cover story, page 10
Capree Foundation is making a difference
VETERAN’S
Photo by April Renee
Living Life with a Sense of Passion & Purpose, Part 1
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
premier issue Vo l u m e O n e
2012 HEALTH One in every 5,000-7,000 babies born is a child with Marfan syndrome and theCapree Foundation want to make a difference.
EDUCATION Informing Veteran’s on important information they can use in prepaing for the future.
LEADERSHIP Living life with a sense of passion and purpose is imperative for everyone.
PROGRAMS Allow HM Publication to feature your business.
Publisher’s Message Fitness Focus Cover Story Empowered to Live
A
Bridge Ball Squeeze
B
A - Lie on your back, with your hands at your sides on the floor. The ball is between your knees. B - Tilt your pelvis up, creating a contraction in your abdominals and pushing your back into the floor. Then return to a relaxed position. Benefits: Tones the inner thighs and relieves stress in the lower back. Perform 10-12 repetitions. You will need a exercise ball, basketball, or beach ball.
A
Bottoms up A – Stand with feet shoulder width apart and knees bent. B – Bend forward from hips and place elbows on knees with palms together. Straighten legs, lock-out knees and bend knees.
B
Third quarter exercise focus: Benefits: Complete leg workout and perform 10 – 12 repetitions.
LEGS
Single-Leg Balance Step-Out A - Place a resistance band just above your ankles, and stand with feet together and hands on hips, fingers pointing toward the floor. B - Extend right leg in front of you, foot flexed, then bring it to the right, and finally, behind you. C - Reverse motion to return to starting position to complete 1 rep. Benefits: Works outer thighs and gluteus. You will need a resistance band. Perform 10-12 repetitions then switch legs to complete set.
A
B
C
A
B
Clamshell Tie a resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees, and lie on your left side with knees bent and legs stacked, left arm extended and hand on floor in front of chest. Keeping the feet together and lift right leg. Return to starting position.
Recipe for salad, dressing and smooth drink on page 8
Benefits: Works outer thighs and gluteus. You will need a resistance band. Perform 10-12 repetitions and then switch legs to complete set. HELP Magazine│7
EDUCATION - Section
I am sure that most of you have seen the following quotation on the internet: A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America 'for an amount of' up to and including their life”.
Information submitted by Al Spinks
T
he 2010 Census showed the resident
population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538. (Source www.2010.census.gov) According to the American Community Survey there were 21.8 million military veterans in the United States in 2010. According to my calculations our military veterans consist of just over 7% of the population. Which means that 7 out of every 100 people in the United States were willing to write that blank check and pay for it with their rear ends? Here are some interesting statistics about our military veterans that are based upon the 2010 census. (Source: 2010 American Community Survey) Gender Of the 21.8 million military veterans living in the United States in 2010, 20.2 million of them were male and 1.6 million of them were female, Ethnicity 2.4 million were black veterans, 1.2 million were Hispanic, 265,000 were Asian; 156,000 were American Indian or Alaska Native; 28,000 were native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; and 17.5 million were non-Hispanic white. (The numbers for blacks, Asians, American Indians and Alaska natives, native Hawaiians and other Pacific islanders, and non-Hispanic whites cover only those reporting a single race.) Their Ages 9 million of these veterans were 65 years of age
or older and 1.7 million were younger than 35. When They Served 7.6 million (35%) Vietnam era veterans: (1964 1975). 4.8 million Served during the Gulf War (1990 - 2010) 2.1 million served during World War II 2.6 million in the Korean War (1950-1953); and 5.5 million in peacetime only 49,500 served during the Vietnam era and both Gulf War eras and no other period 54,000 served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam era. Living veterans in 2010 who served during two wars and no other period: 837,000 served during both Gulf War eras. 211,000 served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam era. 147,000 served during both World War II and the Korean War. Disabilities 3.4 million veterans have a service-connected disability rating. Where They Live States with 1 million or more veterans in 2010. These states were California (2 million), Florida (1.6 million) and Texas (1.6 million). Benefits Available to Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Since there are so many military veterans, the next question to be asked is: “What benefits are available not only for the veterans but also for their dependents and survivors?”
