d-mars.com Health & Wellness 54

Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH

|

WELLNESS

|

MEDICAL

|

RESEARCH

January 2016

|

SPORTS

|

FITNESS

|

LIFESTYLE

|

BEAUTY

Inspire, Inform & Educate

INSIDE

Connect With Us

facebook.com/dmarsmarketing

53rd Edition @dmars_com

@dmars_com

A New Beginning, A New You Singles Are Most Attracted to Prospective Dates with Nice Teeth Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade To all of you single folks, the top ranking deal breaker could be right under your nose!

PAGE 8

Healing for Houston Through Psych On Site, Inc. & Urgent Psych Care

PAGES 4-5

Mastectomy Plus Reconstruction Has Highest Rate of Complication

By d-mars.com News Provider San Antonio, Texas - In a review of guidelineconcordant treatment modalities for women with early stage breast cancer, mastectomy and reconstruction had the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs, regardless of age.

PAGES 4-5

Troy Marsaw, A Proven Leader in Mental Healthcare

PAGE 10

PAGE 27 PAGE PAGE 2412

Blocking Differentiation Is Enough to Give Cells ‘Stemness’ By d-mars.com News Provider When it comes to biotechnology, ScienceDaily is a great source for information.

The Black Nurses Association of Greater Houston

By Rhonda Dallas

I Could Have, and I Should Have in 2015

I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself.

PAGE 20

— Wilma Rudolph

January 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

A New Beginning, A New You is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Health & Wellness Journal. This is the time to start those changes for a healthier lifestyle. Health is definitely wealth. Are you setting the best example when it comes to health? Are you taking care of yourself physically and mentally? A healthier you makes for a healthier family, which makes for a healthier community.

Troy Marsaw is featured on the cover of this edition, and he has a true heart for mental healthcare and wellness. Where some find shame in addressing mental health, Marsaw, through Psych On Site and Urgent Psych Care, provides a safe haven for those in need of quality mental healthcare. Marsaw’s staff of trained and skilled health professionals are making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in this community.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Dyvl Davis

PHOTOGRAPHY

Contents Troy Marsaw...............................................................................................................................................................................................................4-5

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Delaying Chemotherapy............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

Singles Are Most Attracted to Prospective Dates With Nice Teeth............................................................................................................ 8 Mastectomy..................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Health Club.............................................................................................................................. 12 Domestic Violence......................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Football Players Face More Than Just Concussion Worries, Little-Known Neu-rologic Condition Also Prevalent....................18

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Blocking Differentiation Is Enough to Give Cells ‘Stemness’......................................................................................................................20

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PACE Act........................................................................................................................................................................................................................22

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Rhonda Dallas d-mars.com News Provider

In the Health Community........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

Nurses Transition from the Bedside to the Boardroom...............................................................................................................................20

Dealing with the Dark...............................................................................................................................................................................................25 How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During the Dry Winter Months................................................................................................................26 I Could Have, and I Should Have in 2015............................................................................................................................................................. 27 Glaucoma Awareness Month................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “One important key to success is selfconfidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”

— Arthur Ashe

Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

499.99 .99 1991year

Presents

BLACK PAGES ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY What this means to you,

The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses

It’s time we put our future finances into our own HANDS! We must encourage members to patronize black-owned businesses to further expand the economic power of African American merchants and the households that support them.

ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

Call today 713.272.9511

It’s Just That Simple!!!

www.d-mars.com

contact@d-mars.com

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

4 January 2016

Troy Marsaw and His Team

“Mental healthcare and wellness is what I am passionate about, and I take it seriously. In our local communities, there is a great need for quality mental health services. At Psych On Site and Urgent Psych Care, we go the extra mile to provide these services in a sincere and compassionate manner. Our hearts are in this.”

— Troy Marsaw

Provide Mental Healthcare and Wellness to the Houston Community

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

roy Marsaw, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, graduated from Texas Southern University with a degree in business. He is a businessman and entrepreneur who is no stranger to exceeding the expectations of an industry that is both demanding and constantly evolving. Marsaw is a veteran with over twenty years in the healthcare field. His compassion for those suffering with mental illness was framed at a young age, when a beloved uncle in the prime of his life suffered a nervous breakdown. When he witnessed his uncle’s ongoing battle with a debilitating mental illness, Marsaw also saw the stigma that often accompanies mental illness.

As a result, he has recently made power moves to push the mental health industry forward. In 2009, Marsaw founded Psych On Site, Inc., a private counseling and medication management firm. The firm addresses the disparities that hinder the delivery of quality and continuity of care in nursing facilities and geriatric communities. Psych On Site’s acclaimed mental and behavioral health program provides

initial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, talk-therapy, and other services that are designed to restore quality and dignity to the lives of residents in partnering nursing facilities. Since its inception in Texas, Marsaw has expanded operations into Georgia,

Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

In early 2015, Marsaw launched Urgent Psych Care, a prototype that furnished Houston with its first walk-in mental healthcare facility. The facility,

located near the medical center, accommodates psychiatric emergencies by providing access to professional counseling services and crisis stabilization. Urgent Psych Care has recently expanded its mental and behavioral health program to include services for children and adolescents. The expansion allows Urgent Psych Care to provide services to every eligible individual in Houston. Also, community partners, who see a demonstrated need for mental health services across the age spectrum, have met the expansion with great enthusiasm and interest.

The burgeoning list of partnering entities, both public and private, includes: The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Houston, Employee Assistance Programs, and a counseling outpost for youth at Kashmere Gardens Community Center. At Urgent Psych Care, Marsaw and his professional team have seen an overwhelming receptiveness to clinical methods used to treat individuals experiencing a myriad of conditions. These conditions are sometimes triggered by

CONTINUED on page 5

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016 5

awareness and progressive conversations about mental illness. This non-profit corporation strives to address the disparities of access to quality treatment that exists, particularly in communities of color, and also to change society’s perception of mental illness. The foundation’s goals are achieved through collaborations with corporate sponsors and signature events like the annual Blazers and Bowties with a String of Pearls. All funds raised help support the foundation’s mission of promoting mental health wellness and improving services for indigents and the underserved communities of Houston where mental illness oftentimes goes undetected, untreated, and stigmatized. Marsaw has an abiding love for the city of Houston and considers it to be the ideal backdrop for this type of philanthropic endeavor. Marsaw says, “Houston is a compassionate city and one that easily embraces and supports a worthy mission. Ensuring that individuals from all walks of life, here in Houston, are afforded access to quality mental health care and appropriate treatment for mental illness, delivered with dignity and compassion and without shame, is something I believe deeply in and something that all Houstonians can benefit from.”

