New College EnvironmentÉSophisticated
Walking through the doors of the brand-new Herbert J. Sugden Hall to pursue their passion for hospitality at Florida Gulf Coast University in sunny Fort Myers, Fla., students feel more like they have entered an upscale, contemporary boutique hotel or private club rather than an academic institution.
The sophisticated facility design functions as a working laboratory to prepare students for high-demand careers in all aspects of the industry from resort, private club, spa ...
Survey Shows Majority Of African-American Parents Unaware
Their Children Are At Risk For Meningitis
Parents Urged To Vaccinate Their Preteens And Teens Against Potentially Deadly Disease
A recent national survey among parents of children ages 11 to 21 conducted by GfK Roper on behalf of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) finds that while nearly all African-American parents have heard of meningococcal disease, or meningitis, nearly 70 percent do not realize their children are at risk for t ...
Fun Facts About African-American Culture
There are lots of ways to learn about your culture, and one that is getting a warm welcome from parents is an animated DVD series called "Global Wonders."
One of the first titles is designed to help children identify new places, people and customs from the African-American culture and from around the world by joining with main characters Trey and Alisha in a playdate of dreams and imagination.
In "Global Wonders: African-American," viewers discover the famous art of H ...
Drivers Are Saving By Going Green
A growing number of drivers are finding they can cut down on fuel use and save money by driving a little smarter. Some call it "going green."
This is good news for motorists looking for ways to contain fuel costs and improve the environment.
According to Steve Short of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which owns the world's largest fleet of vehicles, "When it comes to lessening our impact on the environment, every little bit helps." Here are a few of Short's tips:
• Lig ...
Prostate Awareness Initiative Benefits Minorities
If you take better care of your car than your own health, you're not alone. Lots of men become more aware of the condition of their vehicle than their own body. That may soon be changing, particularly among African-American men.
Several initiatives are under way to promote education among black men about the risk of prostate cancer and the importance of getting screened for this disease. The initiative, called "Gentlemen, Check Your Engines," seeks to engage ...
A Common Cause Of "Senior Moments"
When people in their 60s, 70s or 80s experience unusual feelings-lost time, suspended awareness, confusion, seizures-they may think they're a regular part of aging. But they could be signs of epilepsy, a condition that affects 300,000 older Americans.
Epilepsy is a functional disorder of the brain, a kind of occasional glitch in the electrical system that controls everything we feel and do. These brief malfunctions, called seizures, may temporarily block awareness. They ca ...
Manage Your Mortgage To Build Financial Security
For the financially savvy, the current housing market downturn offers potential, not just peril.
Whether you are taking advantage of current prices to buy a house or trying to cope with a difficult financial situation to keep your home, it helps to understand how a mortgage works and what to do if you start to encounter payment problems.
According to an HSBC-North America consumer survey, one out of three people don't even know if they currently have a ...
The Kettlebell Way To Your Perfect Body
Want a body like Katherine Heigl or Penelope Cruz? Try a kettlebell. The hottest fitness craze sweeping Hollywood is actually something first popularized by 18th century circus strongmen. Imagine working out with something that looks like a cast-iron teakettle.
"The Guiding Light" leading lady and mom of a toddler Beth Chamberlin has experienced firsthand the benefits of using kettlebells. A year ago she needed the impossible: a workout that could get her in shape but ...
Playing Up The Importance Of Credit Scores
Keeping an eye on the latest sports scores might make for great entertainment, but watching a different kind of score could help a number of people in the African-American community get ahead.
It's your credit score-and it affects financial matters ranging from credit card rates to insurance premiums. However, surveys in recent years have indicated that the majority of Americans do not understand what credit scores mean and many who struggle because of low credit s ...
Find The Right Living Option For Aging Loved Ones
Finding the right elder care option for an aging parent is one of the toughest decisions an adult child faces. Though most people are aware of the traditional elder care options-such as nursing homes and assisted living-many may not know that there are quite a few new options for aging loved ones.
"Some newer options that families may not be familiar with include Alzheimer's care, residential care homes, home care and independent living communities," reports ...