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There is an e-booklet available online at www.VA.gov that contains a summary of benefits effective January 1, 2011. It also contains a directory of numbers and facilities. This booklet may be downloaded in English or Spanish from this website. Most VA benefits laid out in the booklet have certain eligibility requirements such as “discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.” Dishonorable discharges will result in VA benefits being barred from the veteran. Benefits could also be blocked if a veteran is in prison or is on parole. An outstanding felony warrant will disqualify a veteran for any benefits completely, according to the e-booklet in the “Introduction” section. Included in the e-booklet is healthcare in chapter one. The chapter discusses a variety of new and old medical programs for disabled veterans or veterans suffering from mental or physical ailment as a result of the war. On that note, disability compensation, in chapter two and three, is also explained. “Veterans with low incomes who are either permanently and totally disabled, or age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war,” the booklet states. Veteran’s continued on page 13 HELP Magazine │ 9
Veteran’s continued from page 8 Along with the above, many more benefits are described including home loan guaranty in chapter four, life insurance in chapter five, transition assistance in chapter 10 and other federal benefits in chapter 15. Before you sit down to start claiming your benefits, gather the following information to expedite the process: form DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II veterans, a WD form. How to contact the Veterans Administration Internet: https://iris.custhelp.com/ Toll Free: 1-800-827-1000 Benefits Available to Texas Veterans, Dependents and Survivors State Benefits for Texas Veterans Include: Employment & Reemployment Texas Veterans Land Board Loan Programs Texas State Veterans Homes Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans Free Park Admission for Disabled Veterans Free Recording of Discharges Tax Exemption for Veterans
Special License Plates Special Parking Privileges Law To get the details about these benefits go to the following web site: www.tvc.state.tx.us/ (Source: http://www.vabenefitblog.com/federalbenefits-for-veterans) The leading advocate for veterans in the state of Texas is the Texas Veterans Commission. Each time a story about veterans is covered, the media has an opportunity to change lives. Over 1.8 million Veterans live in Texas 605,000 served during the Vietnam War 450,000 served in Iraq and Afghanistan
There is help available for education. We are their advocate. The State of Texas leads all other large states in monetary recovery of veterans’ compensation and pension benefits. More than $2.1 billion in compensation and pension is distributed each year to Texas Veterans and surviving family members represented by the Texas Veterans Commission. Texas leads the nation in veterans’ employment with Texas Veterans Commission Employment Counselors helping more than 34,038 Veterans secure a job in 2010.
They answered the call. Through their service to our country they have earned our sincere deepest appreciation. In exchange for their service it is our duty as American’s to help Veterans, and their families, transition to civilian life. As a nation we should all feel honored to be able help them live productive lives with the physical and emotional wounds incurred as a result of their sacrifice.
Source: www.veteranshour.com/texas_veterans_benefit s.htm
Many do not know help is available. Help available for medical care and independent living services. Help available for securing jobs.
Please share this information with all the veterans you know.
