Urban Call — Sponsored by Pine-Sol

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a tradition of fresh and clean By Gerry Patton URBAN CALL WRITER

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Inside... Family Reunion

6 Tom Joyner

Bishop T.D. Jakes

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MegaFest 2005

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Welcome Welcome to another edition of Urban Call — Healthy Living Every Day! Segmented Marketing Services Inc. (SMSi) continues its nationwide health initiative and efforts to help close the health gap in our communities. (Learn more about SMSi’s community of networks on page 7.) The link between a clean home and good health has been well-established, particularly when it comes to asthma. Trends indicate that the number of asthma sufferers has increased at least tenfold since 1950. Inner-city urban residents are especially affected and have a disproportionately high rate of

What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Asthma Home Comforts — The Art & Science of Keeping a Home

asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations. There are many causes for asthma and many

Pine-Sol ® Olympic Champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Diane Amos is the friendly face of Pine-Sol.®

emories of home bring up wonderful smells. Aaah ... The smell of a freshly cleaned home. A freshly washed floor. The refrigerator and stove sparkling. The countertops shining. Mothers and grandmothers have passed on cleaning traditions and good advice: Always wash your hands before you eat, don’t drink out of someone else’s cup, clean up your room. They believed in the age-old wisdom of keeping a clean home. Research has shown that dust in a home may give rise to the development of asthma.1 Bacteria left to multiply in bathrooms, kitchens and other “hightouch” zones like door handles, can also cause family members to become ill.2 For many years, Pine-Sol® (www.pine-sol.com) has been a family favorite when it comes to cleaning. Its users will be delighted to find that The Clorox Company is introducing four new scents — Pine-Sol® Orange Energy, Lemon Fresh, Sparkling Wave and Lavender Clean.

The friendly face of Diane — the Pine-Sol® lady has been spotted in newspapers and magazines across the country telling people the news. Diane will be visiting several major community events this year (See “Pine-Sol® sponsors community events: MegaFest and Tom Joyner Family Reunion” on page 3) to demonstrate the product and visit with fans. Diane personifies the good friend who always has some helpful cleaning advice. She is the first one to tell you about a new way to give the ho-hum job of cleaning a new kick. And these days when people are busier than ever with families and careers, helpful household hints are always welcome. If you have already spotted the colorful new Pine-Sol® bottles on the grocery shelf you might be the first to tell your friends. As the old saying goes, “Your home is your castle.” And keeping your castle clean and fresh smelling is a benefit the whole family can enjoy.

SMSi partners Lafayette Jones (left), Sandra Miller Jones and Joseph R. Lawrence

introduces NEW scents

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ways to fight it. Inside you will find a directory of asthma associations where you can learn more about this chronic lung condition.

The Asthma Connection Health and Home Resource Directory

Diane Amos, The Pine-Sol Lady ®

2 4 7

Let’s all aim for new health habits to keep us strong — eating moderately, exercising and seeing a health professional. As one of the 1.5 million readers who receive this publication, we wish health to your family and to you.


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URBAN CALL – Healthy Living Every Day! Edition

Cleaning and Health:

The Asthma Connection

suffer when their bronchial tubes become irritated and swollen and air URBAN CALL WRITER There’s no doubt about it — house movement is blocked. Swollen and inflamed bronchial tubes result in dust is an important asthma trigger, shortness of breath, coughing and says Dr. Paul Hannaway, author of What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s wheezing, the “three cardinal symptoms” of asthma says Dr. Hannaway. Asthma (Fair Winds Press). Cheryl Mendelson, author of Home “Indoor dust is not quite the same as outdoor dust. Outdoor dust Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House (Scribner), is in or just plain dirt is a simple nonagreement that “house dust is implispecific irritant. Indoor dust is an cated in the alarming rise in the incredibly complex mixture of dust mites, cotton fibers, cellulose, mat- rates of asthma and other allergic diseases in recent years. The statistress parts, animal hairs, mold spores, dead insects, discarded food tics on the precipitous rise are stagparticles and bacteria. Seventy per- gering,” she says. She notes the incidence of asthma has increased in cent of all allergic asthmatics are the population about 75 percent sensitive to house dust, and for from 1980 to 1994 (15 million peomany it is their only significant ple have asthma — 5.4 percent of allergy,” says Dr. Hannaway. the population — 5 million of those While cleaning and eliminating are children). She also notes that house dust is not a cure-all for the death rates from asthma more asthma, it is an important step in than doubled from 1975 to 1995. establishing a healthy home and a (See story on Jackie Joyner-Kersee huge step in helping those who have asthmatic lungs. These individuals on page 6.) By Gerry Patton

