St. Jude Committee Report Report Information The Middle Eastern Province has proven itself to be an advocate for children and families suffering with dreaded childhood diseases such as cancer and sickle cell disease through the support of St. Jude over quite a few years. This province diligently puts forth efforts to raise monies through many different means and it is greatly appreciated. It is my pleasure to report that Kappa Alpha Psi has renewed our commitment to St. Jude and has pledged an effort of 2 million dollars in a 3-year period. This new commitment has moved our goalpost from $30,000 to $55,000 per year. We have already begun that effort! Brothers, we cannot achieve this goal without your support! For some chapters we are asking you to maintain your spirit of giving, for some we are asking you to double your efforts. Whichever category you find yourself, we must find a way to honor our commitment!!! Undergraduate chapters – what has been very encouraging is the percentage of undergraduate chapters that are participating outside the mandated donation associated with intake. It should be comforting to know as up and coming heads of households, the thoughts of having an institution such as St. Jude helping to support and eradicate diseases giving all children the right to a healthy start in life. I stop and give you all respect for your heart and awareness, encouraging every chapter to join in this endeavor as well. Kappa Wednesdays – this day again is part of our culture and should be a day where we not only dress but reflect and act on inspiring service in the public interest. A day where we can personally give to charities like St. Jude our lunch money and take a brown bag to work or class. It’s not always the big events, it’s the little things that do matter and make the big picture. Sunday of Hope – This is not just an intake affair. We should be engaging all the churches in your surrounding area. Let them know their efforts through us will be not only appreciated but credited and reflected on St. Jude’s webpage in their name. If you need any materials for this or any other event, please feel free to contact me. Brothers, Matthew 25:40 states “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren (children), even these least, ye have done it unto Me.” Please help the Middle East to StayMEPStrong and keep KappaStrong! Actionable Items Please continue to support Kappa Wednesdays and Sunday of Hope!!! Thank you for ALL you do!!! Sam Coley, Chairman March 5, 2024 151
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Over 50% of African Americans in the United States have hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure. Hypertension/High Blood Pressure is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. Almost half of the population with hypertension are not even aware that they have the condition. This is why it is referred to as the “silent killer” since without you knowing you are at a greater risk of heart failure or a stroke that can be fatal. The only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked. It is estimated that roughly 20% of adults who have hypertension have it under control. The factors that increase the risk of having hypertension is high salt diet, excessive alcohol, carrying too much body weight, older age, and genetics. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may still need to take medicines in combination of a lifestyle change. A healthier diet would include fruits, vegetables, fish, and leaner meats. In a healthier diet one would avoid tobacco and alcohol. Losing weight through exercise in combination will help improve your blood pressure. There are some non-modifiable risk factors such as family history of high blood pressure and diseases related to kidneys and diabetes that many times work adjacent to this condition. It is important that we all take the first step in regularly checking your blood pressure even if you think nothing is wrong. Many drug stores have a machine that can check it. It may be a good investment to purchase a blood pressure monitor for your personal use at home. Especially in the case that you can check it throughout the day accounting for various factors on a given day. In addition, make doctor’s appointment to seek further guidance. In many cases the doctor may prescribe medication to be taken in addition to a better diet and exercise. It is important to understand their possible side effects and instructions on taking them. There are several common blood pressure medicines: ACE inhibitors including enalapril and lisinopril relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage. Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) including losartan and telmisartan relax blood vessels and prevent kidney damage. Calcium channel blockers including amlodipine and felodipine relax blood vessels. Diuretics including hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone eliminate extra water from the body, lowering blood pressure. Take medicines as prescribed by your health care professional. Keep appointments with your health care professional. Reducing hypertension prevents heart attack, stroke and kidney damage, as well as other health problems. Reduce the risks of hypertension by: reducing and managing stress regularly checking blood pressure treating high blood pressure managing other medical conditions. In closing I ask each and every brother regardless of age or health to get checked out by a doctor or health professional. YITB, Brother Rufus Williams Middle Eastern Province - Health & Wellness Committee Chairman Health & Wellness Talk “Silent Killer” 155
A Kappas Konfession OH THE BIG BROTHERS WARNED ME, HOW HARD IT WILL BE. THE HATE, THE JEALOUSY, THE FEAR THEY’LL HAVE OF ME. MY PRESENCE DEMANDS ATTENTION, ACHIEVEMENTS IN EVERY STRIDE. MY DIAMONDS SHINES BRIGHTLY WITH DIGNITY, KNOFIDENCE AND PRIDE. AND WHEN IT’S ALL OVER AND I’M KOMMITED TO THE GROUND, CHAPTER INVISIBLE IS WHERE I'LL BE FOUND. FOR MY WORK AS A KAPPA WILL NEVER BE KOMPLETE, UNTIL THE FOUNDERS INVITE ME TO THEIR TABLE, AND DIGGS OFFERS ME A SEAT. I BOARDED A SHIP, AND KOMPLETED MY JOURNEY. LIKE THE MANY STILL TO COME, AND THE WARRIORS THAT KROSSED BEFORE ME. I BATTLED THE BEAST OF FEAR, I STOOD VICTORIOUS UPON MY HILL. I PROVED TO THOSE WHO DOUBTED ME, THE STRENGTH OF MY IRON WILL. I DECIDED TO KOMMIT, I AGREED TO SERVE. I ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE, I MEMORIZED THE WORDS. I CARRIED THE LOAD, I TOOK THE SLACK. I SHED A TEAR FOR KAPPA, BUT I NEVER LOOKED BACK. I CARRY MY SHIELD PROUDLY, EVEN THOUGH MANY NO LONGER DO. A LIFETIME OF KOMMITMENT CAN SURE MAKE A LIAR OUT OF YOU. AS MY WORK IN KAPPA GROWS HARDER, AND THE REWARDS BECOME LESS, I FIND MYSELF WELL TRAINED FOR LIFE'S ADVERSITIES, PRES- SURES AND STRESS. By Brother Mazin Saddiq | Eta Chapter Spring 1997 156
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