Lifestyles & Career Choices

Volu

me

1, Is

sue

5

Build good habits for college now!

Hustle Now of Later? “Is Education a Hustle?”

MEMPHIS OWNDr. Marrio ThomasRapper, Radio Host, Doctor?

2012 Predictions

Step right up; I’m going to predict your future. All I need to know is the answer to one question: Do you want to live a

great life?

I’m predicting that your answer is yes.

The road to greatness is lined with challenges, tough decisions- and some of the best years of your life. Some of these challenges are 100% avoidable, and oddly enough they are also the ones that are the most destructive and have a lifelong impact.

Think of these as back road dangers. If you never get off the interstate, then you’ll never be exposed. But if you do decide to cruise down these streets, well, you might never find your way back to the entrance ramp.

Avoid these damaging road blockers and you’ll be as successful as we predict!

Road Block # 1 – Drugs and Alcohol: It’s not a party. Drugs and alcohol don’t help you make friends, put you at social ease, or advance you in anyway. Addiction is deadly and the most difficult obstacle to recover from. You may not think you’re hooked, but tell that to the chemical makeup of your brain. Addiction keeps you from succeeding in school, relationships and on the job. Not to mention it makes you miserable to be around. Do yourself a huge favor and skip that street.

Road Block # 2 – Sex Ed : There will be lots of time for sex and babies. Don’t like the way those two look together? Then take it up with Mother Nature. Having a baby while you’re still in school greatly sinks your chances of graduating, much less going away to college and earning a decent income. If you don’t want to study algebra while potty training a two year old, keep it real and protect yourself.

Road Block # 3 – Surf Safely: You’re not the only one around here who loves their Twitter and FB accounts. But here’s a good rule to follow before you post: If you wouldn’t share what you’re typing with a complete stranger, best not to post it. You know college admissions and future employers looks that stuff up, right?

Road Block # 4 – Apathy: Quitting or refusing to try is a sure fire way to fail. Work hard, be kind and life will show you greatness in return.

2012 Predictions

Table of Contents

Rate Your Friendships --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6

The Question… by Asa Williams -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page7

Build Good Habits for College Now! by Emily Jack-------------------------------------------------------- Page 8

Brain Booster -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9

From the Cover: Dr. Marrio Thomas -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11

Puzzled by Numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13

Healthcare Careers on the Rise: From 2010 – 2020 ------------------------------------------------------ Page 14

Healthcare Careers on the Rise: From 2010 – 2020 ------------------------------------------------------ Page 15

A Letter to Myself ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16

Other Current & Future Careers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17

“No Work Experience” Resumé Example --------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 18

Think early about managing your money ------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 20

Think early about managing your money ------------------------------------------------------------------ Page 21

The Doctor Knows… FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE? ----- Page 22

Gifting Yourself with Laughter by Dr. Clarice Graham Carter------------------------------------------ Page 23

Rewire Your Brain? by Sulonda Smith, LPC, MFT --------------------------------------------------------- Page 24

Learn The Facts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 25

The Importance of a Smile! by Dr. Marrio Thomas-------------------------------------------------------- Page 26

[4]

LifeStyles Magazine • Volume 1, Issue 4 • 05


Rate Your Friendships

Temporary Friendships!

This may be a phrase you have never heard before, but it’s one that can make your life easier.

Keeping unproductive people around is cause for unwanted drama. So to cut down on the drama, evaluate your friendships.

To be good friends with someone requires time and effort. Keep in mind you can respect someone and at the same time discontinue the friendship. It just means you have certain criteria for your friendship and maybe they don’t suit those criteria as well as others do.

1. Do they bring you up or drag you down? Do you have a friend who complements you and supports your dreams, or someone who tells you you’re not good enough and makes non-supporting comments?

2. Do they make you a better person like you make them? Does your friend make suggestions or go out of his or her way to help you? Does he or she do as much for you as you do for him or her?

3. Are they truly happy for you? Truly. Do you find that when something great happens for you, your friend acts jealous or downplays your success? Can your friend be just as excited as you are?

4. Do they have a kind heart? Have you ever gotten a surprise gift from your friend, and not just on your birthday? Do you witness your friend doing kind deeds for other people, and not just to get something in return?

5. Do they care about you? To care for someone means spending time, making an effort, and sometimes spending money to help your friend achieve his or her goals in life. Has your friend done that for you?

