The Official Magazine of Focused Radio
JULY/AUGUST. 2016
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7. Setting Trends In The Roanke Valley
14. It’s HOT!!! 18. Get the word out
22. You, The Business 30.Cultural Independence
Editor in Chief: TommyP Editor at Large: Naadir Love Art Director: KHAR The focus may 2016
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Setting Trends Setting Trends the Inout Thr of Roanoke Star-Cit Valley y
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Meet Donte Harvey.
Even though he was born in Savannah, GA, his family moved to Germany for 4 years. When they returned to the U.S. they settled in Roanoke, VA where he has lived ever since. While attending Salem High School, Dante was recruited to play football at Liberty University, where he played for 2 ½ years. He then went on to ITT Tech and earned a degree in Networking & Administration. Even though Rowdy Rebelz was only an idea in 2015, this unique clothing line launched in 2016 creating a brand that exposes and encourages individuals to be leaders while having fun. A platform to help young people find a way to focus so that they can be the best at whatever they chose to be in life. Mr. Harvey explained that the brand caught on a lot faster than he expected and that he would like to see Rowdy Rebels at the top, expanding nationwide and excel in creating leaders that would be examples for others to see, emulate. He feels that leaders will create other leaders.
Rowdy Rebelz Mission:
We value leadership, empowerment, and customer service. Our slogan, “Stay Rowdy” captures the message that we encourage: Having fun while being the best. We believe in order to become a successful leader; you have to wake up and stand up against the opposition and look at things from a different perspective. We put a lot of time and care in our designs valuing your experience in looking and feeling good in the journey of becoming a leader.
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Meet Brandon Evans Crafter.
Born and raised in Roanoke, VA, went to Roanoke Catholic. Went on to Longwood University in Carson Newman College on basketball scholarship. Graduated with a degree in Business Marketing from Carson Newman in 2011, then returned home to Roanoke where they started The Younivercity.
What is The YOUNIVERCITY? “It is a So-
cial Institution whose focus is to put our members at the helm of who they want to be. Our programs are designed to elevate our members from their present state to where they want to be, both personally and professionally.” Brandon explains that The You Matter Movement started when everyone was running around talking that this life matters and that life mattered. It was time to say that you as an individual matter. It was time to be about being a part of the solution not a part of the problem. It is about the individual’s contribution to themself and their community and society as a whole that matters not just settling for what is thrown at you or what the media depicts of us. It is a day to day event, it’s about making a positive contribution to yourself, your community and to society.
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JULY is‌. Air Conditioning Appreciation Month Bioterrorism / Disaster Education and Awareness Month Cell Phone Courtesy Month Cord Blood Awareness Month Eye Injury Prevention Month Family Reunion Month Fireworks Safety Month - June 1 - July 31 Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month Herbal / Prescription Interaction Awareness Month Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month National Black Family Month National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month National Make a Difference to Children Month National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month National Park and Recreation Month Purposeful Parenting Month Worldwide Bereaved Parents Awareness Month The focus july/august 2016
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It’s hot out there! Protect yourself!
So typically when considering what to write for health and wellness, I research to learn what is being promoted on the national awareness calendar. Honestly, there was very little to choose from for this month. July seems to be a light month in comparison to the rest of the year. Its focus is on anything from eye injury prevention to clean beaches week. I don’t know about you but as far as eye injury prevention, 3 things to keep in mind: stay away from sharp objects, wear protective eyewear when around toxic chemicals, and avoid blunt force trauma. Okay, maybe that’s the Hollywood version from watching too many CSI’s but there are more things to be concerned about when it comes to prevention of any type. Let’s keep on the subject of prevention. July is also UV Safety Month. Ultraviolet Rays are invisible to the human eye but over exposure can lead to acute and harmful effects of the skin, eyes, and immune system. There are some benefits in small doses helping to regulate calcium metabolism (vital to bone health), immunity, cell proliferation, insulin secretion, and blood pressure. One might ask then, why is UV light so bad if it has such benefits? In this case, the bad outweighs the good. There are many studies published that warn against over-exposure to sun. In a recent journal article it suggests, “The need to protect your skin from the sun has become very clear over the years, supported by several studies linking overexposure to the sun with skin cancer. The harmful ultraviolet rays from both the sun can cause many other complications besides skin cancer - such as eye 14
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problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin” (US Department of Health and Human Services). In fact, according to research skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types! The American Cancer Society suggests that 3.5M people will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. Of that 3.5M diagnosed roughly 13% of these cases are African Americans. That’s about 455,000 cases of skin cancer! Again, most cases of skin cancer is due to the harmful rays from the sun! Here are a few tips to take care of your skin and eyes. First, wear protective sunscreen – at least 25 SPF. All skin types are subject to the harmful rays of the sun, not just the fair skin! Sunscreen will help prevent early signs of wrinkles, sunspots, or certain types of skin cancer. Second, wear protective clothing, such as a brimmed hat, pants, and long-sleeved shirts. On those hot summer days, avoid being outdoors during the sun’s peak, which is between 10am-4pm. Third, when outdoors, reapply sunscreen every so often and drink plenty of water! Lastly, protect your eyes! Yes, we made it full circle on eye injury prevention month! Just simply putting on some stylish shades are not good enough. You really should invest in a pair of sunglasses that are UV protectant. In the same article it stated that “UV rays can also penetrate the structures of your eyes and cause cell damage. According to the CDC, some of the more common sun-related vision problems include cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva that can obstruct vision)” (US Department of Health and Human Services). Let’s recap. Protect your skin and eyes. UV rays are non-discriminatory. Wear sunscreen! Wear UV protectant sunglasses! Stay under the shade, when possible, or wear clothes that keep your skin protected. Drink plenty of water – being well-hydrated has many benefits! By following these simple suggestions, you can avoid potential health problems that could impair your quality of life. #StayFocused. #StayInformed.
