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Create an action plan to better manage your kidney health

One in 10 adults over the age of 20 has kidney disease. Most are unaware of their condition, as the disease is often symptomless until its late stages. A kidney disease diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but early education can help patients overcome those fears and feel more prepared.

There are several causes of kidney disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, responsible for approximately 44 percent of all kidney failure cases.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are sometimes called “silent killers,” because many don’t know they have these diseases; therefore they are not getting treatment. Uncontrolled diabetes and/or uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Below are facts to note:

* 6 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, the number one cause of kidney disease

* One in four Americans has high blood pressure, the second leading cause of kidney disease

* African Americans, Latinos, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and seniors (those 65 and over) are at increased risk of developing kidney disease

In a no-cost Kidney Smart class, patients get information to help them create a plan that may fit their lifestyle and will help them better manage their kidney health. These 90-minute classes are led by certified instructors, such as nurses and dietitians.

Educators guide patients through their personalized action plans and share:

* What causes kidney disease and how to slow its progression

* What diet resources are available to help patients manage their diet and cook a variety of flavorful, kidney-friendly meals

* Why continuing to work may keep patients happier and healthier

* How insurance counselors can help patients navigate any coverage or financial questions

“Kidney Smart educates over 35,000 patients every year through our national network of over 2,000 educators,” says Veronica Garza, Kidney Smart educator. “Knowledge is power and this program empowers patients with tools and resources that help them live a better quality of life while managing kidney disease.”

Kidney Smart education helps patients in choosing the best treatment for their lifestyle. By educating patients on all treatment options, including vascular access options, it gives patients the knowledge to choose the treatment that is right for them. Treatment choices can have an impact on a patient’s risk of hospitalization and complications.

Kidney Smart classes are open to the community and take place in cities across the U.S. Online classes are also available for those who prefer learning from home at KidneySmart.org.

Call 1-888-MY-KIDNEY or visit KidneySmart.org for more details.

3 steps to help you live a debt-free life in 2016

Providing for a family. Getting an education. Striving for the American dream. Sarah Thomas of Bono, AR, was like so many others, trying to better her life. She got a master’s in nursing in order to give herself and her son a bright future, but soon after found herself overwhelmed by loans.

“I pursued an education and ended up with a ton of credit card debt,” says Thomas. “The American dream gone wrong.”

She’s not alone. The average U.S. household with debt carries $15,355 in credit card debt and $129,579 in total debt, according to nerdwallet.com. And the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike this month means that you will be paying even more interest on your debt; that 0.25 percent rate increase equates to $2 billion in extra fees for Americans next year. For people like Thomas, the weight of paying off high-interest loans can be overwhelming.

Thomas was able to consolidate her high-interest debt and take control of her finances. If you want to take control of your financial future and eliminate debt, these simple yet highly-effective strategies can make a big difference.

Step 1: Build a solid budget
Use an online budgeting tool like Mint.com to organize your spending. Even if you aren’t able to stick to the budget you set every month, it’s important to know where your dollars are going so you can take action accordingly.

Step 2: Consider cost-cutting measures
Can you switch to a cheaper phone plan? Could you cut cable? What about buying generic brands? These are important questions you can ask as you audit your expenses and take appropriate measures to trim unnecessary spending.

Step 3: Research debt consolidation options
Marketplace lending, also called peer-to-peer lending, is an alternative to traditional loans through which borrowers get access to low, fixed rates (insulated from further rate increases by the Fed) with no hidden fees or prepayment penalties. The industry is growing rapidly, with one of the leading platforms, Prosper, surpassing $5 billion in loans this year.

For many, a debt consolidation loan helps simplify things. Instead of having multiple bills with varying high interest rates, you can take out a loan to pay off all your debt, and then simply repay the one loan at a lower fixed interest rate. For many people, having one payment versus many makes it much easier to feel like they are in control of their finances.

An added benefit is that rates are often lower than with a credit card. According to a WiseBread.com article, it’s important to begin the peer-to-peer lending process by getting a rate quote. Then you can do the math to determine how much money you can save consolidating your debt and paying it off at an accelerated pace.

Thomas decided to consolidate her debt through Prosper. She went to www.prosper.com and selected the loan’s amount and purpose. “It’s been the easiest, most streamlined process that I have ever had,” says Thomas. “I am so thankful that we now have an attainable way to pay off debt. That way we can be proud of our hard work rather than forever burdened by it.”

To learn more, check out Prosper’s blog at http://blog.prosper.com.

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AARLCC hosts reception for Negro Baseball Leagues Exhibit

On January 4, 2016 , fans of Negro Leagues baseball can join in the fun at a free reception on from 5:30 to 7:30PM in the gallery of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC).

