WOMEN'S JOURNAL

Prince George's County February 2012 Articles

2012-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Zaneilia Harris Feature Story Feb 2012 Women's Journal

Community Radiology Prince George's Women's Journal Feb 2012

Finance and Stilettos- Harris & Harris Wealth Management

Wanda Ramsey -Vibrational Medicine Part 2

Xpress Care Urgent Care -Arlington VA

Dr. Nia Banks- New Year, New You

February 2012 -Women in Profile

L&S Tax Services

December 2011 Washington Women's Journal Article

2012-01-13T02:08:00.000-08:00

December 2011 Washington Women's Journal

Xpress Care Urgent Care

(ARA) - If you’re not planning on adding “lose weight” to your list of New Year’s
resolutions, you’re in the minority. In fact, losing weight is one of the most commonly
made resolutions, year after year. But it’s definitely not the only health resolution
you should consider making for 2012.
While losing weight offers a host of benefits for many people, addressing other
health issues, like your hearing health and psychological well-being, can make
equally compelling New Year’s resolutions.
Go ahead and add “drop a few pounds” to your resolution list, but consider jotting
these ideas down as well:
1. Resolve to take care of your hearing health.
About 10 percent of Americans report having hearing difficulties, and that includes
about 1.4 million children, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). You may
think you’re too young to worry about your hearing, but the BHI also reports that the
majority of people with hearing loss (65 percent) are younger than 65. Our increasingly
noisy world exposes people of all ages to potentially damaging sounds, so it’s
more important than ever to pay attention to your hearing health.
Have your hearing professionally tested every year. If you’re diagnosed with hearing
loss, talk to your health care provider to determine if a hearing aid will help
you. Hearing aids are now more discreet, versatile and effective than ever thanks to
advances from manufacturers like Starkey. The hearing aid maker’s Wi Series employs
wireless technology, enhances TV and radio listening, and eliminates the need
for manual adjustments. In addition, all of its hearing aids including Wi Series and X
Series can help reduce background noise while preserving speech understanding.
2. Resolve to take care of your emotional health.
Stress seems like a natural part of our busy lives these days, but too much stress can
be harmful to your overall well-being. According to WebMD, stress can negatively
affect your mental health, your immune system, heart, digestive system, skin, lungs
and reproductive organs.
Resolve to take steps to relieve stress. Stress-busting can take on many forms for
many people, whether it’s spending time with a pet (interacting with animals can
lower blood pressure and heart rate), listening to music, meditating or getting rigorous
exercise. Don’t worry over how you relieve stress, just do what feels right for
you and fits into your schedule and lifestyle and you’ll reap the benefits.
3. Resolve to take care of your bone health.
Healthy bones are important for everyone, not just post-menopausal
women and growing children. Most of your body’s calcium is stored in the
bones and teeth. When your body doesn’t get enough calcium from outside
sources, it starts drawing what it needs from storage, and osteoporosis occurs.
While anyone can experience osteoporosis, certain groups are more at
risk than others, including Caucasian women who have gone through
menopause, older adults, people who are small in stature, and those with
low-calcium diets or who are physically inactive, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Ensure your diet includes the recommended
amount of calcium per day, and stay active by doing physical
activities that help build bone strength, such as walking, running, dancing
and weight lifting.
4. Resolve to take care of your feet.
The condition of your feet can clue you in to your overall health, and signs
of serious problems like arthritis, diabetes and circulatory issues can all be
detected in the feet. More Americans have foot pain than in any other part
of their bodies they consider vital to health, such as the skin, teeth or even
the heart, according to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association
(APMA).
To prevent foot problems, make sure you wear shoes that fit well and offer
plenty of support, don’t wear the same pair every day, and avoid walking
around barefoot, the APMA advises. If you experience foot pain, don’t
ignore it; seek a doctor’s help.
5. Resolve to get more rest.
Think you’re OK squeaking by with just five hours of sleep a night? Think
again. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) says sleep is essential to
your overall health and well-being, yet 60 percent of American adults
say they have problems sleeping a few nights a week or more. On average,
adults need about eight hours of sleep; some will be alright with an hour or
two less, while others will need more.
To help ensure you get the rest you need, maintain a regular sleep schedule,
avoid caffeine for at least four hours before bedtime, don’t have a
heavy meal or drink alcohol before you sleep, and create a sleep-friendly environment with minimal light and noise.


