There are many misconceptions about oral health care, dentistry, and routine procedures. While many people think they know the answers to common dental problems, most are wrong. Here is a list of dental facts to help you during your next appointment:

Dental work does not have to hurt. Some people may have had bad childhood experiences with the dentist, causing them to fear their appointments and procedures. Come into the office with an open mind — don’t be apprehensive.

The old wives’ tale that your must pull your teeth as you age is not true. If you maintain a schedule of regular routine checkups, dentists will be able to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Routine exams are less costly than finding a resolution to a problem. In some cases, after prolonged decay, the decision whether to pull or save the tooth depends on the infection and/or around the tooth. Prevention is better than cure

Another old wives’ tale is that people have to have their wisdom teeth pulled. The only reason to pull wisdom teeth is if they are crowding the mouth and causing the bite to be comfortable. A dentist will be able to tell you if this should happen.

The belief that root canal therapy has to hurt is false. In most cases, root canals hurt because the tooth has become infected. Once an infection has set in, the tooth becomes harder to numb. If you visit a dentist as soon as it begins to ache, most of the problems can be avoided.

Over the course of a life, people may need to replace teeth; but people need to know that implants are not for everyone. A dentist will need to check the bone density to ensure they are strong enough to support the implant or implant system.

Just like implants, not everyone can have their teeth successfully whitened. The color of your teeth comes from the inside out, so work on the outside is not always effective. There are programs that can help lighten your teeth, but a dentist will need to help you implement them.

Do not ever leave our child in a dentist’s office alone. The apprehension of separation from their parents can cause children to have bad experiences with the dentist. When you combine this with the potentially painful procedure they will have completed, it can cause a permanent fear of the dentist.

Simple rules and understandings can make a trip to the dentist much easier on everyone involved. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office at 713-734-7611.

Dr. Zeb Poindexter, III

Poindexter Dental, Inc
7703 Cullen Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77051
Tel: 713-734-7611
Fax: 713-731-1766
drpoindexter@sbcglobal.net

HOUSTON (June 25, 2009) - The Business Enterprise Academy® (BEA), six-month entrepreneurial incubator and a Texas Business Alliance (TBA) core small business development program, will be launched on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.   BEA targets small businesses in operation from six months to three years in industries where minority- and women-owned enterprises are significantly underrepresented such as construction, transportation, oil and gas, manufacturing, technology and materials. Up to 10 small businesses will be selected for the inaugural program. 

The purpose of BEA is training business owners on business fundamentals and the most common requirements of contracting entities. This is an innovative training program with accountability checkpoints covering the topics of business development, financial management, infrastructure management, marketing, communications, and project management.  BEA will culminate with a real-life RFP submission capstone project and a graduation ceremony.

Participants successfully completing the BEA and meeting additional criteria may be included among TBA’s “BEA Qualified Supplier” pool and receive the organization’s recommendation for contractual opportunities.

Applications may be accessed on www.texasbusinessalliance.org (”Programs” page) and will be accepted from Thursday, June 25 to Monday, July 13, 2009.   BEA applicants must meet the following criteria:  a) in business six months to three years, b) 51 percent minority- or woman-owned, c) in an underrepresented industry, and d) in an industry representing known contractual opportunities coming to Texas over the next several months.  Selection notifications will be made on Friday, July 17, 2009.

“We have found that while small businesses may know how to perform their core business, many lack the foundational knowledge needed to successfully compete in the marketplace on a larger, sustained level,” said TBA Founder and CEO Jeffrey L. Boney.  “Our goal is to create a pipeline of minority- and women-owned business graduates ready for opportunities in the public and private sectors.”
 
Early payment discounts and TBA member payment options are available.  For more information, contact Texas Business Alliance at 713.738.7578.
 
BEA sponsors include Capital One Bank and Lane Staffing, Inc.  For BEA sponsorship opportunities, please contact MWH Public Relations, 281.213.9554 or margo@mwhpublicrelations.com.

About Texas Business Alliance
A member-driven, solutions oriented, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, with a mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development, and specialized training. Its vision is to strengthen the Texas economy and spur job creation by expanding minority- and women-owned businesses, and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. Chapter organizations are being pursued in Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin and El Paso.  Visit www.texasbusinessalliance.org for more details or call 281.213.9554.

