Senior Pastor, Rev. Melissa Rolle-Scott and the Mt. Calvary National Church of God Inc., Celebrate 40 Years of Ministry
Sandy Walker, Publisher
Dear God,
I am so honored to yet again have this opportunity to praise You and to recognize how much You mean to me. I am thankful that You have found a home deep within my soul. When I think of Your goodness my heart overflows with great joy. You are such an awesome and amazing God.
Keep me focused Dear Lord on You, and not on the constant dramas of this world. Remind me always that You are in charge. No matter how much value and importance we place on ourselves or how much we esteem mortal man,
PUBLISHER
Sandy Walker
Publisher’s Prayer
Sandy Walker
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Sommer W. Davis
EDITOR
Jamil Rivers
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Robert Walker
My Father, My God:
Father, in the Name of Jesus:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Moderator Johnny L. Barber
Anika Madison
All is well with my soul as I focus my attention solely on You. I am thankful as I breathe the air You so graciously provide to me each day. How wonderful it is to be Your child. How wonderful it is to know that You are in charge. I am thankful Dear Lord for the blessings You continue to bestow. Father I know that I am in no way worthy of all that You give to me. You give me peace and love. You give me food to nourish my body. You give me all that I need to survive. Your blessings are so much appreciated as You place the right people in my life and in my path each day. I know Father that You are also placing me in the path of others so that I might do Your will in being a blessing as well. Keep my eyes open, Dear Lord, so that I might see those in need.
I am eternally grateful for the love You continue to bestow upon me. You love me unconditionally with all of my issues and all of my faults. You love me, Father, in spite of myself. I thank You for being with me always. I am comforted by the knowledge that You are with me every moment of my life.
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Lord as I navigate this wonderful journey called life I am eternally thankful for the love you continue to surround me with. I am thankful for the love and support of my amazing family. There is nothing I have done or could ever do to earn the blessings You continue to bestow upon me. Father I pray to be a blessing to others as you so generously bless me. You, my Lord are so worthy to be praised.
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Father I pray for peace during these uncertain times. As much as we try to figure it all out, Lord You already know. When I find myself pondering the circumstances of the day I take comfort in the fact that You are in
Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling
You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the one that really matters. Keep me mindful that no matter what is happening in the world we must remain focused on You.
Father I pray to live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me Lord to step outside of myself and to release any habits that interfere with my ability to connect in a more meaningful way with You. Keep me grounded in such a way that I am aware of Your presence, and seeking Your guidance in all things, great and small. Be with me Dear Lord from this moment to eternity. --AMEN
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According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), stress is an expression of the body’s natural instinct to protect itself. While the stress response may warn us of immediate danger, like a fastapproaching car, prolonged stress can negatively affect your physical and emotional health.
“Our stress response was exquisitely honed over millions of years as a protective mechanism,” says Paul J. Rosch, MD, chairman of the American Institute of Stress (AIS) and a clinical professor of medicine at New York Medical College in Valhalla. “That was okay for our ancestors who ran into sabertoothed tigers. The tragedy is that today, it’s not that, but hundreds of things, like getting stuck in traffic jams. And our bodies respond in the same unfortunate fashion, with hypertension, strokes, and ulcers.”
How Does Stress Affect a Woman’s Mind and Body?
While men and women can react similarly in many situations, stressful or otherwise, there does seem to be some difference in how men and women react to stress. While the exact mechanisms aren’t clear, and findings are conflicting, some research suggests that differences in the brain and body may make women more physically and emotionally sensitive to certain types of stress.
“Women tend to react to stress differently than men,” says Dr. Rosch. “They don’t respond with the fight or flight response — they’re more apt to negotiate.”
How Does Stress Affect a Woman’s Health?
The particular challenges that women face at home, in society, and at work may increase the amount of stress you experience.
“Your stress may vary, but if you have stress with your work, your kids, your neighbors, and marriage all at once, that’s a big deal,” says Lori Heim, MD, past president and chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a physician at Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg, North Carolina. “In women, I see this in changes in menstrual patterns — nothing else is going on except a huge increase in stress, and all of a sudden, they may be losing their hair or having menstrual irregularities, and everything points to stress as a factor.”
According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, the effects of stress on women’s physical and emotional health can range from headaches to stomach trouble to back pain. Specific stress effects include:
Stomach Ailments Stress can make you reach for junk or comfort
foods, or upset your stomach to the point that you feel like you can’t eat. Common stress-related stomach troubles include cramps, bloating, heartburn, and — according to a study published in November 2017 in the journal Frontiers in System Neuroscience — even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects more women than men. Depending on how you respond, these can lead to weight loss or weight gain.
