Houston Defender: November 20, 2014

OPINION

TSU, UH SHOULD WORK TOGETHER FOR THIRD WARD, P6 defendernetwork.com

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 83 | Number 52

NOVEMBER 20, 2014 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NEWSTALK

Ferguson

JAMES COLBERT JR. named county superintendent

100 DAYS

P2

& WAITING

FOOD

H PAGE 4

THANKSGIVING DINNER can be holiday hit

P8 HS ZONE KEENAN HOUSTON defends for Madison

P13

Cold or flu?

Know the facts

Temperatures have dropped and cold/ flu season has arrived. How can you tell the difference between the two illnesses? Find out in the special edition on lung and respiratory diseases, which includes information on asthma, sinus infections and more.

H PAGE 2B

Heishma Northern being replaced

Prairie View A&M University isn’t renewing the contract of football coach Heishma Northern. Learn who is temporarily taking his place. Hear what the university has to say about Northern’s contributions and the coach who will eventually succeed him.

H PAGE 12

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

TOP EVENTS

Rev. Leslie Smith and UH President Renu Khator at Change Happens! luncheon

P15

2

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

newstalk

UHD, Harmony schools partner on literacy Approximately 300 high school students from seven campuses of Harmony Public Schools (HPS) joined professors and students from the University of Houston-Downtown to celebrate the Big Read, a National Endowment for the Arts initiative.

The HPS students and their English/language arts teachers gathered in UHD’s Robertson Auditorium to view a film adaptation of the novel, “A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines, a former distinguished visiting professor at UHD, before dividing into groups to discuss important themes of the novel.

Addressing the novel’s themes of education, crime and prison, Leigh Van Horn, Ed.D., interim dean of UHD’s College of Public Service, and Judith Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, shared with students the work UHD criminal justice students are doing alongside Harris County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Services personnel in the county jail.

To conclude the program, the students enjoyed an interpretive dance performance of the novel by the Driven Theater Company.

“Thank you to UHD and President [William] Flores for putting together a great event to celebrate literature and cultural awareness,” said Elizabeth Parchman, HPS teacher. “My students were so positive about their experience.”

Participants in the Big Read discuss Ernest Gaines’ novel “A Lesson Before Dying.”

defendernetwork.com

County names school superintendent James Colbert Jr. was recently named the new county school superintendent for the Harris County Department of Education by the HCDE Board of Trustees.

The board approved Colbert’s nomination as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent for the largest county in the state. HCDE provides services to school districts in greater Harris County where approximately 1 million students are enrolled.

HCDE’s year-round services are extended to children, adult learners, educators, local governments, charter schools and taxpayers.

“The most important job of the [board] is hiring the superintendent,” HCDE Board of Trustees President Angie Chesnut said. “This board sought a highly energized, strong leader who is dedicated to providing excellent services to our school districts, students, vendors and employees. We feel confident James Colbert personifies that goal. We’re looking forward to having Mr. Colbert on our team.”

Colbert has been superintendent of West Orange-Cove Consolidated ISD in Orange. He also worked as assistant superintendent at Hamilton County Department of Education in Tennessee where he supervised 72 campuses and was responsible for 42,000 students.

“It is both an honor and a privilege for me to join this 125 year-old public education entity which plays such a vital role in the 25 Harris County school districts,” Colbert said.

“I look forward to meeting and working with my colleagues in every school district throughout Harris County so that we may collectively serve as champions for all children.”

Colbert began his career in edu-

James Colbert Jr.

cation at Pflugerville ISD as special education teacher and assistant high school principal. Later he led a 4-A high school in the Dallas ISD. The Washington, D.C. native attended urban schools and earned a track-and-field scholarship to the University of Texas. Colbert earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in administration.

Colbert and his wife Angie, who is also an educator, have a teenage son.

localbriefs BEN HALL is running for mayor again. Hall, an attorney, is beginning a series of radio advertisements announcing his candidacy, and said he would be a mayor “who will fight for all the people.” Hall was one of Mayor Annise Parker’s challengers in the 2013 election and came in second with 27 percent of the vote, compared to 57 percent for Parker. Hall served as city attorney in the Bob Lanier administration. He is an ordained minister…….. INVESTIGATORS from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board are looking into the explosion at the DuPont chemical plant in LaPorte that killed four employees on Nov. 15,

including two brothers. “There are no words to fully express the loss we feel or the concern and sympathy we extend to the families of the employees and their co-workers,” said Randall Clements, manager of the plant. Legal complaints filed by family members of the victims said a faulty valve was to blame for the chemical release that killed them……..VICTOR TREVINO, a former Harris County Precinct 6 constable, was sentenced to 10 years of probation after pleading guilty earlier this month to stealing money from his own charity. He was also fined $1,000 and ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.

Trevino, who resigned from his county position, was accused of using thousands of dollars donated to a charity he started for his own personal use……..THE CITY OF HOUSTON Municipal Courts Department is offering amnesty discounts on certain delinquent cases. Court officials are encouraging anyone who has a delinquent court matter to take advantage of the opportunity. To participate in the amnesty program, you must appear in person at the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse, located at 1400 Lubbock. To find out if you have an amnesty-eligible case call the Houston Helpline at 3-1-1 (713-837-0311).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

T:9.75”

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

3

T:13”

STAY CONNECTED. THE CHEVROLET MALIBU

When you’re driving in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, “The Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality,” 1 conversation flows freely. Combine your Bluetooth-connected iPhone® and available Siri Eyes Free2 with voice command, you can make your point while still keeping your eyes on the road. #THENEW CONNECTED

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality StudySM. Study based on responses from 86,118 new-vehicle owners, measuring 239 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. 2Requires available Chevrolet MyLink and compatible iPhone running iOS 6 or later. Apple, the Apple logo, Siri and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

1

4

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Dhoruba Shakur speaks out against police brutality during a St. Louis protest, which included dozens simulating Michael Brown’s body lying in the street. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/St. Louis American)

100 days and waiting:

Remembering Brown

A

NNPA News Service

bout 150 protestors shut down two St. Louis streets in remembrance of the 100 days since unarmed teen Michael Brown was shot and killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

Their latest action came as a grand jury decision regarding the case looms over the community. Most protestors assume that the case will conclude with a non-indictment.

Two separate groups gathered and marched down sidewalks. The groups converged at an intersection and continued to march while chanting “indict, convict.”

“If we don’t get it, shut it down! If Mike don’t get it, shut it down!” they chanted, just as they stopped right outside of the Tivoli Theater and shut down the street. There, some pretended to be police officers, who yelled at protestors to “Freeze!”

The mock police then started shooting the protestors dead and yelling, “Get a job!” The protestors

fell to the ground and played dead, while others came around and outlined their bodies in chalk.

“On Aug. 9 at 12:01, an officer by the name of Darren Wilson brutally murdered our brother Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri,” said activist Dhoruba Shakur over the bullhorn.

“Police brutality is happening all over the nation right in front of our faces, and some of us have the privilege of continuing on everyday life as if this isn’t our reality,” Shakur said. “This action is a demonstration. This is our way of showing this is something we can’t avoid.”

Joining in like a battle cry, the protestors – who were still lying dead on the street – started chanting, “No justice, no peace!”

University City police officers blocked traffic for the protest and did not intervene. The protestors later formed a barricade of people on the crosswalks and demanded four and a half minutes of silence – representing the four and a half hours that police allowed Brown’s body to lay in the middle of the Canfield Green neighborhood.

Joyner Foundation offers students full ride The Tom Joyner Foundation is once again sponsoring a Full Ride scholarship program that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to attend a HBCU in the fall of 2015.

Chosen students receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover on-campus room and board and books. Students must meet the required academic standards each semester to renew the funds each year.

“The cost of a college education isn’t getting any cheaper,” said Joyner, chairman of the Foundation and host of a top-ranked nationally syndicated radio show. “So, I want to help a graduating

high school senior with a chance to attend a Black college to pursue their dreams.”

Past Full Ride scholars have impressive backgrounds, including last year’s winner, Titus Zeigler, who was a top student at Atlanta’s Henry W. Grady High School. The future trauma surgeon was a member of the Junior ROTC program, tutored kids at a local middle school and volunteered at the Atlanta Food Bank.

Graduating high school seniors can apply for the scholarship by visiting www.tomjoynerfoundation.org . Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 16, 2015. Interviews will occur in April.

A DOCTOR WHO CONTRACTED EBOLA while working in his native Sierra Leone died Nov. 17 while being treated at an Omaha, Neb. hospital. Dr. Martin Salia, 44, worked as general surgeon at a hospital in the Sierra Leone capital of Freetown. Salia didn’t treat Ebola patients but it is believed he treated a patient for other symptoms without suspecting the patient had the virus. “Dr. Salia was extremely critical when he arrived here, and unfortunately, despite out best efforts, we weren’t able to save him,” said Dr. Phil Smith, medical director of the Omaha biocontainment unit. Ebola has killed more than 5,000 people in West Africa, mostly in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leona……..THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE welcomed new chairman Michael F. Neidorff, who is president and CEO of Centene Corporation. NUL President and CEO Marc Morial said Neidorff has been a “committed, passionate and valuable member” of the board for the past four years. “We could not be more excited for him to now take the helm and usher in a new era of leadership for the National Urban League,” Morial said. Neidorff succeeds outgoing chair John Hofmeister……..

THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE reported that personal data for approximately 800,000 of its employees, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, beginning and end dates of employment and emergency contact information, may have been compromised in a cyber-attack. USPS also confirmed that employees weren’t the only ones affected.

Data on customers who may have contacted its call center between Jan. 1 and Aug. 16 were also compromised. Customer credit and debit cards have not been affected, but breached data may include their names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Employees have already been notified about the incident and USPS will provide those affected with credit monitoring services for one year at no charge.