CONTINUED from page 4 adverse, critical life situations. “Whether it be a corporate executive or employee experiencing a layoff, a medical or law school student under intense pressure to succeed and compete, or someone who needs counseling support for an accident or injury suffered, Urgent Psych Care is that trusted resource for mental health care needs,” Marsaw says. “Mental health is just as important as the physical wellbeing. It’s commendable that companies, colleges, and others are open to dealing with the mental aspect. You would be surprised at how many people experience pressures that come along with maintaining a career, academic achievement, or a particular financial lifestyle. I’m both pleased and honored that individuals and companies can entrust those profoundly difficult mental issues and stresses to me and to the team of experts at Urgent Psych Care,” Marsaw adds.

There are plans for expansion with three new Urgent Psych Care centers scheduled to open this year, and each will be a 24-hour care facility. As President and Chief Operating Officer for both corporate entities, Marsaw views Psych On Site and Urgent Psych Care as complimentary templates for providing comprehensive and accessible mental and behavioral health care. “I saw a great need in Houston for urgent care centers that specialize in psych care. I created this health enterprise to not only help heal, but to change the stigma associated with receiving treatment for mental illness.

Psych On Site and Urgent Psych Care are names that the community trusts, and we have worked hard to maintain a great reputation,” says Marsaw.

In less than a decade, Marsaw has watched his mental healthcare enterprise grow from five team members to well over 80. While some may attribute that

Testimonials Testimonials “Dealing with a relocation from the Amarillo area to Houston for my wife’s job and not being able to find work took its toll on me, and the depression got worse trying to adapt to Houston and the change of environment. Without therapy or Urgent Psych Care, I could possibly be a patient in a hospital.”

— Brandon, Urgent Psych Care Client “This is definitely a game changer. It opens up options for families and individuals impacted by mental illness.

Now you have another place to go where you don’t have to deal with the shame, blame, and guilt.”

— Angelina Brown-Hudson, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Houston

growth solely to business acumen, Marsaw attributes it to the steadfast commitment of his team to deliver a quality product with integrity and compassion.

The team includes the administrative staff and an interdisciplinary cohort of highly qualified and vetted licensed clinical and medical specialists, including: psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers. “We are committed to delivering premium, op-

timum care and integrity. Our staff is unmatched in providing the wide spectrum of mental and behavioral care that our clients expect and deserve. We are making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in this community. I’m extremely proud of our staff,” Marsaw says.

Troy Marsaw has successfully parlayed his compassion into a lucrative and fulfilling career, but his philanthropic component, the Willie L. Marsaw Foundation, has facilitated community

“Troy Marsaw is an innovative, respected, and proven leader in the mental healthcare arena who is scrupulously committed to operating a premier, professional, and ethical corporate enterprise. The success and growth of Psych On Site, Inc., Urgent Psych Care, LLC, and the Willie L. Marsaw Foundation are a true testament to his hard work and to his interest in providing quality and comprehensive mental healthcare to our communities.” ­— Gaynell Drexler, Psych on Site, Inc. and Urgent Psych Care LLC, In-House Corporate Counsel

To find out more about Psych on Site, Inc. and Urgent Psych Care, please visit www.urgentpsychcare.com and www. psych-on-site.com.

Photo Credit: Grady Carter and Taren Marsaw

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 January 2016

Delaying Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients Reduces Overall Survival, Especially for Those with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer By d-mars.com News Provider

H

OUSTON - Postponing the start of adjuvant chemotherapy for more than 90 days following surgery may significantly increase risk of death for breast cancer patients, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), according to a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Further, the researchers found that factors such as socio-economic status, insurance coverage and ethnicity were associated with delayed treatment.

According to the study, published in JAMA Oncology, patients who start chemotherapy more than 90 days after surgery are 34 percent more likely to die within five years. Patients with TNBC who delay treatment have a 53 percent increased risk of death.

Adjuvant chemotherapy, which is given after primary surgery, has been demonstrated to benefit patients by decreasing the risk of recurrence and death, explained Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor, M.D., assistant professor, Health Services Research and Breast Medical Oncology. However, delaying the start of adjuvant chemotherapy may allow small remnants of the tumor to grow or become drug-resistant.

Currently, there are no guidelines recommending the optimal time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) considers the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy within 120 days of diagnosis for certain patients as a quality metric. Eleven cancer hospitals, including MD Anderson, are now reporting on this metric.

Past studies have suggested that delaying the initiation of therapy could result in adverse patient outcomes, but the optimal timing for starting adjuvant therapy has not been defined. To clarify this time frame relative to modern treatments and identify factors contributing to delayed treatment, the researchers analyzed data from the California Cancer Registry.

This population-based study examined data from 24,823 patients with Stage I to III invasive breast cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 and treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. This is the largest study investigating the effects of delayed chemotherapy initiation with contemporary treatment regimens.

“Compared to patients starting chemotherapy in the first month after surgery, we observed that those who initiated chemotherapy between 30 and 90 days following surgery did not have adverse outcomes,” said Chavez Mac Gregor,

lead author of the study. “However, starting chemotherapy more than 90 days after surgery was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of death and breast cancer-specific death.”

Those patients who started chemotherapy more than 90 days after surgery, represented by 9.8 percent of those included in the study, were 34 percent more likely to die within five years and 27 percent more likely to die from breast cancer in that time frame compared to patients who had surgery within 30 days from surgery.

