Urban Views Weekly 11-12-14

NOV. 12, 2014

November is National Diabetes Month

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 12, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

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THE DEAL

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

6 Must-Know Facts About Obamacare Open Enrollment

By Jason Alderman

Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to “family” members who did not know that you existed.

Make connections that can grow your business.

Make connections so you can refer others to someone that you just met.

Thursday, November 13, 2014 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

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U

Richmond, VA 23230

Free Continental Breakfast courtesy of Oyster’s Pearl

If you buy your own health insurance, add this important date to your yearend to-do list: November 15.

That’s the date open enrollment is available for individual healthcare plans offered through the Healthcare.gov site, your respective health insurance marketplace (https://www. healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/eligibility/) or independent agents in your community.

If you’re working for a company that provides your health insurance, chances are your open enrollment period has already begun. The SHOP insurance marketplace, open to small businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time employees, also begins taking online applications November 15.

continued on page 11

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VOL.7, ISSUE 46

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If you buy your own personal or family coverage, don’t wait until November 15 to start planning your 2015 coverage de- Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw cisions – do it now.

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Holiday Gift Ideas for the Health Conscious

NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 20

A

mericans have a lot on their minds during the holiday season, and the stress of ballooning budgets and crowded calendars can be enough to affect almost anyone’s wellbeing. With that in mind, why not use the holidays as an opportunity to give the most important gift of all?

That gift, of course, is health. Here are a few ways to make your health-conscious friend or family member smile from ear to ear.

The Gift of Fitness

Whether buying for a fitness buff or a beginner, options abound. Exercise balls, kettlebells, and resistance bands are inexpensive gifts that can help budding fitness gurus build their home gyms. If the DIY option isn’t right for the person you have in mind, try a prepaid gym membership, trainer session or package of yoga classes. Losing weight is the most popular New Year’s resolution, so spread the health.

Healthy Tech

Many health enthusiasts like to monitor their progress and chart their results. These days, there are a number of gadgets that can help keep track of your fitness and dietary goals. From wristbands that log daily activity to wireless heart monitors and interval timers, technology can supercharge any regimen.

Culinary Inspiration

Whether you’re shopping for a vegetarian, a Paleo enthusiast, or just someone looking to build a healthier kitchen, culinary gifts are always a sure bet. Healthy cookbooks and kitchenware will help them stick to their healthy habits, and you might even get a delicious meal in the bargain.

Charitable Donations

Donating to a health-promoting charity on another person’s behalf can be a great way to support his or her health-conscious cause. Giving Tuesday is December 2 – a nationwide event that marks the perfect time for such a gesture.

If you’re looking for a unique way to give back, check out Action for Healthy Kids, an organization that works to make schools healthier places for kids to learn. In its online gift catalog, you’ll find a host of charitable options, scaled to fit almost any budget. From a physical activity classroom kit to school breakfast for a child for the entire year (students who eat school breakfast score 17.5 percent higher on standardized math tests), Action for Healthy Kids provides an easy way to make an impact with healthy gifts.

“Everyone is looking for the perfect gift for kids this time of year, and it’s hard to beat the gift of a healthier life,” said Rob Bisceglie CEO of Action for Healthy Kids. “It’s estimated that onethird of U.S. kids are overweight or obese. That’s a statistic that needs to change.”

For more information, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org.

Staying healthy and fit is important year-round, so don’t hesitate to give your friends and family holiday gifts that will help enrich their mind, body, and soul. While other gifts might be used and discarded, yours will keep on giving.

BY PAULA VOGEL

DIRECTED BY TAWNYA PETTIFORD-WATES

Advertising with Urban Views Weekly Supports the Non-Profit of The Month Project.

Contact us today, call 804.441-6255. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 12, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

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Come & Play 2014

T

une your strings and oil your keys! The Richmond Symphony is inviting musicians of all ages and abilities to grab their instruments and play alongside the Richmond Symphony musicians for the 8th annual Come & Play. This annual concert at the Stuart C. Siegel Center has become a popular RVA tradition.

Want to play? Register online at www.richmondsymphony. com! Parts available for musicians of all levels. Registration is $10; T-shirts (optional and sold separately) are just $8. Verizon Wireless Arena, Stuart C. Siegel Center Virginia Commonwealth University Sunday, November 23 – concert begins at 6pm. Rehearsal is 2:30 – 5pm.

There is no cost to attend the Come & Play performance as an audience member!

from across Virginia and beyond. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to play alongside the city’s top classical musicians under the baton of Associate Conductor Keitaro Harada. This event is presented in support of music education in Richmond area schools.

