community


By Paul Bridgewater When the student is ready,


the teacher will appear. In many ways, these words


ring true for my journey with diabetes. I believe this saying is a metaphor for something that happens to many of us based on the timing and pace of our lives. When we are ready for something, we will be presented with “teachers” or resources to show us the path.


In reality, the path is always


there, but our readiness is missing. Our need and abil- ity to know or absorb the in- formation is often not real to us. When we are finally ready to take advantage of the teach- ing, the information seems to appear.


I was in my mid-forties


when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was told it could silently progress over many years and damage other organs of the body. Without proper control, it could lead to such complications as heart disease, nerve damage, liver and kidney damage, and vision problems.


My prescription to reduce


risks was simple: Diet, exer- cise and prescribed medica- tions. Nutrition classes were recommended, but I took a pass. I felt pretty good, and I knew the food and drink that always made me feel better. Or so I thought.


disease. I blamed stress, but diabetes was clearly a factor.


In time, I developed heart I


felt better after a few blocked arteries were opened. And again, physicians encouraged me to eat properly, exercise and lose weight. I don’t believe I fully grasped the ability of ex- ercise to decrease the need for insulin and help control blood glucose levels.


In time, I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. With more frequent visits to the eye doctor, I figured this condition


Paul Bridgewater


could be controlled. But the doctors could not reverse the damage. With diabetic reti- nopathy, the small blood ves- sels of the eye become hard and break, causing damage to the retina – damage that causes vision problems and sometimes blindness.


Like most others, I have


always taken my vision for granted. Now, some 15 years after my diabetes diagnosis, the gradual loss of my vision is evidence that my diabetes has taken its toll. Finally, I get it, and I’m ready to slow the further progression of this disease.


It turns out I’m surrounded


by “teachers” and resources, and I’m now part of a weekly diabetes self-management pro- gram along with other employ- ees of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA). Thanks to support from the Administra- tion on Aging, DAAA will hold similar workshops throughout the year at numerous Detroit locations. For all of us who enlist to be self-managers, the first responsibility is to under- stand the disease.


I learned that I needed


to know how carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, and why the scheduling of well-bal- anced meals is so important. At age 61, I finally understand the food pyramid and how combinations of foods help our bodies function properly – better than eating the same


THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE My path to better health


foods alone. I’m also reading food labels as voraciously as I read research reports on long- term care.


I now meet regularly with


a nutritionist who helps me select the combination of foods that best regulate my blood sugar levels and provide the right nutrients for other conditions. Only recently did I learn that my iron deficiency, for instance, could be offset by iron-rich foods like beets, beans and asparagus.


I often wish I could have


been on the path to better health a lot earlier, but I’m pleased that a college-age niece – also diabetic – is cur- rently studying to be a nutri- tionist. She’s going to meet a lot of stubborn people who think they alone know what is best. Many will be men who were raised to depend on themselves and who know little about self-care. And many will be African-American men whose race and gender put them at higher risk of pre- mature death.


Regretfully, when we’re not


ready to learn, we’re closed off to the information. With closed minds, it is impos- sible to correctly perceive and accept the truth. Part of the truth is accepting responsi- bility for our own health and wellness.


If you need help in identi-


fying health education oppor- tunities for yourself or older adults in your life, call Anita Kanakaris, Healthy Aging Manager, DAAA, at 313-446- 4444. She can also provide in- formation on upcoming PATH workshops designed for those living with chronic conditions. With our help, you can live today for a better tomorrow!


Tune in to “The Senior


Solution” on WGPR 107.5FM every Saturday morning at 10 am, hosted by Paul Bridgewa- ter, DAAA president and CEO. Call (313) 446-4444.


August 4-10, 2010


Page C-7 Hogan-Spurlin family celebrates 20-year reunion From Aug. 11 to Aug. 15,


the Hogan-Spurlin family will celebrate its 20th reunion. Elder Eugene Hogan married Rosalie Spurlin, and to this union were born 15 children. Maggie Omega Spurlin was Ro- salie Spurlin’s mother.


