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PAYDAY LENDER ACE CASH EXPRESS FINED $10 MILLION, P3 defendernetwork.com
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NEWSTALK DR. EVELYN THORNTON remembered as mentor, teacher
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 82 | Number 38
JULY 24, 2014 |FREE
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HEALTH SPECIAL
P2 ENTERTAINMENT ROSIE PEREZ shares unpredictable story
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FEATURE SHONDO BLADES stars on reality series
HEART DISEASE
Blacks’ No. 1 killer H PAGE 1B
P5 SPORTS DAMION SQUARE upholds Houston tradition
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Tom Joyner
speaks to alumni
‘Faces’ celebrates summer season
Radio host Tom Joyner is keynote speaker at an event held during Texas Southern University’s National Alumni Association convention in Dallas on Friday, Aug. 1. See what else is on the agenda. Learn how Joyner is helping the nation’s Black colleges.
Houstonians recently gathered for a reception honoring six unique personalities featured in the summer season of Faces of Black Houston, the Defender’s innovative multimedia series. See who attended the event. Discover what makes “Faces” unique.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014
newstalk
Feds probe HISD school closings
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By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
he U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into the repurposing of Jones High School and closing of Dodson Elementary School by HISD. The department has asked HISD to produce records related to both schools. Charles X. White, CEO of Charity Productions, filed a complaint against HISD alleging that the school closings discriminated against Black and Hispanic students. HISD’s student population is 25 percent African-American and nearly 62 percent Hispanic. “We are requesting an accounting of all school closing records at the district’s expense, to be made available, to a team of subject matter experts selected by various groups currently protesting the actions of HISD,” White wrote in his original complaint. Community activist Travis McGee voiced another concern. “Over 4 million dollars in bond money has been allocated thus far and it has not been accounted for,” McGee said. The Office for Civil Rights has not released a statement or details related to its investigation. However, the goal is to have a resolution with 180 days. The district released a statement which said, “HISD is in the process of responding to a request
Charles X. White filed a complaint against HISD concerning the school closings.
“We are requesting an accounting of all school closing records at the district’s expense” made by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) regarding complaints of discrimination in the district’s process and application of board policies and procedures in the school closure and repurposing proposal presented last spring. “HISD takes these complaints very seriously and is responding in full to the OCR’s request for data. We believe that once the OCR has all the information it needs, HISD’s intent of providing the best schools for all children will be clear.”
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Educator Dr. Evelyn Thornton dies Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton, a long-time mathematics professor at Prairie View A&M University who served as head of the Department of Mathematics for 13 years, died July 15. She was 81. She was known as an outstanding teacher and mentor who produced several hundred undergraduate math majors and directed more than 45 master’s theses. Dr. Thornton was actively involved in the community. She was past president of the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, president of the Choice Foundation, board vicepresident of the 3-D Mathematics Academy, advisory member to the Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, golden life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church. She was a native of San Antonio. She received both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Texas Southern University and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Houston. Dr. Thornton received numerous honors and awards for her professional and civic involvement. Survivors include her husband, Tull Thornton III; daughter, Dr. Wanda MottRussell, and two grandsons, Manning Mott III and Malik Mott. Services were held at the Kingdom Builders Center. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The Evelyn E. Thornton Legacy Endowment, Office of Development, Prairie View A&M University, P.O. Box 519/MS 1200, Prairie View, Texas, 77446.
Wells Fargo brings Kinsey Collection to HMAAC As the nation observes the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Wells Fargo and the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) announce the opening of African American Treasures from the Kinsey Collection on Saturday, Aug. 2. The Kinsey Collection is a nationally acclaimed exhibition seen by over 3 million people and includes artifacts and works of art demonstrating the contributions and progress of African-Americans. An Opening Day Celebration is Saturday, Aug. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 4807 Caroline. An Afternoon of Art and Legacy is Sunday, Aug. 3, from 2-4 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through Oct. 26.
Artifacts include: • An early edition of Solomon Northrup’s “12 Years a Slave” • A first edition copy of W.E.B. Dubois’ groundbreaking book, “Souls of Black Folks” • A baptismal record dating back to 1595 and marital record from 1598 – the earliest known documentation of African-American presence in America. Works from Houston’s own John Biggers and Lionel Lofton are also featured. Bernard Kinsey, avid collector, philanthropist, and educator, began the collection over 35 years ago with his wife, Shirley, and son, Khalil. “By presenting this exhibition, lectures, programs,
and the community events that highlight the stories in the exhibition, Wells Fargo and [HMAAC] hope to establish that we are all connected by a common history and that our shared history cannot be segregated,” said John Guess Jr., CEO of HMAAC. “The appreciation of culture, diversity, and human rights is at the heart of our vision and values,” said Cary Yates, market growth and development manager, Wells Fargo in Houston. “Extending this national tour provides Wells Fargo with the opportunity to encourage conversations about the value of diversity and inclusion while allowing us to recommit to the fundamental principles of equality that inspire and drive us all.” For information visit www.hmaac.org.
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national
U.S.briefs THE RATE OF HIV INFECTIONS diagnosed in the United States fell by one-third over the past decade. A study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 16 out of every 100,000 people ages 13 and older were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2011, a decrease from 24 out of 100,000 people in 2002. Declines were seen in the rates for men, women, Blacks, whites, Hispanics, heterosexuals, injection drug users and most age groups. The only group in which diagnoses increased was young gay and bisexual men…….. MORE THAN 60 PERCENT of small business owners with employees favor increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 in stages, according to a survey sponsored by the American Sustainable Business Council, a group that represents more than 200,000 businesses. More than half of those surveyed also agreed that with a higher minimum wage, businesses would benefit from lower employee turnover and increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Blacks disproportionately work in low-wage jobs, accounting for 11 percent of the total labor force, but more than 14 percent of low-wage workers. Roughly 57 percent of low-wage workers are white……..ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY’S new international president is Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, a senior vice president with Goodwill Industries. She was sworn in during the organization’s weeklong convention in Charlotte………PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY recently opened a museum at its international headquarters in Washington, D.C. to house its historic records. A museum ribbon-cutting ceremony was one of the events held during the fraternity’s centennial celebration in D.C. “It’s great to look at what our founders had in mind 100 years [ago] and then to look around today and see that we are stronger than ever,” said one member, Tom Beal. “When is the last time you’ve seen a line for a museum?”