Asthma and the Environment Regularly cleaning floors and furniture is an important step in the environmental control of asthma. Here are some other ideas from the book What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Asthma:

❏ Add dust-mite proofing to the bedding. ❏ Remove carpets from the bedroom. ❏ Relocate, confine or wash pets. ❏ Do not allow smoking in the home.

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❏ Use humidifiers with caution. ❏ Use bedroom air conditioners. ❏ Install a dehumidifier in your damp cellar. Source: What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Asthma

The Clorox Family of Brands Pine-Sol® is just one of the many members of the Clorox family of brands. Here are more:

4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 225 ❍ Winston-Salem, NC 27106-3425 www.segmentedmarketing.com FAX: (336) 759-7212 ❍ PHONE: (336) 759-7477 Sponsored by Pine-Sol® Publishers: Lafayette Jones, Sandra Miller Jones Associate Publisher: Joseph Rodney Lawrence Director of Client Services: Gerry Patton Executive Editor: Alan Cronk Editorial Director: Rose Walsh Editorial Assistants: Bridgette Miller Jones, Lori Lawson Photographer: Michael Cunningham Production Manager: Myra Wright

Designer: Renée Canada Director of Operations/Distribution: Constance Harris Photo Editor: Suvondra Montgomery Warehouse and Shipping Manager: Jordan Lash Adminstrative Support: Jimmie Ruth Jones, Financial Services: Roslyn Hickman Database Management: Tahnya Bowser

©2005 Segmented Marketing Services, Inc., 4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 225, Winston-Salem, NC 271063425. Urban Call is published by SMSi as part of a strategic alliance with Segmented Marketing Services Inc. (SMSi) and Piedmont Publishing, a Media General company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without the written permission of SMSi is expressly prohibited. Publishers reserve the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. SMSi, founded in 1978, is a Winston-Salem, N.C., minority-owned national marketing, promotion and publishing company that specializes in helping major companies and organizations better serve people of color. This publication is distributed to 1.5 million health champions in the SMSi Beauty Salon, Barbershop, Church and special events networks. SMSi distributes millions of free product samples, publications and consumer offers through its national networks of African-American and Hispanic churches, beauty salons, barbershops, entertainment venues and special events network. Urban CallTM and SMSiTM are registered trademarks of Segmented Marketing Services Inc.