6. Are they honest and loyal to you?

A good friend will put you first and stay on your side to defend you in tough situations. A friend will tell you your flaws to your face and not in front of other people.

• Friendships are sacred because they act as a mirror, helping us consistently see how we view the world and how the world views us. Friendships are formed with hopes of giving good feelings and getting them in return. Not everyone you meet should be a close friendship. Friends sometimes hurt each other, but they can apologize and forgive. Friends can influence each other, both in a positive way and in a negative way. Who you choose to be your friend is important. So it is essential that you choose wisely and that you benefit from the friendship. It takes many learned skills to make and maintain a friendship; it also takes many skills to end a friendship.

Consider these categories when meeting new people and naming boundaries to protect yourself.

Best Friend Casual Friends Good Friends for Life Work Friends Temporary Friends Friends of a Friend Backstabbing Friends


The Question…

What good is math? When math equations become difficult, so many students are confronted with the million dollar question. The answer is: Math = DOLLARS! Meaning, whatever career you choose, you will enjoy life more if that career offers a good living: A beautiful home, a nice car, great vacations. Research shows that earning advanced degree increases your earning potential. Learning can actually be fun! When you study math, do it knowing that the return will put you ahead of the game in setting yourself up for various career options and greater success. Choose a career that you will enjoy, and at the same time know your choice will offer a good living. Now, here I would normally give you a math problem or a web-site to drive home the point. But instead, here are the Top Ten Reasons for learning math. Visit “What Math is Good For” (from www.thesoni.com/WhyLearnMath.php & http://www.ehow.com/facts)

10. Math is not just for mathematicians. We use math in everything, everywhere, every day.

9. Math is used in calculating every statistic in every sport and in most every computer game you play.

8. You develop your work ethic: Not making excuses, not blaming others, not being lazy, being on time, not giving up so easily, etc. This is more important for “success” than raw IQ.

7. You get better at learning complicated things. You are less afraid of complex ideas and classes.

6. Understanding math is necessary to properly manage money. If you are trying to make a decision about borrowing money, being able to understand how interest is computed by a lender can make the difference between an informed or uninformed decision.

5. Certain careers in science, health, technology, and engineering require serious math skills. High school is just the start.

4. Using math, you can use miles per gallon and the size of your gas tank to tell how far you can go on a tank of gas.

3. Your SAT score and grades determine the quality of the college you attend. A mediocre college costs the same as a top-ranked college. Half of the SAT is math.

2. 20% to 40% of college freshmen take remedial courses. Do you want to retake high school courses in college, or do you want to take real college classes?

1. Math is on every quiz, final exam, exam, IQ Test, job entry test that you will take.

by Asa Williams


Build Good Habits for College Now!

Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m not smart enough to go to college” or “I’d like to go to college, but I’m not good

enough at school”?

If this sounds like something you’ve ever felt, or thought– know that you are wrong!

You don’t need to be a genius to get into college. When it comes to college success, forming good habits (and using them) is far more important than being smart. Believe it or not, but how hard you prepare for something is also a form of intelligence!

Start building these good habits now, and you’ll be ready for college when the time comes.

Work hard. You may think that students who get straight A’s are just smarter than everyone else, but the truth is they work hard for those grades. Hard work is the single most important part of succeeding… in anything!

Read. College students have to read a lot, no matter what they study. Reading books is different from reading on the Internet, so be sure to spend time doing both. If you don’t like textbooks, find and read books on a subject that does interest you.

Ask questions. Get into the habit of asking questions about what you read, about what you’re learning in class, about anything that you’re curious about. College professors and business executives say, “The most important skill to have is your ability to ask good questions.”

Manage your time. College students spend a lot less time in class than middle and high school students do. Having so much free time is great, but many students don’t have the discipline they need to get their work done outside of the classroom. Form good time-management habits now: Set

aside time each day for homework and reading something you enjoy. Limit the time you spend each day with TV, video games, or Facebook. Resist the urge to keep updating your status!

Develop relationships with adults. Successful college students are able to have mature conversations with professors, employers, and other adults. Start that habit now! Get to know your teacher, librarian, or school counselor. Find a knowledgeable adult and talk to him or her about your college and career plans.

Forming good habits takes time and practice, so start on your successful college path right now!

by Emily Jack


Brain Boosters

Feel free to stump everyone you know! (Hint: Google isn’t going to be much help.) Make sure to check back next issue for the

answers.

