
meeting each other for the first time as they started Panda Cares in 2020 during the pandemic. As they mingled, danced, and listened to guest speaker, Taliah
Givens, Senior Director or UNCF, some students were filled with emotions as they soaked in the moment. One of the program’s shining stars, Olorundamilola “Lola” Okemeta was filled with emotion as she expressed her gratitude for the program. Lola is a first-generation college student from Africa. As a sophomore, she was attending college and excelling in the classroom, but she was also homeless. After UNCF found out that she was homeless and sleeping in a train station, they immediately found assistance. Lola is currently preparing for graduation and has been accepted into 4 Ivy League schools to receive her master’s degree. Scholars also participated in a walk-through at Disney’s
corporate office, where they spoke with executives and heard tips on how to excel in the workplace. After they spoke with executives, they received a surprise visit from Serial Entrepreneur and Clark Atlanta Grad, Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan. Cole discussed Maximizing Your Passions, How To Navigate In Your Lane When Others Are Selling The Same Product As You, Using Your Platform For A Greater Cause, and Balance Between Self, Personal, and Business Life. Before wrapping the conference, special guest, Discovery Channel’s Ghost Brothers Co-Star Dalen Spratt, held a concurrent session where he spoke to scholars about The Art of Negotiations and getting the salary you deserve. To learn more about the Panda Cares Scholars Program, go to UNCF.org/PandaCares.http://www.uncf.org/ PandaCares Source: Lemon Lime Light Media
COMMUNITY
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER
COURTNEY GLAUDÉ’S COLLABORATION WITH MONIQUE FOR BET’S THE READING
IS CHANGING EDUCATION By d-mars.com Exclusive Interview
ouston native, writer, filmmaker, director, and writer Courtney Glaudé was not expecting the success he received after his vision for the BET+ thriller, The Reading. The film, which stars actress and comedian, Mo’nique, has thrust the visionary into a well-deserved spotlight. Executive produced by Fox’s Empire, Lee Daniels, the film was released on BET+ on February 2, 2023. It has since been ranked as one of the top 10 movies nationwide and on IMDb. Not bad for a guy who didn’t take the conventional route to study filmmaking. As a matter of fact, Glaudé exclusive with d-mars.com revealed why his road to cinematography wasn’t the same as others,
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You know, I didn’t go to school and study filmmaking. I learned a lot through YouTube and really taught myself what to do. I’m a creative so I had other people around me to get there but the discipline I had really helped shape things for me. The idea behind The Reading came from a moment Glaudé had after watching New Edition alum, Bobby Brown, interact with a child medium, “Bobby Brown was getting interviewed by a medium
and [the medium] was a kid and the kid didn’t know who Bobby Brown was, he said. “It was his reaction to it, I was like ‘I want to write a movie where a medium gets a reaction like that.” When asked about how he felt regarding the metric of success post the film’s release, Glaude said, “It still hasn’t hit me, you know? Like I ‘see’ it happening, but it still has its surreal moments for me. And as a filmmaker, as a creative, this is one of the many highs.” Glaudé’s said he shot the film and received critical feedback from Daniels on how to perfect his craft. “He invited me over to his house and would be like ‘Now you see this here? What were you trying to tell the audience? If you’re going to this then take out that and if you’re going to do that, take out this.’” However, the independent film’s main character, played by Mo’Nique, sold the movie. “She was so great to work with and she said, ‘Don’t give this part to anybody, it’s mine.’” The director’s instincts paid off and so did the film. Shot in Houston, Glaudé detailed how he rediscovered beauty in areas of Houston such as the rural landscape of Humble to the historic parts of Third Ward saying, “My city houses some recognized Black people in their greatness and shooting the film reminded me to appreciate this backyard of mines.”
The director may have flexed his skills behind the camera but another project he was attached to was Retrospective Reflections Of A Life: An Evening Of Poetry & Prose With Antwone Fisher. Debuting as a one-night special benefitting the poetic event benefitted Highways & MoSamp Entertainment in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 2002 self-titled film starring Denzel Washington. “I’ve said it a few times now but I’m not retelling that story. In a movie, you can only do so much with time. But with this project, I just wanted to dig more into what made him who he was outside of the movie.” Glaudé was honored in February by Houston Council Member, Ja’leah Davis, who presented him with a proclamation from the city of Houston. “If I could tell my younger self anything about what to look for now, I’d tell him, ‘Take your time in everything you do because your process isn’t [God’s]. The multifaceted creative is a testament to his own ethics and dedication to the craft. To stay updated, visit www.courtneyglaude.com and follow his social media @courtneyglaude.
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May 2023 | 9
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10 | May 2023 EDUCATION & CAREER
Carrie Martinelli, vice president of Talent at Selective Insurance. WHY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY COULD BE says Martinelli also notes that you don’t need an insurance background to get hired and thrive. An informal survey of Selective Insurance employees revealed that 42% had A CAREER POSSIBILITY FOR YOU no prior insurance experience before landing their current role. To help job seekers break into the industry and find success in their new careers, Selective Insurance offers the following tips and insights:
1. DON’T ASSUME YOUR BACKGROUND ISN’T A FIT You may be surprised to learn that the industry does not just hire talent for traditional sales, underwriting, safety management, actuarial and claims roles. It also requires the expertise of legal experts, innovation strategists, and finance, marketing and IT security professionals. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute notes that even art historians and drone pilots are needed to make the industry tick. Before assuming your background isn’t a fit, contact an insurance firm to learn how your experiences and interests translate to an insurance position.