Her Money Her Investments -Provided By Mihyar Alnifaidy

HER MONEY, HER INVESTMENTS

Provided By: Mihyar O. Alnifaidy, Northwestern Mutual

(301)538-3008

Faced with student loans and with an eye toward owning a new car or a first home, it’s not surprising that many twenty-something women think saving for “old age” can wait for just that, an older age. But the need is more urgent. Any woman who wants to secure her future needs to begin today by taking time to consider investments and retirement planning.

Historically, the financial services industry has been slow to view women as viable customers, preferring to target the traditional male investor. But, this mindset is changing with more companies recognizing the role women play in making financial decisions.

Getting on track for saving

Even though more women than ever are working and building their financial independence, many still depend on their husband’s income and investment expertise for their financial well-being. However, divorce or death can quickly change that situation. A discouraging thought since it’s widely known that about half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce.

The average woman can expect to live to age 80.2, which is 6.8 years longer than a man.¹ Add to that the fact that in our society today, experts say, for the first time, more women are living without a husband than with one.²

Smart choices for the future

No matter your age, here are basic steps for building a financial strategy that will move you closer to self-reliance:

1. Establishing solid goals. Be it a dream home on a lake or a comfortable condo in the city, concrete objectives gives you something tangible to strive for and make it easier to assign a price tag to goals. Establish your goals, set a time frame, list the steps you need to get there, and implement your plan. Start now.

2. Assessing your financial position. Take a critical look at finances, especially with regard to life goals. Consider asking an objective outside financial professional for help in calculating where you stand. Know what investments you have and how

much they are worth. Estimate how much you will have saved by retirement and how long that will last you based on your lifestyle.

3. Seek out good financial guidance. Look for information wherever available and never hesitate to ask questions.

Her Money Her Investments – Pg 2

4. Create a solid portfolio. Young investors should start as soon as possible to research financial information and start saving. Even seemingly small amounts of saving now can help build future stability and eventual wealth.

5. Team up with a financial professional you can trust. Women who are unfamiliar with the financial products available should team up with a financial professional they can trust.

For both women and men, it pays to create a clear vision of one’s financial future; both in terms of a better-focused, less stressful today and a comfortable, more prosperous tomorrow.

1. Statistical Abstract, 2009; www.census.gov. Printed copies available upon request.

2. Sam Roberts, “51% of Women Are Now Living Without Spouse” New York Times, published January 16, 2007.

###

Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Mihyar Alnifaidy. Mihyar Alnifaidy is a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual, which is a marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) (NM), Milwaukee, WI, its affiliates and subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), member FINRA and SIPC. Mihyar Alnifaidy is an Insurance Agent of Northwestern Mutual and a Registered Representative of (NMIS) based in (Washington, DC). NM is not a broker dealer. The information presented is for educational purposes only and readers are urged to consult their own advisers for specific advice. PAID ADVERTISEMENT.


Debra Poneman -Washington Women's Journal Article December 2011

‘Tis the Season for Success

by Debra Poneman

December is one of my favorite months. There is something so magical about these busy days between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and traveling and celebrating, we feel a lightness in our hearts in anticipation of the warm and loving times to come with family and friends.

The most magical aspect of this season, however, is the opportunity it affords to create some real success—the success that comes from giving our love and good will to others. The holiday spirit that prevails at this time makes it easier to extend love not just to the people closest to us but to the teller at the bank, the receptionist at the doctor’s office, the person who cuts us off in traffic and your boyfriend’s old girlfriend.

