Texas Southern University Host Annual Health Fair

Students and staff of Texas Southern University attended its annual health fair today at its campus recreation center.

The mission of the  health fair was to provide healthy lifestyle information to students through a variety of services.

The services included HIV testing, blood pressure tests, and blood donating; and booths such as The American Cancer Society and Planned Parenthood were there.

Although the fair provided a variety of information for both men and women, it was geared toward men's health.

"The men's summit asked to partner with us," said hostess Janaye Robertson when explaining the reason for this.

A variety of companies came to inform people on numerous topics such as: alcohol usage, healthy food choices, helping those with disabilities, cosmetic treatments for cancer patients, organ donating, etc.

The Houston Lace Wellness Center was the company that provided cosmetic treatments for cancer patients.

The informant at the booth, Terri Tribble, explained that the company originally began to help women reclain a positive self image, and now is exclusively for cancer patients.

"[Some of the products] we feature are lace eyebrows, wigs, mastectomy bras, limphodema sleeves, and chemotherapy shirts, " said Tribble.

In addition to this, Tribble also said that Houston Lace provided cosmetic surgery and permanent makeup.

According to Tribble, the Houston Lace Wellness Center helps around twenty women annually.
Another organization called the Allendale Bone and Joint Clinic provides treatments for neck and nerve pain, stress on joints, and physical therapy.

 Dr. Hall, the chiropractic specialist said the clinic helps around 800-1,000 people annually.

At this booth, students had the opportunity to be screened for tension using a device called a thermograph; which takes a person's skin surface temperature.

 Another booth at the fair was the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission.

Nicole Shamlin, one of the informants at the booth stated the purpose of the company. "They regulate the alchol industry in the state of Texas, and we try to deter minors from drinking," said Shamlin.

The TABC regulates the alcohol industry by licensing bars.

In addition to the information they provided, they passed out free drawstring bags with notebooks and extra information inside.

Another company called Sunrider provided information on healthy eating and an herbal supplement called Live Foods.

The company had some of their products for sale as well as some tea that could be sampled.

This year's health fair provide infomation in a variety of areas such as: food, disease prevention and awareness, healthy bones, alcohol, etc.

This fair gave students the opportunity to recieve free infomation on health questions they may have had.

Harris County Attorney's Office Launches Hugs for Kids Program

By Omamoya Esiso

A stuffed animal can turn a small frown into a big smile on the face of a child that has been a victim of neglect.

Every year, thousands of children are reported victims of child neglect and abuse, and the Children's Protection Division of the Harris County Attorney's Office handles hundreds of these cases annually.

The ages of child neglect victims range from infancy to 17 years old, and the abuse is physical, sexual, or medical.

Susan Sciacca, Assistant County Attorney talks about the type of cases that are handled at the County Attorney's Office.

"Many of the cases include sex abuse, [and] a lot of times they coexist. But then we have neglect. It could be anything from physical neglect to medical neglect, where a child is not being taken to a psychiatrist for [their] mental health issues," she said.

Though the main goal of CPD is to keep children safe, their other goal is to bring some comfort to the children that are in these situations.

For this reason, investigator Larry Fox and administrative assistant Darlene Hadaway launched the H.U.G.S. for Kids program in 2009, in downtown Houston to comfort children facing difficult circumstances.

Darlene Hadaway, the administrative assistant of the Children's Protection Division said that the H.U.G.S. (Helping Us Grow Safely) for Kids Program began when Fox witnessed two children in court watch as their father went to trail in handcuffs.

"While this man, being in custody, is brought to court, there are two little children watching the entire scene, and Larry wanted something to give them. So he started keeping stuffed animals in his vehicle," she said.

 

"These kids are going through a lot in their lives, and this is just something to make them feel better and to hold onto whenever we come into contact with them," she said.

Hadaway said that investigators keep a large box of stuffed animals at their Murworth Office, where caseworkers often bring children.

Larry Fox said that that while the stuffed animals are primarily used for children involved in neglect cases, the stuffed animals are occcasionally used for other circumstances.

Fox said he was at an elementary school in the principal's office and saw a small child, about 5 or 6 years old crying.

He found out she was grieving over the death of her grandmother, so he recieved permission to allow the child to pick a stuffed animal out of his police car.

Fox said giving away stuffed animals has a small and positive impact on the children.

