Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH
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WELLNESS
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MEDICAL
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RESEARCH
June 2014
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Staying Aware with National Health Observances
Sharon Phillips’ Story: Living with Sarcoidosis By Valerie Jones When Sharon Phillips visited her ophthalmologist in 2010 for an eye infection, she had no idea there would follow examinations by four more doctors as well as x-rays – which all led to a conference with several physicians. PAGE 10
Lady Emmy Launches on KCOH Radio with “Beautiful You” By Valerie Jones Houston’s airwaves will be treated to a fresh new voice soon. PAGE 12
Sleep Better Together – How to Slumber as a Couple
d-mars.com News Provider Tossing, turning, snoring, thrashing, blanket yanking – it’s amazing anybody who shares a bed ever gets any sleep. If your loved one is keeping you up, you’re definitely not alone. PAGE 18
pages 4-5
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You can live a healthy lifestyle and do the best to be aware of your body and conscious, and that’s what I attempt to do. – Hill Harper
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Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.
The health and well-being of our children, adults and overall community is of great concern, so it’s important that we recognize the difference between just being healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis
VICE PRESIDENT
African Americans have unique health issues, so healthy habits should be instituted at a young age. Some illnesses and diseases disproportionately affect African Americans such as HIV, so healthy habits could potentially save lives. Parents should have conversations with their children and lead by example. It’s also helpful to be aware of the national health observances each month because often times, efforts and initiatives will provide useful information on how to care for yourself.
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones
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Contents
PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines
Your Health is Your Wealth............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Migraines: A Debilitating Disease.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes
Yummy, Yummy, to my Tummy: The Wonderful Tradition of Soul Food............................................................................................. 5
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Multivitamins: Are They Necessary?............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Angel Rosa
Popular Soul Food Dishes................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
DISTRIBUTION
Sharon Phillips’ Story: Living with Sarcoidosis........................................................................................................................................10
Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden
We’ll Help Your “FIRST IMPRESSIONS” Be Positive Ones!......................................................................................................................... 11 Lady Emmy Launches on KCOH Radio with “Beautiful You”................................................................................................................. 12
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J Thomas Smith, J.D., Ph.D. Lisa Bradley Stephanie Allen-Gobert Julie Lester, DPM Valerie Jones Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS d-mars.com News Provider
In the Health Community…............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Stay Active as you Age....................................................................................................................................................................................16 Sleep Better Together – How to Slumber as a Couple...........................................................................................................................18 Pump it Up: Ways to Grow the Personal Trainer Profession..............................................................................................................20 7 Health Myths that Might Surprise You................................................................................................................................................... 22
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June 2014
Health & Wellness
Take Control of Your Health: Recognizing National Health Observances
Your Health is Your Wealth
By J. Thomas Smith
M
Contributing Writer
en’s Health Week is celebrated from June 9 and ending on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014. Men’s Health Week was signed into law in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. It has been celebrated across the nation for the last 20 years and it is now recognized during the entire month of June. It is sad to note that thousands of men lose their lives each year to preventable health problems like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and other smoking-related deaths. Men’s Health Month highlights these and other
preventable diseases and conditions. As we encourage men to become better fathers, I believe that this is a perfect time to encourage men, boys and their families to live healthier lives. Whether we focus on simply engaging in regular exercise, eating healthier or getting regular screenings and exams, we must be proactive. Men’s Health Month is celebrated by corporations, faith-based groups, fraternal organizations, and government agencies across the country. Many of these organizations are sponsoring health screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The overall goal is to raise awareness throughout the community and the country and to encourage prevention and dialogue about what one can do individually to keep themselves and their families healthy. Inequity in health is pervasive in minority communities. While it is important to stress prevention in these communities, a key strategy for achieving equity in health, we must focus on bringing awareness to health disparities that disproportionately
impact racial and ethnic minorities. We must stress the importance of prevention as a key strategy for achieving health equity. According to Men’s Health Network, “African American males have the lowest life expectancy in Washington D.C.” The numbers are likely comparably lower in other jurisdictions as well. “African American males are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white males. Hispanic males have almost three times the rate of HIV/AIDS as white males and are 2.5 times more likely to die from HIV/AIDS as white men. Hispanic males are six times more likely to have never seen a primary healthcare provider and eight times less likely to have never seen a dentist than white males.” These numbers can be reduced simply by increasing the number of persons obtaining screenings that include cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body fat and grip strength assessments. According to J. Nadine Gracia, MD, MSCE, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and Director of the Office of Minority Health, “Seven of the
top 10 causes of death in the U.S. are from chronic diseases and men of color are disproportionately affected by many of these preventable conditions.” However, “at this time in history, we have unprecedented opportunities, such as those created by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Health and Human Services Action Plan, to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities…” So if you do not have health care coverage, be sure to get it as soon as possible. You will pay a penalty to the IRS if you are required to have it and you do not get it. Not only is it the law, most provide coverage prevention screening benefits. With these points in mind, let us recognize Men’s Health Month by making a conscious decision, right here and right now, to live a healthier and prosperous life. With this conviction, let us not only consciously take better care of our own personal health, but let each one encourage another to get screened, get regular exercise and to get an annual physical examination. Your health IS your wealth. May you and yours continue to prosper abundantly. J Thomas Smith is an attorney, mental health consultant, author and host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am). His book, “The Secret to a New Life” is available through your favorite bookseller or on-line at www. TheSecrettoaNewLife.com. www.AttorneyJThomasSmith.com.