If we give love selectively and only in order to get something in return, we will surely be disappointed. But if we give love for the pure joy of giving, our rewards will be abundant. To get what we want most for ourselves, we first need to give it. As you sow, so shall you reap. Usually we withhold our love out of fear that we’ll open ourselves up, become vulnerable and then not receive love in return. We’re afraid of the possibility of rejection. Know that the person you fear may reject you, is just as afraid of being rejected as you are - and if we look at the giving of love as its own reward then whether or not we receive love in return is of no consequence. Perhaps you’ve heard the expression, “The fact that I love you is no concern of yours.” We give love because it is what humans do, just like the sun gives it light and a rose gives its fragrance.

Taking the idea one step further we can use this holiday season to rid ourselves of a common bad habit: That of judging one another. Start by replacing any thoughts of judgment or criticism with thoughts of love and acceptance. Sometimes we’ll look at someone and think, “What inappropriate behavior,” or “They are certainly not as loving and open as I am,” or “That person could use some help with their attitude.” Remember that person is trying to be the best he or she can be. You have no idea what anyone has lived through. If you did, you would probably be amazed that they are even making the effort that they are.

If you are going to judge, look beyond the outward appearance and judge how brightly the inner beauty shines. Look beyond the superficial and see the tender heart desiring, just as you do, to love and be loved. As unbelievable as it may seem, those who act most offensively are just the ones in the greatest need of love.

So let’s make an extra effort this season to do those little things that let people know they are loved and not alone. If there are friends or family you can’t be with, think of the happiness you will bring them by sending a small gift or writing a simple card or making a five-minute call just to say, “You mean so much to me.”

And for the people in your community, even if all you give them is a smile as you pass them on the street or a loving thought unbeknownst to them, it will carry a silent message of love that will resound in every corner of creation.

F O U N D E R O F P I N K J A M S
Tara - What inspired you to start Pink Jams?
Christa -Losing a 35-year-old friend to the disease inspired me to start Pink Jams. Until Jen was
diagnosed, I didn’t realize that women my age could be affected by breast cancer. I felt it was
important to reach out to younger men and women to talk about awareness, and to do everything
I could to make sure that young men and women get the support and resources they need before,
during, and after treatment. Our greatest resource is the energy we draw from each other. Jen
went through her fight largely alone, and I don’t want others to have that same experience.
Tara- How did you come up with the concept? Why fashion shows?
Christa -I realized that in order to reach young men and women, and to get them to truly pay attention
to our education and awareness message, I needed to find a way to engage them using the
activities that they already enjoy and are comfortable with. By utilizing art, fashion, social events,
and live music, we are able to deliver a powerful awareness message in a way that is engaging and non-threatening. The truth is, the discussion
of breast cancer is a serious topic but it doesn’t have to be a somber one. The fashion show, Pink Rocks the Runway, is a product of
that belief. We celebrate the courage and strength of young women who have fought breast cancer and won.
Tara-How do you find the ladies/survivors?
Christa-So often, the breast cancer survivors and patients find us. Through networking efforts and word of mouth, we are able to identify
the young men and women who have been affected by the disease and encourage them to get engaged in our efforts. We work with physicians,
survivor networks, and other organizations to also identify men and women who have been affected as well.
Tara –Is the venue location going to be the same each year?
Christa-We have not decided whether we will hold Pink Rocks the Runway in the same location each year, or if we will find other venues
that allow the event to grow.
You never know which moments will
change your life forever.
The story of Jen the inspiration behind the show
“Thank you for your interest in Pink Jams! I don’t
remember the day I met my friend Jen, although I really
wish I could. I do, however, remember the day I
found out that she was diagnosed with breast cancer
while pregnant with her second child. Jen was amazing
- no matter how hard it got, I never saw her lose that
infectious laugh, her fighter spirit, and her never- ending
courage. Jen lost her fight in 2007. At just 35 years old,
she left a husband, two beautiful children, and countless
friends and family behind. Jen and this terrible disease
have changed my life and I will never just simply write a
check again.
I learned the hardest way possible that breast cancer can
affect men and women under the age of 40. This disease
doesn’t discriminate. An estimated three million woman
are living with breast cancer, one million don’t know it
yet. This year, nearly 2,000 men will also be diagnosed.
Breast cancer, however, does not have to be a death
sentence. Early detection and regular screenings can and
will save lives.
My work with Pink Jams! is in memory of my courageous
friend whom I miss so much. And I support breast
cancer awareness education programs in honor of the
millions of men and woman who are fighting for their
lives right now. I hope you will support us in our fight
against breast cancer.” My sincerest thanks,

