Christian Times - 2022 Health Edition

1 June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022 2

ChooseHealthyLifeallocated$3.38million 3

to address health inequities

in the Black community

thru the Black Church

Governor Kathy Ho- administer preventative wellness who need it most,” Governor Ho- hire the church-based community
chul recognized Choose Healthy programs run by 20 churches. chul  said.  «This funding will be health workforce that has been es-
Life for its work during the This announcement by the critical in helping address health tablished in New York and engag-
pandemic for offering COVID-19 Governor kicks off a Choose care inequities in underserved ing the underserved communities
testing and vaccinations through Healthy Life weekend of «Hope communities.  I thank Choose in preventive care and wellness. 
its Black churches across the and Healing» that includes New Healthy Life for  their efforts A cornerstone to the wellness pro-
five boroughs of New York. York City Mayor Eric Adams throughout the COVID pandemic gram will be the launch of Blue-
At an event held at Choose offering remarks on Sunday, June and look forward to our continued print for Wellness® later this
Healthy Life’s First Corinthian 5th at CHL›s Cornerstone Baptist partnership to ensure quality care summer - a comprehensive health
Baptist Church in Harlem, the Church in Brooklyn.   is available and accessible.»  screening that provides powerful
Governor announced that the FY information to highlight personal
2023 New York State Budget “The pandemic exposed ap- The state’s commitment is health strengths and risks that will
includes an allocation of $3.38 palling health care disparities in part of a public-private collabo- support under-resourced Black
million for Choose Healthy Life Black communities, and today we ration that includes funding sup- communities in taking control of
to address health inequities and are taking concrete action to close port from founding CHL partner their health.   CONTINUED ON PG 16
those gaps and get care to those Quest Diagnostics Foundation to

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4 Guns & White
I recently watched in disgust and amazement the venomous preaching

of a White evangelical minister, cheered on by the rousing applause and

super-generous shouts of praise from his packed congregation. With

almost every word cloaked in a christological trenchcoat, this young, ar-

ticulate southern pastor correctly speaks of an end-time of reckoning and

the release of God’s judgement upon America, but woven with a murky

thread of disdain and boastful rejection of any and everything that is not

White, Eurocentric and, of course, the America he sees.

He is pitifully a splendid representation of White supremacy, Nazi-style nationalism, and

one among tens of thousands of Bible-touting men and wo men who are either confused about

who Jesus is or have chosen to deliberately use the pulpit, the pew and the parish to influence

the vulnerable in defense and protection of White supremacism and White Power.

June 17, 2022 Obviously, thse words were never used but demonic powers and the evils of guns. Guns are cre-
those who understand the power of preaching and ated to kill, to inflict pain, and, in some cases, one
the evangelistic mission to win the “lost” and bring gun is designed to kill multiple people at one time.
hearers to a place of decision get to see the irony.
Only days before his fiery, politically charged
Using the heated political topics of abortion and sermon, ten innocent Black shoppers were brutally
LGBTQ+ rights as his two core issues, he said all gunned down in Buffalo, NY and 21 people – most-
Democrats are evil
and that the dem- ly children and Lati-
ocratic party is de- nos in Uvalde, TX
monic and the party – were killed by mil-
of the devil. And in itary-type rifles. A
his strongest state- loud cry to save the
ment, he referred to unborn and yet not
January 6 as the tip a mumbling word
of the iceberg and about the brutal slay-
called it a God-or- ing of innocent chil-
chestrated agenda. dren sitting in their
classroom.
“They think Jan-
uary 6 was some big I am deeply both-
insurrection – that ered by the irony
was nothing. We are that the same bold
just getting ready, and God is gonna do stuff that will defenders of life are
shake the foundation of America. This evil must be the blazing protectors of guns. And it is no irony
uprooted and we will do whatever is necessary to that victims of gun violence in America – and many
fight for and save this country,” he braggadociously of the mass shootings – are Black and Brown, and
proclaimed. the shooters are mostly Whites with nationalist and
White supremacist tendencies.
This troubled pulpiteer is not a new voice, and America’s history tells an interesting story. Be-
his message is not a fresh word. He and thousands fore the Civil War, Blacks in America – bond or
of others are misusers of the pulpit and the political free – were prohibited from owning guns, and after
podium in their distressingly futile efforts to return the Civil War, many states persisted in prohibiting
America to White male domination – some believe Blacks – now free – from owning guns under new
it to be the Christian way! laws including the laws called “Black Codes”.
At the core of America’s right to bear arms is the
This would be a good time to talk about love, slave master’s right to keep “his slaves” under con-
Jesus’s message of peace and His passionate plea for trol, and to this very day the gun is an instrument of
global unity, justice, and equality. However, indulge control and a symbol of power and supremacy to a
my departure to address this preacher’s flagrant dis- significant percentage of the US population.
regard or stubborn refusal to bring to his pulpit the