2. SEEK TO GROW IN YOUR NEW JOB
By d-mars.com News Provider
hether your career is just beginning or you’re looking to shift gears, the
In a recent Conference Board survey, 96% of respondents said it was “important” or “very important” to develop their work-related skills continuously. There’s a good reason this sentiment is so popular. Professional development helps employees grow, learn and thrive, preparing them for more advanced positions or new areas of responsibility. Consider how such opportunities can benefit your career and take time to learn about the company’s professional development program during any interview process. Selective Insurance, for example, provides in-person and virtual training, simulations, peer coaching and mentorship opportunities for all employees throughout their tenure with the company.
industry may be the right place for you. The industry employs nearly 3. FIND A SENSE OF PURPOSE W insurance 3 million people in the United States and depends on a diverse workforce
from various professional backgrounds. However, experts say that persisting myths may prevent talented job seekers from exploring these careers.
Many job seekers have preconceived notions about what a career in insurance looks like, and they are not always accurate. The fact is that an insurance industry career offers virtually unlimited job opportunities and chances to learn, grow, benefit from new experiences, and make a difference in your community,
Insurance industry employees are unsung heroes who can help improve challenging situations. They provide expertise to help protect valuable assets like businesses, homes and vehicles. They also offer support and guidance after an unexpected loss, making these careers an ideal fit if you are passionate about helping protect your local community. From recent high school and college graduates to mid-career professionals, the insurance industry offers many opportunities. To learn about insurance industry job opportunities in your field, visit: https://www.selective.com.
EDUCATION & CAREER
TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR HEALTH CARE EXPENSES
By d-mars.com News Provider
ealth care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive, and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately, you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs. While some treatments simply must be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time.
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• FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH FIRST. When it comes to controlling your health care expenses, you actually have more control than you think – a lot more. The decisions you make every day – what to eat, whether to smoke, how much to exercise – all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So, take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run, and kick that nicotine habit for good. Each of these little decisions will benefit your health and your budget. • BE DECISIVE WITH YOUR DEDUCTIBLE. Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year before receiving network coverage support. But once it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full coverage of your plan. Thus, if you have another treatment or procedure coming up, don’t put it off any longer than you must. Undergoing
Source: StatePoint
additional procedures in the same year means you get more coverage while paying only one deductible. Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible. • BE SMART ABOUT WHERE YOU GO FOR CARE. While health care facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on out-of-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. • ASK QUESTIONS. Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense. Sometimes there may be something you can do on your own that supports your health and lessens your costs at the same time. • EMBRACE AN HSA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a cost-effective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus, the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for coinsurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your health care spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about The Health of America Report, visit www.bcbs.com/healthofamerica. Source: StatePoint
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May 2023 | 11
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12 | May 2023
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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL
BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE
May 2023
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
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43nd Edition
16-17
INSIDE
14 Biden Issues Proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week
15
Here’s Why Public Safety Leaders Need to Invest in Mental Wellness for First Responders
18 Federal Judge Says Health Insurance Companies Don’t Have to Cover Preventive Care Services
14 | May 2023 HEALTH
BIDEN ISSUES PROCLAMATION FOR BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
n 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra implemented actions to improve maternal health and reduce health disparities, and this year, the BidenHarris Administration has continued to champion policies to improve maternal health and equity. Vice President Kamala Harris convened a meeting with Becerra and other Cabinet leaders amplifying a whole-of-government approach to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. On Monday, April 10, President Biden issued another proclamation to begin Black Maternal Health Week. The president called the week a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect, and loss during what should be a joyous occasion. Biden called it urgent that all act.
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Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, the president remarked. “This is on top of the fact that women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation.” He insisted that tackling the crisis begins with understanding how institutional racism drives these high maternal mortality rates. Studies show that Black women are often dismissed or ignored in hospitals and other health care settings, even as they suffer from severe injuries and pregnancy complications and ask for help, the president reminded.
He said systemic inequities are also to blame. “When mothers do not have access to safe and stable housing before and after childbirth, they are at greater risk of falling ill,” Biden exclaimed. “When women face barriers traveling to the hospital for prenatal and postpartum checkups, they are less likely to remain healthy. Air pollution, water pollution, and lead pipes can have dangerous consequences for pregnant women and newborns. And when families cannot afford nutritious foods, they face worse health outcomes.” He claimed his administration has penned the blueprint for addressing the maternal health crisis, an agenda that lays out specific actions the federal government would take to improve maternal health and secured funding from Congress to help implement it. “Vice President Kamala Harris has been a leader on the issue of maternal mortality for years and led the charge to improve maternal health outcomes, including by issuing a call to action to address disparities in maternal care,” Biden stated. “She continues to elevate the issue nationally, convening State legislators, medical professionals, and others so all mothers can access the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.” The president continued: “Additionally, my American Rescue Plan gave States the option to provide a full year of postpartum coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries — up from just 60 days of coverage. “As a result, my Administration has approved requests from 30 States and Washington, D.C. to provide women with Medicaid coverage with a full year of postpartum coverage, and we have made this option permanent for every State that extends Medicaid postpartum coverage.
