The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a fraud, waste and abuse prevention program on Tuesday, Sept. 1 that will save the county money. It was developed by Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd.
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) At the urging of Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert E. Byrd, the Board of Supervisors today approved a money-saving policy that will make it easier to identify and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse and save valuable county funds.
“In addition to saving money that can then be directed to better serve the needs of our citizens, fraud, waste and abuse prevention programs are also a prerequisite for receiving the federal stimulus funds,” Byrd said.
“This policy updates existing standards of ethical conduct for all county employees to specifically address the issues of fraud, waste and abuse,” Byrd explained. “Ethical conduct of those in public service is of the utmost importance.”
“Fraud, waste and abuse is illegal, wasteful or improper activity involving county assets or resources,” Byrd explained. “It includes theft, deception, willful misrepresentation and extravagant, careless or needless spending or consumption of county resources, whether intentional or not.”
The program Byrd initiated aims to control instances of fraud, waste and abuse and other actions that detract from the efficiency and effectiveness of County operations by:
• Implementing ways to report anonymously and confidentially. At any time, including evenings, weekends and holidays, county employees, citizens and vendors can report known or suspected fraud, waste or abuse by calling a hotline at (800) 461-9330 or by going to www.CountyOfRiversideSpeakOut.com
• Creating a policy on ethical conduct to specifically address fraud, waste and abuse. County employees are now required to identify, report and work to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.
• Educating county employees about this new program.
One of the most important functions of the Auditor-Controller’s office is to audit all of Riverside County’s expenses at the end of each fiscal year. This includes compiling an annual report, which is released about six months later.
The Auditor-Controller’s office also verifies, processes and creates more than 1,000 warrants to vendors each day and processes and drafts more than 40,000 paychecks for county employees each month. It oversees the disbursement of more than $3 billion in tax money each year.
In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.
Byrd has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and the Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd is a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.
Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for the City of Riverside, and is a member of La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.
For details on the Riverside County Auditor-Controller's office call (951) 955-3800.
Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, who is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller staff and management teams are dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County. More information is available on the Web at http://www.auditorcontroller.org.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Riverside County To Save Money With Fraud, Waste & Abuse Prevention Program
Thursday, August 27, 2009
How To Run For Elected Office and Win
Corey Jackson and others who have a great deal of experience dealing with elected official have formed Citizens of the Inland Empire to help African-Americans who wish to serve their community through elected or appointed public office. To inform those interested in such offices, it is holding a candidate recruitment and development event on Tuesday, Sept. 15
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Anyone interested in running for elected office, but especially African-Americans, can learn more about the process at a networking event on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Citizens of the Inland Empire and the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Recruitment and Development Mixer at 6 p.m. at Castaways Restaurant & Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Drive.
“It’s a networking event to say ‘hey we need people to run for office,’ and to show them ways that we can help,” said Corey Jackson, chair of the Citizens of the Inland Empire.
“There are many ways people can serve their community through elected or appointed office,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “People may not know what that entails, so we want to help guide them through the process.”
Armstead explained that besides the most visible offices, such as the state Legislature and city councils, there are many other offices that make communities run smoothly, such as school boards, water boards and planning commissions. All of them give opportunities for African-Americans to have their voices heard when decisions are made.
At the event, organizers will show participants what offices for which they could run for election, and resources such as campaign strategy, fund raising and volunteers that would be available to them. They will also discuss ethical and legal obligations candidates face.
Since many commissions are held by citizens appointed to the office, rather than elected, the event will also address how to secure such appointments.
To RSVP, send an email to citizensoftheinlandempire@gmail.com.
Barbecue Raises Awareness and Money to Fight Deadly Lung Disease
Michelle Thompson (right) in 2007 with her little sister, Natalee Smith. Michelle died a year later from asthma. Her mother, Jennifer Smith, is holding a barbecue on Sept. 5 in Hesperia, in Michelle's memory, to raise money for the American Lung Association. She is also organizing a team to walk in the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Walk on Oct. 3 at Fontana Park.
(HESPERIA, Calif.) Michelle Thompson, then 16, died a year ago from asthma. Death from childhood asthma is rare, but Michelle’s mom wants to make it even more so.
“My daughter died a horrible death, and it could have been prevented,” said mom Jennifer Smith. “My hope is that no more children will die the way she did.”
One of the ways Jennifer Smith has worked through her grief is by volunteering with the American Lung Association in California’s Inland Empire chapter. As the organization prepares for its Healthy Air Walk, its largest fundraiser of the year, Smith is organizing a team to walk in Michelle’s memory.
The team, which so far consists of Smith and four other High Desert-area volunteers, is hosting a barbecue Saturday, Sept. 5 at Albertson’s grocery store, 16840 Main Street, Hesperia. It lasts from 11 a.m. until food is no longer available.
The team hopes to raise $1,600, a goal Smith chose because of her daughter’s age when she died.
Along with others from the Inland Empire, the team from Hesperia will participate in the Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Fontana Park, 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana. Healthy Air Walks are held throughout California to raise money for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease, including asthma.
Smith volunteers with the American Lung Association in California’s Inland Empire chapter because it proved to be a valuable source of information about asthma.
“Before Michelle died, I didn’t realize people could die from asthma,” said Smith. “I had a lot of questions, and was seeking a place to find answers. The American Lung Association was that place.”
Now that she knows more about asthma, Smith is working with the American Lung Association in two other areas as well. One of her goals is educating the public about asthma, from families where a member suffers from this chronic disease, to health care providers, school workers and others one might rely on during an asthma attack.
Her other goal is working with the American Lung Association in California to help California’s Legislature create a comprehensive plan for dealing with asthma. The current plan varies from county to county, Smith noted, and two hospitals or schools within a county often take different approaches. The American Lung Association in California’s website calls these approaches “piecemeal at best.”