The library’s museum/gallery will host a month-long display of photos and artwork depicting the Negro Leagues. This year, Broward County Schools will participate with an art contest among students with the theme of the Negro Leagues. Their original artwork will be on display as well.

The featured speaker for the event is former Negro Leagues player Dr. Jorge Arenas-Chico, who fled to the U.S. from Cuba with his family at age 15 to escape persecution. Chico played in the Major Leagues for small breaks during seasons 1960-61.

For more information, please contact Larry Holland at 954-357-5950, lholland@broward.org.

Jamaica Stock Exchange top performer of 2015

The Jamaica Stock Exchange has been ranked the top performing index of 2015, out of 92 global markets, according to a Bloomberg report.

Bloomberg attributes the exchange’s success, to “foreign acquisitions, stronger investor safeguards and a rebounding economy.”

While the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped about one per cent and the Euro Stoxx 50 lost six per cent in dollar terms, the JSE saw a 90 per cent surge in 2015 based on ‘foreign acquisitions, stronger investor safeguards and a rebounding economy,” Bloomberg said in an article published on Christmas Eve.

In the article entitled “Its Jammin: Jamaica Stock Market conquers the world,” written by Ezra Fieser, Bloomberg noted that the small JSE market with ballpark capitalisation of US$5.3 billion (or $574 billion yesterday)  is now attracting global attention. The JSE is a mere fraction of the US-based Dow with a capitalisation of some US$5.23 trillion.

India cricket team to make Caribbean tour in 2016

The Board of Control for Cricket in India says the team will tour the Caribbean next year provided West Indies return to India to complete their 2014 abandoned series following a players’ strike, according to the west Indies Cricket board.

The Players Association, however, still needs to approve the deal.

India are scheduled to play four Test matches in the Caribbean in July-August, 2016.

That abandonment came as a result of a dispute between Windies players, the WICB and the West Indies Players’ Association, prompting the BCCI to suspend all bilateral tours to the Caribbean.

However, an agreement now appears to have been reached for the two sides to face each other again if West Indies return to India to play the matches they failed to play last year.

“West Indies Cricket Board [WICB] President, Dave Cameron,  confirmed that following discussions with BCCI President, Shashank Manohar, the West Indies will host India in the Caribbean in 2016,” a media statement said.

“This agreement is subject to the WICB and the Players Association giving a joint commitment to complete, at a later date, the tour which prematurely ended in October 2014.”

 

Fort Lauderdale joins initiative to eliminate road fatalities

Fort Lauderdale plans to start 2016 on the right road, as the city joins the international Vision Zero initiative to eliminate all road deaths and injuries.

Fort Lauderdale, which has the 2nd highest pedestrian fatality rate in the nation, plans to improve safety with new engineering, urban design and a public education platform.

Vision Zero Fort Lauderdale is a response to citizens’ concerns about safety for the traveling public, whether walking, biking, riding a bus or train, or driving a car. 

Neighbors prioritized a connected multimodal transportation network where the pedestrian is first in the City’s Fast Forward Fort Lauderdale 2035 Vision Plan, which was completed in 2013. Since that time, Fort Lauderdale neighbors have placed a priority on improving safety and connectivity of the transportation network.

UN SG concerned over political uncertainty in Haiti

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over growing political uncertainty in Haiti and has urged the two candidates in the presidential run-off  to help the electoral process move forward while preserving the country’s democratic gains.

“The Secretary-General is concerned over the growing political uncertainty in Haiti, following the publication of the results of the25 October elections,” which included the first round of presidential polls, according to a statement issued through Ban’s spokesperson.

Ban noted efforts by all stakeholders, including the establishment of an electoral evaluation commission on December 16, to address the concerns of opposition parties and ensure the successful and timely conclusion of the presidential elections.

He, however, stressed “the responsibility of all political actors to discourage violence and encourage a spirit of unity throughout the country.”

Opposition parties have allege that the polls have been rigged in favour of the government’s candidate and have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) that oversees the polls.

According to the statement, the UN chief “calls for the urgent intensification of dialogue to ensure the transfer of power through elections, within the constitutional timeframe, maintain stability and preserve the country’s democratic gains.

“The Secretary-General urges the two candidates in the presidential run-off to engage in good faith with the relevant institutions to identify and implement measures to help the process move forward,” the statement said.

According to reports, the run-off had been set for December 27 between Jovenel Moise from the governing party and former government executive Jude Celestin, but the election has been postponed until further notice.

At the same time, the UN chief reaffirmed the commitment of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)) and the entire UN system to “continue supporting the Haitian people in the fulfilment of their democratic aspirations”.