She was a born-again be-


liever in Jesus Christ. Maggie Spurlin introduced the family to holiness. Sarah Fuller-Perry was the sister of Maggie Spur- lin. In addition, they were both praying women. Grandmother Maggie prayed every day. And also Sarah Perry. They both attended Livingston Street COGIC (Seth Temple COGIC). Sarah Perry conducted prayer service every Wednesday at Seth Temple.


Elder Eugene Hogan and


Rosalie Hogan raised their children up in Holiness. They opened a church, Emmanuel COGIC (PCL Christian Center), pastored now by Elder Richard Hogan.


Elder Eugene Hogan and


Mother Hogan have eight sons who are pastors and two grand- sons. Elder Paul Hogan, East side Healing Waters; Elder Robert Hogan, More Excel- lent Way COGIC; Elder Samuel Hogan, Boston, Mass. Good Shepherd COGIC (he is also the dean of the Adjutancy Na- tional COGIC); Elder Teamos Hogan, Frontline Christian Center; Elder Sloan Hogan, Christian Life Center COGIC; Elder Frederick Hogan, Growth and Change Ministry; Elder Kenneth Hogan, Living Bread Church.


Mother Regina Hogan-Ed-


wards was married to Nick S. Edwards, Sr. He was the pastor of New Testament COGIC. Mother Edwards is jurisdictional supervisor of


the First Jurisdictional South- west Michigan. Mother Loretta Whitsett is jurisdictional su- pervisor of the Agape Jurisdic- tional Southwest, Michigan.


Eugene Hogan and Rosalie


Hogan always stressed educa- tion. Regina Edwards attend- ed business school. Loretta Whitsett also attended busi- ness school, and was the first Black to work for the Michigan Gas Company. Carole Hogan- Williams attended the Univer- sity of Detroit and received a degree in mass communica- tions, and works for the Fed- eral Aviation Administration.


Elder Samuel Byron Hogan


is a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity in Cambridge, Mass. He is now a professor at Har- vard, teaching theology. Elder Frederick Hogan is a graduate of Michigan State University, and is Dr. Frederick Hogan of We Care Medical Center in Lansing. Elder Kenneth Hogan is the owner of First Ap- praisal Reality Company, and the owner of Eugene Hogan Estates condominiums in De- troit.


The majority of the grand-


children are also successful. Lynell Edwards works at Ford Hospital. Elder Nick S. Ed- wards, Jr., college graduate, is principal of Blanchett Middle School. Sherry teaches at Highland Park Middle School. Carmen teaches at Wayne County Community College.


Lashonda Lewis is also a


teacher in the Detroit Public Schools. Charlene Whitsett works for the state of Michigan as an administrator for foster care. Paul Hogan also works for DPS. Rachel Williams graduated from Tuskegee Uni- versity, and is a registered architect. Jolynda Collins,


a beautician, owns Jolynda Place. Shay is a computer specialist. Glyniece Hogan a registered nurse. Christopher Hogan is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in criminal justice. Karla Hogan is a graduate of the University of Detroit, and has worked for the university for 15 years.


Shonda Hogan-Pettaway


graduated from Eastern Michi- gan University, and is an edu- cation specialist who worked for Winans Academy for over six years. Noel Hogan is a beautician in Battle Creek. Stephen Hogan graduated from Church of God Theol- ogy College, and is in full youth ministry at his church in Baltimore, Maryland. Tonya Hogan-Williams is a graduate for Wayne State University and worked for Xerox for over five years. Rodney Eugene Hogan graduated from Wayne State University as an electronics technician and works for SBC telecommunications.


Great grandchildren attend-


ing college include Joshua Eugene Williams, Benedict Col- lege, Columbia, S.C.; Elizabeth Tucker, University of Michigan; Kenard Edwards, Wayne State University; Talisha Edwards, Oakland Community College; Carmen Hogan, University of Michigan; Sherman Edwards, Bowling Green College, Ohio; Mark Whitsett, Jr., Marygrove College; Robert Hogan III, re- ceived a full scholarship to Spring Arbor College, Upper Michigan.