Car Window Film That Adds Fashion, Privacy
A soccer mom in a minivan may have more in common with a hot-rod-driving gearhead than you might expect. Chances are they're both looking for ways to customize their vehicles.
In fact, according to Consumer Reports, 73 percent of car owners personalize their autos in some way or plan to in the future-and we're not just talking vanity plates. Today, personalizing a car or truck can mean turning it into a minicommunications hub, complete with satellite radio, built-i ...
Car Window Film That Adds Fashion, Privacy
A soccer mom in a minivan may have more in common with a hot-rod-driving gearhead than you might expect. Chances are they're both looking for ways to customize their vehicles.
In fact, according to Consumer Reports, 73 percent of car owners personalize their autos in some way or plan to in the future-and we're not just talking vanity plates. Today, personalizing a car or truck can mean turning it into a minicommunications hub, complete with satellite radio, built-i ...
Cleaner, More Fuel-Efficient Transportation
Cars, trucks, buses and other types of motorized transportation burn fuel and emit pollutants that contribute to smog, respiratory illnesses and climate change.
To help consumers learn what they can do to save fuel, money and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) SmartWay program identifies cleaner, more fuel-efficient transportation options. In addition, the program offers the following tips and suggestions for reducing the impact that ...
Are You Ready For The Transition to Digital Television?
Data Finds Many African-American Households
Unprepared For The Switch
Television is facing a major change: the switch to digital broadcasting. Those with analog TV sets using a rooftop antenna, or "rabbit ears," are at risk of losing their TV signal and one of the communities most vulnerable is African-Americans.
According to Nielsen data, 16.3 percent of African-American households are completely unready for the switch. This means you, your famil ...
Fighting Foreclosures In The
African-American Community
A new set of initiatives may help a number of people in at-risk communities avoid foreclosure.
The initiatives are aimed at helping the lending community keep struggling borrowers in their homes, assisting prospective homebuyers with purchases, and stabilizing communities.
Experts say such efforts to support at-risk borrowers are particularly important for African-American and Hispanic communities, which are increasingly experiencing the negati ...
-What gives a man his style? Is it his look? His clothes? Or is it something else, the overall way he carries and presents himself-his swagger?
However you define it, a new award is giving consumers the opportunity to vote for those men that they consider the most stylish, based on whatever criteria they choose. The Swagger Awards, created by SoftSheen-Carson hair products and Vibe magazine, is an online public voting campaign designed to identify and honor stylish men.
As part of the program, consumers are encouraged ...
The Essentials On Social Security Retirement Benefits
The "silver tsunami" has begun in America. That's what demographers have dubbed the massive wave of baby boomers swiftly moving toward retirement. And despite concerns to the contrary, Social Security will play a central role in most boomers' retirement income. According to the Social Security Administration, 90 percent of the nearly 80 million Americans scheduled to retire over the next two decades will rely on Social Security to some degree.
According ...
African-Americans With
Diabetes Encouraged To Take Control Of Their Disease
Angie Stone is fearless. Fearless when it comes to managing her diabetes, that is. What many people don't know is that the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has been successfully managing type 2 diabetes for the past nine years. Now she's proud to say that she has her condition under control and is in a great place in her life both professionally and physically.
In an effort to help the African-American community, which is dispropo ...
Which Tests Are Right For You?
A lighthearted ad campaign depicting middle-age men in medical gowns has been created to remind them to take preventive steps in their health care. There's good reason: Men are 25 percent less likely than women to have visited the doctor within the past year and are 38 percent more likely than women to have neglected their cholesterol tests. Furthermore, men are 1.5 times more likely than women to die from heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
African Am ...
Wisdom Gained From Bahama Boyhood
Sidney Poitier, a great-grandfather and the first black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, has a remarkable new book out that should be a popular read on Father's Day. The New York Times best-selling author and one of America's most-esteemed actors offers lessons from his remarkable life in the form of letters to his great-granddaughter.
His latest book, "Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter" (HarperOne), follows on the heels of the enormous success ...
Need Relief On Your Prescription Drug Costs?