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ACE Cash Express fined $10 million NNPA News Service
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that one of the nation’s largest payday lenders, ACE Cash Express, will pay $10 million in restitution and penalties for directing its employees to “create a sense of urgency” when contacting delinquent borrowers. CFPB has ordered ACE Cash Express to provide consumers with $5 million in refunds and the same amount in penalties for its violations. The firm operates in 36 states and in the District of Columbia with 1,500 storefronts, 5,000 associates and online loans. CFPB is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. “We believe that ACE’s aggressive tactics were part of a culture of coercion aimed at pressuring payday borrowers into debt traps,” said CFPF Director Rich Cordray. “Our investigation uncovered a graphic in ACE’s training manual that lays out a step-by-step loan and collection process that can ensnare
consumers in a cycle of debt. “When borrowers could not pay back their loans, ACE would subject them to illegal debt collection threats and harassment.” Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), applauded the steps taken by CFPB. “This enforcement action confirms what our research found long ago – payday lenders depend on keeping vulnerable consumers trapped in an endless cycle of debt of 300-400 percent interest loans,” Calhoun said. “It’s real, it’s abusive and it’s time to stop.” According to CRL research, payday loans drain $3.4 billion a year from consumers. Also called a cash advance, a payday loan is a short-term loan, generally for $500 or less, that is typically due on a customer’s next payday. The cost of the loan can range from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. A typical two-week payday loan with a $15 per $100 fee equates to an annual percentage rate of almost 400 percent.
New Yorker’s death outrages minorities VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 38 JULY 24, 2014
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley
Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
Tension between the New York Police Department and the city’s minorities worsened following the death of a 43-year-old Black man, Eric Garner, on July 17. A cell phone video showed Garner lying motionless on the sidewalk – in handcuffs and his eyes unblinking – after being tackled by several police officers, one of whom used a chokehold, a practice outlawed by NYPD. Police and emergency medical service workers stood over Garner without providing CPR or any other assistance. Garner, a married father of six and grandfather of two, was allegedly selling illegal single cigarettes when officers arrested him. As they wrestled
the 350-pound Garner to the ground, he repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe.” Rev. Al Sharpton demanded justice in the case. “They will try to scandalize the deceased,” Sharpton said. “The issue is not about an unarmed man selling cigarettes…It’s about a man who was subjected to a chokehold and is no longer with us.” The officer who used the chokehold was stripped of his gun and badge. Four emergency workers at the scene were placed on desk duty. New York Police Commissioner William Bratton promised a full investigation of the incident. Some critics are calling for Bratton’s resignation.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
Rosie Perez
shares her ‘unpredictable’ story
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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender
osie Maria Perez was born in 1964 Brooklyn, where she was raised in a Catholic orphanage after being abandoned by her mom and taken from her aunt. She made a memorable screen debut as Spike Lee’s girlfriend Tina in “Do the Right Thing” in 1989, and later landed an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 1993 film Fearless. Her other credits include “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Won’t Back Down” and “The Counselor.” Perez serves as the artistic chair of Urban Arts Partnership and sits on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Here, she talks about her career and her autobiography, “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life.”
KW: What inspired you to write your autobiography? RP: I didn’t really know at first. I kept asking myself, “Why am I doing this?” because I’m such a private person. Then, one day, the head of programming at my charity, the Urban Arts Partnership, said she was excited that I was writing it, and she hoped I’d be giving copies to the students. My first reaction was “No,” since the subject-matter was really heavy, and because of some of the language I was using. But she then reminded me that I’d already shared my stories with them, and I almost burst into tears. I realized, “Oh my God! That’s why I’m writing it.” Those students had been the first people, outside of my inner circle, to hear my story. It happened when I participated in one of our programs called Life Stories,
where we encourage the kids to open up and share so they can understand their lives. One day, I was challenged to share my story with them. That‘s where finding the inspiration and strength to write this book began. KW: I found it very moving, especially since I had no idea about any of it. I just thought of you as that bubbly, talented, attractive actress I’d seen in movies and on talk shows. RP: And I am that person, but I’m also this one. And the reason I decided to share with the students was because I saw them come into the academy so burdened by life every day. When you are a low-income, poverty-stricken, Title 1 kid, you have so much to endure just waking up. So, you may have a bad attitude or a chip on your shoulder before you even get to school…I had to inform them, especially the seniors, that they didn’t have the luxury of bringing all that baggage into the world which they would be stepping into as adults. KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? RP: I would say tenacity and perseverance. You have to be like a dog with a bone. You can’t just let it go. And…you have to believe in yourself. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be? RP: That my husband [Erik Haze] and I will be in premium health until we take our last breaths, so that we could enjoy every single second of our lives together.
