February 2024 HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! HARRIETT J. CURLEY HISTORIC PERKINS TEACHER
WRITERS & STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Donnetta Austin Debra Carr Courageous Fire Celeste Lawson Gary Lawson Caleb Thomas Lenore Metrick-Chen Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Creative Director Nikki Goldman LosRos Graphix LosRos.com Gianni Berry Bert Moody Lori Young MAGAZINE OUTLETS Ankeny Kirkendall Library 1250 SW District Drive Ankeny, Iowa 50023 Altoona Public Library 700 Eighth Street SW Altoona, Iowa 50009 Central Library 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 DMACC Urban Campus 1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314 Drake Diner 1111 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311 Eastside Library 2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Evelyn Davis Center 801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Forest Library 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 Franklin Library 5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Johnston Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131 Northside Library 3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Neighborhood Finance 4908 Franklin Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Ruby B's Kitchen 4121 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50321 Senior Polk County 2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Slow Down Coffee Co. 3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315 The Great Frame Up 5515 Mills Civic Parkway Suite #150, West Des Moines, IA 50266 The Playhouse 831 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 The Zone of Comfort - Life Balance Center 3829 71st Street B-1, Urbandale, Iowa 50322 Urbandale Public Library 3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 Urbandale Chamber of Commerce 2830 100th Street, Suite 110, Urbandale, IA 50322 West Des Moines Library 4000 Mills Clive Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa 50365 Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 6th Avenue Des Moines. Iowa 50313
SUMMARY 4 EDITORS MESSAGE 6 HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH 10 SPIRITUALITY CONSISTENCY 12 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 15 ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND THE BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES 8 14 20 *PHOTO CREDIT TO PEXELS AND FREEPIK 3 28 JOIN THE NATION OF LIFESAVERS DURING AMERICAN HEART MONTH AND GO FROM BYSTANDER TO LIFESAVER
T GET THE URBAN EXPERIENCE My Life, My Purpose. I am Dwana Bradley. I’m a mother of two, an entrepreneur, serving on various boards, a caretaker, speaker, listener, and I’m living out my purpose in life. Looking back on my childhood, I would never have imagined being where I am today. I remember while growing up watching other kids play, and I’d never say a word. My mom would get frustrated with me because I would ask to go outside and then just sit, never speaking to others. The first time I sang a song at church, I grabbed the microphone and cried the whole time. My mom wanted to come to my rescue, but the choir director— who happened to be the Pastor’s wife at the time— stopped her by saying, “She needs to know how to speak to others. She will be alright.” I’ve always remembered those words. I used to wonder why she put me through everything, crying those tears and no one coming to my rescue hurt, but I have since come to realize the Pastor’s wife saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. It was because she never let me run and hide that I’m the person I am today. I don’t back away from a challenge, and in my own way, I make sure my voice is heard. I speak with confidence, and I know I was put on this earth to make a difference. My voice is my gift. As the owner of Iowa Urban Media, our purpose as a media company is to print, publish, and promote. We provide information and while I do not consider myself a journalist, I am an educator. Under the umbrella of Iowa Urban Media, we have Urban Experience Magazine which was started with my father, February 2015 with the purpose of sharing stories of others and focusing on the areas of arts and culture, community, spirituality, health, and public affairs. This magazine makes me proud because we tell stories just like they are. We have no hidden agendas; we are informational and factual. We educate people in the state of Iowa and beyond. The voices of people who look like me are often silenced, and I wanted to create a space where we could tell our stories and the stories of others. I am excited to share This is not my Show podcast show. My gift is speaking, and I love the art of conversation. This show was created to highlight leaders, community members, and others as their stories are shared in their own words. Iowa Juneteenth Observance is excited to offer events throughout the year. Events will take place February – November 2024. Our mission is to provide education