Evander Holyfield delivers trailer of christmas cheer on Christmas Eve

Boxing legend Evander Holyfield brought a little holiday cheer for local children on Christmas eve, hosting a special toy Drive in partnership with the Miami Dade police, and local Lucky Street Boxing Gym owner Kris Lawrence.

A tractor-trailer full of toys was given out at the Charles R. Drew Elementary and Miami Police North District Substation.

The sole Four-Time World Heavyweight Champion won bronze in the 1984 Olympics and as a professional, won the cruiserweight world championship and in 1990 became World Heavyweight Champion.

3 ways to bring a touch of nostalgia to modern holiday celebrations

Fond memories of holidays past are one of the many gifts of the seasons, and it turns out a bit of nostalgia is good for you. It can make you feel less lonely, bored or anxious, and more generous, tolerant and happy, according to a New York Times report on nostalgia research.

You don’t need research to know that remembering good times makes you feel good. This holiday season, why not foster a sense of nostalgia? Here are three ways to bring some of the best things about bygone holidays back into modern holiday celebrations.

Decorating with a touch of yesteryear

It’s easy to evoke a sense of nostalgia with holiday decor. Retail and specialty stores carry a variety of decorations that evoke the look of past decades, from the roaring ‘20s to the sparkly ‘70s and beyond.

Choose light strands with larger bulbs to mimic the look your grandparents enjoyed in the 1950s, or candolier bubble lights for a ‘60s or ‘70s flare. Glass ornaments in intricate shapes also recall an older era, as do tabletop ceramic trees with mini lights.

A simple online search will yield many nostalgic decorating options, or you can often find vintage pieces at yard sales and flea markets. The important thing is to look for items that remind you of a favorite holiday memory.

Finding nostalgia in favorite holiday foods

Everyone has that time-honored family recipe that is the showpiece of holiday feasting. Certain foods and flavors, like peppermint candy canes, turkey with all the trimmings, pineapple-topped ham, and frosted sugar cookies are delicious musts for holiday celebrations. If it’s been a while since you made your family favorite, dust off the recipe this year. Or, you can try something that’s both new and nostalgic at the same time, like this recipe for Popcorn Balls from Frontier Co-op:

Goji Ginger Popcorn Balls

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels

1/2 cup Frontier Organic Crystalized Ginger, diced into small pieces

1/2 cup Frontier Goji Berries

1/2 cup brown rice syrup

1/2 cup sunflower seed butter

Directions:

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat coconut oil until melted. Add popcorn kernels and cover pot with lid. Heat popcorn, shaking the pot occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, until popping slows and the majority of the kernels are popped. Remove from heat.

Pour popcorn into a large bowl, removing un-popped kernels. Add crystalized ginger and goji berries. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown rice syrup and sunflower seed butter, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat mixture for about 3-4 minutes, until contents are well combined and easily pourable. Pour mixture over popcorn and, using a wooden spoon or your hands, coat popcorn. Lightly wet your hands and form popcorn into 18 3-inch balls. Serve as soon as possible.

If desired, substitute non-sweetened or sweetened sunflower seed butter for the unmodified sunflower seed butter, but expect a slightly different consistency and taste.

Reliving memories with music

What holiday party would be complete without festive music playing in the background? While you may love modern holiday tunes, vintage music is a great way to create nostalgia during the holidays. Whether you’re a fan of traditional carols or favor rock reinventions of traditional tunes, music is a great way to create nostalgia at the holidays.

Technology has made it easier than ever to find and enjoy music from every era. Why not put together a play list of holiday music that was popular during some of the happiest holiday seasons you remember? Can’t recall what was playing the year you finally got that skateboard you dreamed of? Check with your parents — your mom probably remembers! And even if she doesn’t, you’ll have a good time reminiscing together.

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5 simple ways to kick-start a financially healthy 2016

You banked your holiday bonus and landed that raise you’ve been hoping for, but the post-holiday bills are coming. You may be wondering what more you can do to ensure you’re on the right track financially in 2016. Fortunately, you can do a lot right away to start the year off strong.

* Reassess your budget; if you don’t have one, make one. A budget is an essential tool for planning how you will spend, save, invest and enjoy your money. It should be a guideline to how your money will work for you, but it’s not written in stone. Life changes, and outside influences mean you need to periodically examine and update your budget. Start by jotting down your financial goals for the year, then review your budget to see if it’s going to help you achieve those goals, or if you need to make adjustments.

* Pay off holiday bills immediately, and if that’s not possible, then as quickly as you can. Each month you carry a balance on a credit card, interest rates increase the actual out-of-pocket cost of those holiday gifts you purchased. If possible, pay balances in full right away during the month of January. If that’s not possible, create a payment plan for yourself with the goal of paying off the total balance in as high an increment as you can afford, so you minimize the time you’re carrying a balance.