The Clorox Company and the Community

By Rose M. Walsh URBAN CALL WRITER

The Clorox Company, makers of Pine-Sol® Cleaner, was founded in 1913 in Oakland, Calif. It lays claim to building America’s first commercial-scale liquid bleach factory. The first customers for the original high-strength liquid bleach sold in 5-gallon jugs were Oakland laundries, breweries and municipal water companies whose supplies were delivered by horse-drawn wagons. The Clorox Company is still in the cleaning business and very much in the business of community — giving back to its customers and friends. The Clorox Company Foundation, founded in 1980, focuses on educational programs that serve youth, cultural and civic organizations, and the local needs of the communities in which Clorox has plants. Since its creation, the foundation has awarded over $58.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. The foundation partners with the East Bay Community Foundation (www.eastbaycf.org) in administering grants. The East Bay College Fund (EBCF) provides four-year scholarships of $16,000 each to students who have overcome personal difficulties to achieve a strong academic record. Each scholarship recipient is matched with a mentor who offers support and guidance throughout their four-year college career. The foundation also supports the Marcus Foster Educational Institute established by a former superintendent of Oakland public schools, Dr. Marcus A. Foster, to raise discretionary funds to promote excellence in teaching and learning in the Oakland school district. It provides classroom grants to teachers and others who promote creativity and innovation, scholarships to high-school students, and support to a parent-family university that teaches computer technology. In Chicago, the Clorox manufacturing plant introduced high-school girls to technology in an intensive, weeklong summer internship program at DePaul University in a program called Girls With Engineering Mindz (GEMz). In Houston, the Clorox manufacturing plant established a community grant to fund a high-school band. The foundation also supports national organizations through local chapters of Junior Achievement, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Camp Fire, Boys Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs,YMCA and others. For more information about The Clorox Company Foundation, send an e-mail to the East Bay Community Foundation at cloroxfundt@eastbaycf.org.


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URBAN CALL – Healthy Living Every Day! Edition

Pine-Sol sponsors community events: ®

MegaFest and Tom Joyner Family Reunion®

By Rose M. Walsh URBAN CALL WRITER

It’s the season for family celebrations as MegaFest kicks off in Atlanta in August, and the Tom Joyner Family Reunion takes place over Labor Day weekend in September at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Fla. The Clorox Company, makers of Pine-Sol® cleaners for the home, is a sponsor for both events and will introduce its new powerful scents through product demonstrations, sampling and enabling participants to get “up close and personal” with Diane, the Pine-Sol® lady. PineSol®’s sponsorship of MegaFest and the Tom Joyner Family Reunion is part of Pine-Sol®’s overall effort to reach out to and support the communities that support them. Pine-Sol®’s consumer base is very diverse, and a large percentage of people who purchase Bishop T.D. Jakes Pine-Sol® are African-American. Through their sponsorships, Pine-Sol® is able to connect directly with consumers and reach them in a way that’s involving, interesting and respectful. The ministry of Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, a 30,000-member congregation, promises to make MegaFest four days of family

fun, religious inspiration and teaching about life skills. Bishop Jakes, who has been featured on the cover of Time magazine as “America’s Best Preacher,” is author of the book Woman Thou Art Loosed (which became a Grammy-nominated CD and an acclaimed film). To accommodate the “Mega” audiences, events are being held in the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center, Philips Arena and the International Plaza. Steve Harvey, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and the duo Mary, Mary are among the entertainers. This year’s youth conference theme is “You’re Not Forgotten.” Families attending Tom Joyner’s Family Reunion® will have access to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks as Joyner and his morning-show crew broadcast from Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando. Joyner, host of the nation’s No. 1 urban morning radio show, reaches more than eight million listeners in 115 markets. He sponsors “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day” on his show and will host a health fair at the reunion. This year, participating celebrities include Damon Wayans of ABC-TV’s My Wife and Kids and

In Living Color, Grammy Award-winner Ashanti, hip-hop phenomenon Omarion, ‘90s hit-maker Hammer and gospel great Shirley Caesar. For more information visit www.black americaweb.com or call (888) 853-2645.

Family Reunion Planning URBAN CALL STAFF REPORT

Wherever your family is getting together for a reunion this summer, keep it fun and entertaining. Try some new recipes like those in the Black Family Reunion Cookbook published by the National Council of Negro Women. If you are having a potluck meal, assign each family a specific category of food: main dish, vegetable, salad, dessert or drinks. Consider costs when making food assignments so that the financial burden is appropriately shared. Here are some fun activities to keep everyone involved: ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

Tom Joyner and his morning crew will broadcast during the Tom Joyner Family Reunion at Walt Disney World Resort®on Labor Day weekend. The crew includes (from the left) Myra J., J. Anthony Brown (standing behind Ms. Dupre), Tom Joyner, Sybil Wilkes and Tavis Smiley.