Skin Reactions Stress can lead to breakouts, and even itchy rashes and hives in some people.
Emotional Conditions From being in a blue or irritable mood to more serious mental issues, like depression, your emotional health suffers when there’s stress in your life.
Sleep Problems Trouble falling or staying asleep is common in women affected by stress, and this is particularly counterproductive since a good night’s sleep can help ease stress.
Difficulty Concentrating Stress makes it hard to focus and be effective in your responsibilities at home or work, and that can compound your problems if the stress comes from your job to begin with.
Heart Trouble Stress can negatively affect the entire cardiovascular system, and while it doesn’t directly
cause high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack, it can definitely contribute to them.
Lowered Immune Response
One of the more complicated physical reactions to stress is your body’s lessened ability to fight off disease, whether it’s a cold or a flare-up of a chronic condition.
How Can Women Lower Stress Levels?
In a survey of 3,000 people, Robert Epstein, PhD, a senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology in Vista, California, found that 25 percent of happiness hinges on how well you handle stress. And what was the most important stress management strategy he noticed? Planning — or anticipating what’s
going to stress you out — and having the tools in place to tamp down the tension. Here are some more tips for managing stress:
Improve your diet. By eating wellbalanced meals and skipping junk food, you can improve your physical well-being and, in turn, your emotional health.
Make time for exercise. “We do know that exercise is a phenomenal way of dealing with stress and depression,” says Dr. Heim. Research shows that getting active can lift your spirits by increasing hormones and neurochemicals that can improve your mood.
Find fun ways to relax. Connect with family and friends and people you enjoy being around. Redis-
cover favorite hobbies — research published in 2013 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry has linked pursuits that require focus, like crafting, drawing, or even home repairs, with stress-reducing effects. Other popular stress-busters include yoga, meditation, and tai chi.
Finally, if you feel overwhelmed by stress and its effects, talk to your doctor about ways to deal with it. You may learn new techniques for managing stress on your own, or you may find that therapy with a mental health professional will better help you to get it all under control.
South Dade’s Miami Wilds Project Seeks County Commission Go-Ahead
After nearly a decade of planning and discussion, the Miami-Dade County Commission will decide in October whether to move forward with the voter-approved Miami Wilds project adjacent to ZooMiami that has long been a cornerstone of South Dade’s future economic development.
The eco-sensitive project includes a water park, a family friendly boutique hotel, an interpretative learning environment and a small number of retail shops and restaurants aimed at showcasing the surrounding area’s Everglades-related habitat and pineland forest. While sensitive to nearby natural areas, the entirety of the Miami Wilds project, located on County owned land at 12400 SW 152 Street, is outside of environmentally protected areas. (See map)
“Miami Wilds presents an opportunity to share the area’s unique natural resources with both residents and visitors to our community in a way that emphasizes environmental awareness, conservation and sustainability” said County Commissioner Dennis Moss, an ardent supporter of the project that lies within his District 9, which was ravaged by Hurricane Andrew more than 25 years ago.
In 2006, County voters approved a ballot item in favor of developing the property to include a water park, a hotel and related retail concessions. The project, under review for more than a decade, is seen as an important component of efforts to boost South Dade’s economy. The area has never fully recovered from the devasting 1992 hurricane and, still today, lags behind the rest of Miami-Dade for jobs, transportation and other services.
“It is the right project at the right time for the South Dade Community,” says Moss. Miami Wilds will not only create an estimated 304 new jobs for area residents when it opens and 403 jobs when
fully operational, but will increase awareness and bolster nearby attractions including ZooMiami and its new Everglades exhibits; the historic Florida Gold Coast Railroad Museum and the South Florida Military Museum and Veterans Memorial; and local farmsourced food options in the neighboring Homestead and the Redlands.
South Dade businessman and community leader Rene Infante is among the many area businesspeople who support the project as a boost the local economy. “Miami Wilds will be an important new source of pride for South Dade, one which will create significant economic opportunities for an often-overlooked section of our County,” says Infante, who owns the nearby Redland Market Village.
Miami Wilds is a public/private partnership, overseen by the County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Private sector partners include award-winning architect Bernard Zyscovich, CEO of Zyscovich Architects, Palmetto Bay-resident and Miami real estate advisor Paul Lambert, Michael Diaz Managing Partner of Diaz Reus and Emmanuel Uche, President of East Coast Development Enterprise.
“We are committed to the principles of conservation and protection,” Zyscovich said. “Miami Wilds is designed as both a leisure destination for outdoor family fun and a unique learning venue that spotlights conservation of the Pine Rocklands Forest for future generations.”