Come & Play Repertoire includes:

GRIEG - In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Opus 46 STRAUSS, JR. - Thunder and Lightning Polka, Opus 324 VIGNIERI - An American Hymn

PIAZZOLLA arr. Keitaro Harada - Libertango

BRAHMS orch. Albert Parlow - Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G minor

Call “A.C.” today at (804) 398-1131

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and find out what we can do for your business.

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VIEWPOINTS

Postmortem: What happened?

By Dr. T

On

the day after the seismic shock that was the Republican tidal wave in this last midterm election, many people compared it to being hit by a bus. As they pulled themselves up from the pavement, the question was inevitably asked, “What happened?” To say “I never saw that coming!” would be disingenuous indeed as everyone could feel the bus roaring down the road whether through the copious number of polls taken, the lethargy of the voting public, or their disillusionment in the politics of the day. The fact is that only 1/3 of eligible voters actually showed up on Election Day. One third of the nation decided, by the power of their vote, what or who would be the contingency representing the entire nation at the “seat of power”, both nationally and locally. This is not democracy; this is un-American on its face. Letting go of the tired politics of fear and division is difficult to do, when playing with those particular tactics actually drives “certain” types of people to the polls to cast their vote while literally turning others away, or at the very least turning them off and effectively accomplishing the same thing.

Win or lose, both outcomes have consequences. Should one party tout their overwhelming victory as some kind of mandate from the public when only 1/3 of the public actually voted?

Should there be some type of reconsideration by the other party regarding the policies and agenda that unquestionably got them elected by a larger part of the electorate than those who participated in this last election? An electorate, it must be noted, that historically voted them into office twice without equivocation? Has anything really changed as we find ourselves looking forward to the continued recalcitrance in government? It is hard to believe that anything has really changed when the same rhetoric and proclamations of overturning the Affordable Health Care Act and threats of impeachment should the President move on his promise to DO Something on Immigration Reform continue to fill the airways & media outlets on a daily basis. The elected representatives the people send to Washington, or to the state houses throughout the nation, are supposed to be doing the people’s work. They are elected

to public service and yet it seems the battle lines of dogma, ego, and personal historic legacy continue to dominate their agendas and have very little to do with actually serving the people or the needs of the people who they are supposed to be representing. No wonder there is so much apathy within the voting population!

No matter how pathetic and inconsequential the “politics of the day” may seem to you or me, the consequences of this past election are real and will reverberate throughout this nation with irrevocable consequences on its PEOPLE for at least the next decade, if not beyond. Two steps forward…. three steps back. We cannot continue to go on this way. Folks better get off the side lines and get involved in the political process, or as a people we will never progress enough to actually become the nation we were intended to be.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. DrT@margins2thecenter.com

Artistic Director and Founder of The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.org and a Professor of Theatre at VCU Up Next Week: Why we MUST go back to move forward!

You’re invited Join Virginia Commonwealth University and the East Marshall Street Well Planning Committee for an open house and ceremony.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 5-7:30 p.m.; remarks at 5:30 p.m.

Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building Courtyard 1217 E. Marshall St. Richmond, Virginia 23298 Valet parking available

About the project The East Marshall Street Well Project is a community-focused effort to engage dialogue about human remains from the 19th century discovered near East Marshall Street.

EMSW.vcu.edu.

VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 12, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

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According to the American ing cause of vision loss am majority of these cases are the highest risk are unfort loss. The Alliance for Eye a study. The results showed Americans reported know extremely dangerous beca maintain healthy eyesight.

Managing Diabetes to Prevent Vision Loss

By Erika Winston

M

ore than 500,000 Virginia residents are currently diagnosed as diabetic, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In addition, another 300,000 individuals have no idea that they are walking around with undiagnosed diabetes. Though it’s a disease that attacks people of all ethnicities, diabetes is more prevalent among Hispanics and African Americans. The disease that your grandmother called “the sugar” remains a major health concern within the Black community. November is Diabetes Awareness Month and health care professionals are working to shed life on the disease that, left untreated, can take away an individual’s basic ability to see the world around them.

The Richmond metropolitan health district reports one of the highest levels of diabetic prevalence in the state. More than 12% of Richmond city residents are living with diagnosed diabetes.

The dangers of the disease are plentiful, especially without regular treatment and daily maintenance. Most diabetes patients manage the condition through diet and consistent monitoring of glucose levels. If they remain elevated, physicians may prescribe oral medications or insulin injections. While many diabetic patients are able to control the illness with these treatment methods, others experience serious complications related to the disease. One common, but lesser known condition, is sight loss.

6 Urban Views Weekly November 12, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

“It’s alarm abetes may their eyes Raj K. Matu the Americ ing good b is the best disease.”