Bring baby pictures and play “Guess Who?” Hold a talent show. Set up a craft table to show off family talents. Create a family scrapbook. Take group photos to e-mail later. Tape a family reunion video to show next time. Start a genealogy (family) tree. Craft a family reunion quilt. Take turns telling stories.

Experience Pine-Sol®’s new powerful scents of clean Here are a few reasons why people prefer Pine-Sol® ■ ■ ■ ■

Has a strong, intense scent Smells like a powerful cleaner Leaves a long lasting, lingering scent Is a powerful cleaner

Orange Energy

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Lemon Fresh

Sparkling Wave

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Lavender Clean

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URBAN CALL – Healthy Living Every Day! Edition

Healthy Living — Every Day! Advisory Board Segmented Marketing Services, Inc. (SMSi) Healthy Living — Every Day! (HLED) Advisory Board is a distinguished panel of national leaders, experts and professionals who have been gathered to advise on health and nutrition issues in the ethnic community. They have been instrumental in the launch of the national HLED campaign.

Health and Home Resource Directory ASTHMA, ALLERGY AND LUNG ASSOCIATIONS Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) (800) 878-4403 www.aanma.org Asthma Education Program National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (301) 592-8573 www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm

James D. Branch, M.D. Ophthalmologist and Maya Angelou Research Center on Minority Health board member

John Stroger, president Cook County Board of Commissioners

James D. Branch (HLED co-chairman) Ophthalmologist Board Member Maya Angelou Research Center on Minority Health Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, N.C. John Stroger (HLED co-chairman) President Cook County Board of Commissioners Chicago Robin Ali, M.D., Pharm. D. Duke Medical Center Durham, N.C. Dr. V. Essia Barnett-Battie National Beauty Culturist’s League (NBCL) Indiana State President Sickle Cell Disease Association of America national board member Renee Bradford Owner C’est Si Bon! restaurant Chicago Janet Brooks Founder

Joseph Swafford, M.D. Melba Swafford, M.D.*

Dr. Katie B. Catalon National NBCL President

Fortitude Health & Wellness Dallas

Department Of Public Health, Chicago

Dr. Katie B. Catalon National NBCL President Washington, D.C.

Chef Don McMillan Owner, Simple Elegance Catering Winston-Salem, N.C.

Jeanine Downie, M.D. Dermatologist, Image Dermatology Montclair, N.J.

Delores Reynolds, Owner Pearl’s Place Restaurant Chicago

Jeffrey A. Dugas Sr., M.D. Internal Medicine Specialist Rush Presbyterian Medical School and Medical Center, Chicago Sylvia Flack, Ed.D, R.N. Dean, Health Sciences Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, N.C. Charles and Virginia Hardesty Owners Forsyth Seafood Café Winston-Salem, N.C. Waine Kong, Ph.D. CEO, Association of Black Cardiologists Atlanta Stephen A. Martin Jr. Director, Cook County

Edna Stewart, Owner Edna’s Restaurant, Chicago Joseph Swafford, M.D. Cardiologist Associate Professor of Medicine University of Texas M.D. Anderson Center Houston Melba Swafford, M.D. Anesthesiologist Associate Professor Baylor College of Medicine Houston William H. Turner, Ph.D. Vice President University Initiatives Associate Provost Multicultural Affairs University of Kentucky Lexington, Ky.

Cleaning and Your Health Quiz

1) Sponges, dish clothes and paper towels are equally good for cleaning. ❏ True ❏ False

2) Indoor house dust can

aggravate an asthma condition. ❏ True ❏ False

3) Humidifiers never need to be cleaned. ❏ True ❏ False

?

