RockMeAfrica Magazine Vol 1, Issue 1 by Gabriel Odame

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Th r o u g h Our Own Lens Africa is gradually coming out of the woods after a long period of under-development. Even though the continent still lags behind in many sectors of the global economy, she is making daring efforts, against all odds, not only to accelerate the prosecution of its development agenda but also to sustain the limited gains made.

While this is the plain truth, the level of exaggeration and distortion the Western media bring to bear on their reportage of African news, is as disgusting as it is unacceptable. It takes a crusading kind of education to correct this negative impression that has been perennially propagated by many a Western media.

Democracy is fast becoming the preferred political option in most countries as dictators, benevolent or otherwise, increasingly feel the heat of resistance to their oppressive regimes, and make substantial concessions to the demands of their longsuffering peoples.

This is where RockMeAfrica comes in. The magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective is to promote African Culture and Heritage in any way possible by offering a platform for the dissemination of authentic African news as seen and presented by Africans. To that end we invite all African embassies to see RockMeAfrica as a mouthpiece for their just causes and patronize it continually.

But all manner of deprivation still persists in various parts of the continent. Illiteracy, poverty, disease, hunger and squalor are still very prevalent in many areas.

Promoters of Exquisite African Heritage events and those of their nationals since the magazine will be distributed free of charge. As we join the crusade, we of the RockMeAfrica Magazine pledge to be fair to all and partial to none as we undertake to inform, educate and entertain our readers from an African perspective. We seize this opportunity to salute the African media already engaged in this crusade of image redemption.

We also ask for their support by way of periodic adverts of their

I n t r oducing Our Tea m After years of yearning and waiting by Africans in the diaspora for a magazine they can call their own, that void has been filed. Thanks to the birth of the RockMeafrica magazine. It took months of brainstorming by a team of dedicated and committed men to make this happen. We are pleased to introduce the master minds behind the magazine. Gabriel Odame, the main brain behind this venture is the CEO/Publisher. He is ably supported by Rev. Alexander Adu-Gyamfi the spiritual advisor; Tony Prempeh, the Editor-in-Chief and Weeks Mensah, the Public Relations Officer. See page 4 for a full list of contribubtors

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Gabriel Odame CEO/Publisher

Mr. Tony Prempeh Editor in Chief

Rev. Alex. A. Gyamfi Mentor

Weeks Mensah PRO

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6 8

H elen a Ra b b les S p e ak s ou t . . . “it’s all about souls, not money”

Too H u n g ry t o C r y

...Imagine leaving in constant fear of the unknown, hungry, thirsty and too weak to get off the ground.

Th e Sea so n o f t he W or s hi p p e r

The church is called to a lifestyle of worship. Unfortunately, however, we have limited this duty to a 20-minute act of reverence that occurs during church services .

Aft er 1 0 y ea r s of M ar r i age , t he Beech a ms g et M i r ac l e b ab y

“...who would believe your message when you have not experienced what you preach...”

Old sOJa neW year resOluTiOn

riChie riCh

NEW Y EA R rESOL U T I ONS

New Year resolutions for 2012. Exclusive interviews with a cross-section of the people.

16 18

Diab et es: A m aj or c au s e of blin d n ess i n t he u s : An interview

with Dr. Alexander Bonsu, a practitioner of

enCOunTer WiTh The PresidenT

S elli n g J esu s t o a m ob i l e ge n era t i o n : A powerful message

from Rev. Kafui Agbesi (Honeywell Baptsist Church New York)

shOuT OuT: haPPy birThday ABIGAIL ADU GYAMFI | rockmeafrica.com | January 2012

Exquisite Promoters of African Culture The ultimate online and printed resource for all Africans. We seek to be a firm foundation upon which the African diaspora will build a strong community that will create awareness and cause action to solidify the stability of Africa. “Rock” as used in RockMeAfrica refers to a solid rock or firm foundation. It challenges all of us to be Solid Rocks upon which our Continent stands. Advertisement Deadline is on the 20th of each month. Call today to place your ad. (718) 219-1911 or (347) 271-9211 email: advert@rockmeafrica.com www.rockmeafrica.com

internal medicine in New York

Gabriel Odame ------------- Publisher Mr. Tony Prempeh --------- Editor-In-Chief Weeks Mensah ------------- PRO Rev. Adu Gyamfi ----------- Mentor DJ EPOS (Ghana)---------- Contributor Rev. C. Kafui Agbesi ------ Columnist Dr. Alex Osei-Bonsu ------Columnist Dr. Dave Ray (Phd) -------- Columnist Mr. N Siriboe (Att.)-------- Columnist Oghene Adu Darko -------- Photographer

