Destiny Watson, 47, of Hattiesburg always had dreams of getting her youthful figure back. After having four children, and a new found diagnosis of diabetes, she felt that maybe all hope was lost. The swelling in her feet made it difficult for her to exercise the way she wants.
“I was always thin until I had my four children,” said Watson, looking passionately at a picture of her in high school. “Sometimes I felt that I would never lose weight without having to starve myself, and I was never one for strenuous exercise if I can help it.”
Watson said she enrolled herself in her company’s fitness program. She has access to the gym 24 hours a day. Because of the swelling in her feet, she said it is difficult to maintain a steady exercise regimen.
“Even though I am a member, I seldom use it,” she said shrugging her shoulders matter-of-factly. “I don’t know why I won’t cancel the membership. It’s costing me almost $50 per pay period.”
On the other hand, Marsha Simpson, 58, of Hattiesburg was battling a red blood cell disorder and weight loss simultaneously.
Simpson said that she was required to receive a Vitamin B12 shot regularly as prescribed by her doctor.
“After several treatments, I later discovered that my regimen of Vitamin B12 may also help me lose some weight,” said Simpson, laughing. “Who would have thought?”
Both Watson and Simpson were looking for a simplified way to shed off unwanted pounds, but both used different methods to obtain their results.
Watson heard of a weight loss regimen called Acu-Staple.
Acu-Staple is an innovative approach to weight loss, similar to acupuncture. Founded by Robin Gibson, a registered nurse, she proclaims that by strategically placing a staple at certain positions of the ear, weight loss can be achieved.
“Ear stapling has been around for over two decades,” said Gibson. “It is a combination of auriculotherapy and acupressure.”
Gibson said the staples are placed at key pressure points to target weight loss, stress, tension, migraines and smoking cessation.
“Everyone is different regarding the anatomy of their ears; there are no two alike,” said Gibson.
According to Gibson, there are said to be over 700 different auricular points on the ear.
“I of course do not target all of those,” she said. “I concentrate on certain pressure points that target appetite, stress, tension, IBS, gastric reflux and cravings.”
Gibson said that when her clients come in for their appointment, she discusses those target areas in detail with a diagram.
She warns that some clients feel that the staple may not be working because they may not be losing weight immediately because the staples target what the clients body needs first, such as more rest, loss of inches before weight or a decrease in tension.
“The majority of my clients come to me for the weight loss staples proclaim a 90 percent success rate for weight loss,” said Gibson.
Even though Watson heard many success stories, she was skeptical at first.
“When I first heard about a staple in the ear making people lose weight, I thought no way,” she said jokingly. “But I soon become one the one’s standing in line for it.”
Watson and hundreds of other women and men stood impatiently at the Health Department in Collins to receive their miracle stapling in 2004. The cost for the procedure was anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on where a client received their treatment, with a follow-up every four months.
“I felt like I wasn’t losing out by paying $50 or more for the procedure, since I was spending it on a health club membership I barely even use,” said Watson. “I would just sit back and let the staple do all the work instead of me.”
Besides the ear stapling phenomenon, the discovery of Vitamin B12 assisting in weight loss was a surprise in it self, but it has not yet been proven as factual per say by the Food and Drug Administration.
“I first heard about B12 being used for weight loss on a radio show,” said Simpson.
Afterwards she consulted her physician, who neither denied nor confirmed B12 as being used for such treatment.
The B12 diet is dairy product based diet, and a prescription is necessary because B12 has to administered by injection. It is still unclear who started this diet, but there are online testimonials of users losing around 25 pounds on the diet.
“I have lost maybe five pounds, but I don’t necessarily think it’s due to B12 because I have had to have these injections for a while,” said Simpson.
The B12 dieters must consume dairy products and are first subjected to a shot. Prescription diet pills are taken daily while on this plan.
The prescription used is the diet drug Phentermine, which is used for severely overweight persons. However, eating high quantities of dairy products could lead to high cholesterol and fat in a diet, and of course is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.
Moreover, Watson said she was losing inches around her waist, but had the staples removed after she heard about associates becoming ill.
“I felt I lost inches in my waist, but nothing significant,” said Watson. “Now, I have gained weight, but I’m content.”