* Maximize “found” money. Gift cards have been the most-requested holiday gift item for nine years running, according to the National Retail Federation, but not everyone uses all the cards they receive. A survey by Coinstar Exchange found 37 percent of people who received gift cards in 2014 still haven’t used all of them. If you have gift cards sitting around, they can be a great source of “found” money. Take your gift cards to a bright yellow Coinstar Exchange kiosk at your local grocery store and exchange them for instant cash. Put the extra money toward paying off holiday bills, boosting your emergency fund or for something you really want or need.

* Review all your credit accounts. Even the most careful shopper can fall prey to crooks, who are particularly active and crafty during the holidays. Look over your credit card statements to ensure you authorized all the charges that appear on them. For an extra layer of safety, check your credit report; it can help you detect signs of identity theft or other fraud as quickly as possible.

* Increase your savings. By now, you’ve reviewed your budget and cashed in your unused gift cards, so you’ve got some extra money in your pocket. Instead of spending it, use that money to increase your savings. It’s especially important to have an emergency fund equivalent to a few months of living expenses. Those savings can help protect your financial health against unforeseen circumstances like a big auto expense or home repair bill, or even job loss. While it’s always great to save more, setting aside even $10 a week can have a big impact on your financial future.

Many financial goals require long-term planning, but others can be done quickly and easily. These simple, do-it-now steps can yield instant gratification, and help ensure you get a good financial start in 2016.

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Caribbean charity groups see a more generous Diaspora

 

“There is definitely an increase in the spirit of kindness and giving in the community this year,” said Grethel Mosely as she sat in a room filled with wrapped and unwrapped toys, gifts, and an assortment of groceries set for what is now the annual Christmas morning treat for the less fortunate in Homestead.

In 2013 a quartet of Caribbean women formed Nostalgic Caribbean, Inc., for the purpose of planning “typical Caribbean style Christmases for Caribbean nationals who longed to return home to spend Christmas in their respective homelands, but were unable to.” However Mosely and Trinidadian born Victoria Medes said last year something special evolved when they saw the joy in the faces of those whom the group gave gifts and fed at the Christmas brunch. “The appreciation of these people as they unwrapped their gifts and ate the meal we prepared touched so many hearts, that we now focus more on the giving than on bringing entertainment to these people.”

Mendes said this year something special happened, as unlike the past two years when members of the organization spent long hours calling urging people to donate toys, gift and food, this year people were calling from as far back as October asking where to drop off their donations. “This year we have collected so many gifts, especially for the women and children, that we have excess, which we already plan to put in storage for next year.”

There is similar reaction from several other groups who are involved in Christmas treats in various areas of South Florida this year.

“I don’t know if it is because more people are working, and can afford to give more or people are more conscious about the plight of the less fortunate, but people are definite more inclined to give this year,” said South Miami Pastor and community activist Leopold Burgess. He said he spent the first two weeks in December traveling around South Florida with Dominicans collecting gifts and food items to ship to Dominica “to bring holiday cheer to people who were impacted negatively by the earlier this year. People just knew this was the right thing to do. Nobody urged them to.”

Rudy Schaffe who heads the Men Fellowship at St. Luke The Physician Episcopal Church – home to a significant Caribbean-American congregation in West Kendall – said the benevolent spirit extends beyond Christmas. Schaffe said while the Men Fellowship focuses on helping the less fortunate men in the community with clothing, shaving kits, and other toiletries at a special treat on Christmas Day, “the members try to assist the more unfortunate in the community all year.”

Pastor Burgess said, “You would be amazed to know how much need there is in our local communities year around. Sometime, you know, people are criticized for only being givers during the annual Christmas and Kwanza seasons, but most people can only afford to give for a season. But this year I notice more people are interested in giving beyond the season. In the midst of what seems a cruel world, much kindness abounds. There are plenty good people still in the world.”

1.5 million Floridians enroll in Obamacare for 2016

A new report shows that over 1.5 million Floridians have enrolled in Obamacare health coverage plans for 2016.

The sunshine state now ranks first in the highest number of enrollees on the federal insurance marketplace. Consumers have until Jan. 31 to make any final enrollments or changes to their plans.

The state with the second highest number of enrollees was Texas with 1,040,246 enrollees, and third went to North Carolina with 544,950 enrollees.

In total, 8.2 million people signed up for an Affordable Care Act health coverage plan between Nov. 1 and Dec. 19. That’s an increase of 2.4 million, as just 6.4 million enrolled in a similar time frame in 2014.