"It bridges a little gap," he said.

Fox also said that the children are under a high volume of distress, often due to them being removed from their homes, and may feel uncomfortable when they see armed police officers coming in to take them.

"Because they don't know [us], we want to show them that we have a soft side," said Fox.

The goal of the H.U.G.S. for Kids Program is to let children know that someone cares, and though it may not take away all of their pain or fear, it can bring a smile to their face.

Contributions of Three African Americans to Black Drama and Literature

Ossie Davis, Francis Gray Ward, and Val Gray Ward have written plays that have helped the world see the true identity of African American drama as well as African American culture.

Val Gray Ward grew up in the south during a time of segregation and a lot of racial conflict. Performing helped Ward get through these tough times and her plays have earned her over 21 Grammys and Emmys.

 Ward has given hundreds of inner city youth the chance to get involved in theater.

 Despite the numerous obatsacles that Blacks faced while trying to progress in this type of career, Ward maintained a successful career in the performing arts and will forever be known for this.

 The late Ossie Davis has worked as an actor, playwright, voice over, narrator, and a film director.

Davis has also created a number of works in movies, television shows, plays, and in history.

 He will be remembered by his talent, and the wide range of films and shows that he was apart of over the 7 decades of his career.

 Francis Ward is a journalist and has written for Black magazines, newspapers, and news stations.
 The magazines he's written for include Jet and Ebony, and the newspapers he's written for include The Chicago Sun Times. He has reported on the assasination of Martin Luther King Jr., and has written a tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks.

Conneticut Resident Caught in Times Square Bomb Plot

Thirty year old Faisal Shahzad was arrested and charged in a Times Square bomb plot in New York on Monday, May 3rd. He was headed to Dubai when he was taken off of the plane and into police custody. Shazad allegedly planned on bombing Times Square last Saturday, using a homemade gas and propane bomb, that was sitting inside his car. Surveillance cameras show him leaving a parked SUV, filled with explosives outside of Times Square. Somehow he was able to board a plane later on that day despite being on the 'No Fly List.' The Pakistani native was reportedly seen in the city of Karachi where five suspects had been detatined in connection to the bomb plot, according to Pakistani officials. The Pakistan's embassy in Washington along with the country's interior minister both agreed that they would help with the investigation.

Local Vegetarian Store Gives Residents a Healthier Alternative

Link to Sunshine Foods Website: http://www.sunshineckls.com/

Sunshine Foods, a small store located in Third Ward Houston, Texas really sticks out amongst the neighboring fast food restaurants. It's a vegetarian store and eatery that provides a wide variety of vegan dishes, herbs, and other all natural products. The store is co-owned by a woman named Arga V. Bourgois, and she explained one day that it was her grandfather's vision to open a health food store in the community. "My grandmother asked me before she passed why people suffer before they die," say Bourgeis. She went on to say that her grandfather did research to find the answer to that question and found out that it had to do with the types of food people consumed. She said that poor dieting is common in the Black community and as a result can cause a chemical imbalance, leading to health problems. The constant consumtion of fried foods, red meat, and many soul food dishes all have a factor in why there are many issues in the African American community. She also said that many Black babies are given cows milk instead of their mother's milk, and the body does not process cows milk the same way as it would human milk; which can cause a chemical imbalance. She said that her grandfather changed his diet and started eating more fruits and vegetables, natural foods, and began takng herbal supplements which can cleanse the body of toxins. He lost weight and also noticed a difference in the way he felt, and as a result decided to open a store that sold nothing but all natural foods and products, and herbal supplements. The store's eatery sells a variety of vegetarian foods such as, meatless burgers, salads, fruit smoothies, bean pies, and much more. Some of the products the store has are, neutralizer gel, shea butter, natural soaps, natural deorant, and many herbal supplements sucha as CKLS (colon, kidney, liver, spleen). The residents of Third Ward; whether vegetarian, into natural foods, or simply just want to switch to a healthier diet, have a store and eatery where they go.