References: “A Framework for Advancing the Overall Health and Wellness Of America’s Boys and Men”; http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/Dialogue1.pdf http://www.prnewswire.com/newsreleases/mens-health-braintrust-publishes-a-framework-for-advancing-theoverall-health-and-wellness-of-americas-boys-and-men-199828811.html
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June 2014
Migraines: A Debilitating Disease By Lisa Bradley Contibuting Writer
R
emember the old adage, ‘good guys wear white?’ Well, an estimated 40 million adults in the United States have swapped their white attire for purple ones. Purple is the hue associated with migraine and headache awareness, which is recognized in the month of June. Unfortunately, this disease is a reality for many, mostly women, and is often inadequately treated and poorly acclaimed. Migraine headaches have been statistically proven to have a bearing genetically and can last from four hours to 72 hours. The individuals in the adult populace diagnosed with migraines are an astounding 40 million citizens in the United States alone. The term ‘migraine’ has been ill-used for so many years that many people experiencing an agonizing headache often declare they have a migraine. Migraines are a debilitating disease, and it’s been deemed challenging to narrow down the real identifying causes and triggers of this disorder. Every migraine sufferer has unique ailments because no one person has the same triggers, symptoms and/or treatments. A migraine arises when overactive nerve cells transmit pulsations to the
blood vessels, which cause them to not only constrict, but dilate. The impulses become painful as serotonin and prostaglandins are released. Migraine headaches are correlated with light sensitivity, distorted vision, nausea and smells. Often, the pain affects one side of the head; however, the pain can be on both sides. Individuals suffering from migraine headaches classify them often as being an unbearable hammering pain and they can worsen with physical exertion. Some migraine sufferers experience an aura, which is a cautionary sign that a migraine is emerging. An aura is detected as being a flashing light that usually subsides as the migraine progresses. Migraines can mimic stoke symptoms,
so any migraine attacks must be taken seriously, and proper medical care and treatment is imperative. The symptoms that parallel a stroke include numbness on one side and disturbances in speech. Stress is known to be a trigger that can increase the constrictions of the blood vessels and the pain can be increasingly worse. Approximately 30 percent of migraines are sparked by the chemicals and preservatives in foods that leave a person sensitive to items such as alcoholic beverages, nitrates such as those in hot dogs and MSG contained foods, red wine, aged cheese, dairy, caffeine, sleep deprivation, chocolate, menstrual periods and something as simple as the change of weather – strong winds – to name a few. There are some conditions that are linked with migraines – hypertension, asthma, sleep disorders and chronic fatigue. A headache is much different than a migraine headache as a headache does not have the same debilitating effects. The pain is not two-sided, nor does it promote nausea, sensitivity to light or any of the other systems correlated with migraines. While pain is pain, there is no comparison between the two. Not taking away from individuals that endure headaches, it is evident that migraines for some are a disorder that can become chronic. Treatments for migraines include over-
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the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications. Narcotic medications are often used, but are not appropriate treatment for migraines. Preventive medications such as anti-seizure, blood pressure and anti-depressants have been successful treatment for some. In times when medications aren’t effective – for example, patients are allergic – depending on the severity, emergency room visits or even hospitalization is warranted. Health is a contributing factor because eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting proper sleep is imperative. Failure to do so will promote migraines more often than not. While this disease is highlighted in the month of June, migraines are a disorder that affects individuals every single day. There is no known cause for migraine headaches, and individuals will continue to experience the variations in specified neurotransmitters in the way in which the brain receives messages between the cells of the brain. It is imperative that migraine awareness is spread in order for individuals to be knowledgeable of the disease. If you are someone you know is experiencing migraines, please be sure to get medical treatment. Be aware of the foods and triggers to prevent migraine attacks whenever possible, exercise and remember that stress-free environments are essential.