Global Allergy Information Network (GAIN) www.worldallergy.org The American Lung Association (ALA) (212) 315-8700 www.lungusa.org

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 272-6071 The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) (847) 427-1200 www.acaai.org The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) (800)7-ASTHMA, (202) 466-7643 www.aafa.org The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (301) 496-5717 www.niaid.nih.gov

By Gerry Patton URBAN CALL WRITER

By most accounts, 1929 was not a year of happy beginnings. It is most often remembered for the stock market crash and the start of the Great Depression. But when life hands you lemons, some people make lemonade. That’s just what Harry A. Cole, a chemist from Jackson, Miss., did. Living in the

midst of miles and miles of pine forest, Mr. Cole used pine oil, a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, to create a fresh-smelling and highly effective cleaning product he aptly named Pine-Sol® cleaner. In 1990, The Clorox Company acquired Pine-Sol® cleaner. It was a match made in heaven — the California-based Clorox Company had built its foundation on its namesake

Home Ventilating Institute (847) 394-0150 www.hvi.org National Safety Council (630) 285-1121 www.nsc.org

cleaning product in 1913, and in the 1990s, the company was growing rapidly through new product innovations and acquisitions. Pine-Sol® cleaner fit right in with the strategy. In 2004, Pine-Sol® celebrated its 75th anniversary. Since the Clorox Company acquired Pine-Sol,® sales have tripled making it the No. 1 dilutable cleaner in the U.S.

Just as cleaning can add a glow to your home, so can decorating. “African-Americans have a very eclectic approach to decorating styles,” says Corriece Perkins Gwynn, co-founder of Homes of Color: The Magazine of African-American Living & Style. “Some prefer contemporary with a little flavor of their heritage thrown in. We have a tendency to use a lot of pieces that enhance who we are, whether they be photographs of family members or masks or fabrics.” For more information on the magazine, or to subscribe, go to www.homesofcolor.net.

5) When cleaning, focus on

“high-touch” zones — door knobs, toilet flush handles, faucets, kitchen countertops, appliance handles.

See answers on page 7.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (202) 272-0167 www.epa.gov

Living With Style

soak in water overnight.

❏ True ❏ False

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (404) 639-3311 (800)311-3435 www.cdc.gov

Original Pine-Sol® Cleaner celebrates 75 years of real clean history

4) It’s OK to let dishes ❏ True ❏ False

HEALTHY HOME RESOURCES

Photo on right: Andy Nelson/© 2003 The Christian Science Monitor (www.csmonitor.com). All rights reserved



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URBAN CALL – Healthy Living Every Day! Edition

Keeping the whole family healthy By Rose M. Walsh URBAN CALL WRITER

Families share a lot of things. Their homes, their food — and sometimes the bacteria and viruses that make people sick. It might start with the youngest who brings it home from daycare, then spreads it to his sister, then to Mom and Dad through “germ transfer” stations: faucet handles, sponges, and hand towels in the kitchen and bathroom. Germs are passed around when infected objects come in contact with a surface. If the surface is not cleaned, the

next time it is touched, germs can be transmitted around the house. To prevent the spread of germs at home remind everyone to wash their hands frequently. Children should get in the habit of washing their hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating lunch or snacks or after coming home from school. Everyone should get in the habit of covering their mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. Furthermore, the use of separate cups, glasses and other eating utensils is a good habit to develop. When flu and colds abound, it’s no time to share and share alike.

Olympian runs against asthma — Jackie Joyner-Kersee By Gerry Patton URBAN CALL WRITER

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic runner and six time medalist (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), has asthma and isn’t afraid to tell anyone about it. However, that wasn’t always the case. “I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 18 during my freshman year at UCLA,” says the St. Louis native. “I refused to accept it — and I hid it

Let us hear from you In order to better serve you, the Healthy Living — Every Day! Community health initiave would appreciate your help. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. Your feedback is important to us. Complete and return survey by mail or fax: Mail to: Healthy Living Pine-Sol® Survey Segmented Marketing Services Inc. (SMSi) 4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 225 Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106-3425 Or Fax to: (336) 759-7212

that was her wake-up call. Since then Joyner-

problem didn’t make it go away,” she is quoted on

Kersee has been involved in efforts to educate

a USA Today Web site.

about asthma and has founded Friends of

Over a period of years she visited the emer-

Asthmatics. More information about Joyner-

gency room, was treated with medication and

Kersee’s community activities are available

released. “So I slacked off my medication, and

from her foundation, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee

developed bad habits,” she said.