TRIVIA

1. When phone companies polled customers in the late 1800’s, they discovered that although several thousand farmers had phones, the majority of them had never signed up for a phone service. Why?

2. The only city that sits on two major continents is______?

3. What is the best-selling novel of all time written by a husband and wife?

4. Who was the first U.S. President to visit China?

Probability Puzzler

How many people do you need in the same room for there to be a better-than-50% chance that two of them share the same birthday?

Answers to last month’s Trivia (in the order they were listed)

1. Octopus

2. It was a glass of wine. During prohibition the wine glass was removed from George Washington’s hand in a painting!

3. Fog made by mineral oil.

Answer to The Three-Way Duel: A Test of Logic and Strategy

The optimal strategy would be to shoot in the air.


From the Cover!by Dr. Marrio Thomas

Oral Physician, aka Dentist

1. I was born and raised…

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. At age 18, I moved to Cookeville, Tennessee, to attend Tennessee Tech University.

2. My favorite subject in school was…

Biology was my best subject. I had an interest in animals and was eager to dissect the frogs and rats during laboratory. I also enjoyed gross anatomy in college because we dissected human cadavers.

3. My best test taking study tips are…

Study as you go along! Learn to take good notes and study even what you think might not be on a test.

4. My toughest time was… and I overcame it by…

Being in dental school was tough, because I studied from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. many days of the week. I got through thinking that all of my studying would pay off when I graduated.

5. I knew I wanted to become a dentist or, as

I newly named the profession, Oral Physician, when…

I was in the seventh grade and visited the dentist.

6. I currently work for…

I own my own dental company called Gentle Dental in Memphis, Tennessee. I enjoy my work, because I help people take care of their health, particularly their teeth, as problematic teeth affect the entire body.

7. My dream job is…

I love to entertain and when I am not being a dentist, I am a rapper. I rap about social issues for kids, preventive health measures, and teaching kids to think outside of the box.

8. I continue to learn as much as I can because…

Learning never ends. The more I learn, the more I find there is to learn.

9. My best advice I have for students is…

Stay in school and obtain a degree.

10. My favorite hobby outside of work is…

Watching various sports and spending time with my family are my favorite hobbies.


Education is Hustle


PUZZLED

BY

NUMBERS

GIVE IT A TRY!!

Answ

ers


Healthcare Careers on the Rise:From 2010 – 2020

Are you always helping someone in need, or do you have an interest in the health industry? Well, there’s

good news: Research shows that healthcare jobs will increase over the next 9 years. As our global population increases, more healthcare experts are in demand. Check out the site? below for “what’s up and coming” in the healthcare field.

1. Weight Management Specialists:

Income Range: $20,000 - $60,000

You will develop dietary programs and weight-control schedules for your consumers. A four-year bachelor’s degree or higher is needed, as well as certification.

2. Massage Therapist or Reflexologist:

Income Range: $20,000 - $75,000

Massage can have a great impact on the overall health of a consumer by helping the person relax, increasing circulation, releasing toxins, recovering muscle, and relieving pain. Technical school and certification are needed.

3. Dietitians and Nutritionists:

Income Range: $30,000 - $50,000

If you like cooking, creating menus, and reinforcing healthy eating, then this may be the career for you. Acquire a bachelor’s degree for this profession and you are well on your way.

4. Personal Chef:

Income Range: $30,000 - $50,000

A passion for cooking and using creative ingenuity is what drives a personal chef. Be ready for culinary school to earn an associate degree and later, certification.

5. Chiropractor:

Income Range: Most often $40,000 – $240,000

If you have an interest in anatomy, and particularly in adjusting bones, which may be no big deal for you, plan for 8 years of formal training, first by attending an undergraduate school, and then by attending a 4-year chiropractic school.

Healthcare Careers


Healthcare Careers

Healthcare Careers on the Rise:From 2010 – 2020

6. Public Health Promotion Educator:

Income Salary? Range?: $30,000-$90,000

Health educators teach people and communities about healthy lifestyles and maintaining wellness. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs; a master’s or doctorate for others.

7. Athletic Trainer:

Income Range: $40,000+

This profession’s focus is in conditioning, injury prevention, and the assessment, treatment and recovery of athletic injuries. A four-year undergraduate degree and state certification are necessary to excel in this industry.

8. Personal Trainer:

Income Range: $40,000+

If there is a coach in you and you would enjoy helping someone on a personal level to achieve weight goals and a healthy lifestyle, try this career on for size. Certification is needed in most cases.