Yummy Yummy to my Tummy: The Wonderful Tradition of Soul Food By Stephanie Allen-Gobert Contibuting Writer
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ice and gravy, smothered mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, biscuits with gravy, collard greens, mustard greens, black eyed peas, fat back, fried fish, red beans with rice, ribs, neck bones, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, grits (with catfish on the side and extra butter), and we CANNOT forget the cornbread made from scratch! That is just some of the yummy, yummy to my tummy examples of good ole’ tasting soul food. Most of us can recall the wonderful grease smell from Mama’s house from school; that Crisco grease was heated to perfection and the smell of fried chicken lit up the whole house! It was on! Then Mama would finish it off with brown gravy from scratch, the cheesiest macaroni and a biscuit or the sweetest cornbread in the world! The time my grandmother and so many other grandmothers, great grandmothers, mothers and fathers from “back in the day” took in preparing home-cooked meals and ensuring a tradition of soul food that continues to grow and keep our “tummies” satisfied is truly a blessing. In today’s culture, many have tried different ways to intimidate the ingredients that make
soul food “soulful” but none seem to perfect in the way our tradition and heritage has and we have kept it. With summer fast approaching and family reunions, cookouts and barbecues with laughter and home-cooked meals right around the corner, let’s get a little history on the tradition of soul food and let Americans who might not know why it’s so delicious! The origin of soul food can be dated back as early as 1492. The term ‘soul food’ is used to describe an ethnic cuisine – food traditionally prepared and eaten by African Americans of the Southern United States. Cooking of soul food originated during American slavery in the South. African slaves were given only the “leftover” and “undesirable” cuts of meat from their masters (while the white slave owners got the meatiest cuts of ham, roasts, etc.).1 The slaves also grew their vegetables. After slavery, with many slaves being poor, they could afford only off-cuts of meat, along with other rubbish. Farming, hunting and fishing provided fresh vegetables, fish and wild game, such as possum, rabbit, squirrel and sometimes waterfowl. Africans living in America at the time (and since) more than made do with the food choices they had to work with. The term ‘soul food’ did not become popular until the 1960s with the rise of the Civil Rights and Black Nationalism
movements during the 1960s. Many African Americans sought to reclaim their part of the American cultural legacy. As terms like ‘soul brother,’ ‘soul sister’ and ‘soul music’ were taking hold; it was only natural that the term ‘soul food’ be used to describe the recipes that African Americans had been cooking for generations. According to some sources, the term may have first been used in 1962 by civil rights activist
and poet Amiri Baraka. 1962 was the same year that Sylvia Woods opened her now-famous Harlem restaurant Sylvia’s; today, Sylvia is known by many as “the Queen of Soul Food.” Pork has an almost limitless number of uses in soul food. Many parts of the pig are used, like pigs’ feet, ham hocks, pig ears, hog jowl and chitlins. Houston has its share of amazing soul food restaurants. People travel from all over to get a taste of some of the best soul food in the country. Many local restaurants continue to keep the tradition and heritage of soul food. I won’t list the soul food restaurants that top my family and friends’ list of top eateries because there are so many. Everyone has that special soul food restaurant here in Houston or other southern cities that brings back memories of home, family and good ol’ soul food cooking. The recent hype with trans fats and obesity has made healthy alternatives available for cooking and preparing soul food. While these alternatives are excellent for us and our health, let’s still try to keep the ingredients that make our heritage and tradition unique. Keep the ‘soul’ in soul food. And in the words of Reverend Williams from the movie Soul Food (1997), “Bless this bread, bless this meat, bless this belly ‘cause I’s gon’ eat!” 1 www.aaregistry.com
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June 2014
Multivitamins: Are They Necessary?
