Second Time Around Love
Getting married the second time around–in my late 30s–was
an entirely different experience than my first trip down the aisle at
the tender age of 24. Back then I thought I knew what I was doing. I
didn’t. Thought I knew what I was getting. I didn’t. Thought I knew
what I needed. I didn’t. By the time I finally accepted the fact that
my first marriage was broken–after two children, three rounds of
marital counseling and countless efforts over more than a decade to fix
the unfixable–I was disillusioned, unhappy and doubtful about my
future.
an entirely different experience than my first trip down the aisle at
the tender age of 24. Back then I thought I knew what I was doing. I
didn’t. Thought I knew what I was getting. I didn’t. Thought I knew
what I needed. I didn’t. By the time I finally accepted the fact that
my first marriage was broken–after two children, three rounds of
marital counseling and countless efforts over more than a decade to fix
the unfixable–I was disillusioned, unhappy and doubtful about my
future.
Then I met Earl.
We had an instant connection, and I don’t mean a physical one. We
clicked mentally, establishing an easy, comfortable rapport like
nothing I’d ever experienced. I met Earl after a red-eye flight from
Los Angeles to New Jersey. He walked up to me at the baggage carousel
at Newark International Airport and asked if I was an author and if
we’d met at Book Expo, a national book conference.
clicked mentally, establishing an easy, comfortable rapport like
nothing I’d ever experienced. I met Earl after a red-eye flight from
Los Angeles to New Jersey. He walked up to me at the baggage carousel
at Newark International Airport and asked if I was an author and if
we’d met at Book Expo, a national book conference.
Under other circumstances, I might have dismissed his questions as
a come-on. As it turns out, I had, in fact, just returned from Book
Expo, where I was promoting my first book. Moreover, a trusted
associate had referred me to Earl, advising me that he owned a
book-consulting company and could help me in my efforts. So even though
I answered, “No, we’ve never met,” I was pleasantly surprised when he
extended his hand and introduced himself. I replied: Oh! You’re Earl
Cox!” and then proceeded to explain our common associate.
a come-on. As it turns out, I had, in fact, just returned from Book
Expo, where I was promoting my first book. Moreover, a trusted
associate had referred me to Earl, advising me that he owned a
book-consulting company and could help me in my efforts. So even though
I answered, “No, we’ve never met,” I was pleasantly surprised when he
extended his hand and introduced himself. I replied: Oh! You’re Earl
Cox!” and then proceeded to explain our common associate.
I was immediately taken with his wit and positive energy, his
business acumen and his creativity. But most of all, I was struck by
his beautiful way of expressing himself–a communication style that both
commands respect and also lets you know he’s really listening.
business acumen and his creativity. But most of all, I was struck by
his beautiful way of expressing himself–a communication style that both
commands respect and also lets you know he’s really listening.
That night we talked for nearly three hours, and Earl wound up
driving me home, the first and only time in my life I’d taken a ride
from a stranger. Ironically, “home” at that time was the house I shared
with my soon-to-be ex-husband. My former spouse assumed, as he often
did, that I would catch a cab from the airport. That was 2003.
driving me home, the first and only time in my life I’d taken a ride
from a stranger. Ironically, “home” at that time was the house I shared
with my soon-to-be ex-husband. My former spouse assumed, as he often
did, that I would catch a cab from the airport. That was 2003.
More than a month after we met, I hired Earl as a consultant. A
business relationship grew into a wonderful friendship, and that
blossomed into the loving, lifelong partnership we now enjoy. My
marriage this time, simply put, is a blessing.
business relationship grew into a wonderful friendship, and that
blossomed into the loving, lifelong partnership we now enjoy. My
marriage this time, simply put, is a blessing.
In fact, we both felt so fortunate to have found love the second
time around that we picked a lucky date to get married: 7-7-7 (July 7,
2007).
time around that we picked a lucky date to get married: 7-7-7 (July 7,
2007).