supremacy 5

Given the kind of progress that Blacks excellence in sports, aviation and technology lenced, and a Black woman joined the ranks
and suppressed people have made in less than is possible, and yet gun reform is an unattain- as the first female vice president of America.
160 years, it is not difficult to understand why able task that seems well beyond the reach of
some Whites in America are so fear-filled: the America. I understand the troubled, misguided
rapid rise of Barack Obama to the presiden- preacher’s words; the frantic Trump-led in-
cy, the growing list of Black billionaires, the Sadly, many politicians, gun advocates, surrection; the murderous thugs who would
truth of Black women shattering glass ceilings and pundits are so protective of guns that they spray bullets at innocent people because of
that their White counterparts have failed to find more problems with the solutions than their race; and the gun makers, gun lobbyists,
shatter, and the fact that even on an uneven with the problem itself. The solutions are de- and gun-loving politicians who have this deep
playing level, Blacks are keeping pace with bated and discounted, and because every sin- unrestrainable passion to protect guns over hu-
their counterparts. White power and control is gle solution comes with a mountain of prob- mans. Deep within their psyche is that sense
being neutralized and the Donald Trump kind lems, America is trapped. Yes, gun violence that the gun is all we have left as a symbol of
of Americans despise such a reality. The gun and the mass shootings affect all Americans White power and supremacy, and we cannot
is the only symbol of White power that is left. and yes, America suffers from the paralysis of let “cancel culture” take this too.
Letting this one go is hard regardless of its toll gun reform.
and impact on our children. – REV. DENNIS DILLON, Publisher
The January 6 insurrection was also heav-
Thus, in this gun reform conversation, ily militaristic with so many rioters carrying
“America descends from hopeful and progres- guns. It shook Donald Trump and most of the
sive to being locked in the permanence of per- insurrectioners to the core that a Black man
petual impossibility,” Trevor Noah noted. All came out of nowhere and could so easily be-
things are possible for America except gun re- come President. Thus, “Make America Great
form: space tourism is possible, a self-driving Again” was their cry to go back to a “White
car is possible, drone deliveries are possible, Power” America, and after a troubling 4 short
years, this voice of White supremacy is si-

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6

When was the last time you looked at your Charting the Path
bank account balance? According to a re- to Your Next
cent study, over 60 percent of Americans Milestone
check their balance at least once week.
This is a habit, if practiced the right way, where understanding core financial skills refresh your knowledge, consider the fol-
can you put on the path to achieving your can be the difference maker. lowing as you chart a successful path for-
financial goals. ward and take control of your financial fu-
The past year has impacted families, friends, ture.
Whether you’re looking to becoming fi- colleagues and our community. Since the
nancially independent, planning for a long start of the pandemic, 44% of Black Ameri- Advice and Tools
awaited vacation, or saving for a down pay- cans have said that either they or someone in
ment to buy your first home, April is Fi- their family has experienced a job or wage Our financial goals hub is a great place to
nancial Literacy Month and we want you loss due to COVID. In these situations, es- start. Start by picking a goal – save, budget,
to be aware of some of the tools and skills pecially, it is critical to know how to manage or build credit – and explore advice, offer-
right now to help make your financial jour- your finances to stay or get back on track. ings and tools that more simply allow you
ney as smooth as possible. to control your financial future. Our Grow
If you’re unsure of where to begin, how to Your Savings page, for example, offers an
But let’s talk about the basics first. Manag- start making progress, or simply looking to
ing your money can be overwhelming but CONTINUED ON PG. 23
it doesn’t need to be. Understanding things
like budgeting, saving, paying your bills,
and even building your credit score are
skills that can help you at any stage of your
life. Even in these difficult times with the
pandemic when so many of us are facing
greater uncertainty around our finances and
job security, it is these types of moments

June 17, 2022

7June 17, 2022

JUNETEENTH 2022

8

BY DENNIS DILLON

June 17, 2022

9

“... And when at last we were obliged to part,
the look of mutual love which was exchanged
was all the token which we could give each
other. I was obliged to turn way in silence,”
Brown later wrote in his autobiography.

June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022 10

11 June 17, 2022

June 17, 2022 12

P8 May 28 - June 6, 2021

13

For many Americans, the COVID-19 pan- call in the case of illness. To rule out pre-exist- Americans, and June 17, 2022
demic has drawn keen attention to many as- ing conditions or co-morbidities in the event the documented
pects of health care that they have otherwise they get stricken with COVID-19, many of skepticism to-
overlooked throughout much of their lives. these patients inquired about their baseline ward the health
health conditions. care system in
Healthcare in America has historically been general. But I
complicated. Overall, there are issues of access A lack of health insurance is one common strongly urge African
and the cost of healthcare and prescriptions. On reason for not having a primary care physician. American patients to find a PCP regardless of
a lesser scale, people worry about getting time Many African American patients cite the diffi- race or background and to at least have some
off from work to visit their doctor. The COVID culty of finding an African American doctor as baseline information about their health and
pandemic has brought two key issues to the their reason for not having a PCP. Often, female treatment of underlying conditions. In circum-
forefront: knowing one’s baseline health status patients say that they were looking for an stances like the COVID pandemic when the
and having a personal physician. African American female physician. The usual health care system is upended and resources are
reason for this is wanting someone they can limited, one would not be caught off-guard
Many people have had health insurance for trust and connect with culturally. Unfortunately, without a doctor or information about their
years but “never had to see a doctor” or even as of 2018, only 5% of all physicians in the baseline health risks. The individual’s risk of
identified one as their primary care physician United States are Black or African American. morbidity and mortality are mitigated.
(PCP). Others have seen a doctor only when In a city like New York, I suspect that percent-
they were sick and mainly through emergency age is even smaller, and female physicians with My practice specializes in concierge medi-
rooms or urgent care. And still others have this profile are even fewer. This puts an extra cine. We see all patients for an initial consulta-
managed to have a physical but with a new doc- challenge on insured African American pa- tion and complete physical. I do a thorough
tor each year and not had the opportunity to fol- tients. work-up of any issues they present. Patients
low up to discuss their baseline status or elect to have ongoing comprehensive care, in-
establish a relationship with the provider. As a Black physician, many patients who cluding 24/7 access to the doctor and involving
have found their way to my office by way of a team of dieticians and stress management
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly internet search or via referral are commonly di- professionals, and can choose to join our
affected certain populations more than others – agnosed and treated for diabetes, hypertension, concierge program.
which brings me to the topic I call Black Lives and obesity for the first time. I have had to refer
Matter: Health Edition. patients to cardiologists, endocrinologists, and Dr. Peggy Elango is a Primary Care Physician
other specialists for care. whose internal medicine practice is located in New
As a primary care physician during the pan- York City. Dr. Elango can be reached at
demic, I saw an influx of new patients seeking I understand the history of health care in 917.398.3737.
to have a physical for the first time in years and America, the systemic issues that affect African
wanting to establish care with a doctor they can