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By Julie Lester, DPM Contributing Writer
or many, one-a-day multivitamins have always been a household staple to ensure the entire family receives the recommended daily value of nutrients. For others, taking vitamins sounds like a good idea, but it never seems to become a lasting habit. One contributing factor could be the large number of companies that produce multivitamins. This makes it difficult for an individual to know exactly which one is right for them. Another reason could be recent reports which have surfaced, claiming that multivitamins are a “waste of money.” Either one of these reasons could deter someone from implementing a vitamin regimen into their daily routine. The fact is, however, multivitamins contain nutrients and minerals that are essential for overall health and well-being. The first step in choosing the right vitamin is to understand which nutri-
ents are essential, and what benefits they provide. It is also important to be aware that children, men, women and elderly individuals require different amounts of different minerals. As a baseline, nearly all multivitamins offer the same basic essential minerals: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, Niacin, B6, Folic Acid, B12, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese and Chromium. Some multivitamins may contain a few extra, and some may contain less. Vitamin A is essential for vision and eye health. Vitamin C prevents cell damage and promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin D helps promote strong bones. The Vitamin B complex helps the body to metabolize nutrients and provides antioxidant support, along with Copper. Magnesium is important to promote
healthy bones and teeth. Manganese promotes healthy brain function and helps maintain blood-glucose balance, along with Chromium. Despite what many people believe, children do not require many vitamins and minerals. The main concern for this age group is receiving proper amounts of Vitamin D for healthy bone growth. Otherwise, a healthy balanced diet should provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need. Women also need a good dose of Vitamin D for healthy bones, especially after menopause. Folic Acid is essential for women who are pregnant, or trying to conceive. It is important in the prevention of certain birth defects. In addition, women need higher doses of iron, especially following menstruation. Men, on the other hand, require much less iron, if any at all. The main concern for men is prostate health, which is promoted by Selenium and Vitamin E. Individuals 60 years of age or older become concerned with bone and joint health. It is also important to know that iron supplements are not recommended in the elderly patient, unless an iron deficiency is detected. Iron toxicity can lead to cancer, heart disease and atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries). The essential minerals and nutrients that are provided by multivitamins are meant to work together to promote
overall health. The truth is, these essentials can be found in the foods we eat. The problem, though, is that most people don’t eat three healthy, balanced meals every day. If you’re constantly on the go, you may tend to grab something from the snack machine at work, or you may even skip a meal all together. Taking a multivitamin can ensure that you are receiving the proper amount of each of the essential minerals every day. These multivitamins are neither meant to replace a healthy meal, nor are they a treatment for any specific medical condition. They simply supply what the body needs as a supplement when and if your meals aren’t quite as balanced as they should be. This, in turn, helps support a healthy body. You still may be wondering how to choose which multivitamin is best. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate vitamins like prescription drugs. For that reason, not all vitamin bottles contain exactly what’s written on the label. This is where the controversy lies in taking multivitamins. There are several resources available online that compare the purity of different multivitamins. To find out what line of essentials the author recommends, and to get more information on the health benefits of vitamins and minerals, visit www.drlester.usana.com.
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June 2014
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June 2014
Popular Soul Food Dishes
In recognition of June being National Soul Food Month, our recipes this issue feature some popular soul food dishes. Soul food isn’t always touted as the healthiest, but it’s delicious! Just remember to eat it in moderation. *Recipes this month are all courtesy of Willie Crawford of chitterlings.com.
Salmon Croquettes
Pinto Beans and Ham Hocks This is another soul food favorite that can serve as a main dish or as a side.
Ingredients
3 smoked ham hocks 2 lbs. dried pinto beans 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1/2 medium chopped onion
Instructions Photo courtesy of frugalcooking.com Canned salmon was one of the cheaper fish that we could get while growing up in interior North Carolina, unless you caught your own fish. My grandmother often bought canned pink salmon or canned mackerel. With the mackerel, she often stirred them into some fried onion, simmered the mixture and we ate it over rice. With the salmon, she formed patties, fried them and we called them salmon croquettes.
Boil ham hocks on high heat for 45 minutes. Add all seasonings except hot sauce and onion. Continue boiling for 20 minutes. Add pinto beans, hot sauce and onion. Boil on medium heat until beans are done. Note: To speed up cooking of beans and reduce the gas beans produce, soak beans in cold water overnight or for three hours during the day. Serve with rice and a meat side dish. Photo courtesy of soul.food.com
Ingredients 1 12 oz. can pink salmon 2 whole eggs 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons yellow corn meal 1/2 teaspoon salt (depending upon the brand and how much salt is in it you can leave this out if you want) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix using a large spoon or a potato masher. I add the flour last because sometimes I adjust the amount to control the consistency. Mold the dough-like mix into patties (like thick homemade hamburgers).
Instructions Coat a frying pan with a little cooking oil. Crisco works just fine. Preheat the oiled pan over medium heat. Slip the patties into the pan, fitting as many as you can but leaving room to turn them. Cook until medium brown on one side, then turn over and do the same to the other side. They can be served with rice, corn or butterbeans.
Delicious Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Photo courtesy of tasteofhome.com Sweet potatoes were another staple I grew up with. They were fairly inexpensive and were great baked or in a pie. Baked potatoes were just eaten with a little butter.
Ingredients
4 large potatoes 2 cups sugar 1 stick butter 1 pinch cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg 1 store-bought pie crust (or your can just line a pan with vanilla wafers instead) 1/2 cup milk
Instructions Boil the potatoes until tender. When you stick a fork in them it should go in easy, but you don’t want them to fall apart. Let the potatoes cool and then peel them.
