NOW THAT SUMMER IS HERE LET'S PRACTICE SAFER SEX CHOICES CLASS IS STILL IN SESSION

Hey it's your girl JA Nursing here, well we made it parents, school is out. Now what comes next ? For some it may be summer school or a summer job, but let's face it for many it may sleeping all day, following the wrong crowd, making poor choices, not to mention the ever so popular notion of summer loving and hook-ups.  We would love to say no not my child, but it is a reality that has hit many of us, including myself. Often warned about "SummerBelly" I still fell into the trap.   This year we have had a lot of voices heard regarding the social conflicts that surrounded the newly introduced new sex ed curriculum,  as disagreements spark regarding  the role of the government in family life and how sex education should be taught.  The air has been thick surrounding sexual awareness  extended to parents taking their children out of school, with the fear of to much information being taught, or the very public Orlando shootings, sadly targeting the LGBTQ community, or Popular 2 and half men star, Charlie Sheen testing Positive For HIV  and now becoming a spokesperson for condoms. Either way sexuality is an essential component of healthy development for young people. As your healthcare advocate, Despite the widely recognized importance of sexual health, education to promote it remains a sensitive and sometimes a controversial issue.  The mission of my organization and myself is to increase the health and social literacy of our community. By promoting sexual literacy, sex education can contribute to psychosocial development and well-being throughout adolescence and adulthood. The absence of sexual literacy can be the source of many health and social hazards, including STD s and unintended pregnancy.

As we say good bye to old friends I think that as parents and even for my peers that are in the dating  phase, we can all do with a little reminder about choices.  As parents, we should be able to dialogue with our children always in a age appropriate manner about making healthy relationship choices and  sexuality above the normal conversation reminding our children to "Go Pick Up A Book" which has at times fell short on deaf ears. Well, school's over, Be Real about it, if you don't talk about sex, and sexual orientations someone else will.  This is the boom of the electronic Parent aka Instagram, SnapCHat, Facebook, Twitter and the list of social media parents goes on. 

So let's get right into this simple blog about sexual  awareness and safety. 

I'll  use  Charlie Sheen as an example, since his story will have been the most seen story in the news lately especially  with his new role in preaching the gospel about safe sex and condom use.  

“If you ask most people that have H.I.V., ‘How did you get it?’ nobody really knows. I mean, I’m sure there’s a select few that do. But you can never really pinpoint the moment,” he said. Adding, “You spend five seconds putting [a condom] on, and you prevent a lifetime of stress, potentially.” As stated by Charlie Sheen.

DID YOU KNOW? About one in every 10 people is LGBTQ: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, or Questioning. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning are sexual orientations. Trans is a gender identity.

Words can hurt

Sometimes people use words like "gay" or "lesbian" as an insult. This is hurtful because it makes it seem like there is something wrong with being LGBTQ, when there isn’t. If you hear these words being used as put-downs, recognize that it’s bullying and it’s not okay. As parents we have to beware of this as well.

We know now that anyone can be infected with HIV, no matter...

• your age
• your sex
• your race or ethnic origin
• sexual orientation

DID YOU KNOW?  More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. 

That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. -

Men

• Some cultural, religious or social beliefs present unprotected sex as a man's prerogative, a sign of manhood and of good sexual health.
• Community intolerance of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men may lead some men to avoid HIV prevention education, or to engage in relationships that limit their ability to practice safer sex.

Women

• For many reasons women are 5 times more likely than men to get HIV. For example, the female genital tract, cervix and uterus provide a greater surface area for absorbing the virus. Also, semen may remain in the genital tract and beyond for up to three days.

• Some cultural and religious beliefs about the roles of women can limit their ability to negotiate safer sex or expose them to sexual abuse, assault or violence.

• Some women live with the threat of violence in their relationships and may not feel safe enough to say no to sex or to negotiate safer sex.

• Homelessness also increases HIV risk, as women may feel they must trade sex for shelter, or are at risk for rape.

• Cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) may increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV if (a) the tools used to perform FGM are not sterilized, (b) the affected area does not heal properly despite appearances, (c) the scarring is ruptured through sexual intercourse or childbirth.See more from our friends over at    Black C.A.P

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008 - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

Now lets get back to the reality in our city. The6ix. Tdot, Let's continue to remember that with these Facts below we have to be responsible and teach responsibility. 

