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HEALTH & WELLNESS December 7, 2007 A. PHILIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE JOINS COALITION OF LABOR UNION WOMEN IN PRAISING MEDICARE BILL REQUIRING COVERAGE OF HPV TESTING IN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING Lyle Dukes, Senior Pastor and Deborah Dukes, Co-Pastor of Harvest Life Changers Church, International in Woodbridge, Virginia have been selected as national spokespersons and ambassadors for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Power To End Stroke campaign. Power To End Stroke is an education and awareness initiative to increase the consciousness of stroke in the African-American community. Through Power To End Stroke, African-Americans are provided information and tools to help them reduce their risk of stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the burden of stroke is greater among African-Americans than any other ethnic group in America. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites, and blacks 34-54 years old have four times the relative risk for stroke. Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes, who lead a Washington, D.C. metropolitan area ministry of over 5,000 members, were selected in an effort to bring greater awareness through their international ministry and to unite with the American Stroke Association’s objective to reach individuals through the church and other community roots. As Power To End Stroke national ambassadors, the Dukes join other distinguished community leaders such as Mary Ida Vandross, mother of the late Grammy-winning R & B singer Luther Vandross; Mark McEwen, stroke survivor and former national weatherman and anchor for the Early Show; renowned R&B singer/songwriter Will Downing and others representing areas of healthcare, community, celebrity, media and fundraising in the fight against stroke. The ambassadors “Share the Power” by recruiting other respected leaders and by getting deeply involved in local grassroots and educational efforts to help reduce the risk of stroke in the African-American community across the country. “African-Americans take on many battles that are often societal challenges,” said Yolanda King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King and the first national Power To End Stroke Ambassador. Before her death in May 2007, King preached, “Stroke is a health battle that we must take seriously and confront together, because the ramifications can be overwhelming and deadly for you and your loved ones. Through Power To End Stroke, we are creating a movement to help each other live stronger, healthier lives. As a people, we must join together to embrace this campaign.” In addition to the awareness of stroke, ambassadors encourage individuals to call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit www.strokeassociation.org/power to • Take the stroke pledge to begin the journey to reduce stroke risk • Receive free information about African-Americans and stroke • Find out how to reduce stroke in the community through the Power To End Stroke campaign The Coalition of Labor Union Women, the only national organization for union women, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the nation’s largest organization representing black workers, together applauded the recent introduction of legislation that would require Medicare to cover testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer, as part of cervical cancer screening for older women. The Medicare Cervical Cancer Screening and Detection Coverage Act of 2007 [H.R. 4055] was introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and co-sponsored by Allyson Schwartz (D-PA). Women age 65 and older account for nearly 20 percent of all new cervical cancer cases and more than 35 percent of all deaths from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nearly three dozen leading health, women’s, and other advocacy organizations have already voiced their support for the bill. “Cervical cancer can be a devastating disease, yet it is preventable,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Knowing if an older woman has HPV could help determine if and how often she should continue to be screened. This can help save older women from the anguish of a cervical cancer diagnosis, and can help ensure that Medicare resources are directed toward those who really need them.” According to the CDC, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer for African American women ages 65 and older are more than two times greater than those for white women of the same age group. “We are dedicated to eliminating the racial disparities in healthcare in our country. While cervical cancer rates are decreasing slowly in the United States, that’s not the case among African American women who have the most to gain from this bill,” said APRI President Clayola Brown. “We are proud to align with the Coalition for Labor Union Women on this issue to ensure older women of all races have access to the same technologies as younger women.” This year, the American Cancer Society reports that 11,150 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,670 women will die of the disease. While cervical cancer incidence rates in the United States have shown a decline over the past several years, the average annual incidence rate was highest among Hispanic and African American women—a 50 percent higher incidence of cervical