RockMeAfrica

Tre a t m en t : T he K e y t o He al t hy hair: Beauty tips from Dr. Dave Ray (Phd

Trichology)

ISSUE COVER Ps. JOe beeCham

Disclaimer: RockMeAfrica Magazine is published monthly by Glamour Media Services. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. We reserve the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for our magazine or online channel at www.rockmeafrica.com. The magazine is not liable for any error in advertisements and any liability will not exceed the total cost of the advertisement in error.

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Oghene Photos is an afďŹ liate of Glamour Media Services/ RockMeAfrica Magazine. Your Pre/Post Events are eligible for special packages. Ask Oghene how he can save you money on your next event

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HELENA RHABBLES SPEAKS OUT

. . . S a y s i t ’s a l l a b o u t s o u l s , n o t m o n e y One of Africa’s most talented gospel musicians, Helena Rhabbles has urged her colleagues to see their calling as a privilege from their Creator to win souls for the kingdom of God.

“At the end of the day it is how we impact the lost world that is going to count, not what kind of wealth we have amassed from our music.” She made the remarks in an exclusive interview with our editor-inchief, Tony Prempeh. For the uninitiated Helena Rhabbles burst on to the Ghanaian music scene over 20 years ago with a voice that was simply captivating; a unique style that was authentically African yet intriguingly international in its appeal, and a trademark smile that was infectious and seemingly perpetual. Her versatility enabled her to adapt her act to various genres. No wonder her music soon resonated in homes across the country and reverberated in church auditoriums nationwide. Speaking from her base in Texas Helena Rhabbles expressed regret that many of the contemporary gospel artistes seem to have lost the focus of their calling. “We (the pioneers) gave the young ones a chance to continue from where we left off and take it to a higher level. But even though some are doing great, many of them have deviated.” 6 | rockmeafrica.com | January 2012

“Now people are just chasing money. In our time we never thought like that; it was all about souls. No wonder there was a certain kind of anointing that was discernible everywhere we ministered.” “There is a difference between a trained voice and the anointing. You could have a gifted voice that is trained, too, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact it even enhances your singing. But the point to note is that your gift may pave a way for you but it is the anointing that will keep you there.” She dropped a hint about the revival of gospel music by the golden generation of artistes. They include standard bearers such as Mary Ghansah, Francis Agyei and Helena Rhabbles herself. Explaining why she has not recorded any album after the last one, “In His Presence,” in 2000, Helena Rhabbles had this to say:

“Sometimes the Lord takes us through the wilderness and brings us out better. I see my experience like that and I am coming out better next year.” Helena Rhabbles declared that her latest passion is fighting for the advancement of women from age 18 upward. “I believe I have a call to help them and so I have started setting the stage to make that a reality,” she stated.

Helena Rables

es in marriage but I have no regrets. Through it all, the Lord

has been good to me. I am blessed with three wonderful grown-up children – two girls and a boy who have all embraced the Lord and are doing exploits for Him.” She named them as Priscilla Blessed-Rhabbles, 25, who loves to organize things; Ebenezer Blessed-Rhabbles, 24, a graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a youth pastor who she described as carrying a good portion of her anointing, and Deborah BlessedRhabbles, who is into choreography and Christian entertainment. She explained that during her marriage to Mr. Rhabbles, they agreed that their children should be different from all others and that is why they have a different kind of surname.

Meanwhile she will commemorate her golden jubilee with a musical concert in Texas with support from Asked if she has any regrets in life musicians like Naana of Naana and she said no. “I’ve had challeng- Dan fame and Ivy of Ohio.

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Too Hungry to Cry

africa stories

In this featured story by Susie Rain, we meet a family in Northeast Kenya who suffers the reality of what many can only imagine. Too hungry to cry, children sit as their parents struggle to find food and water.

“We never know if we will eat or not. When they (aid agencies) see the rains have come, I think they will deﬁnitely stop helping,”.... In many areas around the Horn of Africa, this is the ﬁrst rain in two years. “We don’t have seeds to plant crops. If they stop their assistance now, we could starve.”