“Asthma can be deadly,” Smith said. “But it’s a death that is preventable.”
The American Lung Association was established in 1904 and was instrumental in its first 52 years in nearly eradicating tuberculosis. In 1956, it expanded its mission to fight all forms of lung disease. In its last five decades, it has also strived to reduce tobacco use and air pollution, both of which are serious threats to lung health.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Zambian Ambassador to Visit Inland Empire
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.
Dr. Lewanika will be on ‘Empire Talks Back’ radio show, and Meet with Business, Church, and Government Leaders
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America, will visit the Inland Empire between September 4 and September 11, 2009 prior to returning to her post in Washington, D.C. This is the Ambassador’s second visit to the Inland area, and she plans a very full agenda while she is here.
The public is invited to have ‘Breakfast With Her Excellency’ on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the T. Hughes Building, located at 1777 Baseline, in San Bernardino, CA 92411. For more information, call (909) 648-4605. To RSVP, send e-mail to ZAMBIAFRIENDS@gmail.com.
Later that afternoon, also on Saturday, September 5, 2009 Ambassador Lewanika will be the honored guest on the Empire Talks Back radio show, hosted by Westside Story publisher Wallace Allen, at 1 p.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, or on WebTV at kcaaradio.com.
The Ambassador will also be the featured speaker at two churches on Sunday, September 6, 2009. At 9:30 a.m. the congregation of Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Raymond Turner will welcome her to their morning service, located at 1583 W. Union Street in San Bernardino, CA 92411, (909) 888-2038.
Ambassador Lewanika will then travel to Ecclesia Christian Fellowship to speak at 11:00 a.m., hosted by Pastor Joshua Beckley, at 1314 Date Street in San Bernardino, CA 92404, (909) 881-5551.
On Tuesday, September 8, she will meet with the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches during their regular weekly meeting at 10:30 a.m. She will also make a 3:00 p.m. stop at the San Bernardino City Hall Council Chambers where she will be welcomed by the Mayor and Common Council.
The next day, on Wednesday, September 9, the Ambassador will take a one day trip to Sacramento to meet with Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, of District 62.
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.
The reception is open to the public, as well as educators, professionals, business owners, and chamber members, in order to meet and greet the Ambassador and learn how to expand business opportunities between the Inland Empire and the nation of Zambia.
Reservations are required. To be included call Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017 or sign up at evite: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW
Sponsors include the Westside Story Newspaper, the Improve Business and Community Development Association, The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, Edison International, The Gas Company and Dameron Communications. The Castaway Restaurant is located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, CA 92407, (909) 881-1502.
In addition to serving as a statesperson, Ambassador Lewanika encourages cultural, educational, and commercial exchanges between Zambia and the U.S. and partnerships between African American institutions and those in her country.
A graduate of New York University where she earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood and Primary Education, she was one of the International Youth Foundation’s founding board members, and serves as the Chairperson of YAPYA: Youth Investment Trust of Zambia, and on the board of the directors of the ImagiNations Group. Her primary commitment is to youth and children, and she has worked with UNICEF in key leadership roles across Africa.
A world traveler and accomplished linguist, Ambassador Lewanika speaks eight languages and has lived in five countries. Prior to serving as the Zambian ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Lewanika was Ambassador and Special Envoy for the Zambian President during his term as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union); and she served as a member of the Zambian Parliament from 1991 to 2001.
To find out more about the Ambassador’s itinerary during her California visit to the Inland Empire, contact Helen Harris at (909) 763-2101, or e-mail her at calledtoleadership@msn.com.
Quick Facts About Zambia
Capital - Lusaka
Government - Republic
Currency - Zambian kwacha (ZMK)
Area total: 752,614 km2
water: 11,890 km2
land: 740,724 km2
Population - 11,668,000 (2005 est.)
Language - English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Religion - Christian (+75%), Muslim and Hindu (24% or less), indigenous beliefs (1%)
Calling Code +260
Country Background
Like in many other African countries, ethnic diversity is a striking feature in Zambia. The relatively small population of just over 11 million people comprises of over 70 different languages, also referred to as tribes. Almost all share the same historical origin of belonging to the Bantu-speaking group. The Bantu-speaking group has over 500 languages spoken in central, eastern, and southern Africa.
Scholars estimate that the number of distinctive native languages spoken in Africa totals at least 2,000 - more languages than are spoken on any other continent. Among these 2,000 languages only about 50 have 500,000 or more speakers. In Zambia the major ones include Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc)
Zambian Weather and Climate
Zambia 101 (Basics) - Major travel and tour destinations
Zambia offers travelers some of the world's best safari opportunities, a glimpse into the “real Africa,” and Victoria Falls, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Much of Zambia remains poor, with GNP per capita on the order of $400 a year US, and the bulk of Zambia's population lives on subsistence agriculture. The economy continues to revolve around copper, but after decades of issues the industry is now doing better thanks to higher commodity prices and investments made after privatization. Another recent success story has been tourism, with the misfortunes of its neighbor Zimbabwe driving tourists to the northern side of the Victoria Falls and Zambia's safaris.
For more on the history of Zambia go to: http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/hisgeopeop/history.htm
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Riverside County Auditor-Controller Seeks Re-Election
Robert Byrd is seeking re-election for a third term as Riverside County Auditor-Controller. He will kick of his campaign 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Riverside Marriott Hotel.
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) As Auditor-Controller, Robert E. Byrd has paid Riverside County’s bills, audited the books and kept the county in the black for the last eight years.
With economic challenges like foreclosures, double-digit unemployment and lagging retail sales making that increasingly challenging, Byrd doesn’t see 2010 as a time to change course. He’s therefore running for a third term.