9. Exercise Instructor:

Income Range: varies, minimum wage

Try conducting group fitness classes in various locations, such as fitness centers. Certification is important in many U.S. states.

10. Recreation/Activities Leader:

Income Range: minimum wage and higher

Do you like working with people, from kids to senior citizens? Then this career may suit you. Plan and lead recreational activities for diverse groups in agencies and recreation or fitness centers. You will need a high school diploma, and a bachelor’s degree, or higher.

Read more at http://www.bls.gov/oco/

“Your future is right in front of you.”

Have you ever heard that bit of wisdom?

It refers to how each step you take today shapes tomorrow. For example, if only you had saved that $20 Grandma gave you, you could have bought something you wanted from the mall. Better planning helps prevent many impulsive actions. A simple way to practice and be in the mind set of planning for the future is by writing a letter to yourself stating many things you’d like to accomplish in, let’s say, the next 10 years. Include changes in your education, income, and personality, such as, attending college or trade school, selecting a career that fits your desired income bracket, and being nicer to the family pet. Seriously, planning your future is one of the most important investments of your life.

Go ahead and write a letter to yourself. Dear _________, In 10 years I will have accomplished…. And end it with, Love you much!

A Letter to Myself


Other Current & Future Careers1. Laboratory Technician

No man is an island, and that includes scientists: behind every good scientist is a crackerjack team that gets the job done. A laboratory technician takes care of everyday tasks like testing, sampling, measuring, recording data, and generally ensuring that experiments in progress are running smoothly. With so much focus on science and technology in industry, the job outlook for taskmaster lab technicians is quite promising.

2. Transportation Engineer

In just a few short years, rising oil costs and economic downturns have led most of the world to shun former single-serving social status titans like the Hummer and the Segway, while falling head over heels in love with the Prius and the light rail. The face of transportation is changing, and engineers are needed to help design newer, cleaner, and more efficient ways of moving people.

3. Seed Production Technician

Changing technology changes all factions of our lives, and even agriculture is getting a different look these days. With the rise of factory farms, jobs are becoming increasingly parsed out by specialty. Large corporations like Monsanto are consistently looking for skilled workers in fields like seed production to distribute and produce the crops that keep the country running.

4. Technical Writer

Robots, rocket ships, computers, prostheses and enhancements: all of these are new or evolving technologies, and none of them are exactly simple and self-explanatory. Someone needs to be there to write the manuals for these products, and that person could be you.

5. Inventor

The best part about emerging technology is that it never goes out of style. Whether your interest is in chemistry, biology, physics, or engineering, scientists of all disciplines are always needed to think, hypothesize, develop, and create. Inventors are needed by private corporations and government agencies alike, to build better weapons for the army and better toys for the holiday store shelves. Inventors are necessary to progress, and will be needed for as long as progress of civilization is an option.

6. Organic Food Producer

While it’s always been popular with the eco-conscious, organic food is now more popular than ever before. Taking up nearly 10% of the food and beverage market, a tenfold increase from a decade prior, so many people are clamoring for

the “organic” label that it’s on the verge of going mainstream. When the scales do finally tip in organic food’s favor (an event that no doubt will be happening some time in the next ten years), more farmers, producers, and scientists than ever before will be needed to improve organic farming techniques and just simply to grow the food that the population is demanding.

7. Sustainability Officer

Sustainability has become a real concern among businesses, but it can be hard for busy execs to find the time to learn all the ropes. Instead, many companies have started hiring eco-savvy individuals as “sustainability officers.” It’s a new title, and it entails finding, researching, and implementing eco-friendly policies that are of the most benefit to the company at hand. Green Tech Media describes it as a little like IT Techs in the 1980s, helping older businessmen navigate a strange new world– once technology, now sustainability.

8. Waste Management Consultant

Waste is a problem on our planet, and someone has to deal with the overflowing landfills. Consultants will be needed, with backgrounds in biology and chemistry, to bring new ideas to the table on how to break down and eliminate the tons of refuse currently clogging waterways and stretches of land. In addition, scientists are needed to come up with improved ways of dealing with e-waste, which is becoming a bigger problem with every passing year.

9. Food Scientist

What’s in your dinner? In the near future, that answer may become a lot more technical. Food science is huge: in genetics, vegetables are being modified for more pest-resistant corn and frost-resistant tomatoes spliced with fish genes. In agriculture, farmers are looking for better ways to grow food more organically on a local scale. Meanwhile, in chemistry, scientists are trying to build more effective supplements to make us stronger and healthier on less. No matter what your scientific interest, there’s a way to incorporate our most important fuel of the day.

