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December 2017

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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77th Edition

LAMIK Beauty Celebrates the Life and Beauty of

Shcikita Thomas (left to right) Ferrell Phelps, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Kim Roxie, Shcikita Thomas and Del Sanders

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INSIDE

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Food Is Knowledge

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Houston’s Augustine Anyatonwu is Texas Health Care Association’s Certified Nurse Aide of the Year for Region 7

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Why is maintaining a healthy weight so important?

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December 2017 | 3

Houston’s Augustine Anyatonwu is Texas Health Care Association’s Certified Nurse Aide of the Year for Region 7 By d-mars.com News Provider

Texas Health Care Association honors dedicated caregiver for devotion to elders

Aboutthe theTexas TexasHealth HealthCare CareAssociation Association About Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in the state and represents a broad spectrum of

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

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ith a Degree in Science and as a Certified Nutritional Counselor I, it is my passion to continue reading and growing in knowledge.

Although we hear the phrase, “Knowledge is Power,” Food is the Real Power. Have you ever set out to conquer it all but right after you ate breakfast, lunch or dinner, the only thing on your mind is laying down and taking a nap? How did this happen? How could this happen when I have so much to do? It’s in the food we sometimes eat. Foods that are high in fat tend to make us sluggish and somewhat sleepy and foods that are high in fiber, grains, wheat allow our minds to be sharp and allow us to focus better on our work. There are foods that will help promote brain power and allow us to complete those long to do tasks we are sometimes given or that we put on ourselves.

Foodsthat thatHelp Helpwith withBrain BrainPower Power–– Foods (Source: Food Digest) (FSource: ood Digest) Wholegrains Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from an adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for 'brown' wholegrain cereals, granary bread, rice and pasta.

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ouston resident Augustine Anyatonwu is the Texas Health Care Association’s Certified Nurse Aide of the Year for Region 7.

Anyatonwu is a Certified Nurse Aide at Park Manor of Westchase. Region 7 is one of 10 statewide, and includes the Houston area.

“Augustine provides the care and devotion that we all want our loved ones to receive. He has made a positive impact on hundreds of lives and is an inspiration to many who have the opportunity of working with him,” said Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association. “CNAs like Augustine give families a sense of comfort knowing their loved ones are being cared for. We are proud to recognize his example with this award.”

Anyatonwu was nominated by his coworkers and selected by a panel of long term care clinicians from across Texas.

Anyatonwu works two jobs as a Certified Nurse Aide. His director of nursing at Park Manor described him as the hardest working man she has ever met. Despite his work ethic, he still makes time to make his residents laugh and smile. During Hurricane Harvey, Anyatonwu rolled his pants up and walked through the floods after his shift to his second job four days straight to ensure his residents knew he was there for them.

Anyatonwu was recently recognized as one of 10 Certified Nurse Aides of the Year representing geographic regions in the state during the Texas Health Care Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show in Houston.

Food Is Knowledge

Blueberries Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. They're widely available, but you can also look out for dark red and purple fruits and veg which contain the same protective compounds called anthocyanins.

Tomatoes There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Flavor cooked tomatoes and enjoy with a little olive oil to optimize absorption and efficacy.

Vitamins Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are known to reduce levels of a compound called homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment. Opt for B-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs and leafy greens.

long-term care providers and professionals offering long term, rehabilitative and specialized health care services. Member facilities, owned by both for-profit and non-profit entities, include nursing facilities, specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities.

Broccoli Broccoli is great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.

Researchers have reported that because broccoli is high in compounds called glucosinolates, it can slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which we need for the central nervous system to perform properly and to keep our brains and our memories sharp. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with Alzheimer's.

If you are looking for Health Coaching Classes, Recipes and Supplements to Start Your Year Off Light, please do not hesitate to contact RDC-Rhonda Dallas Coaching at rhondadallasconsulting@gmail.com

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By Dawn Paul Contributing Writer

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here society has their set standards of what attractiveness is or should be, LAMIK, Houston’s beloved beauty brand continues to be revolutionary and highly regarded nationally in the industry because of its approach to cosmetics. “Love and Makeup in Kindness” is what LAMIK stands for, and Kim Roxie, the founder and owner of the line has always been intentional in her method to makeup. Because she understands that LAMIK goes beyond just beauty and that this is a calling, her process is not just making women “pretty,” but celebrating their true beauty that goes beyond the application. Roxie has recently partnered with celebrity photographer Ferrell Phelps for a special photo shoot to highlight the life and beauty of Shcikita Thomas.

Thomas is a truly exceptional woman who symbolizes beauty. This mother of four who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative breast cancer is not living Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

“Ms. Thomas is an inspiration, and she should be celebrated. Her spirit is genuine, and she represents hope. When I look at her I see everything that LAMIK stands for. I am happy to have her as the face of LAMIK this Christmas season.”

—Kim Roxie

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“My diagnosis does not define me. I am living life to the fullest.

I have so much to live for, and I am thankful for each and every day. I live for my children, and I live to raise awareness about breast cancer.”