cancer among African American (compared with White) and 66 percent higher incidence among Hispanic women (compared with non-Hispanic). And cervical cancer rates rose with age for all groups. Hispanic women ages 65 and older also have a higher incidence rate and mortality rate of cervical cancer than do white women. “The Coalition of Labor Union Women is particularly pleased that the bill has been introduced. Through our Cervical Cancer Prevention Works program, which educates union women about HPV and cervical cancer, we’ve learned that older women often do not realize that they are at risk for cervical cancer and that high risk HPV can be detected early, before it develops into cervical cancer,” said Marsha Zakowski, CLUW president. Jean Hervey, Executive Vice President of CLUW, attributes her good health today to asking for the HPV test when she had her routine Pap test some years ago. “It’s so important to eliminate the barriers to access. This bill is the first step in helping older women of all races have access to HPV testing.” ABOUT HPV TESTING The Pap test, the traditional method of screening for cervical cancer, is approximately 50 to 85 percent accurate, depending upon the type of test used. An HPV test was approved by the FDA in 2003 for use with a Pap test in women age 30 and older. Research shows that this approach increases to nearly 100 percent a clinician’s ability to identify women who are at increased risk for cervical cancer and require more diligent follow-up care. HPV testing is included in cervical cancer screening guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Cancer Society. Most private insurance companies and state Medicaid programs already cover HPV testing as part of routine cervical cancer screening for women age 30 and older. COOKIE JOHNSON JOINS “CAMPAIGN TO END BLACK AIDS” In conjunction with World AIDS Day, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Magic Johnson Foundation and Abbott (NYSE: ABT) recently announced that Cookie Johnson, wife of Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be touring throughout the country in 2008 to educate women on HIV/AIDS. Earvin “Magic” Johnson will continue to be the primary ambassador for the “I Stand With Magic” program to inform people about the disease, encourage people to get tested and if necessary, seek treatment for HIV if they are HIV positive. Since its 2006 launch, the “I Stand With Magic” program, a part of the “Campaign to End Black AIDS,” has provided free HIV/AIDS testing to more than 21,000 Americans in 16 major cities with large African-American populations as part of the “I Stand With Magic” tour. Additionally, the program has educated nearly 200,000 people about HIV, risk factors associated with the disease, the importance of HIV testing and how to care for yourself or someone you know living with the disease. More than 70,000 individuals have enrolled in the program in order to receive regular newsletters and communication from Magic Johnson about how to stay informed about the disease. Anyone who is personally impacted by HIV, is a caretaker of someone who is HIV positive or just wants to support the cause can enroll at www.istandwithmagic.com. Cookie Johnson, the wife of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, is now touring the country with the “I Stand With Magic” program to educate minority women about HIV/AIDS and provide tools for prevention and testing. Cookie prides herself on being the first to “stand” with Magic. In addition to Cookie, the program is extending an invitation to other prominent African-American leaders to join the campaign. In celebration of World AIDS Day, Abbott and the Magic Johnson Foundation are also hosting concerts with musicians including Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Mary Mary and the Soul Seekers, who will perform and encourage people to get informed, get tested and seek treatment if necessary. To learn more about the “I Stand with Magic Program and Campaign to End Black AIDS” or to join the program, visit www.istandwithmagic. com. For more information on Abbott’s HIV/AIDS programs, visit www. abbott.com/HIVAIDS and www. abbottglobalcare.org. THE METRO HERALD 15
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2007 December 7, 2007 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Continued from page 11 you to Haute Holidays for the Hounds to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Celebrate the launch of Juicy Couture’s new “Crittoure” line for dogs and treat your pet to pampering, gourmet cookies and holiday photos with Santa Claus all to benefit the animals and programs of the Washington Humane Society. Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. • Sunday, December 16th— 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Posh Pooch, Bethesda. With a $15 donation to WHS you will receive a 4x6 photo and a photo sent to you via e-mail. Posh Pooch, 8009 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 ON THE WEB NETNIA PUBLISHING, INC. ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BLACKSANTAMAGICLETTERS. COM Every year parents go above the call of duty to make the Christmas holidays the most anticipated, precious, and memorable time of the year. Now, with the help of an Internet website, parents can start a new tradition sending children personalized letters from an African-American Santa Claus. Launched last year, BlackSantaMagicLetters.com is fast becoming a holiday favorite of African-Americans who celebrate Christmas. Visitors to the site have a choice of three culturally designed letters to personalize with children’s names, best friends’ names, toy wish lists, hobbies, accomplishments, and other information. There are also plenty of interesting articles and fun facts about Black Santa Claus. The personalized letters arrive at children’s home in a large envelope with a North Pole Alaska postmark from the United States Postal Service. The postmark proves the letter’s authenticity and delivery from the North Pole. It also contains colorful Christmas stickers with positive motivational messages. Parents should expect delivery a week before Christmas. “Getting the right wording, images, and Afrocentric style for the letters took much thought,” says Jeffery Bradley, webmaster and creator. “It is important to design Black Santa letters where children of all ages will enjoy reading and keeping for memories. We also made the website a fun experience for all visitors. Adults and children will enjoy seeing the animated Black Santa sings Merry Christmas in his own special way.” Black Santa Magic Letters makes it easy to send cultural personalized letters to your children and loved ones. To download a free letter sample and read interesting facts about Black Santa, visit www. BlackSantaMagicLetters.com. NAUGHTY OR NICE PETS PETS INVITED TO PETCO FOR PHOTOS WITH SANTA; BENEFITS HOMELESS PETS NATIONWIDE Pets of all types will soon be making their way to PETCO stores nationwide to have their photo taken with Santa. All participating customers will receive a commemorative photo and frame for $6.95 (while supplies last). Five dollars from each photo will be donated to benefit a local animal welfare organization that helps animals in need. The event is sponsored by Pet Promise. Event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at your neighborhood PETCO store. To find a participating store near you visit, PETCO.com FURRY HOLIDAY FACTS: In addition to donations from Photos with Santa, PETCO’s annual Tree of Hope fundraiser is now underway to raise funds for animal welfare organizations nationwide. Last year’s fundraisingcampaign generated more than $2.7 million for pets in need. PETCO offers an exclusive selection of perfect holiday gifts for pets and their parents from fashionable apparel, carriers and collars to stockings, candy cane rawhide and holiday treats from the PETCO pet bar. PETCO’s grooming salons are now offering a Warm Gingerbread Vanilla grooming package through Dec. 24. It includes a warm gingerbread vanilla shampoo and spritz, spray-on detangler, Pro Sheen coat conditioner, tooth brushing service and sparkling green or red nail polish. Customers trying the package between Nov. 25 and Dec. 8 will receive a free holiday stocking with a valuable savings coupon book and Eukanuba food sample. WASHINGTON, DC MISSION’S CHRISTMAS BAG CELEBRATION FOR D.C. KIDS IN NEED In an event tagged the Christmas Bag Celebration, donors and volunteers from across the Washington area are joining together to ensure local area children have gifts to open on Christmas day. Celebrations are planned for English and Spanish speaking families and will be held at Central Union Mission, 1350 R Street NW Washington DC. An English speaking Celebration will be held on December 15th from 10a.m.–4p.m. and a Spanish speaking Celebration will be hosted on December 22nd from 10a.m.–12noon. The Christmas Bag Celebration distributes personalized Christmas bags with toys, clothing and books to underprivileged boys and girls from around the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Children from the ages of birth to 17 will participate. Currently 706 of the 1,116 registered children have been sponsored. 410 children are still awaiting sponsors. “The Christmas Bag Celebration is an opportunity to bring excitement and joy to children who might not otherwise receive a single gift this year,” said Executive Director, David O. Treadwell. “Each bag is a blessing, both to those who give and to those who receive.” Additional sponsors are urgently needed for over 400 children. The Christmas Bag Celebration is made possible by individual and corporate donations. The cost to fill one bag with age appropriate clothes, books and toys is around $150. The 2007 Christmas Bag Celebration will distribute personalized gift bags to over 1,100 children. To sponsor a child or family contact Sponsorship Coordinator TaJuanna Patterson at 202-745-7118 ext. 235 or by email at tpatterson@ missiondc.org. For more information about Central Union Mission or the Christmas Bag Celebration, call 202-MISSION or visit www.missiondc. org. Continued on page 17 16 THE METRO HERALD
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME XVI, NUMBER 49 IN THIS ISSUE
Page 3 and 4: POTPOURRI December 7, 2007 In respo
Page 5 and 6: AFRICA UPDATE December 7, 2007 ARMY
Page 7 and 8: AROUND THE REGION December 7, 2007
Page 9 and 10: CAPITAL COMMENTS December 7, 2007 C
Page 11 and 12: HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2007 December 7,
Page 13: EDUCATION December 7, 2007 MONTGOME
Page 17 and 18: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT December 7, 20
Page 19 and 20: SPORTS & RECREATION December 7, 200
Page 21 and 22: CLASSIFIED ADS/BIDS & PROPOSALS Dec
Page 23: December 7, 2007 24 THE METRO HERAL

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