Medicare is paying 75 percent or more of prescription drug costs for people with limited incomes and resources all over the country. All they did was apply. People with limited income and resources may have a hard time paying for their medicines, but help is available. And if you think you won't qualify, think again.
One woman with Medicare was struggling to pay for her prescriptions even with a drug plan and her $800 Social Security benefit. Monica, a counselor ...
African-Americans At Higher Risk For Stroke
Each year, 780,000 Americans suffer a stroke. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States.
For African-Americans, stroke is more common and more deadly-even in young and middle-aged adults-than for any other ethnic or racial group in the country. In addition, African-Americans suffer more severe strokes than white Americans and have a higher incidence of the manageable stroke risk factors, including high ...
Managing Joint Problems With Planning
There's good news for those, both young and old, who experience stiffness and joint discomfort. With a little bit of planning and foresight, it's possible to organize everything and still keep yourself shipshape and moving.
While many tend to associate daily exercise programs with energetic lifestyles, the truth is that adults are often just as active when they're engaged in hobbies, vocations and their regular routines.
Here are some tips from Move Free® Advance ...
Cutting A Surprising Risk Factor For Cancer
Many people might be surprised to learn what public health experts say is one of the most important keys in the fight against cancer: insurance.
Scientific research published in medical journals has shown that people who are uninsured are more likely to be diagnosed with more-advanced cancer compared to those with private insurance.
For example, the research found that survival rates are better for people who are insured and diagnosed with stage-two colon can ...
Ways To Make Competitors Wish They Were You
Too often, people find themselves doing what it takes just to get by, say the authors of a new book. With this type of mentality, it's tough to think creatively and to do what it takes to stand out from the crowd.
What you need to do is to find and develop your Wow, say Robyn Freedman Spizman and Rick Frishman, authors of "Where's Your Wow?" (McGraw-Hill).
What Wow achievers and companies with Wow have is a personal brand-an identity that others recognize. Whe ...
What Women Should Know About Depression
Learning what you can about depression is always a smart idea but it may be even more important for women.
Statistics show that women are twice as likely as men to be affected by depression, regardless of race or ethnic background. As many as one in eight women will experience depression.
"Nearly 18 million Americans experience depression every year," said Ken Duckworth, M.D., medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "The good news is that ...
A Celebration Of Dads
Space Dad, Cro-Magnon Dad, Machiavellian Dad, whatever kind of dad you've had, a new book can help cement your appreciation for that most central of men in your life.
The handy identification guide is just the beginning-inside "The Perfect Book For Dad" (HarperEntertainment) is a compendium of quizzes, lists and cartoons that leave no dad-ly question unanswered, from choosing the perfect golf club to the importance of a good chair.
It's not just for dad-mirers either. Current dads and ...
Music Legend Gives People "Power To End Stroke"
More than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke every year and are almost twice as likely to have a stroke compared to Caucasians.
But stroke is not inevitable. And a stroke doesn't have to be debilitating or deadly. If you know your risks, control your risk factors-such as high blood pressure and diabetes-and work with your doctor to eliminate or manage your risks, you may prevent stroke. If you know the warning signs and get prompt medical attention, re ...
A Report on the Status of Blacks in Education
A clarion call to motivate the nation to address the educational disparities facing poor and minority students has been sounded. That call may soon be answered.
The Problem
According to a report released by the National Education Association, nearly half of the nation's Black students, but only 11 percent of White students, attend high schools in which graduation is not the norm. Now a plan has been formulated to take action.
"Everyone agrees that a qu ...
A Donation That Makes Hopes And Dreams Come True
Every day someone makes the decision to save a life by becoming a marrow donor.
It's a step that can save the life of the person who needs the marrow donation but it also helps transform the lives of those who donate.
Jackie Byrd is a good example of a person who gave a little bit of herself so that someone else could live. When she was in college she pledged a sorority with a community service project focused on raising awareness in the African- American ...
Award Show Spotlights African-American Community
From raising money for fire victims to helping those affected by domestic violence, one unique awards show is helping many African Americans turn their lives around-and look good doing it.