High numbers of uninsured people can mean higher health care costs for everyone, including businesses that give health coverage to their employees.

T&T Central Bank Governor dismissed

The embattled Central Bank governor of Trinidad and Tobago, Jwala Rambarran has been dismissed by Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert.

Rambarran attracted controversy recently when he released the names of the biggest foreign exchange users in the country.

A statement from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) said that Deputy Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire, a career central banker, has since been appointed to replace Rambarran who fell afoul of the new Keith Rowley administration when he declared that the country was “officially in a recession” and also named a number of firms in the private sector that were gobbling up foreign exchange here.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert said while the law does not permit a minister to terminate the appointment of a governor of the CBTT, “Cabinet, which is empowered under Sector 12 of the Central Bank Act, took a decision yesterday after considering a number of legal opinions primarily dealing with the disclosure of the names and users of foreign exchange in Trinidad and Tobago to request the president to terminate the appointment of the governor of the Central Bank”.He said Hilaire was appointed “because of his qualifications and experience having worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 11 years and the CBTT for 19 years.

The CBTT said that the new governor has “extensive experience in macroeconomic policy, development and implementation and monetary policy matters.

Empire’s Jussie Smollett to host 8th season of Afropop TV series

Jussie Smollett will host the eighth season of the public television show AfroPoP: The Ultimate Exchange.

The star of the hit FOX TV show Empire will emcee the popular show about contemporary art, life and culture across the African Diaspora as it premieres on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on World Channel.

New episodes will premiere weekly through February 15.

The breakout star of Empire, Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s record-breaking series, Smollett plays Jamal Lyons, drawing raves for his musical performances. The talented actor-singer-songwriter has appeared in The Mighty Ducks, Rob Reiner’s North, Alex Haley’s Queen, and in Revenge and The Mindy Project. Smollett will also be seen in the new WGN thriller Underground in 2016. The acclaimed entertainer is also involved in numerous humanitarian pursuits, sitting on the boards of the Black AIDS Institute, Artists for a New South Africa and the RuJohn Foundation.

Previous hosts of AfroPoP include Idris Elba, Anika Noni Rose, Wyatt Cenac, Gabourey Sidibe, Anthony Mackie and Yaya DaCosta.

“AfroPoP’s engaging, real-life tales add to the collection of rich Black stories that audiences are clamoring for and I wanted to be a part of bringing them to national attention,” said Smollett.

AfroPoP is produced by National Black Programming Consortium and co-presented by American Public Television (APT), which distributes the series to the full public television system in February 2016.

Wine and dine with the city of Lauderhill at Lauderhill Taste Tour

On January 23, 2016, Ride, eat, drink and learn about the culinary delights of Lauderhill at the Lauderhill Taste Tour.

The tour will offer ac diverse collection of restaurants includes cuisine from the Countries of the Caribbean, Korea, Italy, France, India and the USA.

The Lunch Tour will stop at casual eateries, and will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at a cost of $30 per person. Attendees can also can select the Dinner Tour which will feature  fine dining establishments from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at a cost of $50 per person.

“With the opening of the new Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, in late January 2016, we expect many to visit Lauderhill to enjoy the culinary offerings of our All-America City. I thought it was a great time to introduce those visitors to all the wonderful restaurants many of us here in Lauderhill have known and loved for years,” explained Commissioner Hayward J. Benson, Jr., and Lauderhill Taste Organizer.

In addition, The Lauderhill SPICE Promotion will offer appetizing pre-fixed three course menu selections for participating restaurants from only $35 to $45. Participating restaurants include: Fra Diavolo Italian Restaurant, Le Creperie, Sashi Suchi, ROK, Woodland’s Indian Cuisine. The Lauderhill SPICE Promotion will take place from January 11, 2016 to February 11, 2016.

Visit www.lauderhillspice.com or call 954-730-3041 today to get more information on participating restaurants and to purchase your Lauderhill TASTE Tour tickets.

County to conduct unprecedented December mosquito spraying

This time of year, dry weather and cooler temperatures typically keep mosquito populations low in Palm Beach County.  However, weather systems that recently moved through the area have caused unusually high mosquito populations to develop, prompting the county’s Mosquito Control Division to conduct an unprecedented December spray program.

The weather system’s accompanying high winds have complicated matters by preventing the use of aerial spraying as wind speeds have exceeded the legal application limit.  Aerial spraying requires a narrow range of wind conditions, between 2 mph and 10 mph, to effectively reduce mosquito populations. In the meantime, spraying will be conducted by trucks, and crews will be working in areas with the most severe mosquito activity in the county.