PINK JAMS 2011 -Washington Women's Journal Article

Our Team
The adage that it takes an army applies here. Since its founding in 2009, Pink Jams! has been fortunate to work with
hundreds of volunteers who are willing to promote breast cancer awareness in the Washington, DC area.

While our
staff is small, our passion for our mission is not. At the moment, our team is entirely volunteer-based. Meaning, not one
penny from money raised from Pink Jams! events goes to support overhead or salaries.
For more, information on becoming involved with Pink Jams!, please contact us via email.
cfloresca@pinkjamsdc.com or (703) 919-5697
Chairman Board Member Founder and President
Bryan Thomas Stef Woods Christa L. Floresca

Calendar of events
Pink Jams! Artist Showcase
From October through February, Pink Jams! and the Hard Rock
Cafe - Washington, DC are partnering to present a monthly artist
showcase.
The Pink Jams! Artist Showcase is a live-music event series
designed to raise breast cancer awareness in the Washington, DC
area. Each event features a few local artists who are donating
their talent to help Pink Jams! expand its mission and raise funding
for our education programs. In addition, Pink Jams! promotes
the work and
talent of our artists, building brand recognition among our
friends, contacts, and supporters.
Future Artist Showcase Dates - full musician line-up coming
soon! Thursday, December 22 Thursday, January 26 Thursday,
February 23

Estate Planning

2012-01-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

Five Estate Planning Myths

Author: Nicole Livingston, Attorney 30 November 2011 No Comment

By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

Compliments of Nicole Livingston, Attorney

Estate planning. It’s on everyone’s “should do” list, but it rarely seems to make it to the top of the “to do” list. Maybe that’s because estate planning is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. People think it’s only for the wealthy or the elderly. The truth is, everyone needs some form of estate planning, because estate planning is life planning.

Let’s do away with five common estate planning myths:

1. Estate Planning is only for the Elderly. Physicist Niels Bohr said, “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” It would be nice if we all knew what events lay ahead for us, but the truth is we’re not guaranteed long, healthy lives. People get sick, become disabled, and even die when they’re still young. That’s why it’s important to have not just a Will, but also a power of attorney and other disability documents in place now, while you’re still alive and healthy.
2. Only the Wealthy Need an Estate Plan. Estate planning is not always about leaving behind a multi-million dollar dynasty. It can also be about making sure your spouse and children are provided for with life insurance and retirement plans, or that your wishes—and not the cookie cutter rules provided by your state legislature—determine who inherits your real estate and personal property when you die. Estate planning is about preserving your legacy, including both the financial and non-financial components of that legacy.
3. You Only Need a Will. A Will is an excellent start. It allows you to choose an executor to oversee the distribution of your estate. It lets you express your wishes for how and when your assets are to be divided after your death. It also lets you nominate a guardian to care for your minor children should the need arise.

However, there are certain estate planning goals a Will cannot accomplish. For example, it can’t keep all your assets out of probate, nor does it control what happens to life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or other property with designated beneficiaries. Further, because a Will does not take effect until your death, it cannot be used to plan for disability during your lifetime.

This is why you need a complete estate plan tailored to accomplish your specific goals.