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#GetTheWordOut
Faith 4 A Cure(F4AC) was honored to participate in the first annual blood drive with Virginia Blood Services and Glory’s Hope Sickle Cell Foundation at Howard University Hospital on July 18th. NFL San Diego Chargers linebacker, Jeremiah Attoachu, and his family hosted the event and it was truly inspiring and humbling to be a part of it. Jeremiah’s sister, Glory, lives with SCD and the foundation was created to provide support and academic scholarship to qualifying students with this disease. The Attoachu family, originally from Nigeria, moved to the United States 15 years ago. Not long after their move to the states, Glory began to experience pain crisis and eventually received her first blood transfusion. The Attoachu family realized at that time how important blood donations were for patients with SCD. Jeremiah’s passion to support his sister and patients with sickle cell was clearly evident during his first blood drive. Having just flown in from California the night before, Jeremiah was present to sign autographs and speak with all the wonderful people that came out to support by donating blood. His entire family was also present for most of the day. Our team had a chance to sit down with Jeremiah and his mother after the blood drive to open up the line of communication and how best to support awareness campaigns for sickle cell worldwide! Last month, we announced our expansion to Uganda through the Lighthouse Community Service Center of Uganda. We are forming our team now with the local clinic and organizations to help support testing in the villages and bring treatment to those patients that do not have adequate medical care or access to resources to support their disease and their family. Africa has the highest prevalence of the sickle cell trait as well as the disease than any other country in the world. This is only the beginning of our global initiative! F4AC is all about bringing people together and look forward to updating you on future events and campaigns each month! Be on the lookout for upcoming events as we gear up for September’s Nationals Sickle Cell Awareness Month! The learn more about Glory’s Hope Sickle Cell Foundation, visit: http:// www.gloryshopefoundation.org. To help F4AC continue to #GetTheWordOut, your support is always needed and appreciated. If you wish to donate to our organization, please go to our website: www.faith4acure.org.
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August marks the launch of our Virginia is for Donors campaign. This month, we thank our loyal and committed blood donors for all they do to support not only VBS, but the patients we serve every single day. Learn more at www.vablood.org
Sickle Cell Awareness
Supporting life through blood donation Virginia Blood Services is committed to working to improve patient care for sickle cell patients in the communities we serve. Our hospitals require access to specific blood types that match the sickle cell patient’s individual needs in order to help minimize the risks and reactions of repeated transfusions. Individuals with sickle cell trait can qualify to serve as a blood donor just like any other potential blood donors. Virginia Blood Services will provide donors with sickle cell screening in the near future. By making a blood donation you join Virginia Blood Service’s efforts to support life and help give sickle cell patients in our community the blood products they need. Your donation gives these courageous patients a chance at a better quality of life.
The need never stops. Our community depends on you.
What Is Sickle Cell Anemia? Sickle cell anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) is the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. “Sickle-shaped” means that the red blood cells are shaped like a crescent. Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped and look like doughnuts without holes in the center. They move easily through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin (HEE-muhglow-bin). This protein carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin called sickle hemoglobin or hemoglobin S. Sickle hemoglobin causes the cells to develop a sickle, or crescent, shape. Sickle cells are stiff and sticky. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. Blocked blood flow can cause pain and organ damage. It can also raise the risk for infection.
