Urban Views Weekly Jan 21, 2015

Jan. 21, 2015

Scholar of the Week - Toni Boyd

January Is National

Blood Donor Month

Donate Blood.

Support Life.

The Deal

By Jason Alderman

Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages

THURSDAY Mid-Town Richmond

Over the last decade, reverse mortgages have been marketed as an easy way for seniors to cash in their home equity to pay for living expenses.

However, many have learned that improper use of the product – such as pulling all their cash out at one time to pay bills – has led to significant financial problems later, including foreclosure.

They come in three varieties: singlepurpose reverse mortgages, Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), and proprietary reverse mortgages.

In actuality, there are some cases where reverse mortgages can be helpful to borrowers.

However, it is imperative to do extensive research on these products before you sign.

January 29, 2015 6pm-8pm Oyster’s Pearl

Reverse mortgages are special kinds of home loans that let borrowers convert some of their home equity into cash.

Letter To The Editor

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

continues on page 5

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 3

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce Email: Info@CVAACC.org • Phone: 804-823-7745 Join the chamber by going online to www.CVAACC.org

Consider the following pros and

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste.

E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

1401 Roseneath Road Richmond, VA 23230

Free Admission for CVAACC members • Non-members $20.00 Please RSVP via the www.CVAACC.org Event Calendar

Who can apply?

Homeowners can apply for a reverse mortgage if they are at least 62 years old, own their home outright, or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off with the proceeds of the reverse loan. Qualifying homeowners also must have no delinquent federal debt, the financial resources to pay for upkeep, taxes and insurance, and live in the home during the life of the loan.

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

With dreams of being a nurse filling her head since she was a child, Toni Boyd will do anything to make her dreams come true. Not only does she like to help people, but Toni specifically likes to work with children. “I have a passion for working with young people,” Toni wrote in an essay. “I volunteered at an elementary school to help children learn how to read.” One day she hopes to help children even more while serving as a pediatrician.

Toni Boyd

of Petersburg High School

GPA: 3.6

College of Interest: Christopher Newport University Major Community Service: Work at a nursing home Strong Interests: Pediatrics, art Favorite Activity: Playing with her sisters, working, knitting, writing

Other than working with children, Toni has a strong interest in art. In her spare time she knits scarves, hats, blankets, and other items.

She is even able to combine her love of art and children by drawing pictures and also writing children’s books and poems. Currently, Toni is already a licensed Certified Nurse Aide which she said has been one of her proudest personal accomplishments.

percent of her class at Petersburg High School, Toni also participates in extracurricular activities. For example, she has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America, is the president of the National Honor Society, the vice president of the Health Occupations Students of America, and was the president of the National Technology Honor Society. Toni said being a part of these organizations helps her become a better leader and gain better communication skills. “Also being a part of these clubs lets me help other people and helps me become a better person,” Toni said.

Scholar0 of the

After graduating, Toni plans to continue her education by enrolling in John Tyler Community College while also completing a class she is currently enrolled in to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Afterwards, Toni plans to transfer to a four year college where she will major in nursing with a concentration in Pediatrics. Her top choice for her four year college is Christopher Newport University in Newport News.

While she maintains her grades and spot within the top 10

Along with her extracurricular activities, she also gets to help others by volunteering at a nursing school.

She said she has a strong interest ™ Week in breast cancer, because her great grandmother was diagnosed with the disease when she was in her 50s. “It means a lot to me to be able to support the association,” Toni said. “My goal is to learn more about it and be able to help more people.”

Toni said her mother influences her to succeed the most in life, because despite any obstacles she encountered she kept moving forward. Toni plans to do the same in her future.

She said knowing that all of her hard work will pay off in the end is what makes her happy. “I do not plan to give up no matter how hard the path may be,” Toni said. “Despite all the obstacles that I have gone through and I may encounter, I don’t intend to stop.”

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Paris: 17 Murdered - World leaders and 1 Million people fill the streets for support.

Nigeria: 2,000+ Murdered - Response is muted.