Put the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly with a potato masher. Melt the butter and pour it and the other ingredients in the bowl of potatoes. Stir until mixed well. Whether you used a ready-made pie crust or just cookies, pour the potato mixture into the crust. Put into an oven preheated to 375 degrees. Cook for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry. The pie can be eaten hot or cold.
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June 2014
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June 2014
Sharon Phillips’ Story: Living with Sarcoidosis By Valerie Jones
Helpful Resources for Sarcoidosis
W Associate Editor
hen Sharon Phillips visited her ophthalmologist in 2010 for an eye infection, she had no idea there would follow examinations by four more doctors as well as xrays – which all led to a conference with several physicians. That’s when she was dealt a heavy blow…doctors diagnosed Phillips with sarcoidosis. Doctors asked Phillips if she had ever heard of sarcoidosis. Other than reading about comedian Bernie Mac passing away from it, Phillips didn’t know much else about the disease. “My first feelings were shock, confusion, hurt and what, where and why me,” Phillips recalled. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. It can affect any organ in the body and usually starts in the lungs, skin and/or lymph nodes (especially the lymph nodes in the chest). Sarcoidosis also affects the eyes and liver. Phillips was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and labeled disabled when she was in the prime of her career. After she lost her entire immediate family in Florida over a 10-year period, due to various illnesses, she was just starting to get over the deaths
Inspire.com/Sarcoidosis National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Sarcoidosis Foundation of WV Inc. (www.wvsarcoidosis.org) Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (www.stopsarcoidosis.org)
Sharon Phillips was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2010. of her loved ones and get on with her life. Phillips is the former first vice president of Washington Mutual Bank and worked in Corporate and Community Affairs for more than 25 years. Though her diagnosis came as a surprise, Phillips was determined to research as much as she could about the disease with seemingly limited information. “The public needs to know more about this disease,” she said. “It’s been estimated that 3-5 percent of African American women will get this disease and I would like to be an informed person in order to
not only help myself, but others as well.” The NHLBI says some researchers think sarcoidosis develops if the body’s immune system responds to a trigger, such as bacteria, viruses, dust or chemicals. Normally, the immune system defends the body against foreign or harmful substances like sending special cells to protect organs that are in danger. The cells then release chemicals that recruit other cells to isolate and destroy the harmful substance. Inflammation occurs during this process and once the harmful substance is gone, the cells and the inflammation go away. However, in individuals who have sarcoidosis, the inflammation doesn’t go away. Instead, some of the immune system cells cluster to form lumps called granulomas in various organs in the body.
“I wake up each morning from coughing all night to aches and pains in my body that are indescribable,” Phillips said. “I have been prescribed so many pills that I cannot count them all. While the sarcoidosis is really active, I am placed on high doses of Prednisone and three to four inhalers.” To help get through her rough days, Phillips undergoes therapy, meditates and prays a lot. She started juicing and looks forward to yoga and Pilates. While not much is known about sarcoidosis, Phillips has made it her mission to spread her knowledge. Several celebrities are living with the disease, including actress Tisha Campbell-Martin; NBA great Bill Russell; boxing trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr.; singer/songwriter Angie Stone; and retired professional boxer Evander Holyfield. Phillips is working on a blog to serve as a resource for those suffering from sarcoidosis. “People can visit and see what others are going through, get answers to their questions and read what others want to share about what they are experiencing,” she said. Through it all, Phillips has tried to stay positive and proactive. “I have decided over the last six months to start on Dr. Oz’s various detox drinks because they make me feel better on my worst days. That’s why I feel there is a cure for this disease and more to the story than we know.”
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We’ll Help Your “FIRST IMPRESSIONS” Be Positive Ones! By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade
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hanks to Cosmetic Dentistry, your new “smile lift” can make you more approachable, huggable, kissable and confident. When it comes to professional networking or meeting that special someone, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Fair or unfair—people make snap judgments!