Earl enriches my life in so many ways. We’re business partners,
passionate lovers and always each other’s biggest champions. He is the
best friend I’ve ever had, the first person I want to share good and
bad news with and my=2
0most trusted confidante. I’m constantly amazed at the level of
intimacy that comes with each passing year. Nothing makes me happier
than to see him happy. His joy is my joy, his pain and worries my own.
passionate lovers and always each other’s biggest champions. He is the
best friend I’ve ever had, the first person I want to share good and
bad news with and my=2
0most trusted confidante. I’m constantly amazed at the level of
intimacy that comes with each passing year. Nothing makes me happier
than to see him happy. His joy is my joy, his pain and worries my own.
I love that Earl is old school and traditional; he doesn’t
hesitate to open my car door or lay down the law when the kids act up.
But at the same time, he’s very progressive, tolerant and open,
particularly when it comes to supporting me as a wife, mother and
career woman. He does more than his fair share in our household and
thinks nothing of making the kids lunch for school, handling the
laundry or taking our 2-year-old, Alexis, to the dentist or doctor.
hesitate to open my car door or lay down the law when the kids act up.
But at the same time, he’s very progressive, tolerant and open,
particularly when it comes to supporting me as a wife, mother and
career woman. He does more than his fair share in our household and
thinks nothing of making the kids lunch for school, handling the
laundry or taking our 2-year-old, Alexis, to the dentist or doctor.
With Earl, I’ve come to understand that love truly is a verb. It’s
the everyday actions which show your partner how much he or she is
cherished. This time, I know my marriage will last forever because I
knew full well what I needed. Earl puts me at the center of his
universe and he’s at the center of mine. We travel together. We work
hard together. And we get in a healthy mix of fun time and pleasure.
the everyday actions which show your partner how much he or she is
cherished. This time, I know my marriage will last forever because I
knew full well what I needed. Earl puts me at the center of his
universe and he’s at the center of mine. We travel together. We work
hard together. And we get in a healthy mix of fun time and pleasure.
Though some people warn about the dangers of “mixing business with
pleasure,” working together has strengthened our lives. As a result, we
find it hard to be apart. In the rare case I take a business trip
without Earl, he makes a point to be at the airport waiting for
me. < /div>
pleasure,” working together has strengthened our lives. As a result, we
find it hard to be apart. In the rare case I take a business trip
without Earl, he makes a point to be at the airport waiting for
me. < /div>
Recently, after I landed in New Jersey following a late-night
flight, there was Earl as usual. Only this time, he had all three of
our kids in tow, pajamas and all. I later heard Earl joke with a friend
about the episode: “Needless to say,” he said to his buddy, “I always
pick up Lynnette.”
flight, there was Earl as usual. Only this time, he had all three of
our kids in tow, pajamas and all. I later heard Earl joke with a friend
about the episode: “Needless to say,” he said to his buddy, “I always
pick up Lynnette.”
–Lynnette Khalfani-Cox
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Totally Fit
“For anyone with jubbily bits, I’m going to tighten you up, make
you laugh and enjoy your workout no matter what level of fitness you
are,” says Mel B, the former Spice Girl whose body is a walking
advertisement for her new 28-day, stay-in-shape plan in the three DVD
set “Totally Fit.”
you laugh and enjoy your workout no matter what level of fitness you
are,” says Mel B, the former Spice Girl whose body is a walking
advertisement for her new 28-day, stay-in-shape plan in the three DVD
set “Totally Fit.”
Disc 1: You get a 60-minute workout broken into two 30-minute
sessions. The cardio portion is an aerobic workout to pumping dance
tracks that burns fat, increases heart rates and promotes overall
fitness. The second session is an up-tempo resistance workout that uses
everyday objects to help tone and trim the body.
sessions. The cardio portion is an aerobic workout to pumping dance
tracks that burns fat, increases heart rates and promotes overall
fitness. The second session is an up-tempo resistance workout that uses
everyday objects to help tone and trim the body.