Foundation, www.jackiejoyner-kersee

It was a near-fatal asthma attack in 1993

❑ Yes, I received a sample.

foundation.org.

6. If no, how likely are you to purchase any Pine-Sol® products with the new powerful scents?

1. Where did you receive the sample?

❑ Not likely at all

❑ Church

❑ Somewhat unlikely

❑ Beauty salon

❑ Neither likely or unlikely

❑ Other

❑ Somewhat likely

2. Did you use the sample?

❑ Very likely

❑ Yes ❑ No 3. Prior to receiving the sample, were you aware of the new powerful Pine-Sol® scents? ❑ Yes ❑ No 4. Have you used any Pine-Sol® products in the past 6 months? ❑ Yes ❑ No 5. After receiving the sample, did you purchase any Pine-Sol® products with the new powerful scents?

❑ No, I did not receive a sample. 1. Have you used any Pine-Sol® products in the past 6 months? ❑ Yes ❑ No 2. Are you aware of the new Pine-Sol® powerful scents? ❑ Yes ❑ No 3. How likely are you to purchase any Pine-Sol® products with the new powerful scents?

❑ Yes

❑ Not likely at all

❑ No

❑ Somewhat unlikely

❑ Neither likely or unlikely ❑ Somewhat likely ❑ Very likely Additional comments: (Example: your favorite cleaning tips, result from your personal use of Pine-Sol® Cleaner)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Please print clearly

NAME ______________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________________ CITY __________________________________ STATE _________________ ZIP ____________ PHONE (include area code) ____________________________________ E-MAIL _______________________________

0705

SMSi respects your privacy; this information will not be sold or traded.

from my coaches and teammates. But ignoring the


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URBAN CALL – Healthy Living Every Day! Edition

Meet Diane Amos, The Pine-Sol Lady ®

“My mother taught me to be fearless and showed me how that can open doors — literally.”

On Inspiration, Love and Raising Kids six weeks in San Francisco. He really had to give of himself, his time and his energy. It was incredibly romantic and made us closer. James is a great dad.” They have two children, 19-year-old Kevin, who is studying to be an electrician, and 7-year-old Cassandra Pearl or

SPECIAL TO URBAN CALL

Diane Amos is best known as the spokeswoman for the national Pine-Sol® advertising campaign, but she’s also a movie actress, comedian and winning game-show contestant. Not surprising when you consider she came from a very competitive family where she says everyone was funny. Diane says much of her success today comes from the examples set by her mother. “My mother was a single mom who was a feminist way before the feminist thing. As head of the household, she made her own decisions and her own money, so my introduction to being a big breadwinner came very early. My mother taught me to be fearless and showed me how that can open doors — literally. “When I was 10 years old, we went to a Marian Anderson concert. My mom wanted to meet her, so we went backstage past all these doors that said ‘No entrance,’ ‘No entrance,’ ‘No entrance,’ and finally got to her dressing room. The bodyguard said, ‘No, you cannot come in,’ but Marian Anderson saw us. She was so amazed we got that far she invited us in, and we sat in her dressing room and talked for a little while.” Diane is married to James Medellin, a musician, writer and voiceover professional. They met in a San Francisco bar, where he was playing music, and haven’t been apart since their first date. “James is very romantic. He wrote my one-woman show, ‘Balancing Act,’ which sold out every night for

“Cassie P.” for short. She was named Pearl after Diane’s mother. “One of the hardest things about being a parent today is the influence of TV. As parents we need to teach our children how to watch TV and know the difference between the good and the bad. TV encourages rudeness, so we really need to counter that by teaching children manners and how to be kind to people, yet at the same time effective in the business world. I also think it’s important to make home a safe haven, where children can sort things out, be supported by family and have their

■ Keep small, stackable plastic boxes in a cabinet. If a family member leaves things on the kitchen table or counter, toss the items into a box. Then ask that the box be taken to his or her room each night.