A Snapshot Of HIV/AIDS In Toronto

• Every day, two Torontonians are newly infected with HIV
• More than 1 in 4 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto are among young people under 30
• 65% of new infections in Toronto occur in men who have sex with men
• Women represent 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto

More people live with HIV today than ever before—not just around the world but right here in #Toronto.

HIV is a virus that can make you sick
HIV (or Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens your immune system, your body’s built-in defence against disease and illness.
Anyone can be infected with HIV. You can have HIV without knowing it. You may not look or feel sick for years, but you can still pass the virus on to other people.
Without HIV treatment, your immune system can become too weak to fight off serious illnesses. HIV can also damage other parts of your body. Eventually, you can become sick with life-threatening infections. This is the most serious stage of HIV infection, called AIDS (or Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome).

There is no vaccine to prevent HIV.
There is no cure for HIV… but there is treatment.
There is no cure for HIV, but with proper care and treatment, most people with HIV can avoid getting AIDS and can stay healthy for a long time.
Anti-HIV drugs have to be taken every day. They cannot get rid of HIV but they can keep it under control.

DID YOU KNOW? That Only five body fluids can contain enough HIV to infect someone: blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

HIV can only get passed when one of these fluids from a person with HIV gets into the bloodstream of another person—through broken skin, the opening of the penis or the wet linings of the body, such as the vagina, rectum or foreskin.
HIV cannot pass through healthy, unbroken skin.

The two main ways that HIV can get passed between you and someone else are:

• through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal sex without a condom)
• by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs (including steroids)

HIV can also be passed:

• by sharing needles or ink to get a tattoo
• by sharing needles or jewellery to get a body piercing
• by sharing acupuncture needles
• to a fetus or baby during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding

HIV cannot be passed by:

• talking, shaking hands, working or eating with someone who has HIV
• hugs or kisses
• coughs or sneezes
• swimming pools
• toilet seats or water fountains
• bed sheets or towels
• forks, spoons, cups or food
• insects or animals

HIV can be passed during unprotected sex.
This means:

• vaginal or anal sex without a condom
• oral sex without a condom or dental dam (a piece of latex used to cover the vulva or anus)
• sharing sex toys

Protect yourself and your partner(s) from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can have sex with little or no risk of passing on or getting HIV. This is called safer sex.
Safer sex also helps protect you and your partner(s) from other STIs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.


As cited by Global Tv What’s worse is that chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are each increasing in frequency in the U.S.

Unfortunately, the Public Health Agency of Canada has reported similar trends in this country.

Between 2001 and 2010, gonorrhea rates were up 53.5 per cent and syphilis rates more than quadrupled (up by 456.7 per cent).

Rates of chlamydia, which is by far the most common sexually transmitted infection, have increased every year since 1997.
People can have HIV or other STIs without knowing it because these infections often do not cause symptoms. Also, don’t assume that your partner know(s) whether they have HIV or any other STI. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

To practice safer sex…

• Use a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants. (Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms break.)
• Get tested for STIs regularly. Having an STI increases your risk of getting and passing on HIV.
• Avoid sharing sex toys, and if you do, cover each one with a new condom before each use. It is also important to clean your toys between vaginal and anal use.
• Use a condom or dental dam every time you have oral sex.
• Choose forms of sexual stimulation that pose little or no risk for HIV, like masturbation or sensual massage.

We must remember that these facts are real. This has been watching out for Health with Michelle Smith Your Health and Social Advocate. This is a message for all to Wrap it Up, Get Tested and be knowledgeable about our world as we know it today. Parents use the summer months to take your teenager to the Doctor, open up the lines of communication to include what I have written above. I am thankfull that I did that for both  of  my children they are now 22 and 16, they are now aware and non judgemental . Teach love instead of hate.  If you are reading this blog and would like more information  We want to hear from you because WE CARE


Thank you in advance for sharing




http://globalnews.ca/news/2760766/charlie-sheen-now-a-condom-spokesperson-promoting-safe-sex/
READ MORE: HIV rates still rising in Canada, but treatment is simpler, safer and effective
http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis

http://www.celebuzz.com/2016-06-15/charlie-sheen-condom-spokesperson/

http://globalnews.ca/news/2364590/growing-sti-rates-call-for-renewed-concerns-in-canada/
http://www.caseyhouse.com/how-we-help/info-support/local-statistics/

Thank you to our Friends at Casey House for this snap shot of Toronto.

