Archive for the ‘Healthcare’ Category
All We Are Saying Is Give Peace a Chance
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
“Give Peace a Chance” is a pop song written in 1969 by John Lennon of the Beatles as an anti-war anthem. Today, the song is considered by many to be as relevant as it was 45 years ago; yet the reality of military conflicts still exists. Why is peace so hard to come by? I don’t have a simple answer. But what I can say is that everyone seems to want peace. Beauty pageant hopefuls, faith leaders, school yard kids, and even the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills want peace.  Plus, there is at least one government agency that exists for the sake of peace.
Peace Corps volunteers working in an Ethiopian community to promote food security and tackle hunger issues. (Photo Source: http://passport.peacecorps.gov)
Do you know which one?
It shouldn’t be hard to figure out that the Peace Corps fits the bill. The Corps’ overarching mission is “to promote world peace and friendship.” The organization has three goals: (1) Helping people in other countries meet their training needs; (2) promoting “a better understanding of Americans” around the globe; and (3) promoting a better understanding of people in other countries. As the “preeminent international service organization of the United States,” the Corps is comprised of more than 7,200 volunteers and trainees. Since 1961, more than 215,000 people have served. Volunteers and trainees live and work within the communities and with the people they serve. The Corps’ work deals with creating solutions in the areas of education, healthcare, economic development, youth development, agriculture and more. According to the Corps, volunteers only provide assistance in countries that request their support.
So what do they really do?
Contrary to the notion of “tree hugging” members with no sense of direction, the Peace Corps consists of dedicated people who sacrifice a great deal to make the world a better place. Here are examples of how the Peace Corps is improving lives and communities, one volunteer at a time.
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Peace through food security. The Peace Corps supports the U.S. Feed the Future global hunger and food security initiative. Working with other U.S. agencies, the volunteers help communities resolve issues around water accessibility, food cultivation, and food shortages. For example, volunteers are “teaching improved agricultural practices, food processing and agroforestry.” According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), agroforestry is the “integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.” In 2012, nearly 1000 volunteers supported food security efforts to reduce hunger in 23 countries.
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Peace through equality. The Peace Corps fosters gender equality and empowerment around the world. Case in point, Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) is a Corps program that helps to foster gender equality in 60 countries. Volunteers facilitate events that allow girls and women to exchange ideas, share their dreams, develop leadership skills, and build confidence. In addition, the Peace Corps efforts target men and young boys to “think beyond traditional gender roles.”
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Peace through disease prevention. Peace Corps volunteers are active in communities around the world to help reduce the incidence of serious and infectious diseases. More than 3,000 volunteers are working throughout Africa to stop malaria, which kills more than 660,000 people every year. Want to find out more about this program? Check out the Stomp Out Malaria social media .
Who is right for the Peace Corps?
The Peace Corps has an impressive list of alumni/alumnae including Former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd, Founder and CEO of Netflix Reed Hastings, University of Miami President Donna Shalala, NBC’s Hardball Host Chris Matthews, and Habitat for Humanity Co-Founder Donald Mosley, among many others. Throughout its history, the Corps has built a reputation for instilling a sense of purpose among its volunteer force. In addition to participants’ devotion, there is the cross-cultural understanding that comes with living in a foreign land. So it is understandable that the Corps attracts many young people who are starting their careers. Still, the service organization is more diverse than many believe. A quarter of volunteers are ethnic minorities. Additionally, Americans older than 50 are also joining the Corps at higher rates than ever.
Reality Check
It’s time for a reality check. Remember, the Peace Corps’ duty is “to promote world peace and friendship” around the world. (1) Do Peace Corps events, programs, and initiatives bring us any closer to peace? (2) Do you think the Corps is doing a decent job at promoting American values abroad? (3) What do you think the organization could be doing more of to advance its mission?
Tags: Chris Matthews, Christopher Dodd, Dennis Powell, , equality, food secuirity, Government, Healthcare, malaria, Ola Sage, Peace Corps, , Reed Hastings
Posted in Entertainment, Government, Healthcare, Leadership, Lifestyle, Social Media, Uncategorized | 30 Comments »
Monumental Learning and Fun
Wednesday, August 7th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park? When is your next trip there?