Sabrina Si African Am living with lated vision Sabrina Simmons first diagno tational di pregnancy. The condition went away aft her son, but she was diagnosed again in 2 later, on January 18, 2012, she learned th veloped Diabetic Eye Retinopathy. After exam, she was referred to a retina specia the official diagnosis. “It was extremely explained, “because of my fear of the u condition advanced quickly and Simmon legally blind within a month of diagnosis Diabetes-related Eye Diseases

There are a number of diabetes-related that may lead to blindness if left untre lists the following three as the most com •

Diabetic Retinopathy affects more t 40. As described by the AAO, the co This prevents blood from reaching t diabetic retinopathy, but without tre of diabetic-related vision loss. Laser for diabetic retinopathy.

Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), diabetes is the leadmong adults age 20 - 64 in the United States. The vast e preventable, but the segments of the population with tunately the least aware about diabetes-related vision and Vision Research reportedly commissioned a recent that only 27 and 32 percent of Hispanics and African ledge about diabetic eye disease. This unawareness is ause these patients are not taking preventable steps to

ming that so many people with diabetes or at risk for diy be unaware of the damage their condition can do to and may not be getting exams to check for it,” stated uri, M.D., ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for can Academy of Ophthalmology. “Outside of maintainblood glucose levels, having an annual dilated eye exam t first line defense against vision loss from diabetic eye

immons is an merican woman h diabetes-ren loss. She was osed with gesiabetes during ter the birth of 2006. Six years hat she had der a routine eye alist who made y difficult,” she unknown.” The ns was declared s.

d eye diseases eated. The AAO mmon:

than 25 percent of diabetic individuals over the age of ondition develops when the eye’s blood vessels change. he retina. There are no symptoms in the early stages of eatment, it can lead to macular edema, a common cause r surgery and injections are commonly used treatments

•

•

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible eye loss. It occurs when the pressure builds up within the eye, damaging the optic nerve and diminishing peripheral vision. Glaucoma is common among people with diabetes because the disease prevents fluid within the eye from draining correctly, adding to the buildup of pressure. There usually aren’t any symptoms at the outset of the disease, making regular eye examinations vitally important for prevention.

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This leads to vision that is extremely blurry. Cataracts are commonly associated with aging, but many people are unaware that individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts. While mild cataracts are generally treated with prescription glasses, more serious cases may require surgery.

Protecting Your Vision

Regular eye examinations are important for everyone, but they are particularly vital for individuals with diabetes. The AAO recommends a dilated eye examination at the first diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, followed by yearly examinations. Additionally, individuals with type 1 diabetes are encouraged to get annual dilated eye examinations in the fifth year following an initial diagnosis. During a dilated eye exam, the doctor uses eye-drops to widen the pupils of your eye.

Then, a bright light is used to examine the back of the eye for any problems or issues.

Simmons encourages those with diabetes to get eye exams even more frequently. “If the doctor says every six months, do it every three months,” she said. “I was seeing an ophthalmologist regularly and it still happened to me.” She also talked about the importance of managing your condition. “You have to do it because you can die from the many different complications of the diabetes.”

For those who are unable to afford eye examinations, there are numerous resources available for assistance. EyeCare America, an AAO sponsored program, offers eye exams to eligible seniors at no out-of-pocket cost. To find more information, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

Vision USA is a program coordinated by the American Optometry Association Foundation It provides free eye exams to low-income workers and their families. For more information, call 1-800-7664466. The Virginia Department of Health also offers a number of resources regarding the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Simmons is living a happy and fulfilling life, despite her loss of vision. She continues to maintain her diabetes with oral medications and injections. Though four eye surgeries did not improve her eyesight, she remains positive about her future. “My faith helped me to overcome it. Get with a support group, around people in similar situations. Consider it a challenge of life and always push forward.”

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 12, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

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CIVIC BEAT

FUNdraising Good Times How to solicit a gift for a nonprofit It’s time to ask, but just exactly what do you say?

As the year comes to a close, nonprofits look to board members, volunteers and donors to ask their friends, family members and colleagues to consider making a meaningful gift. You may have the internal fortitude to overcome your fear of asking (read, fear of rejection), but what exactly do you say and do?

Make your own gift first. As a volunteer fundraiser, you need to make your own gift before you can ask someone else to give. If you’re not willing to give, why should anyone respond to your ask?

Consider sharing how much you gave and why. If you made a stretch in your giving, talk about what motivated you to do so.

Be prepared. As a solicitor, you will need to “make the case” for why others should join you in giving. This means knowing the nonprofit’s history, mission, successes, challenge areas, and projected

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growth. Brush up on your facts (check out the website!). You’ll want to be able to talk numbers and emotions. Depending on who you are talking with, you may be asked to explain allocation of current funds, costs associated with growth, and revenue streams. At the same time you have to talk passionately from a feeling place about what the organization means to you and those served.