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 52 NOVEMBER 20, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern 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).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

5

6

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

opinion Revitalizing 3rd Ward

UH, TSU need to work together

By MICHAEL O. ADAMS, JAY K. AIYER & CARROLL G. ROBINSON

D

uring the last few months, there has been much discussion about the need for the University of Houston to become more directly engaged in revitalizing the Third Ward community that is its neighbor. While applauding this call for greater community involvement, it is critical that all stakeholders are involved in this process and we recognize that much work has been done.

Notably, Texas Southern University has been a leader in helping the Third Ward community. With the assistance of its policy school, the Barbara JordanMickey Leland School of Public Affairs, they are laying the foundation for transforming the historic Third Ward community.

TSU has for many years worked to improve the quality of life in the Third Ward community. It has worked on several projects to help improve both educational and housing opportunities in the community, while working with community associations in Third Ward to revitalize housing, and regularly surveying the community on policy needs and issues.

It has also served as the community center for numerous townhalls and meetings, and has worked with area schools to provide critical support to students and help assist struggling programs.

Moving forward, it is important for TSU and UH to work together in partnership to assist the surrounding community. An important foundation to this is the expanding relationship that now exists between the Barbara Jordan Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs Political Science Department and the UH School of Architecture Community Design Resource Center.

In a groundbreaking partnership, BJ-MLSPA and UHCDRC are working at the behest of the Greater Southeast Management District to develop a “comprehensive needs assessment” for Third Ward and the surrounding community.

This project will identify economic opportunities in the surrounding communities to both attract business and improve the quality of life for residents. It will also look at the best practices for community development around the U.S. and look to implement the most successful solutions here. Finally, it will directly survey the community to give them an opportunity to have a voice.

While a critical first step in the process, this joint project is a model for future activities. In addition, several initiatives should be developed both jointly and in coordination to enhance the community.

To assist with the ongoing issue of food deserts and the lack of fresh produce in the community, the schools should jointly develop a University Farmer’s Market that would provide access for farm fresh produce and locally produced goods for members of both the university communities and Third Ward as a whole.

The project would combine the historic emphasis the late Congressman Mickey Leland placed on food security, with the growing understanding of sustainable development for all communities as a basic need – which is now a key initiative of the BJMLSPA. Additionally, both universities must work together to address safety and security issues in and around the community. Both from a

research perspective, through crime survey data and tracking, as well as direct community engagement, public safety issues need to be looked at in a comprehensive way.

Finally, the BJMLSPA has been working to develop City Government 101, a continuing education seminar that would educate civic leaders and community activists about the various activities of city government including the CIP process, requesting a project, speaking to city council, and the city/county relationship.

Similar to the UH “people’s law school” program, this program will bring the levers of government closer to the Third ward community.

In creating solutions, it is important for all stakeholders to be active participants in the community engagement and development process. While it is important for the University of Houston to play a role, it would be a mistake to expect them to work in isolation.

By working together, TSU and UH in conjunction with the myriad of organizations in the Third Ward community can help revitalize the community.

Michael O. Adams, Ph.D. is interim chair of the Political Science Department at the BJMLSPA. Jay K. Aiyer is an assistant professor at the BJ-MLSPA. Carroll G. Robinson is an associate professor at the BJ-MLSPA.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

entertainment

7

Ensemble presents

‘A Soulful Christmas’

T

he Ensemble Theatre is getting in the spirit with the holiday musical “Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas,” which runs through Dec. 21.

It tells the story of two children, Destiny and Julius, who are taken on a musical journey one Christmas Eve. They soon discover the rich history within the music, dance, and culture of the holidays.

They go back in time and enjoy a variety of soulful Christmas tunes, performed in the style of the artists who made them famous including, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Michael Jackson, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by Mahalia Jackson, “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and “Silent Night” Jannah Bryant, André Neal and Trenton J. Sutton star in “Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas.” by the Temptations.

“I wanted to bring tion and celebrations all over the world,” Harris something to the world that said. “I believe this musical has a song for everyone, spoke to all people,” Stewart said. “No matter the whether your holiday is celebrated as one of spiritualeconomic or geographic upbringing, classic soulity and reverence, one of love and romance, or one of ful Christmas music is a part of everyone’s holiday childlike wonderment and closeness of family.” repertoire.”

Featured cast members include Kendra Bradford, The show is directed and choreographed by Kendrick “KayB” Brown, Jannah Bryant, Jamie BurPatdro Harris with musical direction by Carlton nett, Asia Craft, Myles Davis, Daron Gilmore, Ayanna Leake Johnson, Ron Johnson, Andre’ Neal, LaKeisha Randle, “Music is such an integral part of holiday tradi-

Delsondro Sims II, Trenton Sutton, Roenia Thompson and Constance Washington.

Stewart is a Broadway artist and founder/CEO of Dynamite Productions. He has appeared as a trainer and dance instructor on the “Dr. Oz Show.”

“Even when I didn’t have a dime at Christmas, these songs brought me joy and granted me “the holiday spirit” like no tangible gift ever could,” he said.

For ticket information and performance times call 713-520-0055 or visit www.EnsembleHouston.com.

Other cast members light up the stage in the musical. The Ensemble is located at 3535 Main St.

what’sup Talk show host WENDY WILLIAMS received some good news. The Lifetime movie she co-produced, “Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B,” did well in the ratings despite controversy surrounding it. The movie, based on the life of the singer and actress who died in a 2001 plane crash, was seen by 3.2 million viewers and stars ALEXANDRA SHIPP in the title role. Music producer and rapper TIMBALAND, who mentored AALIYAH, had been vocal about his displeasure with the film. Aaliyah’s family also disapproved of the project and withheld rights to her songs. Williams insisted the story needed to be told. “I see my Aaliyah movie broke the Internet this

weekend. ‘Errbody’ got an opinion. Well, I must tell you, whether you loved or hated it, you watched. It was the second-highest rated movie on all of cable this year so far,” Williams said……..SOLANGE KNOWLES’ recent wedding to music video director ALAN FERGUSON was the talk of New Orleans.

The two were married at the Marigny Opera House.

Guests were asked to wear white, and included BEYONCÉ, JAY Z, BLUE IVY CARTER, TINA KNOWLES and JANELLE MONAE. The bride and bridegroom arrived at the ceremony on vintage bicycles. Solange and her 10-year-old son DANIEL JULEZ SMITH treated guests to a choreo-

graphed, mother-son dance routine…….. LUPITA NYONG’O and LAVERNE COX were among the celebrities awarded Women of the Year awards by Glamour magazine. Nyong’o rose to stardom after her Oscar-winning performance in “Twelve Years a Slave.” Cox stars in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” and was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy Award……..

BET’s long-running music-variety series “106 & Park” is going digital and its last daily episode will air on Dec. 19. The show is moving online to BET. com. Details about the new format are still being developed.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

8

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

food

Thanksgiving dinner

Holiday hits A

By FAMILY FEATURES

memorable holiday meal always comes down to the mouthwatering meals served by the host.

This season, impress family and friends with three traditional courses many come to expect at such a gathering: a juicy bird, a hearty side and a sweet ending.

Crispy Roast Duck with Giblet Gravy

Servings: 8 2 Maple Leaf Farms Whole Ducks (5 pounds each), thawed if frozen 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup water 1 onion, unpeeled and quartered 2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 2 small sprigs fresh sage 1 large bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 3/4 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Salt and pepper, to taste Remove giblets and orange sauce packets from ducks and reserve for another use. Rinse ducks; pat dry with paper towels. Place breast sides up on rack in large shallow roasting pan. Roast according to package directions.

Place remaining duck giblets and necks in large saucepan. Add broth, water, onion, carrots, sage sprigs, bay leaf, thyme and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer gently uncovered 1 hour.

Strain broth; set aside giblets and discard remaining solids. If broth measures less than 2 cups add water to equal 2 cups.

Remove roast ducks from oven and transfer to rack of broiler pan. Preheat broiler. Pour off and reserve drippings from roasting pan. Add vermouth to pan and cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until mixture is reduced by about half, 2–3 minutes.

Spoon off 1/4 cup fat from reserved drippings; transfer to medium saucepan. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 1 minute. Add 2 cups strained duck broth and wine mixture to saucepan. Add drippings to saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens. Chop reserved giblets and add to gravy. Simmer 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Broil ducks 5–6 inches from heat source until skin is

well browned and crispy, 6–8 minutes. Cut each duck into quarters and transfer to serving plates. Pass gravy separately. Garnish with sage sprigs, if desired.

For more recipes, visit www.mapleleaffarms.com.

Brown Sugar Pecan Pie

Servings: 8 Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (2 ounces) ground pecans 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, cold 1 egg yolk 3–4 tablespoons ice water, divided 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Filling: 3 eggs 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup pecan halves To make crust, mix flour, nuts and salt in large bowl.

Cut in shortening with pastry blender until pieces are size of small peas. Mix egg yolk, 3 tablespoons ice water and lemon juice in small bowl. Add to flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring lightly and tossing with fork until moistened and

dough just holds together. Add remaining ice water, if needed. Gather dough and shape into 1-inch-thick disk.

Refrigerate, wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 hour or overnight.

Heat oven to 425°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, rolling from center to edge, to form 12-inch circle.

Fold into quarters; ease and unfold into 9-inch pie plate. Press pastry gently against bottom and sides of pie plate, easing out any air. Trim edge leaving 1/2-inch overhang. Fold overhang under; flute edge. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes.

Line piecrust with aluminum foil; fill with pie weights.

Bake in oven until pastry is set, 8–10 minutes. Remove foil and weights; pierce pastry all over with fork. Bake until pastry is golden brown, 5–7 minutes longer. Cool completely on wire rack.

Heat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs, brown sugar, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt in medium bowl until well blended.

Arrange pecan halves evenly in bottom of piecrust. Carefully pour egg mixture over pecans.