As the data also included information on breast cancer subtype, the researchers analyzed whether delayed chemotherapy had a differential effect according to disease subtype. For patients with TNBC, a delay of more than 90 days was associated with a 53 percent increase in the risk of death. There was no significant effect from delay for those with hormone-receptor-positive or HER2-positive breast cancers.

“These data suggest that timely initiation of chemotherapy is particularly important among patients with triplenegative breast cancer,” said senior author Sharon Giordano, M.D., professor and chair, Health Services Research and professor, Breast Medical Oncology.

This study also sought to determine factors contributing to delayed administration of chemotherapy in order to

identify patient groups in need of improved care delivery. While patients with later stage disease and TNBC were less likely to experience delays, increased age, reconstructive surgery and certain socio-demographic factors were associated with postponed treatment.

“We observed, not surprisingly, that socio-demographic factors determined, in great part, some of this delay. Patients with low socio-economic status (SES), those without private insurance and those of Hispanic or African-American descent were more likely to have delays in their treatment,” said Chavez Mac Gregor.

Worse overall survival was also associated with patients of African-American descent, lower SES and those with Medicare and Medicaid coverage. In contrast, those patients receiving care at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers had a 34 percent lower risk of death compared to those who were treated elsewhere.

“We need to identify the determinants of delays in treatment so we can act on them and potentially improve the delivery of care in vulnerable populations.

In most clinical scenarios, administering chemotherapy within three months is more than feasible,” said Chavez Mac Gregor.

The results of the current study support including time to chemotherapy initiation as a quality metric, and ad-

ditionally suggest that treatment should begin within 90 days of surgery, explained Chavez Mac Gregor.

While the authors acknowledge the study may be limited by its retrospective nature, they conclude that all breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy should do so within 90 days of surgery or 120 days of diagnosis.

“We need to start chemotherapy in a timely manner,” said Chavez Mac Gregor. “In those patients who want to delay their chemotherapy, I share this data and let them know that a delay can dilute the benefits of treatment. If at all possible, we should not delay.”

In addition to Chavez Mac Gregor and Giordano, additional authors include: Christina A Clarke, Ph.D, and Daphne Y. Lichtensztajn, M.D., Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Fremont, CA. This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute R01-CA121052, HHSN261201000040C, N01-PC-35139, N01-PC-54404, and 2P30 CA016672), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R01-ES015552), the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries, and the California Department of Public Health as mandated by California Health and Safety Code Section 103885. For more, please visit www.mdanderson.org.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 January 2016

Singles Are Most Attracted to Prospective Dates With Nice Teeth

T

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade Contributing Writer

o all of you single folks, the top ranking deal breaker could be right under your nose! Looks like all eyes are focused on your smile-- your most prominent facial feature. Make a good first impression with your smile.

To find out what singles judge most in a prospective date, we looked to a recent national survey conducted by MarketTools Inc. Based on responses from 5,481 “unattached” adults over the age of 20, among the top 10 categories of “things most judge” -----teeth ranked number one!

These survey results, published in USA Today (Feb. 5, 2013), reveal that as many as 71% of women said they judge men primarily on the condition of their teeth; 58% of men say the same about women!

We can’t promise you’ll find the love of your life, but it’s safe to say that making a good impression starts with a great smile. What does your smile say

about you? Right or wrong ----damaged, crooked, discolored teeth or gaps between your teeth will make you look older, less vibrant, and detract from your appearance. On the other hand, replacing missing teeth, whitening, restoring, or straightening your teeth can create an awesome, confident smile that portrays the real you.

Let’s face it, you may not get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Millions have benefitted from cosmetic dentistry and changed their lives for the better---- why not you?

You can save your time, money, and protect your health when you take care of all dental issues promptly! Dental problems don’t go away on their own, and if left untreated, they will only get worse over time. Please, if you have any of the following, contact a dentist at once: • Abnormal Bite • Bad Breath • Chipped, Fractured Teeth • Crooked Teeth • Decay • Dry Mouth • Gingivitis • Jaw Pain • Loose, Shifting Teeth • Missing Teeth • Mouth Sores • Old Restorations • Toothache • Tooth Grinding

• Tooth Sensitivity • Periodontitis You may not be in pain, but still have a serious problem developing. Remember, many dental health issues can be prevented. The best time to call us is be-

fore you have pain!

Schedule your oral exam today!

For breakthrough dental technology, please call us at 832-304-2447, or visit us on the web at www.cosmeticdentaltexas.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 January 2016

Mastectomy Plus Reconstruction Has Highest Rate of Complication, Complication-Related Costs of GuidelineConcordant Therapies for Early Breast Cancer By d-mars.com News Provider

S

an Antonio, Texas - In a review of guideline-concordant treatment modalities for women with early stage breast cancer, mastectomy and reconstruction had the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs, regardless of age. It was also the most expensive treatment option in a younger patient population, according to a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The findings, presented at the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium by Benjamin D. Smith M.D., associate professor of Radiation Oncology and Health Services Research, should help guide patients and physicians to determine the most appropriate treatment option, as well help define which local therapies offer the highest value to both patients and payers.

Women with early stage breast cancer have myriad guideline-concordant therapy options, including: lumpectomy plus whole breast irradiation (lump+WBI) or brachytherapy (lump+brachy); mastectomy alone (mast alone) or plus reconstruction (mast+recon), or in older women, lumpectomy alone (lump alone). These therapies offer equal survival profiles, explains Smith, but differ greatly in terms of what the patient endures.

“In our conversations with patients, we explain that they can have lumpectomy and whole breast irradiation or mastectomy with or without reconstruction. But we do not have a nuanced understanding of the pros and cons of those different approaches,” explained Smith.

“Until now, there’s been little data to understand the differences in complication profile of these treatment options, and even less data to understand the difference in cost between those options. It was important that we try to quantify their complication profile and cost, both for patients making these decisions and for payers.”

It’s also paramount to understand the differences because over the last decade, the rate of mast+recon has continued to rise in the United States, as reconstruction has become more widely accessible. This study is the first to quantify the harm associated with this trend, says Smith.