Women in Houston now have access to a new career resource – a Web site with open forums and social networking that can make it easier to achieve career goals.

The www.WomenAchieve.org site, sponsored by Women Employed – a women’s advocacy organization – and American InterContinental University (AIU), can be a useful resource for women who want to return to school or make a career change.

The site can help visitors identify the right college or a better career fit, as well as offer financial resources and support channels to make the dream more achievable.

The site also offers inspiring stories of women who overcame significant challenges to achieve their dream careers. Few women have faced as many challenges as Arleen Flint, a 44-year-old Houston single mother of three who was forced to live out of her car after Hurricane Ike hit Houston.

Flint had an exceptionally difficult childhood. With parents who were forced to drop out of school at remarkably young ages in order to support Flint and her seven siblings, she had few people to inspire her to pursue her educational goals. A traumatic event that occurred during her junior year of high school caused her to fear crowds and delayed her return to school. Flint knew she wanted to pursue a higher education but found it difficult to fit in and had difficulty with large class sizes. Despite these setbacks, she vowed she would continue with her education after her children had all graduated high school.

Decades later, Flint enrolled at AIU Houston to pursue an associate’s degree in business. In September 2008, after Hurricane Ike ravaged Houston, she was left without a place to live. Flint came to the AIU campus for refuge only to find it had been devastated by the storm. She lived out of her 1988 Volvo for a week, slept at the bus station and after brief stays with multiple friends, she reached out to a fellow church member who connected her with an affordable co-op rental in Houston.

While these experiences would have left most women disheartened, Flint feels fortunate to have found a support system through AIU. Thanks in part to the education she’s received, she hopes to one day make her dream of opening a home for foster children and other displaced people a reality. As a college graduate, she will be able to provide a better life for herself, her children and the people she hopes to one day help.

Flint, who graduated in June 2009, is immensely proud to be the first college graduate in her family, and feels she could not have achieved her goals without AIU. The passionate teachers, friendly environment, supportive administration and invaluable friendships have encouraged Flint’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The WomenAchieve.org site was inspired by stories like Flint’s, and the online community is designed to help women facing their own difficult situations. The site serves as a support network and go-to resource.

“WomenAchieve empowers women and gives them a voice in a forum where their achievements are celebrated,” says Flint. “As a woman who is seeking to advance my career, I’m grateful that such a resource exists, as it has provided me with inspirational stories and many of the tools I’ll need to achieve my career goals and overcome any future challenges.”

For more information, visit www.WomenAchieve.org.

HOUSTON, May 28, 2009 – Ribbon Cutting for the AAMA Learning Center, Thursday June 4, 2009.

Serving the community since 1970, AAMA’s mission has been to advance the lives of at-risk youth and families through an array of innovative programs that provide education, healthcare, and human services initiatives to strengthen families and neighborhoods.  AAMA’s doors are open to all; no one is turned away. 

The new AAMA Learning Center, designed by Rey de la Reza Architect is a visible statement of AAMA’s heritage and values.  The curved front of the building represents an embrace, an invitation to come be included in the AAMA community.  The brickwork set in a woven pattern suggests the weaving of the past, present and the future.  The mighty blue arrow, points up indicating forward motion and limitless possibility. 

The ALC houses classrooms, language and computer lads, study space and administrative offices for AAMA, its adult education program Adelante, and the George I. Sanchez High School.

The building was made possible by the vision of a dedicated Board of Trustees and staff and the commitment of Houston corporations, foundations and other donors who were unwavering in their support of the project.    

Every year AAMA educates approximately 600 students in the George I. Sanchez High School, and about 2,000 adult learners in the Adelante program.  Many more lives are enhanced through the health and human services component.   The Learning Center is a beacon and solid presence on the AAMA campus and in the neighborhood.  

Press Release
For Immediate Release

The Nation’s Largest and Oldest Hispanic Organization Calls for Swift Confirmation of the Nation’s First Latino Supreme Court Justice

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country applauds President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. A summa cum laude graduate of Princeton University and an editor of the Yale Law Journal, Sotomayor is an outstanding jurist who has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant, and since 1998, has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Nominated by former President Clinton, Judge Sotomayor received broad bipartisan support in the Senate. Before her appointment to the Second Circuit, she served as a District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York a position for which she was nominated by former President George H.W. Bush and confirmed unanimously by the Senate. Even prior to her tenure on the federal bench, Judge Sotomayor demonstrated her commitment to public service and the rule of law by working as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office.