in African American culture and history, collaborating with like-minded organizations to cultivate awareness and appreciation of our contributions. I’m passionate about everything I’m involved with. This season in life has been filled with blessings. I’ve met great individuals who have assisted me along the way. I am aware that everything I do could be gone tomorrow, so I don’t get caught up in the labels I carry. I’m a human being who hurts just like you do, and sometimes I do things that might not be right as well. But I’m continually learning how to be a better me. There is a phrase I created for myself: “There is no competition, only purpose.” I wasn’t put on this earth to compete. I was put here for a purpose, and every day that I wake up, I will make sure to live that purpose out loud. I love connecting and building relationships with others. If you have a story to tell, or would like me to tell your story, you can contact me at contactdsmurban@gmail.com. You may also check out Urban Experience Magazine at www.theurbanexp.com. Interested about Iowa Juneteenth? Please visit www.iowajuneteenth. org. We are looking for volunteers and sponsors for this year’s event. Above all, I pray you all are living the life you were called to live. Blessings, Dwana Bradley 5 My THIS IS NOT SHOW
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH Mental Health: Written by: Caleb Thomas, M.A. LMHC Hello Urban Experience Readers. I pray 2024 is off to a great start and that this will be the best year ever. I want to wish you a Happy Black History Month, I know there is a lot to our Black History, yet I want to take a snapshot of what it means to us today. How can we do this, you might ask? We do this by continuing to press forward with change. One major change we can start working on is to help improve the lives of our Black youth. We can tell our Black youth about Black History including but not limited to, Black History, Slavery, Freedom, the Civil Rights Movement, and all the great Black leaders who fought from slavery to freedom to the Civil Rights Movement. We will continue to teach and educate and bring to their remembrance, but they also need support, help and encouragement right now. Our Black youth especially the young males are dying at a higher rate, dropping out of school at a higher rate, and going to prison at a higher rate. We know our ancestors didn’t fight just to be stoned, beat up, terrorized, put in prison and even their very lives were taken, and now for our Black youth to fail. Not on our watch! Yes, it’s great to celebrate Dr. Kings birthday (in January) and Black History month in February however, I believe we should also be seeing a change in the alarming statistics we have been witnessing among our Black youth. To do this, it is going to take work on our part, as I have mentioned before I can’t just be concerned about my four and no more. If we’re going to come together and celebrate Black History month it needs to be every month and every month, we need to be working together to see a positive change in our Black youth. They are the future, so we must decide what does the future of Black History look like, when we are gone from this earth and enjoying eternity in heaven. Unfortunately, our Black youth are bombarded with evil and wickedness coming at them daily. They are engulfed with demonic music, that glorifies and edifies sexual promiscuity, gang violence, selling drugs, using drugs robbing, stealing, and killing. (Do you know of other cultures glorifying such horrendous acts in the same way?). There are individuals who glorify violence, heinous evil wicked acts who gets awarded and rewarded with accolades, prizes, trophies and even television commercials. These individuals don’t allow their own children to participate, their kids are being set up for success, by going to the best schools and having tutors and studying to become successful professionals. One thing we can do in celebrating Black History is stop promoting the big entertainers of music the tv and products of these entertainers who could care less if your son or daughter ends up dropping out of school, joining a gang, ending up in prison or being killed. I think we’ve had enough of that in our own back yard within the past year. (Prayers and condolences for those families). The Bible lets us know we can’t mix good with evil, so we must choose how we’re going to continue to celebrate Black History. We should honor the honorable and dismiss those who are ignoring what happens to our Black youth. Our Black youth need better role models, no walking around with
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sagging pants, being angry and showing aggression at the slightest disagreement. Teaching responsibility is a must, we must address teen pregnancy and respecting self. We must Celebrate Black History by teaching our Black youth how to be professional, honorable, and dignified young men and women with integrity. As we do this as a community starting right in our own back yard then we can truly celebrate Black History. Let’s start building the legacy our ancestors fought for in helping the next generation. We want our Black youth to be successful and productive citizens of this society. I’ll leave you with this if we don’t begin taking on our rich legacy, Black History will just be a celebration on the calendar, that really has no meaning, no heart, and no concern. Black History Month is not just about our history and our past, it is to recognize our present and our future, as our future is our Youth. We should help them know the importance and role as Black youths in society. Don’t allow the majority to label our Black youth in a negative way, if something is to be said, let it be the next Mayor, or Spelling Bee champion and not a statistic of an incarcerated, or another Black child slain. We must address the horrible statistics on high school dropouts, teen pregnancy, gang affiliations, drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction in Black youth. The statistics also as of 2022, 