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June 2014
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higher incomes! An American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) study showed that smile flaws provoke incorrect assumptions about your personality, happiness, success and intelligence! Similarly, according to the 2012 Kelton study, Americans consider those with straight teeth to be more trustworthy, happier, healthier and smarter. The survey also showed that 38% of single adults would not consider going out on a second date with someone who has crooked teeth! Whether you’re a parent or a student...seeking a job or a promotion... or enjoying retirement—your healthy, inviting smile will have lifelong benefits. To Learn More, call us TODAY! For More Information, call us at 713.654.7756 or visit our web-site at www.cosmeticdt.com
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June 2014
Lady Emmy Launches on KCOH Radio with “Beautiful You”
By Valerie Jones Associate Editor
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ouston’s airwaves will be treated to a fresh new voice soon. Beauty expert Lady Emmy’s new radio show “Beautiful You” has launched on station KCOH. The show will be about beauty – both inside and out –
as well as other wellness themes. It will air live on Saturdays from 12 noon to 1pm. Lady Emmy is an experienced beauty expert, model, TV personality and speaker who has reviewed, consulted and done live television beauty segments on various beauty products for years. She also has a background in public speaking, which includes speaking at national events such as Congressional Black Caucus, Russell Simmons Hip Hop Summit Action Network, NAACP National Convention, TD Jakes’ MegaFest (Youth Experience) and Black Women’s Expo (Chicago). She focuses on topics such as healthy self-esteem, inner beauty, women’s issues and leadership. d-mars.com took a minute to chat with Lady Emmy about her debut on Houston radio and her background and experience in public speaking. d-mars.com: Where does your love of beauty and passion for women stem from? Lady Emmy: I’ve always had a love for all things beauty. As a model, I worked with many cosmetic and hair care companies on different print campaigns throughout the years. As I became a beauty expert, my love of the industry and the products has
grown even more. My passion for women and young girls has grown over the years. I’ve done a lot of work across the United States in the last 13 years. I want every girl and woman to live a happy, healthy whole life, which usually starts with healthy self-esteem and self-love. I try to do all that I can to encourage them and to work with organizations that are also passionate about making an impact with women and girls. d-mars.com: Reflecting back your experience speaking to audiences all over the United States, is there any moment in particular that stands out as being the most memorable? Why? Lady Emmy: The moment that stands out the most to me was after an event with young girls. I had spoken at an event about self-esteem and how it connects to having healthy relationships. During the Q&A, some of the girls asked questions about boys and dating. After the event, a young girl approached me to privately ask questions about a recent sexual assault that she’d been the victim of and what she should do to move forward. It was a heartbreaking situation, which really motivated me to keep working hard to help young women. d-mars.com: What most excites you
about your new radio show? How do you think your show will resonate with the Houston listeners? Lady Emmy: I’m excited about my new show because it’s a new adventure for me. I’ve been in television for nine years and this will be my first radio project. The show is called “Beautiful You.” It’s a unique, entertaining, informative and fun show. There isn’t another radio show like it. The show is about beauty, inside and out, including skin care, hair, makeup, grooming and men’s grooming, as well as self-esteem and other inner wellness themes to help develop an overall “Beautiful You!” We’ll be talking beauty tips and information, as well as discussing the things that affect our inner beauty, such as self-esteem, healthy relationships and other lifestyle topics. It’s a live show on Saturdays in which we will have guests and take call-in questions. We also have some great product giveaways and prizes each week for our listeners. I’m a native Texas (from East Texas), so I’m definitely excited to launch the show in Houston. I’m looking forward to working with some great people, companies and listeners in the area. For more information about Lady Emmy, visit www.LadyEmmy.com.
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In the Health Community…
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National Kidney Foundation Presents Pump-A-Licious
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Stay Active as you Age
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etting older can be a challenge. Staying on top of your health and fitness goals often becomes more difficult as you try to find enough time in the day to balance the schedules of work and life, and taking care of others. Improper nutrition, joint and muscle soreness and inactivity are additional challenges. Here are three simple tips to overcoming these challenges to continue living a healthy, active lifestyle. First, get proper nutrition. Erica Wasser, registered nutritionist and nutrition coach with Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company, notes that taking a multivitamin is one of the best things you can do for your overall nutrition. She also suggests limiting processed or packaged foods by making meals that will last. “Instead of cooking one chicken
breast, cook three,” says Wasser. “Add one to a salad, eat one with a side of steamed vegetables and use the last in a sandwich or wrap.” Smart snacking is also important. Focus on items like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, seeds, vegetables and hard boiled eggs and try to avoid granola bars and 100-calorie packs by prewashing and cutting vegetables and fruit and premixing bags of nuts and seeds. Settling on a routine of eating healthy, nutritious and protein-based meals and snacks will keep your energy up and your diet balanced for a healthy, fit life. Second, take notice of what your body is telling you. Are your joints sore? Does your back hurt from sitting in a chair most of the day? If so, choose exercises that will keep you fit while minimizing the impact on your joints or back and improving muscle strength