Disc 2: Mel B provides four routines in 10-minute workouts that
target problem areas–”bums, tums, legs and arms.” A “Chill Out” session
provides a well-deserved, post-workout reward.
target problem areas–”bums, tums, legs and arms.” A “Chill Out” session
provides a well-deserved, post-workout reward.
Disc 3: The last disc tracks Mel’s eating habits during a typical
day–from breakfast and snacking at the office to lunch and eating out.
She dispenses helpful advice and tips on nutrition, including her own
secret recipes and snacks for getting faster and longer-lasting results.
day–from breakfast and snacking at the office to lunch and eating out.
She dispenses helpful advice and tips on nutrition, including her own
secret recipes and snacks for getting faster and longer-lasting results.
–Joyce E. Davis
Tips for Tight Financial Times
Q: I’ve been paying my mortgage every two weeks, but times are tight
financially. Does this help me or the mortgage company in the long run?
financially. Does this help me or the mortgage company in the long run?
A: By paying your mortgage every two weeks, you have made a great
investment in your home and credit score. This strategy adds one
payment more per year, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but the savings
are substantial over the long haul. Sending money every two weeks pays
off your mortgage in 23 years instead of 30. Also, by setting up
electronic payments from your account to your mortgage holder, you can
reduce mail delays and attack your principal balance a few days sooner.
investment in your home and credit score. This strategy adds one
payment more per year, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but the savings
are substantial over the long haul. Sending money every two weeks pays
off your mortgage in 23 years instead of 30. Also, by setting up
electronic payments from your account to your mortgage holder, you can
reduce mail delays and attack your principal balance a few days sooner.
But all mortgages don’t work the same. If you have an adjustable
loan, don’t just pay the minimum amount. Some loans have a negative
amortization feature that lets you pay less than the standard payment
and then your principle increases. You end up owing more each month
instead of less!
loan, don’t just pay the minimum amount. Some loans have a negative
amortization feature that lets you pay less than the standard payment
and then your principle increases. You end up owing more each month
instead of less!
So check the payment coupon carefully. Make sure you pay at least
the payment, which fully amortizes the loan. Check out the mortgage
calculator at business.com or mortgagefreesocal.com.
the payment, which fully amortizes the loan. Check out the mortgage
calculator at business.com or mortgagefreesocal.com.
I know these are hard economic times, but this is “home
economics;” your home is an investment for the long term. You might
need to downsize your spending plan. Track your spending and make some
layoffs. Your goal is not to run your home like a non-profit. You are
the CEO of your financial future, and if you keep paying your house
payments bi-weekly, it will be a profitable move.
economics;” your home is an investment for the long term. You might
need to downsize your spending plan. Track your spending and make some
layoffs. Your goal is not to run your home like a non-profit. You are
the CEO of your financial future, and if you keep paying your house
payments bi-weekly, it will be a profitable move.
--Gail Perry-Mason
Party Politics
Relationship-building junkets like the cocktail reception and
deal-making dinner are not going away. And who wants them to? Our
instinctive appreciation of free food and drink is among our most
powerful biological responses. The food is important: It communicates
hospitality, articulates values and status, and eliminates at least one
physiological barrier to concentrating on business.
deal-making dinner are not going away. And who wants them to? Our
instinctive appreciation of free food and drink is among our most
powerful biological responses. The food is important: It communicates
hospitality, articulates values and status, and eliminates at least one
physiological barrier to concentrating on business.
But it’s easy to get so focused on the fun and finger food that
you forget the deeper reason you’re there: to make career-flourishing
connections. “Many people have lost ground on their career track based
on Christmas parties,” says Doris Young Boyer of Young Boyer Associates
in Maplewood, New Jersey, a protocol consultant whose site, etiquettestrategist.com,
and workshops at Columbia University explore how manners can be a
competitive advantage. Employing a few best practices may mean the
difference between working the room and working nerves.
you forget the deeper reason you’re there: to make career-flourishing
connections. “Many people have lost ground on their career track based
on Christmas parties,” says Doris Young Boyer of Young Boyer Associates
in Maplewood, New Jersey, a protocol consultant whose site, etiquettestrategist.com,
and workshops at Columbia University explore how manners can be a
competitive advantage. Employing a few best practices may mean the
difference between working the room and working nerves.
