The Pasadena / San Gabrial Valley Journal News - Black African American Business, Educational and Social News
Pasadena California Lifestyles
A Call to Action: Fighting the African-American HIV Epidemic
"I didn't realize the statistics had gotten so bad," said Rev. Jean Burch of Pasadena's Community Bible Church. She was reacting to the latest news from experts about the HIV epidemic among African-Americans. "We must take this on as a ministry opportunity," said Rev. Burch.
Statistics show African-Americans make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 47 percent of all new HIV infections. Black women are among the hardest hit. Most get the virus through heterosexual sex with infected partners. Black women are more likely to contract HIV than White women and Latinas. HIV infection is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for black females, ages 10 to 54.
"This is a situation that can be addressed and reversed," said Dr. Michael Gottlieb, HIV/AIDS Medical Specialist. He's one of the doctors who first identified AIDS as a new disease back in 1981. "The disease took on the face of gay white men. AIDS was smoldering in the Black community all along, but did not get a lot of attention," said Dr.Gottlieb.
More than 30 years later, African-Americans still don't talk honestly and openly about the disease, said Marva Brannum, Clinical Pharmacist and HIV Specialist. Experts say a deep stigma remains associated with HIV, fueled in part by fear and homophobia. "There is some well-deserved mistrust of government and the health bureaucracy in the Black Community," said Dr. Gottlieb. You can get infected with HIV outside of sex by sharing drug needles, or tattooing and body piercing, according to the AIDS Service Center. Infected women can also pass the virus on to their babies during pregnancy.
Neighborhood Connections: Energy Conservation Tips
There are many different ways you can conserve energy and save money. Many of these tips are easy to implement and results are almost immediate.
Lighten Up Your Load
- If you're not using a light, turn it off!
- Switch out your old incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and cut your energy use for lighting by up to 75 percent.
- Important: Always treat CFLs as electronic waste when they go out, and recycle them at an e-waste collection center.
- Replace your old incandescent holiday lights with LED holiday strands which use 90 percent less energy.
Pets May Help Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Dallas, TX — Having a pet might lower your risk of heart disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement.
The statement is published online in the association's journal Circulation.
"Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with a decreased risk of heart disease" said Glenn N. Levine, M.D., professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and chair of the committee that wrote the statement after reviewing previous studies of the influence of pets.
Research shows that:
- Pet ownership is probably associated with a reduction in heart disease risk factors and increased survival among patients. But the studies aren't definitive and do not necessarily prove that owning a pet directly causes a reduction in heart disease risk. "It may be simply that healthier people are the ones that have pets, not that having a pet actually leads to or causes reduction in cardiovascular risk," Levine said.
- Dog ownership in particular may help reduce cardiovascular risk. People with dogs may engage in more physical activity because they walk them. In a study of more than 5,200 adults, dog owners engaged in more walking and physical activity than non-dog owners, and were 54 percent more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity.
- Owning pets may be associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a lower incidence of obesity.
- Pets can have a positive effect on the body's reactions to stress.
"In essence, data suggest that there probably is an association between pet ownership and decreased cardiovascular risk," Levine said. "What's less clear is whether the act of adopting or acquiring a pet could lead to a reduction in cardiovascular risk in those with pre-existing disease. Further research, including better quality studies, is needed to more definitively answer this question."
Neighborhood Connections News - Upcoming Events
The City of Pasadena presents Neighborhood Connections news on past and upcoming events for the community . . .
Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District
May 8, 2012, 50 film crews chronicled a single day in the lives of students, teachers, parents, volunteers and officials as they experienced the triumphs and struggles of a typical school day in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
One year later on May 8, 2013, a feature length version of 'Go Public: a Day in the Life of an American School District' was screened during a community celebration in the Arclight Theaters at Pasadena's Paseo Colorado. www.gopublicproject.org.
Alkebu-lan Cultural Center
The Alkebu-lan Cultural Center held event at the Marketplace Pasadena. Attendees got a chance to meet neighbors, purchase delicious food, listen to great music, and even got a chance to buy a gift for Mother's Day from local vendors.
Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, 1435 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103.
After School Adventure Program
The Pasadena's After School Program provides affordable, flexible, and convenient after school child care for kids from kindergarten to 14.
Kids will have the opportunity to express themselves through art, music, and drama. Other activities including games, sports, and cooking projects. Those interested can register in person at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Avenue or online at www.cityofpasadena.net/reserve. Subsidized care may be available for qualifying families.
Registration begins May 15, 2013. The program starts August 14, 2013.
For more information please call (626) 744-7330.
Guild Open House
The 500 House Guild of Rosemary Children's Services is looking for individuals interested in becoming a member/volunteer to work directly with resident girls.
Guild members organize birthday celebrations, holiday parties and fund special projects to create living environments that are more family-like and comfortable. They also serve as mentors and a support system for the young women (ages 18 -24 yrs.)
Sunday May 19, 2013, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 500 House Group Home.
Please visit www.500guild.com. For more information and directions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call Kristi Lopez, Community Development Director at 626-844-3033 ext. 211 for more information and directions.
Senior Talent Show
The Jackie Robinson Center and the Pasadena-Altadena Links, Inc. bring you the 20th Annual Senior Talent Show. The Senior Talent show is a chance to see local seniors showcase their singing, dancing, poetry and much more.
Thursday, May 23, 2013, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103.
For more information, please call (626) 744-7300.
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