14 THRIVING Psychologist
POST Dr. Thema
PANDEMIC Bryant,
daughter of
AME Bishop
and sister to
Jamal Bryant,
brother became a pastor.
Thema Bryant’s calling to psycholo-
gy started when she picked up her family’s Bridges TraumaAs an ordained elder in the
home telephone as a pastor’s kid growing up AME church, she is unapol- and Healing
in Baltimore. ogetic about grafting her approach to psy- Through
chology in her faith.
Her father, Bishop John R. Bryant, led
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) “I believe there are many different
Church, one of the biggest congregations in callings,” said Bryant, a psychology pro-
the city and the oldest in Maryland.
fessor at Pepperdine University and di- the Church
“People would often call our home in mo- rector of the school’s Culture and Trauma
ments of crisis,” said Bryant. “When people Research Laboratory. “I think when peo-
are in a moment of crisis, it often doesn’t
matter who answers the phone, they kind of ple hear the word ‘calling,’ they think sole-
get started with whatever the issue is, and I
was always drawn to bearing witness and to ly preaching, but there many different ways
being willing to hear and listen and to en-
courage from very early on.” that God can utilize us. I feel that God has

Bryant went from being a curious and called me to emotional healing, so I entered
compassionate pastor’s daughter to a clini-
cal psychologist specializing in trauma. Last the field of psychology.”
year, she was named president-elect of the
American Psychological Association (APA) In addition to the stigma around mental
and will begin her term in 2023.
illness in society and in the church, racism
Although she will be the fourth Black
woman to hold the position, Bryant believes has been a factor that’s “resulted in a lot of
her background sets her apart and offers
critical insight into the mental health needs people suffering in silence,” Bryant said.
brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,
particularly among the Black community. Black Americans may feel the pressure
A recent  profile of Bryant in The Washing-
ton Post  was titled “Meet the psychologist to keep their problems a secret to avoid
drawing from the Black church to reshape
mental health care.” any more negative associations with

Bryant grew up in a faithful family; her their community.
mother was also a minister, and her older
They may also fear bias or dis-

crimination by mental health profes-

sionals themselves. Last October,

the American Psychological Asso-

ciation (APA) apologized for the

harm it’s caused people of color

over its 130-year history.

“When African Americans

do seek care, there is an as-

June 17, 2022 sumed bias that prevails and a

lack of trust in the providers
continued next page

JACQUELINE J. HOLNESS, Reprinted from Christianity Today

15

that plays a really large role in terms of the continua- heal is because we are communities that need it the most,”
tion of care,” said APA chief diversity officer Maysa forcing them to recon- she said.
Akbar. cile with people who
aren’t sorry… Jesus “What we know about mental
Public health researchers  suggested that Black forgives us, but to be health or psychology should not just
Americans were at greater risk for post-traumatic reconciled with God be in the academy. Many of us con-
stress disorder and other psychological ramifica- requires repentance.” duct research and it gets published in
tions of the pandemic as their community bore more journals and the general public often
illnesses, death, grief, economic decline, and social She wants all types can’t access those journals unless
disruptions than the white population. Even Black of communities, in- they are a part of a university and ac-
churches remained closed and online-only far lon- cluding churches, to cess them in the library.”
ger than other traditions. benefit from what scholars are learn-
ing about trauma healing, mental Bryant dispenses insights and ad-
As Bryant continues her work in trauma healing health, and faith. vice on reality shows, TikTok, and
and steps into leadership at the APA, Black Chris- “I use this mantra ‘psychology in her podcast Homecoming, which
tians are more sensitive than ever to mental health for the people.’ What that means is I was highlighted by the NAACP.
concerns. One journal article said the pandemic af- am trying to cross barriers – econom- Her teachings sometimes incorpo-
termath poses an opportunity as “COVID can legit- ic or cultural barriers that withhold rate dance or poetry. While Bryant is
imize confronting personal problems and thinking information that can be helpful to navigating new territory, she draws
strategically about how to solve them in an envi- from those who came before her.
ronment of less stigma and skepticism than typi-
cally greet recommendations for improved mental June 17, 2022
health.”

“The number of Black men who are seeking ther-
apy is at an all-time high. With campaigns such as
‘It’s okay to not be okay’ and some of the high-pro-
file suicides and other efforts, it’s becoming manly
to discuss your feelings, so that you don’t negatively
affect your families,” said Atlanta minister and psy-
chologist Alduan Tartt, a member of APA. “Psychol-
ogy used to only be behind closed doors, so stigmas
were allowed to exist, but now people are seeing that
it’s not about straightjackets and lying on a couch.”

Bryant’s work at Pepperdine includes leading
graduate-level research on the trauma around abuse,
trafficking, genocide, and racism, as well as the role
of religion in recovery.