10. LEED Certified Architect

These days, even home building is a delicate science. People tend to want the best for their new homes, and increasingly this means paying special attention to environmental awareness concerns. For new up-and-coming architects, the smartest career move available is to invest time and study into LEED certification, giving you the training to draft buildings that are ecologically state-of-the-art. Your clients will thank you, and the earth will thank you more.

http://getdegrees.com

“No Work Experience” Resumé ExampleMichael Read

1212 Ready To learn Street Atlanta, GA 30315

(555) 123-4567 • [email protected]


Objective: To obtain an internship that will enhance my skills in the community service field.

Education: High School Diploma-General Education, Expected Graduation – June 2012

Washington Carver High School, Atlanta, Georgia

Qualifications Summary:

• Ability to write clear, comprehensive and grammatically correct documents

• Skill in managing change and maintaining flexibility in a variety of challenging environments

• Experience in using the library and the Internet to locate and retrieve valuable information for both academic and community service projects

• Ability to work in diverse teams and to communicate well with others

• Experience in fund raising and recruiting volunteers for fund-raising events

Computer Skills

• Experience with both PC and Macintosh computers

• Proficient in Word and Internet applications

Pre-Professional Experience

Leadership

•Volunteered to assist in an all-campus awareness campaign on bullying

• Led group discussions at Washington Carver on the pros and cons of various issues: teen intervention, graduation retention, Say No to Drugs, etc.

• Initiated outreach to local communities and their families to encourage them to attend higher education events

Organization

• Compiled community outreach data into a concise report, presented to the Community Awareness Group at Washington Carver (no periods; these aren’t sentences)

• Planned and scheduled siblings’ responsibilities when parents were working

• Helped coordinate the Ben Franklin food drive:- raised $1200 cash donations

- distributed over 780 cans of food to local targeted populations

J-Cole

Talib Kweli

Ludacris

David Banner


Think early about managing your money.

Why should you think about money, now?

When you are prepared with tips and

tools about money management before

you actually begin earning a consistent income,

that knowledge can strengthen your relationship

and respect for money. There are plenty of things

worth more than money, like your family, your life’s

purpose, and your health. Money just sweetens the

pot.

Keep these tips in mind as you work toward

establishing a career and managing your money.

1. Save money and invest every month. Learn

about index & mutual funds, CD’s, and IRA’s. Don’t

let these terms scare you. Learn them early! Saving

your money is like letting your money and time

work for you. Simply doing this can make you

rich. According to Smart Money Magazine, simply

saving and investing will make you over $1 million

in 10 years. Even if you don’t make a million,

getting close is just as much fun!

2. Don’t spend all of your money. From every check

save at least 10-20%. This can eventually make

you rich. The more you earn, the more you will

save. For example, you will save $300 from your

$3,000 paycheck, and with an income increase to

$3500, you will save $350. Even write a spending

plan every month to keep you on task. Fill up those

piggy banks.

3. Increase your income. Select a career you enjoy,

and earn the kind of money you want. Make the

most of going to college, and maybe even start

a business. Rack up on those dollars! They make

good companions.

4. Be a gift to someone else. Share your blessing

with others. There’s a power in giving that unlocks

financial blessing in your life. Try it! Find out for

yourself.

5. Avoid debt with credit cards. Be responsible

with credits cards. Have one main card, such as an

American Express card, for emergencies. Use cash

for clothing, food, and other daily expenses. Don’t

be fooled into paying more money for the item

you bought by paying interest on it. Save the cash,

and buy it right out.

Think early about

Think early about managing your money.


6. In case of debt. Pay it off immediately. Don’t just

pay when the bill is due. Make a payment in the

middle of the month to decrease the principle (the

cost of the item) The interest is taken away from

your original payment and does not go to pay

down the cost of your item.

7. Thinking of buying a house. You gain an asset

when you own a home (asset- an item that

increases in value compared to a car that decreases

in value over time). You can even increase its value

by adding features like a theater room, a game

room, a big patio, or a pool.

8. Protect what you have. Cars are not the only

things that need insuring. Homes, boats, ATV’s,

motorcycles, and even you life also need to be

insured. Have something for your children when

they become adults. Protect what you own to gift

to them later.