and stamina. Check out the local community pool or stop by a fitness facility with pools to see what type of aqua instruction they offer. “At Life Time, we offer aqua aerobics classes that focus on non-weight bearing cardio components and stretching,” says Wasser. “The buoyancy of water helps take pressure off joints and allows everyone to get a great, total body workout.” Wasser adds that yoga, mat Pilates and reformer Pilates can stretch your body, reducing back pain and limiting stress on joints under certain practices. Simple chair or balance ball exercises will also help build core muscle strength and stamina without taxing your body. Consider these exercises: • Sit with good posture and lift your arms above your head, at a 12 o’clock position. Visualize a clock and gently circle your arms clockwise until they reach the 12 o’clock position again. Reverse
the movement. Add soup cans or hand weights for difficulty. Repeat eight times. • Sit with good posture and tuck your elbows into your sides holding your forearms and hands out at a 90 degree angle. Slowly rotate your torso to the side as far as you comfortably can, making sure to keep the rest of your body stationary. Rotate back to center and repeat to the other side. Add soup cans or hand weights for difficulty. Repeat eight times. • Sit with good posture and your feet planted shoulder width apart. Slowly raise one leg up as far as you can comfortably go, or parallel to the floor. Hold for three seconds and slowly return to starting position. Alternate legs, repeating eight times for each leg. If you’re used to a more active lifestyle, keep it up. Make sure you’re taking the proper supplements to help your body recover quickly. Keep adding intensity to your workouts so they don’t become stale. Third, conquer the inactivity battle. Don’t confine yourself to your home after a long day. Go to a local mall and window shop or people watch with friends. Join a local exercise class or start a walking and talking group in your neighborhood. “It’s important to remember that being active doesn’t have to mean completing a total body workout,” says Wasser. “Anything that gets you up and moving can significantly add to your health and fitness as you get older.” Wasser also suggests scheduling and setting up daily or weekly activities to ensure you’re held accountable. (BPT)
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Sleep Better Together – How to Slumber as a Couple
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ossing, turning, snoring, thrashing, blanket yanking – it’s amazing anybody who shares a bed ever gets any sleep. If your loved one is keeping you up, you're definitely not alone. According to a recent survey, 37 percent of cohabitants have considered sleeping in a separate room from their partner to get a better night's sleep – 40 percent of women and 35 percent of men. "Couples often have different sleeping habits and preferences for room temperature and mattress firmness," said Cathy Linder, director of marketing research at Tempur Sealy. "It takes communication to create a welcoming, sleep-ready bedroom environment." Getting some shut eye means creating a space that's conducive for sleep. And that usually means a great mattress placed in a dark, quiet room. The survey results back this up – for 79 percent of those surveyed, a comfortable bed is the key to getting a good night's rest. Following are some ideas that experts say can benefit both of you in your search for sweet dreams at night – and an enhanced relationship during the day. • In-store mattress auditions: Don't be afraid to take a nap in the
store. According to the Better Sleep Council, you'll be happier with your mattress if you test it out in the store for longer than a few minutes. For two people to sleep side-by-side comfortably, try to get a queen or a king size mattress. • Prevent turbulence: Twentynine percent of people say their partner's tossing and turning keeps them awake at night. To minimize disturbances, invest in a new mattress that doesn't transfer motion, so when your sleep partner moves, you don't. Tempur-Pedic brought this benefit to the market, and illustrated it with their famous "wine glass test" that shows a steady (and full!) wine glass even as someone jumps on the bed. • Turn off technology: In today's 24/7 world, it's hard to unplug completely. According to the survey, 30 percent say they sleep in a high-tech zone and 25 percent say that their partner's late-night TV watching keeps them up at night. Banning phones, tablets and TV in the bedroom can help your body power down. • Sync up bedtimes: It can be quite a challenge for night owls and early birds to get on the same sleeping schedule. But it's worth making an effort with 28 percent saying that going to bed at the same time as their partner is essential to a good night's sleep. (BPT)
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Pump it Up: Ways to Grow the Personal Trainer Profession
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t a time when the country is seeing sweeping changes in the health care landscape, many Americans are realizing the benefits of taking a proactive approach to their personal health and well-being. The focus is changing to taking personal responsibility in protecting your health as you age. Given this paradigm shift, one of the best places to start with proactive health is by working with a qualified and certified trainer who can coach you on fitness and nutrition based on your overall health and fitness objectives. Jobs in personal training and fitness instruction will increase by 24 percent between now and 2020 to help people protect their health, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Personal training is no longer considered a luxury,” says Jeff Rosga, senior director of education at Life Time Academy, the training and certification organization for Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company. “In fact, it is becoming a way of life for many. From baby boomers down to 20-somethings, there is a demand for a high-quality training experience. The advent of an ‘active’ government approach to health care is driving personal accountability for a whole new generation of people. Both of these factors contribute to the need for fitness