The Struggle Continues…

The attack on the town of Baga in Nigeria was a massacre. Amnesty International said it was Boko Haram’s deadliest attack thus far. The heavily armed Islamist militants sprayed bullets as they stormed the town just 2 weeks ago. They arrived in trucks and armored vehicles, unloaded motorcycles and pursued residents, firing indiscriminately, massacring men, women, and children who were fleeing for their lives. Over 2,000 innocent people were murdered and the world community has said nothing. There has been no outrage, no marches, and no aid. There has been nothing but SILENCE. If #AllLivesMatter, where are the calls for aid, a collective outcry and outrage for the loss of these innocent lives at the hands of “terrorists”? It must be noted that even the government of Nigeria, itself, has not come to the aid of their citizens in this matter. They are both absent and impotent in any pursuit of these murderers, thus far, nor have they asked for aid from the world community. The Nigerian government did, however, send its condolences to the people of France in solidarity with the rest of the global community in mourning the deaths of these 12 revolutionary journalists who died for the cause of freedom of speech?

It is baffling that coverage of the carnage in Nigeria has received little-to-no media attention while the “terrorist” attack on the staff of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has been covered extensively throughout ALL media outlets non-stop since the murders occurred almost 2 weeks ago. The subsequent hostage standoff in a kosher supermarket, where several customers were also killed, kept the coverage as the lead story and breaking news throughout the week. All in all 17 people, victims of the attacks, lost their lives in the almost 3 day ordeal within the Paris city limits and the countryside where the suspects were ultimately tracked down and shot dead. Days later, over a million people filled the streets of Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. Paris to show their support for freedom of speech and to honor the journalists who lost their lives because of the cartoons they published. Founder and Artistic Director Leaders from around the world descended upon Paris to hold hands, The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor march together with the people in solidarity and in a kumbaya Virginia Commonwealth University moment to be photographed together. Leaders, some, whose own DrT@Margins2theCenter.com human rights and freedom of speech records amongst the citizenry www.theconciliationproject.org of their representative nations is questionable at best and downright As much as we hope and want to believe that we have made suspect at worst. The tragedy and loss of life in Paris is heartbreaking tremendous progress and advancement in the equal treatment of All people, the and produces a sense of angst that calls for action, no doubt. The contrast, however, dichotomy of the responses by the world to Paris as compared to Nigeria is truly between the worldwide response to the terror in France and the lack of any response at astounding. It takes us back to the proclamation made by W.E.B. DuBois in 1903, “the all to the over 2,000 lives lost in Nigeria at the hands of Boka Haram fundamentalists is problem of the twentieth century is the problem of The Color Line.” It seems to be so stark in its absolute silence it’s breathtaking. the continuing problem of the 21st century, as well, and so…the struggle continues. #BlackLivesMatter

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll

From launching book tours to hiring staff to meeting with top donors, several potential presidential candidates have already started taking steps in the long race to the White House in 2016.

What’s Your Take? Is it too early to focus on the 2016 Presidential election?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

Up Next Week: I’ll Watch the Super Bowl but NOT the Oscars!

Find out what we can do for your business.

Call (804) 441-6255 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

MLK Legacy Celebration: Love, Justice and Liberation

Jack Gravely cons as a starting point for trying or bypassing this loan choice. Even though HECM loans require a discussion with a loan counselor, you should bring in your own financial, tax, or estate advisor to help you decide whether you have a safe and appropriate use for this product.

From Pros & Cons page 2

Pros of reverse mortgages: They’re a source of cash. Borrowers can select that the amount of the loan be payable in a lump sum or regular payments.

Proceeds are generally tax-free. Final tax treatment may rely on a variety of personal factors, so check with a tax professional.

Generally, they don’t impact Social Security or Medicare payments. Again, important to check personal circumstances. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Jack Gravely, Talk Show Host of The Jack Gravely Show, was keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2015. Kayla Pinson, a sophomore at Virginia State University, majoring in History, also shared words with the audience of approximately 200 attending the breakfast at First Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. You won’t owe more than the home is worth. Most reverse mortgages have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from owing more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold.

Reverse mortgages may be a smarter borrowing option for some downsizing seniors. With proper advice, some borrowers use them to buy new homes.

Cons of reverse mortgages: You may outlive your equity. Reverse mortgages are viewed as a “last-resort” loan option and certainly not a singular solution to spending problems.