Unfortunately, Acu-Staple was shut down in the state of Mississippi during a 2006 decision made by the State Medical Board of Mississippi. Over 14 ear stapling facilities within the state were ordered to no longer conduct the stapling procedure because they were informed by the board that they were practicing the procedure illegally.
According to Mal Morgan, executive director of the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure said that in order to perform a procedure such as stapling, a license is required.
“Over 200 people a day were getting stapled at one of these facilities,” said Morgan. “However, the state of Mississippi requires that in order to perform this kind of procedure you have to be a licensed doctor.”
He goes on to say that a person may only need a certificate to do acupuncture.
Fortunately, there are other alternatives for weight loss.
Ayeshalia Green, a registered nurse, says that weight loss can be achieved successfully with moderation.
“What I mean by moderation is anything that you enjoy in life, do it sensibly, whether it’s eating or exercising, do it in moderation,” said Green.
Green said making a daily schedule of activities which includes at least 30 minutes of exercise, drinking an average of eight glasses of water a day, and including fruits and vegetables with and between meals, a person will begin to show remarkable results in weight loss as with any diet advertised on the market.
“What people fail to realize is that it does not take extremes to lose weight,” said Green.
She said because we do not follow the guidelines of a healthy diet, such as, 1 and 1/2 cup of fruit; 2-21/2 cups of vegetables; 3 cups of fat-free or low fat milk; 3 ounces of whole grain foods; and 5 ounces of meat or beans, our bodies begin to lose essential daily nutrients such as B12 among others.
“If we can just follow the recommended portions prescribed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and try to eliminate fast food and unhealthy snacks from our diet, there probably wouldn’t be an explosion of fad diets on the market, or excessive overweight people,” said Green.
These guidelines expressed by Green are the updated recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2005.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
In an effort to deliver pregnancy prevention
She started out using her old station wagon to transport kids to the center from all over town. She recalls the children being cramped up in the passenger compartment, feet dangling out of the back cargo door. She did this not because it was her duty, but because it was her passion.
Rose Harrell opened up the Neighborhood Educational Enhancement Development Center for Teen Parents, now known as N.E.E.D.S. in the mid 80’s and is still going strong today.
“It seemed like every year more and more girls were becoming pregnant and dropping out of school,” Harrell said. “The most difficult part for these young mothers, who are babies themselves, is finding someone to watch the baby.”
She knew how important it was to have a positive influence in these children’s lives. Too many were calling the street corner home and too many were becoming parents before they reached high school.
The purpose of the center is to provide child care at a low cost through federal funding and grants. The catch is that the parents either have to be attending school full time or working a minimum of 25 hours per week.
Harrell left her job as a secretary to open the center. She sought to the help of family and friends to help bring her vision to life. But, the strain became too much for some, so they fell off leaving her to bring the dream alive alone. Without a college education, she taught herself how to use the computer to her full advantage and began writing her own proposals, which was a success after a few denials.
Her husband supported her because he believed in his wife. Now she has two locations for teens and their babies and she is working on other endeavors as we speak.
“This is not a romper room or a quick fix for these young people to run the street,” Harrell said. “This is an opportunity for someone to finish where they left off due to them not thinking things through, but eventually realized that their life isn’t over just because they have a baby.”
Mississippi has had a high teen pregnancy rate for several years. According to the Mississippi Department of Health and Statistics, Mississippi ranked the third highest state in teenage pregnancies. Its only decline was between the years of 1992-2000. The state has seen girls as young as nine become pregnant. Some in the community blame the parents, others the education system. But, the problem is lack of resources and outlets for these young people to be involved in.
“I remember my mom practicing her lectures for the children to us,” said Debra Yarbrough, reminiscing about her mother’s humble beginnings. “She really cared about the welfare of children who were strangers to her, but later on in years those same children, now grown, still thank her for the difference she has made in their lives.”
Terrance Poole, an eighth grade middle school student, attended the program and said even though it seems like it may be geared towards girls, it has made him think twice about having pre-marital sex.
“Now that I’ve learned how much it is to have a baby and all the responsibility involved, I think I’ll wait,” said Poole, shaking his head.