4. It Doesn’t Matter Which Fiduciary You Name. Part of making an estate plan is choosing other people, such as an executor, a trustee, or a guardian, to make decisions for you. These people are known as fiduciaries, and it is easy to name someone to serve as a fiduciary without giving much thought to the person’s qualifications. This can be a huge mistake. Picking an unqualified or unwilling fiduciary can lead to mismanagement of assets, conflict among your heirs, and unnecessary litigation. On the other hand, taking the time to choose qualified fiduciaries can help your estate plan work smoothly and efficiently.
5. Estate Planning is a One-Time Event. Putting an estate plan in place is an excellent first step. However, life means change. Babies are born or adopted, loved ones get married or divorced, and people die. You might experience substantial increases or decreases in wealth or significant health challenges. Each of these events can affect your estate plan, as can changes in state or federal law. Regularly reviewing your estate plan can help to ensure that it stays up to date and in step with your current circumstances and wishes.

Isn’t it time to move estate planning from your “should do” list to your “to do” list? A qualified estate planning attorney can work with you to establish a plan that meets your goals and wishes today, and can adjust that plan as your goals and wishes evolve in the future.

About Our Law Firm

SinclairProsser Law, LLC is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (410) 573-4818 or (301) 970-8080 or visit us online at www.sinclairprosserlaw.com.

About the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

This article is written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. The Academy regularly publishes articles on various estate planning topics as a free resource to consumers. These articles are

December 2011 Women in Profile

2012-01-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

December 2011 Women in Profile

2012-01-13T00:23:00.001-08:00

2011-07-28T06:41:00.001-07:00

Lunch and Leads 2011

2011-07-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

August/September 2010 Articles

2010-08-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. Banks Plastic Surgery

2010-07-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

Baltimore City a hidden treasure....By Tara Pannell

No matter how many times I view the Baltimore skyline it will always make me smile. I love the modern view and the historic charm of this city. Read facts about Baltimore

Brows can transform a person’s look instantly

2010-01-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of tweezing your brows?

The alternative is waxing, but waxing is not for everyone. I am allergic to the wax, and after having it done I looked like I'd had a fight with Mike Tyson--and he won.

My eyebrows were swollen and red. It took a few days for this to clear up. After a visit to my dermatologist, I learned that I was not a candidate for waxing. I was not happy, because bushy brows are not in and there was no way for me to pluck my brows into the ideal shape.

My dermatologist told me about threading, and I have used this method of brow shaping ever since. My very first brow-threading experience was with a technician named Daisy at the J.C.
Penney Salon located in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Security Square Mall. This was several years ago, and at the time Daisy at the J.C. Penney Salon and Usha of Usha’s Salon across from the Towson Town Center were two of the very few that offered the threading service in this area. Usha is probably the best threader in the Washington Metro area due to her having over 30 years of cosmetic training and experience.

Brow Basics
Brows frame the eyes and face, and when sized and shaped to enhance and complement, they can transform a person’s look instantly. Despite how important a feature they can be, many women are in the dark about how to shape and maintain their brows. There are several options for brows Tweezing is one of the least expensive methods and easiest to do at home. Waxing is another option, and often less painful because hair removal occurs in one fell swoop. Threading is a very popular trend and something usually done by a beauty professional.

How-to Brow Guide

To achieve the perfect brows, you may have to sacrifice on beauty appeal for a few days or more,
especially if you aren’t happy with your current brow shape. Let the brow hairs grow in so you’ll
have a fresh canvas with which to start.

USHA SALON & SPA
Professional Brow Services

827 E. Fort Ave. - Federal Hill
209 E. Joppa Road -Across from the Towson Town Center
1-410-837-USHA

Pikesville Maryland
Brow Professionals
NEHA SALON & SPA
1430 Reisterstown Road,
Pikesville, MD - 21208
www.nehathreading.com
email: neha@nehathreading.com
410-653-BROW (2769), 443-722-0679