Did you know that September was cholesterol awareness month?

Do you know your cholesterol profile?

How about your cardiac risk?

Well, I’ve decided to embark on a 30-day journey to improve my cholesterol ratio naturally. First, I thought I’d exercise every day. Well, ask me how that is going. I need to get back on my feet. Second, I thought I’d eat right. For a start, I had one of the Kashi whole grain cereals for breakfast yesterday. For the rest of the day, I ate some fruits, veggies and fish. Don’t think for a minute that my carbs didn’t sneak in there. Of course, I had some rice. Oh, and I’ve been eating oranges ‘cos I remember hearing Dr. Oz talk about the benefits of oranges in relation to one’s cholesterol numbers. I better start cranking up my research 'cos if Dr. Oz tells a lie, I'll find myself in the ditch.

Anyways, this morning, I had a serving of oatmeal. I was thinking that maybe if I ate oatmeal for the next 22 days, I’d post better numbers at my physical. That reminds me, I need to make an appointment with the Doc's office for this October (which is health literacy month).

My friends, please join me in telling our friends and family about the importance of a good cholesterol profile. For your perusal, find some interesting cholesterol-related links below:

Be cholesterol savvy

Tools to lower your cholesterol

Alternative therapies for cholesterol control

Know your cholesterol ratio

Thanks to South Africa for hosting a great tournament! I am a sports fan who doesn't go over the top when my team loses. However, in the most recent World Cup days, I have learned of traits that I did not know I possessed - (Heartbreak mixed with anger, sadness, disappointment, disgust, pride, joy, patriotism and love). 

I have been following the 2010 World Cup keenly. Thus, I was pretty ecstatic when the Ghana Black Stars made it to the round of 16. However, there was a downside to my enthusiasm. A part of me desperately wanted Ghana to advance to the Quarters, but then another part of me was so proud of Team USA's soccer strides and wished that our team would advance further. Therefore, when my Meineke person asked me which team I would support during the Ghana - USA game, I answered truthfully. I really wanted Ghana to win, but I didn't mind Team USA advancing because making it to the round of 16 was a great achievement in itself.

Well, that was what I thought then... I had no idea the sense of pride I will feel when I saw the Ghana Boys play. I thought about the exposure, economic benefit and positive impact that the boys were having on the Nation. I thought about the joy that their team spirit was delivering into all households in Ghana. Would you know it, the majority and minority of the Ghanaian parliament were united because of soccer. It was interesting to see the members of the opposition (NPP) cheering when the TV camera focused on President Mills at the Ghana - USA game. The pre- elimination of Ghana stages had every Ghanaian household, hamlet and town glued to a television set. As I sat in my living room watching the Black Stars play, I could visualize how some of our village heroes would be adjusting their TV antennas in order to get a better picture of the match. My heart swelled with pride for the Red, Gold and Green. The Black Stars had their shining moment.  

Then, came the Quarters with Uruguay and Suarez' hand of God. I thought to myself, what a blasphemy... I don't even understand soccer that much... Yet, I thought that the 120th minute move by Ghana was a clear goal! How dare these Uruguayans? But then, I guess, that was Uruguay’s moment of glee... to showcase their country to the world.

In my books, when Uruguay qualified for the Semis, South America became the enemy. I had been supporting Argentina from the beginning of the tourney, but I wanted them to go home because of what Uruguay had done to the Black Stars. And then came Paraguay, the country that sounded like Uruguay (in my ears)... I wanted them to go home too. It didn't matter to me that I was calling for an all European Final. All I cared about was the fact that South America need not make it to the Final. When Germany beat Uruguay (during the Semis), my emotions were at its peak.

But you know what, I'm no longer mad at Uruguay. They played good and they played smart. These Uruguay players brought happiness to their fellow citizens while making some good money for their country. 

Was this World Cup the time for Africa to shine? Yes, indeed. Despite our early eliminations, I believe that the stars of Africa showed bright. We felt the pressure, but we stood up to the test. Out of 32 countries, one of Africa’s own ranked as the 7^th best team at the World Cup.