“My Administration has helped facilitate Medicaid expansion in four States since I took office, and I continue to call on the Congress to close the Medicaid coverage gap.
“We are also working to expand and diversify the maternal health workforce, helping health care providers hire and train diverse and culturally competent physicians, certified nurse midwives, doulas, and community health workers to support women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.” The president’s budget includes $471 million to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, improving access to care in rural communities, expanding implicit bias training for health care providers, and further supporting the perinatal health workforce. “This week, as we continue our work to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, dignified, and joyful for all, let us remember that health care should be a right and not a privilege,” Biden continued. “Let us give thanks to the extraordinary maternal health care workforce, which serves its patients and their families every day. And let us join in common cause to end the tragedy of maternal mortality once and for all.” Source: NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
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May 2023 | 15 HEALTH
HERE’S WHY PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS NEED TO INVEST IN MENTAL WELLNESS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
By: d-mars.com News Provider
irst responders handle the most high-risk, urgent, and dangerous events in their communities. Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics and other public health workers all fall under the category of first responders, and the nature of their jobs can take a toll on their overall well-being. They often experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression. Lexipol - a leader in policy, training and wellness support for first responders and public servants - is dedicated to helping public safety leaders promote mental health and wellness for their personnel. While there are many reasons to proactively address first responder wellness, the company has highlighted four reasons why public safety decision-makers should invest in mental health and wellness programs for first responders. 1. BETTER DECISION-MAKING It’s difficult for anyone to perform well at work when dealing with mental health issues. For first responders, mental illness can lead to critical mistakes and poor decision-making that impact them and the community. Firefighters, for example, regularly suffer from sleep disorders that can lead to poor cardiovascular health and vehicle crashes, two leading causes of line-of-duty death among firefighters. For law enforcement agencies, poor decision-making stemming from mental health issues increases costs associated with personnel complaints, lawsuits and settlements. 2. LESS SICK LEAVE According to a 2020 study, workers who experienced psychosocial stressors at work had higher rates of sick leave because of mental health issues. Increasing incidences of sick leave or disability due to PTSD or other mental illness can make it difficult for first
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responders to continue in their profession. Also, from a financial standpoint, public safety agencies and departments rack up overtime costs when personnel take sick or disability leave. 3. MINIMIZED STRESS Because first responders are tasked with handling dangerous and complicated situations, they often experience stress that has real physical impacts. Stress isn’t just a mental health issue. It can also have physical side effects, including cardiac issues, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse and sleep issues. These health conditions make it difficult for first responders to function in their day-to-day lives both on and off the clock, and these conditions can follow them for years to come.
4. DECREASED BURNOUT AND TURNOVER A study from Utah State University found that 70% of first responders reported not having enough time to recover from the traumatic events they experienced on the job. Without enough time to recover and a lack of access to mental health resources, many first responders experience burnout and leave the profession altogether. This means departments must spend more on recruiting, training, equipping new personnel and other turnover costs when first responders choose to leave the agency due to chronic stress or feeling unsupported.
While many agency and local government leaders want to support first responders’ mental health by providing policies, training and resources, the cultural stigma around mental health has prevented many officers from seeking help for emotional and behavioral issues. Another issue is that many agencies are new to wellness and lack the internal expertise and resources to create confidential wellness support tailored specifically for public safety employees. They often don’t have an existing culture or framework to support first responders’ mental health. Also, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) often don’t meet the real needs of first responders. For example, a recent survey of firefighters who used wellness resources through an EAP found that 63% of respondents didn’t find the EAP program helpful. While there are no easy solutions to mental health crises among first responders, Lexipol has created the Cordico wellness app to help agencies invest in and promote personnel wellness. Cordico is an award-winning tech-forward wellness product that delivers high-quality tools, resources, and assessments to public safety workers. Using this app, first responders can learn about behavioral health, build, and maintain resilience and connect with therapists and peer support team members. The app does not collect personal data, ensuring anonymity, and offers a one-touch crisis response for users. To learn more about how this wellness solution can help enhance first responders’ overall wellness, visit Cordico.com.
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Source: BrandPoint
16 | May 2023 HEALTH
GUYS, JUST HOW MUCH DO Y KNOW ABOUT VEGAN DIETS
By d-mars.com News Provider
ccording to a study by Pew Research in 2016, only eight percent of Black Americans are vegan. While still growing, more Black Americans identify as strict vegan or vegetarian than the rest of the U.S. population. Another observance in studies indicates that while men are more likely to exercises for competitive purposes, women do so based on overall functioning. However, when it comes to altering diets – are men less prone to commit to change? When it comes to choosing a vegan lifestyle, women make for the win.
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Vegetarian diets are often lower in saturated fat and Henderson broke down the difference between a vegan cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that vegetarians may have a lower A vegan excludes all animal-der risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. The and honey, from their diet and li diet can also be a helpful tool for managing weight and wool clothing as well. because it often includes more fiber-rich foods and fewer VEGAN calorie-dense foods. After a conversation with fitness fanatic and vegan A vegetarian typically excludes advocate, Bryant Henderson, he educated us at d-mars. include eggs, dairy, and other an com as to how to motivate men to rethink their diets VEGETARIAN and those trips to the grocery store. “I’ve been a vegetarian for two-and-a-half years now,” he A plant-based diet is one that em said. “I didn’t have negative experiences as I transitioned derived from plants, such as fru away from meat. I honestly only saw the positive and minimizes or excludes anim PLANT-BASED improvements.”