“LULAC is delighted that President Obama has made history by nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court,” stated LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. “Judge Sotomayor is an outstanding nominee with three decades of judicial experience who will be a brilliant Supreme Court justice who serves the nation well. We thank President Obama for making history again by making the first nomination of a Latino to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

“The Supreme Court should reflect the diverse population of the United Sates to ensure that our nation’s highest court understands the unique circumstances of all Americans, stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court brings an outstanding jurist with more experience than any Supreme Court nominee in one hundred years along with the experience of growing up in a low income Latino family.”

“LULAC will work hard to ensure that Judge Sotomayor will receive a quick confirmation from the U.S. Senate,” stated Rosales. “Judge Sotomayor has received bipartisan support in the past and we expect strong bipartisan support for her as she stands on the threshold of making history for the Latino community.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.
Lizette Jenness Olmos, (202) 365-4553 mobile

By Lorraine Lyman
Savvy Success Unlimited
Life and Business Coach
www.savvysuccessunlimited.com

Earth Day 2009 has become a memory in the landscape of the human consciousness. Now, we can look ahead to the wonders of Earth Day 2010. The fortieth anniversary of this spectacular celebration for the planet, that we call home, can serve as a reminder of how we need to celebrate ourselves on a daily basis. For what is an awesome party, if you do not have an awesome host? It is imperative that we all take on the challenge and the responsibility of celebrating who we are, which allows us to celebrate the Earth in proper style, with a deep respect and love that the planet has not seen for decades.

As indigenous people, we were all in tune with nature and understood its power and self mastery. Living to its rhythms was instinctual and necessary for our survival. Then, along came marked periods in human history that gave us a greater objective understanding of ourselves such as the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment. Simultaneously, increasing one aspect of our awareness while leading us away from the knowledge that though we are all individuals we must remember to live as one with each other and the planet. The green movement guides us back to living in harmony with nature; the music of re-connecting can support the celebration that we each hold for ourselves and others. How will you choose to celebrate you? How will you choose to celebrate your connections with other people and the planet?

While pondering the details of our grand party and how our individual growth has brought us to where, who, and how we are now, we can reflect on the green movement. Described through an American lens, in-line with the maturation of the United States, this movement has evolved through several distinct phases. Building on Van Jones’ work regarding waves of environmentalism as explained in The Green Collar Economy, I posit seven phases. In brief, they are redaction, conservation, preservation, restoration, regulation, and investment. Today as we transcend and include all previous phases, we are becoming fully entrenched in the investment stage in multiple ways. Our time and our money are being poured into green governmental policies, green jobs, and green products and services. None of these colorful renditions will create the strong lasting impact that so many of us desire, if individuals at the center of this great change are not respected and celebrated as an integral part of the new era. The touchstone for our latest mass transformation can be how each and every one of us celebrates who we are.

Earth Day 2009 marked the start of the Green Generation™ campaign, which will be in full swing for Earth Day 2010. One of its core principles, discovering and creating sources of renewable energy, is highly aligned with celebrating self. From a decidedly anthropomorphic vantage point, we are the most precious renewable natural resource that we have. What does this understanding mean for you? How will an ongoing celebration for your self help you feel renewed, energized, and present in every moment? From a deep ecological perspective, such as that of Joanna Macy, how can you celebrate you and honor the world, simultaneously? Rely on your heart and soul for some of the answers. Ponder the questions with others. It is certainly my hope that we all take up this cause. Celebrating you! No one else… can do it better!!

Lorraine Lyman, MS, is the founder of Savvy Success Unlimited, (http://www.savvysuccessunlimited.com/), and the author of several papers on global sustainability, consciousness, and the transformative nature of athletic achievement. A life and business coaching company, Savvy Success Unlimited, specializes in corporate America’s embodiment of the green movement as well as transforming athletic prowess into life mastery and academic excellence

HOUSTON, TEXAS – (May 25, 2009) – Tri County Black Chamber of Commerce - Houston (TCBCC) will host a Trade and Investment Mission Briefing on June 1, 2009 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the International Trade Center – 2^nd Floor – 11110 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77072.  The Trade and Mission Briefing will provide information on the International Trade Mission to Belize, Central America on June 24 – 28, 2009.

