TAKING CARE OF
business means TAKING CARE OF
By Rose M. Walsh URBAN CALL WRITER
you
Black women are achievers. They run companies, sit on corporate boards, work in ministry, star in music videos and represent the U.S. and its communities in elected and appointed offices. Many are business owners — more likely to be so than women of other races. Their income is 49 percent of the black population’s total income.1 They pay a lot of attention to beauty — both inside and out. Women of color are especially interested in issues like heart-health, breast cancer, osteoporosis, weight, diabetes and high blood pressure. As part of the black community, they suffer more health problems than other Americans. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has referred to this as “The Health Gap”(www.omhrc.gov). Nonetheless, women are learning the importance of multi-vitamins and nutritional supplements like calcium. They love looking and feeling good and want to maintain vitality. They are learning that dietary supplements can contribute to their health and well-being — that they are important to self-care. They are learning that “taking care of business” means taking care of the self. The more one takes care of the self, the more the self can take care of others. To be healthy is to be strong, both inside and out. A fit body, a powerful “There’s never been a better time to ‘get your body right’ now that supplements like VIACTIV® are made especially for women.” — Jacqueline Carranza-Buchner, Associate Marketing Manager VIACTIV®
“I’m all about looking and feeling good! But doing ‘good’ daily can be such a bore. What I really want is to have my cake and eat it too!” mind, an unfaltering sense of self — these are characteristics worth striving for. Many women are working out and eating well not because they have to, but because they want to. They feel good about doing what’s best for their body and are taking ownership of their own well-being. Health is an opportunity they are embracing. Good health is serious business, but it can be creative and a lot of fun. Many are willing to try new products like smoothies
and fortified waters. Many have found a great new way to get added vitamin and calcium intake in the VIACTIV® MultiVitamin Chews and VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews. Slipping the individually wrapped chews into purse or pocket makes them easy to take. No more vitamin “pills” to remember. For women, it’s products like these that make good health a tempting possibility. 1 Market Snapshot, Hunter-Miller Group, 2004
INSIDE: ■ The Multi-vitamin Story ■ Black women focus on community ■ Resource directory
THE INSIDE STORY
Mom was right. Vitamins are good for you. They help maintain healthy hair, skin, bones, eyes and heart. They support the immune system and may help prevent certain diseases from hurting your body. Vitamin A is important for the growth and development of bones, teeth and gums. It is also essential for night vision, healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and plays a role in collagen formation, nerve function and tissue repair. People who don’t get enough vitamin C may experience impaired wound healing, disruption of capillaries and improper bone and tooth formation. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary to build strong bones. Vitamin E can help prevent a chemical reaction called oxidation, which may result in harmful effects in your body; it is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. Folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 work together to support healthy heart function. Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for energy production as well as growth and development. Biotin helps support healthy skin. Pantothenic acid is essential for growth, normal physiological functions and energy production. Riboflavin is also important for growth as well as nerve function, red blood cell production, healthy skin and the release of energy from foods. Thiamin, necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, is also important for normal function of the heart, nervous system and muscles. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC has developed a multi-vitamin supplement that’s not in pill form. The individually wrapped chew is easy to pop into a pocket or purse to help you meet your nutritional needs — a great way to form a steady habit of taking a multi-vitamin.VIACTIV® MultiVitamin Chews come in two delicious flavors — Milk Chocolate and Tropical Fruit SplashTM — and can be purchased in canisters of 60 or 120 count, or in convenient togo packs. You only need one chew taken with any meal of the day — breakfast, lunch or dinner to get 12 essential vitamins — A, B6, B12, C, D, E, biotin, folic acid, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. Every Multi-Vitamin Chew also contains 20 percent of the daily value for calcium. To get the rest of the calcium you need, keep a supply of VIACTIV® Soft Calcium Chews on hand.