Overview Sickle cell anemia is one type of anemia. Anemia is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. This condition also can occur if your red blood cells don't contain enough hemoglobin.
Figure A shows normal red blood cells flowing freely in a blood vessel. The inset image shows a cross-section of a normal red blood cell with normal hemoglobin. Figure B shows abnormal, sickled red blood cells blocking blood flow in a blood vessel. The inset image shows a crosssection of a sickle cell with abnormal (sickle) hemoglobin forming abnormal strands.
Red blood cells are made in the spongy marrow inside the larger bones of the body. Bone marrow is always making new red blood cells to replace old ones. Normal red blood cells live about 120 days in the bloodstream and then die. They carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) from your body.
Virginia Blood Services
804.359.5100
http://www.vablood.org
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You, The Business By Sister Love
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This article has nothing to do with UCC codes or policies. This article is talking about taking responsibility for you.
YOU ARE YOUR BUSINESS.
Without you there can be no business. So we are going to talk about you and me as if we are business entities: Are you focused? Have you set goals for yourself or are you just running around going nowhere. Are you seeing progress? If not stop, get pen and paper and write down your goals and how you intend to achieve them. Be serious! If you need to take a course to obtain a skill, stop putting it off. You are going to get older no matter what you are doing. Time waits for no one! Are you healthy? If you are, GREAT!!!! If not, it is time to take control of your health. Never accept a death sentence, it ain’t over till it is over. Do not surround yourself with those how are quick to get rid of you. Simple changes in diet and weight loss can make a huge difference in one’s health. You cannot expect to get better if you continue doing the same old stuff that is what got you sick in the first place. If your doctor is not concerned with your diet, then it is time to find a new doctor. Stop smoking, save your life and that of your children. Let me rant for a moment……No parent should be OK with their child smoking. Nor should any parent be OK with their underage child drinking. There is nothing cool about being a friend to your child when what they need is a parent. You are the example that they will follow for regards to health. Don’t just talk game, be the living example. I’m done. Thank you for reading. What are you feeding your mind? Too often it is the very things that we are doing for so called entertainment that is actually hindering our growth as an individual (Business). If you are spending hours chasing imaginary creatures on your phone. Shame on you! If you are spending hours gossiping on the phone. Shame on you! If you are spending hours listening to music that degrades your people. Shame on you! If you are spending hours on social media and have nothing to show for it (meaning were you on the computer promoting your business event etc.) Shame on you! If you The focus july/august 2016
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are constantly putting garbage into your head, you cannot expect anything else to come out. Take a break! We must accept the fact and truly comprehend that there are beings out here that are doing their best and spending billions if not trillions of dollars to keep you and your progeny DUMB. Think of all the things you ever wanted to learn and utilize the computer for something positive. For those of you that have children make this a family adventure. You will actually be showing your children that learning is a lifelong quest. Use the dictionary and learn new words, build your vocabulary. You will be surprised with how words are used to manipulate people. How do you spend your money? If at the end of the month, you have nothing to show how you spent your money, you need to sit down and make a list of everything you spent your money on. EVERYTHING. Rent, utilities, food in most cases these are considered necessities, but you may be wasting money on food by throwing a lot of it away. Buy what you need. Gas-do you need a car to get to work? Can you carpool or take the bus or perhaps you can just downsize your car. Buying clothes, going to the movies, eating out-if you are doing this every week you definitely need to rethink how you spend your money. FAMILY TIME? This is where it gets a little touchy. Make time for your family, find the time. If you can’t be there, make sure you call. No excuses. I will say this again. TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE! Sitting at home is not family time. Family time is interaction. Helping with homework, baking cookies, landscaping the yard together, taking walks. Together means family time. Not I tell you what to do and then leave you alone. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Family time is making lifelong memories. Family time does not have to be about spending lots of money on trips (even though that is nice) it is about getting to really know each other. Encouraging each other. So make the time. So now that you have a clearer comprehension of your business, how will you sign your letter or your life contract? President, CEO meaning you took charge of your life. 24
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Or will you just sign it: Yes I lived…nothing ventured, nothing gained-he/she was decent. If this is the path you choose, I will give you a quote from Mr. T “I PITY THE FOOL!” Whatever you do or don’t do with your life, remember it is your business. As the elders used to tell us “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS”.