what’sup ZOE SALDANA portrays a green orphan alien named Gamora in the science-fiction space adventure “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which hits theaters on Aug. 1. Saldana’s character is a warrior, and represents another action role. She played a hunter in “Avatar” and an assassin in “Colombiana.” The co-stars in her latest film include CHRIS PRATT, VIN DIESEL and DJIMON HOUNSOU…….. SHERRI SHEPHERD said it saddens her to leave “The View, but she’s excited about starting a new chapter in her life. “You can’t grow without change,” she said. “You will stay the same and it will not be good.” She added that her last day with the show is Aug. 7. “I’ve gotten BARBARA WALTERS’ blessing and I am so joyful. It is time to leave and time to fly so I am not supposed to be at ‘The View’ next year. I am just happy,” Shepherd said……..BEYON-
CÉ leads all nominees for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. She received eight nominations, including Video of the Year for “Drunk in Love” featuring JAY Z, Best Female Video for “Partition,” and Best Choreography for “Partition.” Other nominees include JOHN LEGEND, KANYE WEST, KELLY ROWLAND, PHARRELL WILLIAMS and CHRIS BROWN featuring LIL WAYNE and TYGA. The awards show will air Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. USHER is among the first confirmed performers…….. GABRIELLE UNION and DWYANE WADE are getting married in Miami on Aug. 30. According to TMZ, the couple asked guests to leave cell phones and cameras behind “for the comfort of our guests and to protect our privacy.” Wade proposed to Union last December in Miami …….. TYLER PERRY’S new primetime drama “If Loving You
is Wrong” premieres Sept. 9 on OWN. The show tells the story of husbands, wives and friends who “live and love” in the same middle-class neighborhood. The cast includes ZULAY HENAO, AIDEN TURNER, CHARLES MALIK WHITFIELD and JOEL RUSH........ THE GITE GALLERY, located at 2024 Alabama, hosts a Christmas in July sidewalk sale on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 27 from noon to 6 p.m. Items for sale include paintings, sculptures, statues, frames, lamps, furniture, artifacts, textiles and vases. Everything outside will be 75 percent off and select merchandise inside will be 50 percent off. The gallery specializes in African treasures and is owned by former broadcast journalist LLOYD GITE. For information contact info@thegitegallery.com or 713-523-3311.
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health
JULY 24 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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Defender Special Edition
Heart disease Blacks’ No. 1 killer
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By TIFFANY L. WILLIAMS Defender
eart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans suffer more than 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes each year. “Everyone has a heart. It’s the most vital organ in your body,” said Myra Robinson, executive director of the American Heart Association Houston (AHA). “So, it affects people at much higher rates than other diseases.” The massive killer, also known as cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, results from plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries. After the arteries narrow, it becomes difficult for blood to flow and the risk for heart attack or stroke becomes greater. In Houston, most recent data from AHA Houston reveals 6,004 residents died from cardiovascular disease and more than 1,440 died from stroke. Other types of heart disease include heart failure, an irregular heartbeat (or arrhythmia) and heart valve problems. High blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are the most common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. Some people affected by heart disease also suffer from congenital heart defects, meaning they are born with it.
Additionally, the risk of heart disease is strongly linked to family history. For African-Americans, the risk of suffering from some form of cardiovascular disease is greater than other groups. Nearly 44 percent of African-American men and 48 percent of African-American women are affected in some way. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show
Nearly 44 percent of AfricanAmerican men and 48 percent of African-American women are affected in some way. that in general: • About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year – that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. • Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing nearly 380,000 each year. • Coronary heart disease costs the United States $108.9 billion each year in terms of health care services costs, medications and lost productivity.
In addition, each year, approximately 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 515,000 are a first heart attack and 205,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack. Warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack include: • Chest pain or discomfort. • Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach. • Shortness of breath. • Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats. Robinson said many times, people do not pay attention to their bodies when something is not right. “Someone may feel dizzy and think ‘I’m just dizzy, I need to lie down,’ instead of thinking, ‘I’m dizzy, this may be from high blood pressure and I need to seek medical attention,’” she said. Failure to listen to one’s body or to change one’s diet and exercise routines can be deadly. “We live in a drive-thru era,” Robinson said. “A lot of times it’s easier to stop at the drive thru between volleyball practice and homework than to cook a healthy meal with fresh vegetables. “Preventing several types of cardiovascular conditions is tied to the way we live our lives.” For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s website at heart.org/ or call 713-610-5000.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014
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health
Detecting heart disease
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Inside Preventing heart disease 3B Texas Children’s Hospital
Follow family safety tips 4B What women should know 6B Kids and heart disease 7B Reducing risk in men 7b MD Anderson Cancer Center
Eat food with less salt 8B Memorial Hermann Health System
New health line answers questions 10B
By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
arly detection of heart disease can play a critical role in preserving and maintaining heart health. “There are multiple screening tests for heart disease,” said Dr. Felicia Jordan, an internal medicine specialist with Memorial Hermann Medical Center. “In general, most would be detected through tests available in a general practitioner’s clinic.” The most common test is an electrocardiogram or EKG. It is a non-invasive test that involves 12 electrodes placed on the patient’s chest, arms and legs. Dr. Felicia Jordan “EKGs look at the electric activity of the heart and determine if there are arrhythmias or different problems with blood flow to certain parts of the heart,” Jordan said. A doctor may also perform an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that allows doctors to see it beating and its structures. Other screening tests include wearing a Holter monitor, which is a small device worn for at least 24 hours and records the heart’s activity during a patient’s normal day. Jordan said once a person is diagnosed with heart disease they should take special precautions to keep all risk factors in control. This would include implementing a
balanced diet, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Once a doctor prescribes a medication, which can include aspirin or blood thinners, it is important for the patient to follow dosage instructions. Not taking the medication or not following dosage instructions can lead to worsening heart disease, which in extreme cases can lead to surgical procedures, like a heart bypass, being required. “If you are on medication it’s for a reason,” Jordan said. “Take your medication.” Jordan said that because African-Americans suffer from risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity in larger numbers, it causes them to suffer from heart disease at a greater rate. She added that all Americans should lead a healthier lifestyle. “Two thirds of Americans are overweight and one-third is obese,” Jordan said. “Diet plays a huge role in preventing heart disease.” Jordan recommends that a person gets at least 150 minutes of exercise a week and limit alcohol consumption. Women can have a maximum of one drink a day and men can have a maximum of two. “Anything over that increases your risk for heart disease,” she said.