“People always hold up that Jesus forgave quick-
ly. Right. That Jesus said, ‘Forgive them, they know
not what they do.’ But I what I want to point out
to you is that forgiveness is different than reconcil-
iation,” she said during remarks to pastors at Point
Loma Nazarene. “Some of the reasons people can’t

16

Choose Healthy Life allocated $3.38 million CONTINUED FROM PG 3

State Senator Cord- spiritual guidance, and informa- this important initiative - a proven Choose Healthy Life New
ell Cleare said, «The inequality in tion in the Black community. It is model that has demonstrated that York Clergy Council Leader
health care for the Black commu- fitting that this initiative is in joint lives can be saved in our com- Rev. Jacques DeGraff said,  “To-
nity is not a new development to collaboration with the church, es- munity through the work of our day we take a major step towards
us - actions to address the health pecially during this pandemic, as church-based community health health parity in our communities.
care disparities facing our com- we work to tackle the many chal- work force.”  Through this network of promi-
munity are long overdue. I am lenges we face and take another nent Black Churches, New York
happy to join the Governor in step towards the healing, recov- Pastor of The Abyssinian is establishing a historic national
announcing this initiative with ery, and restoration of our com- Baptist Church and CHL Co- model for improved health out-
the Black church to take this sig- munity.” Chair Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts comes. This pioneering effort
nificant step in addressing the ra- III said,  “New York is taking a could not have been accomplished
cial inequalities in our healthcare Co-Chair of CHL’s National leadership role across our nation without the reimagined vision
system and its impact on health Black Clergy Health Leadership by committing resources for our combining faith and science.” 
care outcomes in our community. Council and President of the Na- Black churches through Choose
The  church has historically been tional Action Network Reverend Healthy Life to address the health CHL initially established a
a present resource for leadership, Al Sharpton said,  “We applaud disparities that have plagued our network of 50 Black churches in
the Governor for her support of community for decades.” 
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

June 17, 2022

17 June 17, 2022

Choose Healthy Life allocated $3.38 million CONTINUED FROM PG16

five major cities - including New York - and grew to 120 churches across 13 states. The success of the program is centered on the estab-
lishment of a community health workforce in the Black church. In its first year, CHL hosted over 2,200 events, administering over 90,000
COVID-19 tests and vaccinations through its churches. 

Choose Healthy Life was founded by Debra Fraser-Howze  and is based on the highly successful model she created while at the
National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, an organization she founded to address the AIDS epidemic in Black communities with
the widespread support of community leaders including Hazel Dukes, President of the New York State NAACP. 

CHL Founder Debra Fraser-Howze said, «People keep asking ‹When are we going back to normal?› and I say, ‹We are not going back
to normal; we died in normal.’ We are extremely grateful to the public-private partnerships that have been established to support Choose
Healthy Life which has truly become a national movement. Without the support of the Governor, the State of New York and our corporate
partners including Quest Diagnostics, we would not be in a position to address health equity in our communities.” 

As a founding sponsor, the Quest Diagnostics Foundation provided financial support to establish CHL’s church-based community
health workforce.  In addition, Quest Diagnostics has donated diagnostic testing and other services to CHL, including COVID-19 resourc-
es and now preventive care and wellness testing to support the underserved Black community.

June 17, 2022 18

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FOCUSING ON FINANCIAL HEALTH ... continued from pg 6

interactive calculator that maps out a timeline and Latinx business owners – stop into your small business, and others coming soon. June 17, 2022
to reach savings goals and highlights how the local branch and talk with a Chase For Busi-
Autosave tool can help you manage a regular ness representative to see if you qualify. Community Centers
savings schedule to stay on track and meet
your goals. Other resources are also avail- Equitable Home Lending Look for our newly re-designed Community
able, such as budget worksheets to monitor Center Branch in Mattapan, which provides
and track monthly spending, guidance on Home equity is also a major contributor to financial health workshops, skills training,
using the Credit Journey tool to build and families’ wealth, making it imperative that small business pop-ups and more. Unlike
protect credit, as well as background on low- we increase property ownership among traditional branches, these localized hubs
cost checking accounts designed to provide Black communities. One way we hope to do are designed specifically for the community
access for anyone who has had trouble get- this is through our Chase DreaMaker mort- and with the intent to close gaps in access to
ting or keeping an account in the past. gage, which makes applying for your first financial education, resources and access to
mortgage or refinancing a current one more capital for reaching milestones like buying a
Reserved Capital for Biz Owners attainable with a smaller down payment, house, starting a small business or paying for
and by offering reduced mortgage insurance, education.
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fundamental first steps to financial literacy, tential assistance grants and homebuyer edu- No matter where you are financially, budget-
but equal access to capital is just as critical. cation courses. ing and saving are two key habits that can
With 41% of Black-owned businesses shut- help all of us bounce back from life’s unex-
tering since this time last year, COVID-19 has Local Advocates pected moments or keep on track to ensure
only worsened the disparities and inequities you meet your goals. That is why we are here
that demand an intentional reprioritization of In Boston we’ve also hired a community to help everyone have open conversations
capital. Through our Entrepreneurs of Color manager – a new role created by the bank – about what it means to become financially
Fund, we’re working to provide more access who will work with the community and small healthy and provide support, tools and advice
to capital to future entrepreneurs, existing businesses to increase awareness of available to get there. Financial health is a journey, and
business owners and communities who have resources, and help connect you with finan- we can help you think about a plan for now
historically and unfairly struggled to secure cial health tools, products and services. Look and the future.
it. JPMorgan Chase also recently announced for more free interactive programs on topics
it is setting aside funds specifically for Black such as budget building, home buying tips, Visit chase.com/personal/financial-goals for
interview and job search skills, how to fund a additional information.