Rose Harrell opened up the Neighborhood Educational Enhancement Development Center for Teen Parents, now known as N.E.E.D.S. in the mid 80’s and is still going strong today.
“It seemed like every year more and more girls were becoming pregnant and dropping out of school,” Harrell said. “The most difficult part for these young mothers, who are babies themselves, is finding someone to watch the baby.”
She knew how important it was to have a positive influence in these children’s lives. Too many were calling the street corner home and too many were becoming parents before they reached high school.
The purpose of the center is to provide child care at a low cost through federal funding and grants. The catch is that the parents either have to be attending school full time or working a minimum of 25 hours per week.
Harrell left her job as a secretary to open the center. She sought to the help of family and friends to help bring her vision to life. But, the strain became too much for some, so they fell off leaving her to bring the dream alive alone. Without a college education, she taught herself how to use the computer to her full advantage and began writing her own proposals, which was a success after a few denials.
Her husband supported her because he believed in his wife. Now she has two locations for teens and their babies and she is working on other endeavors as we speak.
“This is not a romper room or a quick fix for these young people to run the street,” Harrell said. “This is an opportunity for someone to finish where they left off due to them not thinking things through, but eventually realized that their life isn’t over just because they have a baby.”
Mississippi has had a high teen pregnancy rate for several years. According to the Mississippi Department of Health and Statistics, Mississippi ranked the third highest state in teenage pregnancies. Its only decline was between the years of 1992-2000. The state has seen girls as young as nine become pregnant. Some in the community blame the parents, others the education system. But, the problem is lack of resources and outlets for these young people to be involved in.
“I remember my mom practicing her lectures for the children to us,” said Debra Yarbrough, reminiscing about her mother’s humble beginnings. “She really cared about the welfare of children who were strangers to her, but later on in years those same children, now grown, still thank her for the difference she has made in their lives.”
Terrance Poole, an eighth grade middle school student, attended the program and said even though it seems like it may be geared towards girls, it has made him think twice about having pre-marital sex.
“Now that I’ve learned how much it is to have a baby and all the responsibility involved, I think I’ll wait,” said Poole, shaking his head.
Will America defy tradition in the next presidency?
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In past years the United States has had several African American presidential candidates, even a woman once, but it may take longer than 2008 before our nation come to grips that the country can be run by someone other than the traditional male candidates.
The United States is currently in a dilemma which is difficult to determine whether a solution will come soon. The dilemma is the on-going war in Iraq. President George Bush will be leaving behind a tramulchous task for the next president elect to clean up. Americans believe that change is going to happen, partly due to the democrats running the white house. They view this as a sign of progress. Not only concerning the war, but also middle class Americans and the elderly seem hopeful. There was certain talk about cutting back on social programs that is the life support of many Americans.
“It has been a while since the “minority” has been represented. I feel good about the future of this country,” said Tasha Smith, a Hattiesburg resident. “I don’t feel that the (current) president cares about us, but someone like Obama or Hilary running may be what we need.”
Some citizens say that the country should not worry if we are ready for our first African American or woman president, but if the next president elect can dissolve matters over seas amicably and have the best interest in mind concerning the nation as a whole. Both Barrack and Hilary have knowledge of our nation’s current state, and may hold the answer to resolve all the issue that are present.
“No matter what I will defend my country because that is what I enlisted in the military to do,” said Eddie Smith, a U.S. Army sergeant. “I have been to Iraq more than three times, not because I was made, but because I wanted to.”
Smith said he is not concerned really about who the next president will be. He said he just wants the right person elected. “But who honestly knows who that is,” said Smith.
Even though several military personnel express their devotion to the country, it is their families and friends who are home that are concerned about their future. Some families are wary of the fact that no matter who the president will be come November 2008, there still needs to be some answers of how our soldiers are going to pull out of Iraq and still maintain global peace, especially in United States.
“I just get so worried about my son over seas. I know that our future is in for a major change, but I feel nobody, whether black, white, man or woman knows what to do in our situation,” said Mildred Smith, sergeant Smith’s mother, with a worried look in her eyes.