For the retrospective, population-based study, the researchers collected data on early-stage breast cancer patients from 2000-2011, all of whom had insurance coverage one year prior and two years post diagnosis. In total, 44,344 patients from the MarketScan research database (a nationwide employment claims database) younger than 65, and 60,867 patients from the SEER-Medicare database age 66 and older were identified. Complications from local therapy was defined as a diagnosis or procedure code within two years for any of the following: wound complication; local infection; seroma or hematoma; fat necrosis; breast pain; pneumonitis; rib fracture;

implant removal or graft failure.

For the MarketScan cohort, risk of any complication was: 30 percent for lump+WBI; 45 percent for lump+brachy; 25 percent for mast alone and 56 percent for mass+recon. For the SEER-Medicare cohort, risk of any complication was: 38 percent for lump+WBI; 51 percent for lump+brachy; 37 percent for mast alone; 69 percent for mast+recon and 31 percent for lump alone. In both age groups, risk of complications was twice that of lump+WBI. Compared to lump+WBI, complicationrelated costs were approximately $8,000 and $2,500 higher with mast+recon for younger women with private insurance and older women with Medicare, respectively. In contrast, complication-related costs were similar for all other local therapy options, relative to lump+WBI, in both cohorts.

Mast+recon was the most expensive therapy (total cost within two years of diagnosis) in the younger population at approximately $89,000, which was $23,000 more expensive than lump+WBI. In the older population, lump+brachy was the most expensive therapy, at approximately $38,000, compared to mast+recon, at $36,000, and lump+WBI, at $34,000.

Of note, said Smith, is that cost data in the study is from 2010 and 2011 only.

Smith found the study results shocking, especially the finding that the average insurance company of patients who chose mast+recon pays approximately $10,000 over two years to manage the complications of that procedure.

He says that these findings should be helpful for patients who could choose either therapy to understand the tradeoffs for them, their physicians, as well as for those who are paying for their care.

“What we show for the first time is that while the patient is undergoing more surgery, she is also taking on a considerable amount of risk with regard to what could happen. If the patient can have a lumpectomy and radiation, it may be a smoother

course than going through a mastectomy, reconstruction and potentially other surgeries,” explained Smith.

Understanding this type of data is fundamental to health care entities and insurers to think about how they can get the most value for their investment in treating early breast cancer in their patient population. Smith thinks that this type of data will provide guidance for insurance com-

panies as they start to think about bundled payments for breast cancer care.

Despite the findings, Smith stresses that for some patients with early breast cancer, mast+recon is truly their best treatment option, and that these research findings should not be used to decrease reimbursement or coverage for mast+recon when medically indicated.

In addition to Smith, MD Andersonauthors on the study include, from MD Anderson: Thomas A. Buchholz, M.D., Executive Vice President and PhysicianIn –Chief; Sharon H Giordano, M.D., professor and chair, Jinhai Huo, Jing Jiang, Tina Shih, Ph.D., professor, all of Health Services Research; Kelly K. Hunt, M.D.,professor, and Abigail S. Caudle, M.D., assistant professor, both of Breast Surgical Oncology; and Simona F. Shaitelman, M.D., assistant professor, Radiation Oncology. Reshma Jagsi, M.D., DPhil, from The University of Michigan and Shervin M Shirvani, M.D., from Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center are also authors on the study.

This study was funded by grants from the Department of Health Services, Varian Medical Systems, and the Duncan Family Foundation. Smith has no conflicts to declare. For more information, please visit www.mdanderson.org.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 January 2016

5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Health Club

A

By d-mars.com News Provider

s winter sets in, it can be easy to stay inside and let hibernation mode take over. But that doesn’t mean you should let your health become obsolete.

If you’re looking to take your fitness goals to the next level and make your health a priority, it might be time to join a health club.

“It’s a fact that about half of people with gym memberships don’t really use them,” says Steven Bronston, certified personal trainer with Life Time, a healthy way of life company that operates more than 115 health and wellness centers nationwide.

“To fix this, and to meet your health and fitness goals, you’ll want to ensure that any health club you join has lots of amenities and programs that fit your lifestyle.”

Bronston offers these questions to ask yourself when choosing the right club:

What gets you fired up?

When it comes to fitness, everyone has different preferences. If you enjoy working out in a group setting, your club should offer a variety of group fitness classes to choose from without added costs. If equip-

assessments and programs virtually guarantee success,” says Bronston.

Is this club convenient for your lifestyle?

With a busy schedule, it’s already difficult to find time out of your schedule to visit a health club. Many clubs are only open specific hours, or only offer classes at certain times on certain days, making it even more of a challenge. Look for a club that operates most hours of the day and offers a variety of classes and class times.

ment is what inspires you to get moving, make sure your club has the latest in both weight and cardio machines. In this case, boutique fitness centers might not offer enough variety to keep you engaged.

What other amenities are imporabout staff certifications. Various groups, tant to you? like run clubs or basketball leagues can also help facilitate a sense of belonging at your club.

Is there a sense of community?

Will the club help you meet your goals?

You’ll, hopefully, be spending a lot of time at your health club, so it’s important to make sure you feel at home. The staff should be friendly and inviting, as well as knowledgeable and well trained.

Your health and well-being should be the center of attention, so be sure to ask

There’s a big difference between walking into a typical gym with a roomful of equipment and stepping foot into a total lifestyle center with a truly personalized approach to achieving health and fitness goals. “The Life Time philosophy is to ‘Know it, Nourish it and Move it,’ and our

Make sure the health club you choose has all of your desired details. A club with kids’ activities will keep your kids active and happy while you’re able to focus on yourself. A café allows you to grab a healthy meal on your way out when you’re short on time. It’s a good idea to check for other membership perks like a spa, discounts at local retailers and internal rewards.