Even when small shipments of food lift the burden of hunger, signs of malnutrition persist; protruding stomachs, orange-tinted hair or missing patches of hair and large, glassy eyes.

Imagine sitting around wondering when your next meal will come and when it does, how long it’ll stay. Imagine leaving in constant fear of the unknown, hungry,

A number of deaths are registered each year as a result of famine, war and drought. These are conditions that terrorize more than 13.3 millions lives in the horn of Africa.

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thirsty and too weak to get off the ground. For many of our brothers and sisters in the Horn of Africa, this is an unescapable reality. Innocent children suffer the gripping fist of hunger. Many have been displaced from their familes and others orphaned. Many of these children have prayed for help... God’s help...your help. Please visit www.gobgr.com and see how you can be involved. The time to Act is Now!!! www.gobgr.com Susie Rain,Africa Stories.

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THE SEASON OF THE WORSHIPPER: I n t r od u c t i on t o W or s hi p : Th e Mi n i stry o f Y a w O sei-O w usu B y: Ki ja n a A ja mu Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 9:1, NIV). The church is called to a lifestyle of worship of the One who called them. Unfortunately, however, we have limited this duty to a 20-minute act of reverence that occurs during Sunday church service or Saturday for our Adventist brothers and sisters. Worship is not limited to singing, shouting and crying. Rather it is an expression, lifestyle and an experience catalyzed by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives (Romans 12: 1-3). This is the experience one may encounter when attending any of Minister Yaw Osei-Owusu’s worship events or concerts. Although a rookie on the gospel music scene, Yaw has been getting recognition all over the world, especially in the United States, England and his native Ghana. His music is not a mere performance; rather it tells the story of a young man whose ultimate desire is to tell the world about the loving kindness of God. Unlike many who came before him it is obvious that Yaw does not depend on his ability to sing but rather on the move of God during ministration, which is typified by healing, prophecies and miracles. This is very apparent in his recently released single “Osabarima” and “High on High” videos from his mixtape album “The Audio Biography of a Worshipper” both available on YouTube. Like King David, Yaw’s singing invokes an overwhelming sense of spiritual liberation and challenges listeners to seek the mind of Christ in their Christian journey. Recently, Nkwa Nsu Blog did a phone interview with Minister Yaw Osei-Owusu to gain insight into his ministry. Watch Out for the full interview with Kijana Ajamu on his blog “

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Exclusive Interview After 10 years of Marriage, the Beechams get miracle baby As a gospel artiste, he sang to lift people’s hearts from gloom to bloom; yet his own heart was heavy with sorrow. As a pastor he preached and encouraged people to trust in God but his own faith was on the most tortuous trial. Again as a pastor he prayed for people and they were blessed with the fruit of the womb but his own wife had her request on hold for years on end. But after ten years of waiting and sometimes weeping, to cuddle a baby he could call his own; after a decade of sneers from cynics who might have doubted the power of his God and probably secretly inquired, “Where is his God?” Pastor Joe Beecham and his lovely wife, Rita, have been blessed with a lovely baby girl whom they have named Elissa Beecham.

had an inner peace knowing that a miracle was on the way. Asked if it ever came to a point that he asked God why, Pastor Beecham answered: “The first six years did not bring me much worry. It was during the last three years before the miracle that I began to ask questions. But even then it did not weigh me down until the tenth year.”

women usually bear the brunt of society’s scornful reaction to childlessness, Pastor Joe said: “It was not easy but the same principles of faith in God saw her through. Being a woman she definitely

“A few times I wept whiles I talked to God,” the man of God confessed, saying he wondered why that should happen to him after all his devotion to the things of God.

“I wondered who would believe your message when you have not experienced In an exclusive interview which the what you preach about the power singing pastor graciously granted of God.” this magazine, he poured out his heart as he stressed that God is still in the business of miracles.

“It was not a good feeling to be married for ten years without a child, especially being a pastor and being famous for that matter; more so when you pray for people who want children and they become pregnant,” Joe Beecham said.