Don’t hide behind email. If you’re asked to solicit a meaningful gift, do it in person. Make an appointment, and make the reason for your meeting clear. For example, “Jane, can you join me for coffee on Friday? It will be my treat. I want to talk with you about the food bank.” This allows your friend to begin thinking about how to respond. When it’s time for the meeting, get dressed up. This is a big deal. The money you raise makes a difference to the organization you represent. Mentally rehearse your conversation.

Remember to arrive early and, after initial conversation, make the ask. Do not let too much time lapse before you bring up the subject of giving.

Prepare for objections. Your passion isn’t an excuse for not knowing your facts. Make sure you are prepared to answer specific questions your colleagues may have. Put yourself in their shoes: what do you want to know before deciding whether or not to make a donation?

Ask for a specific amount. It’s okay to ask. In fact, that’s what fundraising is all about. Make sure you ask for a specific amount and then pause. Be quiet. Wait for the response. Don’t rush to fill the silence. Your answer will come.

If you want more details, download our free one page guide to soliciting gifts. http://bit.ly/ SolicitGift or read our book The Fundraiser’s Guide to Soliciting Gifts.

Copyright 2014 – 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.

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Quick, Easy Ways to add Warmth to Your Home Décor for Fall StatePoint

W

e all get bored from time to time and want to change things up. While it’s easy to add items to your wardrobe or try a new hairstyle, it may not always feel as easy to change the look and feel of your home.

You may not realize small, quick updates to your home can make a big impact -- and changing things seasonally can keep things fresh. With that in mind, here are a few ways to give your home a fall makeover without a complete overhaul.

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melt, which has a strong fragrance throw. For example, Yankee Candle’s new Scenterpiece collection of over 35 different fragrances is unlike conventional candles, as they are cool to the touch, making it easy to quickly swap the fragrance by lifting one cup out and dropping another one in -- no cooling, scraping, pouring or touching wax required.

Additionally, the brand offers a variety of more than 20 candle warmers that match every type of décor.

ing degree and at least 3-5 years of manufactuirng More information about how to warm up your Swap out Art experience. info@dompkg.com home with fragrance can be found at www.YankeeCandle.com.

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Seasonal décor on the outside of your home can lend the exterior festive tion? Think about using warm fall colors like reds and gold.

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From Obamacare Open Enrollment page 2 Here are six things you should know to get started:

1. Timing is tight. Last year’s health insurance enrollment process lasted six months. This year, it’s only three – November 15 to February 15. You may be able to enroll outside of those dates if you’re facing a major life change like a divorce, birth of a child, or marriage; otherwise, that’s your window.

2. Sticker shock is a possibility. Obamacare didn’t guarantee cheap healthcare coverage; it guaranteed available healthcare coverage. Keep in mind that if you bought health coverage last year, your insurer will automatically re-enroll you on December 15 for new coverage effective January 1. However, that’s no guarantee that your monthly premium will stay the same.

Some experts are predicting only modest increases (http://www.cnbc.com/ id/102055144#.), but depending on where you live, your premiums might go up or down. And if your 2013 carrier grandfathered your 2014 coverage, those changes may go well beyond price.

3. Your doctors and hospitals might change. Hospitals and physician practices scrutinize the state of the health insurance market very closely.

Their income depends on it. In 2013, some medical practices made news by dropping insurance plans altogether and accepting only cash or credit; others changed the insurance plans they would honor. Something to keep in mind: the best way to confirm that you’ll still have access to your favorite doctor and hospital choice is to pick up the phone. Your doctor’s website may list the particular insurance plans his or her practice may accept, but don’t expect the list to be current. Call your practitioner or their business office to confirm they’re sticking with your plan or any you’ve chosen to

use instead. You don’t want to be surprised with enormous out-of-network costs later.

4. Planning future health needs is important. If in the next year you’re planning to expand your family, undergo elective surgery, or other factors that could affect how you’ll use the healthcare system, query the plans about specialists, prescriptions, and other specific services before you sign up. It could save you thousands in potential out-of-pocket costs.

5. Coverage isn’t immediate. Depending on when you enroll during the open enrollment period, your actual coverage may not start until two to six weeks later. Check effective dates of coverage for every plan you’re evaluating to make sure the timing addresses your particular needs.

6. You can get help. Personal referrals from friends and fellow professionals to particular plans and agents are always a good way to start your enrollment search. There may also be nonprofit assistance within your community or state to help you evaluate individual plans. On the national level, nonprofit Enroll America runs a nationwide site (http://www.enrollamerica.org/resources/in-person-assistance/) with specific tools and resources for help in your search.

Start now to build a good toolbox full of online and personal resources to help you with your 2015 health insurance search.

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

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