49% of U.S. children were White, non-Hispanic; 26% were Hispanic;14% were Black non-Hispanic; 6% were Asian non- Hispanic and 6% were non- Hispanic “All other races”. (childstats.gov). Based on the numbers there are a small number of black youth, do we have room for anymore disparaging and degrading downfalls of black youth? We have a part to play in the future of our Black youth. Let’s work to change the trajectory in a positive direction for them. Now that’s what I call Black History! As always if you are seeking counseling for yourself or for your children and youth, please feel free to contact our office. Happy Blessed New Year! Sincerely, Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC 319 206-0651 caleb@thomasacc.com thomasacc.com Thomas & Associates Counseling & ConsultingCounseling with a God given purpose! Do you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine! Contact us today: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com 9
Spirituality Consistency Written By: Donnetta Austin
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me John 15:4-5 NKJV The more you stay focused and set time aside to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. The more He will show himself to you. Things will work out in your favor. When you learn to release the self-control. Clarity, Peace, and understanding are gained. The overall benefit is that it will work out for your good and for God’s glory. Patience is a virtue. 2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The more you remain consistent in your walk with God He will handle the rest. 11
Harriett J. Curley (1925-2001) Harriett Curley graduated from East High School and Drake University, both located in Des Moines. In 1946, she was hired to teach kindergarten at Perkins Elementary, which is part of the Des Moines Public School district. Curley did not receive a warm welcome as the first Black woman to teach in the district. Several parents and community members went to school board meetings to protest her hiring. But as Superintendent N.D. McCombs noted about Curley: “She topped the list of applicants by a wide margin. The board has had a policy, in writing, for years that all boys and girls get the best teachers for the money we can pay. And they are not hired on a basis of color, creed, or nationality.” After Curley was hired, other Black women were hired as teachers. Her husband, E. Nevin Bruce, was also hired in Des Moines as the first Black man to teach full time. Think Like Harriett J. Curley • Harriett Curley broke the color barrier as a teacher within Des Moines Public Schools. What was her impact on the district? • • Why would a school district hire teachers based on their skills and not based on “color, creed or nationality?” After her retirement, Curley stated “I had no misgivings when I took the job … I can honestly say that I have never had one unpleasant moment at Perkins.” What does this say about the Perkins Elementary School community after their initial protest? Community Spotlight
The NAACP Des Moines Branch and Perkins PTA invite you to Celebrate a Historic Perkins Teacher, Harriett J. Curley Monday, March 25 • 5:30–6:45 pm at Perkins Elementary School 4301 College Avenue, Des Moines Harriett J. Curley was the first Black teacher in the Des Moines Public School District. Join us as we celebrate, connect, and dedicate the Perkins library in her honor. 5:30–6:45 pm Story Time Dwana Bradley, Editor of Urban Experience 6:45 pm Participants will rotate through four activities (15 minutes each) Music Bridges 2 Harmony, Roosevelt HS Gospel Choir Presentation Rob Johnson, Community Activist Refreshments provided Connect and Learn NAACP & Franklin Public Library Library dedication with the NAACP 13
ALZHEIMER
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: IOWA CHAPTER Alzheimer’s Disease and the Black and African American Communities By Alzheimer’s Association All year round, and especially during Black History Month in February, the Alzheimer’s Association is spreading awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on Black and African Americans because: 1 2 3 Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans. Black Americans may be more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, when individuals are more cognitively and physically impaired – and therefore, are in need of more medical care. Despite their increased risk, Black Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials, making up 5% or less of all trial participants. While older Black Americans are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's or another dementia, research hasn't yet identified a definitive cause. Variations in health, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors likely account for most of the differences in risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias by race. Chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, also disproportionately affect Black Americans. Some studies indicate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear. EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS In addition to Black Americans being more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, there is also evidence that missed diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias are more common among older Black Americans than among older whites. Missed or delayed diagnoses mean that Black Americans are not getting treatments when they are most likely to be effective at improving quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can allow for earlier use of available treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. Delays in diagnosis also mean that Black Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may miss the opportunity to make important legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable, as well as making their preferences known to their families. However, we do know that Black and African Americans often face many barriers in the healthcare 15