“There are so many Americans out there who share the same pain and curiosity about the future of our nation. It really doesn’t matter whether the next president elect is black or woman, but if they are capable of providing safety for all human beings here and abroad,” said Eddie Smith, sergeant Smith’s father.
In past years the United States has had several African American presidential candidates, even a woman once, but it may take longer than 2008 before our nation come to grips that the country can be run by someone other than the traditional male candidates.
The United States is currently in a dilemma which is difficult to determine whether a solution will come soon. The dilemma is the on-going war in Iraq. President George Bush will be leaving behind a tramulchous task for the next president elect to clean up. Americans believe that change is going to happen, partly due to the democrats running the white house. They view this as a sign of progress. Not only concerning the war, but also middle class Americans and the elderly seem hopeful. There was certain talk about cutting back on social programs that is the life support of many Americans.
“It has been a while since the “minority” has been represented. I feel good about the future of this country,” said Tasha Smith, a Hattiesburg resident. “I don’t feel that the (current) president cares about us, but someone like Obama or Hilary running may be what we need.”
Some citizens say that the country should not worry if we are ready for our first African American or woman president, but if the next president elect can dissolve matters over seas amicably and have the best interest in mind concerning the nation as a whole. Both Barrack and Hilary have knowledge of our nation’s current state, and may hold the answer to resolve all the issue that are present.
“No matter what I will defend my country because that is what I enlisted in the military to do,” said Eddie Smith, a U.S. Army sergeant. “I have been to Iraq more than three times, not because I was made, but because I wanted to.”
Smith said he is not concerned really about who the next president will be. He said he just wants the right person elected. “But who honestly knows who that is,” said Smith.
Even though several military personnel express their devotion to the country, it is their families and friends who are home that are concerned about their future. Some families are wary of the fact that no matter who the president will be come November 2008, there still needs to be some answers of how our soldiers are going to pull out of Iraq and still maintain global peace, especially in United States.
“I just get so worried about my son over seas. I know that our future is in for a major change, but I feel nobody, whether black, white, man or woman knows what to do in our situation,” said Mildred Smith, sergeant Smith’s mother, with a worried look in her eyes.
“There are so many Americans out there who share the same pain and curiosity about the future of our nation. It really doesn’t matter whether the next president elect is black or woman, but if they are capable of providing safety for all human beings here and abroad,” said Eddie Smith, sergeant Smith’s father.
Is the No Child Left Behind Act doing just that?
Some Hattiesburg parents are concerned about the adequacy of their child’s education because of the academic rating system. Parents are expressing concern as to whether or not their children are receiving the same education as others in the surrounding area.
Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was implemented by President George W. Bush to ensure that all children receive an adequate education for a successful future, Hattiesburg Public Schools are struggling to achieve exemplary or superior performing ratings stipulated by the Act.
Although the numbers posted by the Mississippi Department of Education proclaim an increase in students’ test scores that determine a school’s performance levels, the results tell a different story.
According to the Mississippi Department of Education’s December 2006 newsletter, Dr. Hank Bounds, State Superintendent of Education said, “We are pleased that our schools have maintained their school levels and even improved slightly.”
The school rating system is based on the cumulative test scores of students’ performance on the Mississippi Curriculum Test that focuses on math, reading and language. Once those scores are calculated, the school is given a ranking for the year.
There are five levels that a school can achieve: Level 1 for low performing; Level 2 for under performing; Level 3 for successful; Level 4 for exemplary; and Level 5 for superior performing.
At the beginning of the Hattiesburg Public Schools’ 2006 academic school year, only one school obtained a level 5 rating; three a level 4; and five a level three. However, three schools successfully moved up a level, but were unable to achieve high rankings.
Mississippi has been fluctuating between the rankings of 48-50 in the United States for several years when it comes to education. But, the state is arguing that progress is being made and children are receiving a top- notch education.
When the ratings came out concerning Hattiesburg Schools’ level ratings, and some schools were ranked a little higher than others, some parents in the community felt that their children were receiving an inadequate education, Some of that concern can be based on parents misunderstanding of the rating system and how it works.
Surveys of parents at each school revealed there were mixed reactions concerning their child’s education. Parents with children at the only level 5 school in the community were ecstatic about their children’s education, and feel that the teachers, faculty and staff are doing exceptional work administering knowledge to their child.
