By Eliz Dowdy

The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches Health Committee (IECAAC), the local chapter of the NAACP and Time for Change Foundation partnered to provide a nutrient-rich health fair over the weekend. Chair of the health committee, Veatrice Jews officially opened the day-long gathering; prayer

and “Lift Every Voice” followed. Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter addressed those gathered on the side of the New Hope Family Life building and congratulated the IECAAC, NAACP and Time for Change Foundation, reminding those in attendance that all the services offered were without charge. She had previously visited the vendors and screening stations. She stated this kind of function is good; if people don’t know what is available to them, they are unable to take steps to access the services.

Assemblywoman Carter was raised on a farm where eating vegetables was the order of the day. However she got away from that lifestyle. Her first career choice was to become a dietitian, but she wasn’t sure she had the ability to do the chemistry required, but it did give her added knowledge about the importance of diet and nutrition for overall health. After her husband developed diabetes they started on a program called New Start, offered by the Seventh Day Adventist Churches. It consists of diet, vitamins, temperance--not related to alcohol but moderation in eating--and total body care, exercise, air rest and trust in God! She encouraged the attendees to make time for good health, a rule she has to adhere to in her sometimes hectic schedule. She expressed gladness that Time For Change was present, helping people to clean up their past, and presented certificates of recognition to all three organizations. They were represented by Beverly Jones-Wright, NAACP; Kim Carter, Time for Change Foundation; and Veatrice Jews, IECAAC Health Committee.

In the breakout sessions the attendees were able to receive special information about specific problems. April Ray from Urban Fire spoke quite knowledgeably about domestic and sexual abuse that occurs among teens today. She broke down the issues we are witnessing in the youth today, telling the adults that much of the rebellion we are seeing today came from the rebellion of the generation before them. She explained the effects of trauma on children and adults. We tend to associate trauma with the horrors of war, but children witnessing acts of violence, police raids into their homes, etc., all contribute to the overall attitude of our youth. The respect is not defined today as in the past and in any given group of teens it has been verified that 75% of that group has experienced some form of sexual abuse. She and her spouse Kenneth are on a journey to deliver heart freedom to individuals.

Alternative health advocate Dr. E.C. Dowdy, from Eliz' Organics, spoke about the use of natural products for cleaning the household rather than many of the chemical-laden ones that are potential asthma triggers. She shared the ingredients of many of the cleansers found in our homes and the possible negative effects, according to experts in the field. Dowdy focused on distilled white vinegar and baking soda, two relatively inexpensive products that can be used to cut our dependence on synthetic chemical products.

Dr. Emma Simmons, M.D., from the James Wesley Vines Medical Society, the organization of Black physicians in the Inland Empire, gave a definitive presentation on asthma, explaining how the build-up of mucous clogs the bronchi, what is happening inside the body, and the meds that work best for short term and long term relief. Dr. Simmons is a product of an historically Black College, Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors degree in chemistry. She received her M.D. from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. With stellar performance records that span seven pages and cross disciplines of health care for African Americans from AIDS prevention to hypertension, Dr. Simmons has “been there, done that.” She is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at UCR Medical School. She previously held academic positions at Brown University.

The speakers’ forum ended with information from HCAP, explaining Medi-Care for seniors.

The fair provided a smörgåsbord of information and education for attendees. Anyone desirous of joining the health committee should contact Veatrice Jews at: vjews@msn.com

Other activities included jazzercise and karate demonstrations, music entertainment, and a kiddie section.

The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches Health Committee is composed of those churches that formed the coalition in the late nineties to address issues that were posing a threat to their communities.