He will formally announce his candidacy at a reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Riverside Marriott Hotel, 3400 Market St., Riverside.
“My re-election is critical for the citizens of Riverside County,” Byrd said. “I have the experience to understand, integrity to do the right thing and vision needed to help us through this unprecedented fiscal crisis we are in. And I have identified opportunities to enhance the efficiency of this county.”
In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. In so doing, he was the California’s first African American elected to that office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.
Byrd revolutionized the office of the county’s Auditor-Controller by restructuring it to provide optimum customer service while improving the quality and flow of information to the county’s management. He adds, “We refocused Riverside County’s audit function to not only serve its regulatory mandates, but also to facilitate more efficient and effective county operations, thus bringing fresh standards to the county’s processes and county cost savings.”
Byrd has improved service provided by the Auditor-Controller’s Office. Some of the ways he has done this are:
• Assisting parents who receive child support by collecting garnishments through the state’s automated system. This allows more efficient payments to the parents who receive support.
• Providing Property Tax Division reports through the Auditor-Controller’s website, www.auditorcontroller.org
• Developing a new property tax system through a partnership between the Office of the Auditor-Controller, Office of the Tax-Treasurer, and Office of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder.
• Providing county employees immediate access to their W-2s and paycheck stubs via an electronic system
• Publishing County of Riverside Financial Highlights, an easy to read report summarizing the contents of County of Riverside Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2007-08.
The comprehensive report, 180 pages in length, contains detailed financial information, including financial statements, disclosure notes, supplemental schedules and statistical tables. The Highlights document, illustrated with colorful graphs and charts, shows how Riverside County spent money in the 2007-08 fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), including construction projects started that year.
• Establishing an Information Technology Division in the Auditor-Controller’s Office to keep the Office’s technology operating efficiently, so as to better provide information to all who are interested.
Byrd’s goals for the next four years include:
• Developing a method to pay vendors electronically, which will improve efficiency and internal control.
• Making additional improvement to the new property tax system, so the Office of the Auditor-Controller can efficiently track receipt and distribution of property tax revenue.
• Establishing a program that employees of county departments receiving audits will use to communicate electronically to the Office of the Auditor-Controller how they are resolving issues discovered during the audit.
• Establishing a method for county employees to sign up online for direct deposit, or to make changes to their records via online technology.
• Assisting and training Riverside County in better internal control and risk assessment methods.
• Continuing to offer management development programs to county employees.
Byrd sees his professional contributions as going beyond what’s expected of his office. He has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd has been a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and members of the Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.
Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for Riverside and performs as Finance Chairperson for La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.
Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, who is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller’s office is dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing, and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County.
To RSVP for the reception or for more information, call Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
American Lung Association in California Announces 2009 Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk
Save the Date! Saturday, October 3, 2009, Fontana Park, Fontana
(San Bernardino, CALIF.) – The American Lung Association in California holds its annual Healthy Air Walk – Inland Empire on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The 3-mile fundraising walk begins and ends at Fontana Park in the City of Fontana.
Registration begins at 8:00 am and the Walk begins at 9:15 am. Concerned citizens from all over the Inland Empire will come together to raise money and awareness for this Healthy Air movement so we can all breathe easier.
Held in communities across the state, the Walks bring people together whose sole purpose is to raise funds for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease.
- Greater LA: Saturday, October 3, Downtown Burbank
- Orange County: Sunday, October 4, UCI, Aldrich Park
Californians breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation. Ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) cause 6,100 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases; 1,500 hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease; and 210,000 cases of asthma and lower-respiratory symptoms. An estimated 20,000 premature deaths each year in California are linked to particle pollution.
Air pollution is costly both in lives and dollars, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in associated hospital and medical expenses as well as 1.4 million lost workdays each year in California.
The American Lung Association in California actively works to reduce harmful air pollution and protect lung health, successfully fighting for landmark legislation in 2006 which set the nation’s first statewide cap on global warming pollution.
Despite strong opposition by the construction industry, the Association helped secure new regulations for off-road diesel equipment that will result in a 75-percent reduction in health-damaging diesel soot from off-road diesel engines by 2020.
Additionally, the Association has helped secure a number of laws to reduce car and truck emissions and our dependence on petroleum, and has fought for health-based air pollution standards that protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
To protect people from indoor air pollution, the Association helped secure legislation banning indoor “air cleaners” that actually emit ozone air pollution. We fund a number of lung disease studies each year, including research that establishes a clear connection between air pollution and lung disease.
The Healthy Air Walk – Inland Empire is sponsored by the City of Fontana, Healthy Fontana, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Omnitrans, Hilton Garden Inn - Fontana, BrightSource Energy, STIHL, Molina Healthcare and by media sponsors Dameron Communications, KABC7, KGGI 99.1, Radio Disney, Charter Communications, Century Group Newspapers, and Inland Empire Weekly.
About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.
Contact: Jim Arnold, jarnold@alac.org or 213 384 5864.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia
Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia.
This event is free.
The Event is hosted by The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, Wallace Allen, Publisher of the WestSide Story Newspaper, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications.
Find out about Economic Opportunities in Zambia. Ask about current events and meet with your family and friends.
For more information call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 888-0017.
You must have a reservation to attend. Make your reservation at:
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Missing Son Diego Arteaga Found
(Pahrump, Nevada) Diego Arteaga 19, has been found. He was reunited with his parents Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga tonight at about 10:45 p.m. at a McDonald's restaurant in Pahrump, Nevada.
Diego, son of prominent San Bernardino physician Albert and Maria Arteaga, had been missing since Monday August 10th when he was last seen leaving Amargosa Valley on foot about 60 miles north of Pahrump, Nevada.
“We are so happy to have found our son safe after two days of worry,” said Maria Arteaga.