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
How to contact the Texas Veterans Commission: Veterans HOTLINE: 800.252-VETS (8387) Local (Austin) Inquires: 512.463.5538 Email: info@tvc.state.tx.us
HELP Magazine │13
14 │HELP Magazine
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
LEADERSHIP - Section
Living Life with a Sense of Passion & Purpose, Part 1
Written by Al Spinks
One of the most important, if not the most important, human needs is the need to feel good about our self. It is the need to reach our full potential as human beings and to leave no cards on the table at the end of our lives. It's the need to spend every waking moment with a sense of passion and purpose. I believe that when this need to express ourselves completely is not met it leaves us with “a hole in our soul”, an itch that can't be scratched or an emptiness that can't be filled. Many of us try to fill this emptiness with many different immaterial and material things, such as money, people, drugs, alcohol, power, sex, relationships, etc. The funny thing is that the more of these things we acquire, it seems the more that we need. Instead of feeling good about having acquired what it is we think we need we seem to be driven to acquire even more. In the end, we find out these things weren't what we really needed at all. Now don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of the things that I've named above. However when we seek to acquire them in a manner that is not related to expressing ourselves fully as a human being then they don't provide us with the good feelings that we thought they would. These things they just will not fill the emptiness inside. The real question is: “Is it possible to live our life with a sense of passion and purpose”? Is it possible to live our life in a manner that fills the hole inside? And, if possible what prevents us from doing so? In order to find answers to these questions Dr. Bill Crawford was contacted. He is a Houston-based psychologist, who has developed a unique perspective on achieving success that he calls “Life from the Top of the Mind.” In addition to holding a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, Dr. Crawford is the author of four books, and an organizational consultant and speaker. Over the last 26 years he has created over 3300 presentations organizations and professional associations both nationally and internationally. In addition, his two PBS specials have been seen by over 15 million people and he has been quoted as an expert in such diverse publications as The New York Times,
Entrepreneur, Working Mother, The Chicago Tribune, Investor's Business Daily, The Dallas Morning News, and Cosmopolitan just to name a few. Dr. Crawford was asked a number of questions regarding the subject. Spinks: Can you tell me a little about your "Life from the Top of the Mind" philosophy and how it is unique? Dr. Crawford: Sure, when I was getting my Ph.D. from the University of Houston, I learned that everything we think, feel, do, and say… how we act, how we react, and how others react to us, has to do with how the brain processes information. Therefore, I have created a system that allows us to access our best by accessing a specific part of the brain, and avoid the stress and the frustration that cause so many problems by avoiding a specific part of the brain. Spinks: I understand that "Life from the Top of the Mind" is a three-part system. Can you speak a bit to what each part is about and what it does?
applied to all aspects of life. Can one use your system to help manage stress? Crawford: Sure, let me explain: While everyone knows that stress, anxiety, and frustration can limit one's productivity (and even negatively effect one's health resulting in sick days and higher medical costs) most people are tired of traditional "stress management" programs, mostly because the solutions offered by such courses seem either simplistic (get more rest and exercise) or passive (take a deep breath and calm down), or both. The "Life from the Top of the Mind" system offers participants a new perspective on stress, not as the problem, but as information being sent to the wrong part of the brain. Then, as mentioned, gives them a concrete, step-by-step system for regaining control by engaging the upper 80% of the brain and changing the chemical makeup of the body. Participants like this approach because of its scientific nature, and because it gives them a new way to understand emotions and behavior, as well as specifics on what they can do to regain control without having to change the world around them. Living life story continued on page 19
Dr. Crawford: Yes, I like to deal with real life as much as possible and start where people are. This means, I first help them identify the situations that trigger their stress and show them how this engages the lower 20% of the brain. Then, in Part I, I give readers and participants a five step model that they can do anywhere and allows the to shift to the upper 80% of the brain (what I call the “Top of the Mind”). In Part II I show people how to stay in this upper 80% and access their clarity, confidence, and creativity regardless of the situation. Part III is what I call “graduate school” because it is the most challenging.