Bake in center of 350°F oven until knife inserted midway between center and edge of pie comes out clean, 40–45 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Note: Pastry dough can be made in food processor.

Also, ground almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts can be substituted for pecans.

For more recipes, visit www.IncredibleEgg.org.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

health Defender Special Edition

Respiratory diseases plague Blacks

By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

A

healthy lung and respiratory system is essential to quality of life, but for many AfricanAmericans, their well-being is threatened with every breath they take.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in African-Americans, and cancer itself is the second leading cause of Dr. Michael Byrd death.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease and Control show that chronic lower respiratory disease – including asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema – is the No. 6 cause of death for African-Americans. Influenza and pneumonia is the No. 11 cause of death.

A number of causes can be identified in developing respiratory diseases, such as inhalation of toxic agents, accidents and smoking. Infections, genetic factors, and anything else that affects lung development, either directly or indirectly, can cause respiratory symptoms.

Quitting smoking, however, is the No. 1 way to fight many lung and respiratory illnesses. In the U.S., cigarette smoking is linked to about 90 percent of lung cancers, and smoking is also the primary risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“Smoking among African-Americans is a serious problem as this population suffers disproportionately from deadly and preventable diseases associated with smoking,” said Michael Byrd, M.D., an otolaryngologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.

Byrd cited American Lung Association (ALA) statistics that show African-American men are 34 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than white men, even though their overall exposure to cigarette smoke is lower. Black women tend to smoke less than white women, but the two groups have similar lung cancer rates.

“Besides increasing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and many other diseases, smoking causes a wide range of respiratory illnesses…,” Byrd said. “Smoking also worsens asthma and counteracts asthma

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

1B

Famous Blacks impacted Jerome Bettis – The former NFL running back was diagnosed with asthma at age 14 after passing out during high school football practice. “Even the hardest hitting players in the National Football League cannot take my breath away like asthma,” he said.

Sherman Hemsley – The star of “The Jeffersons” and “Amen” died of complications from lung cancer in 2012 at the age of 74. According to reports, Hemsley suffered from a rare respiratory condition, superior vena cava syndrome.

Bernard “Bernie Mac” McCullough – The comedian and actor died in 2008 at the age of 50 after suffering from the respiratory disease sarcoidosis.

Scientists believe sarcoidosis is an immune system disease brought on by a failure of the body’s natural defense system.

Shaquille O’Neal – The former NBA superstar has sleep apnea and uses a continuous positive airway pressure device to help him breathe easier at night. “...I feel good, got a lot of energy, everything is working,” he said.

medication by worsening airway inflammation.”

In addition to lung cancer, asthma is another problem impacting African-Americans, who are three times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die from asthma.

“More Americans than ever before say they are suffering from asthma,” Byrd said. “The ALA says it is one of this country’s most common and costly diseases with more than 10 million outpatient visits and 479,000 hospitalizations.

“Asthma is more common among children (7 to 10 percent) than adults (3 to 5 percent). With nearly five million asthma sufferers under age 18, it is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than one child in 20.”

Sleep apnea – repetitive pauses during sleep – is another common respiratory problem among African-Americans.

“Generally, African-Americans face a higher risk for sleep apnea than any other ethnic group in the United States, and people with a family history of obstructive sleep apnea are at increased risk of developing the condition,” Byrd said.

“Strong evidence suggests that obesity may increase the risk of obstructed breathing during sleep,” Byrd added. “The lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals have resulted in the vast majority of people with the illness remaining undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

2B

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

Inside Asthma affects all ages 3B Memorial Hermann Health System

Nurse Health Line provides answers 4B What takes your breath away 6B Texans Children’s Hospital

Pregnant women and flu shots 8B MD Anderson Cancer Center

Quit social smoking, reduce cancer risk 10B Smokers most likely to develop COPD 12B

defendernetwork.com

health

Cold or flu? Know the facts

E

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

ach winter, countless Americans ask the question, “Do I have a cold or the flu?”

The flu (short for influenza) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because both illnesses often have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.

Colds can occur at any time of the year, but are most common in the winter or rainy seasons. Colds are usually milder than the flu, and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

Dr. Michael Byrd of Memorial Hermann Southeast said cold sufferers often make the mistake of running to their doctors for antibiotics.

“In years past, doctors recognized when their patients left empty-handed they felt less satisfied,” Byrd said. “Consequently, this led some physicians overprescribing antibiotics. The unfortunate result was that over time, this approach may have done more harm than good. Using antibiotics

when not absolutely necessary can lead to resistant bacteria strains in the body or ‘super bugs.’

“The two predominant types of pathogenic agents that can make people sick are bacteria and viruses,” Byrd explained. “Bacteria are biotic organisms that can be both harmful and helpful. Viruses are non-living agents that need a host in order to replicate and cause illness to the host. Antibiotics are very effective against bacteria, but not at all effective against viruses.”

Byrd said there is no cure for a viral infection such as the common cold, and it needs to run its course in about a week. He added that most colds are transmitted by coughing, sneezing, touching contaminated surfaces, shaking hands and other person-to-person contact.

According to the CDC, flu activity peaks between December and February. However, seasonal flu outbreaks can occur as early as October and activity can last as late as May. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense.

“For some people, the flu can be deadly,” Byrd said. “The virus can cause serious health problems in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with a serious medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. These groups run a high risk of being hospitalized because of the flu.

“An annual flu vaccine does not provide 100 percent protection against the flu, but it comes close. The CDC recommends, and Memorial Hermann strongly supports, an annual flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older,” he said.

Message from the Publisher

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

As Houston’s Leading Black Information Source, the Defender is committed to informing and educating our readers.

We are proud to bring you another special health edition, this time focusing on lung and respiratory diseases. From children with asthma to adults with COPD, respiratory diseases affect millions of Americans.

According to the American Lung Association, there are steps you can take to keep your lungs healthy: 1 Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of COPD and lung cancer.

2. Avoid exposure to pollutants such as second-

hand smoke, air pollution and toxic chemicals in the home and workplace.

3. Prevent infection. Avoid crowds during cold and flu season. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use good oral hygiene. Get vaccinated against the flu.

4. Get regular check-ups, which are an important part of disease prevention.

Also in this edition, you will find important information from our partners MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann Health System and Texas Children’s Hospital.

We all share a common goal – to help you and your loved ones lead better, healthier lives.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

health Asthma affects Blacks of all ages

cockroach, animal dander (the shed skin of your pets), molds and mildew, and the pollens of trees, grasses and weeds. Allergy testing can help you to find out hile asthma is a complex disease for if you or your child is allergic.” anyone, asthma-related problems are With asthma killing thousands of people each much greater for African Americans. In year, Farber said if asthma problems occur more fact, the latest statistics show that havthan twice a week, interrupt sleep more than twice ing asthma problems and risk of death from asthma is a month, or if asthma attacks are bad enough to about double in Blacks compared to whites. require oral steroids (such as prednisone) more than Overall, around 25 million twice a year, daily medicine Americans have asthma with mil- “When a pregnant mother may help. lions being children.

“The challenge is that these smokes or is exposed Those disturbing statistics are medicines may not make you feel to the smoke of others, why medical professionals are gobetter, and have to be used every asthma and wheezing day to work,” he said. “These mediing all out to educate people about the disease – both how to prevent illness in the child is much cines include the inhaled corticosteit and how to treat it. roids (brand names QVAR, Flovent, more common.”

Asthma is a chronic inflamPulmicort, Asmanex, others). matory disease of the lungs in “Inhaled medicines are not which the bronchial airways sometimes narrow as a as simple to use as you might think,” Farber said. result of various triggers. People with asthma have “Be sure to have your doctor, nurse, or pharmalungs that are overly sensitive and they are susceptible cist review how to use the inhalers with you. For to such substances as pollen, dust, or cigarette smoke. those with mild asthma, montelukast (brand name Asthma does not go away nor can it be cured.

Singulair) can help. It comes as a pill and is not a The cause of asthma is unknown, however, it is steroid.” thought that there are environmental and hereditary One of the primary concerns of parents factors associated with it. When a person has asthma when it comes to asthma is determining these factors can cause an attack to occur. Identifying the difference between simple coughing and avoiding those things that can “trigger” an attack and wheezing and asthma. can help keep asthma under control and even help in “Shortness of breath, coughing, its treatment.

“The most important steps start before birth,” said Dr. Harold Farber, pediatric pulmonologist at Texas Children’s Hospital.

“Prevention involves a number of steps, [including] avoiding tobacco smoke and tobacco smoke exposure. When a pregnant mother smokes or is exposed to the smoke of others, asthma and wheezing illness in the child is much more common.”

Because of the carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco smoke, Farber said the entire family should be nonsmokers.

“The harms of smoke exposure do not stop at birth. Smoke exposure, from any source, increases problems with coughing and wheezing.”

Farber said the key to controlling asthma is being mindful of what you breathe.

“Often, the worst air is in our home. Eliminating smoke (anything that burns) and strong smelling chemicals (including air fresheners and cleaning agents) is important.

“Allergens can be important triggers of asthma – but only if you are allergic to them. As asthma is a breathing problem, the allergens that cause asthma are the ones you breathe in – dust mites,

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

W

3B

and wheezing can be caused by many things, not always asthma,” Farber said. “One easy way to tell if symptoms are from asthma is if a quick relief inhaler (such as albuterol) or levalbuterol (brand name Xopenex) helps.

“These quick relief medicines should start working in just 15 minutes, but only last for a few hours and don’t fix the underlying problem causing the asthma. If you are using the quick relief inhaler correctly and it does nothing to relieve the symptoms, the problem is probably not asthma.”

An asthma specialist – a pulmonologist or an allergist – can also perform lung function testing.

“If the test is performed at or near a time of asthma symptoms and the test is perfectly normal, the problem is probably something other than asthma,” he added.