Don’t let your membership slip through the cracks this year. Find a health club that meets your needs and you’ll be more than motivated to meet and exceed your goals. To learn more, visit lifetimefitness.com. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  13

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

14  January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 January 2016

Domestic Violence

tional Domestic Violence Hotline for safety planning help, but if the two of you talk about a safety plan together, be sure to cover the following ground: • Identify the safest areas of the house.

These areas should be weapon-free and have windows or doors for escape. Your loved one may need to move to these areas when he/she senses rising tension.

• Develop a signal or code word for family, loved ones or neighbors so that they’ll know to call for help.

• Talk about what might go into an emergency bag (important documents, a change of clothes, checkbook, etc.) and where one could be safely stored.

I

By d-mars.com News Provider

f you suspect someone you care about is being abused, know you can make a difference. Listen without judgment, help create a safety plan and share resources. Before you begin, know the facts. Domestic violence is abuse by a parent, spouse, intimate partner or caregiver. It isn’t exclusively physical. Abuse can be sexual, financial, and/or emotional. It can be controlling, too. No one is immune. Domestic violence affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, races and socioeconomic classes.

If you suspect a friend or family member is being abused, approach the topic carefully in a safe, one-on-one setting.

When a domestic violence survivor talks about their experiences, they are making a leap of faith that the listener won’t carelessly share the information with a spouse, neighbor or other family member. Know that they are opening up to you because they trust that you won’t put them at increased risk.

Listen, don’t judge Listen with empathy. Emphasize that the abuse is not the survivor’s fault. You may be tempted to tell your loved one to leave his or her abuser, but don’t.

Share resources

Leaving a violent relationship can be frightening, and even dangerous. Most survivors of domestic violence leave and return to a relationship many times before they leave for good. Be patient; the process may take longer than you’d like.

Show respect for their ability to make their own life decisions.

“It can be tempting to say, ‘you need to leave now,’ but that advice may do more harm than good. There are a lot of reasons domestic violence survivors stay in abusive relationships, including fear of retribution,” Filer says. “Instead, focus

on being supportive and empathetic.”

Safety planning The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, along with most other domestic violence prevention organizations, offers safety planning resources to domestic violence survivors. A personalized plan can help your loved one prepare to respond in a violent or abusive situation.

Though plans vary, there are common themes. Refer your loved one to the Na-

Let your loved one know there are experts who can help. This information can save lives.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers round-the-clock, confidential, anonymous support at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Domesticshelters.org hosts a searchable database of the nation’s domestic violence shelters.

Family physicians can treat medical problems, provide support and make referrals. Other health care professionals can also help.

“We have a very dangerous tendency to view domestic violence as a private matter, but here’s the truth: Domestic violence is everyone’s business. Speak up. Show your support. Then show respect and keep this conversation confidential,” Filer says. – BPT

Barbara Jordan Endeavors Birthday Celebration!

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  17

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 January 2016

Football Players Face More Than Just Concussion Worries, Little-Known Neurologic Condition Also Prevalent By d-mars.com News Provider

T

here’s been a lot of attention recently on the effects of sports-related brain injuries. However, PseudoBulbar Affect (PBA), a neurologic condition that causes uncontrollable, sudden outbursts of crying and/or laughing in people with brain injuries or certain neurologic conditions, is absent from the dialogue. An estimated 7 million Americans suffer from PBA, but awareness is low and many people don’t know they have it.

A recent survey from the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund assessed the prevalence and impact of PBA symptoms in former professional football players. Ninety-nine percent of all players had experienced head trauma or injury during their football career. And more concerning is that a third of these players admit to experiencing symptoms consistent with PBA; and most were unaware that PBA symptoms may result from head injury. PBA is not limited to sports-related brain injury; it can also occur in people with brain injuries from other causes like car accidents or falls, or certain other neurologic conditions

such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or multiple sclerosis.

PBA episodes may occur several times a day and last from seconds to minutes, can be exaggerated or don’t usually match what a person is feeling on the inside, and can occur spontaneously, often with no clear trigger.

Additional findings from the survey include: • The majority of the former players surveyed were aware of symptoms like memory loss (73 percent), difficulty thinking (60 percent), and headache (60 percent) as a result of brain injury. However, few were aware of PBA-like symptoms.

• Among former players surveyed with PBA-like symptoms, the greatest impact of these symptoms appears to

be on spending time with family, maintaining a marriage, working and being able to participate in social activities.

• Only 16 percent of former players reporting any PBA-like symptoms had discussed their symptoms with a health care professional, and just over half of them received any diagnosis or explanation for their symptoms. * Common reasons for not reporting crying or laughing episodes to a physician were “thought it was just depression” (29 percent) or “too embarrassed to mention” (25 percent).

“People who suffer from PBA may find their symptoms challenging, and suffer an emotional toll. PBA can negatively impact social interactions, and sometimes these crying or laughing episodes are so interpersonally disruptive for people that they may interfere with their normal activities,” says Dr. Greg O’Shanick, National Medical Director Emeritus of the Brain Injury Association of America. “The good news is PBA is treatable. People who have, or think they may have PBA should talk to their doctor about ways to manage their symptoms.”

For more information about PBA and the survey visit www.TacklePBA.org or talk to your doctor. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  19

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

20 January 2016

Blocking Differentiation Is Enough to Give Cells ‘Stemness’ By d-mars.com News Provider

W

hen it comes to biotechnology, ScienceDaily is a great source for information.

In immune cells, researchers have found that simply blocking a transcription factor that leads to differentiation is sufficient to keep cells in a multipotent stem cell-like state where they can continue to proliferate and can later differentiate into various cell types.

Regenerative medicine and immune therapy are promising areas of research for future medical therapies, but today they are limited by the difficulty of creating stem cells, and scientists around the world are searching for ways to create somatic stem cells in the easiest way possible. Now, a collaboration between the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Science (IMS) and other institutions in Japan and Europe have found that in immune cells, simply blocking a transcription factor that leads to differentiation is sufficient to keep cells in a multipotent stem cell-like state where they can continue to proliferate and can later differentiate into various cell types.