You and your heirs won’t get to keep your house unless you repay the loan. If your children hope to inherit your home outright, try to find some other funding solution (family loans, other conventional loan products) first.

Fees can be more expensive than conventional loans.

Reverse mortgage lenders typically charge an origination fee and higher closing costs than conventional loans. This adds up to several percentage points of your home’s value.

Many reverse mortgages are adjustable rate products.

Adjustable rates affect the cost of the loan over time.

If you have to move out for any reason, your loan becomes due. If you have to suddenly move into a nursing home or assisted-living facility, the loan becomes due after you’ve left your home for a continuous year.

Bottom line: Reverse mortgages have become a popular, if controversial, loan option for senior homeowners. For some, they may be a good fit, but all applicants should get qualified financial advice before they apply.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

5

Donate Blood Even if you don’t wear a cape or hide your face behind a mask, you can still be a superhero by donating just a bit of your time and blood. You can flex your crusader muscles up to five times per year.

Virginia Blood Services (VBS) estimates that one blood donation can support the lives of up to three people. This means if you begin donating blood at age 17 and do so every 56 days, you could potentially support more than 1,000 lives. Even the best of superheroes would have a tough time matching that feat.

Why Give?

Why Not?

There are many reasons people donate their blood. The number one reason, according to Virginia Blood Services, is because they want to help others.

There is simply no substitute for blood when it comes to meeting the needs of our area hospitals and patients. And depending on your blood type, you could be an invaluable resource to these medical institutions as they deal with patient emergencies or transfusions that require large supplies of donor blood.

All blood types are needed daily to meet patient needs. Common blood types are usually more readily available, like O Positive and A Positive, while blood banks commonly appeal for donations of less common blood types.

Only 7 percent of people in the U.S. have O-negative blood type, which is the universal type that can be transfused into any patient.

You can have your blood tested to find out your type, which is an important factor to know. Or, simply be a first time donor and find out when you receive your new donor ID card.

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

How to Get Started

Despite the research that shows how many lives can be supported by blood donations, many people are still hesitant to lend an arm. Among VBS donors in a given year, 19 percent donate occasionally, 31 percent are first-time donors, and 50 percent are regular donors.

Virginia Blood Services accepts blood donations only from volunteer donors, so keep an eye out for the next blood drive in your area.

There’s No Excuse Not To! I’m afraid. I don’t like needles. I don’t have time. These are among the most typical responses given by those who decline to give blood.

The fact is there is no excuse for not helping your fellow human beings, unless there is a potentially negative effect on your health or the health of others.

If you have doubts about your physical capability to give blood, check with your physician. You also could check with qualified staff members at blood drives if you’re interested in donating blood.

Medical professionals will be able to pinpoint any potential issues that may arise while donating your blood.

Overcome Your Fear

Many people are uncomfortable dealing with needles or the fact that they’re losing blood from their body. These are natural concerns that affect a large portion of the population.

But consider that you don’t really know how giving blood feels

until you go through the process. Many donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch during a draw and are finished in a short amount of time.

For most donors, giving blood should not adversely affect your body. You will donate less than one pint, and your body should easily be able to replace the blood volume lost to donation within 24 hours, according to Virginia Blood Services.

Too Busy

The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation time is only seven to 10 minutes.

One

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three

What are some things you devote time to during any given day? Talking on the phone? Checking emails? Going for a quick jog?

Photos submitted by V

d. Support Life. less than 10 percent actually do each year, according to Virginia Blood Services. Other numbers from VBS: VBS annually conducts more than 2,700 blood drives and collects nearly 110,000 donations.

Virginia Blood Services needs more than 400 donations a day to meet hospital and patient needs.

VBS provides the blood for nearly two thirds of the patients receiving organ transplants in Virginia Eighty percent of the blood donations given to Virginia Blood Services are collected at mobile blood drives set up at community organizations, companies, high schools, colleges, places of worship, and military installations.

Trusting the Source Now consider the impact you could make by swapping out those 10 minutes for the experience of giving blood.

e blood

ation port the of up to people

Your sacrifice could save a newborn or help someone with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

It is an endeavor well worth your time.