For more information on Blacks and asthma, visit www.notonemorelife.org.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

4B

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

health

Free Nurse Health Line provides answers when you need them

A

By MEMORIAL HERMANN

nyone with or without insurance can now talk directly with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Nurse Health Line at toll-free 855-5777979 or 713-338-7979.

If you live in Houston or one of the surrounding counties, you may 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.

From diaper rash to migraine headache, this free service is available

regardless if you have • Figure out Nurse Health Line insurance or a primary options to treat a care provider. When sick child. toll-free your child has a fever • Talk over your of 102 degrees or you health concerns with or have a nagging cough a registered nurse. at 2 a.m., the free Nurse • Locate a nearby Health Line helps clinic or low-cost you to: health care provider • Get help with both kid and adult with extended hours of operation. medical complaints.

• Find some much-needed peace • Decide when and where to go for of mind. treatment.

The free Nurse Health Line features • Get help after your doctor’s office bilingual staff and language interpreters has closed. who are a valuable source of reliable and • Find a better way to get medical caring health information, education, and care than sitting for hours in an support. emergency room.

All calls to the Nurse Health Line

855-577-7979 713-338-7979

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 decisionsupport tools, and peer-reviewed materials to conduct their assessments.

While manned by staff from Memorial Hermann Health System, the Nurse Health Line is funded through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Texas Health and Human Services Commission and open to everyone.

It is not designed to assist with lifethreatening conditions or emergencies.

People with life-threatening conditions and emergencies should immediately call 911.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

FEELING SICK BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? SPEAK WITH A REGISTERED NURSE FOR ANSWERS TO YOUR HEALTH QUESTIONS. When you or a family member is feeling sick, but you’re not sure if you need to see your doctor or go to the hospital, call the free Nurse Health Line. Experienced nurses will help you decide when and where to go for medical care. These trained nurses are available around the clock, seven days a week to answer your health questions by phone. Anyone living in Harris or the surrounding counties can use this free service.

Funded through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Free 24/7 Nurse Health Line 713.338.7979 (Toll-Free) 1.855.577.7979 Individuals with life-threatening conditions and emergencies should call 9-1-1.

sponsored by Memorial Hermann Community Benefits Corporation

5B

6B

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

WHAT’S TAKING YOUR BREATH AWAY

P

cente

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

roper breathing is essential to good health, and the average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths a minute or more than 20,000 breaths a day.

When your respiratory system is threatened however, your quality of life is diminished. Here are four common respiratory ailments along with the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It tends to be more serious for infants and young children, adults 65 or older, people who have other chronic health problems, and people who have weak immune systems as a result of diseases or other factors. It is the leading cause of death in children ages 5 and under worldwide Causes: Approximately one-third of pneumonia cases in the U.S. each year are caused by respiratory viruses. The flu virus is the most common cause of viral pneumonia in adults. Other viruses that cause pneumonia include respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Other causes include bacteria, infectious agents such as fungi and various chemicals.

Symptoms: Cough (with the possibility of bloody or green or yellow mucus), a mild or high fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath (which may only occur when you climb stairs), sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough, headache, excessive sweating and clammy skin, loss of appetite, low energy and fatigue, confusion (especially in older people).

Prevention: Get a flu shot every year since the flu is a common cause of pneumonia. Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia if you are at high risk for it. Wash your hands frequently. Don’t smoke, since tobacco damages your lung’s ability to fight off infection, and smokers have a higher risk of getting pneumonia.

Treatment: Depends on the type of pneumonia you have and its severity. Most people can be treated at home by drinking plenty of fluids to loosen secretions and bring up phlegm, getting lots of rest, and controlling fever with aspirin or ibuprofen. (Do not give aspirin to children).

Sources: CDC, American Lung Association

Sinus infection

Sinuses are empty cavities around the eyes, within the cheek bones and behind the nose. Their main function is to warm, moisten and filter air in the nasal cavity. A sinus infection (also called sinusitis) occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed.

There are two types of sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is caused by bacteria growing in the sinuses, and symptoms are present for four weeks or less.

Chronic sinusitis is when swelling and inflammation of the sinuses are present

for longer than three months.

Causes: Most sinus infections are caused by a virus. Other causes include allergies, pollutants such as airborne chemicals or irritants, fungal infections, structural problems within the nasal cavity and a weak immune system.

Symptoms: Headaches, nasal congestion or discharge, postnasal drip, cough, fatigue and bad breath.

Prevention: Practice good hand hygiene. Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections. Avoid cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke.

If you have allergies, avoid things that trigger allergy attacks such as pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, certain food and medications. Avoid breathing dry air and use a humidifier.

Treatment: Most people with acute sinusitis recover without any prescribed medications. If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms. Other options are to use decongestants or nasal sprays, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated by drinking water and try pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

With chronic sinusitis intranasal corticosteroid sprays may be appropriate but only under the care of a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication if a

fun

Sl

bre suc

res

blo

doe

sm to h

defendernetwork.com • Servin

erfold

ngus is involved.

When treatments or medications fail, endoscopic sinus surgery could be an option.

Sources: CDC, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

leep apnea

More than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, a disorder that causes you to stop eathing briefly while you sleep. If left untreated it can cause serious health problems ch as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and work-related or driving accidents.

It is diagnosed based on medical and family histories, a physical exam and sleep study sults.

There three types of sleep apnea: 1. Obstructive sleep apnea usually occurs when your airway has collapsed or is ocked during sleep, causing shallow breathing or breathing pauses.

2. Central sleep apnea occurs when the part of your brain that controls breathing esn’t send correct signals and you make no effort to breathe for brief periods of time.

3. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Causes: Risk factors for obstructive and complex sleep apnea are being overweight, moking, high blood pressure, family history of sleep apnea, gender (males are more likely have sleep apnea than females), being 65 or older and using alcohol or sedatives before

ng the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

7B

going to sleep. Risk factors for central sleep apnea are male gender, heart disease and stroke or brain tumor.

Symptoms: Excessive sleepiness during the day, waking up abruptly perhaps with a loud snort or choking feeling, loud or chronic snoring, insomnia or waking in the morning with a sore throat, dry mouth or headache.

Prevention: Lose weight through diet and exercise. Don’t smoke.

Treatment: Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, an adjustable airway pressure machine, or surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids, repair nasal passages or remove extra tissue from your throat or nose that is blocking your airways and causing snoring.

Central or complex sleep apnea can be treated with CPAP, adjustable airway pressure, oxygen, adaptive servo-ventilation (adjusts pressure while you sleep based on recorded breathing and sleep patterns) or specific treatments for medical problems such as heart disease.

Source: American Lung Association

Tuberculosis

TB is an infectious disease that usually infects the lungs, but can attack almost any part of the body. It is spread from person to person through the air, and is usually spread between family members, close friends and people who work or live together.

TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can attack other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. If not treated properly it can be fatal.

TB was once a leading cause of death in the United States, but rates have declined over the last 20 years. It is often a disease associated with socioeconomic factors such as poverty – two-thirds of all cases of TB in the U.S. affect Blacks, Hispanics and Asians, and TB rates for Blacks is eight times greater than for whites.

Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. It can remain dormant for years and not cause any TB disease. People who have latent TB infection do not get sick and do not spread the bacteria to others, but some people with latent TB infection eventually get the disease.

Causes: TB is caused by the infectious agent known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a small, slow-growing bacterium that can live only in people.

Symptoms: Persons with active TB can exhibit such symptoms as a persistent cough, constant fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, coughing up blood and night sweats.

Prevention: Do not spend long periods of time in rooms with anyone who has active TB until that person has been treated for at least two weeks. Use protective measures such as face masks if you work in a facility that cares for people who have untreated TB. When traveling abroad, avoid close contact or prolonged time with known TB patients in crowded, enclosed environments.

Treatment: Patients with active TB can be treated with a combination of prescription drugs for six to 12 months, including isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Those with inactive TB can be treated with preventive therapy, such as the daily dose of INH. Sources: CDC, American Lung Association, National Institutes of Health

8B

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

health

healthnotes Flu, RSV are greater threats than Ebola in U.S.

Should pregnant women get flu shots?

T

ypically starting in late November or early December, influenza (flu) season will be here, so it’s important families get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. But what if you are pregnant? Should you still get vaccinated?

The answer is simple: Yes. Pregnant women should get vaccinated against the flu.

Pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimester, are more likely to have complications from flu, rarely even death. In fact, the flu can lead to serious problems for an unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Getting vaccinated protects against these bad outcomes, and also protects the baby against flu until the baby first can be vaccinated at age 6 months.

So the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child from influenza is to get vaccinated. And it’s important to remember that pregnant women should only get the flu shot, not the nasal spray known as FluMist. (FluMist contains live virus and should not be given to pregnant women, because it may not be safe.) The flu shot is available at most doctors’ offices and all local pharmacies.

“It takes up to two weeks for inactivated influenza vaccine to become fully effective,” says Dr. Carol Baker, executive director of the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children’s Hospital. “The best time to get this vaccine is as soon as it is available. Even a late vaccination can be beneficial because the flu season can last through March and April.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination helps protect women during pregnancy and their babies for up to six months after they are born. One study showed giving flu vaccine to pregnant women

was 92 percent effective in preventing hospitalization of infants for flu.

Baker adds, “As a pediatric infectious disease specialist and executive director of the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children’s Hospital, I am dedicated to finding the best ways to stop children and their parents from getting preventable diseases.

“I know the dangers the flu can pose to pregnant women and their unborn children. So I urge you to disregard the myths and misperceptions that often circulate about the flu vaccine. The flu shot cannot cause a person to develop influenza, because the virus in the vaccine has been killed.”

During the 2013-14 flu season, about half of pregnant women protected themselves and their babies from flu by getting a flu shot. This is significant progress. However, almost half of pregnant women and their babies still remain unprotected from influenza. Make sure to protect yourself and your baby – get vaccinated.