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May 2023 | 17
There’s a handful of experts that gives information about being a vegan and being more in line with a healthy weight. However, it comes with its own complexities and subdivisions. You can actually lose weight from a vegan diet due to its produce-rich and high in fiber, which helps you feel up during a meal and stay fuller, for longer, between meals. And, yes, produce often contains high amounts of water, which also helps with fullness. Obesity physician, Spencer Nadolsky, D.O. says there is fulfillment in the lifestyle, “A whole food plant-based diet can be very satiating and filling with fewer calories than a standard American diet.” To put it mildly, you become fuller on the good stuff while intaking fewer calories throughout your day. You’ll also have sustainability for a caloric deficit contributing to weight loss. In 2022, a survey that was published in the Obesity Science and Practice discovered that those who went on a low-fat, vegan diet for 16 weeks did “decrease body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity,” per Men’s Health.
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n, vegetarian or using a plant-based diet remedial style:
rived products, including meat, dairy, eggs, ifestyle. This includes things like leather, fur,
meat and fish from their diet, but may still nimal-derived products.
mphasizes whole, minimally processed foods uits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, mal products.
When people are likely already making their pool of options smaller to focus on weight loss, a vegan diet likely minimizes the pool of choices even more — Jarosh Henderson
When it comes to protein, we all know how important it is to obtain enough for maintenance. So, in case you’re not hip on how to obtain that, Henderson says choose legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans), nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds), whole grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice), soy products (e.g., tofu, tempeh), seitan (wheat-based meat substitute), dairy products Now that we’ve got that out of the way, check out of (e.g., milk, cheese) and of course, eggs. These are good some of Henderson’s options as to making cost-effective alternatives to avoid the temptation of chicken, beef, meals without breaking the bank: and other meat-based products. • Bean and rice burritos “It’s important for vegetarians to consume a variety of • Lentil soup protein sources to ensure that they are getting all the • Vegetable stir-fry with tofu necessary amino acids for their body’s needs,” he says. “Additionally, combining certain plant-based foods • Chickpea curry together, such as consuming beans and whole grains in • Veggie burgers or patties the same meal, can create a complete protein source.” • Spaghetti with marinara and veggies • Vegetarian chili • Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables • Grilled cheese with tomato soup • Baked sweet potato topped with black beans and salsa. “These meals are not only budget-friendly but also healthy and delicious,” the vegan enthusiast claims. While the physical aspects of a vegan diet are good in thought, make sure to ask yourself why you want to change? Try not to focus on weight loss but instead aim towards the better body you want and the emotional aspects that come with it. The diet alone is already a bit restrictive with what you can eat and could be more restrictive if you opt for more low-calorie foods.
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18 | May 2023 HEALTH
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
he ruling comes because of a lawsuit brought by a group of insurers who argued that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exceeded its authority by requiring them to cover certain preventative care services without being able to charge co-payments or deductibles. In a big blow to health insurance in the U.S., a federal judge has ruled that insurers no longer have to pay for preventive care services like cancer and heart disease screenings. The ruling comes as a result of a lawsuit brought by a group of insurers who argued that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exceeded its authority by requiring them to cover certain preventative care services without being able to charge co-payments or deductibles. The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 to make it easier for millions of Americans to get health insurance. One of the law’s key provisions was the requirement that insurance companies cover certain preventative care services without cost-sharing, including immunizations, blood pressure screenings, and mammograms. However, the recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas has effectively invalidated this provision of the ACA. In his ruling, Judge O’Connor wrote that the ACA’s requirement for insurers to cover preventative care services “exceeds the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause” of the U.S. Constitution. The ruling is likely to significantly affect health insurance in the U.S., especially for people who
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already have health problems like cancer or heart disease. If insurance companies weren’t required to cover preventive care services, patients might be less likely to get the screenings and tests that could catch these health problems early. Experts said this could lead to serious health problems and higher healthcare costs. “The President is glad to see the Department of Justice is appealing the judge’s decision, which blocks a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that has ensured free access to preventive health care for 150 million Americans,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated. “This case is yet another attack on the Affordable Care Act – which has been the law of the land for 13 years and survived three challenges before the Supreme Court.” Jean-Pierre continued: Preventive care saves lives, saves families money, and protects and improves our health. Because of the ACA, millions of Americans have access to free cancer and heart disease screenings. This decision threatens to jeopardize critical care. The Administration will continue to fight to improve health care and make it more affordable for hard-working families, even in the face of attacks from special interests. Critics of the ruling include healthcare advocacy groups and politicians. They say it will make it more complicated and expensive for millions of Americans to get health insurance. In a statement, Dr. Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association, called the ruling “a clear step backward for our health system.”