VIACTIV® Multi-Vitamins Essential Women’s FORMULA Helps Promote*
Nutrients
Heart Health
Vitamins C, E, B6 and B12, Folic Acid
Bone Strength
Calcium, Vitamins A and D
Energy Activation
Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Biotin
Eye Health
Vitamins A, C and E
Skin Health
Vitamins A and C, Biotin, Niacin
Immune Health
Vitamins A, C and E
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
THE IMPORTANCE OF Many women in the U.S. shortchange themselves on calcium. According to McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, the maker of VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews, over 75 percent of women over the age of 35 do not consume the recommended intakes of calcium. Many African-Americans avoid dairy products which are a rich source of calcium because they are lactose intolerant. VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews provide a delicious way to get the calcium you need, and is safe for all ages, as noted in the chart. VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews come in a variety of flavors — Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Cream, Chocolate Mint and Caramel. Two delicious new flavors are coming soon — Raspberry and French Vanilla. Chews are available in four sizes — a convenient 10-count to-go pack or in 60-, 90or 120-count canisters. Two delicious chews provide 100 percent of the daily value of calcium plus vitamins D and K. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption and vitamin K plays a role in the body’s formation of bone proteins. Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong and healthy and the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems functioning properly. If your body lacks calcium it will take calcium from your bones to maintain the levels in your blood. If insufficient levels persist over time, your bones may weaken which could increase the risk of osteoporosis. The National
Calcium
Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 10 million people have osteoporosis, a decrease in bone mass that makes bones more fragile. Another 34 million are at risk. National Bone Density scanning events are planned in 45 cities across the country. The scans show if your bones have been affected by osteoporosis. In addition to adequate calcium and vitamin D in the diet, a weight bearing exercise routine is important to maintain bone mass.
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE VIACTIV® RECOMMENDED CALCIUM SOFT CHEWS DAILY Number to Achieve INTAKES*
AGE
Recommended Daily Intakes
800 mg
1–2
9–18 years
1,300 mg
2–3
19–50 years
1,000 mg
2
51 and over
1,200 mg
2–3
4–8 years
PREGNANT OR NURSING
18 or under
1,300 mg
2–3
19–50 years
1,000 mg
2
* National Academy of Science 1997
Vital, Strong AND Free BLACK WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS SERVE THE COMMUNITY By Gerry Patton
recommended preventive and screening exams to foster healthier lifestyles. Health screenings and Standing on the shoulders of workshops are organized and Sojourner Truth (abolitionist and suffragist — the voice for freedom) sponsored by these organizations in an effort to close the health gap and Mary McLeod Bethune disparity that exists. Women are (educator and founder of encouraged to seek prenatal Bethune-Cookman care to prevent birth College; founder of the defects and infant National Council of mortality. Outreach proNegro Women), grams address such African-American issues as teen pregnancy, women’s organizadrug addiction, AIDS, tions have always been stress and nutrition. Some at the forefront of issues groups help older women live that impact their communities. Through the years, as champi- successfully with a supportive social ons for many causes including edu- network and financial security. Through the economic, political, cation, voting rights, equal opportusocial, religious and cultural pronity, fair wages, women’s rights, and the well-being of children, soci- grams these women provide, the whole community has been made ety has benefited from these women’s groups who have lobbied stronger. Their contributions combine with the work of national, for change. With the many health disparities that are prevalent today, state, county and local organizations and elected officials who are these organizations have once working together for the improveagain taken the charge to make a ment of women’s health. difference and initiate changes to To the right is a list of women’s improve the health of women and groups that serve the Africanfamilies. Women’s groups sponsor health American community. For more information, call the number listed and wellness initiatives and promote the need for doctor or check the Web site. URBAN CALL WRITER