"We're working to help with a number of problems facing the African-American community," says Glynn Jackson, an entrepreneur and creator of the awards show. "Domestic violence alone affects thousands of black women. In fact, African-American females experience violence from ...
Brighten Up And Even Out Skin Tone
While all women desire a radiant complexion, women with richer skin tones often face challenges in keeping their skin looking even toned.
It can be harder for women of African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanic descent to achieve a radiant, flawless complexion because they have higher levels of melanin in their skin. These women are naturally prone to developing hyperpigmentation and dark marks, making it more difficult to maintain even-toned skin.
There are a vari ...
African-Americans Less Likely To Seek Medical Attention For Migraines
Sports Broadcaster Pam Oliver Urges African-American Women
To Seek Help For Frequent, Bad Headaches
Imagine a headache so bad that the slightest noise or light increases the intense pain and nausea a person is already experiencing. While it might seem extreme, people who suffer from migraines understand that their surroundings can intensify the pain they experience. Just ask Pam Oliver, a prominent sports broadcaster who suffered in silenc ...
Take The Guesswork Out Of Caring For Dark Skin
Have you ever walked into a drugstore to purchase skincare products and had no idea where to begin or did not know exactly what you were looking for? If so, you are not alone.
You can save time and money saving your own skin if you heed some hints on skincare. According to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research, a leading national public opinion company, more than half of African-American women spend at least 20 minutes in a store's skincare aisle trying ...
Ham: An Easter (And Everyday) Family Favorite
When you sit down to Easter dinner, hopefully you haven't forgotten the essential dish-ham! Ham is a classic (and lean!) Easter dish as well as the perfect year-round dinnertime meal choice. That's because ham is so simple to prepare that it practically prepares itself; and it's so versatile that it pairs well with nearly any side dish.
This year, honor the Easter tradition with an easy meal for your whole family to enjoy. The National Pork Board is pleased t ...
Preventing Heart Disease In African-American Women
Knowing your personal risk for heart disease can be a lifesaving first step to leading a healthy life-no matter your age.
The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement raises women's awareness of their risk of heart disease and provides tools to help them care for their hearts. Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women, and black women are at greater risk than Caucasians. African-American women are also more likely to die from cardiovascular dis ...
What's Good For Your Heart Is Good For Your Brain
A survey commissioned by two leading health organizations found that although two out of three African Americans (61 percent) expressed concern about developing heart disease and two out of five (40 percent) expressed concern about developing Alzheimer's, only about one in 20 are aware that heart health is linked to brain health.
The Alzheimer's Association is joining forces with the American Heart Association to educate African Americans that by managing th ...
A Values-Based Vision Of Health Care Reform
Values, some be-lieve, should be at the center of the current debate over health care reform. For example, that's the opinion of the Catholic Health Association (CHA). The Association contends that more should be done to bring health care to the 47 million people in this country who do not have access to health care.
The association has developed a "Vision For U.S. Health Care" based on the premise that health care is a matter of human dignity and the system must s ...
Spreading The Word
The Bible plays a vital role in a number of African American communities-but many may not know the story of how word of the Good Book was spread.
It's the story of African Americans working together to spread spirituality and literacy skills, and of a little-known group of dedicated men and women called colporteurs who helped countless people connect.
The term "colporteur" refers to those who travel to sell or distribute Bibles and religious writings. In 1900, a group of African Amer ...
Celebrating African American Male Achievement
From enterprise and innovation to finance, academia, medicine and more, African American men continue to make significant contributions to the American landscape. In celebration of African American male achievement and to address rising joblessness and unemployment among African American men in Atlanta and Chicago, a new job training and mentoring program began in February 2008 in observance of Black History Month. This unprecedented initiative will provide tangible o ...
You Can Simplify Tax Time With e-File
Want to make tax time easier this year? When you e-file, you'll be guided through a paperless process, saving you time and possibly even money.
e-file Is Popular
Millions of people have already discovered the benefits of electronically preparing and filing their income tax returns. Since the program launched in 1986, over half a billion returns have been filed using e-file. And the number of taxpayers who file this way continues to grow. Last year, nearly 60 percent of ...