“We are so grateful for the many people who called in tips to us and to the wonderful people of Pahrump who listed to our story and helped us find our lost son,” said Albert.
The Arteagas offer special thanks to Deputy Robert with the Nye County Sheriff's Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who did so much to help find their son.
For more information call:
Carl Dameron
at (909) 534-9500 - Cell
(909) 888-0017 - office
carl@DameronCommunications.com
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wellness Conference Gives Tips For Staying Healthy
Mai Brooks, who runs Jump Rope Boot Camp in Inglewood as part of her family’s business, demonstrates proper jump roping technique in a workshop at the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference.
The Rev. Bronica Martindale leads Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference participants in a dance routine that simulates planting, sowing and harvesting healthy fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Romeo Brooks, one of the main speakers for the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, tells guests more about how to eat well at the booth for Roots Nutrition, a business he and wife Mai own in Inglewood. 
Phyllis Clark, dressed in a svelte evening gown to show how the principles of healthy living have helped her, welcomes guests to the Fifth Annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference.
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) A conference jam-packed with advice for staying healthy took place Saturday, Aug. 1 at California Baptist University.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference especially targeted African-Americans, but the advice presented works for all races. It is, first of all, to avoid stressing out about things. Secondarily, it is to make healthy lifestyle choices – that means eating well, exercising and avoiding tobacco.
Keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Tanyi, a certified preventive health care specialist in Loma Linda, shared the effects of stress on one’s body.
“Stress is the number one killer,” she said. “The human body works best when there is a balance in the mind, body and spirit.”
Dr. Tanyi defines stress as what an individual perceives as above or beyond their ability to cope. She also defines two types of stress – acute stress lasting from a moment to no more than two weeks, and chronic stress, which lasts more than two weeks.
Stress doesn’t have to reach chronic stages, she says.
“Depending on what we choose to believe, we can override our emotions,” she said. “We can have control over our heart rate and our blood pressure.”
For instance, if someone receives a traffic ticket, it will most likely be stressful at the time, she said. But, a person can then continue to worry about it, or say “It’s OK, I can go to traffic school, this will all work out.”
Physiologically, what often happens in an acutely stressful incidence such as the traffic ticket is an adrenalin rush, which in turn causes a person’s heart rate and respiration to increase. The adrenalin also sends a signal to one’s pituitary gland, which in turn sends a signal throughout the body to release hormones, which causes an adverse reaction to the body’s immune system.
“If you choose to get over it, the adrenalin will go away,” she said. “But if you keep worrying, your immune system is now suppressed. The immune system is supposed to ward off disease, but if it is suppressed, we become susceptible to all kinds of chronic diseases. The list is endless.”
Besides worrying, along with feelings of anger or jealousy, other causes of chronic stress are poor diets, physical inactivity and lack of sleep. Illnesses it can lead to include depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.
Dr. Tanyi also shared some tips for managing stress, such as taking control of situations, obtaining knowledge about situations and focusing on your strengths, rather than weaknesses. She also advocates creating “good stress” through positive thoughts and enjoyable activities.
Another important way of reducing stress, according to Dr. Tanyi, is to forgive people who have offended you.
“A lack of forgiveness causes you stress, which can cause cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” she said. “It’s about you. The people who have hurt you have moved on, they aren’t there anymore. So for you to move on, you have to forgive.”
The second speaker, Dr. Romeo Brooks, focused on reducing stress through a positive attitude. He calls this “languaging your life.”
Dr. Brooks began his presentation by asking the audience to stand up, jump up and down and wave their arms around. He then noted that the participants had willed their body into this exercise, and likewise could will their bodies into many other healthy lifestyle choices.
“The words we speak are symbolic of how we think and feel,” he said. “Life is ours to experience as we say it is.”
Dr. Brooks used the analogy of a hurdler racing around a track.
“He doesn’t say ‘who put this hurdle in my way, I’m trying to accomplish something. He jumps over it. We all have adversities we have to jump over. Life without conflict is impossible, but if you say conflict is here to make you a better person, it will.
Dr. Brooks also encourages people to live life with purpose and goals.
“You have to say this is what I want, this is where I am going, this is what I am going to do to get there,” he said. “When you live your life without a purpose, it’s listless. It’s lifeless. We need life in our body. We don’t need toxins and chemotherapy. You cannot poison the body into health. You have to deliberately start changing your language.”
In the afternoon sessions of the conference, participants were able to choose two of four workshops to attend. These included exercise demonstrations and sessions on financial health, nutrition and preventing child abuse/teen violence.
A panel of fitness experts hosted the workshop on exercise. They were:
• The Rev. Bronica Martindale of San Bernardino, who leads children’s ministries and a health ministry at The Masters’ Plan Nazarene Church. She guided the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference participants through an interpretive dance that symbolized gathering, sowing and harvesting healthy fruits and vegetables.
• Breanne Houston, owner of Stroller Strides in Riverside. With the help of several female audience volunteers ranging from a college student to grandmothers, she demonstrated a cardio workout that she normally offers to pregnant and new mothers who perform these exercises while pushing pregnancy weight or baby jogging strollers through three Riverside-area parks.
• Mai Brooks (wife of Dr. Romeo Brooks), who runs the Extreme Jump Rope Boot Camp as part of the couple’s business, Roots Nutrition in Inglewood. With the help of male and female audience volunteers, she demonstrated how jumping rope is one of the best exercises for the cardiovascular system.
The other speakers were Gwendolyn Moore, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant in Riverside (nutrition); Deborah Monroe-Heaps of the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (child abuse/teen violence prevention) and Denice A. Young, CPA and owner of Brighter DAY Enterprises in Torrance (financial health.)