For more on how HIV is transmitted, please visit CATIE’s How transmission occurs page.

Sickle Cell Disease VS Sickle Cell Trait What's Your Status?

Revised post from May 19, 2014

Hi all it's your girl JA Nursing here, I hope all is well? Over the last couple of years, I have been working directly with Sickle Cell Patients in a acute care hospital setting. June 19 2016 has been proclaimed World Sickle Cell Day. As your health Health Care advocate I just wanted to continue the conversation regarding knowing your sickle cell status. Imagine finding a new partner and your question is what's your status? well add it to the convo what's your HIV and Sickle Cell status. In 2006 Canada included sickle cell to the new born screening list, which means that Parents will have a better opportunity to seek support earlier. For more information about the diseases being screened under this program, you can visit https://www.newbornscreening.on.ca/en/screening-facts/diseases-screened. It is important for individuals to understand that they may have the trait and not know it. The trait very rarely comes with signs or symptoms. Which can pose a problem when picking a partner. If you have the sickle trait and become involved with someone that has the Sickle cell trait then you can have a child that will have sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell trait do not have sickle cell disease. They cannot develop sickle cell disease later on in life but they can pass sickle cell trait to their children. If the disorder is not detected at birth, you can ask your Doctor for a special blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test is the only test that can detect Sickle cell trait or disease.

Sickle cell Disease has always been seen as "The Black Disease" due to it being very prevalent among dark skinned people and almost completely absent in "white" populations. It has been cited that sickle cell is also prevalent in the following areas: Africa,Mediterranean countries (such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy),The Arabian peninsula, India, Spanish-speaking regions (South America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean) In each region both dark and light skinned people have been found to be sickle cell carriers. 

Sickle cell disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a child will not inherit the disease unless both parents pass down a defective copy of the gene. People who inherit one good copy of the gene and one mutated copy are carriers. They are clinically normal, but can still pass the defective gene to their children.According to statistics, if both parents carry a sickle cell gene, with each pregnancy there is a one in two chance the child could receive a sickle cell trait, and a one in four chance the child could be born with the actual disease.

Sickle cell disease involves the red blood cells, or hemoglobin and their ability to carry oxygen. Normal hemoglobin cells are smooth, round and flexible, like the letter "O," so they can move through the vessels in our bodies easily. Sickle cell hemoglobin cells are stiff and sticky and form into the shape of a sickle, or the letter "C," when they lose their oxygen. These sickle cells tend to cluster together and cannot easily move through the blood vessels. The cluster causes a blockage and stops the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. This blockage is what causes the painful and damaging complications of sickle cell disease.The two main characteristics of


If your child has sickle cell your child may appear pale and have yellow eyes from time to time. They may become tired sooner than their peers when doing an activity. So remember to develop a health action plan with your childs school and teacher. Every educator should understand how sickle cell disease can impact a child's learning. The education of the child with sickle cell anemia is just as important as it is for any child. Sickle cell anemia alone does not affect learning ability. However, excessive absence due to the complication of the disease sometimes affects a child ability to meet up with class work. Motivating and helping a child to achieve his or her potential in school is important because that child has a future. Extra encouragement and home school when they are unable to be in the classroom would be helpful when illness interferes with school. Keeping up with schoolwork is important. These efforts can make a great difference in educational achievement. The child should be encouraged into post secondary education as wel should parents learn more about solutions that will help you guide your child. JA Nursing we care is a navigation orgainization that helps to find soultions If your child has sicklecell you can get help. No one wants to feel as if their child has a diaibilty but let's work towards making thier lifes great.



The most common symptom of a sickle cell crisis is a vaso-occlusive episode join pain . Any bone can be affected, including the arms, legs, back, and skull. These episodes, commonly called pain crises, are unpredictable. It is very important for parents to communicate with their children advising them to be aware and communicate when they are not feeling well inorder to seek support immediately. Some pain crises happen without a known reason which can make crisis hard to predict.