One parent with two sons who attend Lillie Burney Elementary, the only level 5 school in the district, expressed excitement for the success the school has made.
“I am completely comfortable about sending my sons to school because I know they are receiving a good education,” said Ninika Shelby. “The principal, Deborah Woullard has worked extremely hard to make sure her students achieve the highest level they can by showering them with praises and encouragement.”
Other parents with children at low-ranking schools expressed disdain for the No Child Left Behind Act and said they feel that it is not working.
“I just don’t know or understand what the problem is and why schools have to be ranked,” said Regina McCullum, who has a son who goes to a level 3 school right around the corner from Lillie Burney. “Now I want to take my son out his school and put him in another. What is the difference? Maybe if they paid the teachers more, there would be better school ratings.”
A lot of parents feel like Ms. McCullum, but unfortunately her questions go unanswered. Mississippi does rank low in teacher salaries. According to the National Education Association, Mississippi ranked 50th in the United States for salaries with pay being a meager $36,590 for 2006.
But, teachers said that pay has nothing to do with it.
“We work hard to ensure that each child is learning,” Wendy Thomas said, a teacher’s assistant at a level 3 school. “In my second grade class there is a teacher and an assistant. We are both able to provide one-on-one learning according to each child’s needs.”
When asked what she thought was the cause of the cities low performing educational ratings she replied, “I honestly don’t know, but what I do know is that no child is left behind at our school.”
Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was implemented by President George W. Bush to ensure that all children receive an adequate education for a successful future, Hattiesburg Public Schools are struggling to achieve exemplary or superior performing ratings stipulated by the Act.
Although the numbers posted by the Mississippi Department of Education proclaim an increase in students’ test scores that determine a school’s performance levels, the results tell a different story.
According to the Mississippi Department of Education’s December 2006 newsletter, Dr. Hank Bounds, State Superintendent of Education said, “We are pleased that our schools have maintained their school levels and even improved slightly.”
The school rating system is based on the cumulative test scores of students’ performance on the Mississippi Curriculum Test that focuses on math, reading and language. Once those scores are calculated, the school is given a ranking for the year.
There are five levels that a school can achieve: Level 1 for low performing; Level 2 for under performing; Level 3 for successful; Level 4 for exemplary; and Level 5 for superior performing.
At the beginning of the Hattiesburg Public Schools’ 2006 academic school year, only one school obtained a level 5 rating; three a level 4; and five a level three. However, three schools successfully moved up a level, but were unable to achieve high rankings.
Mississippi has been fluctuating between the rankings of 48-50 in the United States for several years when it comes to education. But, the state is arguing that progress is being made and children are receiving a top- notch education.
When the ratings came out concerning Hattiesburg Schools’ level ratings, and some schools were ranked a little higher than others, some parents in the community felt that their children were receiving an inadequate education, Some of that concern can be based on parents misunderstanding of the rating system and how it works.
Surveys of parents at each school revealed there were mixed reactions concerning their child’s education. Parents with children at the only level 5 school in the community were ecstatic about their children’s education, and feel that the teachers, faculty and staff are doing exceptional work administering knowledge to their child.
One parent with two sons who attend Lillie Burney Elementary, the only level 5 school in the district, expressed excitement for the success the school has made.
“I am completely comfortable about sending my sons to school because I know they are receiving a good education,” said Ninika Shelby. “The principal, Deborah Woullard has worked extremely hard to make sure her students achieve the highest level they can by showering them with praises and encouragement.”
Other parents with children at low-ranking schools expressed disdain for the No Child Left Behind Act and said they feel that it is not working.
“I just don’t know or understand what the problem is and why schools have to be ranked,” said Regina McCullum, who has a son who goes to a level 3 school right around the corner from Lillie Burney. “Now I want to take my son out his school and put him in another. What is the difference? Maybe if they paid the teachers more, there would be better school ratings.”
A lot of parents feel like Ms. McCullum, but unfortunately her questions go unanswered. Mississippi does rank low in teacher salaries. According to the National Education Association, Mississippi ranked 50th in the United States for salaries with pay being a meager $36,590 for 2006.
But, teachers said that pay has nothing to do with it.