Supply is Low

Still on the rebound after 2012’s nationally historic low supply, even as an independent blood bank, Virginia Blood Services is working to improve its base of donated blood.

Everything from inclement weather to busy travel summer seasons can have a negative impact on the number of donors coming forward. And although an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate,

Virginia Blood Services

Virginia Blood Services was founded 40 years ago in Richmond, VA and receives excellent inspection reports from the FDA, NRC, Medicare, and AABB. VBS adheres to a simple process to effectively collect, process, test, and distribute blood to make sure your contribution is meaningful and put to good use. The testing of your blood is comprehensive, being analyzed locally in Virginia Blood Services’ Testing Laboratories located in Richmond, VA. Tests establish the blood type and check for the presence of infectious diseases. Once your blood is tested, it is labeled and stored in refrigerators to help bolster supply.

Information you give to Virginia Blood Services during the donation process is confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law.

Launched about a year ago, Virginia Blood Services notifies

you via email when your blood is being shipped to a hospital to support a patient in need. This is a very gratifying confirmation that your gift is being utilized!

It’s Easy

Blood is vital for each of us. People in your community and surrounding cities require blood transfusions to recover from surgeries, illnesses, and serious accidents.

Virginia Blood Services makes it easy on you, the donor, to give your blood. You can do so on your own schedule, volunteering as much as and as often as your schedule permits.

You will also enjoy flexible locations and times, and must only meet a few basic requirements to give: • Be at least 17 years old.

Individuals 16 years of age can donate with written permission from a parent or guardian.

• Weigh at least 110 pounds.

• Have no history of HIV or AIDS. • Allow 56 days between whole blood donations.

• Be feeling well with no sore throat, flu, or active allergies.

Before the Donation

Physicians and blood donation professionals recommend that you are well rested and hydrated prior to giving blood. You can achieve this the night before by getting a great night’s rest and by drinking plenty of fluids leading up to the donation.

Drinking two to three extra glasses of fluids before you arrive for your appointment is recommended. Food is also important. You should eat a low-fat meal approximately two to three hours before you donate. continues on page 10 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Three ways to evaluate nonprofit technology Part one of a two part series “The main reason nonprofits look to update or implement technology is to acquire additional functionality that will automate more tasks, which they hope will free up time to work on more strategic projects.”

– Janna Finch Technology plays a critical role in the life of nonprofits, large and small. Accounting, fundraising, social media, admissions, recruitment, ticket sales, and human resources are only a few of the areas that depend on technology solutions. To help you navigate the maze of software solutions, we interviewed nonprofit market researcher Janna Finch. She works with Software Advice, a donor management and fundraising tech resource for nonprofits. www.SoftwareAdvice.com.

Here are Finch’s three suggestions for software evaluation.

“Most importantly, write down what you and the people who will use the software need it to do. Be specific. “Automatically generate 3,000 annual giving statements and email them to recipients,” “support recurring donations,” “integrate with our current fund accounting software,” and “allow 11 staff members and volunteers to access the system at the same time” are examples of how specific you should get.”

“Learn about the types of pricing models offered by software vendors and calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). The two most common pricing models are perpetual license and subscription. With a perpetual license, you typically pay a larger amount up front to cover the license and set-up fees, then a smaller amount (around 20 percent of the license cost) annually 8

for periodic upgrades and support. With subscription pricing, those same costs are spread out and paid for in smaller amounts monthly or annually for as long as you use the software. Subscriptions often start around $50 a month, but can scale much higher.”

“Finally, you need to make sure that everyone who will use software can use it. To do this, take advantage of vendors’ demos and free trials to give the software a test drive before committing. It may look like the perfect solution on paper, but hands-on experience may uncover that it has a learning curve greater than expected.

If that’s the case, look at different software or add training costs to your budget.”

But, how do you know when to migrate to another platform? Here’s what Finch has learned from working with buyers. “There are a few situations when you should consider scrapping what you’ve got for a new vendor or product. The most obvious time is when a vendor goes out of business or stops supporting the product you’re using. Another is when your operations have outgrown the software’s capabilities and your options for customizing it are limited or cost prohibitive. Nonprofit professionals I talk to sometimes mention that unhelpful or unpleasant customer support is the reason they’re considering a switch.”