Message from the Publisher
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Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
e’ve all heard the phrase “serious as a heart attack” but heart disease is no joke. It is America’s No. 1 killer, and takes approximately 600,000 lives each year. African-Americans are disproportionately affected, with almost 1 out of 2 having heart disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 2010, African- Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from
heart disease compared to whites. One way to combat heart disease is to know the facts. Did you know that the key risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking? About half of Americans (49 percent) have at least one of these three risk factors. Other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put you at risk for heart disease. They include diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity and ex-
cessive alcohol use. The Defender is proud to present you with more facts about heart disease in this special edition. We would also like to acknowledge our partners – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann and Texas Children’s Hospital – who assist us in bringing vital health information to you. Heart disease is a serious issue, and we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to fight this No. 1 killer.
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health
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Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.
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Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
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Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.
Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
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Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person’s excess body fat. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease.
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tips for preventing heart disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.
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JULY 24 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something.
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Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, there are steps you can take to lower your risk for heart disease.
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Talk with your health care provider. You and your doctor can work together to prevent or treat the medical conditions that lead to heart disease. Discuss your treatment plan regularly and bring a list of questions to your appointments.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014
health
Is your home safe for your young family?
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By THE CENTER FOR VACCINE AWARENESS and RESEARCH AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
any childhood injuries occur at home, a place where children should really be the safest. Preventable injuries are the number one killer of children in the U.S., and around the world a child dies every 30 seconds from a preventable injury. When a child dies, or is seriously injured, the lives of families and entire communities are changed forever. But these tragedies don’t have to happen. The important thing to remember about preventable injuries is that they are preventable. They often occur in predictable ways and can be completely avoided with the right education, awareness and planning. Kristen Beckworth, manager for the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s Hospital, offers these tips to help families protect their loved ones.
• For poison help call 1-800-2221222. Call if you need help or want information about poisons. Call 911 if someone needs to go to the hospital right away.
Prevent falls
Prevent fires and burns
Prevent poisonings
Prevent choking and suffocation
• Use stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs. • Install window guards on upper windows. • Never leave young children unattended on furniture (i.e. beds, couches, changing tables). • Keep cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can’t reach them. Use child safety locks.
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• Have working smoke alarms and hold fire drills. If you build a new home, install fire sprinklers. • Use back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of your stove. • Set your hot water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.
• Keep coins, latex balloons and hard round foods, such as peanuts and
hard candy where children cannot see or touch them. • Things that can fit through a toilet paper tube can cause a young child to choke. • Place babies to sleep on their backs, alone in their crib. Don’t put pillows, blankets, bumpers, comforters or toys in cribs. These things can sometimes keep a baby from breathing. The Kohl’s Cares® philanthropic program supports the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention in helping parents identify hazards in their homes and ways to keep their children safe. For more information, visit www. kohlssafeathome.texaschildrens.org.
healthnotes How to prevent child heatstroke in vehicles Heatstroke is the leading cause of vehicle related death for children, aside from car crashes. On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In 2014 alone, there were 43 child heatstroke deaths in vehicles, with five of them occurring in Texas. “Babies and young kids can sometimes sleep so peacefully that we forget they are even there,” says Kristen Beckworth, manager for the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It also can be tempting to leave a baby alone in a car while we quickly run into the store. The problem is that leaving a child alone in a car can lead to serious injury or death from heatstroke.” Young children are particularly at risk, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s. These tragedies are completely preventable. In fact, Texas has made it a crime to leave a child alone in a car. Below are some tips to help everyone work together to keep kids safe from heatstroke. Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT. A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own. C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine. T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
Drowning prevention In 2014 there were 82 drowning deaths in Texas; 23 of those were in the Greater Houston area. Drowning happens quickly and quietly in a matter of minutes. Every drowning is preventable and can be avoided by following these simple safety tips: • Parents should always actively supervise children whenever they are around any body of water, including pools, spas, bathtubs or open water. • Always assign a designated water watcher who actively supervises the children and is not distracted by texting, reading, drinking alcohol, socializing, etc. • Enroll your children in swim lessons. • Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets, not air filled toys, for all non-swimmers.
• Learn CPR. • Keep a phone near the water at all times so that 911 can be called in an emergency. As families visit local lakes and beaches, there are some additional tips to consider when out on the open water: • Parents should always actively supervise children whenever they are around open water and always remember to assign an adult water watcher. • Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming. • Do not let kids use personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.. • Children should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a boat or around open water. • Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
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JULY 24 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Big coverage for the little ones.
Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing. CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more. With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■
Over 2,100 doctors.
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A 24-hour nurse hotline.
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Free transportation to doctor visits.
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Pregnancy support program and classes.
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Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.
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Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.
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Fun, free member events!
For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your area, visit us online or call today.
MK-0311-038
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What women should know
Heart disease myths vs. facts
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here are a number of misconceptions about heart disease in women, and they could be putting you at risk. Here are myths and facts from the American Heart Association. Myth 1: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for women Fact: Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease claims the lives of one in three. That’s roughly one death each minute. Myth 2: Heart disease is for old people. Fact: Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. And while the risks do increase with age, things like overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can cause plaque to accumulate and lead to clogged arteries later in life. But even if you lead a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor. Myth 3: Heart disease doesn’t affect women who are fit.
Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood. Fact: Even if you’re a yoga-loving, marathonrunning workout fiend, your risk for heart disease isn’t completely eliminated. Factors like cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier, if your family has a history of
heart disease. And while you’re at it, be sure to keep an eye on your blood pressure at your next check-up. Myth 4: “I don’t have any symptoms.” Fact: Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood. Media has conditioned us to believe that the telltale sign of a heart attack is extreme chest pain. But in reality, women are somewhat more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Other symptoms women should look out for are dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen and extreme fatigue. Myth 5: “Heart disease runs in my family, so there’s nothing I can do about it.” Fact: Although women with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, there’s plenty you can do to dramatically reduce it. Simply create an action plan to keep your heart healthy. Because of healthy choices and knowing the signs, more than 627,000 of women have been saved from heart disease, and 330 fewer are dying per day.
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Exercise, sitting less reduce risk in men
Kids cope with heart disease too By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
eart disease can occur at any age. There are various types of problems that can affect children, ranging from congenital heart disease to heart disease acquired later in life due to illnesses such as viral infections. “For most children who are born with a heart defect, the heart did not develop properly in the womb during the very early months of pregnancy,” said Dr. Daniel Penny, chief of cardiology at Texas Children’s hospital. “Some children who are born with heart disease can deteriorate quite rapidly after their born and may need emergency treatment, either some surgical intervention that’s carried out in a heart center. Other children that are born with minor heart defects can be treated in an outpatient center intermittently.” Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common heart condition found in children, occurring in an estimated eight out of 1,000 live births. CHD is present at the time of birth and usually begins to form during the first months of a woman’s pregnancy. CHD involves a malfunction with the heart muscle or the heart valves. Examples include heart valve conditions where there is narrowing of the aortic valve and defects in the wall that separated the left and right side
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of the heart called the septum. Children can also be born with holes in their heart that are usually in the walls between the major blood vessels and the chambers. According to Penny, the underlying causes of CHD cannot be determined. However, there are precautions pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant in the near future can take. “Any women who is contemplating pregnancy should make sure she is immune to rubella disease,” Penny said. “There is some evidence that multivitamins can reduce the chances of or prevent heart disease,” he added. He also advised that women who are on long-lasting medications, such as those prescribed for psychiatric disorders, visit their physician to see if their medication can be altered because they have shown to be harmful to children while still in the womb. Congenital heart defects may have long-term effects on a child’s health. They are usually treated with surgery, catheter procedures and or medication. In the most severe cases, a child will need a heart transplant. Some children will require lifelong monitoring and treatment for CHD. However, with advances in medical technology, many can go on to live full lives.
ng the Houston area for over 80 years
Sitting for long periods increases heart failure risk in men, even for those who exercise regularly, according to research published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Heart Failure. Preventing heart failure, researchers found, requires a two-part behavioral approach: high levels of physical activity plus low levels of sedentary time. The study is the first to examine the link between heart failure risk and sedentary time, said Deborah Rohm Young, Ph.D., lead researcher and a senior scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, Calif. “Be more active and sit less. That’s the message here,” Young said. Researchers followed a racially diverse group of 84,170 men ages 45 to 69 without heart failure. Exercise levels were calculated in METs, or metabolic equivalent of task, a measure of the body’s energy use. Sedentary levels were measured in hours. After an average of
nearly eight years of follow-up, researchers found: • Men with low levels of physical activity were 52 percent more likely to develop heart failure than men with high physical activity levels, even after adjusting for differences in sedentary time. • Outside of work, men who spent five or more hours a day sitting were 34 percent more likely to develop heart failure than men who spent no more than two hours a day sitting, regardless of how much they exercised. • Heart failure risk more than doubled in men who sat for at least five hours a day and got little exercise compared to men who were very physically active and sat for two hours or less a day. The study supports the American Heart Association recommendation that people get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity to reduce their risk for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, Young said.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014
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health Eat food with less salt
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By MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
our body needs sodium to function properly. But eating too much salt every day can increase your risks for stomach cancer. It can also cause high blood pressure, increasing your risk for hypertensive heart disease. “I didn’t realize how much salt is in almost everything we eat,” says Lyle Rhymes. “Diabetes runs in my family so my health is top priority,” Lyle says. “I thought I was doing a pretty good job at cutting back on salt. Then, I learned eating less sodium means more than just putting down the salt shaker.” “Even if you don’t add salt to your food, there’s still a good chance you’re eating more sodium than you should,” says Mary Ellen Phipps, a wellness dietitian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “That’s because half a teaspoon of salt alone has almost 1,200 milli-
Recipe Creamy Green Dressing This dressing is a great low-salt alternative to traditional salad dressing. It’s also a perfect dip for fresh vegetables. Just cut the oil by at least half if you’re using this recipe for a dip. And, keep your portion sizes small.
grams of sodium.” A healthy dose of sodium for most people is no more than 2,400 milligrams per day. “If you’re age 51 or older, African-American or have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, you shouldn’t eat more than 1,500 milligrams per day,” Mary Ellen says.
Many foods have hidden salts
“I found out that many of my favorite foods, like canned soup, are loaded with salt,” Lyle says. Even if your food doesn’t taste salty, it still can be high in sodium. Watch out for hidden sodium in these foods: • Cereals • Breads • Chips and crackers • Soups • Sports drinks “Some foods, like cheeses, seafood and olives, are naturally higher in sodium,” Mary Ellen says. “So, eat these foods in moderation as well.”