The Healthy Heritage Movement (www.healthyheritagemovement.com) mission is to eliminate health disparities in the Black community by providing cultural relevant resources, peer navigation, and advocacy training,” said conference founder and organizer Phyllis Clark. This was the fifth year she put on this conference.
Besides hearing the speakers and workshops, participants were able to obtain information from local health care providers, and receive basic health screenings and referrals for other free or low-cost preventive health care services.
Sponsors include The American Cancer Society, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), The Purpose Center International Ministries, City of Hope, the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Inland Agency, Abbott Vascular, and Dameron Communications.
For more information about sponsoring or participating in the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference in 2010, go to www.healthyheritagemovement.com or email Phyllis Clark at hhwcmovement@yahoo.com, or call her at (951) 288-4375.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
IE African-American Chamber Launches Business Friendly Website
Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce, addresses a crowd attending a recent reception sponsored by the Chamber for new San Bernardino City Manager Charles McNeely. Helping minority Inland Empire business owners to work with their government leaders is one goal of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce; another is to help them do business with each other.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce has created a new website that makes it easier to find and support African-American owned businesses.
The new website, www.IEAfricanAmericanChamber.com
As businesses upload their information, it creates a directory of business services that consumers can use when seeking a business with a particular specialty, such as dry cleaning, advertising, engineering or computer consultants.
“It is a way for minority business owners to make contact with new customers or other resources,” said Carl Dameron president of the Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce. “If you are not a member, you will be able to upload very basic information. If you are a member you will be able to upload complete information.”
New members can join the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce through this website. The website also will soon contain listings of upcoming events, such as conferences, concerts and activities of interest to the African-American community.
About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community. For more information, call (909) 888-0017.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
The EDA will not be removing residents from their homes
Dear Editor: Please understand that the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency (“EDA”) will not be removing residents from their homes in the area commonly referred to as 19th and Sunrise based on the actions recently taken by the Community Development Commission (“CDC”). The actions of the CDC on Monday, July 20, 2009, to approve an agreement with Mary Erickson Community Housing, a non-profit corporation, are focused on utilizing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (“NSP”) funds that are presently available from the federal government. The NSP funds can only be used for the acquisition of foreclosed properties directly from lenders who have completed the entire foreclosure process on a property. If a property is presently in foreclosure or if the owner is delinquent in making mortgage payments to the lender, the NSP funds cannot be used to acquire those housing units. Our experiences have shown that virtually each of the properties on the foreclosed list within the City and which are thereby eligible for use of the NSP funds are vacant and typically in need of substantial rehabilitation. Utilizing the NSP funds, the EDA through its non-profit partners is attempting to provide benefits to the various communities where there are a significant numbers of foreclosed properties that are continuing to deteriorate and cause further blighting effects on adjacent properties. The use of these grant funds will allow the EDA and its non-profit partners to fix-up and rehabilitate these run-down properties and to provide better screening of tenants to assure that good citizens become our neighbors. The other source of funds for acquisition of housing units in the 19th and Sunrise area is the EDA’s low and moderate-income housing fund. As housing units become available on the open market for sale at the option of each property owner, the EDA does intend either directly or through its non-profit partners to acquire these properties as well. The NSP funds cannot be used for this purpose. We recognize that there are some responsible property owners in the 19th and Sunrise area who should be considered role models for all landlords. After hearing the numerous complaints by residents at the July 20, 2009, CDC meeting, it appears obvious that those “slum landlords” who continue to acquire and resell the 4-plexes in the 19th and Sunrise area do not maintain the properties to acceptable standards but merely collect rents and fail to make any repairs or improvements to their properties. It is the goal of the EDA to break this cycle of “slum landlords” who seek a quick and easy profit at the expense of the residents and impact other City services. The EDA is attempting to provide for responsible ownership and professional management of 4-plexes in the 19th and Sunrise area. The goal of the EDA is to address issues with the blighted and foreclosed properties and convert them into a combination of quality affordable apartments, senior housing and single-family homes. Residents will have additional resources through responsible owners to create a safe neighborhood. As the redevelopment of this area progresses, the residents will have an opportunity that does not currently exist to rent the repaired and upgraded apartments as they become available. As was stated at the July 20, 2009, CDC meeting by several speakers, doing nothing is not an option. If the EDA does nothing, then the speculators and slum-lords will purchase the 4-plexes once again and repeat the same cycle that has occurred several times over the past 20 years. There are many steps that need to be taken before the entire project is complete. Whatever degree of accomplishments we achieve in the future will provide better living conditions than what is currently found in the 19th and Sunrise area today. If you have any questions please call the EDA representative for this project Samuel Hughes at (909) 963-5020. Sincerely, Carey K. Jenkins Director of Housing and Community Development
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Time for Back-To-School Immunizations
Keep your children happy and healthy by making sure they’re up-to-date on their childhood immunizations. With many Inland Empire schools beginning a new year in August, it’s not too soon to make an appointment. LaSalle Medical Associates offers low-cost immunizations and also accepts most insurance. Photo courtsey of Carl Dameron.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Whether your child is starting kindergarten or a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should, for many students, be an important part of the back-to-school preparations.
And with many schools starting in August, it’s not too soon to make that appointment.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to September, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”
There are four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director for LaSalle Medical Associates. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.
“Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for DTap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox), she said.
If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations for the above diseases are needed. However, they should have also received vaccinations for these and several other diseases prior to age 2, and as kindergarteners may need several doses of immunizations if not “caught up.”
When children turn 11, they can and should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, Dr. Emoto said. The Center for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive a tetanus (Tdap) booster, she noted.
Parents can schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they can also can be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.
“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” she said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, they should be vaccinated now.”
Girls age 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 can receive the vaccine against the human papiolloma (HPV) virus. While giving this vaccine to girls in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.