Aerial spraying will resume delivering wide-area relief as soon as wind conditions allow, perhaps over the holidays.  We ask that the residents of areas plagued with mosquitoes be patient while all efforts are made to deliver mosquito control services to these areas.

To further help control mosquitoes, residents are asked to drain or minimize standing water on their properties.

Holiday Message from the Consul General of Jamaica, Miami

How to keep your skin healthy during dry months

The transition from fall to winter presents unique challenges for everyone. Not only is it important to switch wardrobes in order to brave the cold, we also have to get used to driving in the snow and ice, remember to shovel the sidewalk, and of course, prepare against the seasonal onslaught of the cold and flu.

While it’s common to stock up on vitamin C and warm clothes, many neglect to take care of their skin during these colder months. This is a problem that is particularly prevalent among men.

“The number one skincare complaint I hear from men is dry skin,” says Dr. Terrence Keaney, a pioneer in the field of men’s specific dermatology who recommends the Dove Men + Care personal wash range as men’s best defense against dry skin. “The colder weather months are stressful and drying on men’s skin due to a decrease in humidity, cold winds and the heavy, often irritating clothes we are forced to wear. These factors are exaggerated in men due to various behavioral differences coupled with varying degrees of understanding regarding personal care products and skincare.”

Dr. Keaney’s research has consistently shown that men’s skin needs to be cared for differently than women’s due to biological and behavioral differences. “Many men aren’t using personal care products designed specifically with their skin in mind, which is why I recommend Dove Men+Care.” The Dove Men+Care range of products was created to address men’s specific skin care concerns, giving men comfortable skin without sacrificing effectiveness.

Biologically, men’s skin is different than women’s skin because it is thicker, produces more sweat and oil resulting in larger pores that can clog with dirt and oil more easily. Men’s skin also has lower pH values, which can cause some cleansing products to have a more drying effect on skin.

“When men come into my office the first thing I recommend are cleansing products designed for them that will effectively remove dirt and excess oil while also hydrating their skin,” states Dr. Keaney. “Maintaining skin’s hydration levels is one of the most important ways to keep the skin healthy and strong.” The Dove Men+Care Hydration Balance Body Wash is made with MICROMOISTURE technology that activates on skin during lather to lock in the skin’s natural moisture and provide hydration for healthier, stronger skin.

Another cause of dry skin that can become exaggerated in the winter month is men’s shower routine. Men are sometimes overaggressive when cleansing and scrubbing and often use hot water excessively. Both of these habits will wash away the skin’s protective oils and can leave the skin dry, tight and itchy.

In addition to over-scrubbing, Dr. Keaney points out that “using traditional bar soaps can accelerate skin irritation and dryness. Traditional bar soaps often lack the moisturizing benefits needed to maintain moisture in men’s skin.” If you prefer using a bar in the shower over a body wash, Dr. Keaney recommends the Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Bar which has a mild formula and contains the signature Dove ¼ moisturizing cream that will better help maintain skin’s hydration levels when compared to traditional bar soaps.

While the cold weather and winter are unavoidable, dealing with the dry, irritated skin that often accompanies winter can be remedied by simply understanding how to properly care for the skin. “The most important thing men can do this winter is understand that their skin requires a different type of care than a women’s, and they must use products that will maintain hydration levels for healthier, stronger skin,” urges Dr. Keaney. The skin is the immune system’s primary line of defense against bacteria and viruses and when properly cared for, men can enjoy a more comfortable and active winter season.

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Spice up the holidays with creative ideas for using holiday seasonings

Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, vanilla — the spices and flavors of the season are as integral to the holidays as pumpkins, gift-giving and family gatherings. It’s hard to imagine ever tiring of seasonal flavors, especially when they illuminate baked treats and other holiday dishes, but there’s also nothing wrong with craving new ways to enjoy seasonal spices.

By all means, give your sugar cookies a dash of personality with some ginger, and deck your glazed ham with whole cloves. And while you’re savoring holiday spices and seasonings in traditional ways, why not try some innovative ideas for incorporating the flavors and aromas of the holidays into other aspects of your celebrations?

The spice and seasoning experts at Simply Organic offers some tips to spark your creativity:

Decorate with spices

Some holiday spices not only smell wonderful and festive, they’re pretty, too. Incorporating whole spices such as star-shaped anise and cinnamon sticks into your celebrations will fill the air with holiday scents while creating visual interest. Try presenting star anise in a pretty glass bowl as a centerpiece. Strew bundles of cinnamon sticks tied with ribbons in holiday hues on the fireplace mantel. Add festive interest to a holiday table with a small potted rosemary bush.