Severe pain is the most common of sickle cell disease emergencies (acute sickle cell crises) but one or more of the following situations may have contributed to the start of the painful sickle crisis:

• Dehydration 
• Lack of fluids hot weather 
• hot weather 
• Infection 
• Fever 
• Hypoxia (decrease in oxygen to body tissue) 
• Bleeding 
• Cold exposure 
• Drug and alcohol use 
• Pregnancy and stress 

With summer in session, it is very important to keep your child hydrated with a lot of fluids (water). This rule should apply regardless of illness. Remember healthy habits start early with children


Is their a cure for Sickle Cell? for many accross the world including my own family memebers this still remains a question until headlines read
Calgary’s ACH using stem cell procedure to cure sickle cell anemia



Researchers at the Alberta Children’s Hospital say they are making excellent progress with a revolutionary procedure that is curing children of sickle cell anemia.Cardelia Fox (R) used to suffer from sickle cell anemia before a novel treatment involving a stem cell transplant from her sister Tamika Allen (L) cured the disorder.


"Before the stem cell transplant I felt like I was trapped," says Fox, whose sister Tamika Allen was a perfect match — a rare one in five occurrence within families. "Without this treatment I would likely still be at Foothills getting blood transfusions every month." READ FULL STORY


Sickle Cell disease If still no cure what can be done regarding treatment?
Hydroxyurea is the only drug therapy available for sickle cell disease and has been shown to prolong survival, reduce pain episodes and some of the complications. Otherwise blood transfusions when needed and pain management with nacrotics is the standard mode of treatment. Unless you have been told by a specialist that you have very mild Sickle Cell Disease, you should consider going on the drug. You are most likely to be offered Hydroxyurea because you have lots of painful crisis or Acute Chest Syndrome. It may also be offered if there is concern about damage to any of your body organs from the sickle cell disease, or as an alternative to blood transfusion treatment. Hydroxyurea is one of the medications that require special assistance for coverage. The Trillium drug plan can be used but requires your Doctor to fill out the forms. So tell a friend to tell a friend that if you do not have drug coverage in general The trillum drug plan may help even you.


Lastly if your child has sickle cell it is very important to teach your child to take charge of their health by teaching them the right choices. Generally after a child turns 18 they no longer get seen by a Pediatrician which can make Parent input difficult. Experts recommend that Parents start taking steps to learn about their medical care around age 13 or 14. Sickle Cell will always require continous awareness.


This has been watching out for your health with Michelle Smith your Health and Social Advocate. As your health Care advocate I am available to speak at your next event about a health care topic suitable for your audience. Learn more about my services















References used


http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/disabilities/index.aspx


http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/index.aspx


http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/drugs/programs/odb/odb.aspx


http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-s-ach-using-stem-cell-procedure-to-cure-sickle-cell-anemia-1.2933392



http://www.stjude.org/Images/hosp-misc-sickle2-0902.jpg


http://sicklecellanemia.ca/pdf/adult_literature.pdf

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/newborn/parents.aspx


http://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Pages/blood_disorders.aspx


Download PDF


http://sicklecellanemia.ca/education/learning-for-life/hydroxyurea/

One Match Is Coming To Durham On June 25 2016 JOIN US

Why you should Donate Blood

Last week headlines read

Stem cell transplant cures children with sickle cell anemia, says Alberta hospital

7 girls, 2 boys cured in what lead doctor considers unprecedented treatment

By Lisa Monforton, CBC News Posted: Jun 06, 2016 3:03 PM MT Last Updated: Jun 06, 2016 8:30 PM MT

As cited by CBC, and numerous other platforms.  No one else is offering this protocol in children with sickle cell anemia," said Guilcher, who is also an assistant professor in the departments of oncology and pediatrics at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine.

What sets the Calgary procedure apart from other sickle cell anemia cures in young children is the lead up to the transplant. 

" This protocol uses the 'lightest' doses of medication — no chemotherapy but immune suppressing drugs only, with a low dose of radiation," said Dr. Guilcher in a statement. 

While the protocol was developed and is used in the U.S., Dr. Guilcher said he's not aware of any other hospital using it on children.

More exciting is the fact that there have been no incidents of stem cell rejection. 

With this amazing news Tamika Allen, left, was a perfect stem cell match to her sister Cardelia Fox, which allowed her to have a procedure curing her of sickle cell anemia. (CBC)

Once Allen found out she was a full match, she didn't think twice about helping her sister.

Without a family match, the transplant procedure is generally considered too risky to perform.