Eyes on the prize. You prepare for business meetings; the same
principles apply here. Sustain the habit of determining details such as
event significance, location and directions, fees (for parking or coat
check), dress codes and possible attendees. Young Boyer suggests that
social agility should be a key objective in your professional
development, whether that means conferring with mentors or colleagues
about corporate cultural context, hiring an adviser or examining a book
on the subject.
principles apply here. Sustain the habit of determining details such as
event significance, location and directions, fees (for parking or coat
check), dress codes and possible attendees. Young Boyer suggests that
social agility should be a key objective in your professional
development, whether that means conferring with mentors or colleagues
about corporate cultural context, hiring an adviser or examining a book
on the subject.
Years ago, Young Boyer did the latter before a dinner with a
company she had joined only six months earlier. On the book’s advice,
she set a goal: to sit next to the company chairman during the meal.
Throughout the evening, she used what she’d read and found herself
seated just where she’d planned. “I was scared to death, and I was the
only junior person at a table of20people who knew how to follow the
chairman around. When I got there, I was quiet; it was time to learn.”
company she had joined only six months earlier. On the book’s advice,
she set a goal: to sit next to the company chairman during the meal.
Throughout the evening, she used what she’d read and found herself
seated just where she’d planned. “I was scared to death, and I was the
only junior person at a table of20people who knew how to follow the
chairman around. When I got there, I was quiet; it was time to learn.”
Don’t go hungry. Because eating is a basic need, your reptilian
brain may kick in without warning when presented with appealing dishes.
Young Boyer advises taking the edge off your appetite with a
pre-gathering snack. “You’re not there to eat. Food is an accessory.
Don’t put so much on your plate that you call attention to yourself,
that you can’t shake a hand or talk to someone. If you’re that hungry,
go off to the side, take care of yourself and then come back to the
party.”
brain may kick in without warning when presented with appealing dishes.
Young Boyer advises taking the edge off your appetite with a
pre-gathering snack. “You’re not there to eat. Food is an accessory.
Don’t put so much on your plate that you call attention to yourself,
that you can’t shake a hand or talk to someone. If you’re that hungry,
go off to the side, take care of yourself and then come back to the
party.”
Nix–or nurse–alcoholic drinks. No matter how well you think you
can hold your liquor, that second Mojito may sedate your best
judgment. And don’t be fooled by the boss’ apparent good humor: It’s
unlikely that witnessing your buzz will impress her. ”Let the alcohol
go,” Young Boyer says. “Business is the higher goal.” She suggests
ordering a decoy beverage such as water with a twist, nursing a single
drink or stating your preference for something non-alcoholic.
can hold your liquor, that second Mojito may sedate your best
judgment. And don’t be fooled by the boss’ apparent good humor: It’s
unlikely that witnessing your buzz will impress her. ”Let the alcohol
go,” Young Boyer says. “Business is the higher goal.” She suggests
ordering a decoy beverage such as water with a twist, nursing a single
drink or stating your preference for something non-alcoholic.
You never know who’s watching. “People notice what you do, how you
carry yourself. You always want to be as much in control of that as you
can,” Young Boyer says. “There are people who seem to handle things
well. Watch what they’r
e doing” and adapt what works to your own personality and
circumstances.
carry yourself. You always want to be as much in control of that as you
can,” Young Boyer says. “There are people who seem to handle things
well. Watch what they’r
e doing” and adapt what works to your own personality and
circumstances.
The event’s setting, service and other attendees may offer useful
messages. Make a deliberate effort to seek out people who might not be
part of your usual circle. “It’s important when you’re networking or at
a dinner not to stay with the same group all night,” Young Boyer says.
“Move out of your comfort zone.”
messages. Make a deliberate effort to seek out people who might not be
part of your usual circle. “It’s important when you’re networking or at
a dinner not to stay with the same group all night,” Young Boyer says.