WOMEN’S DIRECTORY Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) 5656 S. Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 (773) 684-1282 (773) 288-8251 Fax Web site: www.aka1908.com The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST) National Headquarters 1707 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2400 (202) 986-2513 Fax Web site: www.deltasigma theta.org E-mail: dstemail@deltasigma theta.org Jack and Jill of America Inc. National Headquarters 1930 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 667-7010 (202) 667-6133 Fax Web site: www.jack-andjill.org E-mail: jackandjill.inc@ verizon.net The National Coalition of 100 Black Women National Headquarters 38 West 32nd Street, Suite 1610 New York, NY 10001-3816 (212) 947-2196 (212) 947-2477 Fax Web site: www.ncbw.org Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Headquarters (temporary address)
145 Kennedy Street, N.W. — 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20011 (202) 387-3103 (202) 232-4593 Fax Web site: www.zphib1920.org E-mail: IHQ@ZphiB1920.org The National Beauty Culturists’ League (NBCL) National Headquarters 25 Logan Circle NW Washington, DC 20005-3725 (202) 332-2695 (202) 332-0940 Fax Web site: www.nbcl.org E-mail: drlindsay@nbcl.org National Council of Negro Women Inc. (NCNW) 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004 (202) 737-0120 (202) 737-0476 Fax Web site: www.ncnw.org The Links Inc. 1200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 (800) 574-3720 (202) 842-4020 Fax Web site: www.linksinc.org The National Hook-up of Black Women Inc. National Office: 1809 East 71st. Street, Suite 205 Chicago, IL 60649 (773) 667-7061 (773) 667-7064 Fax Web site: www.nhbwinc.com E-mail: nhbwdir@aol.com
✂
Multi-vitamins
1. Which of the following types of supplements, if any, have you taken in the past 4 weeks?
❏Health Fairs
❏Received a sample ❏Direct Mail ❏In store promotion
❏Beauty Salon
be spread throughout the day since the body cannot absorb large doses of calcium (over 500 mg) at a time.
❏Radio Ad ❏Newspaper Ad ❏Magazine Ad
8. How likely are you to purchase VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chewsin the future? ❏Definitely will buy ❏Probably will buy ❏Might or might not buy ❏Probably will not buy ❏Definitely will not buy 9. How likely are you to purchase VIACTIV® Multi-Vitamin Soft Chewsin the future? ❏Definitely will buy ❏Probably will buy ❏Might or might not buy ❏Probably will not buy ❏Definitely will not buy The third party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
NAME (Please print clearly)
___________________________ BUSINESSADDRESS (Please use street address, no P.O. Box) ___________________________ CITY ___________________________
STATE _______ ZIP __________ PHONE (include area code) ___________________________ E-MAIL ___________________________ SMSi respects your privacy; this information will not be sold. Your response will be combined with the responses of other consumers to help develop new products. www.segmentedmarketing.com
STOCK UP ON
Multi-vitamins,Calcium
With several sizes of VIACTIV® multi-vitamins and calcium supplements available, there’s no need to miss out on a day of nutritional supplements. You can find VIACTIV® in the multi-vitamin and mineral supplements sections in most food, drug, club or mass merchandise stores.
✓Calcium and iron supplements should be taken at different times during the day.
?
4) The vitamin that 1) The vitamin that is essential for night vision helps support nerves 2) The vitamin that is and muscles
VIACTIV® Multi-Vitamin Chews are available in three sizes — a 10-count to-go pack, and 60- and 120-count canisters. You can enjoy them in Milk Chocolate or Tropical Fruit SplashTM flavors. VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews come in four sizes — a 10-count to-go pack, and 60-, 90-, and 120-count canisters. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from — Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Cream, Chocolate Mint and Caramel. Two delicious new flavors — Raspberry and French Vanilla will be introduced soon.
5) A group of vitamins that help support healthy heart function
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Health Gap Campaign, Office of Minority Health Resource Center (800) 444-6472 www.omhrc.gov
National Medical Association (NMA) (202) 347-1895 www.nmanet.org American Medical Association (AMA) (312) 464-5000 www.ama-assn.org National Pharmaceutical Association (NPHA) (800) 944-NPHA (6742) www.npha.net National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) (202) 223-2226 www.nof.org
See answers below.