Efforts in the past to create stem cells have typically involved finding ways to take target cells and "dedifferentiate" them into multipotent cells, but this is typically a painstaking process.

Tomokatsu Ikawa was the first and corresponding author of the paper published in Stem Cell Reports and says, "We decided to look at the possibility that somatic stem cells could be maintained in a stem cell-like state where they could proliferate without undergoing differentiation." To

test this, the team took mouse hematopoetic progenitor cells--cells that give rise to white blood cells--and modified them to overexpress a protein called Id3.

Id3 inhibits the expression of E-proteins, which are involved in differentiation in somatic cells. They then placed the cells into culture conditions containing certain cytokines, and instead of differentiating into B-cells, the cells continued to divide as stem cells. When placed in a culture that did not contain those cytokines, the cells differentiated into various immune cells. To test whether the cells would maintain their multipotency in living animals, the researchers transplanted them into mice whose white blood cells had been depleted, and showed that the new cells could expand and differentiate into

various types of white blood cells.

To explore the potential for application, the group then attempted a similar experiment using human blood stem cells taken from umbilical cords, which they transfected with a vector encoding human Id3. They found that like the mouse cells, these human cells could be maintained in a dividing state and then prompted to differentiate by changing the conditions.

"With this work we have succeeded in showing," says Ikawa, "that the cells can be kept in a state of undifferentiation where they will proliferate extensively.

This is both a useful tool for giving us a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic program controlling the selfrenewal of stem cells, and on a practical side, it could allow us to inexpensively

produce large numbers of immune cells, which could then be used for regenerative medicine or immune therapy."

For more, please visit ScienceDaily at www.sciencedaily.com.

Story Source: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by RIKEN. _Journal Reference: Tomokatsu Ikawa, Kyoko Masuda, Mirelle J. A. J. Huijskens, Rumi Satoh, Kiyokazu Kakugawa, Yasutoshi Agata, Tomohiro Miyai, Wilfred T. V. Germeraad, Yoshimoto Katsura, and Hiroshi Kawamoto. Induced developmental arrest of early hematopoietic progenitors leads to the generation of leukocyte stem cells. Stem Cell Reports, October 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.09.012

Nurses Transition from the Bedside to the Boardroom By d-mars.com News Provider

R

egistered nurses (RNs) are the largest segment of the nation’s health care workforce. Their direct access to patients and their families has long influenced health care delivery and outcomes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the profession among the fastest-growing in the U.S, yet nurses remain underrepresented on the leadership bodies that shape their industry. Significant opportunity exists for nurses to expand their sphere of influence from the bedside to the boardroom.

Nurses are key members of the American health care system, but they are historically left out of policy-making decisions.

Only 6 percent of board members were nurses, according to a survey of 1,000 hospital boards published in the Jour-

nal of Healthcare Management. Higher education is helping to fix this disparity through degree program options that empower nurses to apply knowledge of organizational leadership to achieve change.

The Institute of Medicine says pursuing advanced levels of education is one essential way for nurses to further their careers and prepare for leadership roles, and today’s nurses have more options than ever. The number of programs available to transition RNs to the master’s degree level has doubled over the past 15 years, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Online programs give nurses the flexibility to continue their education without taking a break from their careers.

Chamberlain College of Nursing, for example, offers a variety of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specialty tracks to prepare nurses for specialty careers in informatics, patient or nurse education,

or health care policy.

“The opportunities are endless for nurses with a master’s degree to further their careers — from administrative and management positions to research and technology,” says Dr. Robin Kirschner, dean of MSN Specialty Tracks at Chamberlain.

Chamberlain’s MSN Executive specialty track pairs interpersonal skills development with curriculum on the complex health care system, including staffing, budgets, organizational change and factors that influence health care policy. This academic foundation can help nurses assume roles as nurse executive, director of nursing, chief nursing officer or health care administrator.

MSN program graduates can continue their educational and professional advancement by pursuing additional nursing degrees, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Chamberlain

graduates can earn their MBA faster by applying qualifying credits to the program at DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management.

Health care leaders agree nurses with advanced degrees possess a wider knowledge base of patient care, quality standards, business acumen and other skills that result in improved patient outcomes.

Accordingly, many large health care organizations now require nurses to have a master's degree in a nursing specialty or nursing administration to move into leadership roles, as these functions entail staffing, planning and budgeting responsibilities.

“Nurses have the power to transform health care,” Dr. Kirschner says. “With advanced education to support them, they can join their multi-disciplinary counterparts on leadership boards in greater numbers to affect positive change through policy.” – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  21

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22  January 2016

Frequently Asked Questions on the Impact of PACE Act on State Small Group Expansion By d-mars.com News Provider

O

n October 7, 2015, the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act was enacted as Public Law 114-60 (PACE Act).

The PACE Act amends section 1304(b) of the Affordable Care Act and section 2791(e) of the Public Health Service Act to revise the definition of small employer for purposes of the market reforms under title I of the Affordable Care Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act. The PACE Act generally defines a small employer as an employer who employed an average of 1-50 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year, but provides States the option of extending the definition of small employer to include employers with up to 100 employees. The law became effective upon enactment.

Question 1: What constitutes a State election to extend the definition of small employer?

Answer 1: Any State action that extends the definition of a small employer to include employers with up to 100 employees that is legally binding on health insurance issuers in the State will constitute an election to extend the small employer definition for purposes of the PACE Act. Such an election may be made through any State action within the authority of the applicable State regulatory agency that makes the definition legally binding on health insurance issuers in the State. If a State makes this election, the definition of small employer must be applied uniformly to all health insurance issuers in the State, including those in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). States that elect to extend the small employer definition to up to 100 employees for coverage effective January 1, 2016, were requested to notify CMS of their election by October 30, 2015 at marketreform@cms.hhs. gov. This information collection request was anticipated to affect fewer than 10 entities in a 12-month period. Accordingly, under 5 CFR 1320.3(c)(4), it is not subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

States that elect to extend the small employer definition with another coverage effective date are requested to notify the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as soon as soon as practicable.