“Move out of your comfort zone.”
Respect physical and personal space. Arms length is standard,” she
says. If you’re being touched in an intrusive way, Young Boyer suggests
gently moving out of range or offering a polite deflection, but never
simply enduring it, no matter who the instigator might be.
says. If you’re being touched in an intrusive way, Young Boyer suggests
gently moving out of range or offering a polite deflection, but never
simply enduring it, no matter who the instigator might be.
Equipping yourself with social sophistication and dexterity can
distinguish you from your peers, especially when food, drink or a
relaxed setting seem to invite self-indulgence. “There is power to
being charming, to being kind and prepared.” Young Boyer says. “As
African Americans, we’ve always known that we have to know the rules
even when others don’t. Know them not just as a way of surviving and
getting in the door, but as strategies to thrive.”
distinguish you from your peers, especially when food, drink or a
relaxed setting seem to invite self-indulgence. “There is power to
being charming, to being kind and prepared.” Young Boyer says. “As
African Americans, we’ve always known that we have to know the rules
even when others don’t. Know them not just as a way of surviving and
getting in the door, but as strategies to thrive.”
–M.C. Tapera
Is Fraud Monitoring Worth It?
The telephone rings as an unidentifiable phone number pops up on
the caller ID. After some inner wrangling, you pick up with a cautious,
“Hello.” There’s a moment of silence before a representative from a
banking institution offers the deal: For $12.99 a month, you can have
the safety of a fraud monitoring service that can protect you from
being the next victim of identity theft, with a free credit report to
boot. Sound familiar? It should. Companies are offering consumers these
types of services by phone, by mail and through television
advertisements for hundreds of dollars a year with the promise of big
savings if victimized. But are they worth it? Besides the peace of
mind factor, many experts seem to think there are better options–for
less.
the caller ID. After some inner wrangling, you pick up with a cautious,
“Hello.” There’s a moment of silence before a representative from a
banking institution offers the deal: For $12.99 a month, you can have
the safety of a fraud monitoring service that can protect you from
being the next victim of identity theft, with a free credit report to
boot. Sound familiar? It should. Companies are offering consumers these
types of services by phone, by mail and through television
advertisements for hundreds of dollars a year with the promise of big
savings if victimized. But are they worth it? Besides the peace of
mind factor, many experts seem to think there are better options–for
less.
“They really aren’t doing anything extra that you can’t do
yourself,” says Tanja L. Darrow, an attorney with Littler Mendelson in
Los Angeles.
yourself,” says Tanja L. Darrow, an attorney with Littler Mendelson in
Los Angeles.
Sure, you could pay for a basic credit monitoring service to
detect if someone is trying to open a new account in your name. Or you
could be proactive, monitor your own credit and add a free fraud alert
to your credit report. That way, creditors should contact you before
issuing any new credit in your name. A fraud alert is good for 90 days
and can be extended if needed.
detect if someone is trying to open a new account in your name. Or you
could be proactive, monitor your own credit and add a free fraud alert
to your credit report. That way, creditors should contact you before
issuing any new credit in your name. A fraud alert is good for 90 days
and can be extended if needed.
But if there are ”serious, serious” concerns regarding one’s
credit being tapped illegally, “you could put a credit freeze on your
account,” adds Darrow of this security option restricting access to
credit reports and is free for identity theft victims, but otherwise
costs $10.
credit being tapped illegally, “you could put a credit freeze on your
account,” adds Darrow of this security option restricting access to
credit reports and is free for identity theft victims, but otherwise
costs $10.
In the end, any fraud monitoring service claiming it can protect
from identity theft is making false promises. But if trying one out is
the only way to bring a sigh of relief, make sure to do your homework.