What federal organization manages more than 400 national parks, conservation and historical lands, and national monuments? If you guess the National Park Service (NPS) you are absolutely correct. NPS is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and has been around since President Woodrow Wilson signed a law establishing the organization way back in 1916. NPS, supported by 28,000 workers and professionals, has an annual budget of about $3 billion. More than nearly 2.5 million volunteer for the National Park Service.
Every year more than 275 million people visit the 400+ U.S. national parks every year. Now, that’s a lot of people. The system includes more than 84 million acres of land in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Now, that’s a lot of land. But, wait…did you know that Delaware is the only state without a national park? Who knew?
What Makes the National Park Service properties so special?
Well, NPS offers something for everyone: breath-taking parklands, recreation, cultural heritage, and history. For your convenience, e-Management has pulled together some of the popular NPS destinations and points of interest.
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African-American Heritage: As discussed earlier, NPS oversees historical land and monuments. The bureau manages African-American Heritage Sites, which spotlights the roles blacks played in American history. Popular sites include the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site. The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., is also part of NPS’ African-American Heritage Sites. Douglass was a 19th century black abolitionist who advised President Abraham Lincoln on issues from emancipation to fair pay for black soldiers who fought alongside whites in the Civil War.
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Hispanic Heritage: The Hispanic Heritage Sites preserve the history of Hispanic Americans. These sites are comprised of at least 20 properties. Each site spotlights Hispanic heritage. For instance, the popular Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas is more than a place for recreation or relaxation. The park has become a symbol for reconciliation. Why? According to park’s website, this site represents “the peaceful settlement of a 100-year border dispute between nations.” The park features a museum that provides the history of U.S.A. and Mexico border disputes and eventual resolution. Other parks in the Hispanic Heritage Sites include the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton (Florida), Presidio of San Francisco, and the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico.
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Women’s History: Women’s History Sites throughout the National Park Service feature information on the contributions of women in the U.S.A. Popular sites include the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Another site, the Sewall-Belmont House is considered by some historians to be the birth place of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S.A. According to its website, the site “is committed to sharing the untold stories of women’s history.”
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The Grand Canyon: Who remembers the Brady Bunch episode that featured the family’s annual camping trip? Where did they go? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This national park is very much a part of American popular culture. Really, the site is featured in numerous movies including the Grand Canyon; Thelma and Louise; and Transformers. So, it should come as no surprise that the canyon was the second most visited NPS property last year. What’s to do there? You can hike, take mule trips into the canyon, and camp. This is the perfect destination for people who love the great outdoors. Perhaps the most interesting aspect to the Grand Canyon is its spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen this spectacular view!
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The Great Smoky Mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s popularity may come as a surprise to some. Spanning the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is by far the most visited national park—beating out the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and even Yellowstone National Park. Nearly 10 million people visited the park last year. That’s twice as many as the Grand Canyon! What’s the attraction? The area is a natural and cultural history treasure. The park offers diverse landscapes, plants, and wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains region also has one of the largest collections of log cabins and preserved buildings in the country. Beyond historical structures, other points of interest and activities include viewing wildflowers, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and bicycling.
What’s Your Favorite NPS Treasure?
The National Park Service’s official mission is to care “for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.” NPS resources are places for monumental learning and fun. As we have seen, NPS is more than just parks. NPS showcases our country’s diverse history. So, (1) when was the last time you visited a national park, monument, or heritage site? (2) What is your favorite NPS destination, treasure, or points of interest?
Tags: African American, Dennis Powell, , Government, government spotlight, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, heritage, Hispanic, National Park Service, Ola Sage, women's history
Posted in Corporate, Dining, Economy, Energy, Entertainment, Events, Family, Gadgets, Government, Healthcare, Information Security, Social Media, Travel, Uncategorized | 37 Comments »
What’s a SAMHSA Anyway?