Asked what sustained him in those terrible times Joe Beecham replied that it was the unchanging word of God that upheld him and his wife and helped them to keep their focus on the faithfulness of God and the steadfastness of His promises.

felt it more than I did, probably

He said even though the years of waiting were difficult times he

On how his wife handled the situation, especially in a culture where

Asked if he would agree with the suggestion in some circles that his

| rockmeafrica.com | January 2012

because of what society expects from a woman after she gets married for some time.”

wife must really be a woman of faith to be able to handle the problem in the matured way that she did, he answered: “Some say she must be a woman of faith, yes; but I would say it is by the grace of God.”

“Let me state emphatically that we did not have any pressure whatsoever from either of the two families for which we are grateful to God.” He admitted that the fact that not many people knew about their problem helped ease the pressure on them. Proffering some advice for couples in such dire straits, Pastor Beecham urged them not to think that all eyes were on them to see the product of the marriage.

“You could sometimes put undue pressure on yourself by just thinking that all eyes are on you,” he pointed out.

He offered another piece of advice saying, “Childless couples who are looking forward to having children should trust that God is able to do what He says He will do.” In addition he urged them to seek medical advice when appropriate to do so.

that shot him to greater fame is: “M’asem Bi” which could be translated as “My Special Request.” Interestingly when asked which one of his songs was his favorite, he chose “M’asem Bi. How prophetic! How interesting. The fact is, at the time he did that album Pastor Beecham was not married but that song prophetically talks about a certain request that he asks God to grant him. In fact in the song the person presumed to be praying, asks God to answer him before he leaves His presence, saying it is because of the request that he has appeared before God. Could it be that the Lord in His omniscience gave Pastor Beecham the lyrics in advance so that he could use it to battle in prayer in the moment of his greatest need? On hindsight it seems so. We wish him well.

“Finally if you do not believe in miracles our experience should tell you that miracles are real. Seek the Lord while he may be found,” he stated. Joe Beecham was quick to point out however, that he and his wife did not encounter any pressure from their in-laws as is often the case in most instances of this nature.

He also prayed that the God who did it for them should vindicate those who have been crying to Him day and night for the fruit of the womb and put laughter in their mouths. Pastor Joe Beecham has recorded five albums to date but the one become a fan on facebook

New Reso

Old Sodja - Ghana

My resolution is to be an ambassador for a program that aims at bridging the gap between the military and civilians. I also want to create fun clubs in all the ten regions to help the poor. Even though oftentimes I am not able to accomplish all my goals, I believe that making a resolution for the year gives me a sense of direction or a kind of road map that acts as a guide towards fulfillment.

Emmanuel, Ellise and Ezra

Our New Year’s Resolution is to be good kids & make our parents proud.

We all have something to do this year whether we have a resolution or not. Whatever you find, do it with sincerity and God will definitely bless it and make it fruitful. Happy New year from RMA.

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My New Year’s Resolution is to keep GOD first in everything I do, for, without him nothing I do is possible. I am going to start the year with him and end with him. Secondly, Fit in Fitness: no more soda, I will eat more vegetables/healthy foods, less napping/laziness and I will exercise regularly.

Sandra Odame

My New Year’s Resolution is to take the limits off and be all I can be; a loving mother, and a woman of honor.

Nana Afua Achiaa - Texas

Chelsea Nkansah-Siriboe:

I want to get closer to God and work harder in school.

Aliana Opuni

To go to a great college with a good financial aid package.

w Year lutions

richie rich - Ghanana

I am a firm believer in New Year resolutions. Ever since I became an adult I have been passing them every year. For this year my resolution as a musician is to see Richie Rich moving a step higher in his career and collaborating with music stars such as Daddy Lumba and Opanka . I’m also looking forward to doing something with Sarkodie.

Two-shy sam

My New Year’s Resolution is to stay in good health, and make my year more productive. I am also looking forward to producing more music for my fans all over the world.

rev. emmanuel asamoah

My New Years Resolution is to let God use me even more henceforth saving souls and spreading the work for his Kingdom

A man & his wife quarreled. After the fight, the wife went into the bedroom. A few minutes later, the husband also trooped into the bedroom only to find the wife busy packing her suitcase! He asked “You are packing! Where are you going?” She answered “To my mother” The man paused for a while & also got his big brown pure leather suitcase & started packing his clothes. The wife angry stared at him , & said “You are packing! Where are you going?” He replied “Oh ya! I”m going 2 my mother!” The wife replied, “To your mother!! And wot about the children! Who is going 2 look after them?” The man replied, “You are going 2 your mother! Iʼm going 2 my mother. The children should go to their mother!!! Mr. Ibu (funny Man)

Prince micah

My New Year’s Resolution is to get Closer to God and simply enjoy life everyday to the fullest. derick agiri

I don’t believe in New Year resolutions. Why should you set a particular

goal for a new year if you can start now? I’m looking forward to be enrolled in an internship this summer and that’s been my goal since the beginning of school year. I guess that’s my year-long resolution.