Add flavor, not salt
Follow these smart food tips to gradually reduce the amount of sodium you eat. It may take some time for your taste buds to adjust to eating less salty foods. Lyle Rhymes Photo by Carter Smith
Eat fresh, unprocessed food. Fresh food has less sodium. Canned and pre-packaged foods tend to be high in sodium. Processed meats, like ham, sausage, hot dogs and luncheon or deli meats, are also high-sodium offenders and increase colorectal cancer risks. Try to avoid them. Get smart about dining out. Restaurant meals and fast food are usually loaded with added salt. When dining out, ask your waiter to have your meal prepared without salt. Then, use the salt shaker sparingly when your meal’s at the table. Read labels. Check the sodium content on nutrition labels. Look for words, like low-sodium or sodium-free, to spot healthier options. Compare foods and choose the ones with lower sodium levels. Try to choose foods with less than 600mg of sodium per serving. Add herbs for flavor. Focus on adding fresh herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt. When cooking, taste your food before adding salt. You may have sufficient flavor without the added salt. And be sure to read the seasoning labels – not all herb and spice mixtures are saltfree. “My advice is to not procrastinate. Start immediately with the next thing you put in your mouth,” Lyle says. “You’ll be so much better off. And the more you do it the more likely it’ll become a habit.”
Ingredients 1 cup olive oil 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. 100% apple juice 2 tbsp. parsley, chopped 1 tsp. basil, chopped 1/2 tsp. salt 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup low-fat yogurt 6 spinach leaves (big, not baby leaves) Instructions Put all ingredients in the blender, except for the oil.
1 2 3 4 5
Blend for one minute. While the blender is running, slowly add the oil. As soon as the dressing thickens, turn off the blender.
Chill for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Content Makes 20 servings Calories: 105 Total fat: 10.91g Saturated fat: 0.88g Carbohydrates: 1.32g Protein: 0.68g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 77mg Dietary fiber: 0.27g For creative ways to cook healthy, visit www.mdanderson.org/recipes
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Your dad’s Lungs are Worth Fighting For MoM’s grandMa’s uncLe’s
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer, insist on MD Anderson, the nation’s top-ranked cancer hospital. Our world-renowned cancer experts are at the forefront of lung cancer discoveries and have pioneered the most advanced life-saving treatments available today. We create customized treatment plans with options such as minimally invasive surgery and innovative radiotherapy techniques. When your loved one is fighting lung cancer, you can never give up. We’re here to help. Contact us today.
appointments available 1-877-632-6789 LungsWorthFightingFor.com
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health
Talk to a nurse for free, around-the-clock
Health line answers medical questions when you need them
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By MEMORIAL HERMANN
itizens living in Houston, Harris County and the eight surrounding counties are now able to talk directly with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the new Nurse Health Line at 713-338-7979. Call night or day, weekday or weekend, and reach an experienced registered nurse who will carefully evaluate your health needs and advise you on the best course of treatment for your illness or injury. After an assessment is made, callers will be advised to seek care with their physician of choice or referred to local emergent care centers. Additionally, community health workers will be available to provide information on free or low cost community resources or clinics. “When you don’t feel well, the last thing you want to do is wait in a crowded emergency room,” said Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “This new, free community-wide resource lets you talk directly with a registered nurse who will ask questions, determine what level of care you need, then refer you to an appropriate resource. “It’s important to note that this service is not just for
713.338.7979 Memorial Hermann patients; it is available to all residents living in Harris County and the greater Houston region.” From diaper rash to migraine headache, this free service is available regardless if you have insurance or a primary care provider. When your child has a fever of 102 degrees or you have a nagging cough at 2 a.m., the Nurse Health Line helps you to: • Decide when and where to go for treatment. • Get help after your doctor’s office has closed. • Find a better way to get medical care than sitting for hours in an emergency room. • Figure out options to treat a sick child. • Talk over your health concerns with a registered nurse. • Locate a nearby clinic or low-cost health care provider
with extended hours of operation. • Get help with both kid and adult medical complaints. • Find some much-needed peace of mind. The Nurse Health Line features bilingual staff and language interpreters who are a valuable source of reliable and caring health information, education, and support. All calls to the Nurse Health Line are confidential and answered by a staff of professionals who are experienced in assessment of clinical situations. To help patients who call, nurses use their training, experience, evidence-based decision-support tools, and peer-reviewed materials to conduct their assessments. The Nurse Health Line is one of several Memorial Hermann-sponsored Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment, or DSRIP programs. Memorial Hermann is part of Region 3’s Southeast Texas Regional Healthcare Partnership anchored by Harris Health System, and includes the counties of: Austin, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller, and Wharton. The Nurse Health Line is not designed to assist with life-threatening conditions or emergencies. People with lifethreatening conditions and emergencies should immediately call 911.
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JULY 24 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Houston native reality show star
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hondo Blades, a native Houstonian, beat out more than 100,000 other hopefuls to become one of only 12 contestants cast in the new ABC fantasy/reality show titled “The Quest.” The 10-week series premieres Thursday, July 31, at 7 p.m., and will be broadcast locally on KTRK-TV, Channel 13. Blades, whose real name is Rashon Lewis, is the only African-American male in the show. “The Quest” drops 12 contestants into an imaginative realm of ogres, dragons, lords and castles. Each contestant will embark on an epic adventure to battle for the title of “one true hero” and save
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the world from evil in a fictional land created by cutting-edge special effects. Blades is a mixed martial arts fighter. He was training in Los Angeles last year when his coach suggested that he try acting. Intrigued by the idea, Blades returned to Houston, packed his belongings, said goodbye to his parents Bart and Tamra Lewis, and moved to Hollywood. While training, he learned of a new fantasy show being cast, and won the part. “The Quest” was shot on location in Austria. Blades is 30 and single. He graduated from Sharpstown High School and played quarterback at McMurry University in Abilene.