system, which can make it even more difficult to get a diagnosis at all. In the recent Association's Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures special report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America, it was found that: All of these factors and findings help paint a broader picture on how and why Alzheimer’s disease and dementia disproportionately affect the Black and African American communities. Only 20% of Black Americans say that they have no barriers to excellent health care and support for Alzheimer's or other dementias Half of African Americans say that they have experienced discrimination while seeking care for a person living with Alzheimer's and report being confident they can access culturally competent care.medical care. Only 53% of Blacks believe that a cure for Alzheimer's will be distributed fairly, without regard to race, color or ethnicity. PERCEPTIONS OF CLINICAL TRIALS A history of exclusion from medical trials and a lasting history of discrimination from the medical establishment, including but not limited to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, contribute to high levels of mistrust of clinical trials among Black Americans. Nearly two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is biased against people of color. The most common reasons Black Americans report they do not want to participate in a clinical trial are: 20% 1/2 53% The fear of being a guinea pig, which 69% of African Americans name as a concern. Black Americans are also far more likely than other racial groups to be concerned about getting sick from treatment, with 45% describing this as a reason. ALZHEIMER However, Black Americans are the least likely group to report cost as a concern, with only 24% saying cost and time are reasons not to participate.
Other studies identified reasons such as not expecting to benefit from participating in research and not being given enough information about research studies. Many of these findings persist across socioeconomic groups. In another study, Black Americans rated study risks, the requirement of a study partner, study procedures, the ratio of drug to placebo, and study location as important factors in the decision of whether to enroll. OVERCOMING DISPARITIES At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. The Association is committed to engaging underrepresented and underserved communities and responding with resources and education to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Alzheimer's Association actively serves the African American community by providing culturally appropriate services and working to reduce health disparities. You can help by becoming an Association volunteer. Make a difference in your community by delivering support and education, raising funds, advocating for Alzheimer’s, participating in clinical trials and more. HELP IS AVAILABLE If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, or you suspect a loved one may have this disease, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900. Visit alz.org/iowa for local support and resources Whether you’re living with memory loss or caring for someone who is, ALZNavigator™, an online interactive tool, will guide you to your next steps. 69% 45% 24% 17
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Join the Nation of Lifesavers™ during American Heart Month and go from bystander to lifesaver February marks American Heart Month and this year, the American Heart Association is urging all Des Moines families to learn the lifesaving skill of CPR. With more than 350,000 people experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, including 23,000 children, CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn. The Nation of Lifesavers is an American Heart Association initiative focused on doubling the survival rate of cardiac arrest by 2023. It focuses on empowering individuals to learn and perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). The intersection of American Heart Month and Black History Month provides an opportunity to address the impact of cardiovascular disease – specifically cardiac arrest – on the Black community. According to the 2022 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update in the American Heart Association journal, Circulation, Black Americans have the highest incidence of cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and are significantly less likely to survive. Cardiac arrest in Black neighborhoods is associated with alarmingly low treatment and survival rates and recent studies have shown lower rates of both bystander CPR and bystander AED use in these neighborhoods. One way to change this trajectory is through education. Learning CPR and joining the Nation of Lifesavers is easier than ever with many learning options available. In Des Moines, families can take an online CPR course, learn and practice Hands-Only CPR with a CPR Anytime® Training Kit, watching a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR, find a Heartsaver™ certification course near them.