Now, we live to see who will take that coveted trophy home. A part of me wants to give Spain a chance... just to prove that Germany was that good. But then, another part of me feels for my Dutch neighbor. She will probably be in the best mood for the next four years if Netherlands wins this world cup. I don't know what's going to happen between Uruguay and Germany when they play for third and fourth place. However, I no longer have any hard feelings against Uruguay.

It's been a great tournament. Without doubt, this Cup has had its share of upsets. England must have been thrilled when Germany lost to Spain. France and Italy will probably take a while to recover from their losses. While all of Europe will be ready to display its talent in four years, Asia is probably planning its strategy for Brazil 2014. I'm pretty sure Australia will stage a comeback at the next cup. However, don’t discount Africa, who is licking its wounds and wondering what lies in store for the future. While North America continues to search for ways to make its teams more competitive in the sport of soccer, I bet you South America will be more than ready for the world in four years. My friends, this was the time for Africa! South Africa has put up a great show. Before we know it, 2014 will be here. Be ready for an exciting competition in Brazil! Until then, let's stay tuned for the Finals!

When my friend Liz commented on the effect of food on one's weight, I thought to myself that she really had no clue... I wondered, how about all the big boned people who were predisposed to being overweight? Newsflash: although I'm still overweight, I've seen some improvement in my waist size since I started monitoring my food intake. See, in January my cousin introduced me to the 411fitt website. On the 411 website, I am able to track my calorie intake while entering my physical activity for the day. Guess what. I have lost 4 inches on my waist and I didn't even have to try hard. I just had to increase my physical activity and watch the amount of calories I ate daily. For physical activity, I didn't have to use any fancy equipment. I mostly walked or danced. I used the Leslie Sansone walk at home DVDs, walked the neighborhood or danced to some Zumba or good old hip-hop. See, I did not have to spend a fortune on food, equipment or the like. So for all of you out there, trying to lose a few, check out www.411fit.com

Let's get healthy people!!!

As I watched Nicole and Derek dance the Viennese waltz on dancing with the stars tonight, I couldn’t help but to compare those exquisite moves with my zumba steps. In an attempt to improve my cholesterol numbers, I started dancing to 50-minute zumba (cardio) two weeks ago. Prior to my zumba experience, I thought I was a pretty good dancer. In my mind, I was one of those folks who could shake it up on the dance floor. However, Salsa has taught me different. I can’t seem to move my waist, feet and hands the way I’m supposed to. Maybe I’m just not that coordinated. My waist moving attempts are pathetic. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to learn these dance moves. Well, maybe I’ll get better with practice.

This past Sunday, I visited a racially diverse Church in the Upstate of South Carolina. The praise and worship was phenomenal. As we joined hands to sing I am free, I couldn’t help but to notice the tears that were streaming down the faces of members of the congregation. In my experience, Sundays tend to be quite segregated in the South. In most of our Churches, people of different races don’t worship together. Thus, it was a blessing to see the members of Restoration Church join in solidarity this past Sunday. Not only was I impressed with the praise and worship, but also, I enjoyed listening to the Pastor’s message. The powerful biblical message, which transcended racial barriers reminded me of the reasons why we Believe. Thanks to Dr. King for fighting for the outlawing of racial discrimination. Worshipping at Restoration during Dream weekend was fulfilling.

Our prayers go to the natives and residents of Haiti. What a heart-wrenching situation! I found this list of organizations helping Haiti on http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-haiti_earthquake/ Please see the organizations below:

·  Action Against Hunger, 877-777-1420

·  Agape Flights, 941-584-8078

·  American Red Cross, 800-733-2767

·  American Refugee Committee, 800-875-7060

·  American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, 212-687-6200  

·  American Jewish World Service, 212-792-2900

·  AmeriCares, 800-486-4357

·  Beyond Borders, 866-424-8403

·  B'nai B'rith International, 202-857-6600

·  CARE, 800-521-2273

·  CarmaFoundation

·  Catholic Relief Services, 800-736-3467

·  Childcare Worldwide, 800-553-2328

·  Church World Services, 800-297-1516

·  Clinton Foundation, 501-748-0471
Text "HAITI" to 20222 to donate $10 to Haiti relief