“Preventative care is a cornerstone of good health,” Dr. Harris said. “It’s critical that patients have access to these services without cost-sharing to stay healthy and catch health problems early before they become more serious and more costly to treat.” The ruling is also likely to face legal challenges in the coming months. Several states and healthcare advocacy groups have already said they will appeal the decision. They say that the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that insurers cover preventive care services is a crucial part of the law’s goal to make more people eligible for health insurance. In the meantime, patients and healthcare providers alike are left to grapple with the uncertain future of healthcare coverage in the U.S. Without the assurance of coverage for preventative care services, and patients may be forced to choose between paying out-of-pocket for these services or foregoing them altogether, potentially putting their health and wellbeing at risk. “Once again, an extreme activist judge is taking a monumental swing at the Affordable Care Act, which has saved millions of lives and made Americans healthier for the last 13 years,” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) stated. “The preventative care provisions in the law have ensured that, without concern for cost, Americans have been able to get screened for things like diabetes, breast cancer and heart disease. “It also puts the brakes on critical preventative treatments like immunizations and PrEP for HIV. “The impact of this ruling, especially on working Nevadans and communities of color, will result in the loss of lives, increased costs for treatment of preventable illnesses, and increased inequities in our already unbalanced health care system.” Source: NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
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May 2023 | 19
MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT A CRIME In partnership with The Harris Center and law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office ensured 4,000+ mentally ill, non-violent offenders received mental health treatment instead of going to jail.
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Harris Center for Mental Health at
1-713-970-7000
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20 | May 2023
By d-mars.com News Provider
r. Tonie Reincke is perhaps one of the reigning queens when it comes to patient care as a vein specialist in the city of Houston. With over three decades dedicated to her profession as an Interventional Radiologist, it’s no wonder she’s been able to build an impressive career. She climbed the ladder from Registered Nurse to Physician Assistant to serving as the chief medical director for a vein center with three locations in Houston. Dr. Reincke has made a home at the Reincke Vein Center. Founded in 2021, the doctor used her experience working for several vein clinics to provide affordable care for the community. Her commitment to patients goes beyond the walls of her clinic. She is dedicated to community outreach to underserved minority groups and has made her a comforting source for patient accessibility. These efforts include advertising on Univision and Telemundo, participating in Q&A talks on VieTV, doing interviews on Great Day Houston and Houston Life, attending the LGBTQ Houston Chamber annual meeting, offering free ultrasound scans and medical consultations at The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston conventions and health fairs, giving educational talks at Landon Ridge Senior Living Center, contributing time and resources to Miracles R’ Real, and volunteering at Bread of Life. Dr. Reincke spoke with d-mars.com sharing her insight as to how minority groups can examine and take better care of their veins. In an article posted by Venous News, it was said by Peter J. Pappas (Center for Vein Restoration, Greenbelt, USA) that vein discrepancies can vary between that of Caucasians and minority groups such as Blacks and Hispanics. When asked about her passion regarding her work, Dr. Reincke said, “Passion – a genuine desire to help others. Hearing and having patients tell me their symptoms have improved is a “win.” According to Dr. Reincke, a study done in the 90s concluded that vein disease is greater in older patients with the number one group being non-Hispanic whites in comparison to Blacks and Asians.
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May 2023 | 21
Have You Experienced Leg Pain? If you’ve missed out on events due to tired and achy legs or maybe wanted to cover your legs due to bulging veins – it’s not always due to aging. While age may be a factor, you don’t have to live with it. Many people are misdiagnosed as having skin issues or told the bulging veins are “cosmetic” and avoid getting treatment for it. However, Dr. Reincke’s specialization in the area is nothing more than a reminder as to why specialists are created. Some may think that they have a skin or an arterial issue when really, it could be a venous problem. Obesity, age over 50, sedentary lifestyles, sitting or standing a lot, even those who are pregnant are at risk. Night cramps, restless legs, skin changes, bulging veins. Vein disease is treatable but it’s not curable. We take most commercial insurances, and additionally have customized payment plans.
My duty as a MD is to educate the community about vein disease and long-term effects/treatment options. I take pride in doing so,
she said. “I’m proud to be a patient advocate.” Part of varicose veins, skin discoloration at the bottom of the her business-related goals include minority outreach leg, and ulcers at the bottom of the leg are some of the and delivering on her efforts for educating and quality treatment for minorities. visual indicators of vein disease.” She also mentioned having a better level of awareness for yourself in self-care for your veins. “It is important to understand [this] as it is as any other chronic disease that has potential long-term effects and complications.” Treatments are performed in an office setting and are minimally invasive. Patients are back to their normal “To get [our] minority groups to activities the same day with zero down time. be more proactive,” she said. The business owner says that vein disease is “typically” hereditary. “If one parent has the disease then the person “We need a strong educator has a 50% risk of having the disease,” according to Dr. Reincke. “This doubles when both parents have it. Vein who takes an interest in disease can get worse through things such as age, obesity, their health and spends time pregnancies, standing and sitting for extended periods of time, and smoking. While patients may not notice explaining vein disease [and] vein disease in their parents it can also skip generations.” options available to them.” While varicose veins may not be at the forefront of most health conversations, Dr. Reincke has made it her mission to spread awareness and enable people to For education purposes, what are varicose veins? be more knowledgeable. Her programs of service that Dr. Reinke describes it as “Vein insufficiency, also known she’s currently promoting include the Greater Houston as vein disease, is the stretching out of the walls of the Black Chamber, 100 Black Men, Mocha Man (Black vein.” Men’s Health Fair sponsor), Univision, Telemundo, She added, “The veins’ primary function is to bring VieTV, LGBTQ Chamber, Landon Ridge Retirement blood back to the heart. This means that blood needs Center, Miracles R’ Real, and Bread of Life. to travel up the leg against gravity whenever a person is standing or sitting.” As for understanding the science more, the veteran medical professional broke down just how blood flow works with our veins and what leads to discrepancies making noticeable appearances that can be problematic: • Blood needs to travel to our legs against gravity whenever a person is standing or sitting • Our valves makes sure that blood does not fall back down to the feet • Vein disease is the result of veins becoming stretched out creating valves to either not meet or slow to close leading to reflux or a backwards flow in the leg(s) • When veins are shut down, other veins pick up that blood and take it back to the heart “Vein disease patients can have visible indicators that let the patient know they may have vein disease,” Dr. Reincke described. “Spider veins, bulging ropey
She’s proud to have opened her solo practice located in Sugar Land. Though she’s had to persevere by not only being a minority but the first in her family to go to college, Dr. Reincke is cognizant of her weaknesses. “I’d say it lies in my desire to help everyone, wanting to help relieve pain/discomfort in chronically ill patients. It’s not always a realistic expectation [and] it hurts my heart.” Nevertheless, the vein specialist is literally “what the doctor ordered” for unique conditions and a remedy made for feeling good about oneself. Visit www.reinckeveincenter.com or call 281.394.4446 for information.