24 dr. leon merrick

answers your

MY BREATH SMELLS dental QUESTIONS

Dr. Merrick, thanks for your time and for an- Great question. Mouth odors have more than one cause. I see
swering my question. I have tried everything but that you have the brushing aspect of cleaning your teeth down
some of the people around me still tell me that my to a science. In addition to brushing, another cause of bad
breath smells.  I brush 2 to 3 times a day, and these breath is food getting caught between the teeth and gums. Flossing is
days I walk around with a toothbrush and toothpaste the most effective way to eliminate odors because it eliminates food
in my pocket. I have tried Crest, Colgate, Close up, getting caught in pockets, like the pocket on a shirt or blouse, where
Ultrabrite and tons of no-name brands – you name food gets caught, decays and can’t be reached by your toothbrush.
it, I’ve tried it. I brush with toothpaste, wash my
mouth out with soap, and then brush again, and still Check to see if your gums are swollen and red or if there are stone
get the complaints.  And the interesting thing is that like deposits on the backs of your lower teeth called tartar. If either
I do not eat a lot and do not believe in mints and is present, then that’s a second cause of bad breath. Please visit your
gums – all of that sugary stuff is not healthy. This dentist for assistance.
is very embarrassing for me, Doc, and I need your
advice on this.  – Tyndale R., Bronx The next cause of bad breath is “dry mouth” where there is not
enough saliva to moisten the food that is eaten before swallowing
so it must be moistened with an additional liquid like juice, soda, or
water. Dry mouth is also associated with medications for high blood
pressure and diabetes that cause the gums to bleed, swell, and smell.
For this, a collaboration between your dentist and physician is rec-
ommended.

MY GUMS BLEED WHEN I BRUSH
Blessings on you, Doc. Lately, I have been spitting blood whenever I brush my teeth and I can’t
June 17, 2022 understand why. I am 38 years old and thoroughly brush my teeth twice every day. I have all
my teeth and a very beautiful smile that comes with lots of compliments, especially from the
guys. With all of this bleeding, I am wondering if one or more of my teeth might be falling out.

– Cherine M., Manhattan

A beautiful smile in addition to plenty of compliments from the guys is a great self- esteem booster. Bleed-
ing gums, also called gingivitis, is usually easy to treat. Bleeding gums is generally caused by food getting
stuck between the teeth and gums after eating. Flossing pulls the trapped food to the inside and outside of
the gums, where it is easily whisked away by your toothbrush. Flossing then brushing may be your solu-
tion. Give it 2 weeks of flossing followed by brushing and you should see a marked improvement and your
gums may not bleed at all. Floss and brush twice daily and see if one of those guys, like the song says, likes
what they see enough to “put a ring on it.”

my teeth have turned yellow 25

and these whitening treatments

are not working

Dr. Merrick, my teeth are very yellow even though I Hello, Desperate. A brief lesson in tooth anatomy will help
brush several times a week ever since I have known with an understanding of why the whitening products are not
myself some 50 something years ago. I do not smoke working to your satisfaction.
or drink coffee and my co-workers who smoke and drink
seem to have whiter teeth than mine. I have tried umpteen When we smile, the tooth that we see has 3 layers. Starting from
whitening products and programs, and just spent $700 the outside in, the first layer is the enamel, which the whitening
on a whitening treatment but I have seen no change. I do products work on. The next inner level is the dentin, which is a yel-
not want to sound desperate, Doc, but my yellow teeth are low-brown color, followed by the nerve itself.
stressing me out.
After fifty something years of scrubbing and brushing your teeth,
– Zelma W., Brooklyn the outer enamel gets thinner and thinner, leaving the yellow-brown
second layer called dentin to become more prominent. Whitening
Dr. Leon Merrick is a graduate of New York University, an products become useless on this thinned enamel.
accredited member of the American Dental Association, and
a national dental health lecturer. He also chairs the medical Laminate veneers, thin porcelain shells that bond to the outside of
ministry at Abyssinian Baptist Church. Dr. Merrick’s Dental those darkened teeth, can restore those affected teeth to the luster
Studio is located at 260 W. 139th Street, New York, NY. of your teen years.
212-281-1282. Visit drmerrickdds.com or email contact@
drmerrickdds.com for additional information. Research laminate veneers on youtube for understanding, then give
it a try.

I tried laminate veneers, personally, and my smile goes good with
jeans or a tuxedo.

COVID-19
IS STILL HERE

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Wear a mask Get tested if you
indoors or if have symptoms or
you feel sick.
were exposed.
Get vaccinated
and boosted. Get evaluated for
treatment if you
have COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19, call your doctor. If you do not have June 17, 2022
a doctor, call 212-COVID19 to be evaluated for treatment.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.

26

Managing Mental
Health Through
Traditional
Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, has major depression as men.
been used for over 3,000 years. The practice focuses on In TCM, depression is thought to be a result of energy de-
using herbal medicine to balance the body, and incorpo-
rates other practices like acupuncture and Tai Chi. This holistic ficiencies that end up creating dysfunctions within the body.
approach treats a variety of ailments such as pain, IBS, colitis, These physiological systems in the body are dysregulation of
infertility, neuropathy, arthritis, insomnia, stress, and depression. blood circulation, inflammation, or “dampness and phlegm”.
One of the major focus points of the practice is harmonizing The traditional Chinese medicine-based therapies used to treat
physical and emotional health. This mind-body approach to such illnesses range from herbal medicine, Chinese massage,
health and healing is often individualized as each patient has customized nutrition plans, and medical Qi Gong. These Eastern
their own treatment plan. This allows for doctors to identify and medicine modalities, coupled with some Western medicine prac-
address one’s constitution and overall bodily makeup as TCM tices, create a complete treatment plan that focuses on the overall
does not believe in a “one size fits all”. wellbeing of the patient.