Next quarter story on young leaders with
Here I show people how to interact with others who may be upset with them or resistant to their message in such a way that they shift from the resistant brain to the receptive brain. This allows them to hear and process what you are wanting them to know. The challenge, of course is that we must be coming from the clear, confident, creative part of the brain in order to influence others. That’s why this is the last part of my system and why I call it “Graduate School.” Spinks: I also see you feel this system can be
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
HELP Magazine │15
Celebrating life by giving back Residents
of Houston’s South Park neighborhood who are expecting a baby received free furniture, clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items at a “Community Baby Shower” last spring. Similar donations were also made to families with infants and toddlers at the event sponsored by Preparing Youth for the Future, Inc. (PYF). Cynthia Batieste, founder of PYF decided, thanks to the Lord, by giving to the community to celebrate her 61st birthday. In lieu of birthday gifts, Batieste asked family, friends and coworkers to donate new or gently used furniture, clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items for the event. They responded by donating two cribs with linens, a car seat, a pack’n play, tons of very gently used and new clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items for infant and toddler boys and girls for the “Baby Shower”! The cribs were given to families who were each expecting a boy. One teen mom-to-be due in July needed and received one of them, the car seat to bring her baby home from the hospital, clothing, diapers and wipes, bottles and accessories. A single mom received a crib, diapers, clothing and bottles and other accessories for her son who will be born in August. Five teen moms received clothing and
shoes for their toddlers. And two unemployed dads received clothing and shoes for their toddlers! Batieste commented, “It was successful because God was glorified and families’ needs were met. Those who donated items were very excited to help meet those needs. It was a humbling experience to see those grateful families ‘shop’ for what they needed with dignity. We are here to help one another. Others benefit when we are obedient to God’s instructions, as in this case.” Family, church family and friends helped with donation collecting and the Baby Shower event. Batieste, a member of Houston Praise & Worship Center, works for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and decided to hold the event at the Jim & Barbara Morefield Club where she once worked. The majority of members at the Jim & Barbara Morefield Club were products of single parent and/or female only head of household families and received free school lunch, all indicative of living in poverty; which is the reason Batieste chose to hold the event at that location. If you would like further information, to make a donation or volunteer, please contact Cynthia Batieste at 832-890-7919.
Recipient receiving baby items from Preparing Youth for the Future community outreach.
HELP Magazine is asking all advertisers to support one another in their business. Everyone has unique products and service we can benefit from. Encourage your friends and family to support too. If you support an advertisier from this HELP Magazine, you will receive an additional 10% off your next advertisement.
We need each other to survivor !
16 │ HELP Magazine
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
The Meaning of It All Matthew C. Dever, Lead Columnist - Empowered to Live
H
situation and the person that I talk to has never been through it then I’m wasting my time. Question, what about the people who went through the same thing and they’re giving me advice about my situation? Well, first of all look at where they are coming from. Were they the victim of circumstance or were they the ones committing the act? Perception is not always reality and what you hear is not always what it seems to be. The meaning of it all has everything to do with how you perceive things to be. It’s amazing how we can form our opinions based on others perception of life.
ave you ever felt like something was meaningless or useless? Do you feel as
though everything that you’ve been through was for nothing? Has anyone ever come up to you and asked a question that made you think about your own situation? Some may ask, “What is the meaning of it all?” These questions loom and resonate through corridors of our minds and we steadily search for the answer. I know when people come up to me whether they are young or old and ask me what you think about this or about that or how do you respond to this or that. My response is simple what is the meaning or purpose behind what you’re going through. Enlightenment starts when we understand that everything has a purpose and we have to endure hardships in life. Suffering doesn’t have a race, gender, age or nationality, but we all have to go through situations to help us to evolve and change. I heard someone say a longtime ago when life gives you lemons then make lemonade. I had to come to the realization after suffering and losing things in my life that I thought had meaning. The lesson I learned was, even though you think attaining materialistic things are important, they really don’t mean anything. Having friends are cool and living the socialite life is grand, but when it comes to understanding who you are can be the difference maker. It takes time to learn yourself and about the things that are around you. We can’t allow people to define who we are and what we think. Independent thinkers are the ones who base their opinions on how they view life. Dependent thinkers are ones who depend on the thoughts and opinions of others. I don’t want to be bound by anyone’s thoughts or opinions because everyone experiences life on different levels. So if I was to go through some particular
Here is a key concept: When you have gone through any situation in life and you learn the lesson it teaches you, it will open up your mind to a whole new world. We evolve, adapt and change when we understand that there is a meaning to it all. Life’s circumstances can either make you bitter or it can make you better, but it all depends on how you view things. Lastly, realize that life is lived between good days and bad days, happiness and sadness, ups and downs, triumph and tragedy. Life is a journey and those who are up for the experience will enjoy the benefits that it brings. I’ll close with this quote by Maxwell Martz: The hardest thing sometimes for us to do is to love ourselves because of our past or because we did not turn out the way we pictured. But that picture was probably influenced by the vision of others on how we are "Suppose To Be." You are perfect in every sense of the word with an opportunity of becoming better. Whatever negative that happen in the past is a character builder to help someone else in the future. Once you become happy with yourself you are a light that everyone is drawn to; and then you become who you always were, but better than what you always "pictured." Maxwell Martz
Weekes & Dockins story continued from page 10
The brothers encourage all future business owners to “EDUCATE YOURSELF!” Educate yourself in all aspect of business. Make sure you do your homework in the areas of location, products, and the needs of your consumers. In other words, have a detailed business plan!