Sampling A Scoop Of Hollywood Fun
If you watch reality TV, you know that Americans love to pick a winner-and now there's a chance to choose from five delicious new contestants.
That's because a favorite brand of light ice cream has introduced its second-season lineup of "American Idol" light ice cream flavors. Ice cream lovers can sample this year's hopefuls and cast a vote for their favorite flavor-offering a scoop of Hollywood fun for the entire family.
These Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned light ice cr ...
Developing Literacy Skills In Children
African-American children who read achieve.
They boast higher test scores and recognize letters and numbers more often than their peers who read less frequently.
"Parents can set a great example by encouraging reading every day," said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association (NEA), which represents 3.2 million teachers and education support professionals. "Being a good reader builds a foundation for academic success and lifelong learning."
...
New Scholarships
For Women
A new annual scholarship program, the Ambi Scholarship in Science & Medicine, is now available to African-American women who have a genuine interest in making a difference in the fields of science and medicine.
According to a recent study by the American Association of University Women, only 15.3 percent of African-American women hold college degrees. This national program is designed to recognize, reward and support African-American women in achieving their career goals. Ambi Skincar ...
Fighting The HIV/AIDS Epidemic:
What You Need To Know
Progress has been made in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Yet experts say there's still much more work to be done-particularly in the African-American community.
HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death for African-Americans, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
In fact, despite accounting for only 13 percent of the U.S. population, African-Americans make up about half of the people who become infected with HIV and AIDS. Additionally ...
Her Most Important Number May Be
The One She Doesn't Even Know
Women rely on a range of numbers throughout each day, such as phone numbers, bank accounts, credit cards, IDs and PINs. However, for millions of women, there's one important number they don't know, and yet it could provide a warning sign for heart disease. According to a recent survey by the Society of Women's Health, fewer than one-third of women know their cholesterol number. In addition, studies show that African-American women have a higher ris ...
INROADS Internships Contribute To Success
While good grades can be important when a graduate is trying to land that first job, many are finding that academic success may not be enough. Increasingly, employers are looking for relevant experience, even from job candidates just out of school.
That's one reason a growing number of students are using an internship as a practical way to gain some real-world experience and make themselves more appealing candidates.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers ( ...
Tips To Avoid Mistakes On College Applications
Applying to a college or university can be one of life's most important and stressful times. To help smooth the application process for students and their families, J. Leon Washington, dean of admissions and financial aid at Lehigh University, offers the following advice:
• Start Early-Give yourself ample time to get through the college selection and application process. A great time to begin is spring of your junior year of high school, although some students s ...
Expanding Access To Information Technology
Technology is changing the way we live. That's why it is critical to bring everyone into the Digital Age.
One corporation that is spearheading efforts to provide IT education is IBM, which recently made free technology available to students, parents and business owners participating in the La Familia Technology Celebration, a nationwide public awareness program that informs Hispanics about the educational, career and entrepreneurial opportunities that technology presents ...
Survey: Many Avoid Difficult Conversations
According to a new survey, Americans from all backgrounds are paying a very high price for avoiding difficult conversations-from estate planning to sex. In fact, one in five respondents says he/she has lost a friendship or estranged a family member due to avoiding a difficult conversation. And one in 10 reports more serious repercussions, including poor health or a lack of financial security.
The survey and the Web site www.HaveTheTalkAmerica.com is part of the Have The ...
Ask Your Doctor-Is This HIV Related?
It has been more than 25 years since HIV was first diagnosed, and treatment of the disease and its symptoms has certainly come a long way. Today, patients are living longer lives than ever before thanks to newer treatments. Unfortunately, some patients may experience side effects and HIV-related complications caused by either the disease or treatments. While these can include a variety of ailments such as nausea, bone problems and neurological disorders, one complication that man ...
"Far East" Inspiration For Ethnic Hair
For many people, the new year means a new look. Now even ethnic hair-which can be hard to style and lacking moisture in the winter months-can get a fresh start.
Inspired by a place where wellness is part of the landscape-the Far East-Cibu International, a broad product line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products, helps give winter hair a new beginning and helps people re-create professional results at home.