In the last couple of months we have all seen our fair share of news coverage on Ebola. It’s not uncommon with the surplus of information for it to begin to cause some anxiety among parents.

While the likelihood of an Ebola outbreak is extremely low, it is still important to stay informed.

Texas Children’s Hospital is fully prepared if an Ebola case appears in Houston. But, with so many people worried about its spread, why aren’t they also taking every precaution to protect themselves against other diseases?

For instance, why are individuals not having the same reaction to the flu (influenza)?

The flu is a preventable disease that affects hundreds of thousands of individuals every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year from the flu, with up to 49,000 dying from it.

Yet many people still refuse to get vaccinated. In fact, less than half of the U.S. population receives the flu vaccine each year. The CDC also reports only 45 percent of children ages 6 months to 17 years received the influenza vaccination in the last 12 months. Only 26 percent of adults 18 to 49 years of age received theirs.

And what about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

“While there isn’t a vaccine in place for RSV, there are many ways in which parents can actively protect their infant or child from contracting this respiratory virus, including proper hand hygiene and making sure anyone in contact with your infant does the same,” says Dr. Paul Checchia, medical director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s. “It’s also important to keep your baby away from others who are sick, especially with cold or flu-like symptoms – which is why a flu shot is also important for all family members.”

While RSV is not as deadly as the flu, it can spread very rapidly among children. So what’s most important to remember about RSV is it can be prevented.

As many communities are taking precautions to protect against Ebola, let’s not forget about these other diseases affecting so many of us every year.

The flu and RSV have regularly impacted our community in more devastating ways than Ebola has.

Please get vaccinated: Everyone 6 months or older is recommended for flu vaccination. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.

How vaccines are like your baby’s car seat Did you know the number one cause major injury or death. The same of death for children over the age of applies for vaccines.

12 months are auto accidents? Did you Consider the influenza vaccine. also know that before children ever died Whether it’s a child at school, a from auto accidents, most died from teen walking around the mall or an infections? Now we have methods to infant at home with their parents, prevent both. With steady improvements chances are they will not be exposed and newer technology, we can protect or infected with these germs on any our children with the right car seats given day. But on the one day it and vaccines. does happen, no parent should ever There’s an interesting analogy have to regret missing the chance between protecting babies from auto to vaccinate their child from a now accidents and choosing to vaccinate vaccine-preventable disease. But Dr. Matthew Wigder against diseases like the flu. While it’s some parents do not view vaccines unlikely a random car ride to the grocery store or like car seats. school will involve an auto accident, on the rare Unfortunately, each year in the United States chance you need it, a car seat can save a child from healthy children die from seasonal influenza,

which many disregard as a mild illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2013, 90 percent of pediatric deaths were in unvaccinated children and as of March of that year, 105 children had died from a flu-related illness.

“Two main reasons why parents opt-out of getting their family vaccinated is the fear of short term mild illness as a vaccine side-effect and not fully understanding the severity of the flu virus,” says Dr. Matthew Wigder, pediatrician at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Westchase. “Short term worries, such as side-effects should be the least concerning part of getting vaccinated. It’s important to focus on how severe the flu could be to your child in the long run if they were to get sick.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

9B

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.

■

A 24-hour nurse hotline.

■

Transportation to doctor visits at no cost.

■

Pregnancy support program and classes.

■

Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.

■

Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.

■

Fun, free member events!

For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your

MK-1208-007

area, visit us online or call today.

10B

DEFENDER |NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

health

Quit social smoking to reduce your cancer risk

Y

Know the health dangers

By MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

Casual smoking doesn’t only cause bad breath and stale, smoky clothes. It also increases your risk for: • Lung, esophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancers • Heart and lung disease • Premature aging and death • Cataracts • Respiratory tract infection “There are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke,” Prokhorov said. This includes cancer-causing substances like tar, acetone, butane and formaldehyde, and chemicals people consider occupational hazards.

“Workers wear gas masks and special suits to handle these chemicals while smokers willingly inhale these substances to have a good time,” Prokhorov warned. “Think before you puff.”

ou may enjoy a cigarette or two when hanging out with friends, working late or to relieve stress. But this social or casual smoking habit could be cutting your life short.

“It’s a huge misconception that a few cigarettes here and there won’t hurt you,” said Alexander Prokhorov, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Smoking any amount can increase your risk for cancer and tobacco-related diseases.”

Furthermore, many casual smokers consider themselves non-smokers. So when their habit becomes more frequent, they don’t notice. “Every time you take a puff, you’re taking a gamble that you’ll become nicotine dependent. And that’s a dangerous game to play,” Prokhorov says. Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in tobacco products.

It’s not just cigarettes, though, that are causing harm.

“Tobacco companies know fewer people are smoking conventional cigarettes, so they introduce new forms of nicotine and tobacco,” Prokhorov said. “They’re advertising trendier products, like hookahs, electronic cigarettes and flavored cigars, to make people believe smoking is a fun and safe activity.”

Your best bet? Don’t smoke at all. Below, Prokhorov shares tips to help you avoid social or casual smoking, so you’ll live a longer, healthier life.

Try socializing in different ways

Finding new ways to mingle with friends will most likely help you avoid smoking triggers.

• Make a gym date. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your health. Invite a friend to try a workout class. After a few trips to the gym sans smoking, you’ll start to breathe easier.

•Go to the movies. Catch the latest flick and enjoy healthy theater snacks, like popcorn without butter, instead of a cigarette.

• Visit smoke-free places. Ask your friends to try a restaurant or bar that doesn’t allow smoking.

• Host game night. Invite friends to play your favorite board games in a smoke-free place.

“There are all kinds of ways to have fun without hurting yourself and the people around you,” Prokhorov says.

Avoid trendy tobacco products

Joining your friends at a hookah bar or café may seem harmless. Hookahs are water pipes that create flavored tobacco vapor. Yet, they’re not safe alternatives to cigarettes. Hookahs contain nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are smokeless electronic devices heating up the market. Users inhale a vapor of liquid nicotine similar to the way a smoker puffs on a cigarette.

The liquid nicotine inside comes in hundreds of different flavors.

“E-cigarettes are unregulated, so no one knows what dangerous chemicals could be inside,” Prokhorov said.

He believes e-cigarettes are novel ways to introduce tobacco smoking to teens and a gateway to conventional cigarettes.

“These trendy tobacco products also help sustain society’s nicotine dependence,” Prokhorov adds. His advice? Steer clear of these products to stay cancer-free.

Acknowledge your smoking habits

Do you bum cigarettes off friends when drinking or smoke a cigar on Sunday afternoons? Your behavior may

Get support from family and friends

fly under the radar because you feel like you’re not really a smoker. Nearly one-quarter of smokers have only a few cigarettes a day, or smoke only every now and then.

You can recognize your smoking habits by keeping a journal. Answer these questions: • When and where do you smoke?

• How many cigarettes, cigars or other tobacco products do you smoke?

• Why do you choose to smoke?

• What triggers you to smoke?

“People need to be more health conscious when it comes to smoking,” Prokhorov said. “People read nutrition labels and count calories, but don’t think twice about what they inhale.”

Tell your loved ones about your decision to quit smoking – even if you kept your habit hidden. Getting support from family, friends and co-workers can make it easier to quit for good.

Plus, if your family or friends are part of your smoking circle, they’ll be less likely to offer you a cigarette. They may even quit with you.

Visit your doctor

Your doctor can be your best quitting advocate and provide cessation resources and tools, like nicotine replacement therapies or counseling services. Your doctor also can better assess your risks for cancer and other diseases if he or she knows you smoke.

So, start today. Kick your social or casual smoking habit to the curb and enjoy a healthier life.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

husband’s son’s best Friend’s

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

Scan to hear from some of our lung cancer survivors.

11B

12B

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

health

Smokers most likely to develop COPD

C

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

hronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and serious health condition. It refers to two lung diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both diseases are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing.

According to the CDC, more than 15 million people in the U.S. are known to have COPD, and many have symptoms of both conditions. The most common cause of COPD is smoking.

In a Q&A with the Defender, two experts from MD Anderson Cancer shed light on COPD. They are Lewis Foxhall, M.D., vice president

for health policy, and Maher Karam-Hage, MD., associate medical director of the Tobacco Treatment Program.

Defender: COPD is the third leading cause of death in America. Why is the number of deaths so high?

Karam-Hage: That is due to emphysema which is an irreversible process, and ultimately leads to respiratory failure in severe COPD cases which causes poor oxygenation to the different body organs including the brain. In mild to moderate cases it can be due to cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes, etc.) or cancer, especially lung cancer.

Defender: What steps can COPD patients take to better their condition?

Foxhall: If a person with COPD still smokes they should try to quit. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important as well as avoiding air with high levels of pollution. Getting an

annual flu shot and if recommended the pneumonia vaccine is a good way to avoid complications of these infections which may make COPD worse. Lung disease specialists, pulmonologists, may have specific medical recommendations for treatment depending on the person’s condition.

Karam-Hage: They need to stop smoking as soon as possible, as smoking is the cause of COPD in 80 percent of the cases. Especially if their condition is still mild or moderate. Even though it is not a reversible process, stopping smoking will stop the progression of the disease and ultimately death rates.

The other 20 percent would need to identify the cause if it is a disease and either treat or eliminate the exposure if there is an environmental agent involved.

Defender: What advice do you have for someone who has tried to quit smoking but can’t?

Foxhall: Most people make several attempts before they are successful. If the only attempts have been “cold turkey” there are several things that may help. Free counseling is available in Texas at 1-877YES-QUIT or online at www.yesquit.org. For people who are very dependent on the nicotine in cigarettes, most nicotine replacement products can be purchased without prescription. Other effective medications are available by prescription that will also be helpful.