Google to find out service pros and cons, and check with the Better
Business Bureau for complaint listings that may help in the
decision-making process, advises Linda Foley, founder of the Identity
Theft Resource Center in San Diego. ”If you have a lot of
discretionary money and you want to do that, and it gives you a sense
of peace, do some shopping around,” says Foley, but “all have their
limitations.”
from identity theft is making false promises. But if trying one out is
the only way to bring a sigh of relief, make sure to do your homework.
Google to find out service pros and cons, and check with the Better
Business Bureau for complaint listings that may help in the
decision-making process, advises Linda Foley, founder of the Identity
Theft Resource Center in San Diego. ”If you have a lot of
discretionary money and you want to do that, and it gives you a sense
of peace, do some shopping around,” says Foley, but “all have their
limitations.”
–Arnesa A. Howell
Best Specialty Hospitals in the Country
HIV/AIDS
Center for Special Studies
New York City
A part of New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia
and Cornell, the Center for Special Studies provides specialized care
to meet a wide range of needs, including
and Cornell, the Center for Special Studies provides specialized care
to meet a wide range of needs, including
spiritual, emotional and social, for people infected with or
affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, CSS established the Starfish
Project, a collaborative program that provides training, education,
support and medications to two hospitals in Nigeria.
affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, CSS established the Starfish
Project, a collaborative program that provides training, education,
support and medications to two hospitals in Nigeria.
Plastic Surgery
The
Johns Hopkins Center for Facial
Johns Hopkins Center for Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
and the Wilmer Eye Institute
Baltimore
The Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery performs
cosmetic procedures, including botox and major and minor surgical
enhancements. Kofi Boahene, M.D., world renown for his work with ethnic
skin, helps patients create the look they want. The Wilmer Eye
Institute is ranked one of the premier eye care centers in the nation
and is a leader in laser vision correction.
cosmetic procedures, including botox and major and minor surgical
enhancements. Kofi Boahene, M.D., world renown for his work with ethnic
skin, helps patients create the look they want. The Wilmer Eye
Institute is ranked one of the premier eye care centers in the nation
and is a leader in laser vision correction.
Breast Cancer
The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center
Houston
The center is one of the largest in the country and offers
comprehensive treatment for all forms and stages of breast cancer, as
well as surgical reconstruction options. One of the key initiatives is
the Young Breast Cancer
comprehensive treatment for all forms and stages of breast cancer, as
well as surgical reconstruction options. One of the key initiatives is
the Young Breast Cancer
Survivors’ Program, which caters to women younger than 45, including those who are pregnant.
Reproductive Health
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston
The hospital is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and has been recognized as
a world leader in both routine and complex
obstetrics/gynecological care, as well as gender-specific health
maintenance. It has extensive outpatient services and clinics equipped
with state of the art diagnostic and treatment technologies.
obstetrics/gynecological care, as well as gender-specific health
maintenance. It has extensive outpatient services and clinics equipped
with state of the art diagnostic and treatment technologies.
For a list of the top 15 hospitals in the country, pick up a copy of the February/March 2009 issue of Heart & Soul.
--Kennedy Spencer
Be Well
When it comes to strengthening the immune system, people would do
better to think in terms of overall quality of life rather than
specific steps to take. According to some physicians, improving one’s
ability to fight off colds can have as much to do with being kind as it
does with eating good foods.
better to think in terms of overall quality of life rather than
specific steps to take. According to some physicians, improving one’s
ability to fight off colds can have as much to do with being kind as it
does with eating good foods.
The immune system is a complex network that protects the body from
relatively simple infections, such as influenza, and more serious
illnesses, such as cancer. It’s not something that “you can simply
build up at will,” says Michael Foggs, M.D., chief of allergy, asthma
and immunology for Chicago-based Advocate Health Centers.
relatively simple infections, such as influenza, and more serious
illnesses, such as cancer. It’s not something that “you can simply
build up at will,” says Michael Foggs, M.D., chief of allergy, asthma
and immunology for Chicago-based Advocate Health Centers.