Next week: how to determine nonprofit software costs Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay

Contest

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a galvanizing force in the Civil Rights Movement. This “drum major for justice” used non-violence to help bring about freedom and equality not just for African Americans, but for everyone.

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Urban Views Education Digest is sponsoring an essay contest that is open to public school students in Richmond and Petersburg.

Students are invited to write a 250-500 word essay answering the following question:

What do you think Martin Luther King, Jr. would say to encourage Black youth if he were alive today?

Please provide your: Name Age School Grade Parent’s phone number Parent’s email address (if parent has email).

Parent’s Signature

Send Essays to: Monica Haynes, Urban Views Education Digest, 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230 or email to monica@ UrbanViewsWeekly.com Attn: MLK Essay Contest

Deadline to submit: February 6, 2015.

Winners will have their essay printed in Urban Views Education Digest and receive dinner for a family of four at a local restaurant.

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Health

Five Quick Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Weight Loss Resolution New Year’s Resolutions are easier to make than to keep, especially when it comes to dieting. While life can often seem at odds with your health and fitness goals, there are plenty of ways to avoid common pitfalls this New Year and stay on the weight loss track.

Snack and drink smart: When you’re

on-the-go, easy protein-packed snacks will help you stay on track. Try beef jerky, low-fat string cheese, or 100 calorie packs of almonds. Fiber-rich wholegrains, fruits and vegetables can also help keep hunger at bay.

Calories from drinks add up fast. Stick with dry wines, as they often have fewer calories than sweeter varieties. Light beers, with approximately 100 calories for every 12 ounce serving, are also a good choice. If you prefer cocktails, use calorie-free mixers, such as seltzer with 1.5 oz. of spirits.

Make it easy: Dieting should be easy. Most people often complain they fail at diets because they need to constantly count calories, or weigh and measure foods.

Look for programs that help you stick to your goals by offering convenience and support. For example, Nutrisystem helps with the hard part -- the counting, weighing and measuring -- by offering pre-portioned and personalized meal plans designed to fuel individuals with the right amount of calories for how their metabolism burns, as well as satisfy individual taste. And with their Fast 5+ kit, you can jumpstart your weight loss, since it promises to help you lose five pounds plus an inch off your waist in

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

StatePoint

your first week of dieting. You’ll see results quickly, giving you motivation to keep going.

There’s no better time than now to start your weight loss journey and make your pledge to lose.

To learn more, visit www.Nutrisystem.com or the Nutrisystem Facebook page to #pledgetolose today.

Eat out, right: Eating out is sometimes

unavoidable. Just be sure to check out a restaurant’s nutrition information online before you go, so you can make wise choices.

Make substitutions like salad, with dressing on the side, instead of fries and don’t be afraid to ask if a menu item can be modified. Also, be mindful of portion sizes. Take half your meal home and enjoy it for tomorrow’s lunch.

Facing the scale: Weight fluctuates throughout the day. Weigh yourself at

the same time of day in similar weight clothing to get the most accurate readings.

Remember though, the number on the scale won’t always reflect your hard work. Focus instead on healthy, positive changes and how you feel.

Aim for 30: Squeeze 30 minutes of activity into your day. Walk during lunch,

jump rope during your favorite nightly TV show, or turn on music and dance around the house.

Remember, everyone falls off the wagon from time to time, but the New Year is the perfect time to commit to your weight loss goals.

Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

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From Donate Blood page 7

The Donation

p ra c t i c a l m o d e s t y, fa s h i o n , & t r u e s h ow yet o n beauty!

For every donor, a sterile, single-use needle is used and then discarded, eliminating the chance of contracting AIDS or any other disease by donating blood.

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After the Donation

You will be encouraged to drink fluids to help your body replace the fluid volume of the pint of blood you have donated. Most blood donation stations also will offer cookies or other snacks.

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Usually you can leave 10 minutes after checking out with a staff member.

From your preparation leading up to the donation to the actual process itself, the experience of giving blood is low stress and worth your effort.

It Can Help You Too

Giving blood is a selfless act that can literally save the lives of others. But it also can have major positive impacts on your own body.