Christian Rapper Flame's Goal: Preach Gospel Message to Lil' Wayne

Imagine rapper Lil' Wayne coming out of prison a year later preaching the gospel message to unbleievers or to the unsaved through word of mouth or through his music. Then imagine someone like you having something to do with it. (Assuming you are a Christian) Flame has a goal of reaching Lil Wayne with the gospel message by encouraging Christians all around the globe to write him letters while he is behind bars. He is using his facebook and twitter page as a tool to post messages and videos to friends, persuading them with verses from scriptures. "How tight would it be if many Christians flooded Weezy with mail while he's in jail? Pray 2 Cor. 4:3-4 will no longer be true of him and others," says Flame on one of his facebook messages. Flame would also like the opportunity to speak with Lil' Wayne in person while he is in prison, in hopes of changing his life. Flame has posted Lil' Wayne's mailing address to others on his twitter. To log onto Flame's twitter page, go to www.twitter.com/flame314.

The Benefits of Facebook

Facebook is a popular and growing social network that millions of people all around the world are using. Whether you're wanting to stay in touch with friends and family, promote a business, or just create your own webpage, facebook is the perfect tool.  With Facebook you have the option of posting personal info, photos, music, videos, stories, and messages. You can aslo instant chatt, join groups, play games/quizzes, and so much more!!! If you're looking for a relative, a friend, or someone from your past, there is good chance you can search for them and find them on facebook. " I like the fact that facebook lets you connect with people you haven't met in awhile and it let's you control your privacy settings, " says Sammi, a college student. Facebook does allow you to control your privacy settings by giving you the option of leaving it open to anyone, exlcuding it to people in your network, or excluding it to just friends. So if you're looking for another social outlet, or promotional tool for a business, facebook is geat online community to join.

Disadvantages of Processed Foods

Basic Info

Processed foods come with many advantages for the majority of people. Whether it's a microwaveable dinner, fast food, frozen, or canned, it serves a purpose for those on the go or don't want to cook. Despite the advantages of processed foods, when it comes to one's health the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages. Processed foods contain a number of artificial ingredients that can have long term negative effects on a person's health even though approved as safe and ineffective by the FDA. There are hundreds of artificial ingredients in foods but here are a few commonly used ingredients that are often casuse negative symtoms: msg, olestra, artificial colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, benzoate preservatives, brominated vegetable oil, and high fructose corn syrup.

Why They're Used

There are a number of reason why artificial ingredients are used in foods. Some of the reason are they are less espensive to use then their natural counterparts, they enhance the appearance, flavor, and texture of foods, they prolong the shelf life of foods, etc.

Negative Side Effects

The negative side effects include headaches, asthma, fatigue, increased cholesterol level,

increased risk for type 2 diabetes, hyperactivity, etc.

Is there an Alternative Option?

There is an alternative option and that option is eating organic or all natural foods.

Unlike their conventional counterparts, organic and all natural foods are made and grown without artificial ingrdients, preservatives, and without the spraying of pesticides. They are also said to be better for one's health. Organic foods come in microwaveable dinners, frozen food items, packaged items, and canned goods.The only thing that most people would say is a disadvantage to buying all natural foods their ofte high prices; however stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Kroger have their own line of organc products that are sold at affordable prices. Some may still argue that it's better to buy non organic food items in order to save money, but i say when it comes to good health and a longer live, those things matter more than saving money.

Tiny and Toya are back for Season 2!

The new reality show Tiny and Toya premiered last year and is back for a second season on B.E.T. The show follows the lives of Antonia "Toya" Carter, the ex-wife of rapper Lil Wayne and Taneka "Tiny" Cottle, rapper T.I.'s fiance.

Unlike most reality shows that are filled with never ending petty drama, this reality show is about two best friends who support each other through tough times. The only drama that is seen on this show invloves family issues; which is something that the average person can relate to. Overall these two women open up their lives to show people how they deal with family issues, while juggling being mothers, and trying to rebuild their careers. Tiny is trying to cope with the fact that her father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, while also preparing for her fiance T.I. to go to prison for a year and one day. Toya is struggling to help her mother who happens to be on drugs, while dealing the issue of an absentee father, and a brother who has decided to drop out of highschool. Throughout the show they help each other work through their problems and show each other that they care.

Despite they're issues they each have big goals they are working on. Tiny, who is a former member of the girl group, Xscape, has started to r&b girl groups. One is called Juice, and the other is called OMG, which includes her daughter Zonnique and Toya's daughter Reginae as members. Toya is working on a book about her life and had traveled all the way the Big Apple to start it. She is also interested in getting back into the dating scene and goes on a blind date later on the show. The season for the show ends with the two friends focusing on the positive experiences they've had throughout the show and stating what they've learned from both their positive and negative situations they've faced.