“The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a girl receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before her first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective.”
One vaccination not available during the back-to-school season is the flu shot. These are given in fall, when the vaccine is available from manufacturers.
“We depend on when the vaccine is shipped,” Emoto said. “We may have flu vaccines in September this year, but in past years it wasn’t until October that we received the vaccine. Once we receive it, we encourage all children six months to 18 years to receive an annual flu vaccine.”
Children younger than 8 who are being immunized against flu for the first time receive a two-part vaccine, she said. The second dose is given four to six weeks after the first.
“Healthy children 2 years of age and older also have the option of receiving the vaccination as a nasal spray instead of as an injection,” Emoto said. “The nasal spray is just as effective.”
As it stands now, the flu vaccines that will be given in 2009 won’t protect against the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu. But that could change by the time traditional flu season arrives.
Emoto noted that several manufacturers are working to develop an H1N1 vaccine, When vaccines are available, she said, LaSalle Medical Associates will rely on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control as to who should receive that immunization and when.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For more information or to make an appointment call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ride Praise Party Bus to Stop Cancer
Dr. Gerald T. Hightower, senior pastor of Purpose Center International Ministries in Perris, is passionate about cancer prevention. He is shown here emceeing the 2008 Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, a job he will have again when the conference returns to California Baptist University on Aug. 1. This year, Purpose Center International Ministries is also sponsoring a “Praise Party Bus” to take Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference participants to the Chino Relay for Life, where they can enroll in a long-term study conducted by the American Cancer Society, to find ways of preventing cancer. Photo by Chris Sloan
(CHINO Calif.) Immediately following the fifth annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference in Riverside, participants can join sponsor Purpose Center International Ministries on their next step to good health.
After the conference ends, Purpose Center International Ministries will provide round trip transportation by the Praise Party Bus to the Chino Relay for Life at Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave. Chino. At this event, conference participants have an opportunity to enroll in the American Cancer Society’s CPS-3 (Cancer Prevention Study #3).
To reserve a seat on the Praise Party Bus, call (951) 300-1223. Music and free refreshments will be provided.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, which helps African-Americans and others develop strategies for healthier living, takes place at California Baptist University, from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. The bus leaves the California Baptist University parking lot for Chino at 5 p.m. and returns to Riverside at approximately 8 p.m.
For Dr. Gerald T. Hightower, senior pastor of Purpose Center International Ministries, preventing cancer is personal. His mom is a cancer survivor.
“My mom had a very serious bout with cancer two years ago, and required a mastectomy,” he said. “Fortunately, after her mastectomy and a lot of prayer, she recovered and is healed! Cancer prevention is my passion now, and that’s why I want to encourage all the pastors to have their congregations come and participate in the CPS -3 Enrollment Event at the Chino Relay for Life.”
“CPS-3 is a research study to help bring about a cancer-free tomorrow,” said Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference founder and organizer Phyllis Clark. “The American Cancer Society needs more African-Americans to participate. The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference and Purpose Center International Ministries, both of which serve primarily African-Americans, are supporting by recruiting participants and providing transportation.”
Since otherwise willing participants can enroll immediately following the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, by providing transportation, it takes away the excuses conference participants might have of not having transportation outside the area served by Riverside County’s bus service, or not wanting to drive their own cars to and from a city more than 20 miles away.
“The Chino Relay for Life is the only opportunity in our area for people to enroll in this study. It is really important for African-Americans to enroll, so I don’t want them to use transportation as an excuse,” Clark said. “If African-Americans cannot participate, we cannot study the links between their lifestyle and cancer. I encourage all the community leaders and pastors to reach out and challenge African-Americans to join in this study and save lives.”
For CPS-3, the American Cancer Society seeks 500,000 adults from the United States and Puerto Rico. They should be between 30 and 65 years old, and have never been diagnosed with cancer. They also must be willing to make a long-term commitment, as participation requires follow-up studies every few years for the next 10 to 20 years.
At the Chino Relay for Life, they will read and sign a consent form, complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement and a small blood sample drawn by a certified phlebotomist. In about four weeks, they will receive an in-depth survey in the mail. Upon completion and return of this survey, Clark said, they are officially enrolled in the CPS-3 study, and should expect to receive more in-depth surveys over the years.
The American Cancer Society has conducted two previous cancer prevention studies, the first in 1950.
“These studies have played a major role in cancer prevention and legislation since then,” Clark said. “The first study showed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. This prompted the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning on cigarette package. These studies also showed a link between obesity and cancer, which has helped us develop prevention strategies.”
Relays for Life are events the American Cancer Society holds throughout the nation to raise money for cancer research. Teams of eight to 15 members participate by raising a minimum of $10 per team member in donations, then run or walk laps on a track throughout the 24-hour duration of the Relay for Life event.
While the American Cancer Society holds relays in hundreds of other cities throughout each year, only a few of them include an opportunity to enroll in the CPS-3 study. The only other opportunity to register in the Inland Empire was at a relay that took place in April in Yucca Valley.
For more information about the CPS-3 study, visit www.cancer.org/cps3
Besides speakers, workshops and Praise Party Bus transportation to Chino Relay for Life, participants in the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference will be able to obtain information from local health care providers, and receive basic health screenings and referrals for other free or low-cost preventive health care services.