Thin

k ear

ly ab

out m

anag

ing

your

mon

ey


by Dr. Timothy Knowles, Retired

The Doctor Knows…FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?

I grew up easily naming my best friends. My close circle of friends lived in my neighborhood, attended my school, and went

to my church. My family knew my best friend’s family. As you read further, I will share some of my thoughts about the past, present, and future development of true friendships.

Growing up west of Los Angeles, California, when I was about eight years old, I played games, rode my bike and scooter with neighborhood block friends. Other friendships developed because of common interests, special athletic talent, and attention from a certain young lady. One of my best friends, Robert Garcia, lived down the street and across the alley from me. Our common interest was our passion for raising and keeping pigeons as pets. Yeah, maybe not the ideal pet today, but back then it was a big deal. Later, as we became more knowledgeable about the pigeon industry, we got into the profit side of raising, showing, and even selling these birds. Since we shared so much together, that is a friendship I will always remember and cherish.

Today, many friendships are made through social networking. While online chats, instant messages, tweets and texts may get you thousands of friends, I wonder if these online relationships truly translate into authentic friendships. I recently read that at age eight many kids are developing online relationships in virtual worlds like Club Penguin. By age ten, they’ve progressed to multiplayer games and sharing their digital creations on YouTube. And by age thirteen, millions of kids have already created accounts on social networking sites like Facebook.

Social networking can have a positive and negative effect. Potential problems occur when kids share private thoughts, photos, videos, and personal information. These revealing posts are publicized indefinably. My heartfelt advice to kids today is, simply, think before you post!

How many friends do you have? It is my hope that you develop positive, trusting relationships with individuals and that you can truly know the meaning of the words to the song, “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Some of those special lyrics say,

…For good times and bad times

I’ll be on your side forever more.

That’s what friends are for.

Now you know what the doctor knows.


by Dr. Clarice Graham CarterGifting Yourself with Laughter

How many times have you laughed today? Laughter, like music, is a universal language. According to

Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga Clubs movement, it has no boundaries, no color and no creed. Children can laugh up to 300-400 times in a day. When they become adults, this drops to only 15 times a day. Dr. Kataria states, “Laughter is a powerful emotion and has all of the ingredients for uniting the entire world.”

Gelotology is the study of humor/laughter and its effects on our lives. Research shows that laughing is more than a person’s voice and movement. Laughter requires the use of many muscles throughout the body. It is a great way to relax because laughter reduces muscle tension. It reduces stress. It affects the heart rate, improves blood circulation, and changes normal breathing patterns. Dr. Oz, a T.V. host doctor, says, “There is a lot of evidence that a good laugh can help to improve your immune system.” He also believes that laughter has a powerful effect on your memory.

Having a sense of humor is a sign of intelligence. It is natural and easy to laugh when you are surprised. You can tell a joke. You can ask a riddle. You can share a pun. The key is holding the punch line until the very last second so that your words are funny.

Laughter has a way of crumbling barriers. It helps you to communicate and build trust and rapport. Laughter can stop anger and hostility and create a positive attitude.

Laughter is also a healthy way to resolve problems. Give yourself the gift of laughter for Christmas, wrapped up in being surprised and relating to what you don’t expect. Smile and enjoy the sense of emotional well-being.


Rewire Your Brain?by Sulonda Smith, LPC, MFT

Some days are more challenging than

other days to feel great about ourselves.

On those gloomier days, whenever you

are critical and judgmental of yourself, in those

moments STOP! Become Aware and make the

Choice to “rewire” your brain by Changing what

you think so you can feel differently. Be proactive

because thoughts create your experiences. For

example, if you consistently think you are not liked,

more than likely you will not be liked, because

that is the signal you give to potential friends. Try

saying in the morning, in the mirror, out loud, and

3 times: I Am Confident! It may sound weird, but no

one will know you are doing it.

Awareness - waking up to your thoughts, feelings and

behaviors

Choice - consciously choosing the thoughts you think

Change - altering your thoughts, feelings, and actions

Be Aware of your thoughts and environment. Be

in the moment by fully being present, not thinking

or worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. Take

responsibility for yourself.

You have the power of Choice. By making a

decision, you exercise your power to make good

choices. Think of this as a gift because you affect

not only your life with your choices, but those

around you as well. Take care of yourself and the

people around you.

Change is putting into practice the choices you

make, transforming your thoughts and feelings

about yourself into love, acceptance, and positivity.