Grace Centers of Hope offers Dodge Charger during 4th Annual Charity Car Raffle


Grace Centers of Hope, one


of southeast Michigan’s oldest and largest homeless shelters, is selling tickets for a chance to win a classic Red 1971 Dodge Charger during its 4th Annual Charity Car Raffle. Proceeds from the raffle support the Life-Skills programs and re- habilitation services for the homeless men, women and children at Grace Centers of Hope.


“For the past 68 years, Herbs, the original medicine


By Jendayi Iyi Did you know that herbs


are simply food that has spe- cific properties designed to have effects on certain parts of the body? Herbs have been around for thousands of years, long before pharmaceutical medicine. Some people seek alternative ways of improving their health that avoids the risk of side effects that can often accompany pharmaceu- tical medicine.


For those who seek a more


natural approach to health, herbs (sometimes called bo- tanical medicine) are at your service. You may agree that herbal medicine sounds like a good route to pursue, but where does one begin? There are extremely large written resources on herbs and their uses, not to mention the inter- net on your computer, which affords instant access to the world of herbal knowledge.


In this article, I will brief-


ly mention several powerful herbs that aid in improving ones health. Every “body” is different and as a result, an herb that may work for one person may have a slightly different effect on another. As you become more familiar with the many herbs available, you’ll find herbs that are just what you’ve been looking for.


Alfalfa is one of those


herbs that is just good for the whole body. Alfalfa comes in capsules, liquid extract and sprouts. The name alfalfa is an Arab term meaning “Father of All Foods,” which reflects how beneficial this herb is. Alfalfa is an excellent protein source, has about 300 nutri- ents, is rich in beta carotene and a good source of minerals and vitamins. It also contains 9 amino acids, essential to the body (essential meaning the body doesn’t produce these components on it’s own). You can sprout your own alfalfa by purchasing alfalfa seeds and a sprouting jar kit from your local health food store.


Spirulina (pronounced spy-


roo-leen-ah) is an herb that comes from sea algae, contain- ing a rich source of vegetable protein. It is rich in anti oxi- dants, increases one’s energy and a high source of vegetable iron and magnesium. This herb corrects nutritional defi- ciency and is a superb source of chlorophyll, a substance which aids in the growth of cells.


This super food aids in


immune defense and longev- ity. It is said that spirulina, because of it’s high concentra- tion of nutrients, helps those with diabetes control their food cravings. You will find that when your body is getting the nutrients that it needs, you’ll discover you’re less hungry. Spirulina comes in either loose powder, capsules or in liquid extract.


Wheatgrass is one of the


most potent herbs for the body in the plant kingdom. Wheatgrass possesses over 90 minerals including a large concentration of alkaline min- erals such as calcium, magne- sium, potassium and sodium (the healthy type of sodium, not the salt shaker variety). This herb aids in the increase of energy, increases oxygen throughout the body, has more vitamin C than oranges and is said to slow cellular aging. Be- cause wheatgrass is so potent in nutrients, a mere teaspoon of it’s juice is like eating a large salad made of spinach.


One of the most profound


benefits of wheatgrass is it’s blood building qualities. The chlorophyll from wheatgrass is said to promote higher metab- olism, builds red blood cells and dilates the blood pathways throughout the body. Cleans- ing and oxygenating the body is a major defense against dis- ease and aging. Wheatgrass comes in several forms such as a powder you mix with water, capsules or in flats of growing grass. The most optimum way to ingest wheatgrass is to snip the wheatgrass fresh and put the grass the a special wheat- grass juicer. Some will just cut some of the wheatgrass


and chew it to extract the juice but don’t swallow the grass itself as it is hard for the body to digest. You can buy wheat berries and grow wheatgrass yourself if you are willing to do the research and the work. The Internet again is a won- derful resource to aid you in the knowledge of wheatgrass growing. Consuming wheat- grass is one of the best things you can do for your health.


Bee pollen is a powerful


super food high on the list of healthiest herbs. Bee pollen is a substance collected from the stamens of flowers on the legs of bees which after collected, the bees secrete a nectar and enzymes onto the pollen. Con- sidered one of natures most perfect foods, it has been said to aid in the prevention of cancer, weight loss, energy boosting and slowing down the aging process. Because of the high concentration of vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes found in bee pollen, it can easily be said that it is probably one of the most nu- tritionally complete natural substances available.