This approach is especially true when focusing on the issue There are many ways to approach and treat mental health.
of mental health. TCM has historically been used to treat depres- I encourage you to explore both eastern and western medicine
sion, anxiety, and PTSD as well as assist with other psychiatric options when it comes to treatment, and find a plan that fits your
disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. According mind, body, and spirit needs and wants. Treating your body
to John Hopkins Medicine, an estimated 26% of Americans ages as a whole can help you create synergy, fluidity, and harmony
18 and older – about 1 in 4 adults – suffer from a diagnosable throughout the body.
mental disorder each year. Many people suffer from more than
one mental disorder at a given time, and depressive illnesses “I alone cannot change the world, but I can
tend to co-occur with substance abuse and anxiety disorders. cast a stone across the waters to create many
Furthermore, women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from ripples.”

— Mother Teresa

Dr. Flora Luyando

June 17, 2022 Dr. Flora Luyando, DACM, DiplOM, MSTOM, L.Ac is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who is a New
York State licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and massage therapist. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and
her mission is to provide eastern and western treatments to all who seek to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Her unique approach to combining the two practices allows her to create specialized treatment plans specifically
for each client.

www.florahealing.com 903.213.5672

TOURO UNIVERSITY 27

“The heights that great men [and women] reached and kept were Where
not attained by sudden flight but they, while their companions heroes
slept, were toiling upward in the night.” 

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It’s always a significantly proud moment sistently had to adapt to the changing circum- are made
when medical school graduates walk across stances on the ground,” he told The New York and
the stage to receive their diplomas and by ex- Christian Times in a wide-ranging interview as
tension their white coats on the journey to be- the University celebrates 50 years. “But they physicians
coming physicians. For this year’s graduating were resilient,” he added. “Moreover, they are
class at Touro College of Osteopathic Medi- were all matched into residencies and have the
cine (TouroCOM) in Harlem it was a particu- highest Board pass rate in the country.” educated
larly pride-filled occasion as they represented
the first class to have a live commencement Dr. Kenneth Steier, who has been the Ex-
ceremony since the advent of the COVID-19 ecutive Dean at TouroCOM for the past 12
pandemic. For President Dr. Alan Kadish, his years, was not shy in sharing the emotional
pride on this occasion knew no bounds. impact of this year’s graduation. “It brings
tears to my eyes to even talk about it,” he said,
“The pandemic was very disruptive and adding, “but they are tears of joy. It is so ful-
extremely difficult for our students who con- filling to see the energy, enthusiasm, and ex-

continued next page

by Glenda Cadogan June 17, 2022

SENIOR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The New York Christian Times

28 TOURO UNIVERSITY

continued from previous page

citement in our graduates, many medical school without standard- Graduating Student Association President Kevin Perez (OMS 111), fits
of whom are not just the first in ized test scores required. These Mayor Eric Adams with white doctor’s coat, assisted by Rabbi Moshe
their family to graduate medical are the four methods used in ac- Kupka, Executive Vice President, Touro University, as student Dr. Jane
school but first-generation col- complishing the mission of sup- Akhuetie (OMS 111) looks on.
lege graduates as well.” porting education and equal-
ity  which, as Dr.  Kadish  told a program. “Most people either “be bold enough to take health-
Since opening the doors of its recent fundraising gathering at go straight or take one year off care in a new direction” when
Harlem Campus in 2007,  Tou- the College, “has been embed- after undergrad before moving they become practicing physi-
roCom has been steadfast in ded in Touro since its inception. forward. For me it took 8 years, cians. “Among your patient pop-
its mission and commitment to Embodied in Touro’s DNA since several jobs including being a ulations will be people like me
training osteopathic physicians, it began is a commitment to janitor before I could get into and all they’ll need is an alterna-
with a particular emphasis on serve the underserved,” said Dr. the master’s program at Touro tive.” The Mayor praised Touro
practicing medicine in under- Kadish. and now in the medical school. as “an amazing institution. To
served communities, and to in- I am very grateful.”
creasing the number of  under- Kevin Perez is a recipient of According to Perez  he
represented minorities   (URM) a URM scholarship and at the is keeping his options
in medicine. recent Heroes Made Here fund- open until rotations be-
raiser he had the honor of pre- fore deciding what field
“It is a mission that  Dr. senting Mayor Eric Adams with of medicine he will pur-
Kadish  holds close to his heart. an honorary medical white coat. sue full course. “What I
In pursuit of this mandate, the “It was a very proud moment,” know is that whatever
President and team have created said Perez, who is President of field, it will be some-
a four-prong approach. Its  Me- the Student Government Asso- thing that makes me
dAchieve program is aimed at ciation. “To be transparent, any happy. The worst thing
encouraging URM high school kind of scholarship is very help- is to have a doctor who
and graduate students to pursue ful because it is not an easy jour- is unhappy with their
a career in medicine. Secondly, ney, especially living in New job.”
there are scholarship funds de- York City. Financial aid cannot
signed specifically for underrep- cover all school expenses plus As special guest
resented minorities and another speaker at the scholar-
ship fundraiser awards,
Touro University’s Dr. Kenneth Steier addresses audience at a special Mayor Adams im-
fundraising reception to support scholarships for Black and Brown students. plored underrepresent-
ed minority student Dr. Nadege Dady, Dean of Student Affairs &
June 17, 2022 to support them once they en- put food on the table and pay doctors-in-training to Assistant Professor
ter school. Finally, in a special bills.” Now in his second year
master’s program, students who of medical school, Perez’s jour-
meet a very minimal criteria are ney is one of true grit, having 8
admitted and upon graduating years between his undergraduate
are automatically enrolled in the and matriculation in the medical

