Barack Obama is the best choice to represent our nation for myriad reasons. He is well educated with an undergraduate degree from Columbia University and a law degree from Harvard. In fact, Senator Obama also served as the president of the Harvard Law Review; the first African-American to serve in this position. Senator Obama has worked faithfully as a community organizer in low-income neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago and previously worked as a civil rights attorney who focused on voter and employment rights.
He has consistently stated that he believes that he can provide a new face to America regarding foreign policy by effectively communicating with other world leaders. Senator Obama states, “The day I am inaugurated the world will look at America differently, and I can go to other countries with a level of credibility on their issues that I think is unmatched.”
But not only is Senator Obama dedicated to restructuring our current foreign policies, he is equally concerned about the things that are happening here in the United States. In an interview with Joyce Jones of Black Enterprise, Senator Obama reveals some of his master plan should he become president. He discusses his plan to stop mortgage fraud through his Stop Fraud Act, the first federal definition of mortgage fraud, while increasing funding for state and federal enforcement programs to assist in preventing faulty lending practices. The Stop Fraud Act will also help homeowners to avoid foreclosure by providing counseling services to better understand the terms of their loans. In light of the recent mortgage crisis throughout the nation, it’s apparent that Senator Obama is prepared to address this issue by instituting programs that will assist homeowners in getting back on track.
Senator Obama has also committed himself to resolve crime by enforcing our gun laws more effectively by making it more difficult for persons to purchase. I think this is so important in light of all of the shootings that have occurred in our nation. He wants to make sure that he and other community leaders insist on laws and regulations that will make gun manufacturers and salesmen accountable in the sale or transfer of guns.
Senator Obama also plans on doubling funding to create more after-school and summer programs. Initiatives like the 21st Century Learning Centers will have the funding they need to serve an additional one million children.
Because of his belief that early childhood education is necessary in building the right foundations for successful students, he has created the Step Up program to support summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged children through partnerships between local schools and community organizations.
I believe Senator Obama is sincere about changing the face of America because he believes the American Dream can be obtained by all people. Through his mission of change, I know we all can and will benefit from his presidency.
Add a comment April 3, 2008
One in two African-Americans will develop diabetes at some point in their lives. There are three types of diabetes: Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1), Adult Onset Diabetes (Type 2) and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is identified by the inability of the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugar and starches into energy. People with Type 1 diabetes primarily rely on insulin injections in order to maintain blood sugar levels as there is no cure for the disease. If insulin is not taken in the appropriate manner many conditions, including death, can result. Symptoms of diabetes include but are not limited to extreme thirst and hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, irritability and blurred vision.
Type 1 diabetes is also a genetic disorder that researchers are now attributing to the “thrifty gene” inherited by African-Americans from their ancestors. This gene enabled Africans during feast and famine cycles to use food more efficiently when scarce. However with fewer feast and famine cycles, the thrifty gene may now make weight control more difficult. This “genetic predisposition” along with Impaired Glucose Iolerance (IGT) often occurs together with the genetic tendency toward high blood pressure. People with IGT normally have higher blood sugar levels but not enough to call the condition diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is similar to Type 1 diabetes but can usually control blood sugar levels through diet and exercise. People who do not follow through with these regimens usually develop Type 1 diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), diabetes in the African-American community has become an epidemic. Over 2.2 million African-Americans have Type 2 diabetes, and as many as 700,000 African-Americans are living with Type 2 diabetes and don’t know it. It has been determined that diet and lifestyle has contributed greatly to this epidemic.
Type 2 diabetes has often been attributed to obesity, however it is also frequently found in older aged persons, people who have a family history of diabetes including gestational diabetes and people who don’t exercise regularly.
Gestational diabetes starts in pregnancy and affects about 5% of all pregnant women generally in their second trimester. Studies have also indicated that the rate of gestational diabetes in African-American women is higher than in any other ethnic group. As with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, diet and exercise are tantamount in maintaining good health especially for the baby. The chances of a person who has gestational diabetes becoming a Type 2 diabetic is increased if they are unable to maintain a relatively strict regimen while pregnant.
Though many African-Americans have committed themselves to healthier living, food intake with a high concentration of fat and salt has always been prevalent in the community. However, African-Americans are now joining fitness clubs and challenge groups whose primary focus is to educate the community about choosing healthy lifestyles. Dr. Ian Smith started the 50 Million Pound Challenge designed to encourage African-Americans to lose excess weight and eat healthy. Dr. Smith is most known by his role as medical/diet expert on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club.
Dr. James R. Gavin, president and professor of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, states “that by eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts, diabetics can keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.” Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day and frequent blood sugar testing testing can greatly decrease health problems usually resulting from poor control of blood sugar.
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to stop you from leading a full and active life.
Add a comment April 3, 2008
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