Spice up holiday cocktails

When you think of holiday cocktails, is peppermint the only seasonal flavor that comes to mind? You can make your own flavored vodkas and liqueurs by learning to make infusions with virtually any holiday spice. Or, use organic spices to update traditional holiday beverages like this one:

Organic Cardamom Orange Old Fashioned

Prep time, 15 minutes. Makes one serving

Start by preparing cardamom simple syrup:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon Simply Organic Cardamom

Directions:

In a small pot, bring the water, sugar and cardamom to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and to cool.  The simple syrup recipe will provide more syrup than needed to make this drink. Store extra syrup in the refrigerator for later.

Ingredients for the Old Fashioned:

2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey

2 to 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 teaspoons Cardamom Simple Syrup

1 orange peel

1 Simply Organic Cinnamon Stick (optional)

ice cube(s)

Directions:

In a glass, combine the bourbon or rye whiskey, Bitters and syrup.  Add orange peel. Using a muddler, crush the orange peel into the drink to release the orange flavor. Add the cinnamon stick, then let the drink rest for a few minutes. For more orange flavor, substitute an orange slice (with flesh) for the orange peel. Allow drink to rest for a few minutes, then stir to release flavor.

Slip savory spices into traditionally sweet dishes

Holiday spices and seasonings fall into two categories — sweet and savory. Traditionally, sweet spices have been the stars of holiday baked goods, while savory ones added flare to main courses and side dishes. There’s no rule that says you can’t incorporate your favorite savory holiday spice into baked goods. In fact, some, like allspice, are naturals for adding interest to baked items. For example, freshly ground peppercorns pair well with chocolate, and rosemary compliments lemony flavorings.

“Sweet” spices work outside the oven

Nutmeg is one of those spices associated with baked holiday goodies like cookies and cakes, but it works great on stovetop dishes, too, such as pastas — especially in cream sauce — soups and greens. It’s a great spice to add flavor and interest to a variety of side dishes. Because it goes so well with dairy, nutmeg is a winner in mac and cheese, and its hint of musky sweetness means it works well to foil the bitterness of certain greens.

Pamper yourself with Spice 

You can cook up a variety of homemade beauty treatments using holiday spices — and after all the work you’ll be doing this season, you deserve it! Rinsing hair with a rosemary infusion shines and clarifies your tresses. Cinnamon and clove, when paired with Bentonite clay powder or honey, make refreshing facial masques. And you can find recipes online to make your own lip balm with cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.

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New series celebrate Haitian artists

Haitian art goes on a mission in 2016, as local non-profit Haiti Friends launch the new Pearl Art series – an art exhibition opening every second Saturday at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Little Haiti.

The exhibits will include work from world renowned Haitian artists. Each event will also be a musical and culinary celebration, with Caribbean celebrity chefs serving delectable fare, and live performance from talented artists. This event will also be free and open to the public.

The first show celebrating the New Year, “Bon Fet” will kick off on January 9th, 2016. On February the 3rd, the “Esprit d’Ezili” exhibit will be inspired by the cultural legacy of the Vodou goddess, while on March 12th, the “Croix-De-Bouquet” show will celebrate the artistic legacy of the legendary town.

Haiti Friends’ mission is to use art exhibits and presentations at educational and cultural institutions to shape the global opinion of Haiti as a place of hope and joy, despite the challenging conditions and economic deprivations. The Friends’ gallery houses a large collection of Haitian artwork that is for sale and helps sustain the organization’s efforts in Haiti working with the farmers to help combat deforestation in desolate mountain communities

By sharing and selling Haitian artwork to people in the U.S., the group believes that artwork is a meaningful tool that might be used to put a human face on the complex problems of a troubled country.

SVG NDP party to end boycott of new parliament

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) says it will end its boycott of the new Parliament and have its members sworn in as legislators even though it continues to protest the results of the December 9 general election.

NDP leader Arnhim Eustace, speaking on his weekly radio programme, said the decision had been taken based on legal advice given to the party.

“We had previously stated that I along with other elected members of the NDP would refuse to be sworn in. However I am legally advised that this decision could lead to the loss of all the seats the NDP now holds. And therefore on the basis of that we will now be sworn in.”

Eustace told radio listeners that “this must not be viewed as a sign of weakness” adding “it must be seen as a strategic move in the interest of and the benefit of all who do not accept the election results and that we will continue robustly and unflinchingly its legal and other protest action”.

Earlier this month, the NDP announced the boycott of the new Parliament that is due to hold its first session after the Christmas season and also questioned the role of the various regional and international groups that observed the polls.

“CARICOM will say, it is free and fair, the OAS can say it was free and fair. We in the New Democratic Party say it was not free and it was not fair. And at least I have been in contact already with three OECS prime ministers on the matter of this election,” Eustace said then.