WHEN I HAVE “ “WHEN I HAVE AN

ASTHMA ATTA ASTHMA ATTACK

I FEEL LIKE A F I FEEL LIKE A FISH

WITH NO WATE WITH NO WATER.”

“WHEN I HAVE AN

–JESSE, AGE 5

–JESSE,

ASTHMA ATTACK I FEEL LIKE A FISH

WITH NO WATER.” –JESSE, AGE 5

ATTACK ASTHMA. ACT NOW. 1-NOW. 866 - NO -ATTACKS ATTACK ASTHMA. ACT

W W W. N O AT TA C K S . O R G 1- 866 - NO -ATTACKS W W W. N O AT TA C K S . O R G

CDDIS 10/01

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

WHY SAVE HUNDREDS WHEN YOU CAN GET A CHECK FOR THOUSANDS? MAKE YOUR BEST DEAL ON SELECT BUICK SEDANS IN STOCK THE LONGEST AND GET CASH BACK FOR 20% OF THE MSRP 1

2014 BUICK REGAL 1SL

2014 BUICK VERANO 1SL

29,280 MSRP

$

20%

5,856

$

OF MSRP =

32,125 MSRP

$

2

CASH BACK1

BUICK RANKS “HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH DEALER SERVICE AMONG MASS MARKET BRANDS3”

20%

39,030 MSRP

$

2

6,425

$

OF MSRP =

2014 BUICK LACROSSE 1SL

CASH BACK1

20%

7,806

$

OF MSRP =

2

CASH BACK1

EXPERIENCE BUICK PROTECTION ON ALL 2014 BUICK MODELS 2 YEAR OR 24,000 MILE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE4 4 YEAR OR 50,000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER LIMITED WARRANTY5 6 YEAR OR 70,000 MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY5 6 YEAR OR 70,000 MILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE & COURTESY TRANSPORTATION5

HURRY, THESE BEST OFFERS OF THE YEAR END DECEMBER 1

BUICK.COM 2 On oldest 15% of inventory as of 11/17/14 while stock lasts. Not compatible with special finance, lease and some other offers. Take delivery by 12/1/14. See dealer for details.

Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. 3Buick received the highest numerical score among mass market brands in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service (CSI) StudySM. Results based on responses from 90,906 owners and lessees of 2009 to 2013 model-year vehicles, measuring 31 auto manufacturers and measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a dealer for service during the first three years of ownership.

Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed from October-December 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. 4Covers scheduled oil changes with filter, tire rotations and 27-point inspections, according to your new vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, for a maximum of 4 service events within 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Does not include air filters. See dealer 5 Whichever comes first. See dealer for details. ©2014 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick® Verano® Regal® LaCrosse® for other restrictions and complete details.

1

GMUX2164000_Buick_BFSE-AABuy_9.75x12.indd 1

11/17/2014 5:31:03 PM

9

10

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014

business

defendernetwork.com

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 29

M

ore than 2,000 communities across are committing to rally their neighborhoods to celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.

Now in its fifth year, the event is held every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. It was created by American Express in 2010 to support the small businesses that create jobs and boost the economy.

In 2013, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on that day, an increase of 3.6 percent from the The Greater Houston Black Chamber joined with the Defender and American Express previous year. to promote Small Business Saturday. Representing the chamber are (l. to r.) LaTanya As part of the observance, a Walker, Jolt; Courtney Johnson Rose, Johnson Development; Joi Beasley, GoGo Business Communications, and Vernita Harris, IMPACT Strategies Consultants.

Neighborhood Champion program was created to help inspire numerous business organizations, including the communities to participate in the day and support U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. local Small Business Saturday celebrations “This year, we’ve expanded the throughout the country.

Neighborhood Champion program to include Businesses have access to a number of even more partners to help spread the message of resources. They can receive “Shop Small” shopping small and supporting local businesses,” branded merchandise such as buttons, balloons said Lisette Bernstein, vice president of Small and tote bags to decorate their stores and offer to Business Saturday at American Express. shoppers.

For more information, visit shopsmall.com/ American Express has also partnered with getready.

15 ideas for holiday marketing The holiday season has started. Decorations are going up, Christmas music is playing in stores and retailers are announcing “black Friday” sales.

If you are an entrepreneur, the Small Business Administration has some marketing tips to make the most of the season.

1. Create contests on Facebook and Twitter to highlight your brand and engage with customers. With a few rules, a clever hashtag and incentive such as a prize or discount on your offerings, you can drum up business.

2. Make your loyal customers feel extra special, which can benefit you by way of additional business and referrals. Without breaking the bank, provide special offers, sneak previews, free shipping or secret sales.

3. Host an open house at your store or restaurant.

Give a special offer or coupon that invites customers back to make their purchases at a discount.

4. Stand out and save money by holding a holiday breakfast or luncheon instead of a full-scale evening party.

5. Join forces with other business owners in the area to hold a weekend “sidewalk sale.”

6. Choose a charity to get involved with, and get customers involved too. Offer a discount or free gift card for customers who volunteer a certain amount of time to the charity or donate a certain amount.

7. Send Thanksgiving or New Year’s cards.

They’re more likely to get noticed than cards sent during

the Christmas season.

8. Capture customers through their kids. Hold a kids’ contest like a make-your-own-ornament contest or holiday coloring contest. Give a big prize or give everyone small prizes, such as candy canes.

9. Hand out cookies or beverages to energize tired shoppers. Provide seating so shoppers’ companions can sit down if they don’t want to shop.

10. If your business is located in a mall or shopping area, station an employee outside to give away free samples of your product or service to passersby.

11. Have Santa come to your business. If you’re in a shopping district, join with other businesses to hire a Santa. You can also set up a photo booth and have photos taken with Santa.

12. Hire masseuses to give shoppers free foot or shoulder rubs in your store if they buy something.

13. Try a two-for-one sale. Offer customers a free gift subscription or half-price gift subscription when they renew their own membership or subscription.

14. Create personalized food gifts by printing your business logo on candy bar wrappers or packages of cookies.

15. Hold a “12 Days of...” sale, event or contest.

Give away a different prize every day, offer a different discount every day or spotlight a different product every day.

Support Black businesses

classifieds HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 RFP – Project 14-11-14 Appliances / Repairs – District Wide with a deadline of 1:00 PM CST, Wednesday, December 10, 2014. The preproposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C10 at the above stated address on Monday November 24, 2014 @ 2:00PM CST. Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK

High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) Bid Package 2 – Site Excavation & Structural Concrete HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD) Cadence McShane Construction as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from all qualified subcontractors for the Bid Package 2 - Site Excavation and Structural Concrete.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Houston offices of the AGC located at 3825 Dacoma St., Houston, TX 77092. A Site-Visit of the project will be held immediately following the pre-proposal conference for those interested.

Bids or proposals are due Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 2:00pm, and bids or proposals should be emailed to houstonbids@cadencemcshane.com or mailed/delivered to the Cadence McShane Construction, 7701 W. Little York, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77040. Late bids will not be accepted.

There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract, or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, Cadence McShane, will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. Cadence McShane, is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. Bids or proposals submitted without all required information, and in the order and manner specified, may result in the bid or proposal being considered non-responsive.

HISD, the Owner, reserves the right to waive any informality and/or to reject any, or all bids, or proposals.

Contact Eddie Smith at esmith@cadencemcshane.com or Wm. Earl Finley, C.P.M., A.P.P. at wfinley@houstonisd.org for additional information on this project Drawings and specifications are available on iSQFT (www.isqft.com) and in the Cadence McShane office located at 7701 W. Little York, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77040.

Drawings and Specifications may also be reviewed at: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Homeless veterans get makeovers During the recent Veterans Day holiday, local hair salon owner Ru of Knatty Headz Natural Hair Studio served homeless veterans by giving them free makeovers.

Ru treated men and women from U.S. VETS, the largest organization in the country dedicated to helping homeless veterans and a leader in the field of service delivery to veterans.

It’s estimated that one out of every seven homeless Houstonians is a veteran.

“We wanted to show gratitude towards our veter-

ans for serving the greatest country in the world,” said Ru, a veteran of the U.S. Marines.

“We are indebted to our veterans for their selflessness and sacrifice, and as an expression of appreciation, we decided to give them makeovers on this special day of recognition.”

Volunteer stylists from Franklin Beauty School and JC Penney Salon rendered services to nearly 20 veterans.

Next year, Ru plans to add a clothing component to the makeovers.

Motorists urged to drive clean

Ru, owner of Knatty Headz Natural Hair Studio, gives a veteran a makeover that made his day.

As drivers take to the roads for holiday shopping and family visits, the Texas Department of Transportation offers a new Roadcents web app to reduce air pollution and keep vehicles well-maintained.

“We talk a lot about air pollution caused by vehicles during the warm summer months, but it’s also important for people to drive clean during the busy winter travel season,” said Margo Richards, TxDOT Travel Information Division director.

“Seemingly innocent habits, such as warming up a car by idling a few minutes or postponing vehicle maintenance, can have big impacts on winter air quality.”

The Roadcents app helps

drivers save money at the pump, keep their vehicles road-ready and reduce tailpipe emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Drivers can also receive email alerts when their vehicles are scheduled for maintenance, find nearby auto repair facilities and gas stations and get tips on what to do in case of a roadside breakdown or collision.

Drivers can save as much as $845 a year in gas by driving more sensibly and changing aggressive driving habits like speeding and rapid starts and stops. Regular oil and fuel filter changes can save motorists more than $100 in annual gas spending.

Visit Roadcents.org to create an account.

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice

Middle School Restroom Renovations

Middle School Restroom Renovations

for

Project Number: 14-11-12

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for restroom renovations for a total of 8 Middle Schools. Contractors may bid on Project #14-11-12 and/or Project #14-11-13.