At the most basic level, he concedes, improving the immune system
means eating properly, getting plenty of rest and avoiding toxins. “Not
processed food, but food loaded with antioxidants–fruits and organic
vegetables.”
means eating properly, getting plenty of rest and avoiding toxins. “Not
processed food, but food loaded with antioxidants–fruits and organic
vegetables.”
Non-restorative rest or inadequate sleep can lead to physiological
imbalances that affect your body’s ability to fight infection. Stress
weakens the system, causing hormonal imbalances.
imbalances that affect your body’s ability to fight infection. Stress
weakens the system, causing hormonal imbalances.
As for toxins, Dr. Foggs says that beyond known outdoor
pollutants, a host of synthetic materials found indoors can build up in
the body. Paint, carpet linings and bioaerosols often can be more
harmful, he says, than some outdoor pollutants. Not all indiv
iduals will have the same response to such elements. He says, however,
that those suffering regularly from red watery eyes, headaches, itching
and respiratory distress need to inspect their indoor environment
carefully.
pollutants, a host of synthetic materials found indoors can build up in
the body. Paint, carpet linings and bioaerosols often can be more
harmful, he says, than some outdoor pollutants. Not all indiv
iduals will have the same response to such elements. He says, however,
that those suffering regularly from red watery eyes, headaches, itching
and respiratory distress need to inspect their indoor environment
carefully.
Many people fight toxins with a homeopathic approach. Echinacea,
for example, has been said to decrease the prevalence and severity of
colds. Dr. Foggs, who says medical science disputes this claim,
cautions against believing that all homeopathic formulations or
treatments can do the trick “without official evidence to prove their
validity based on randomized controlled clinical trials.”
for example, has been said to decrease the prevalence and severity of
colds. Dr. Foggs, who says medical science disputes this claim,
cautions against believing that all homeopathic formulations or
treatments can do the trick “without official evidence to prove their
validity based on randomized controlled clinical trials.”
Still, there’s something to be said for living cleanly and well.
Robert Anderson, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the American
Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine based in Washington state,
encourages patients to lower their stress levels–a major factor in
compromised immune systems according to conventional and homeopathic
practitioners –through, among other things, exercise, meditation and
touch. Anderson also espouses thinking of others.
Robert Anderson, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the American
Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine based in Washington state,
encourages patients to lower their stress levels–a major factor in
compromised immune systems according to conventional and homeopathic
practitioners –through, among other things, exercise, meditation and
touch. Anderson also espouses thinking of others.
“Volunteers in a study at Harvard watched a 30-minute video
showing the work of Mother Teresa. Their salivary [immunoglobulin A
(IgA)] levels increased significantly after viewing the film,” Anderson
says. “Levels increased even in volunteers who had a negative feeling
about the film. It seems even viewing altruism improves our immune
defenses.” IgA is a chief antibody tha
t protects against infections.
showing the work of Mother Teresa. Their salivary [immunoglobulin A
(IgA)] levels increased significantly after viewing the film,” Anderson
says. “Levels increased even in volunteers who had a negative feeling
about the film. It seems even viewing altruism improves our immune
defenses.” IgA is a chief antibody tha
t protects against infections.
A common manifestation of immune system disease is asthma. Dr.
Foggs, who co-authored the most recent National Institutes of Health
“Expert 3 Panel: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of
Asthma,” says across ethnic groups, young boys present more of this
respiratory disease than girls. By puberty, however, girls’ rates are
higher. And it manifests in black women at higher rates than any other
ethnic minority.
Foggs, who co-authored the most recent National Institutes of Health
“Expert 3 Panel: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of
Asthma,” says across ethnic groups, young boys present more of this
respiratory disease than girls. By puberty, however, girls’ rates are
higher. And it manifests in black women at higher rates than any other
ethnic minority.
Acknowledging environmental and genetic factors in how your body
responds to attacks, Dr. Foggs and Anderson encourage people to simply
take care of themselves as the best defense. It’s the one method over
which you have the most control.
responds to attacks, Dr. Foggs and Anderson encourage people to simply
take care of themselves as the best defense. It’s the one method over
which you have the most control.