Monday, March 11th, 2013
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Some people need help. Luckily, SAMHSA is there to help all of us gain access to the quality substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services.
Does anyone really know what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) does? Many would point to the sometimes controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), often dubbed as Obamacare, as a program HHS administers. Others may say that HHS helps Americans through special programs such as Medicare (the nation’s largest insurer) and Medicaid, the national health program for people with low incomes or limited resources. Perhaps some may be able to name several of the 11 operating divisions (OPDIVs) that make up the department, including well-known agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Still, what many people don’t know is that HHS also provides researched-based data on mental health and addiction, and helps to bring awareness to those issues. The OPDIV that handles behavioral and substance disorders is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA (pronounced Sam-Suh)
SAMHSA’s role is “to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.” According to the agency, “behavioral health” is often overlooked by our society even though the impact is considerable. Did you know the economic effect of mental illness in the United States was $300 billion in 2002? Today, persons who live with mental health issues “have largely been excluded from the current health care system” according to SAMHSA. The impact of untreated mental health issues or addiction is apparent in communities, school tragedies, business productivity (or lack of productivity), overpopulated prisons and jails, and healthcare delivery systems. Over the past 21 years, SAMHSA has helped our nation become better versed on the realities of mental health issues and substance disorders.
SAMHSA Leverages Media to Build Awareness Around Mental Health and Addition
Relatively speaking, SAMHSA does not have a large budget when compared to other OPDIVs of HHS. But its impact on society is arguably just as far-reaching. The agency provides help and gets the word out about important issues around mental health and addiction through grant and contract awards. SAMHSA funded programs are administered in states, territories, tribes, communities, and community organizations. Naturally, SAMHSA has lots of data regarding mental health and addiction in the U.S.A. But, did you know the agency is using media to help increase awareness of these issues? Here’s how…
YouTube Outreach: YouTube is the third most visited website behind Facebook and Google according to Alexa Internet. SAMHSA is leveraging this popular social media site to educate us about the impact of addiction and mental health issues on individuals and families. The SAMHSA YouTube channel tackles underage drinking, suicide prevention, and a variety of other issues. The channel has a powerful series called , which features stories of survival from three very different people who attempted suicide. The videos are intended for behavioral health professionals to high-risk suicide survivors. Still, the series has been helpful to friends and families of survivors to better understand the road to recovery and how they may support survivors in their time of need. The SAMHSA YouTube also features videos of interviews of people in recovery from stimulant use disorders and those who care for people recovering from addiction. http://www.youtube.com/user/SAMHSA
SAMSHA and Facebook: SAMHSA is leading the charge in suicide prevention. In 2011, SAMHSA and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—a sort of crisis hotline—collaborated with social media giant Facebook to help persons who are in crisis. The result is a social media alert system that allows people to report comments posted on the social media site which could be a precursor to suicide. By clicking the Report Suicidal Content , anyone can alert Facebook to a potential person in crisis. That person would get an e-mail from Facebook “encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline” or “begin a confidential chat session with a crisis worker.”
SAMHSA and Hollywood: SAMHSA’s job is to provide leadership in the areas of (1) behavioral health, (2) prevention campaigns, (3) effective treatment, and (4) recovery. The agency provides contracts, grants, information, policies, programs, and policies to carry out its mission. So, it is no surprise that SAMHSA has worked with Hollywood to help shape how we see addiction disorders and mental health issues. The agency has worked with the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC), a non-profit founded to encourage the entertainment industry to depict more effectively and accurately health and social issues including mental health issues. EIC is the group that puts on the annual PRISM Awards, which honors the
accurate
depiction
addiction and
mental
health
issues in media including film, TV, and
comic
book
entertainment. EIC relies on the research that comes out of SAMHSA to work with entertainment executives, writers, and other creatives to present realistic portrayals of health and social issues such as bipolar disorder and methamphetamine (crystal meth) addiction. As a matter of fact, research shows that media (TV, film, music) greatly influences our attitudes toward important issues.