classified Invitation for Bids
Shondo Blades (Rashon Lewis)
Joyner will speak to TSU alumni Tom Joyner will be keynote speaker at the Lifetime Members Luncheon held during the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) convention in Dallas. The convention is July 31-Aug. 3 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The luncheon is Friday, Aug.1 at noon. Joyner, host of the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” can be heard on 105 radio stations each weekday. He is a native of Tuskegee, Ala., and a graduate of Tuskegee Institute. A foundation that bears his name has raised more than $60 million to help keep students at HBCUs. Julia Askew, TSUNAA president, said alumni love TSU, and it will be evident at the convention. “This event gives us a chance to talk about increased support for the university whethTom Joyner er that support comes in the form of volunteerism, tutoring, mentoring or financial assistance. We want our love for the university to resonate into whatever help the university needs,” Askew said. Convention highlights include a golf tournament, welcome reception, casino night, awards banquet, community service project, watch party for Michael Strahan’s NFL Hall of Fame induction, prayer breakfast, throwback yard party and seminars. “I invite all alumni to attend the 2014 convention in Dallas,” said Connie Cochran, TSU’s executive director of alumni relations. “This is your chance to meet national officers of TSUNAA, members of the university administration, and fellowship with TSU Tigers from across the country…” For information contact tsunaaconvention2014@ gmail.com or call 713-313-7606.
Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of the following control no. 0027-12-097 on IH 69 at W of FM 762 to 0.31M West of FM 2759, bid date is August 6, 2014. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: www.txdot.gov/ business/letting-bids/plans-online.html E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority will be received at 410 Pierce Street, Suite 355 Houston, TX 77002, until 2:00 pm, August 21st, 2014. Bids will be publicly opened at 2:00 PM and read at 2:15 PM on Thursday, August 21 st, 2014, for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals, as required, for the construction of Fourth Ward Street Reconstruction Project, WBS No. T-14090-0001-3, in Houston, Texas. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be examined at the following locations: (1) F. W. Dodge Corporation, 4101 Greenbriar, Suite 320, Houston, TX; (2) ABC/Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX; and (3) Houston Minority Business Development Center, 2900 Woodridge, Suite 124, Houston, TX; The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained at the offices of ESPA CORP, 7120 Grand Blvd, Suite #100, Houston, Texas 77054 (713680-0080) for a nonrefundable fee of $60.00 per set. Make checks payable to Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority. A pre-bid conference will be held at ESPA CORP, 7120 Grand Blvd, Suite 100, Houston, TX on Thursday August 14, 2014 at 2:00 pm. It is requested and strongly recommended, but not mandatory, that each bidder be represented at the pre-bid conference.
MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting responses to Requests for Qualification for the following service: CATERED FOOD FOR AGENCY MEETINGS Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Services, 1st floor, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via MHMRA website http://www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Dailey Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Monday, July 28, 2014. Proposal documentations must be submitted to the Purchasing Department by 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 in a sealed envelope marked "REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION RESPONSE - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014 – CATERED FOOD FOR AGENCY MEETINGS– PROJECT #14/0017.” Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba via E-mail joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all responses, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept any response(s) to this solicitation for requested services.
MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting responses to a Request for Proposal for the following service:
AGENCY-WIDE DOCUMENT SHREDDING SERVICES Scope: MHMRA of Harris County expects to enter into a relationship with a Vendor qualified to provide Agency-Wide Document Shredding Services. Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, July 21, 2014. The deadline for prospective contractors to submit questions to this RFP is Thursday, July 31, 2014. Responses to the Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department by 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 in a sealed envelope marked "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014, “AGENCY-WIDE DOCUMENT SHREDDING SERVICES”. Any questions pertaining to this request for proposal should be addressed in writing attn: Marguarette Washington, Senior Buyer via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to attn: marguarette.washington@mhmraharris.org cc sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all responses to the Request for Proposal deemed to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and are not obligated to accept all responses to the Request for Proposal.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT VEHICULAR WAYFINDING SIGN REFURBISHMENT The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Vehicular Wayfinding Sign Refurbishment, located in Downtown Houston, within IH-10, US-59 & IH-45. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Thursday, August 7, 2014, by the Director of Construction, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Beginning Monday, July 21, 2014, Bid Documents may be purchased for $50 per set from the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010, by a cashier's check, certified check, money order, or personal check payable to the Houston Downtown Management District, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). The cost for up to two sets will be refunded to Bidders who submit a valid bid for this Project and return bidding documents to the Downtown District. Addenda are free of charge and will be distributed by email to those who purchase Bid Documents. Bid Documents may also be examined at plan rooms of the Minority Business Development Center (2302 Fannin Street, #165, Houston, TX 77002), Amtek Information and Plan Room (4001 Sherwood Lane, Houston, TX 77092) or viewed online at isqft.com. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in the Downtown District Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (signage fabricators, subcontractors, and suppliers) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from someone who did not attend the pre-bid conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the pre-bid conference. Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1-2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WBE participation goal of 15 percent.