Before you start to clean, the first challenge is picking up all the clutter. Here are some clutter-free tips: ■ Don’t stack items on top of the fridge. Clutter is like a magnet. Allow one item on top, and soon you’ve got a mountain of clutter with which to deal.

Join the SMSi Community of Networks The Healthy Living Every Day! initiative is inviting health professionals and health champions to join the health-care network of the SMSi Community of Networks, which currently has 5,000 members, by visiting www.SegmentedMarketing.com or calling (336) 759-7477. Your church, your beauty salon or barbershop can also become a part of the network of communities and receive free product samples and valuable information at no cost or further obligation. The church network includes 7,000 churches, the beauty network has 30,000 salon professionals, and the barber network has 10,000 professional barbers. If you are a youth group coordinator, you may want to check out the youth network (1,000 venues). The entertainment network has 2,000 venues.

■ Don’t keep cookbooks on the counter. Try to find a space for them. ■ Store appliances that are not used regularly (blender, food processor). ■ Don’t pile mail or newspapers in the kitchen. ■ Want to sanitize your dish sponge? Use about 3/4 cup of Clorox regular bleach and mix with a gallon of water. Soak

your sponge or dishcloths in solution for 5 minutes, rinse and air dry. The Five Minute Kitchen Clean-Up ■ Clean as you cook. Spot clean any cooking spills and splatters that happen during meal preparation. ■ Put measuring cups, utensils, pots and pans into a sink filled with soapy water while you’re cooking or baking to speed up the dishwashing later. ■ Wipe down the sink after cooking and washing dishes. ■ Wipe down your counters. Spot clean your floor.

Cleaning books offer advice There really is a science to keeping a clean and clutterfree home. A number of books provide helpful advice. Check these out at your local library or book store. 10 Minute Clutter Control — Room by Room, Skye Alexander, Fair Winds Press Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House, Cheryl Mendelson, Scribner

The Complete Household Handbook: The Best Ways to Clean, Maintain & Organize Your Home, The Good Housekeeping Institute, Hearst Books/Sterling Publications The One-Minute Organizer Plain & Simple, 500 Tips for Getting Your Life in Order, Donna Smallin, Storey Publishing

friends over. The best thing about being a parent is seeing my daughter experience things for the first time, and having a teen is great. You always think you’re so hip until you have a teenager around. I like the freshness they bring from the outside world. “When kids see people who look like their relatives in the media, it’s a huge boost for them. I visit schools and encourage children to follow their dreams. I tell them, ‘Don’t ever let your color or size or economic status alter what you think about yourself.’ Being a successful actress speaks to the power of being who I am in this world and being totally cool with that.”

✓Fast Facts ✓ Proper humidity is a key factor in keeping a healthy home. Experts say it should range between 40 to 50 percent.

✓ A hygrometer — an inexpensive device that measures humidity — can be purchased in a hardware store or home center.

✓ Dust mites, which trigger asthma, flourish in high humidity. ✓ Humidity in your home can be too low. Low humidity is associated with an increased incidence of colds and flu. Sources: What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Asthma Home Comforts — The Art & Science of Keeping a Home

Answers to Cleaning and Your Health Quiz (from page 4) 1. False. Paper towels are preferable. Sponges can harbor as many as seven billion germs, and they double in number every 20 minutes. 2. True. Indoor house dust is an asthma trigger, says Dr. Paul Hannaway in What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s Asthma. 3. False. Portable humidifiers in constant use should be cleaned every third day, and central humidifiers should be

cleaned every year, says Good Housekeeping’s Complete Household Handbook. 4. False. Leaving dishes in the water too long creates a “soup” that breeds bacteria. 5. True. These are the areas where residents of the home are likely to touch, and if their hands are contaminated, they will leave germs for others to pick up.



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