Lambert said the project aligns well with local tourism efforts that focus on South Florida’s wide-open outdoors beyond Miami’s beaches, culture offerings and nightlife.
“We seek to create a carefully managed development that will protect and nurture the nearby area and its unique ecosystem,” Lambert said. “The site is
now an underutilized, paved parking lot that adds little value to the area.”
Miami Wilds has engaged Orlando based ProParks Attraction Group to operate and manage the water park and associated facilities.
Revenue from the project will help insure the necessary financial resources and infrastructure for the maintenance of the surrounding natural areas and support the future capital needs of the zoo.
In recognition that the Miami Wilds project is an economic catalyst for South Dade, the developers are committed to creating a skilled jobs’ training program for local job seekers in conjunction with local schools and colleges and create broad opportunities for local small business enterprises to participate in the project. Construction is expected to take 24 months after it begins in 2021 with a projected 2023 opening date.
“This has been a very long time coming,” said Moss, who due to term limits will end a 27-year career as one of the County’s longest-serving county commissioners. “Voters agreed to this project back in 2006 and I want to make good on that commitment.”
Commissioner Dennis C. Moss
For this teacher, this transition is bittersweet
By Fed Ingram
The beginning of the school year is a fresh start and a time of transition. For this teacher, it’s bittersweet.
I was recently elected secretarytreasurer of my national union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Beginning in September, and will serve as one of its top two officers, representing 1.8 million educators and public employees. I’ll be relocating with my family to Washington, D.C.
I’ve had an amazing and blessed journey here in the Sunshine State, although not always an easy one. I started out as a poor kid with a stutter living in Miami’s housing projects. But my parents taught me the sky was the limit, so long as I worked hard, respected those around me, and valued education.
They were right. I could barely speak when I started school. My life turned around when a public school music teacher taught me to sing. I learned to control my stutter, to speak in public, and I gained the desire to go on to become a teacher and a mentor to others.
After graduating from Bethune Cookman University, I spent 10 years as a
band teacher at two inner-city Miami high schools, Booker T. Washington and Carol City, where almost all students qualified for free and reduced lunch. We had broken down instruments and second-rate facilities. Nobody expected much from our schools or our students.
Except those students had other ideas and most had parents like mine, who taught them the only limits you can’t exceed at are those that you place on yourself. My students loved music, worked hard and overcame the odds to win top ratings and state championships. Today, some of them are doctors and lawyers – and please know that I couldn’t be prouder of former students who are now teachers.
Since I left the classroom to become a full-time union officer, I’ve marched, lobbied, negotiated, and advocated alongside Florida educators for better funding for students and schools and professional rights for educators. I did this first at the United Teachers of Dade (UTD) and later at the statewide Florida Education Association (FEA).
My passion has always been to open doors for every student, regardless of race, class, income or geography. That passion will be the center of my work
at AFT –building on the grassroots activism and coalition-building that I learned in Florida.
As I write this, the FEA has just won an injunction preventing an out-ofcontrol governor from re-opening our schools without a plan to prevent the spread of Covid-19. FEA won because we were stood up for our students and public safety and we had strong support from parents and the community.
We don’t know what the courts will ultimately decide, but we do know that, regardless of the outcome, FEA will continue to fight for solutions to ensure that Florida students have safe and high-quality learning environments no matter if it is in brick and mortar or remote classrooms. It’s a bittersweet time for me to leave this state that I love, but I am taking our fight that this band teacher has been living my entire life to take to the national stage.
Fed Ingram is a former Miami-Dade Teacher of the Year, former president of United Teachers of Dade, and outgoing president of the Florida Education Association.
A page from my journal…..
“The ‘Angels of Mercy” Stand Strong Amid the Pandemic
There are medical professionals, who work tirelessly with people who test positive and who eventually fall prey to COVID 19; they are called HEROS and rightfully so. These “angels of mercy” are on the frontline! My heart cries out for them when they must act as surrogates for other family members as a patient transitions.
Other ‘angels of mercy’ must render much- needed medical care as well, elected surgeries; they bring up the rear. I want to share my heartfelt thanks to the “angels of mercy” who are giving selflessly of themselves! All are essential for this time in the history of the USA. During the month of February 2020, after cataract surgery on the left eye in December 2019, my sight in my left eye diminished and showed no improvement.
DIAGNOSIS: A tumor on the pituitary gland, which would have to be removed immediately. Otherwise, it would prove to be detrimental to my well-being (blindness).
I will forever be thankful for God’s grace and mercy. In no way, will I ever apologize for my Christian beliefs or references made to God almighty.
AND SO. THE ROAD BEGAN TO A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY AND A COMPLETE RECOVERY!