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DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014 defendernetwork.com
sports
Philadelphia’s Damion Square continues Houston tradition
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By MAX EDISON Defender
Damion Square
or decades the last name Square has been synonymous with he said. “I played on a torn meniscus football at Houston’s Yates my senior year at Alabama so I didn’t High School. Now comes Philadelphia Eagles defensive have the gaudy numbers. In addition, lineman Damion Square, the the system we played at Alabama was latest in a line of outstanding former HISD more team and system-structured and I standouts performing in the NFL. played the way I was coached.” Living up to the family name and their Square, a confident player, used expectations of excellence on the gridiron the draft snub as a motivational tool. was something that Damion Square expe“I sat down with my agent Brian rienced early in his football Overstreet, who I’ve known since I career. He followed in the was a teenager,” he recalled. “We had footsteps of several family a frank discussion and we concluded members, including his uncles we were in a good position because I Johnny Otis Square and Robcould choose where I wanted to go as a ert Miller. free agent. “It’s really amazing when “I was headed to the 49ers, but got Square (No. 77) is defensive lineman with the Philadelphia you think about the legacy my Eagles. a call from the Eagles who had some uncles set before me. I think former Alabama folks in their front coach Nick Saban, although it once in my grandma’s house office. They were very familiar with my ability and wasn’t exactly love at first sight. I counted 300 trophies my thought Philly would be a better fit for my game.” “I attended a summer football uncles had earned over the At 6-feet-3, 295 pounds Square has shown the camp at Alabama while in high years,” he shared. versatility to be a valuable component in the Eagles school and I wasn’t really moved “They would always defensive front. by Alabama,” Square recalled. challenge me by talking about The Eagles won the NFC East division in Square’s “They offered me a scholarship their exploits in middle school rookie season under first- year head coach Chip Kelly. based on my performance at the Square played college football at the and high school. The further I They were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by camp, but at the time I was leanUniversity of Alabama. advanced up the ranks the more New Orleans (26-24). Expectations run high for sucing more toward Texas A&M. I forged my own name. Now in cess in 2014, which Square thinks is appropriate. Later A & M had some head the NFL I’m the third family member to make to this “I don’t have issues with the expectations for our coaching issues and I looked at the guys Alabama had level.” team this year,” he said. “We’re a very good football recruited – Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Donte HightowSquare played quarterback in middle school and team. We’re a very close knit group. Under Coach er, guys like that. I could tell they were gearing up to early on in high school. Kelly the system was new and we were learning our compete for a championship and that’s what I wanted “I thought I was going to be the next Vince way. As the season progressed you could see us getting as well.” Young,” he said. “When Clarence McKinney took over better. Alabama won three national championships during as head coach after my freshman year he moved me to “This year we know exactly what we’re doing. his tenure. Square was a three-year starter at defensive the defensive line to the delight of my uncles and that’s end although he missed a year due to an ACL injury. I noticed a sense of that in OTAs earlier this spring. where I’ve remained.” We’re playing very fast with a lot of confidence. We’re Despite his success in college Square went unA two-time All State performer at Yates, Square ready to defend our division crown and make a run drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft. took his talent to Alabama to play for legendary head into the playoffs.” “I was disappointed, but not totally surprised,”
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JULY 24 | 2014 | DEFENDER
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Maggie
Noel
FOBH summer season reception
Gallery defendernetwork.com RED CARPET: Photo
Houstonians recently gathered at the Power Center for a reception honoring six unique personalities featured in the summer season of Faces of Black Houston, the Defender’s innovative multimedia series. The six honorees were: Rev. William “Bill” Lawson, a Houston champion of civil rights; Maggie Noel, a phenom blazing trails to more women in golf; Deric Muhammad, an activist leading the path to a better community; Dr. Sonya Sloan, a doctor on a mission to heal the body and the soul; Warren Luckett, a spirited entrepreneur who found a niche in wine distribution; and DJ Supastar, a female DJ breaking barriers on the turntables. Faces, which debuted in 2013, reveals stories of triumph, creativity, joy, heartache and struggle. “A project like Faces is important is because it has the potential to help us grow as a community,” said Tiffany L. Williams, the project’s creator and lead producer. “When you get to know the people around you, when you truly hear their stories, you can benefit from the lessons they’ve learned and grow yourself.” Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, Defender publisher/ CEO, said, “The Defender is enhancing its coverage of the African-American community through Faces of Black Houston (FOBH). “FOBH is an example of how the Defender celebrates the everyday heroes in our communities,” she said. Houston’s Leading Black Information Source invites you to step inside the lives of those you are with us every day yet you never really see. Experience the project by logging on to www.defendernetwork.com.”
Summer Season
Deric
Muhammad
“Each of us has a story to tell.”
Photos by: GWEN MAYS, inYOURimage Photographya
Dr. Sonya
Sloan
July- August 2014
#defendereveryday
Faces of Black Houston honorees are (l tor) Warren Luckett, DJ Supastar, Dr. Sonya Sloan, Rev. William A. Lawson, Maggie Noel, and Deric Muhammad.
Warren
Luckett
DJ
HOUSTON’S LEADING BLACK INFORMATION SOURCE TSU President John Rudley, Defender CEO Sonceria “Sonny” www.defendernetwork.com/facesofblackhouston Messiah Jiles and her husband businessman Jodie Jiles.
Supastar
FOBH producer Tiffany Williams and associate Mauricia Chatman.
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Joyce Bethany poses with friends Rod and Yvonne Newman.
K.C. Carroll and wife Dr. Kellie Carroll.
Attorney Lynden Rose is joined by Honey Brown Founder Tammie Campbell and daughter Shar-day.
Windsor Village United Methodist Church Administrator JoAnn White, businesswoman Linda Brown and Dr. Clydette Messiah.
Houston Public Library executive Larry Payne
Minister Robert Muhammad and Deric Muhammad
Mr. & Mrs. Thurman Hicks
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Lawson DEFENDER | JULY 24 | 2014
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More...RED CARPET Noel
Maggie
Summer Season
Deric
Muhammad
Honoree Deric Muhammad and his daughter
Dr. Sonya Sloan and family
Businessman Lorenza Butler with guest
“Each of us has a story to tell.”
Dr. Sonya
Sloan
July- August 2014
#defendereveryday Warren
Luckett Phyllis Burton with 2013 FOHB honoree Princess Jackson
Tiffany Williams awards 2013 FOBH honorees Princess Jackson and Chef Rey
DJ Supastar and Maggie Noel with guest
In the audience DJ
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Supastar
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Dr. Eric Tait and wife (left) along with U.S. Attorney Cedric Joubert
Rev. Lawson’s family and guest
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan
Helen George and guest
Defender Sports Editor Max Edison(far left) and State Rep Slyvester Turner (far right)
Carolyn Scantlebury and table guests
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