The 2009 conference is limited to 200 people, so advance registration is necessary. For more information or make a reservation to attend the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 288-4375 or e-mail hhwcmovement@yahoo.com
Sponsorships for this year’s conference are still available. They include The American Cancer Society, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Purpose Center International Ministries, City of Hope, the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Inland Agency, Abbott Vascular, and Dameron Communications.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Art Insitute of California - Inland Empire approved to offer Baking & Pastry degree
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire already supplies custom-designed cakes for community events, such as these Executive Chef Eyad Joseph, academic director, presented on San Bernardino’s 199th birthday to Mayor Pat Morris. It will have more opportunity to do so now that The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire has been authorized to offer a degree in Baking and Pastry. Photo by Matt Sloan
(San Bernardino, CA) The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has received approval to begin offering an Associate of Science degree in Baking and Pastry in its three state of the industry kitchens.
Approval was announced July 10 by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology in Arlington, Virginia. ACCSCT is the national regulatory agency that approves all academic programs offered by the local college as well as many of its 42 campuses nationwide.
According to Jerry Foust, Dean of Academic Affairs at the college, baking and pastry is a popular academic major. “We are excited that our application has been approved and expect that this degree will help a large number of students throughout the Inland Empire follow their hearts into a wonderful culinary career focused on baking and pastry.”
Foust said that students who are interested in the new degree can begin taking classes on August 20. “This summer would be a great time for students to start working on their Baking and Pastry degree. By starting in August students can complete their first quarter in a little over five weeks and then move into their second quarter, which is the standard 11 weeks, in October.”
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is located at 630 E. Brier Drive, San Bernardino, in the Hospitality Lane area. For more information, call (909) 915-2185.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree program in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program in Culinary Management.
Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Aug. 20 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
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Former Actor Leon Isaac Kennedy to speak at Temple Missionary Baptist Church
Former actor Leon Isaac Kennedy will speak at all three services of Temple Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, July 19.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Leon Isaac Kennedy, former actor, writer and producer and now a minister of the gospel, will deliver the message at all three services of Temple Missionary Baptist Church: 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30 am on Sunday, July 19, 2009.
Temple Missionary Baptist Church’s address is 1583 Union St., San Bernardino, CA 92411.
Kennedy is best known for the 1979 movie Penitentiary, which propelled him into Hollywood stardom in the 1980's. He went on to produce and star in several other movies; however, at the top of his career, he walked away from the industry. He spent his time instead speaking, visiting detention centers, drug rehab centers, homes for unwed mothers, churches and hundreds of prisons. On his website, kennedyhealingloveministries.com, he explains, "The Hollywood film business and movie making process has always been one of my great loves. However, positively impacting the lives of others is far more significant than winning any Hollywood trophy, and the only way I can significantly help someone is through Jesus!."
*Kennedy reaches out to Christians through his ministry headquarters in Burbank, CA, his website and "The Success Show," sharing a biblical perspective on financial freedom, healthy lifestyles, and entrepreneurship.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Free mammograms offered to women over 40
In 2008, the keynote speaker for the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, Nikia Hammonds-Blakely, then 29, told her story of surviving breast cancer as a teenager. During the 2009 conference, taking place Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at California Baptist University in Riverside, low-income, uninsured women over 40 can receive free mammograms, even if they do not attend the conference itself. Photo by Chris Sloan
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Women 40 years of age and older, who are low income and have no medical coverage, can obtain free mammograms on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The Southern California Witness Project has arranged to provide mammogram screening in a specially equipped mobile clinic at the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference at California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside.
“Many women who are over 40 and uninsured are not getting mammogram screening,” said Edith Nevins, Southern California Witness Project program coordinator. “We press on to educate and offer this program. Our motto is breast cancer is not a death sentence.”
Screening is also available for women younger than 40 who already have a history of breast cancer, but lack resources to pay for medical care.
To avoid long lines, women should register in advance by calling The Witness Project, (951) 485-9334. Ask for Helen, Mrs. Nevins or Deborah. Spanish speakers should ask for Susanna List, the program coordinator for Esperanza Y Vida.
Nevins, who is a retired nurse, and a team of volunteers take information to wherever attentive groups of women may be gathered. Their organization is part of the Quinn Community Outreach Corp in Moreno Valley, which also sponsors a similar Spanish-language program called Esperanza Y Vida.
“We have had community presentations in English and Spanish, at churches and schools, wherever we could speak to more than five people,” Nevins said. “We work to educate women seven days a week, in the evenings and on weekends. We attend health fairs, wherever we can go.”
Although the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference itself is geared primarily to African-Americans, women of all ethnicities are encouraged to register for the mammogram screenings. It is not necessary to attend the conference to receive a mammogram screening.
Southern California Witness Project especially targets African-Americans, and Esperanza Y Vida targets all Latinas. Studies have found these two ethnic groups are 70 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasians.
One reason is because a type of tumor known as triple negative is much more prevalent among Blacks and Hispanic than among white women, according to information from the American Cancer Society.
In fact, 39 percent of Black women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer before reaching menopause have this type of tumor, which is harder to cure than other forms of breast cancer. In the general population, only 14 percent of all breast cancer patients have this type of tumor. New medications have been developed this year that show promise to increase survival rates for women with this type of cancer, but as with all forms of breast cancer, early detection is crucial.
Clark encourages Black women who qualify for the free mammograms to register for both events. She also noted that since many African-American women have health insurance and do not meet the guidelines for “low income,” they may prefer to make arrangements with their own physicians to schedule a mammogram.
However, low-income Spanish-speaking women are often not insured, so this may be an ideal opportunity for them to have this potentially life-saving screening.
Another reason for Spanish-speaking women to participate, Nevins said, is they will not face a language barrier at this screening. The Esperanza Y Vida program will provide bilingual women to assist with the exam, tell their own stories of breast cancer survival and provide Spanish-language information about breast self-exams.
Quinn Community Outreach Corporation is an affiliate ministry of Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church in Moreno Valley. The Riverside Community Health Foundation, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of the Inland Empire and the Avon Foundation, also sponsor the Witness Project and Esperanza Y Vida.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, designed to help African-Americans and others develop strategies for healthier living, takes place at California Baptist University, from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. Participants in the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference will be able to obtain information from local health care providers, and receive basic health screenings and referrals for other free or low-cost preventive health care services.