These are just a few ex-


amples of herbs containing a powerhouse of benefits for a healthy body. It is beneficial to explore the use of herbs as they are natures original medicine. Those of you who are under a doctor’s care and are taking prescription medi- cine should check with their physician before adding herbs to your diet to make sure they are compatible. There is an herb for every condition and herbs were our medicine long before the existence of phar- maceuticals. Go ahead, ven- ture into the world of herbs. Herbs just might be that miss- ing piece of the puzzle to com- plete your picture of complete and vibrant health!


Jendayi Iyi is certified in


herbal extract specialist and dried blood cell analysis. E- mail her at Jendayi_iyi@hot- mail.com.


Grace Centers of Hope has been the cornerstone in our community serving homeless and disadvantaged individu- als from southeast Michigan and beyond,” said Pastor Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope. “Our organization has provided nurturing and empowering programs based upon the belief that change occurs when people help people. Because Grace Cen- ters of Hope doesn’t accept any government assistance, fundraising efforts like our annual charity car raffle truly help make a difference in the lives of those with the greatest need.”


Monies raised from the sale Dodge Charger


of the Dodge Charger raffle tickets will help provide the following to the homeless and needy at Grace Centers of Hope this summer and fall:


· Shelter for as many as 150 individuals or families at any given time


· Nourishing meals for the hungry, including breakfast, lunch and dinner


· Clothes, hygiene and food items


· College and career oppor- tunities for Grace Centers of Hope program graduates


The estimated value for


the 1971 Dodge Charger is $29,500. A winning ticket will be drawn on October 3, 2010 at Grace Gospel Fellowship lo- cated at 210 N. Perry in Pon- tiac. Ticket holders need not be present to win..


Tickets are $20 each and


can be purchased by visit- ing www.gracecentersofhope. org or by calling Adrian Laux, Communications Assistant at 248-334-2187, ext. 31.


For more information on


the 1971 Dodge Charger, visit www.gracecentersofhope. org. The purchase of a raffle ticket does not qualify as an eligible tax deduction.


St. Joseph Mercy Oakland offers weight management program for children and teens


St. Joseph Mercy Oak-


land’s Shapedown program is held on Wednesdays start- ing at 6:30 p.m. The program based on a holistic approach to weight management for children and teens ages 6-18. Unlike a diet, Shapedown sup- ports a gradual adoption of a moderate and healthy food intake that provides essential


nutrients and leads to weight loss. It also stresses overall fitness, including endurance, flexibility and strength. Key components of the program are family involvement and communication.


A team of licensed health


professionals, including a social worker, nutritionist


Heart of Jesus


International Church offers revival and job


Ever since Halloween,


Pastor Prophet Cedric Banks and co-pastor Donetta Banks of Heart of Jesus Internation- al Deliverance Church have hosted a combination revival and job fair.


The goal of the revival seeks


to empower and impact the community with jobs, proph- ecy, preaching and teaching, financial stability and much more.


Service times and dates


are Sunday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., and Tuesday 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 15570 Toepfer, Eastpointe; and Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 111 E. Kirby, inside the International build- ing.


All events are free and open


to the public. Attendees can meet with


both for-profit and nonprofit vendors after service at 8:30 on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.


The revival will run through


2010. Call 586-222-6307 for more


information or visit www. heartofjesusidc.com.


This is also the way to learn


more about Heart of Jeus In- ternational Church and what it has to offer the community.


and exercise specialist co-lead each class.


There is a cost to attend.


Scholarships and partial scholarships are available based on eligibility.


For more information, call


the SJMO Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management at (248) 858-2556.


1st Annual Walk-a-thon, 62nd National Congress


“Through Labor and Love,


Let the Kingdom of God be Es- tablished in you” is the theme for the 62nd National Congress of Universal Liberty in Christ Temple Church, 7000 E. Can- field St., to be held Aug. 9-15. O’Neil D. Swanson, president and CEO of Swanson Funeral Home, will provide inspira- tional greetings.


A two-and-a-half mile walk-


a-thon will be held on Satur- day, Aug. 21, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Belle Isle. This event is open to the public.


For more information, call


either (313) 478-3553 or (313) 923-5360.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28