This does not mean there won’t be times when

you are confronted with your fears of failure or

success, or that you won’t, on occasion, question

your ability. What it does mean is that as soon as

you notice you are feeling less than or not enough

you will:

1. Become aware of your feelings in the moment.

2. Empower yourself by making a choice on how

you want to feel.

3. Change your thoughts. Rewire your brain to

map experiences of positive self-esteem.

As you work toward feeling great about yourself,

work on your brain first and the rest of you will

follow!

Learn The Facts

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.”

- First Lady Michelle Obama at the Let’s Move! launch on February 9, 2010

Obesity by the numbers

Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don’t solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.

How Did We Get Here?

Thirty years ago, most people led lives that kept them at a healthy weight. Kids walked to and from school every day, ran around at recess, participated in gym class, and played for hours after school before dinner. Meals were home-cooked with reasonable portion sizes and there was always a vegetable on the plate. Eating fast food was rare and snacking between meals was an occasional treat.

Today, children experience a very different lifestyle. Walks to and from school have been replaced by car and bus rides. Gym class and after-school sports have been cut; afternoons are now spent with TV, video games, and the internet. Parents are busier than ever and families eat fewer home-cooked meals. Snacking between meals is now commonplace.

Thirty years ago, kids ate just one snack a day, whereas now they are trending toward three snacks, resulting in an additional 200 calories a day. And one in five school-age children has up to six snacks a day.

Portion sizes have also exploded- they are now two to five times bigger than they were in years past. Beverage portions have grown as well- in the mid-1970s, the average sugar-sweetened beverage was 13.6 ounces compared to today, kids think nothing

of drinking 20 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages at a time.

In total, we are now eating 31 percent more calories than we were forty years ago–including 56 percent more fats and oils and 14 percent more sugars and sweeteners. The average American now eats fifteen more pounds of sugar a year than in 1970.

Eight to 18-year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media, including, TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity.

Now that’s the bad news. The good news is that by making just a few lifestyle changes, we can help our children lead healthier lives–and we already have the tools we need to do it. We just need the will.

Let’s Move!

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping kids become more physically active.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity, including parents, elected officials from all levels of government, schools, health care professionals, faith-based and community-based organizations, and private sector companies. Your involvement is key to ensuring a healthy future for our children.

Visit the site and learn more http://www.letsmove.gov/learn-facts/epidemic-childhood-obesity



The Importance of a Smile!by Dr. Marrio Thomas

Years ago in college, I met a beautiful and

smart woman named Addison. When you

see someone around campus regularly, you

can’t help noticing details about them. Although

Addison was pretty, she never laughed without

covering her mouth with her hands. She was smart,

but she was not involved with campus life. After I

graduated and became a dentist I found out why.

Addison became one of my patients and I

discovered that she had severely crooked and

decayed teeth! Since her teeth had been so bad, it

affected her confidence and hindered her friendly

and outgoing personality. I was able to treat

Addison with veneers and invisible braces, and

now she smiles with confidence. However, this got

me thinking. How important is a smile?

A smile is so important that it can change the

result of a job interview, a meeting with teachers,

and even the opportunities you are offered. It

affects how others treat and approach you. People

who face the world with a genuine, outgoing smile

and enthusiastic attitude are treated with more

kindness and opportunity. Also, it’s proven that

when we smile, we feel better about ourselves,

whether others notice us or not! Smiling allows

us to practice inner confidence. The more you

practice your smile, the better you will feel.

Chances are you’ll start smiling and not even

realize that you’re doing it!

Sadly, millions of people who dislike their

teeth, or lips, don’t smile often, which means

parts of their lives suffer. They may think that it’s

too expensive to fix the problem. Some are too

embarrassed to even get a checkup.

If the appearance of your teeth is causing you

to miss out on rewarding and esteem-building

interactions, then a treatment at the family dentist

is just what the doctor ordered!

Love your smile! Love yourself!

Website: www.drmarriosmiles.com

email: [email protected]

Volu

me

1, Is

sue

5

Have you considered this?Build good habits for college now!

The Importance of a Smile!

Hustle Now of Later? “Is Education a Hustle?”

Other Current & Future Careers

Rewire Your Brain!

MEMPHIS OWNDr. Marrio ThomasRapper, Radio Host, Doctor?

On Top of HIS GameAnd making things happen

Documents

Lifestyles & Career Choices