Whether fine, straight, thick, dry, curly or chemically tre ...
Cookbook Author And Style Expert B. Smith
Knows About Managing Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes should recognize that small changes, including food choices, can have a positive effect on managing diabetes successfully, says restaurateur, chef and author B. Smith. That's particularly important to know since, according to the American Diabetes Association, the condition is even more common in African Americans than in whites.
"Diabetes is a subject that is very close to my heart," said B. Smith. "After many ...
New Cocoa Varieties Answer Women's Cravings
When the need for a pick-me-up is brewing, most women turn to chocolate and caffeine. At least that's the finding of a recent survey.
When it comes to quick pick-me-ups, it seems there are still few things that can compete with chocolate and caffeine-especially during the colder months.
The survey by Swiss Miss found that nearly 70 percent of women ages 25 to 44 said chocolate was their favorite sweet treat, especially when they're stressed, in need of a pick-me-up or ...
A Diabetes Epidemic Among African Americans
If you are African American, you are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of similar age. Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in how the body produces insulin or fails to use it properly or both. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Approximately 3.2 million African Americans ages 20 and older are diabetic.
If you are overweight or obese, have a pa ...
Informed Drivers And The Internet: The Prescription For A Healthy Vehicle
For do-it-yourselfers, the Internet provides a variety of valuable and readily available information. Web sites such as WebMD, Travelocity, Kelley Blue Book, Wikipedia and Goodwrench.com receive millions of hits a month as consumers seek to discover answers on their own. This trend is particularly prevalent among automotive consumers who are completing research online for both auto sales and service.
A recent study by Compete Inc., commissio ...
Saving Your Skin From Sun Damage
If you're African-American, you might think you don't need sun protection because you have higher levels of melanin in your skin, but you still need daily protection from incidental exposure to harmful UV rays during the winter months. As with all incidents of sun exposure, skin cancer can occur if proper precautions are not taken.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the disease can be deadly for women with richer skin tones because it's more likely to go undetected. Sun expo ...
Tips On Saving Fuel, Money And The Environment
While an individual motorist can't reduce gas prices, he or she may save money by using fuel more efficiently.
Simple steps, such as keeping current on vehicle repair, using onboard oil life technology and changing a few driving habits, can all add up to savings.
Maintenance experts, such as the Goodwrench technicians, say there are several ways to improve fuel economy. Here are some tips:
• Driving 55 vs. 70 mph saves up to 20 percent more fuel. Use cruise co ...
Kids Inherit Parents' Driving Habits, Good And Bad
A new study found that 83 percent of 10- to 18-year- olds pay attention to Mom's or Dad's driving at least half of the time they spend in the car. The survey, by Nationwide Mutual Insurance, involved more than 2,000 parents and children.
It found that although they seem to be involved in listening to music, chatting with friends or gazing out the window, preteens and teens are actually keen observers-and students-of their parents' driving habits. While parents re ...
Early Detection Of Breast Cancer Key For African-American Women
Although breast cancer continues to impact people from all backgrounds, there are significant differences within the mortality rates amongst racial groups. Thanks to improvements in early detection and treatment, breast cancer deaths among all women have steadily declined since 1991. However, African-American women still have a higher breast cancer death rate than white women even though they develop breast cancer less often. And, while 90 percent of w ...
Beware Of The Credit Card
by James E. Stowers
Hard work and determination allowed me to become financially independent. I am committed to sharing what I have learned through the years to help people improve their financial position and lead a better life.
Current research shows the average American household carries nearly $10,000 in credit card debt. This debt is a key factor preventing them from attaining financial independence. In order to end this cycle of debt, we must all beware of the credit card.
The ...
Beware Of The Credit Card
by James E. Stowers
Hard work and determination allowed me to become financially independent. I am committed to sharing what I have learned through the years to help people improve their financial position and lead a better life.
Current research shows the average American household carries nearly $10,000 in credit card debt. This debt is a key factor preventing them from attaining financial independence. In order to end this cycle of debt, we must all beware of the credit card.
The ...