“We work hard to ensure that each child is learning,” Wendy Thomas said, a teacher’s assistant at a level 3 school. “In my second grade class there is a teacher and an assistant. We are both able to provide one-on-one learning according to each child’s needs.”
When asked what she thought was the cause of the cities low performing educational ratings she replied, “I honestly don’t know, but what I do know is that no child is left behind at our school.”
Post hurricane clean-up
ii Forrest County Agricultural High School students clear debris from Graham's porch. Photo/Demetrica Smith.
Cassie Graham, 58, of 705 Lincoln Avenue, Hattiesburg was raised in this house. She never left and raised her own family in this house. The foundation of the house remained steady throughout the years and withstood the ravishing winds of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 that ripped homes completely from their foundations.
The only evidence left to actually verify that her house experienced such a history making storm is the hole in her roof and the water damaged items that got wet on her porch.
Cassie Graham, 58, of 705 Lincoln Avenue, Hattiesburg was raised in this house. She never left and raised her own family in this house. The foundation of the house remained steady throughout the years and withstood the ravishing winds of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 that ripped homes completely from their foundations.
The only evidence left to actually verify that her house experienced such a history making storm is the hole in her roof and the water damaged items that got wet on her porch.
Two years have past and the roof is still covered with a mixture of blue tarp, black plastic and wood boards sectioned strategically to hold the covering firm. The porch is stacked high, from floor to ceiling, with mattresses, clothes and a variety of other items from inside the house that got wet from the hole in the roof and only made it as far as the porch for disposal.
Graham is unable to do the things she used to. Although 58 years young, she has had three bypass surgeries has to remain on oxygen. Despite her illnesses, Graham is all smiles today.
On March 31, 2007, Graham is finally getting those items removed from her porch after almost two years and her yard cleaned and cut.
“Today is a very momentous occasion for me,” said Graham.
A host of volunteers, a majority who are student council members from Forrest County Agricultural High School, came to clear Graham’s porch and clean her yard. The volunteers said there was nothing to gain but a sense of satisfaction from helping someone in need.
Graham is unable to do the things she used to. Although 58 years young, she has had three bypass surgeries has to remain on oxygen. Despite her illnesses, Graham is all smiles today.
On March 31, 2007, Graham is finally getting those items removed from her porch after almost two years and her yard cleaned and cut.
“Today is a very momentous occasion for me,” said Graham.
A host of volunteers, a majority who are student council members from Forrest County Agricultural High School, came to clear Graham’s porch and clean her yard. The volunteers said there was nothing to gain but a sense of satisfaction from helping someone in need.
“This is the student council’s first try at volunteering,” said student council president, Neil Boone.
Boone said he ran across a flyer while at a camp he was attending that was looking for volunteers. While there, he met a counselor named Christy Harrison, who happens to be the coordinator of a program Boone and his council members would end up volunteering for.
The program is called Share Care Recovery Connection, a project of the Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, funded by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Share Care offers assistance to persons 50 years of age or older who have experienced grief or losses due to Hurricane Katrina.
“Share Care offers a service for time through a system called project Share Care bank,” said Harrison.
Project Share Care Bank is not like a bank that holds cash money, but a bank that holds time dollars. Time dollars are earned for exchange of support by helping someone else. For every hour of service a person volunteers gives, they earn one time dollar. These time dollars are then used for services needed by the earner, which would be performed by a volunteer who in turn earns time dollars and vice versa.
“Mississippi is the first state in the south to use this time dollar concept,” said Harrison. She said the concept has been around for 20 years, but mostly in states with large metropolitan cities. However, Harrison said the program has not been used for assisting persons with disabilities or seniors.
“People tend to forget about seniors. This is an opportunity to help seniors get back active in society,” said Harrison.
But the students from FCAHS student council and the other volunteers with them said they are not in it for the time dollars.
“We know about the time share dollars, but were not doing it for the hours or the dollars,” said Boone. “We’re doing it strictly volunteer because we just wanted to help someone.”
After a few hours, Graham’s porch and yard is totally transformed. Although her roof is still in disrepair, Graham is grateful to tackle one obstacle at a time.
“I’m just so happy,” said Graham. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
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