focus on diversity as [a] core value says a lot,” touro college, 29
he said. Where Heroes
are made... June 17, 2022
According to Dr. Kadish, he was very
pleased that the event added $40,000 to the Dr. Maurice Wright (left, with mask), Chief Medical Officer for Harlem Hospital and one of
scholarship fund. “Furthermore, to have the the honorees at a reception with other community leaders, graduating student doctors and
support of Mayor Adams is very encourag- guests listening as the Mayor of New York speaks.
ing. After listening to his compelling presen-
tation, I came to the conclusion that with his Student doctors of Touro University pose with community leaders: (standing, far right)
influence, we can make some progress with Geoffery Eaton, Director of Community Affairs, Touro University; (seated, left to right) Rabbi
lifestyle changes and preventive care, thereby Moshe Krupka, Executive Vice President, University Ombudsman, Touro University; Dr. Ha-
reducing some of the disparities in healthcare zel Dukes, NAACP NYS president; retired Congressman Charles Rangel; and Imam Dr. Talib
outcomes.” Abdur Rashid of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood.

Dr. Nadege Dady has been with the Touro-
COM Harlem, NYC Campus since 2014 and
is Dean of Students Affairs and Assistant Pro-
fessor.  In this capacity she provides oversight
of the Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid
and Bursar offices as well as alumni relations,
student life, and activities on campus. She de-
scribed the recent graduation as “a beautiful
moment. We are proud of our world class ed-
ucation,” she said. “We have excellent match
rate with our students getting into residencies
that are competitive. In addition, they perform
very well on licensing exams.”

The TouroCOM May 24 graduation cere-
mony at the historic Apollo Theatre was also a
particularly moving one for Dr. Dady, who said
that the stories of triumphs are overwhelming.
“There are so many personal stories of perse-
verance,” she said. “To enter medical school
is a journey of endurance and grit. It’s a joy to
bear witness to so many who, with consistent
effort, determination, and hard work, refused
to give up until they walked across that stage
and received their diplomas.”

Since its inception in 2007, TouroCOM
has graduated over 600 underrepresented mi-
nority physicians. Annually, the college runs
an average of 35 percent URM in the medical
class compared to the national average of 5
percent.

Dean Steier  is “impressed” by these
numbers. “We know for a fact that people
like to see physicians who look and speak
like them,” he said. According to Dean Steier,
he is also excited about the new cooperation
the college has developed with Harlem Hos-
pital in the past year working with its Chief
Medical Officer, Dr. Maurice Wright. “We are
only now in our second year of this effort, but
what it  means is our students are now able to
complete their residencies at Harlem Hospi-
tal.   The goal is to be able to keep all students
working in Harlem as physicians. They are
role models in so many ways and as such are
a blessing to the community.”

30

realemn
celebrates
34 tony
nominations

women-led agency
helps energize
Broadway’s
return

Theater industry veteran Toni tion work across film, television, Real Team’s current client list in- “Broadway has always been
R. Isreal of REALEMN Produc- music, and theater (Broadway cludes Broadway’s leading shows the epicenter of theatrical enter-
tions, a multicultural marketing and Off-Broadway). The agency including For Colored Girls tainment in NYC. One of REAL-
agency is taking the Broadway promotes arts and entertainment Who Have Considered Suicide / EMN’s core values is celebrating
world to the next level. The agen- directly geared towards multicul- When the Rainbow Is Enuf, MJ diversity and inclusion through
cy found itself in extremely high tural communities by producing The Musical, 2019 8-time Tony art, and it has been my overall
demand when live theatrical pro- engaging audience experienc- Award-winning Hadestown, LCT objective to highlight and mag-
ductions returned to the stage es, creating strategic marketing Skin of Our Teeth, and Paradise nify these voices. With executing
last fall. After two years of shut- plans, and targeting often over- Square. Additionally, REAL- campaigns such as ‘Broadway is
downs, theater producers realized looked demographics to increase EMN champions community en- for You’ specifically toward mul-
they had to pivot and strengthen ticket sales, expand audiences, gagement, marketing, press, and ticultural communities, we under-
relations with BIPOC audiences and successfully fill seats. audience development for multi- stood that this would be a catalyst
quickly. Israel’s REALEMN Pro- ple regional theaters in New York for change within the Broadway
ductions filled that gap and gar- REALEMN offers compre- and New Jersey inclusive of New community toward inclusion,”
nered five Broadway Productions hensive marketing, public re- York Theatre Workshop, Houses says Isreal “It’s an amazing op-
to its credit and a host of regional lations, audience development, on the Moon, Theatre for a New portunity for REALEMN Produc-
theaters requesting the agency’s sponsorship, and social media Audience, Princeton NJ’s McCar- tions and THIS team of experts
services. REALEMN’s internal services to ensure that the voic- ter Theatre, and New Brunswick’s to take Broadway by storm. The
team possesses decades of spe- es of BIPOC talent within the- Crossroads Theatre Company and REAL Team development is to
cialized promotional and produc- ater, film and television are George Street Playhouse. soar in multifaceted realms of en-
spotlighted and amplified. The

June 17, 2022

tertainment”. 31
Prior to founding REALEMN Productions,
Key members and leaders of the creative and dynamic REALEMN Team.
Toni was the Managing Director of Walker In- REALEMN Team members at the opening night of FOR COLORED GIRLS on Broadway.
ternational Communications Group (WICG)
where she led a team providing all aspects of
marketing consultation to arts organizations
including audience development, media sup-
port, and socially & technology-driven initia-
tives. Toni led multicultural outreach for PASS
OVER, the first show to reopen Broadway post
the Covid shutdown, and has successfully de-
veloped and implemented an ‘Essential Work-
ers Campaign’ that established an initiative for
Broadway shows to give thanks to our country’s
essential workers. Broadway League Fellow
and a proud member of CTI - Commercial The-
ater Institute, Isreal was instrumental in multiple
projects inclusive of the 2018 Tony Award-Win-
ning Once On This Island, Disney’s ALADDIN
and The Lion King, A Raisin In The Sun, A
Trip To Bountiful, A Streetcar Named Desire,
Baby It’s You and Stickfly, Boston’s Born For
This at ArtsEmerson Theatre and Off-Broad-
way’s Smokey Joe’s Café, Little Rock, Through
The Night, One Night, Bootycandy, King Liz,
Whorl, Invisible Thread, Smart People, Dot,
and Autumn.