Question 2: Given the recent change to the federal definition of small employer promulgated under the PACE Act, may States allow carriers to mod-

ify their rate filings for small group coverage for 2016?

Answer 2: States with a State-based SHOP that do not rely on the Federal platform have the discretion, consistent with state law and regulations, to allow resubmission of small group coverage rate filings, including changes to rates for the first quarter of 2016. Due to technical constraints, issuers offering small group coverage in States with a Federally-facilitated SHOP (FF-SHOP), and in State-based SHOPs using the Federal platform, cannot make changes to rate filings for the first quarter of 2016. Consistent with 45 CFR 156.80(d)(3)(ii), issuers offering small group coverage in any State may adjust rates for the second quarter, for rates effective April 1, 2016, to the extent otherwise allowed under applicable State and Federal law.

Question 3: Does the enactment of the PACE Act affect the counting methodologies to be used by the SHOPs in accordance with Internal Revenue Code section 4980H(c)(2), and for purposes of the medical loss ratio (MLR), risk adjustment, and risk corridors programs?

Answer 3: No. The requirements regarding the employee counting methodologies for the FF-SHOPs and Statebased SHOPs, and for the MLR, risk adjustment, and risk corridors programs remain the same, and are not changed by the PACE Act. Question 4: How does the PACE Act impact employer size for MLR, risk corridors, and risk adjustment reporting purposes?

Answer 4: The definition of a small employer for purposes of MLR, risk corridors, and risk adjustment will follow the State definition. Since States that elect to increase the upper limit of small employer must do so uniformly for all ACA programs, and given the greater distinction between the small and large group markets as a result of the 2014

market reforms, CCIIO’s May 13, 2011 Guidance, Q&A #1, in which we permitted States to increase the upper limit of a small employer for MLR reporting purposes only, is no longer applicable, beginning with the 2017 MLR reporting year. Nonetheless, if, for example, during a transition in the state definition of small employer from 100 employees to 50 employees, a small group policy is issued to a large employer, the experience of that large group employer should be reported with the small group market for that State for the purposes of those programs for the applicable reporting year. In other words, reporting for those programs during a transition in the state definition of small employer in the applicable reporting year should align with the policy issued to the employer, regardless of actual employer size.

Question 5: If a State with a SHOP that uses HealthCare.gov elects to extend the definition of small employer to 1-100 employees, when will CMS make the applicable changes to

the employer eligibility screens on HealthCare.gov?

Answer 5: On November 1, 2015, the beginning of Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage, all FF-SHOP eligibility screens on HealthCare.gov asked employers if they have 1-50 employees for purposes of SHOP eligibility. CMS intends to make the applicable eligibility screen changes as quickly as possible and work with the SHOP Call Center and stakeholder groups to communicate options for employers in these States until the changes have been made to the online system. Moving forward, CMS will be able to make changes to the online system as soon as one month after being notified by a State of its election to extend the definition of small employer.

For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at www.cms.gov.

Source Used: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016  23

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24 January 2016

In the Health Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

The Black Nurses Association of Greater Houston

Dr. Tray Andrews Lake Houston Wellness Center LLC Grand Opening

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016 25

Dealing with the Dark: 6 Tips to Boost Your Mood By d-mars.com News Provider

I

t’s that time of the year when the days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder. Approximately 45 million Americans are negatively affected by the change of seasons and darkening of the summer light. They experience a drop in energy, have trouble getting up, feel down, crave carbs and become irritable or withdrawn. The severity of these symptoms can range from mild, but tolerable, to severe and debilitating. It not only affects their health, but it also affects their everyday life.

The problem typically starts gradually as the days become shorter in late summer or fall, and peaks midwinter in regions where there may be just nine or 10 hours of daylight. Researchers believe these seasonal mood changes are caused by the decreased amount of daylight people are exposed to during the fall and winter months, and that sunlight acts as a signal that synchronizes our body’s circadian rhythm. When we do not receive that morning light signal, the winter blues may occur.

Numerous studies have identified several ways that can help alleviate the symptoms caused by this sunlight deficiency. Here are six tips to help you deal with the winter blues.

Get more light. Get outside in the fall and winter during the day as much as

possible. Just 15 minutes of sun on your face and hands two to three times per week is enough for many people.

Purchase a bright light therapy lamp. Patients are advised to sit in front

of a specially designed light box that emits about 10,000 lux of UV-filtered white light, most often in the morning for 20-30 minutes. Bright-light therapy has been found to be the treatment of

choice. The clinically-proven Day-Light Classic by Carex Health Brands or the more compact Day-Light Sky, can be found in retail stores or purchased online.

Get some exercise. Regular exercise, in the mornings, can be a natural energizer that can help maintain a positive outlook.

Watch your diet. A healthy, wellbalanced diet relatively high in protein and low in carbohydrates provides the nutrients needed to stay active and alert.

Take part in social activities. Stay in touch with friends and family to avoid isolation. This might include a sunny vacation.

Get some sleep. Maintain a regular sleep schedule to keep your circadian rhythm in balance.

For moderate to severe winter blues, some people may need to seek professional help. One option often used by health care professionals is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A trained therapist can help a person develop behavioral tools to deal effectively with the winter blues. Success rates for CBT are high and the skills learned can be utilized whenever symptoms begin to appear.

Winter blues can begin as early as August and may continue into April. If symptoms are severe, look to your doctor for help as mood changes can have a severe impact on your daily life. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

26 January 2016

How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During the Dry Winter Months By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he transition from fall to winter presents unique challenges for everyone.

Not only is it important to switch wardrobes in order to brave the cold, we also have to get used to driving in the snow and ice, remember to shovel the sidewalk, and of course, prepare against the seasonal onslaught of the cold and flu.

While it’s common to stock up on vitamin C and warm clothes, many neglect to take care of their skin during these colder months. This is a problem that is particularly prevalent among men.

“The number one skincare complaint I hear from men is dry skin,” says Dr. Terrence Keaney, a pioneer in the field of men’s specific dermatology who recommends the Dove Men+Care personal wash range as men’s best defense against dry skin. “The colder weather months are stressful and drying on men’s skin due to a decrease in humidity, cold winds and the heavy, often irritating clothes we are forced to wear.