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Treatment:

The Key to Healthy Hair

The majority of women wish to have long and/or healthy hair. But they are sometimes not willing to do what it is required to achieve that. Without any doubt the bottomline is treatment. It is the key to healthy hair. That is what lovers of healthy hair must do with relish if they really care about their hair.

If you go to the gym, jog or exercise at home you must moisturize your hair more than you normally do. The perspiration will allow for the hair shaft to be drier. So, more moisture is required. Oils are nice but not required for hair growth. Only moisture and protein are needed for that.

Braiding is a common styling service in our African-American community. It can be stylish, neat and low in maintenance cost. I would suggest that between braiding services you seek moisture-protein heat treatments to balance the health of your hair.

If your hair is chemically relaxed using raw products is not beneficial to the hair. They have not been broken down to allow for penetration.

Weaving services require the same hair care treatments. They are also easy to maintain. Your diet is also of great importance to the health of your hair. A balanced diet with the five staples and lots of water would result in a healthier hair. Also there must be a conscious effort to prevent the spread of fungi and bacteria from person to person. You can do that by avoiding the sharing of utensils and other household items with others. For their part salons must sterilize their implements. You should seek professional assistance as a guide before entering the doors of the supply house to choose products. With all due respect to the operators of the supply business they are not trained in the care of hair and beauty products. They are simply vendors. 16

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Here are some simple tips to guide you through the care process. 1. Shampoo hair regularly with moisturizing agents. 2. Moisture/Protein conditioners are effective for strengthening the strands. Scalp Massage promotes growth. 3. Avoid grease – Conditioning Hair dress, Hair & Scalp Balms, Hair moisturizing crèmes are preferred. Grease clogs the pores and causes buildup. Chemically treated hair requires a bit more sophisticated technology. 4. When using gels for styling purposes Moisturizing/ Hydrating Treatments are imperative to create balance. 5. Color Rinses are better used at the time of chemical treatment while Permanent Color should be used two weeks after a chemical service with a conditioning

dr. dave ray (Phd Trichology)

treatment in the interim week. 6. Heat implements, (like ﬂat irons) can be less compromising to the hair when used with protective agents such as heat activated moisturizers. 7. Silk & Satin scarves are preferable for sleeping on Satin Pillow Cases. 8. Gym/Workout – Let hair air- dry. Do not shampoo daily! Condition regularly. 9. Trimming/Pruning Hair Ends create the illusion of more body and healthier looking hair. 10. A balanced diet plays the most important role in healthy hair. 11. Find a reputable salon. Research your stylist. 12. Treat yourself to a good Shampoo, Massage, Facial, Body Massage and Manicure/Pedicure. Feel free to email me with any hair questions. I will answer them in the next issue. Thanks for reading. www.daverayusa.com

beautysurgeon@aol.com 347 275 3993

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RMA Health

Diab et e s: A m ajor cause of bl i ndne ss in th e US Diabetes is the chief cause of blindness in people aged 20-74 in the US, a medical expert says. Quoting data from a 2011 report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the doctor said nearly 28 million Americans have the disease whilst 79 million more have pre diabetes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately about 27 percent of people with diabetes, that is, about seven million do not even know they have the disease, implying that they may have all the complications of the disease brewing in the background unawares.â&#x20AC;?

RMA: Tell me about diabetes? Doctor: Diabetes is a disease that has profound effects on the lives of the individuals who have it. RMA: How does one get Type 2 Diabetes? Doctor: Type 2 Diabetes develops when the pancreas which is an organ in the body makes insufficient insulin. This, in combination with insulin resistance, leads to the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and it helps in decreasing the glucose level in the blood by allowing the glucose to enter into other cells of the body.