The general scope of work provides new toilet partitions, toilet accessories, wall repairs, new flooring, and ceiling replacement/wall finishes in specified locations. The Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) scope consists of new water closets, urinals in specified locations, automatic flush valves to existing water closets, hot water to existing restrooms, hand dryers, and exhaust fans, as required.

Project #14-11-12 is a three-school package, and Project #14-11-13 is a five-school package. Proposals are due for both project numbers no later than Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 2:00 p.m., 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services #C1, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Middle Schools Locations

11

Assigned Architect Per Middle School

Johnston MS, 10410 Manhattan, Houston, TX 77096

Courtney Harper & Partners Architects (Courtney Harper) 713.521.7370

Pershing MS, 3838 Blue Bonnet Boulevard, Houston, TX 77025

Courtney Harper & Partners Architects (Courtney Harper) 713.521.7370

West Briar MS, 13733 Brimhurst, Houston, TX 77077

Courtney Harper & Partners Architects (Courtney Harper) 713.521.7370

for

Project Number: 14-11-13

Houston Independent School District (HISD) The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for restroom renovations for a total of 8 Middle Schools. Contractors may bid on Project #14-11-13 and/or Project #14-11-12.

The general scope of work provides new toilet partitions, toilet accessories, wall repairs, new flooring, and ceiling replacement/wall finishes in specified locations. The Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) scope consists of new water closets, urinals in specified locations, automatic flush valves to existing water closets, hot water to existing restrooms, hand dryers, and exhaust fans, as required.

Project #14-11-13 is a five-school package, and Project #14-11-12 is a three-school package. Proposals are due for both project numbers no later than Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 2:00 p.m., 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services #C1, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Middle Schools Locations

Assigned Architect Per Middle School

Key MS, 4000 Kelly, Houston, TX 77026

English + Associates Architects, Inc. (Matt Duggan) 713.850.0400

Attucks MS, 4330 Bellfort, Houston, TX 77051

Robert Adams, Inc. (Robert Adams) 281.272.7000

Fonville MS, 725 East Little York, Houston, TX 77076

Robert Adams, Inc. (Robert Adams) 281.272.7000

McReynolds MS, 5910 Market, Houston, TX 77020

Robert Adams, Inc. (Robert Adams) 281.272.7000

Deady MS, 2500 Broadway Street, Houston, TX 77012

VCS Architects (Derrick Vaughn) 281.271.7116, Ext. 101

Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications will be available beginning Saturday, November 15, 2014, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex 4235 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027 v. 713-579-1007, f. 713-576-2210 upon a refundable deposit of $200.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A&E The Graphics Complex on disc for $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Please direct all questions regarding construction documents to the Architect assigned for each middle school.

Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications will be available beginning Saturday, November 15, 2014, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex 4235 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027 v. 713-579-1007, f. 713-576-2210 upon a refundable deposit of $200.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A&E The Graphics Complex on disc for $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Please direct all questions regarding construction documents to the Architect assigned for each middle school.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 1093, Legislative Session 83-2013, Ch. 2269, Subchapter D, of Texas Government Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 1093, Legislative Session 83-2013, Ch. 2269, Subchapter D, of Texas Government Code. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, Schedules and Statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP, and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance will be received at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, December 11, 2014, in the Office of Board Services #C1, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE.

M/WBE Forms, Schedules and Statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP, and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance will be received at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, December 11, 2014, in the Office of Board Services #C1, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 9:00 a.m., West Briar Middle School located at 13733 Brimhurst, Houston, TX 77077. Following the Pre-Proposal Conference, Site walks will be conducted at three (3) of the eight (8) Middle Schools (MS). Starting at West Briar MS, 2nd Johnston MS, and 3 rd Pershing MS. Site walks for the remaining five schools will begin at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014, starting at Attucks MS located at 4330 Bellfort, Houston, TX 77051. Site walks will continue with 2nd Fonville MS, 3rd Key MS, 4th McReynolds MS, and concluding at Deady MS.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 9:00 a.m., West Briar Middle School located at 13733 Brimhurst, Houston, TX 77077. Following the Pre-Proposal Conference, Site walks will be conducted at three (3) of the eight (8) Middle Schools (MS). Starting at West Briar MS, 2nd Johnston MS, and 3 rd Pershing MS. Site walks for the remaining five schools will begin at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014, starting at Attucks MS located at 4330 Bellfort, Houston, TX 77051. Site walks will continue with 2nd Fonville MS, 3rd Key MS, 4th McReynolds MS, and concluding at Deady MS.

For additional information regarding these projects, please contact Mr. Raymond Hooks, rhooks@houstonisd.org.

For additional information regarding these projects, please contact Mr. Raymond Hooks, rhooks@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations:

Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations:

Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center Street, Houston TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center Street, Houston TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

12

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 defendernetwork.com

sports

New faces give Texans road win

F

Ryan Mallett

By MAX EDISON Defender

or the first time this season the Texans defeated a playoff contending team, on the road no less.

Our heroes in battle red and deep steel blue traveled to Cleveland and thoroughly dominated the AFC North leading Browns 23-7.

In the process two new faces may have solved the most glaring weaknesses on the roster, namely a quality starting quarterback and a competent backup running back.

Coming off the bye week, head coach Bill O’Brien made the move at quarterback that fans have been waiting for all season, removing Ryan Fitzpatrick and installing Ryan Mallett as the starter.

Nobody knew how good Mallett would be, but we knew he couldn’t be any worse than Fitzpatrick, who had one of the league’s lowest QB ratings.

Texarkana native Mallett (6-feet-6, 245 pounds) was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots a week before the regular season began. He was a third-round selection of the 2011 draft and coached by O’Brien, who New starting quarterback Mallett led the Texans to a win over Cleveland. at the time was the Patriots offensive coordinator.

Once thought to be the heir apparent to Tom Mallett continued.

Brady in New England, Mallett was considered expend- Alfred Blue “We had about 250 able when the Pats drafted QB Jimmy Garoppolo in the rushing yards and no sacks. Those second round this year. Clearly one man’s trash is another guys really took control of the man’s treasure. game. They really got us going.”

Mallett completed 20 of 30 passes for 211 yards, two Alfred Blue got the starting nod TDs and one interception against the Browns. Just as impor- at running back when Arian Foster tant he showed a strong arm and a willingness to push the scratched due to a groin injury. The ball vertically down the field. This kept the Browns defense rookie from LSU (sixth round pick) from stacking the box to contain the run game and allowed set a franchise record with 36 carries rookie running back Alfred Blue to have a monster day. and tied a franchise rookie record O’Brien liked what he saw from his young QB. with 156 yards rushing. His previous “I’m sure there are some plays that he wishes he could career high was 14 carries at Tenhave back, but overall he did what we asked him to do,” nessee in week eight and 78 yards O’Brien said. “Now he has to go back to work, study this rushing at New York Giants in film, have another good week of practice, and see what hap- week three.

Running back Blue set a franchise record filling in for Arian Foster. pens next week. It’s only one game and I’m sure there are Like Mallett, Blue was quick to some mistakes that we have to correct, but it’s a good start but we’re cautiously optimistic that Mallett can condefer the accolades to his teammates. for him.” tinue to improve at the quarterback position. Clearly, “It was fun out there,” Blue said. “I was runMallett, making his first NFL start, was pleased with quality QB play is the difference between good teams ning the ball behind my offensive line and they were his performance. making some great blocks. The receivers were making and poor teams in the NFL. In addition, a robust run“It feels good,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start blocks. It was really like playing in the backyard.” ning attack is the security blanket that enhances the to my career…” success rate of a young quarterback. The evolution Blue was a highly touted high school back in He was also quick to praise the strong play of his ofof Blue to complement Foster is just what the doctor southern Louisiana, but injuries kept him from havfensive line and the ordered. ing a stellar college career. run game.

With six games remaining the Texans are 5-5.

Credit Texan GM Rick “We ran the ball well.

Smith for taking a chance on They may not be playoff contenders just yet, but with Find out about TV change for Those guys up front, they Blue on the draft’s final day. improving QB play they certainly are no longer the Rockets, Astros played their butts off,” NFL’s worst team.

It was only one game,

defendernetwork.com

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Houston leads Madison with pride, purpose is my cousin and I’ve played with him and Nnanna since my freshman year. We wanted something special to happen this year. eenan Houston played a key role “That was Madison pride, poise and purin a dominating performance. The pose right there,” Houston said. “We played Madison High School senior dewith that and it helped us get ready for the fensive end and two-year starter playoffs.” led a Marlins’ unit that held a Houston was complimentary of the Madnormally high-octane Yates offense ison offense as well. The Marlins missed to a mere three first downs and some scoring opportunities 62 yards total offense. with costly turnovers The Lions were limited but generated 305 to 49 rushing yards on 16 rushing yards in the attempts. Then forced contest. to try moving the ball “We have a through the air, Yates lot of skills on the managed a minisoffensive side,” he cule 13 yards said. “We have talon 3-of-13 ent in the backfield passing. with Darrah Forman Madi[168 rushing yards] and son capped Alvin Robertson [101]. off a perfect Ace [Robertson] is just 7-0 run a sophomore and has through Disa lot to learn, but he’s trict 20-5A doing good right now. with an 18-0 We’re ready and we feel victory over blessed.

Yates that im“This is a happy feeling proved the Marlins and unexplainable,” Houston said. to 8-2 overall and “We’ve been waiting for this day gained them a firsta long time and now it is here. We round playoff date want to get this show on the road. with Magnolia West as We’ve played some tough teams this the outright district champion.

Birth date – year and now in the playoffs we want “We kept playing hard and Dec. 9, 1996 to see what we can do.” never gave up,” Houston said. “This Houston began playing orgaBirth sign – was a good opportunity for us and nized football when he was 5 years Sagittarius we took advantage of it. We kept old and said a career in coaching pushing forward on every down.” could be in his future.