God in his infinite wisdom put my ‘dream team’ together; Dr. Ricardo Jorge Komotar, neurosurgeon; Dr. Zouka B. Sargi, ENT; Dr. Hector Jimenez, cardiologist; Dr. George Vargas, endocrinologist; Dr. Frank Vigil and Dr. Pankaj Jain, anesthesiologists; Ms. Bridgette Morgan, RN, surgical nurse; and their proteges, who looked like high school students, but spoke with authority (Neurosurgery Department, University of Miami); Dr. Maria Mustelier, Family Medicine, Leung Healthcare NMB; Prophetess, Dr. Annie Temple, a prayer warrior, who would counsel
and pray with me as I went through a valley of despair; the foot soldiers, my ‘angels of mercy,’ namely, nurses, Amanda , Priscellia, Illianna, and Barney just to mention a few; the culinary efforts of the nutrition and dietary staff were superb ( I would frequently compliment the young ladies as they served hot meals; rooms were kept immaculately; I felt secure and safe.
As a Mom and Grandmother, I witnessed the fruit of my labor. I watched my daughter and my grands as they went about their daily lives including my care and my needs. Space was made for a recliner in the common area so I might be comfortable while sitting with them. I would frequently do FACE time with my granddaughter watching her put away groceries coming home from work. She’ll say, “Well, Nana you look good!” (Sweet to say as I’m propped up in the bed, watching MSNBC comfortably dressed)...
I am a member of the New Hope MBC Ministries, Inc., where God is building families for the 21st century located at 1881 NW 103rd Street; (305) 696-7745; Miami, Florida; Bishop Randall E. Holts, Sr. Pastor and teacher; Pastor Sharlene D. Holts, Women Ministry and a host of brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
Each entity in its own way impacted my life; namely, an Almighty God, a loving and caring biological family, church family; medical professionals and a communityat-large!!! To you, I say, “Thank you!” In my opinion, the University of Miami Medical Hospital stands tall and strong in this community as it provides care for all.
Thanks to telehealth, the doctor will see you now.
Our main priority at Jackson Health System is keeping our community healthy. In addition to in person visits, we’re also offering telehealth consults to anyone who needs to see a doctor. Our team of doctors are here to continue preventive care and medical attention remotely.
To schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our Jackson Medical Group doctors, call 305-585-4JMG (4564) and a member from our staff will schedule a telehealth video appointment for you.
Learn more at JacksonMedicalGroup.org.
How to Safely Sanitize Every Type of Face Mask
Experts say face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by providing a barrier to catch virus-containing respiratory droplets. However, a contaminated mask might also potentially spread the disease. It’s recommended that masks be cleaned after each use.
Masks that can’t be cleaned should ideally be discarded after use. Face masks help in reducing the spread of COVID-19 because they provide a barrier to catch the respiratory droplets that are released when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
These droplets are what carry the virus from person to person, according to Dr. Steve Pergam, MPH, medical director of infection prevention at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. If a nearby person inhales the droplets or they land inside their mouth or nose, they may contract an infection with the virus.
If a person touches a contaminated mask then touches their mouth or nose, they might also potentially contract an infection. For this reason, it’s important that masks be cleaned and sanitizedTrusted Source on a regular basis.
Here’s how you can safely disinfect common types of masks for reuse during the pandemic, and how to handle medicalgrade masks that can’t easily be cleaned properly outside of a medical setting.
Proper care of cloth face masks
Debra Goff, PharmD, FIDSA, FCCP, an infectious diseases specialist and professor of pharmacy practice at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says that cloth masks, bandanas, scarves, and neck gaiters are all types of face masks that can be cleaned and reused.
To machine-wash your mask, first wash your hands. Then remove the mask, being careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, she says. Toss the mask directly into the washing machine and wash your hands immediately after.
She recommends using your regular laundry detergent along with bleach and the warmest water recommended for that fabric type.
Once the mask is laundered, dry on high heat until it’s completely dry.
If you’re planning to hand-wash your mask, Goff suggests following the same procedure of washing your hands before removing your mask.
To disinfect your mask, soak it in a bleach solution containing 4 teaspoons of household bleach per each quart of water for 5 minutes.
After soaking the mask, rinse thoroughly with water.
Allow the mask to air-dry.
Goff says it’s best to clean cloth face masks after each use.
How to handle medical-grade masks
Kaiming Ye, PhD, professor and department chair of biomedical engineering and director of the Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine at Binghamton University, State University of New York, says that certain types of masks, such as N95 and surgical masks, are designed for single-use only.
For the average person, this means the masks should be disposed of in the trash after wearing.
Ye says they can be reused in professional settings, however, if properly disinfected.