REALEMN Productions is actively pros-
pecting, producing, and marketing opportuni-
ties for film, television, and theater. Visit https://
www.realemnproductions.com for more infor-
mation and follow @realemnproductions.

3 ways you can support the SHOP
small businesses that make YOUR
our city a unique place to live:
CITY
1 Shop safely in person or online
Find options to help you
2 Buy a gift card Shop Your City at

3 Order delivery or curbside pickup nyc.gov/ShopYourCity

June 17, 2022

32

Job searches
don’t have to
be hard.

We can help you prepare for your next
interview, update your résumé, or find
the right training you need to succeed.

Visit:

nyc.gov/getwork

$N1SA0AA,Y0CS0P0 NAACP
President/CEO
per borrower won’t do Derrick Johnson

RENEWING THE CALL FOR STUDENT LOAN CANCELLATION
At the end of May, word circulated
that the Biden administration was after the news broke that $10,000 “in can- to narrow the racial wealth gap if he doesn’t
leaning toward a student loan for- cellation would be a slap in the face.” relieve a larger amount of the country’s $1.7
trillion outstanding education debt bal-
The quick condemnation from the na-
giveness plan of $10,000 per borrower. tion’s oldest civil rights organization wasn’t ance. (The typical Black family in the U.S.
June 17, 2022 Officials at the NAACP were livid. unusual: It has made the student debt cri- had a net worth of $23,000 in 2019, com-
The association’s president and CEO, sis one of its main issues of late and insists pared with $184,000 for the average White
Derrick Johnson, said in a statement soon President Joe Biden will fail in his promise family.)

33

How to Get Rid
of Your Stuff

Recycling and proper disposal of harmful products is the law,
and helps keep NYC clean, safe, and healthy!

Use our search tool at nyc.gov/HowToGetRidOf for help!

Stay informed!

Scan this code with your phone or visit nyc.gov/dsnynews to
receive service and program updates by email.

nyc.gov/sanitation | call 311 sanitation June 17, 2022
NYCsanitation • NYCzerowaste

HTGAD-0522: HTGRO AD 10X14 CT 0522

34

2n i n e t y

and still

practicing

Pioneering Harlem Doctor

melissa freeman

Her grandfather Albert B. still practicing physician is a liv- ways with a smile. With more Dole and Dr. Marie Nyswander,
Walker was born a slave in Vir- ing legacy to the will, resilience than 60 years of medical practice she helped to develop the use of
ginia back in the 1850s, and and boldness of an unstoppable under her belt, this 1955 graduate methadone to treat opioid addic-
thanks to the Emancipation Proc- people who defeated slavery and of Howard University Medical tions and is a pioneer of Medica-
lamation, he was freed in the late never allowed it to defeat them. School has made McFadden & tion Assisted Treatments (MAT).
1800s and moved to New York Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Treating patients who are addict-
and started his family. At 92 years old, Dr. Freeman Us Now” her theme. She recent- ed to opioid drugs like heroine
still works at Beth Israel Medi- ly told Good Morning America’s and oxycodone is at the core of
Dr. Melissa M. Freeman cal Center, operates a methadone Robin Roberts that she has no her life’s work, which continues
would become the daughter clinic, and runs her private prac- plans to retire in the near future. after more than 6 decades of prac-
of one of his sons, and she was tice in Harlem. She trots between tice.
born in the Bronx back in April her many assignments utilizing Freeman has shattered many
of 1926. Today, the active and the New York subway – and al- glass ceilings. When she graduat- “Once addicted, it is ex-
ed from Howard, she was one of tremely difficult to break and to
June 17, 2022 only 4 women in a class of more overcome. It is very moving to
than 150, and she was one of the see patients rise above these ad-
few Black students at Hunter Col- dictions and move on with their
lege back in the mid-20th century. lives,” Freeman attested.
She did her internship at Kings
County Hospital Center and her Dr. Melissa Freeman con-
residency at Nassau University tinues to be busy, staying active
Medical Center, but it was her and energized. She continues to
passion to help people overcome see several hundred patients each
their drug addictions that heavily year and is an opera enthusiast
shaped her career. who wastes no time socializing.

Working with the husband- “As long as God gives me life
and-wife team of Dr. Vincent and fuels my strength, I will keep
moving – doing the things He
Dr. Melissa M. Freeman and Good Morning America Robin Roberts blesses me to do. He’s been very
merciful,” she concluded.

35 June 17, 2022

June 17, 202236

HHAARRLLEEMM
IISS HHEERREE

YOUFFOORR

Harlem Center is proud to find its strength in
the very neighborhood we serve. Our motto
of Harlem Strong applies not only to our
patients and residents but to our staff and
the surrounding community as well. The goal
of Harlem Center is to treat, heal, and
empower those that walk through our doors
and get them back into the community
stronger than ever!

30 W 138th St, New York, NY 10037
Harlemcenterrehab.com