professionals who can deliver the expertise and knowledge needed to help the population stay healthy.” According to Rosga, there are opportunities to improve the fitness industry to ensure personal training remains a credible and growing profession. These include: • Certification – Online certification can get someone certified but that’s where it stops. The personal training industry experiences high turnover rates because many trainers aren’t prepared for the real world of personal training. Whether you’re one of those people in need of a personal trainer or looking for entry into the job market, look for certification and accreditation by a third party organization such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine. • Preparation – Many people who become a certified personal trainer do not have the foundational education needed to become successful in the industry. “Students need more fundamental education to become a qualified personal trainer,” says Rosga. “Some students require an intensive program while others have past work or educa-
tional experiences that they can simply build upon, but having to provide proof should be a requirement.” • Mentorship – With the increasing availability of fitness and nutrition advice available through YouTube and other websites or apps, many personal trainers struggle with their changing roles. Practical hands-on learning is missing from many certification programs, and Rosga believes it’s imperative that what trainers study and learn in a certification program needs to have practical application. Research the credentials and reputation of the trainers you want to work with and evaluate their background, accomplishments, testimonials and contributions to the industry. • Communication and Coaching – In the past, there was no such thing as a life coach and personal trainers played a role when it came to fitness. Today, trainers take on a much bigger role than counting repetitions and influencing behavior change by encouraging proper sleep, offering ways to minimize stress and focusing on nutrition. “Communication is key in working with clients to help them achieve their fitness objectives,” says Rosga. “Trainers need to be able to explain and demonstrate exercises or fitness elements, but they must also listen, have empathy and be agents of change, always focused on the client’s goals. Clients have a variety of needs – some are injured, have functional issues or simply want to be more physically active or participate in an event – but anyone seeking a trainer needs assistance in learning how to overcome their challenges.” • Nutrition – As people approach a new journey to get healthy, they look for experts who are able to provide guidance beyond exercise with nutrition and overall health information. Given the focus on nutrition to fight obesity and other diseases, it is of growing importance that trainers are enrolled in a curriculum that includes a focus on nutrition and supplementation. Ultimately, there are significant differences between a certified personal trainer and a qualified one. “When someone makes an appointment with their doctor, they expect a certain level of education and experience to ensure they’re receiving the best care,” says Rosga. “Qualified, nationally certified personal trainers go through hours of rigorous certifications and externships and are expected to continually learn and expand on their certifications. Imagine if one day we woke up and personal trainers were held in the same regard as our doctor – that’s the real opportunity for our industry.” (BPT)
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7 Health Myths that Might Surprise You
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iving a healthy life takes some resolve, but success often comes down to knowing what pays the biggest dividends for a given effort. Health coaches are great sources for this insight. They’ve seen it all on the job and learned a lot in their training. Health coaches for workplace well-being leader Provant identified seven commonly held health and wellness myths drawn from their research and experience: • Myth No. 1: An aerobic workout boosts your metabolism all day. Wrong, it just burns calories while you’re doing it. Muscle-strengthening exercises, however, will burn calories long after your workout. • Myth No. 2: If you don’t break a sweat, it’s not a workout. Wrong, sweat is just the body’s way of cooling itself. A better reflection of effort is the talk test: your workout is moderate if you can talk, but not sing, and vigorous if you need to take a breath every few words. • Myth No. 3: You should stretch before you exercise. Not really, you could hurt yourself. Better to stretch after you’re warmed up with light, smooth movement of gradually increasing intensity. • Myth No. 4: Frozen fruits and vegetables are less healthy than fresh ones. Actually, they’re both healthy. Frozen fruits and vegetables are generally picked and frozen at nutritional peak. Canned can be a fine choice if you’re watching your budget. Avoid fruits packed in syrup. • Myth No. 5: Cigars and chewing tobacco are safe because you don’t inhale. This is another myth. Cigar smokers have higher rates than nonsmokers of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are four to 10 times more likely to die from cancers of the throat,
mouth, lips, larynx and esophagus, according to the American Cancer Society. People who chew tobacco are more likely to develop oral cancers that affect the tongue, lips, cheeks and gums. • Myth No. 6: Stress happens. There’s nothing you can do about it. Not true, stress doesn’t have to overwhelm you. There are several approaches to managing it. Set priorities and tackle simple problems first. Then move on to complex difficulties. Practice relaxation exercises. Make yourself more resilient by eating smart, exercising and avoiding tobacco. • Myth No. 7: Cold turkey is the best way to quit tobacco. Nope. It’s just one of the ways to quit, and the more times you try to quit, the better your chances of succeeding. Research indicates to help improve success rates, you need: the desire and readiness to quit, some form of pharmacotherapy (nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications) and social support (family, friends, health coach). Keep this information in mind as you go about improving your health, and most importantly, don’t give up. (BPT)
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