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22 | May 2023 ENTREPRENUER
INTERSCOPE RECORD AND THE NFL COLLABORATE TO SHOW PLAYERS OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND FOOTBALL
By d-mars.com News Provider
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early 20 current and former NFL players such as Darren Waller (New York Giants), DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), Bud Dupree, and Derwin James (both free agents) joined the roster of Interscope Records’ partnership with the NFL for the Career Tours
Program back in late March. The NFL veterans gathered in Santa Monica, California gaining knowledge to enlarge their brands for life outside of football. Dupree was one of many leading panels with Q&A discussions on various topics including music, marketing, producing, and taking on new talent. Interscope’s Senior VP of Sports and Gaming, Dave Nieman detailed the label’s relationship with the NFL saying,
Over the years, Interscope has done a great job of having a relationship with the NFL and the networks, but we wanted to take a second to make sure that the players were taken care of as well. In order to create an effective theme for the meet, executive VP and head of visual creative’s Michelle An provided her insight on career brand building, “If you’re doing a brand deal, it’s really important to make sure it doesn’t feel like some brand just gave you money and you’re a pawn,” she said. “You have to be assured of your own brand for it to look like it’s a partnership.” An added, “When your brand is strong, you make it easy for the fans. And when you make it easy for the fans, that’s when you start creating super fans.” Waller, who was recently traded from the Raiders to the Giants, explained his opinion on how music and sports intersect for his producer interests, “I’m an artist and a producer myself, and I want to know more about how to market myself, how record labels cultivate artists, and how to apply it to my own journey,” he said. “[There are] so many different ways to be in the music space and to have this level of inclusion and get this level of information. A lot of people can’t do that.” Tracy Perlman, the NFL’s senior VP of marketing and communications said that choosing between 18-20 players was a “sweet spot” for the event, “[Interscope has] the same philosophy we do. We are player-first, and they are artist-first. Everything we do is about value to the player,” she said. “The whole scope of this program is to give players insight so that they can say, ‘This is for me, I want to pursue it,’ and now they have the network to continue the conversation.” According to Sports Illustrated, nearly 4 out of 5 former NFL players either go bankrupt or suffer severe financial distress within two years of retirement.
FINANCE
ACCELERATING YOUR POSITIVE BELIEFS ON THE ROAD TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
change your beliefs, you change the way you look at life and your life reflect that inner transformation.
By d-mars.com News Provider
hat you believe is your reality. It drives you. It moves you. It anchors you. It lays at the foundation of your actions. Where are your beliefs taking you and is it a place you want to go? Often, we adopt beliefs out of tradition or habit; not because it serves us well. We do well to challenge our beliefs, especially when it comes to business ownership. If you don’t challenge your beliefs, your mind is closed to differing perspectives and ideas that have the potential to make your life richer. In essence, you will only go as far as your beliefs will allow. How far will you allow your beliefs to take you? Can you look at your life without bias? When you believe that anything is possible, you open the door to possibilities through your actions by preparing for, recognizing and seizing opportunities. When you believe that there are no limits; you choose not to pigeon-hole yourself to one idea or opportunity; you open yourself up to receive all your good without limitations. As new information comes into your being, your beliefs can change. You can choose not to remain stuck in a place that hinders your growth, development, and experience. You can get new beliefs if the ones you have are not serving you. Just because you once believed something doesn’t mean you must always believe it. When you
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Do you believe it is your time? Use the following questions as life or journal prompts to help you plan out your best year: • Do you believe you are worthy of good things? • Do you believe that you can be financially abundant in your business of choice? • Do you believe you can have immeasurable peace and be filled with unspeakable joy? • Do you believe that you have something to offer the world? • Do you believe that the world needs your gifts, services, and offerings in your business? • Do you believe that you were born to make a positive and indelible impact upon this world? • What do you want to be, do and have? What is holding you back? What actions can you take to move you forward?
No matter what you are doing in your life; your beliefs will do one of two things for you; open doors of opportunity through your own strategic positioning or close the doors of opportunity through self-sabotage. You decide what you want your life to be, what you want to have and what you want to do: • It is your time to position yourself so that doors will open to you. • It is your time to align yourself with your true desires to attract your ‘good’.