THERE ARE THREE MAIN TYPES OF CPR: Traditional, Child and Infant and Hands-Only. 1 Traditional CPR is the method that combines chest compressions 2 inches in depth at the rate of 100-120 beats per minute with two breaths. 2 Infant and Child CPR is similar to traditional CPR but has some key differences. Child CPR is performed with chest compressions at the depth of two inches with one or two hands, followed by two breaths. Infant CPR is performed with chest compressions at the dept of 1 1/2 inches with two fingers, followed by two breaths and repeat. 3 Hands-Only CPR is chest compressiononly CPR and has been shown to be equally effective as traditional CPR in the first few minutes of emergency response. It involves two simple steps that anyone can learn from a 60-second video available at heart.org/ handsonlycpr. 19
Step 1: Step 2: Call 911 Push hard and fast in the center of the chest CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival – which is key since about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. For more information on how to join the Nation of Lifesavers this February, visit heart.org/nation. BLACK AMERICANS HAVE THE HIGHEST INCIDENCE OF CARDIAC ARREST OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL AND ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS LIKELY TO SURVIVE.
Will YOU be ready toSAVE the life of SOMEONE you love? Find a CPR class at ©2023 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. The American Heart Association is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. heart.org/nation 21
Do you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine! Contact us today: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com 23
Youth Conference on Healthy Relationships Saturday, February 17 | 10:30 AM-3:00 PM DMACC Urban Campus 1100 7th Street, Building 7 Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Are you looking for help and information about healthy relationships and personal safety? There’s an opportunity coming up that you won’t want to miss. You’ll get to meet with experts and connect with other teens who are also curious about creating safer, healthier futures for themselves. This is not a Des Moines Public Schools activity. The district shares this information as a courtesy to create awareness of community opportunities available to our students, staff, and their families. New Location
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G We d CONTACT US TODAY! 515-770-2271 • Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Feb. 2–18, 2024 831 42nd Street | Des Moines | 515.277.6261 TICKETS AT: DMPlayhouse.com
UPCOMING SHOWS February 20 DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER RE: CREATION March 27 DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! DMPA.org · (515) 246-2300 · Civic Center Ticket Office 27
Savings Account If you put $100 in your GreenState checking account... Checking $98 Option #2: Debit Card Round-up Every time you use your debit card, the transaction is rounded up to the nearest dollar and transferred to your Rainy Day Savings. Example: If you use your debit card for a purchase of $20.27, it would round-up to $21 and transfer $0.73 from checking to your Rainy Day Savings account. One of the best ways to build financial security is to have enough in savings to handle emergencies that may come your way. Our Rainy Day Savings account makes building an emergency savings fund easy. Choose one or both options to grow your savings automatically. Option #1: Automatic transfer from Checking 2% of every deposit* into your GreenState Checking account will automatically transfer to your Rainy Day Savings. Rainy Day Savings $2 Option #3: Choose both and save more! Stop by a branch, call 844-300-5810 or visit greenstate.org to learn more. *Qualifying deposits include: direct deposit, ATM, Remote Deposit Capture check deposits, deposits made at a branch. Insured by NCUA
We can stop HIV, Iowa— by taking a whole-person approach to our sexual health. Get screened for HIV at least once in your lifetime, and request HIV screening any time you are getting tested for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Talk openly with your provider about your sex life, so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you. There’s not a single test for all STIs—each STI has its own test. STIs can cause long-term health issues when left untreated. They can also increase your chances of acquiring HIV. Getting tested for all sexually-transmitted infections is the best step you can take to protect your own health and help to stop HIV in Iowa! Learn more at stophiviowa.org ? FEBRUARY 10 – MAY 12, 2024 ANNA K. MEREDITH GALLERY CURATED BY FITSUM SHEBESHE ORGANIZED BY INDEPENDENT CURATORS INTERNATIONAL OPENING CELEBRATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 5–7 PM DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG States of Becoming is a traveling exhibition curated by Fitsum Shebeshe and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York. Lead funding is provided by the Hartfield Foundation as part of an initiative to support ICI’s commitment to new curatorial voices who will shape the future of the field, and ICI’s Curatorial Intensive alumni as they move through the stages of their career. States of Becoming is made possible with the generous support of ICI’s Board of Trustees and International Forum. Crozier Fine Arts is the Preferred Art Logistics Partner. Exhibition graphics by Untitled Agency, Marrakech. Additional support for the Des Moines presentation provided by The Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Art Center Fund. IMAGE: Gabriel C. Amadi-Emina | Fade Catcher, 2021 Diptych photographic print on museo silver rag adhered flat on wooden panel | Collection of the artist 29