Awareness regarding the importance of donating blood  and the participation of the  One Match Program  has not been  covered within the Caribbean and other ethnically diverse Communities. As your advocate, and as an Expert Health Care writer for the Toronto  Caribbean Newspaper I wrote an article when our city was faced with the challenge to help save Davey's live with the attempt to find him  a stem cell match  Read Article  .   Unfortunately,  Mr. Rochester lost his battle to Leukemia  in early 2016.

DID YOU KNOW  that there are over 80 diseases that require Blood and stem cells? The goal is to reach out to our community and get you all involved in a vital process that is needed to help individuals who require Blood. What greater gift is there than the gift of life? That’s exactly what every blood donation delivers. Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing disease. You can go one step further along with donating blood. 

Quick Fact: Everyone has two genes that determine their blood type, it’s passed on from parents to children, just like eye color. O negative (O-) is the universal donor type, which means it can be transfused to anyone in need. That’s why it’s always in high demand — it’s used in emergency situations when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type.

People with AB+ blood are known as universal recipients, meaning they can receive blood from anyone. as cited by Canadian Blood Services.
You can also get involved in a critical life-saving initiative called One match. One match helps individuals that require Stem cell transplants, A variety of diseases and disorders are treated with stem cell transplants, including blood-related diseases such as leukemia, Sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia, and inherited immune system and metabolic disorders. One Match is an Initiative that is vital to helping save lives especially for those with Leukemia and as seen by the article above it can also cure Sickle cell providing that you have the right match.  On June 25 2016 I will be heading the  Health Pavillion at The Durham Caribbean Festival.     

You may be eligible to join  One Match  if you are between 17 and 35 years old and meet certain health criteria. Because a person's best chance of finding a matching donor is within his or her own ethnic group, it is important that donors reflect Canada's ethnic diversity. It is also important for the future of OneMatch to attract young donors. However, there are some health problems that could make you ineligible which include: some heart conditions, cancer, blood diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes, and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B and C. There are also height and weight restrictions in place to protect both donors and recipients. People who do not meet the program's height and weight criteria may be at a higher risk when undergoing surgery. One match is done very simply by swabbing the inside of your cheeks and if you are a match you will be registered to be a donor by the Canadian Blood Services.    

This has been your health care buzz with Michelle Smith   Come out on June 25 2016 11am-8pm to get your Swab On for more info contact 416-567-7556

http://torontocaribbean.com/reasons-why-you-should-donate-blood/

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-doctors-develop-new-stem-cell-transplant-procedure-to-cure-children-with-sickle-cell-anemia

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/sickle-cell-anemia-cure-stem-cell-treatment-alberta-childrens-hospital-1.3618822

Be Poor If You Want To Knowledge Is the Key

Dr. Boyce Watkins Interview On How Dame Dash Was Wrong & Getting Your Money Right!

Hi, it's  your Girl JA Nursing here,  a couple months ago I  watched the famous interview by Damn Dash.  This video is a highlight of Damn Dash's video.  I celebrated  my 39th birthday on September 4, 2015, and it has left me thinking about my world, my surroundings and what  I can do to help complete my journey of awesomeness.   As I start my new year  I'll  ask myself am I being pimped by my life?  Weekly I will blog about financial literacy topics. Financial literacy has been something that I have struggled with throughout my life due to  lack of knowledge.

  Below you will find some quotes from the video. I  encourage you to watch theses video.

I have always thought that socially we all have an obligation to change outcomes through our actions. 

So I will ask you the question,  are you being pimped by your life? if you feel stuck in your life then you have to make  an adjustment.

According to Dr, Watkins he says Life is short.  So, this time should be spent doing things you love with people you love and giving yourself to something greater than yourself.  That’s how you can make it all worthwhile. -Dr. Boyce Watkins 


Shift your life do you have options?  Do you  have FU money?  if you don't then you may have to make a change.