I implore you to do what it takes, put your positive beliefs into action and allow yourself permission to come out of the shadows and shine your light while embracing all the good that the remaining year will bring to your doorstep.
• It is your time to shake off the limitations of others and the hindrances in your own mind and forge past fear. • It is your time to walk toward your greatness.
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Source: Frenetta Tate, Contributing Writer
May 2023 | 23
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24 | May 2023 FINANCE
3 SMART TIPS TO HELP YOU BUDGET FOR ACTIVITIES IN 2023 By d-mars.com BrandPoint
any people resolve to be better about their finances at the beginning of the year, but following through can be challenging, especially when you want to celebrate the people you love and have fun throughout the year. You don’t have to tackle your finances on your own. Check out these three tips and tools to help you plan for activities on a budget in 2023.
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1. PLAN AHEAD AND SET A BUDGET This year, take some time to look at the coming months and mark major holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, concerts and vacations in a calendar. Estimate how much you can spend on each event, so when the time comes, you won’t have any surprise expenses and you can avoid going over your budget. Consider using tools like Chase’s Spending & Budgeting, that provides information on your spending based on the purchases you make and helps you keep track of what you’ve spent to prevent overspending. If your banking app doesn’t have a similar feature, you can download a budget worksheet and keep track of your spending and budget throughout the year. Get started planning now to save yourself financial stress throughout the year. 2. SET SAVINGS GOALS A simple way to afford all your fun and celebratory expenses throughout the year is to set savings goals. By putting away money in advance, you can reduce the stress and anxiety of affording your vacations, concerts and even holiday expenses later in the year. Setting up automated savings is convenient and lets you save without thinking about it. Consider using automated savings tools, like Chase Autosave, that lets you set a goal to automatically transfer money from your Chase checking to your Chase savings account to set and help reach a savings goal for your 2023 activities. 3. SPLIT THE COST If you’re planning a big trip with friends this year, or even just some casual dinners out, use tools to make it easy to quickly split the bill. You can use Zelle to send and receive money fast with anyone you know and trust with a U.S. bank account, making it simple to split the costs of a group activity. And you can even use Zelle to ask your friends and family to pay you back for their portion. Using these three tips, you can better budget for your activities, while improving your finances this year. Additionally, as you make plans, make sure to keep a close eye on your credit. A free and easy way to do so is through Chase Credit Journey in the Chase Mobile app. To learn about these financial tools and more, visit Chase.com/Mobile.
REAL ESTATE
HOW A HOUSING COUNSELOR CAN HELP PREPARE YOU FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP
By d-mars.com News Provider
uying a home can be intimidating, whether this is your first time, or you’ve been around the real estate block before. The good news? You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re looking for a trusted partner throughout the process, working with a housing counselor can help prepare you for homeownership. If you’re not sure what a housing counselor does or whether this service is right for you, consider these insights from Freddie Mac: WHAT IS A HOUSING COUNSELOR? Housing counselors are trained, independent professionals
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who are available to offer advice, listen and help you make informed decisions based on your financial situation and needs — often at little or no cost. Their job is to help you navigate the homebuying journey and ensure you’re financially prepared for long-term, successful homeownership. WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE? One of the primary roles of a housing counselor is to prepare you for homeownership through workshops and one-on-one counseling. The counselor will start by asking you questions about your income, credit and savings to help determine if you’re ready to buy and how much you plan on spending. Similar to a conversation with a potential lender, the more organized and prepared you are, the more productive your conversation will be.
Source: Frenetta Tate, Contributing Writer
Once they understand your current financial situation, they will: • Provide guidance on down payment options and local down payment assistance programs. • Help you understand the features and costs associated with the various types of mortgages available. • Teach you important financial skills, such as planning your budget and building, maintaining and improving your credit. • Advise you on the role of your real estate agent and lender. It’s important to know that housing counselors can be there for you beyond the homebuying process. For example, if you are facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay your mortgage down the line, a housing counselor can offer financial guidance and work with your lender to help you avoid foreclosure. How Do You Find a Housing Counselor? Although finding a housing counselor can be as simple as running a search online or calling a hotline, it’s important to carefully consider your options. Unfortunately, scam artists abound, preying on home buyers and struggling homeowners alike. Here are three ways to find a legitimate housing counselor: • Reach out to a HUD-certified housing counselor at one of Freddie Mac’s Borrower Help Centers or Borrower Help Network for free assistance. • Search for a HUD-certified housing counselor in your area on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website. • Call the national HOPE hotline at 888-995HOPE or visit its website at 995HOPE.org. This hotline is free and available 24 hours a day. For more information about preparing for and sustaining long-term homeownership, visit My Home by Freddie Mac. Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you can make. Having a trusted expert in your corner means you don’t have to go it alone.
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Source: StatePoint
May 2023 | 25
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26 | May 2023 TECHNOLOGY
FROM SATELLITE TO STREAMING: 5 TECH TRENDS TO WATCH By d-mars.com News Provider
t seems like every day we hear about a new technology that will improve some part of our lives - from AI at work to smart devices at home to cars that remind us to stay in our lanes. As technology advances, many of these innovations are becoming more mainstream and accessible - helping to improve our lives, our work, and our connections to each other. From new satellite technologies to enhancements in video streaming, here are five tech trends to watch.