·  Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

·  Concern Worldwide, 212-557-8000

·  Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998

·  Cross International, 800-391-8545

·  CRUDEM Foundation, 413-642-0450

·  CRWRC, 800-55-CRWRC

·  Direct Relief International, 805-964-4767

·  Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392

·  Episcopal Relief and Development, 800-334-7626

·  Feed My Starving Children, 763-504-2919

·  Food for the Poor, 800-427-9104

·  Friends of WFP, 866-929-1694

·  Friends of the Orphans, 312-386-7499

·  Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-422-4828

·  Haiti Children, 877-424-8454

·  Haiti Foundation Against Poverty

·  Haiti Marycare, 203-675-4770

·  Haitian Health Foundation, 860-886-4357

·  Healing Hands for Haiti, 651-769-5846

·  Hope for Haiti, 239-434-7183

·  International Child Care, 800-722-4453

·  International Medical Corps, 800-481-4462

·  International Rescue Committee, 877-733-8433

·  International Relief Teams, 619-284-7979

·  Islamic Relief USA, 888-479-4968

·  Lions Club International Foundation, 630-203-3836

·  Lutheran World Relief, 800-597-5972

·  Medical Benevolence Foundation, 800-547-7627

·  Medical Teams International, 800-959-4325  

·  Meds and Food for Kids, 314-420-1634

·  Mennonite Central Committee, 888-563-4676

·  Mercy Corps, 888-256-1900

·  Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 800-306-9950

·  New Life for Haiti, 815-436-7633

·  Operation Blessing, 800-730-2537

·  Operation USA, 800-678-7255

·  Oxfam, 800-776-9326

·  Partners in Health, 617-432-5298

·  RHEMA International, 248-652-9894

·  Rural Haiti Project, 347-405-5552

·  The Salvation Army, 800-725-2769

·  Samaritan's Purse, 828-262-1980

·  Save the Children, 800-728-3843

·  ShelterBox

·  UN Central Emergency Response Fund

·  UNICEF, 800-367-5437

·  United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583

·  World Concern, 800-755-5022

·  World Hope International, 888-466-4673

·  World Relief, 800-535-5433

·  World Vision, 888-511-6548

·  Yele Haiti, 212-352-0552
Wyclef Jean's grassroots org
Text Yele to 501501 to donate $5 via cellphone

Mr. Reid’s choice of words regarding POTUS’ accent (dialect) and complexion were in poor taste. However, truth be told, how many of us have commented on POTUS’ African American traits? Is POTUS your average African American? I was just wondering.

It’s been a month since my last post. I trust that you’ve been keeping well. I know that Christmas is near and that I should be spreading cheer but I can’t seem to shake off the effect of the racist remarks that I have heard in recent days. This morning as my little one clung to me, I couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of not being able to protect him from the racial uncertainties that I have begun to fear. Growing up in a predominantly Black Nation, I did not experience the woes of racial discrimination during my formative years. However, in these past months, I continue to marvel at the extent of hatred, based on the color of one’s skin. It breaks my heart, when people that I know continue to utter unwarranted racially biased statements. I want my child to grow up knowing the fear of the Lord and to love his neighbor. Fortunately, he attends a great school, where discrimination has not been a factor. Nevertheless, I am so afraid of the unknown.

As I write, I have tears streaming down my face. Thanks to the social media, I have been reading the venom that some of our ‘colleagues’ have been spewing about people of color. I know that life is not a fairy tale, but I am repulsed that individuals who proclaim to be God-fearing and people-loving are constantly uttering derogatory statements about people of my race. I am sorry, but I cannot shake the disgust at the pit of my stomach. My friends don’t be fooled into thinking that racism and discrimination is from the non-enlightened. No, the culprit could easily be your college friend, that pious person in your Church group, your friendly muffin-baking neighbor... The list goes on.

 In the land of the brave and the free, I wish for great opportunities for my child. I know there are several successful Blacks in the U.S., but I cannot help but to wonder what these individuals discuss at their kitchen tables. As I sit behind my computer this morning, I must say that I am disillusioned by the tide of racism that I am experiencing. Although I am grateful to my diverse portfolio of friends who stand by my family through sickness, health, recitals, sports festivities, good times and bad times, I remain afraid of the hatred that is being spewed by ‘the others’ on a daily basis. Despite the atrocities and venom of racism, I hope I am able to train my child in the best way possible… So help me God.