Virginia Blood Services identifies the removal of excess iron as the primary benefit to your body. Too much iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body, can harm you if it is deposited in the liver, heart and pancreas.

Excess iron also has been linked to high blood pressure, especially in men who don’t donate blood. Donating blood can help regulate the amount of iron in your blood, making you healthier in the process of helping others.

Get a Health Screening

Donors identify another benefit associated with giving blood: getting a free health screening. Every time you donate, you essentially receive a thorough checkup of your resting heartbeat, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. A phlebotomist checks these vital statistics prior to you giving blood.

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The next step is the actual donation, which will begin with you relaxing on a bed and having your blood pressure taken. Next, the inside of your arm at the elbow will be cleaned, prepared, and engaged by a needle for the donation. You should only feel a slight pinch and will be monitored by a qualified phlebotomist to answer any questions you may have during the process.

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These mini physicals can catch certain illnesses in the early stages. Many blood centers test blood from donors for numerous diseases including HIV, West Nile Virus, Syphilis and Hepatitis.

Keeping tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can play a major role in preventing heart disease. Additionally, blood donors are 88 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack and 33 percent less likely to suffer any type of cardiovascular event, according to studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

One group of the population that most benefits from regularly giving blood is post-menopausal women. Pre-menopausal women lose iron through menstruation, cutting down on their risk for heart attacks. Once a woman goes through menopause her risk of heart attack increases, but donating blood can reduce that risk.

Giving blood also can help improve your blood flow, helping put less pressure on the lining of your blood vessels. The Loyola University Health System claims that this action can result in fewer arterial blockages and better overall heart health.

For more information or to make an appointment to give blood, visit www. vablood.org or call 800-989-4438.

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

January 23 Robinson Theater

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How to Guide

Classifieds

How to Find Your New Apartment

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Looking for the right apartment and need a little help? Apartment living has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and more people are looking to rent rather than own.

agencies or websites will charge you money to look at their listings.

People like the idea of renting over owning. Let’s face it; apartments are far more convenient than a house when it comes to repairs and maintenance.

As a renter, you don’t have to keep a bank account just for repairs. Simply call the landlord and they are financially responsible, taking the burden off of you. Another advantage is lower monthly bills. Many apartments can be rented with the water, garbage, and sewer bill paid by the landlord.

If you are in the market for a new place, think about your ideal apartment, and start the search.

Start Searching

Calculate your budget and what you can afford, then set your search to only include apartments in that price range.

Tell your friends and colleagues you are looking for a new place to live, and what you’re looking for in an apartment. They may know of an available apartment in their building or complex.

Search the Internet, your local newspaper, and local property management companies for apartment listings. Apartment search tools and real estate magazines can also be helpful. However, beware of paying large fees. Some

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Using a local realtor or property agency will usually give you legitimate landlords.

Property owners pay an agency to list and rent their apartments and tend to be more reliable than some you may find using other sources.

If you are doing business with an agency, always check with the Better Business Bureau and consumer complaints online.

The Inspection

You found the perfect apartment, right? At least on paper. But, when you see it in person, it isn’t at all what you expected. Or it may appear to be everything you imagined, until you move in and find all kinds of problems.

To protect yourself, make sure your initial inspection is thorough.

Arrive early so you can see the neighborhood. The surrounding area should be clean and safe.

Is there parking available? Even if you do not have a car, you may get one. Plus, you may want a parking space or area for visitors.

Also, verify that the apartment is not adjacent to noisy venues or major roads that will make lots of noise at night.

Look at the building, including the roof, walkways, and hallways. When you go inside the apartment, look to see if there is a clean carpet, updated appliances, good lighting and windows. Check the power, water pressure, and open and shut doors and cupboards to make sure they are all working properly.

Be aware of maintenance issues you find. Ask how the landlord cleans and preps the apartment between tenants.

Always look at security issues. Are the locks working? Do you need a key or access code to enter the building? Are there smoke detectors and do they work?

Consider the exterior of the building. Is the entryway near the mailboxes littered with mail, flyers, and newspapers?

Decide what type of apartment you want and can afford, search for it, and then make sure you inspect it thoroughly before signing a lease. Rental agencies and realtors can help you through the process, while addressing any concerns you may have.

Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | January 21, 2015

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