Favorite subjects – Houston combined with Outside of football, there’s one English and math Xavier Marshall, Nnanna Ezenwa particular endeavor that he looks forSubject he wants to and junior Juwuan Caldwell in the ward to addressing on a regular basis.

Madison D-line to constantly harass improve in – History “I like to chill with family,” he Yates quarterback Anthony Franklin said.

“I like to check up on my grandFavorite NFL players – and make life miserable for Lions’ parents on both my mom’s and my J.J. Watt (Texans), Dez running backs Khalil Wagner and dad’s sides of the family. I like to go Bryant and Jason WitAnthony Martin. to their houses and make sure everyten (Cowboys) “They say if you practice hard thing is all right. It’s just a blessing then you’ll play hard in the game so that I have a nice family.

I had to stay on it,” Houston said.

“Without them, I “We could see the results wouldn’t be here. Without and that motivated us to play God, I wouldn’t be here,” better and better. Marshall Houston said.

Learn about Pearland’s secret

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

K

Facts about Keenan Houston

defendernetwork.com

NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 DEFENDER

13

sportsbriefs Peterson suspended by NFL Minnesota Viking All Pro running back Adrian Peterson has been suspended without pay for the remaining six games of the NFL season. Peterson will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The NFL Players Association wasted little time announcing that they plan to appeal Peterson’s suspension. The union rebuked what it calls the league’s inconsistency and unfairness in the process. The NFLPA is seeking a grievance hearing before an independent arbitrator in hopes of overturning the suspension and allowing Peterson to return to play immediately.

Peterson recently pleaded no contest to a charge of misdemeanor reckless assault in a case involving the corporal punishment of his 4-year-old son.

King, Heard players of week Manvel quarterback D’Eriq King and Episcopal QB Preston Heard have been named recipients of the 2014 Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week trophy for the final week of the regular season. The 5-foot11, 180-pound King proved to be the difference in Manvel’s 35-33 victory over Pearland that improved the Mavericks to 10-0 on the season and clinched a playoff berth as the outright District 226A champion in Division II. The junior has put up big numbers with 2,247 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while adding 486 rushing yards and nine TDs. So far Texas Tech, TCU and California have offered King a scholarship as a quarterback while countless others are recruiting him as a slot receiver or cornerback. He is a straight-A student and takes part in several community service programs. Heard was new to the quarterback position in 2014 after being Episcopal’s top receiver a year earlier. In the Knights’ 44-20 victory over rival Kinkaid, Heard completed 11-of-15 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns as Episcopal notched its second Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) state private school title in three years.

Heard has a 3.7 GPA and volunteers helping the disabled.

Bradford Army All-American Splendora High School running back Jay Bradford has been named to play in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game is set for Jan. 3 at noon and will be televised live by NBC. Splendora head coach Marcus Schulz will accompany Bradford to the game.

Time up for Asberry It has been three years at the helm for Texas Southern University head football coach Darrell Asberry and it’s time for the administration at TSU to let him seek employment elsewhere.

The Tigers finished their third consecutive sub .500 season under Asberry. TSU’s 2014 record was a deceiving 5-6 overall, buttressed by non-conference wins over NAIA Texas College and Division II Central State. In SWAC play the Tigers were 3-6, good enough for next to last in the West division.

They ended the season on a five-game conference losing streak, and as losers in six of their last seven conference games. Asberry’s teams have gone 2-7 (2012), 2-7 (2013) and now 3-6 in SWAC competition.

playoff weapon

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

14

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 defendernetwork.com

PVAMU seeks new football coach Prairie View A&M University Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson announced that the contract of head football coach Heishma Northern will not be renewed. Defensive backs coach Bubba McDowell will serve as interim coach. A national search for Northern’s replacement will begin immediately.

Northern completed his fourth season as head coach of the Panthers. Heishma Northern The 2014 team finished with a record of 5-5.

His four-year record stands at 19-25.

“I wish to thank Coach Northern for his contributions to Prairie View A&M both on

TSU Athletic Director Charles McClelland is joined by members of the women’s basketball team, which scored a perfect academic progress rate.

and off the field,” Robinson said. “This was a difficult decision but after careful review and consideration, I have decided to take the program in a different direction.”

Northern served as the 31st head football coach in PVAMU history. Before accepting the position of head coach in 2011, Northern spent six seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator.

“It is important as we prepare to break ground on our new multimillion dollar stadium and athletic facility that Coach Northern’s successor shapes the program into a championship level team,” Robinson added.

TSU athletics graduation rates rise The NCAA is releasing the latest graduation rates for Division 1 schools and Texas Southern University has risen from one of the worst in the country in 2008 at 29 percent, to today with more than 54 percent of TSU athletes graduating in six years.

Last May, 58 student athletes received their degrees, compared to 14 in 2009.

According to the university, Athletic Director Dr. Charles McClelland brought in new coaches to bring TSU’s teams back to a competitive level. He also brought in a compliance and academic support team to bring the academic performance and gradu-

Bring the library to his living room.

With Internet at home, kids won’t need to walk or ride their bike just to do their homework online. Your kids deserve the chance to do their homework on a computer at home.

With Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast, your family can:

• Do homework

• Type book reports

• Email teachers

• Get online tutoring

• Take online classes

• Research colleges

You may qualify for Internet Essentials if your child is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program.

To learn more or apply, visit: InternetEssentials.com

Or call: 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) © 2014 Comcast. All rights reserved.

CIE_ConsumerAd_4.79x6.5.indd 1

10/27/14 5:05 PM

ation rate up.

“This dramatically demonstrates that with the right leadership and a concerted effort, college athletes can be highly successful in the classroom as well as on the field,” said TSU President John Rudley.

TSU’s 2013-2014 APR (Academic Progress Rate) is 970 for the department overall (up from 833 in 2009). All 16 sports at TSU are above the NCAA mandated APR with football at 977 and men’s basketball at 953. Women’s basketball, women’s golf, women’s cross country track and women’s volleyball all scored a perfect 1000 APR.

NOVEMBER 13 | 2014 DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

15

SELF FOUNDATION GALA………The Stacey and Bo Porter SELF Foundation statement of empowering families to help themselves, the agency presented a ceremony Legacy Gala profiled some of the top athletes in the country from baseball, basketball, that embodied its years of service. The program included performances by Six Minutes football, including several Olympic stars. But the real star of the night was Frank Til Sunrise, a video presentation by Michael Skelton of Meeko TV and words from Robinson, Hall of Famer and MLB executive vice president of Baseball Development.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner and a host of others. Some of the guests included master and His humble attitude was a compliment to his historical achievements as Bo Porter mistress of ceremonies Jerome Gray and Cynthia Cisneros, and Change Happens! board presented him with the Legacy Award. The foundation supports programs dedicated to members Robbyn Johnson, Carl Kidd and Kristyn Page. Former youth participants improving and impacting the lives of young people through sports, education, life skills Destiny Johnson, Temyra Vise, and Katrina Thibodeaux were also in attendance. Congrats! and faith. Key Middle School is the primary beneficiary but more ……..WOMEN ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON……..The Texas schools are being added to the after-school program. The Key Defender TOP EVENTS Executive Women (TEW) presented the 29th Annual Women on the Middle School band performed for the occasion. Attendees included Move Awards Luncheon highlighting 11 outstanding women for 2014.

More photos on defendernetwork.com Marcy and Robert Duncan, board member Gracie Saenz and This year’s diverse group has worked to support TEW’s continuing See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ hubby Al Castillo, Monique Bickham, Carmen and Ricchard efforts to develop programs that help the advancement of young with Melanie Lawson on Sunday Morning Carter, Merline and Lloyd Higgins, Diane and Bill Campbell, women in the community. The honorees included Deavra Daughtry, Natalie and Jeff Edwards and Brandon Denton and Ryan Terry. Special shout-out Sonya Sloan, MD., Beatrice Garza, attorney Susan S. Soussan, Chastiti Horne, S. to Hilton of America executive chef Ruffy Sulaiman……..CHANGE HAPPENS! Shawn Stephens, Nabeela Ixabalan, Mary Butler Summy, CPM, Mayor Annise D. LUNCHEON……..Rev. Leslie Smith II, CEO and founder of Change Happens!, Parker, Robin Young-Ellis, CSSC, and 2014 Rising Star Allison Lami Sawyer. Mistress honored University of Houston President Dr. Renu Khator at the “Making Change of ceremonies Lisa Malosky and TEW Board President M. Helen Cavazos as well as a Happen” 25th Anniversary Luncheon at the Junior League of Houston. With a mission number of TEW mentees all attended the ceremony. Congrats!

Frank Robinson, Brett Dolan and Bo Porter

Mr. and Mrs Carl T. Kidd and Rev. Leslie Smith II

Ebone Stowers, Deavra Daughtry and Jackalyn Rainosek

Stacey Porter, Anita Hawkins, Kasey and Craig Monroe

Rev. Smith and Dr. Renu Khator

Minerva Perez and M. Helen Cavazos

George Stringer, Enos Cabell, Mychelle and Shawn Taylor

Yolanda Green and Rev. Smith

Honoree Dr. Sonya Sloan

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

16

DEFENDER | NOVEMBER 20 | 2014 defendernetwork.com

Tim M. AT&T Intern Houston, TX Elizabeth P. AT&T Employee and Mentor Houston, TX

Elizabeth is helping Tim engineer his future.

When Tim met his mentor Elizabeth, an AT&T plant engineer, he wasn’t sure where he was headed after high school. With Elizabeth’s help, he’s not only pursuing a career in engineering, but he became the first in his family to go to college. We want to help more students like Tim find their path to college and career. That’s why we’re bringing the Roadtrip Nation Green RV to Texas November 19-26. Just one part of the AT&T Aspire Initiative. Helping students and communities across America.

Learn more at att.com/aspire.