The ruling Unity Labour Party of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves won by a margin of 8-7 mirroring the 2010 results. But the NDP insists that there were too many irregularities in the elections and is refusing to accept the results.

Eustace said that the party had put on hold all protest action until after the Christmas holidays.

A Jamming Holiday with Willie Stewart & Friends

It was a night filled with good music and festive cheer this past weekend at Willie Stewart & Friends’ first annual “Rhythms for the Season” concert, at the Rebar Lounge in Davie.

This year’s concert was full of entertainment, as a slew of talented artists joined percussionist wonder and founding member of Third World, Willie Stewart, on stage. Stewart was joined by band members Leroy Romane and Vinnie Hamilton on keyboard, father/son duo Ricky Walters on base and son Richie Walters on guitar. Upcoming South Florida-based reggae girl group, 3B4JHOY (made up of dynamic sisters Claudette, Dominique and Heather) also lent their pitch-perfect angelic harmonies, as well as leading on thrilling renditions of their own music.

Local performers also joined the band on stage. Tessie Porter and Leea Stewart (daughter of Willie Stewart) wooed the crowd with the soulful tunes. Veteran stars AJ “Boots” Brown and Karl McDonald also showed the crowd how it’s done with some oldies but goodies.

The night was also full of surprises, with a fantastic selection of surprise guests. Lead guitarist and singer O’neil “Honey P” Peart and drummer Krispercs Upnah of hot Jamaican reggae group, No-Maddz, thrilled the crowd. The performance also went up another notch thanks to the musical stylings of Shaka Pace on base and Moodie from Rebar on sax. All were rallied by stellar MC of the night, Kalib Thompson.

Sunil Narine banned from Super50 series

West Indies spinner Sunil Narine has been banned from participating in the NAGICO Super50 series to be played in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts in January.

The West Indies Cricket Board has reportedly rejected a request from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board to allow the off spinner to participate, despite being banned from bowling by the ICC due to illegal bowling action during the second ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka last month.

He recently failed a test on his bowling action at the Loughborough University testing centre in England.

Narine’s bowling woes began last year in India during the Champions League where he was banned from bowling in the finals of the tournament by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

He rebounded from the setback and was allowed to make his international return in the Sri Lanka series after missing the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand because he was working on his action.

Narine bowled T&T to the Nagico title last season with figures of six wickets for nine runs.

Six South Florida high schools ranked among 100 best in nation

Six South Florida high schools are ranked among the 100 best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Topping the list is the International Studies Charter High School in Miami, which ranks number 1 in Florida and the 13th best in the country. The best Broward school, Cypress Bay High in Weston, fell just short of 100, placing 206th.

Other schools making the national list were Design & Architecture Senior High in Miami (21st), Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School in Miami (52nd), MAST Academy in Key Biscayne (58th), Young Women’s Preparatory Academy in Miami (59th), Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach (68th) and Suncoast High in Riviera Beach (71st).

Reggae Girlz fall to 72nd place in FIFA rankings

A look at some of the top stories making the news today, December 24, across your Caribbean-American community in South Florida, I’m… for CNW 90.

Six South Florida high schools are ranked among the 100 best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Topping the list is the International Studies Charter High School in Miami, which ranks number 1 in Florida and the 13th best in the country. The best Broward school, Cypress Bay High in Weston, fell just short of 100, placing 206th

Broward County’s Homeless Initiative Partnership is calling for 200 volunteers for the 2016 Homeless Point-in-time County survey. The data collected will be used to assist in prioritizing housing and service resources for the homeless. The survey will run from Tuesday night, January 26th, through Thursday, January 28, 2016.

The City of Miami Gardens has opened registration for their annual Winter Wonderland Camp, for children ages 5 to 12, at Norwood Park and Scott Park. The program, which include games, field trips, countless holiday entertainment, will be held from Monday, Dec 28 to Thursday, Dec. 31. Parents can register at the Betty T Ferguson Complex or the City’s Parks and Recreation office.

In sports, West Indies spinner Sunil Narine has been banned from participating in the NAGICO Super50 series to be played in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts in January. The West Indies Cricket Board has reportedly rejected a request from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board to allow the off spinner to participate, despite being banned from bowling by the ICC due to illegal bowling action.

What’s trending:

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have fallen five places to 72nd in the latest FIFA Women’s world rankings. They rank 3rd in the Caribbean behind Trinidad and Tobago at 48 and Haiti at 68.

For Today’s Weather Forecast:

Mostly Cloudy in Broward County with a high of 83 and a low of 74. For Miami-Dade, mostly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 74.

For more information on these and other stories, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com. 

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