BE INFORMED BE AN ADVOCATE SURVIVE Everyone has a heart: Take Care of Yours & Live Your Best Life! Why is Cardiovascular Genetic Screening Important? ! ! More than 1 in every 200 people have an inherited heart disease. Inherited heart diseases are the leading causes of sudden death in young people. Benefits of Genetic & Clinical Screening Detect heart disease that did not show up in routine health exams. Early detection may prevent heart complications. Make informed decisions about heart health, including treament options. Help identify the cause of a heart condition or other health issues. Educate family members who may be at risk of heart disease. Learn about the chance that a pregnancy will lead to genetic condition. ! Inherited gene abnormality does not automatically result in heart disease. Knowing your risk can help you understand and manage your health. Learn your risk for heart disease If any family member experienced heart disease or any of the below health issues, consider genetic and clinical screening. Heart failure (younger than 60 years old) Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implant (younger than 50 years old) Heart transplant (younger than 60 years old) Unexplained seizures or seizures with normal neurological evaluation Unexplained cardiac arrest(s) or sudden death Exercise intolerance Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Untreated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) known as bad cholesterol ≥ 190 Multiple family members with congenital heart defects West African Ancestry in your family Diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome The average cost of genetic testing is $250 This work was supported through the MIHF HealthConnect Fellowship. The average out-of-pocket cost is $100
JOIN UNITED 55+ Many believe that a meaningful life is not complete without the fulfillment that comes from helping others. If you're ready to take your commitment to the community to the next level, while meeting new people and gaining new experiences, UNITED 55+ is for you! Current & Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Book Buddy A reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers for regular reading. The caring adult reads in person to the student at a local childcare center. You may pair up with a friend to share this weekly volunteer opportunity. Orientation & training provided. Power Read Volunteer reading mentors are matched one-to-one with a student for about an hour each week and together they read and engage in conversation. Programs take place during the student’s lunch period at various Des Moines elementary schools. Orientation & training provided. Not New Shop Charity shop volunteers needed to Sort, size, and mark donated items according to suggested price list, using good judgment regarding discards. Assist customers with purchases, ring up sales, keep shop in order. Training provided. HOPE for the Holidays Donation Drive The holidays are upon us! We are collecting cleaning products and gift cards for HOPE for Stable Families. This program works with families to set goals, remove barriers, and use available community resources to create long-term financial stability for them and their children. For information about the program or how to donate, visit https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hope-for-the-holidays Holiday Helping Hand Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? Check out United Way of Central Iowa’s Volunteer hub. Head to the Holiday Helping Hand Guide tab to see opportunities around Central Iowa. Check back often as opportunities will continually be added through the end of the year. Visit https://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/need/ for more information. Contact, Lynne Melssen AmeriCorps Seniors Program Director at lynne.melssen@unitedwaydm.org or 515-246-6544 To register, scan the QR code or visit: unitedwaydm.org/united55 31 LIVE UNITED
It's important to take the time to acknowledge the uniqueness of the deceased: the individuality of their personality, and the uniqueness of their life's path. Not just for them, but for you; it affirms the relationship, and leads to healing after loss. Honoring their life is truly an act of love – for the both of you. “WE’RE FAMILY” PHONE: (515) 309-6550 3500 SIXTH AVENUE DES MOINES, IA 50313 HENDERSONSHP.COM
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