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AI KEEPS ADVANCING • Artificial intelligence (AI) may sound like something out of science fiction, but you’ve probably already encountered it. If you’ve asked your phone a question (and it answered) or chatted with a customer service agent on a website, you have actually used AI. Recently, tools like ChatGPT - an AI engine that anyone with a computer can try - have gained popularity for their remarkable accuracy in answering questions and offering up surprisingly natural information. As AI becomes more
ubiquitous, it will change the way we work and interact with each other. Moving forward, look for AI to become more integrated into the software you use at work. AUGMENTED REALITY GETS REAL • You’ve probably heard about the “metaverse.” Although it sounds like a cartoon universe, the metaverse is real in that it’s a digital world where people communicate using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Some predict the metaverse will evolve to become the next iteration of the internet. While the metaverse is likely years away from showing up in every living room, some of its features, like AR and VR, are growing more common for entertainment, education and training. For example, National 4-H, America’s largest youth development organization, is using augmented reality to help make complex topics like satellite technology more fun and engaging, as in this activity answering the question, “How Does Satellite Internet Work?” presented by HughesNet. STREAMING SERVICES GO MAINSTREAM • People everywhere have become dependent on streaming video services - whether subscription-based or free. In fact, up to 80% of all internet traffic is video! While this appetite shows no sign of slowing in 2023, market dynamics could change how streaming services serve up video content to consumers. With some introducing advertising into their content and others restricting password sharing, consumers should be on the lookout for changes to their subscription services. In 2023, many viewers will likely return to traditional services like cable TV. RURAL AMERICA GETS MORE OPTIONS FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET • For decades, rural America has relied on a host of options to get connected to the internet, including DSL, fixed wireless and satellite internet. Thanks to
new innovations, these services are getting better - and one is poised to change how communities are beyond the reach of fiber access high-speed internet. New multipath technologies like HughesNet Fusion Plans combine satellite and wireless technologies to deliver a high-speed, reliable internet experience with reduced latency. The plans use the best connection for online activities at any given time to deliver a fast and more responsive internet experience. Equipped with more data than ever, expect multipath offerings like HughesNet Fusion Plans to grow in popularity in 2023. CONSUMERS GET SERIOUS ABOUT CYBERSECURITY • Nowadays, almost every aspect of our lives can be found online. From banking, to shopping, social media and work, our online footprints are larger than ever. Not surprisingly, so is the threat of cybercrime. Everyone must beware of Internet fraud, identity theft and tactics like “phishing” - where cybercriminals send emails designed to trick us into sharing personal or financial information. But with the help of new tools and technologies, such as password managers and multi-factor authentication, we can better protect ourselves from bad actors online. From AI to AR, new technologies are improving our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Just as technology evolves, so will the ways we work and interact and collaborate with each other.
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Source: BrandPoint
May 2023 | 27
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28 | May 2023
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30 | May 2023 RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Grilled Fish in Garlic Butter Sauce
By d-mars.com News Provider
G
rilling may have its heightened season during the summertime, people still make use of one to cook all year long. With grilling, you get to eliminate fried foods and with pool time approaching comes the influx of those who like to eat healthier while getting leaner for ‘the gram.’ Grilled fish is high in protein, filling and tilapia is not the only fish you can bake in the oven, air fryer or whichever your choice of preparation may be. If you’re wanting to spruce up your healthy dishes with a side of sauce, check out the ingredients below:
INGREDIENTS 500 gm fish fillets 2 tablespoon parsley Salt as required 9 clove 1 teaspoon garlic
» PREPARE THE SAUCE For the sauce, place a pan over medium flame and add cloves in it. Roast them lightly and then transfer them to a grinder jar. Grind them to form a coarse powdered mixture. Now, place another pan over medium flame and add butter along with chopped garlic to it. Saute these well until the butter melts and then add ground cloves, remaining sugar along with salt and black pepper powder over it. Mix it well until the mixture turns aromatic. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the grilled fish (or on the side in a cup if you’re counting calories) Remove the sauce from the flame, pour over the grilled fish fillets. Garnish with chopped parsley and rosemary. Serve your homemade Grilled fish in Garlic Butter hot to enjoy!
A FEW SIDE TIPS 1/2 teaspoon rosemary 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice black pepper as required 175 gm salted butter 1/2 teaspoon sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
• Sea bass fish fillets or a similar fish works best for Grilled fish in garlic butter sauce. • You can also use minced or finely chopped garlic. • You can also garnish the dish with chopped dill leaves. • If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp corn flour to 1 tbsp water and add to the sauce.
» GRILL THE FISH FILLETS Place a pan over medium flame and sprinkle some olive oil in it. Once the oil is hot, place the fish fillets in it. Let the fillets cook and sprinkle salt, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and black pepper and add lemon juice over it. Grill it on both sides and once the fillets turn crispy, transfer them on a plate.
DID YOU KNOW?
Photo: Flickr
Eddie Murphy found success in Hollywood with films like Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and The Golden Child (1986). However, despite becoming a cult classic, the film Harlem Nights bombed at the box office. It wasn’t until The Nutty Professor (1996) and Dr. Dolittle (1998) that catapulted his name back to prominence. He received his first Oscar nomination in 2007 for his role in Dreamgirls. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
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