1) A 2) C 3) D 4) E 5) B vitamins
Happiness 4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 225 ❍ Winston-Salem, NC 27106-3425 www.segmentedmarketing.com FAX: (336) 759-7212 ❍ PHONE: (336) 759-7477
Urban Call — Healthy Living Every Day!TM is published by Segmented Marketing Services Inc. (SMSi)© as part of a strategic alliance with Piedmont Publishing, a Media General Company. Urban CallTM and SMSiTM are registered trademarks of Segmented Marketing Services Inc.
HEALTH RESOURCE DIRECTORY
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) (301) 589-3200 www.nbna.org
*Study conducted for VIACTIV® by the Alcott Group
How well do you know your vitamins? Match the proper vitamin (Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E) to the questions below.
3) The vitamin that helps with calcium absorption
7. Where did you first learn about VIACTIV® products?
4. Where would you like to see information on nutritional supplements?
WHAT IS YOUR MULTI-VITAMIN IQ
important for wound repair
before? a. VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews ❏Yes ❏No b. VIACTIV® Multi-Vitamin Soft Chews before? ❏Yes ❏No
❏Caltrate ❏Citracal ❏Oscal ❏VIACTIV® ❏Nature Made ❏Store brand/Private Label ❏Other ❏None
✓Fast Facts
immune system which can help ward off health problems. ✓Only 23 percent of women surveyed by McNeil Nutritional, LLC* feel they get the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals every day. ✓Calcium intake should
6. Before reading this article, had you ever PURCHASED
3. Which of the following brands of calcium supplements do you take or have taken in the past 4 weeks?
Or Fax to: (336) 759-7212
✓ Vitamins support the
5. Before reading this article, had you ever heard of before? a. VIACTIV® Calcium Soft Chews ❏Yes ❏No b. VIACTIV® Multi-Vitamin Soft Chews before? ❏Yes ❏No
✂
✂
EBONY
Mail to: Urban Call/VIACTIV® Survey 4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 225 Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106-3425
❏One-A-Day Women’s ❏One-A-Day Weight Smart ❏One-A-Day Carb Smart ❏One-A-Day Other ❏Centrum ❏Carb Assist ❏VIACTIV® ❏Nature Made ❏Store brand/Private Label ❏Other ❏None
❏Online Ad ❏Television Ad ❏Billboard Ad ❏This publication (Urban Call: Healthy Living — Every Day!TM) ❏Other (Please specify) _________________________________
0605
2. Which of the following brands of multivitamins do you take or have taken in the past 4 weeks?
Please help us continue in our efforts to bring you meaningful and useful information by taking a moment to fill out this brief survey. The first 100 respondents to send in a completed survey will receive a one-year magazine subscription to
❏Multi-vitamins ❏Calcium ❏Omega-3/Fish Oil ❏Other ❏Glucosamine/Chondroitin ❏I have not taken a nutritional
❏Health Clubs/Gyms ❏Church Events ❏Doctor’s Office ❏Magazines ❏Internet ❏Food Store/Pharmacy
supplement in the past 4 weeks.
We need your help
Sandra Miller Jones SMSi Founding Chair
IS HEALTHFULNESS
Women have a lot to do. Daily family and work challenges keep us very busy. Yet we often don’t get enough vitamins, calcium and other needed minerals to keep us going. Sometimes we don’t exercise. Segmented Marketing Services Inc. (SMSi) is pleased to partner with McNeil Nutritionals, LLC and their VIACTIV® brand of multi-vitamins
and calcium supplements to promote better nutrition and Healthy Living Every Day! through our SMSi community of networks — the churches, beauty salons and women’s groups that are receiving this publication. (www.segmentedmarketing.com). We wish you good health and the happiness it brings.
Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (202) 690-6343 www.surgeon general.gov National Institutes of Health (NIH) (301) 496-5000 www.nih.gov Additional information is available at the Web site: VIACTIV® Brand www.viactiv.com