For example, he says, N95 masks can be disinfected by UVC germicidal irradiation or vapor phase hydrogen peroxide.
Ye notes, however, that no tests have been performed on surgical mask disin-
fection or reuse, as the demand is low.
In cases when you can’t replace your mask between each use, Goff suggests that you inspect the mask when you take it off.
If the mask is dirty, torn, or saturated with moisture, she says you should discard it.
If it appears to be clean and intact, she recommends storing it in a clean paper bag or other breathable container between uses.
Ideally, however, they shouldn’t be reused.
What about face shields?
Goff says face shields are in their own category.
Since they’re open on the side, they don’t provide protection from sneezes or coughs behind you.
They do, however, provide protection for your eyes.
Goff says face shields are often worn in addition to a face mask for added protection.
To clean a face shield, wipe down the inside first using a clean cloth saturated with a neutral detergent solution or cleaner wipe, she says.
Then wipe down the outside using a disinfectant wipe or clean cloth saturated with a disinfectant solution.
Follow up by wiping the outside of the face shield with clean water or alcohol to remove the residue.
Allow the face shield to air-dry.
Finally, wash your hands when you’re done.
Written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, PhD
For people with prediabetes, diabetes, or other conditions that affect blood sugar, diet is a major part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Although factors like body weight, activity, stress, and genetics also play a role in blood sugar maintenance, following a healthy diet is critical for blood sugar control
While some foods, including items high in added sugar and refined carbs, can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations, others can optimize blood sugar control while promoting overall health
Here are 5 foods that may help regulate your blood sugar.
1. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts
Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-sugar-reducing properties.
This plant chemical is produced when broccoli is chopped or chewed due to a reaction between a glucosinolate compound called glucoraphanin and the enzyme myrosinase, both of which are concentrated in broccoli.
Test-tube, animal, and human studies have shown that sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract has powerful antidiabetic effects, helping enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar and markers of oxidative stress.
Additionally, eating cruciferous vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that the best way to enhance the availability of sulforaphane is to enjoy broccoli and broccoli sprouts raw or lightly steamed, or to add active sources of myrosinase like mustard seed powder to cooked broccoli.
2. Seafood
Seafood, including fish and shellfish, of-
fers a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Protein is essential for blood sugar control. It helps slow digestion and prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes, as well as increases feelings of fullness. Plus, it may help prevent overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two effects that are essential for healthy blood sugar levels.
A high intake of fatty fish like salmon and sardines has been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation.
For example, a study in 68 adults with overweight or obesity who consumed 26 ounces (750 grams) of fatty fish per week had significant improvements in postmeal blood sugar levels, compared with those who consumed lean fish.
3. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds
Brightly colored and packed with fiber and antioxidants, pumpkin is a great choice for blood sugar regulation. In fact, pumpkin is used as a traditional diabetic remedy in many countries like Mexico and Iran.
Pumpkin is high in carbs called polysaccharides, which have been studied for their blood-sugar-regulating potential. Treatments with pumpkin extracts and powders have been shown to significantly decrease blood sugar levels in both human and animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine how whole pumpkin, such as when it’s eaten roasted or steamed, may benefit blood sugar.
Pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy fats and proteins, making them an excellent choice for blood sugar control as well.
4. Nuts and nut butter
Research has shown that eating nuts may be an effective way to help regulate blood sugar levels.
A study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes
demonstrated that consuming both peanuts and almonds throughout the day as part of a low carb diet reduced both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.
Also, a review found diets emphasizing tree nuts at an average daily intake of 2 ounces (56 grams) significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of long-term blood sugar control, compared with a control diet, in people with type 2 diabetes.
5. Okra
Okra is a fruit that’s commonly utilized like a vegetable. It’s a rich source of blood-sugar-lowering compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants (23Trusted Source).
In Turkey, okra seeds have long been used as a natural remedy to treat diabetes due to their potent blood-sugar-lowering properties (24Trusted Source).
Rhamnogalacturonan, the main polysaccharide in okra, has been identified as a powerful antidiabetic compound. Plus, okra contains the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobioside, which help reduce blood sugar by inhibiting certain enzymes (23Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
Although animal studies suggest that okra has powerful antidiabetic properties, human research studies are needed.
Following a healthy dietary pattern is essential for optimal blood sugar control.
Whether you have prediabetes, diabetes, or want to lower your risk of developing these conditions, including the foods listed above as part of a nutritious diet may help reduce your blood sugar levels.
However, keep in mind that your overall dietary intake, as well as factors like your activity level and body weight, are most important when it comes to optimizing blood sugar control and protecting against chronic disease.