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AUGUST is…. American Adventures Month American Artists Appreciation Month American History Essay Contest American Indian Heritage Month Black Business Month Boomers Making a Difference Month Cataract Awareness Month Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month Children’s Vision & Learning Month Foot Health Month Medic Alert Month National Breastfeeding Month National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month National Parks Month National Runaway Prevention Month National Traffic Awareness Month National Truancy Prevention Month National Water Quality Month National Win With Civility Month Neurosurgery Outreach Month Pedestrian Safety Month Psoriasis Awareness Month Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month The focus july/august 2016
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LaMarcus Wise
Cultural Independence In the month of July, we as a nation, celebrate Independence Day. It is a celebration of the day Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which we know now as the foundation to the place we call “land of the free”. However, the reality is blacks and African Americans were not included in the original 1776 celebration of emancipation. Many would argue we are not included in the modern celebration, despite our participation in the holiday and more importantly the development of this great country. Aren’t we American? In light of recent events covered in the media, we can see the gap in how we are treated, policed, and judged. As if our citizenship does not carry the same weight. Ironically we pay for and buy into the same system which is allowing the mistreatment of African Americans by the three branches of government. Positioning us in a similar oppression to the colonist that fought for their freedom, “taxation without representation” is the reference colonist used. However, we are not separated by any major ocean. We share the same land, so independence for African Americans living in America will look different than it did for colonist. Sovereignty in this case will look more like cultural independence. A big part of defining a culture’s independence is by starting from the root of what makes this body of people one culture. For us in America, this root must have a stronger narrative than the story of an enslaved people we are force fed. The root must also include a collective recognition of the needs, wants, and identity of the culture, despite how it may differ from our American counterparts. Cultural independence is also rooted in having more control of our resources. We see other examples of it here an America, such as immigrant established towns. These towns are for the people and by the people that it represents. They often own the property and land in these communities, are the major business owners, and have an unwritten moral and ethical code which is followed by the citizens, whether residing or visiting. This is the first step to independence for the black and brown people of the United States of America.
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My name is Melissa Kelly aka Lady Kellz and I am an author and publisher. I have over twelve novels, and more on the way. I am always grinding on my craft. I began writing at an early age, twelve to be exact. It all started in junior high school where I was bullied by some due to being biracial. Writing poems and short stories was my outlet from all the negativity. It wasn’t until I moved to Baltimore, MD from my hometown, Roanoke, VA in 2011 where I started to take my writing seriously. I started on my first novel, ‘Just Grimey,’ and self published it on April 30, 2014. This story is about a young woman who takes a bid for her first love. Somewhere along the way, he neglects her, and she vows to take over his business upon release. SYNOPSIS Tylisha was ride or die for boyfriend Dee. She had always believed in holding her man down no matter the extent. But it seems like he is getting sick of her holding him down when he get involved in a scheme to have her doing a five year prison bid. When Tylisha finds out her best friend Alicia was in on it too, she starts planning revenge after she realizes she may have lost her man forever. Alicia was always jealous of Tylisha, she was gorgeous and she had what she wanted...Dee. When Dee come to her crying over Tylisha, she comforts him with her body. Alicia doesn’t realize her scheme could cost her and Dee their lives. When her perfect world comes crashing down, she is devastated and doesn’t know what to do. 32
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She does what she has to do to protect herself. She plans another scheme to take Tylisha out of the picture...once and for all. Dee is a certified hustla and at the top of his game Someone is trying to put a stop to his riches and he is not having it, when one plan backfires, he comes up with another one. Always a Plan B. When he learns that someone may be the love of his life he is not sure which way to turn. Will true love prevail for them? Or would he have to kill the woman he loves? This title is available in eBook form and paperback on Amazon, Createspace, and Barnes & Noble. I want to thank all of my readers and supporters for taking a chance with me, and purchasing my books. A special thanks to Mr. Tommy Page for promoting and rocking with me. Much love Sir!! Star City Baby!! You can connect with me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. Follow my blog, ‘blogbytesbymelissak.wordpress.com and my YouTube channel, Melissa K’s Tidbits & Tips. If you are an aspiring writer, please email me at ladykellz.author@gmail. com. Include your synopsis and first three chapters of your manuscript to be considered for publication of N2U Publishing. Until next time, unwind, relax and read a bookđ&#x;“š by yours truly! đ&#x;’‹
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Revenge a color by Lee Marie
Exclusive Indie airplay 1. Crush- Yuna feat. Usher
2. Icon- Star-Citi 3. All Night - Kev Young 4. Simple- Treasure Davis ft Kid Ink 5. Spaceship- Anhayla 6. Best of Me- T. Soul 7. Weirdo- Joon D 8. Leave- Tripp 9. All About It - Alexis Nicole 10. Wham- No Threat
FOCUSED
WE ARE EVERYWHERE WE ARE EVERYWHERE WE ARE EVERYWHERE
RADIO Nufocus October 2015