—Shcikita Thomas her life as if it is the end, but as if it is just the beginning.

Being a model and having a fabulous photo shoot was always one of her wishes, and Roxie and Phelps didn’t hesitate to give Thomas the day that she was deserving of.

Not your average shoot, the red carpet was rolled out for Thomas to have that glamorous supermodel experience she has always dreamed of. It was a day to celebrate the life of a queen who is a woman of God, a devoted mother, friend, and an inspiration through how she lives her life.

A fighter and a selfless spirit, Thomas sees her diagnosis as a responsibility to raise awareness for Metastatic breast

cancer. This type of cancer is classified as Stage 4 breast cancer. This cancer spreads, or metastasizes as cancer cells invade nearby healthy cells. When the healthy cell is taken over, it too can replicate more abnormal cells.

Thomas wants to save lives, especially when it comes to our community, as this disease runs rapid and can be very aggressive in women of color. The disparity continues to grow primarily due to access to healthcare. It is recommended that all women, but especially Black women receive a high-quality breast-cancer screening, and, if diagnosed, to follow through with treatment in a timely manner. “When it comes to breast cancer I have a strong message for not only women but also men, as they too can be diagnosed with this disease. I stress the importance of not putting off that yearly breast exam. Go and get the tests done. They can save your life,” says Thomas.

Metastatic breast cancer is a disease that has had an impact on Roxie, as she lost her own mother to this disease a few years ago. She knows and understands the importance of educating and providing resources to help combat the rate of those diagnosed who are living in high-risk groups and populations. Roxie is in the fight with Thomas to help save lives. Because LAMIK is a community-driven cosmetic enterprise, Roxie always makes a conscious effort to align the brand with ambassadors whose true beauty is revealed through their spirit.

It was an immediate decision to have Thomas as the holiday model, face, and spokesperson for LAMIK. “Not only was I moved by her testimony, but the joy, gracefulness, and love Thomas has for other women in raising awareness about this disease. This is what revealed her true beauty to me,” Roxie expresses. Thomas represents hope and peace, being a light that is especially fitting for the Christmas season. She wasn’t chosen because of her diagnosis but because of who she is and how she doesn’t allow her diagnosis or anyone else to define her. Thomas shares, “A disease should not define anyone. I am proof of that. I understand what statistics say about this disease and what the doctors say, but I know that God has the final say. He is not through with me yet.”

Roxie has raised over $160,000 to benefit Black women in the fight against breast cancer, and Thomas has motivated her to do much more in regards to health and wellness. Thomas’s diagnosis is a wake-up call for us all.

She is a role model and a jewel. Every day God gives Thomas is a day she lives in complete thankfulness, and she doesn’t take life for granted. Her continued fight to live is for her children. Thomas says, “I want my children to be okay. Everything I have done and do is for my children. I live for them. They mean the world to me. Every single day that I spend with them continues to give me something to live and fight for. I am still here.”

As Roxie is also a mother, she is donating 10% of the LAMIK holiday sales to Thomas’s children. To purchase LAMIK products this season for a worthy cause, please visit www.lamik-beauty.com.

Source: www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 | December 2017

Why is maintaining a healthy weight so important?

By Reggie Collier Contributing Writer

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ften I am posed with the question, why is maintaining a healthy weight so important?

The simple side of me says, “to look better and feel better not only physically, but emotionally as well.” However, the fact of the matter is, being overweight or obese increases your risk for many diseases and conditions. The more you weigh, the more likely you are to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also relieve symptoms and prevent injuries related to being overweight. The problem that most people have is, they don’t know enough about appropriate diets, exercise and especially their own bodies to improve their health. Well I’m here to tell you that it is never too late to learn how to be healthy.

There are several factors that can affect your efforts to lose weight. These can include making changes to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. There are tools and tips that can keep you on track if only you take the time to seek them out and learn how to help yourself. In addition, you should know what not to do as well. Changing the way, you approach weight loss can help you be more successful at losing it.

Most people who try to lose weight fo-

cus on one thing: weight loss. However, if you set goals, begin to eat healthy foods, become more physically active, and learn how to change behaviors, then you may be more successful at losing weight. Over time, these changes will become routine and part of your everyday life.

Just like you would any other major task you take on, you must first get some background knowledge. Learn your body and some of the important components that go along with losing weight. Begin with knowing and understanding your Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat, what it does and how much is healthy to have. Get familiar with different types of cardiovascular exercises as well. Choosing activities, you enjoy doing can help you begin to love your workouts. And while enjoying your workouts is important it is also equally important that you change it up a bit and push yourself a little harder with every workout. Include some resistance and weights in your routine as well.

You should know that building muscle can help burn fat.

Finally, talk to your doctor before you begin a new plan, especially if you have health concerns. Ask questions so that you can make informed decisions and proper choices towards a healthier lifestyle. If you are not comfortable starting on your own seek out a trainer to guide you. They can help you customize a program and safely monitor your progress.

Keep in mind, even small changes can make a big difference in your health.

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December 2017  |  7

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