During the briefing TCBCC staff will present information about the country of Belize and the opportunities that are available under 50,000 US dollars including investment and partnering incentives.  While in Belize, Delegates on the International Trade Mission will visit the Toledo district and town of Punta Gorda to meet with Belize government representatives, key principals,  decision makers of prospective investment agencies and explore business opportunities with companies in southern Belize in the following areas:
 
Manufacturing
Tourism
Agriculture
Energy
Service
Retail
Import/export joint-ventures

The  Tri County Black Chamber of Commerce - Houston will facilitate the city of Prairie View’s delegation with the signing of a bilateral partnership agreement,  developing a sister city-relationship.  Mayor Frank Jackson will lead the Prairie View delegation.  If you are interested in attending this Investment and Mission Briefing, please rsvp at trademission@tricountyblackchamber.org or contact 832-875-3977 for more information.  Belize business plans are currently available for review and business-match meetings at the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce office located at the Caroline Collective Building - 4820 Caroline Street- Houston, Texas 77004.

Tri County Black Chamber of Commerce (TCBCC), is a non-profit corporation, organized and chartered in Texas as a Chamber of Commerce serving Harris, Ft. Bend and Galveston counties.  Comprised of start-up and existing small business owners, physicians, attorneys, county commissioners, state senators, city council members, state representatives, community leaders, industry leaders and major corporations, TCBCC members are committed to building economic independence for persons of African descent by advocating and promoting trade and commerce in the business community.  For more information about the Chamber, contact Leondria Thompson at 832-875-3977.

By Laurie Sammeth, Contributing Writer, myOptumHealth

Does your skin sprout angry bumps after you shave? It’s a common problem for anyone who has tightly coiled, coarse, curly hair. When shaved, the sharp ends of the hair curl back into the skin surface like an ingrown hair. This causes irritation and bumps. Half of African-American men have this condition. It’s also a common problem for men in the military who have to keep a close shave. Women can also get these razor bumps from shaving their legs, underarms or bikini area. Razor bumps - also called pseudofolliculitis barbae - can be an itchy, painful nuisance. In more severe cases, they can cause infection and scarring.

Preventing the prickly problem of razor bumps
Try these techniques to help prevent razor bumps.
Let the hair grow in, if you can, at least temporarily. Allow it to grow in for at least one month or until it reaches 1/4 inch and then trim with facial clippers rather than a razor.
If you must shave, don’t shave every day and don’t shave too closely.

Try alternatives to a blade razor:
Use an electric shaver (not on the “closest shave” setting) or special safety razor.
Use a hair-dissolving cream (chemical depilatory). These creams can be irritating to the skin, though, so don’t use them more often than once or twice a week. Carefully follow the directions on the package. Wash skin right after using to help guard against irritation.
Ask your doctor about laser hair removal treatment. This uses light waves to change hair follicles and decrease hair growth.
Consider waxing.

If you use a blade razor:
Wet your skin well with warm water before shaving. This helps soften the whiskers so they cut easier and are less sharp.
Use a lubricating shave cream or gel, and let it stay on your skin for a few minutes to soften hair before you start shaving.
Use a single-blade or safety razor and replace the blade before it gets dull.
Shave in the direction that the hair is growing. Don’t go over the same area more than once.
Don’t pull or stretch your skin when shaving.
Wash your face with soap and water after you shave. Apply a cold, wet towel for a few minutes to reduce inflammation.

How can you treat razor bumps?
Stop shaving, if possible.
Use a rough, wet washcloth or a soft toothbrush on your face in a circular motion to move ingrown hairs. Try this before shaving and before bedtime.
Carefully dislodge stubborn ingrown hairs with a sterile needle.
Ask your doctor about other treatments, such as antibiotics or steroid creams.
See your doctor if you have any areas that are not healing or that look infected.

SOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology. Skin of color.
Habif TP. Bacterial infections. In: Habif: Clinical Dermatology, 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Inc; 2004.
Gadeliya A, Paniker P. A prickly problem. The American Journal of Medicine. 2006;119(5):413-414.

On Wednesday April 8^th, 2009 the Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC) held its April Networking Luncheon. During the Luncheon, the HMBC revealed its new name, The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC).

So why the name change? According to Constance Jones, Director of Membership Services, the change was made “”to broaden the services offered and to affiliate ourselves with the national organization, the National Minority Supplier Development Council. (NMSDC)

Established in 1973, the HMBC is a non-profit organization for minority businesses and major corporations interested in establishing relationships with minority entrepreneurs and helping them to successfully grow their businesses.

At the Networking Luncheon Re-view, new members packed the room to become oriented with HMSDC’s programs and activities for the upcoming year.

The highlight of the event however was the Mini-Trade Fair and Luncheon, which was attended by over 1000 guests, and was a buzzed with entrepreneurs who were there to make those important connections and also to listen to the keynote speaker, Jon Barfield, Chairman of The Bartech Group, a Minority Owned talent acquisition and management services company that bills and manages $1 billion in staffing spending on behalf of its customers and a company that recently won General Motors’ highly coveted Supplier of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.

Mr. Barfield encouraged business-owners to develop a survivor mentality to get through the economy and reminded everyone “on the other side of the recession is less competition and more revenue potential”. He encouraged entrepreneurs to look for opportunities in the gloom of the economy. “Look for pocket of growth like in the health care and energy sectors, because they represent potential opportunities” he said.

He advised minority businesses seeking corporate contracts to “go to major corporations and prospects with the right attitude. Lead with value not with MBE status. The wrong approach is to open or start your business because you are a minority business but rather lead with the quality of your work.” He said “if you always lead with value, then you will always be respected.”

He also advised businesses to get back to basics and listed some of the strategies his company used to become successful:
1.         Have good sound financial planning, get your debt down, and invest in future growth.
2.         Emphasize relationship management. Develop trusting relationships based on integrity and quality of services.
3.         Loyalty to customers.
4.         Networking with MBE and perspective clients, mixing and managing relationships.
5.         Being selective with whom you build relationships with.
6.         Incorporate world class marketing into your strategy.
7.         Develop a clear strong brand image of who you are and what you do. It’s formulaic and robotic but it works.
8.         If you are a small business then you are more flexible and that is an asset that you can bring to bureaucratic organizations who are looking for an injection of talent.
9.         Have an outside board and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
10.       Keep an eye on customer base.
11.       Make sure your receivables are collectibles.

The Mini-Trade Fair was filled with the cacophony of newcomers and those who had developed their own expertise in networking; mixing and managing those all important relationships that Jon Barfield spoke about.

Arnold Stewart of Stewart and Associates, whose company performs employee background screenings said “today’s events is a good opportunity to go in and network with corporate members and build relationships, it’s not necessarily a place to seek business but a place to establish relationships because people do business with people they know and like.”

Two businessmen who had already done business together were Mr. Byron Carter of Pretty Quick Delivery and Mr. Ron McNary from United Space Alliance (USA). “I met Ron 3 years ago at an HMBC Luncheon and Ron introduced us to United Space Alliance and within one month Pretty Quick Delivery was making deliveries with Ron at USA.” According to Ron McNary, “he delivered parts to Michigan and Florida for us, legs for one of the space shuttle simulator.”

Another HMBC veteran was Sam Pineda of Navarro Insurance Group who met Richard Villarreal, “we have done very well at HMBC, it not just about business, it’s also about the level of professional people you meet such as Richard Villarreal of Texas Landscape Company who I’ve met and done business with.”

Juan Aguilar, President of Tanko International LLC whose company produces industrial products and services said “this is my first time doing the show and I think it gives my company great exposure and it’s a great place to meet key decision-makers from different industries.”

“The Luncheon was a complete success” said Evelyn Flores, Director of Communications & Special Projects, “we had to add more tables because so many people registered at the last minute” she said as she and HMSDC President Richard Huebner attended to guests.

“Companies should join HMSDC” said Constance Jones “in order to gain exposure and take advantages of the tools and business development opportunities made available through the organization.”

Richard-Sebastian Alexander
President
www.TheBlueZero.Com