–Monette Austin Bailey
Hurdling Asthma
For a time in Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s life, she was overcome with
self-doubt and fear. She was 18 years old, a multi-sport star at
UCLA–far from her beloved East St. Louis, Illinois, roots–who had come
face to face with an opponent she wasn’t convinced she could beat:
asthma.”I had lived in denial for a very long time,” Joyner-Kersee
recalls. “I didn’t want to accept it because I knew I wanted to have a
great quality of life. But once I realized asthma was a disease I
really couldn’t play around with, I decided to educate myself.”
Joyner-Kersee has managed to live quite the life with asthma.
Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, she was the first
woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon, the
grueling seven-discipline event.
Considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, she was the first
woman to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon, the
grueling seven-discipline event.
“I always took preventive measures to prevent an attack,” says
Joyner-Kersee. “Sometimes there were circumstances I had no control
over, like changes in climate or altitude, but this is where the
controlling part of it comes into play.”
Joyner-Kersee. “Sometimes there were circumstances I had no control
over, like changes in climate or altitude, but this is where the
controlling part of it comes into play.”
Now retired from competition, Joyner-Kersee, 46, is on a crusade
to educate people about the disease, particularly the importance of
getting a flu shot. This year, more than more than 36,000 people will
die from influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Co
ntrol and Prevention.
to educate people about the disease, particularly the importance of
getting a flu shot. This year, more than more than 36,000 people will
die from influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Co
ntrol and Prevention.
To help bolster her role as an advocate for asthmatics and
athletes nationwide, Joyner-Kersee has joined forces with the Medco
Tour of Champions, which is designed to educate and empower Americans
to become champions of their health by managing chronic conditions. The
campaign team consists of six gold medalist athletes, including Bob
Beamon (diabetes), Peggy Fleming (breast cancer ) and Greg Louganis
(HIV).
athletes nationwide, Joyner-Kersee has joined forces with the Medco
Tour of Champions, which is designed to educate and empower Americans
to become champions of their health by managing chronic conditions. The
campaign team consists of six gold medalist athletes, including Bob
Beamon (diabetes), Peggy Fleming (breast cancer ) and Greg Louganis
(HIV).
“Some people confuse being out of shape with an asthmatic
condition,” Joyner-Kersee says. “They have to learn the difference
between the body not being able to put the mileage in you want and a
full-blown asthma attack.” Which is why the flu shot is so important.
The American Lung Association says only 8 percent of people with
asthma get a flu shot. (If every asthmatic got the shot, 100,000
hospital visits could be prevented a year.)
condition,” Joyner-Kersee says. “They have to learn the difference
between the body not being able to put the mileage in you want and a
full-blown asthma attack.” Which is why the flu shot is so important.
The American Lung Association says only 8 percent of people with
asthma get a flu shot. (If every asthmatic got the shot, 100,000
hospital visits could be prevented a year.)
Joyner-Kersee relies on different medications to control her
asthma and consults with a specialist. And she stays busy as a
motivational speaker and with her Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (jackiejoyner-kerseefoundation.org ).
A motivational book and an apparel line for girls are in the works.
“Who says you can’t be an athlete and have an active lifestyle with
asthma? I have taken athletics to the highest level. I know it can be
done.”
asthma and consults with a specialist. And she stays busy as a
motivational speaker and with her Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (jackiejoyner-
A motivational book and an apparel line for girls are in the works.
“Who says you can’t be an athlete and have an active lifestyle with
asthma? I have taken athletics to the highest level. I know it can be
done.”
–Mark W. Wright
Inside the February Issue of Heart and Soul Magazine
You’ll love the love stories in our February/March issue. We’ve got
love-at-first-sight love, love-the-second-time-around love, love across
the ages, love on the job and even presidential love. Also learn the
moves to the best total-body workout and the steps to take to protect
your identity. Find out common myths about depression and the good news
about heart disease. Get back on track financially and getaway to a
romantic inn…all in the February/March issue of Heart & Soul, on
newsstands now!