WRITE TO US! We love hearing from our readers. Feel free to drop us a line today. EMAIL: Send a message to helpmagazine411@gmail.com
WEBSITE: Visit our site and be on our client contact: www. helpmag.yolasite.com
SALES: “I Sense” is created by JP Weekes, co-owner of Reggae Bodega
For advertising information, email us or visit our website
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
832.785.4471 HELP Magazine │ page 17
Continued from page 15 Spinks: How can one use your system to sharpen their leadership abilities? Dr. Crawford: The challenge for leaders is that their job requires them to not only deal with high level problems with serious implications, they are also expected to be able to predict the future while consistently bringing out the best in others. This requires them to be a combination of visionary, effective problem-solver, and psychologist. Unfortunately, these expectations can also result in the type of pressure that engages the lower 20% of the brain, and creates a special brand of stress, frustration, and anxiety. This is where the "Top of the Mind" system is extremely effective, because the abilities to plan for the future and come up with creative solutions both reside in the upper 80% of the brain. Plus, in order to bring out the best in people (as well as convince those "resistant others" to support your ideas) one must be able to interact with them in such a way that they shift from the lower, resistant brain to the upper, receptive brain so that they understand and act upon your directives
Spinks: That’s pretty interesting stuff Dr. Crawford. Let’s see if I can throw you a “curve ball”. I volunteer with a number of non-profit organizations along with individuals from diverse backgrounds? While we have a common goal of helping the organizations, I find it difficult to get everyone on the same page and build effective teams. How can your system help? Dr. Crawford: Everyone knows that teams at their best can be an excellent source of innovation and productivity. At their worst, however, they can be a cauldron for competition, back-biting, rebellion, and what can easily become the super bowl of the blame game. What many people don't know, however, is that both the best and the worst of these traits emanate from specific parts of the brain. That is, teams, like individuals can become trapped in the reactive knee jerk, strike out, or withdraw part of the brain as well. Unfortunately, when this happens, it can be even harder to correct because each team member is reinforcing the problem.The Top of the Mind System addresses this by first helping the team members understand what is happening neurologically so that they stop blaming the organization (or each other) and begin to purposefully define who they
Welcome to the next dimension of excellence!
are as a team. The system then lays out a five-step process that is "neocortex" in nature, and includes the examination of beliefs, moving past issues that they can't change, and taking 100% responsibility for the qualities and behaviors they collectively bring to life. Part 2 of Living Life with a Sense of Passion & Purpose will continue in the next issue.
Give us your thoughts on domestic violence and bullying by August 15th. Do you think we have enough centers to counselor those who are victims of abuse and are men really abused by wome?
HELP Magazine │ page 19
+ SOY BASED INKS + BAIL & RECYCLE 100% OF OUR PAPER WASTE + NO PREMIUM CHARGED FOR JOBS PRINTED ON FSC & SFI CERTFIED PAPER + VOC ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: intergrated oxidizer ensures compliance to the strictest regulations using thermal RECUPERATIVE TECHNOLOGY (WE EVEN RECYCLE OUR SODA CANS)
5,000 POSTCARDS $149 + 10,000 FLYERS $349 + 1,000 MAGAZINES $995 FULL COLOR
email us today for free samples and a quote at samples@shweiki.com + 512.480.0860
w w w . s h w e i k i . co m