Questions on Changing Attitudes
SAMHSA may be having a great impact on how many people seek treatment for mental health issues and addiction. By providing the entertainment industry (film, TV, music, graphic novels) with factual data and leveraging social media (i.e., , , , , , ), SAMHSA is pushing to change emotionally charged discourse around these tough issues to meaningful conversations based in research. But, (1) how do you think your attitudes or knowledge has changed since SAMHSA opened its doors just over 20 years ago? (2) Do you think there is more or less awareness around mental health issues today? (3) Do you think the media (press, TV, film) currently provides more accurate narratives on mental health issues and addiction than before SAMHSA’s inception?
Tags: addiction, Dennis Powell, disorders, health, HHS, mental, Obamacare, Ola Sage, prevention, SAMHSA, suicide
Posted in Entertainment, Family, Government, Healthcare, Social Media, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »
Get started and get going.
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
By Colleen Schuler, e-Management
It’s October. And unless your head has been in the sand for the past several years, you’ll know that it’s (NBCAM). Back in 1985, the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical company created NBCAM. Today, the BCAM reach is international, involving several organizations that promote awareness of breast cancer, raise funds for research, and give support to those who have the disease.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and pink is everywhere. Even the Empire State Building changed its color to bring attention to this important issue.
There’s pink everywhere – even in that male bastion of the National Football League (NFL).  So guys, don’t tune me out…what you read next could help your mother, sister, wife, or girlfriend.
With all the hype around breast cancer, it’s easy to get complacent. So let’s discuss some very practical ways that you can help yourself or someone else become more knowledgeable.
Know Your Risk Factors
Two obvious risk factors are gender and age. If you’re female, the increased levels of the female hormones of estrogen and progesterone put you at risk. Dense breast tissue, genetic risk factors (such as the BRCA gene), ethnicity, and a family or personal history of breast cancer are also contributing factors.
Reducing Your Risks
1. Exercise and keep the weight off. In a Women’s Health Initiative study, women who walked at least 1.25 to 2.5 hours a week decreased their risk of breast cancer by 18%. Exercise will help you to maintain healthy weight. Why is this important? According to an American Cancer Society study, weight gain (60 pounds or more) in women after age 18 doubled their risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. So start young! Exercise and eat healthy to keep the pounds off.
2. Limit your intake of alcohol. I’m just a regular killjoy, eh? *smile* You don’t have to become a teetotaler. But know that the more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk of breast and other cancers. If you drink, the American Cancer Society suggests limiting your intake to one alcoholic drink per day.
3. Be sure to get your breast cancer screening. Are you 40 or older? Start getting those mammograms! There may be some difference of opinion on how frequent women should get mammograms so talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you. The important thing is to get started and keep it going! Also, remember to get a clinical breast exam—it should be part of your regular health checkup.
So let’s help one another.
How can we stay healthy? What are your recommendations for reducing breast cancer risks? Are you or your company involved in raising breast cancer awareness? We’d like to hear from you!
Feel free to share your stories and forward this blog posting to your friends who may want to add their comments to the discussion. For more information on breast cancer, its risks, treatment, etc., visit http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/index
(Note: This blog article is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT intended to cure any disease, ailment, or condition. As always, consult your medical doctor for expert guidance regarding cancer prevention and/or treatment.)
Tags: American Cancer Society, breast cancer, Colleen Schuler, , health, wellness
Posted in Healthcare, Lifestyle, Uncategorized | 10 Comments »
Women Who Rock!
Friday, March 30th, 2012
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
If February is for the heart (link to Heart Health Month Blog); then March must be all about women. Why? Well, every March 8th is International Women’s Day. Did you know March is also Women’s History Month? So, it was no wonder that one of my friends recently shared an online article about “10 Things Women Do Better Than Men.” The article talks about how women are better managers; how women survive more vehicle accidents; and how women are evolving “hotter” than men. Okay, I agree with all of the above, because…women rock! And at e-Management, we are drinking the Kool-Aid. *smile* The company is, after all, a women-owned technology services business supporting the U.S. government. In fact, women comprise 50% of our executive team. As this month closes out, I wanted to celebrate the contributions of women in government, technology, media, and politics who have inspired me in some way.