Cancer and Cell Phones

Today I am blogging about the usage of cell phones and how they are tied to many cancer cases. Researchers have said that constant exposure to cell phones will emit electromagnetic radiation which can cause brain cancer. Andrea Boland, a state representative of Maine said, " Users especially children and preganant women should keep this device away from the head and body." You're probably thinking, "How can cell phone usage be linked to cancer?" According to research from cancer.org, the antenna of a phone contains strong RF waves. As these waves travel out of the antenna and away from the phone, the strength of the waves decreases as they lose energy. When holding the phone up to your head while talking, your're at risk of exposure to RF waves; and your risk of exposure to RF waves increases, the closer the antenna is to your head. Despite all of the research that says about cell phones usage may cause cancer, scientists have still not proven that there is a direct link between the two. Nevertheless, companies such as The American Cancer Institute are saying that further experiments are needed before a conclusion is made on the issue. Until then, if you are having concerns about being exposed to rf waves while using a cell phone, there are things that can be done to lower your risks. You can use a bluetooth or other hands free devices, you can use a phone with a low SAR value, and you can limit your cell phone use.

The 50th Anniversary of Houston's First Sit In

Students at Texas Southern University recently attended a ceremony on Thursday March 4

honoring the members of Houston's first sit in. March 4 marks the historic date in which eight black students from Texas Southern University marched and sat in an all White diner on March 4, 1960 in an attempt to end segregation and Jim Crow laws in Houston. Those eight students marched from the camous of Texas Southern to an all White diners nearby on 4110 Almeda Rd titled Wine Gardens. At that restaurant, those eight students sat quietly for hours sitting at the counters hoping to be served but were ignored the entire time. After this first unsuccessful attempt to end segregation, the studenst led more and more sit ins at other all White places, and this sparked a number of sit ins by African Americans across the city of Houston. Today those students, now alumni are being recognized for the 50th Aniversary of this event.

Those eight members attended the commencement ceremony and sat in front of TSU students as Journalism Professor Serbino Walker gave a speech on the what the honorees did and why they are being recognized. This speech was then followed by Texas Southern University's jazz ensemble who performed the Black National Anthem. After the performance, the students watched a brief documentary on the eight honorees and the history of segregation in Houston and the nation. The eight honorees also gave their testimonies on their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. After the commencement ceremony was over, the students then led a march down to 4110 Almeda Rd where a post office now sits, singing the spiritual, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around." At the post office the students stood as Houston Mayor Annise Parker, TSU student Derek Hawkins, and Dean of Students Dr. James Ward, and some of the pioneers gave personal speeches on what the event meant to them. Afterward, the crowd gathered around to see the unveiling of the historic mark, that will be a reminder to anyone who passes, of what event happened on that street half a century ago.

The pioneers incuded the Rev. Earl Allen, John Bland, Deanna Lot Burrell, Holly HogoBrooks, Otis King, Rev. Bill Lawson, Haylcon Sadberry, and Eldreary Stearns.

The Upcoming Anniversary of Houston's First Sit In

I am looking forward to the march tomorrow. It will be a reminder of a historic event that happened in this city less than a century ago. It will be exciting to hear about the stories of what the people involved in the first sit in experienced that day. Hopefully this event will inspire people everywhere to always stand up for what is right despite the obstacles they may face. Tomorrow Professor Walker's online journalism students will be reporting and taking photos at this event and writing news stories on it. We plan to march all the way to the area where the first sit in took place, and watch the unveiling of the historic marker. I will be posting my blog about this story tommorrow.

New Techniques I've Learned in Online Journalism

In journalism we are learning to create html pages using html coding. As of now we are working on volcano websites and we are using a tutorial that gives step by step information on how to create it. We are also tweeting news leads on twitter, and are blogging about stories on this website. One valuable lesson I have learned while creating a webpage is that you must save your work properly or the material for your website will not load correctly. For example, when copying and pasting photos to your website, you must first save the images as a jpeg and each of the images under one folder titled "root folder." The same goes for adding videos and music; you must first save the files under the root folder. If you don't save your files under a root folder, your files will not only be scattered, but they won't appear on your website. Along with these lessons, I have also learned how to edit photos using Adobe Photoshop and I've learned how to create a website using Adobe Dreamweaver.