The 2009 conference is limited to 200 people, so advance registration is necessary. For more information or make a reservation to attend the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 288-4375 or e-mail hhwcmovement@yahoo.com
Sponsorships for this year’s conference are still available. They include The American Cancer Society, Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), The Purpose Center, City of Hope, the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Inland Agency, Abbott, and Dameron Communications.
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Learn How To Prevent Disease At Fifth Annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference
Preventive Care specialist, Dr. Ruth Tanyi, is the keynote speaker for the fifth annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, Aug. 1 at California Baptist University in Riverside.
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Preventing disease through positive attitude and healthy living is the focus of the fifth annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference August 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at California Baptist University in Riverside.
“The Healthy Heritage Movement (www.healthyheritagemovement.com) mission is to eliminate health disparities in the Black community by providing cultural relevant resources, peer navigation, and advocacy training,” said conference founder and organizer Phyllis Clark. “Now that we have a federal administration that supports wellness, we as a community must be proactive and diligent about accessing the prevention resources and opportunities that will be available.
Keynote speaker is Dr. Ruth Tanyi, who produces a weekly television show “Lifestyle and Preventive Care,” and is a lifestyle consultant for people who wish to learn skills to prevent disease and stay healthy.
“I will address the role of preventive care, positive emotions, nutrition and overall lifestyle in preventing and maintaining diseases,” she said.
“Dr. Ruth is a lifestyle and preventive care expert,” Clark said. “She will focus on how to manage stress so it does not affect our organs negatively, so it causes disease. Disease means dis-ease, because stress puts your body into dis-ease.
According to Clark, Dr, Tanyi’s presentation illustrates the physiological effects of stress, explaining how stress leads to not sleeping or eating right, and how that leads to disease.”
Dr. Tanyi lives in Loma Linda, where she is a doctoral program graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Public Health, with a specialization in preventive health care. She has Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She developed an interest in health care and medical journalism while working as a health care aide while studying journalism in college.
Tanyi is also a certified family nurse practitioner, a certified health and fitness specialist and a certified nutrition specialist. She has written scientific papers for internationally known academic and medical journals, such as Journal of Advanced Nursing and American Journal of Nephrology Nursing.
Her television show airs is broadcast through Loma Linda Broadcast Network (www.llbn.tv), which is available on the internet and through Dish Network.
The other speakers also will emphasize ways a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of disease, Clark said.
The featured speaker Dr. Romeo Brooks, PhD., will present “Transform Your Language, Transform Your Life,” which focuses on the impact of the emotional language we have internalized. He will illustrate how thoughts affect our health.
Dr. Brooks owns Roots Nutrition and is a holistic healing practitioner. He believes one of the best places to attain and sustain good health is in churches, and has helped many churches create health ministries.
The other speakers will lead workshops during the conference.
• Marcy Duncan of the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center will present a child abuse prevention workshop
• Denise Young of Brighter DAY Enterprises will present a financial health workshop. Young is a certified public accountant and a licensed California real estate broker.
• Gwendolyn Moore, a registered dietician who owns Nutrition by Gwen, will present a nutrition workshop. She offers consultation on nutrition, fitness and healthy attitudes.
• The Rev. Bronica Martindale, who is also a community health leader with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Breanna Houston of Stroller Strides and Mai Brooks of Roots Nutrition’s Jump Rope Boot Camp. form a fitness panel, to present information and demonstrations on the topic of fitness.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, founded in 2005 by Phyllis Clark, addresses health care issues, especially those affecting African-Americans. However, the conference will present relevant information for all ethnicities.
The 2009 conference Master of Ceremony is Pastor Gerald T. Hightower, and focuses on preventive health care, in keeping with President Barack Obama’s goal for the national health care system.
“President Obama’s plan emphasizes that wellness is a shared responsibility,” Clark said. “It will empower Americans by providing resources and making prevention services accessible to all, and we are trying to do that in the Inland Empire”
Besides the keynote speaker and workshops, participants will be able to obtain information from local health care providers, and receive basic health screenings and referrals for other free or low-cost preventive health care services.
The 2009 conference is limited to 200 people, so advance registration is necessary. For more information or make a reservation to attend the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 288-4375 or e-mail hhwcmovement@yahoo.com
Sponsorships for this year’s conference are still available. They include The American Cancer Society, Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), The Purpose Center, City of Hope, the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Inland Agency, Abbott, and Dameron Communications.
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Group To Learn How Riverside County's $3 Billion is Spent
Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd will explain to "The Group" how Riverside County spent $3 billion when "The Group" meets Thursday, Sept. 17 at Coffee Depot in Riverside.
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) - Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd will tell members of “The Group” how the county spent $3 billion in fiscal year 2007-2008.
Byrd will explain how Riverside County spent this money when “The Group” meets 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at Coffee Depot, 3204 Mission Inn Ave. He will also answer questions about county spending.
One of the most important functions of the Auditor-Controller’s office is to audit all of Riverside County’s expenses at the end of each fiscal year. This includes compiling an annual report, which is released about six months later.
The Auditor-Controller’s office also verifies, processes and creates more than 1,000 warrants to vendors each day and processes and drafts more than 40,000 paychecks for county employees each month. It oversees the disbursement of more than $3 billion in tax money each year.
In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.
Byrd has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and the Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd is a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.
Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for Riverside and performs as Finance Chairperson for La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.
For details on the Riverside County Auditor-Controller's office call (951) 955-3800.
Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, who is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller staff and management teams are dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County. More information is available on the Web at http://www.auditorcontroller.org.
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