Dr. Alexander Osei-Bonsu, a practitioner of internal medicine in New York made the remarks in an RMA: How big is the diabetes interview with the RockMeAfrica problem in America? Doctor: Diabetes is a major health magazine (RMA). problem in the United States. Nearly 28million Americans have Turning his attention to Africa he diabetes and an estimated 79 said that the greatest increase in million people have pre diabetes the rate of diabetes would occur according to a 2011 report of the in Africa in the next 20 years. On Centers for Disease Control and an even grimmer note Dr. OseiPrevention. As a result it is a major Bonsu pointed out that about health problem in the United States 80% of Africans with diabetes and the world in general. were undiagnosed and many would die from the disease and its RMA: What pre-disposes a person complications. to Type 2 Diabetes? The internist stressed that given the Well, there are many risk profound effect of diabetes on those factors that come to play in who have it, no effort should be the development of Type 2 spared at curbing the menace of the Diabetes. There is the effect of disease. Below is the full text of the genetics where someone may be predisposed to developing the interview. 18

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Dr. Alexander Osei-Bonsu Internal Medicine, NY

disease if the family has a history of diabetes, especially if a firstdegree relative, for example, parents or siblings have the disease. Obesity, too, is considered a risk factor. It has also been found out that people of African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American, Native American or Pacific Islander descent are also risk factors to developing the disease. Other risk factors include high cholesterol or dyslipidemia and hypertension. RMA: What is the link between pregnancy and diabetes? Doctor: Patients with gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 pounds are also risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes. RMA: How about age and diabetes? Doctor: Age greater than 45years is a risk factor, although Type 2 Diabetes has been occurring with increasing frequency in young people. RMA: How much does this weight problem or obesity in this country relate to diabetes? Doctor: Obesity is a major risk

factor for anyone to develop diabetes. Over 90% of people who develop Type 2 diabetes are obese, even though there have been studies showing that an energydense diet may be a risk factor for developing the disease as well. RMA: What are some of the complications of diabetes? Doctor: There are many complications of diabetes some of which are cardiovascular, renal or kidney disease, eye disease specifically diabetic retinopathy,

doctor to do a simple blood test. And people with the risk factors that I have mentioned earlier should see their doctors to get the blood test done. The reason why this may also be important is that about 27% of people with diabetes which is approximately 7 million people do not know they have the disease. They may, therefore, have all the complications of diabetes brewing in the background without their knowledge.

RMA: How does diabetes affect Africans? Doctor: The greatest increase in the rate of diabetes will occur in Africa in the next 20 years. What makes this health problem Cincinnati Walk to Cure diabetes monumental for Africans is and neuropathy or problems with that about 80% of Africans with the nerves. In fact diabetes is the diabetes are undiagnosed and major cause of blindness in adults many will die from diabetes and its aged 20-74 years in the United complications. States.

RMA: Tell me more about heart disease and diabetes? Doctor: The risk for coronary artery disease is 2-4 times higher in patients with diabetes than those without diabetes. Cardiovascular disease/Heart disease is the major cause of mortality or death in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. RMA: How can one ďŹ nd out if he or she has diabetes? Doctor: Basically you see your

RMA: Is there any way to prevent diabetes? Doctor: Yes. Diabetes prevention should be a priority for any one who is high risk for developing the disease as I mentioned earlier. For example, if you are overweight or obese or if you have a family history of diabetes you should take prevention seriously. Getting more physical activity with aerobic exercise and resistance exercise helps prevent diabetes. Exercise helps you lose weight,

lower your blood sugar and also boost your insulin sensitivity. Eating whole grain foods may help reduce your risk for developing diabetes although it is not clear why this is so. Eating a lot of fiber also helps. Weight loss also reduces your risk of developing diabetes. Also eating low glycemic-index food, low-carbohydrate diet may help one lose weight at first but their effectiveness at preventing diabetes or their long- term effect is not known. Therefore, one should not exclude a particular food group. What may be more beneficial is to combine variety groups of food, control portions of food and establish an overall healthy eating habit. RMA: What medications are available for the treatment of diabetes? Doctor: There are many medications available for the management of diabetes and diabetic patients must work closely with their doctors to provide the best care plan to manage their diabetes. RMA: Thank you so much for your enlightenment on diabetes. Doctor: My pleasure.