Did you know the NPR talk show host Diane Rehm, who battled a voice disorder, received the 2011 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award from the Voice Foundation for her exceptional contributions to the field of voice communication?
One of My Favorite Women in Government
As a proud graduate of Washington, D.C. public schools, I am always quick to point out people who attended our system such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Linda Cureton. If you live in our Nation’s Capital and work in government, chances are you know that Ms. Cureton (who attended the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts) has a reputation for looking at creative and innovative approaches to using technology to advance the mission of government and getting information out to constituents. In fact, Ms. Cureton is one of a few CIOs who openly embraces the power of social media such as blogs and social media. She even practices what she preaches since you can follow her on and subscribe to her feeds on . In a very real way, Ms. Cureton is helping to pave the way for women in government and at NASA, an agency that only years ago had few women in leadership positions. She inspires me because she isn’t afraid to shake up the status quo. Way to go!
One of My Favorite Women in Technology (and Health)
Speaking of women and technology, Forbes magazine recently listed our very popular First Lady Michelle Obama as one of “The Most Powerful Women In Technology.” Like her husband the President during his historic run for the White House, Ms. Obama is using technology to get her message throughout our nation—childhood obesity is a national health crisis! Simply do a “Let’s Move! Campaign” search on YouTube and you will easily find several fun (or funny) of the First Lady doing the “dougie” (an urban dance among young people across the country) at my middle school alma mater Alice Deal. Her commitment to this issue has led to higher awareness of health issues in youth, which has received bipartisan as well as corporate support. As a health enthusiast myself, it’s easy to see why the First Lady inspires me. Her message when it comes to health isn’t “insurance” or access to pharmaceuticals. Instead, her campaign is about the ever-important but often overlooked component of wellness: prevention.
One of My Favorite Women in Media & News
Like Ms. Cureton, National Public Radio (NPR) talk show host Diane Rehm attended D.C. public schools and is one of the most inspirational people in media and news today. Her 40-year career in radio is impressive hosting her namesake program (The Diane Rehm Show) since 1984. Additionally, she has gained a reputation for being a journalist who always asks the tough questions in an effort to get to the truth. Perhaps even more amazing is how she has overcome personal challenges in her life such as her battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder that affects speech production. Since her diagnosis in 1998, Ms. Rehm has continued new career without a hitch. Ms. Rehm has brought heightened attention to the condition and its treatments. Naturally, she inspires me because of her tenacity and her passion to continue to pursue her love for news.
One of My Favorite Women in Politics
On the other side of the Atlantic resides one of my favorite world leaders, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is the second-term president of Liberia. She is co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize along with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen for their work on behalf of women’s rights and world peace. According to The Guardian, President Johnson-Sirleaf “negotiated significant debt relief, more than quadrupled the national budget, opened a large investigation into corruption and started the truth and reconciliation commission to address crimes committed during the [Liberian] civil war.” Under her leadership, women have had greater access to employment opportunities and public education has improved for many. She inspires me because she is one of a handful of politicians who seems to be delivering on her campaign promises! And are there any better causes than education, world peace, and human rights?
Hall of Fame
It’s my hope that this blog posting brings attention to the significant contributions our sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers make beyond what has been considered their traditional roles. You’ve seen my list. Now, I want to see yours. Who’s in your Hall of Fame? Who are your favorite women in tech, politics, health, education, government, business, and beyond?
Tags: CIO, DC, Dennis Powell, Diane Rehm, dougie, , Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, , Forbes, Government, health, International Women's Day, Let's Move!, Liberia, Linda Cureton, media, Michelle Obama, NASA, News, Nobel, NPR, peace, politics, public, school, technology, The Guardian, , Women’s History Month
Posted in Corporate, Entertainment, Government, Healthcare, Leadership, Lifestyle, News, Social Media, Uncategorized | 14 Comments »
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