These factors are exaggerated in men due to various behavioral differences coupled with varying degrees of understanding regarding personal care products and skincare.”

Dr. Keaney’s research has consistently shown that men’s skin needs to be cared for differently than women’s due to biological and behavioral differences. “Many men aren’t using personal care products designed specifically with their skin in mind, which is why I recommend Dove Men+Care.” The Dove Men+Care range of products was created to address men’s specific skin care concerns, giving men comfortable skin without sacrificing effectiveness.

Biologically, men’s skin is different than women’s skin because it is thicker, produces more sweat and oil resulting in larger pores that can clog with dirt and oil more easily. Men’s skin also has lower pH values, which can cause some cleansing products to have a more drying effect on skin.

“When men come into my office the first thing I recommend are cleansing products designed for them that will effectively remove dirt and excess oil while also hydrating their skin,” states Dr. Keaney. “Maintaining skin’s hydration levels is one of the most important ways to keep the skin healthy and strong.” The Dove Men+Care Hydration Balance Body Wash is made with MICROMOISTURE technology that activates on skin dur-

ing lather to lock in the skin’s natural moisture and provide hydration for healthier, stronger skin.

Another cause of dry skin that can become exaggerated in the winter month is men’s shower routine. Men are sometimes overaggressive when cleansing and scrubbing and often use hot water excessively. Both of these habits will wash away the skin’s protective oils and can leave the skin dry, tight and itchy.

In addition to over-scrubbing, Dr.

Keaney points out that “using traditional bar soaps can accelerate skin irritation and dryness. Traditional bar soaps often lack the moisturizing benefits needed to maintain moisture in men’s skin.” If you prefer using a bar in the shower over a body wash, Dr. Keaney recommends the Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Bar which has a mild formula and contains the signature Dove ¼ moisturizing cream that will better help maintain skin’s hydration levels when compared to traditional bar soaps.

While the cold weather and winter are unavoidable, dealing with the dry, irritated skin that often accompanies winter can be remedied by simply understanding how to properly care for the skin. “The most important thing men can do this winter is understand that their skin requires a different type of care than a women’s, and they must use products that will maintain hydration levels for healthier, stronger skin,” urges Dr. Keaney.

The skin is the immune system’s primary line of defense against bacteria and viruses and when properly cared for, men can enjoy a more comfortable and active winter season. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016

27

I Could Have, and I Should Have in 2015

By Rhonda Dallas

H

Contributing Writer

appy New Year!

Readers, we often use this time of the year to reflect on what we could have done and what we should have done. There’s no need to focus on the past, as this is a new year and a new time. I am here to tell you that it’s not too late to get on the track to good health. Just because we are in 2016 does not mean that it’s too late to get some of those things done from last year’s list of goals, dreams, and desires.

Questions you need to be asking yourself are: • What health goals do I want to complete?

• What health tools and resources do I need to complete these goals?

• What do I want to do differently in regards to my health this year?

As it is 2016, we need to make the following goals: • I need to take better care of my health.

• I need to not procrastinate on health goals set.

• I need to press forward with my health and fitness goals, despite setbacks.

Although these points are simple, they can be difficult if we don’t keep a positive attitude. It’s important when pressing forward to always keep a positive attitude, because as the saying goes, “Attitude is everything.” Feel good about yourself. Wake up every day charged and ready to be better than the day before. Stay away from negative people and people who cause you to second

guess yourself and what you believe in.

Negativity can cause you to lower your standards for yourself, which ultimately, can cause you to eat poorly and feel bad.

Though you want to set goals, be realistic. If it has been awhile since you have exercised, don’t set a goal to workout for 2 hours your first day back at the gym, because that’s unrealistic. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Start out with baby steps, maybe walking 30 minutes.

As Nike says, “Just Do It.” Don’t procrastinate, don’t make a big announcement, don’t get fearful, but just get out there and do it. Whenever we waver, we run the risk of changing our thoughts and our walk, which can be detrimental to our health goals. See yourself as you will be. Visualize and dream on how you are going to look, act, and feel. Write down a healthy vision for your life, and begin the steps to get it accomplished.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

G

By d-mars.com News Provider

laucoma Awareness Month is observed every January, and the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) continues educating the African-American community on the topic of glaucoma and eye health. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve, which carries visual signals to the brain.

It can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. More than 520,000 African-Americans have glaucoma, and this number is expected to increase by more than 300,000 over the next 15 years. The

Don’t just talk the talk.

disease is a leading cause of blindness among African-Americans.

Keep an eye out for glaucoma.

The National Eye Institute encourages you to save your sight from vision loss and blindness by knowing your risk for glaucoma—and doing something about it! Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of this disease. More than half of all people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. And, quite often, by the time people are diagnosed with glaucoma, they have already begun to notice changes in their side or peripheral vision. African-Americans age 40 and older, those with a family

As a certified life coach and health guru, I am available to coach you through 2016 and help you get on track with living a healthier lifestyle. Helping you make your dreams become a reality is my passion.

Happy health in 2016!

To find out more about programs and health and wellness coaching, please contact Rhonda Dallas at rhondadallasconsulting@gmail.com, and visit her on the web at www.rhondadallascoaching.com.

history of glaucoma, and everyone age 60 and older are at a higher risk and should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years.

Do something about glaucoma. Talking about it is the first step. The second step is to see your eye care professional and get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are at higher risk.

Don’t wait until you notice vision problems to see your eye care professional.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It’s time to talk about eye health.

To learn more about how you can protect your sight, please visit www.nei.nih. gov/glaucoma. The National Eye Institute (NEI) leads the federal government’s research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address the special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, please visit www.nei.nih.gov.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

28

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

29

30

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

31

32

January 2016

d-mars.com ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

Experience Our World 713-272-9511 contact@d-mars.com www.d-mars.com

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

33

34

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

January 2016

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

35