Send comments or questions to doctoralex@rockmeafrica.com

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kwaku manu & mr. beautiful @ Jfk airport

T ha n k you A m e r i ca f or you r Hos p i t a l i t y

Two of Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising actors, Clement Bonney, known popularly as Mr. Beautiful (left), and Kwaku Manu pose for our cameras at the JFK Airport. They were returning home after a two-month visit to North America that took them to cities in Canada and the US. They told our team that they were grateful to their fans, especially those in Toronto and New York for their very warm reception. They hinted the RockMeAfrica Magazine (RMA) that they will return early this year to wind up some business.

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SELLING JESUS TO A MOBILE GENERATION Has the church of Jesus ceased to be relevant in this age of sophisticated scientific gadgets and discoveries? How do you present the story of a Man who lived over 2,000 years ago to a Mobile Generation vis-à-vis a Microwave Age? Is the gospel of Jesus antiquated and anachronistic to this hiphop generation? The lack of satisfactory solutions and presentation of this age-old problem has been the plight of the modern day church. In the parables of Jesus He often used farmers, fishermen and shepherds to effectively communicate His message. This formality was well understood by His generation mainly because He was relating to their professions; but the Mobile Generation of today will not be able to fathom the meaning of these illustrations. The average youth in the Western world has most likely never seen a fisherman or a shepherd before. Those professions are not relevant to their hip-hop drift and gadgethappy lifestyle. Hence, to sell a message with these individuals as the superstars and icons is a setup for failure. Antique items are collectibles for rich individuals with ostentatious taste. While it would be easy to sell an antique ceramic pot made 2,000 years ago to a rich man, the young generation of today would rather spend that money on I-Phones, I-Pads and

all the other I’s. In other words the young generation of today is more interested in what is relevant to their current lifestyle, keeping up with the upbeat trend of their hipster cultural swag, and staying in tune with the latest. Against this backdrop the church of today must find means to make the gospel of Jesus relevant to this Mobile Generation by meeting their technological demands. The church cannot be forgiven for being too traditionalistic, stiff-necked and antique. It is time Pastors and church leaders understood that this Mobile Generation would rather spend their time and money on Louis Vuitton and Gucci, rather than breaking the banks for a 2,000 year-old vintage and orthodox formality. The gospel must reflect our current living, applying the trend of today’s social movement, whilst instilling a pure and life-changing message of hope, deliverance, and salvation. Unless the Church of today goes back on its knees and weeps between the pews and altars to bring back life- changing action in the congregation, the Mobile Generation of today would be unwilling to buy what it sees as the Church’s myths and fairy tales. In the Book of Acts, the Apostles, amidst a period of dormancy and decay in Church growth, stopped all activities and prayed earnestly that signs and wonders would be

rev. CePhas kafui aGbesi hOney Well baPTisT Ch. done among them. This was the solution to make the gospel of Jesus relevant to their generation. As a result this generation would not and should not be asked to settle for less. Let the modern church bring back the results of biblical times, and Jay Z and 50cent would be inactive and irrelevant. This, then, is an appeal to pastors, church leaders, lay preachers, evangelists, psalmists and worship leaders: Be awakened to the reality of today’s trend. The Mobile Generation of today is more sophisticated than the solutions that are currently oﬀered in our modern-day church. Now is the time to measure up our faith; now is the time to respond to the yearning demands of this generation; now is the time to use innovative means to convince this Mobile Generation that the Jesus of the 2000-year-old Bible has not and would never change; and that He is still performing the same miracles today as He did two millenniums ago. We can win this generation if we can provide them with a proven record. pastorkafui@rockmeafrica.com

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An enc o un t er wi t h a P r e s i de nt Mr. Christian Gyamfi, a Ghanaian working with the New York Stock. Exchange being introduced to Ghanaian President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills by Mr. Jeffrey Ebank of the Exchange during the Ghanaian leader’s visit there. Professor Mills was on a visit to the Exchange before

| rockmeafrica.com | January 2012

ﬂying back home after a two-week vacation in the US. Having an encounter with a president is a very rare occurrence, more so when the big man walks straight to your workplace. Mr. Gyamfi this was a dream come true. Speaking with the

RockMeAfrica magazine, Mr. Gyamfi expressed his delight at the opportunity. “It was a great experience to have a one-on-one chat with the president and find out first-hand from him how the economy back home was doing. He struck me as a determined leader.

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| rockmeafrica.com | January 2012