This is a community discussion..... "We need a nation of Builders"

We have to resurrect the pride of building and not borrowing

Corporations were not built for us

"You can't move into someone else s house and expect to shift around the Furniture"

"You can't judge the quality of a tree by the size of  the seed" every tree is going to start tiny"

The question is not to ask yourself about 2015 but to ask about 2115 what are we doing for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren

The $100 start up a book  a Must  read  according to

Through my journey of  life, I have realized that  Sometimes we get caught up in the fact  that a job is supposed to be given to us but we  are never educated on how to create our own titles as well. This Summer my Son Anthony spent the summer at Micro Skills a community organization in Etobicoke. He was guided by my good friend Andrae Walsh who ran an Entrepreneurship youth program. We have to get connected with organizations that will help you change outcomes for your children.  Thank You, Andrae



The economic philosophy of Black Nationalism only means that we have to become involved in a program of re-education to educate our people on the importance of knowing that when yous pend your dollar out of the community in which you live, the community in which you spend your money becomes richer and richer; the community out of which you take your money becomes poorer and poorer. And because these negroes, who have been misleading, misguided, are breaking their necks to take their money and spend it with The Man, The Man is becoming richer and richer, and you’re becoming poorer and poorer. And then what happens? The community in which you live becomes a slum. It becomes a ghetto. The conditions become run down. And then you have the audacity to – to complain about poor housing in a run-down community. Why you run it down yourself when you take your dollar out.

"And you and I are in a double-trap, because not only do we lose by taking our money someplace else and spending it, when we try and spend it in our own community we’re trapped because we haven’t had sense enough to set up stores and control the businesses of our community. The man who’s controlling the stores in our community is a man who doesn’t look like we do. He’s a man who doesn’t even live in the community. So you and I, even when we try and spend our money in the block where we live or the area where we live, we’re spending it with a man who, when the sun goes down, takes that basket full of money in another part of the town.https://www.facebook.com/notes/afrikan-centered-education/malcolm-x-on-the-keys-to-economic-empowerment-in-our-communities-and-what-traps-/449763491781579

Once you and I go into business and own and operate at least the businesses in our community, what we will be doing is developing a situation wherein, we will actually be able to create employment for the people in the community.- MalcolmX

This has been your Social Literacy Buzz With Michelle Smith  Stay connected.
www.janursingservices.com  find me on Twitter | https://twitter.com/JaNursing   Leave a comment I  want to hear from you...................

 

 

 

Dr. Boyce Watkins Offers Financial Advice to The Breakfast Club 

 06/09/2016

 

 

Dame dash breakfast club INTERVIEW

https://youtu.be/w5vwYMroGzI

 https://youtu.be/t3G0lkNj_Z0

Dr. Boyce Watkins

@drboycewatkins1

 

http://www.microskills.ca/young-entrepreneurship-program/

 http://www.microskills.ca/

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE DURHAM CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL JUNE 25 2016

Hi all it's your girl JA Nursing here, with some exciting news. It's that time again for Mary Galvin and her amazing team to bring to Durham for another year  the Durham Caribbean  Festival. You are invited to join us  On Saturday June 25th 2016,  at the Ajax Downs  located in the city of Ajax for Durham regions’ most exciting, fun-filled extravaganza.  You will be excited by  Street performers, entertainers, singers, dancers, cultural and heritage groups who come together in one place to celebrate the diversity and flavours of the Durham Caribbean Festival. 
You can also look forward to the VERY FIRST Caribbean Derby in Canada  which will be live to air On Sunday June 26th in Durham. The afternoon will offer an exclusive Caribbean Brunch, Live entertainment  and a Caribbean Parade from  11am to 5pm at Ajax Downs located at 50 Alexander's Crossing  in Ajax,On. L1Z 2E6
The festival will showcase the unique foods, music, traditions, and beliefs and interests of Durham’s fastest growing community – In the city of Ajax alone almost 40% of the population are from the Caribbean Islands.
For some participants, The Durham Caribbean Festival will awaken sweet and fond memories of their native lands; while for others it will be about “getting to know more about their neighbors, friends and co-workers “; and for all it will be about sharing in the “ Caribbean Vibe”.

Mark your calendars because you are also invited to join us On Monday, June 20th 2016 as Mayor Steve Parish proclaims Ajax’s 3rd Annual Caribbean Week in  a live to air-televised event taking place at Council Chambers located at 65 Harwood Ave South. The evening will start with a small reception in the main foyer at 6:00pm. Spearheaded by the Durham Caribbean Festival, and arranged by the Caribbean Event Organization of Ontario, the official  “Ajax Caribbean Week” offers many opportunities to reach various market segments in the region through a combination of events targeting the media, trade, consumers and the Caribbean Diaspora to celebrate the sights, sounds, colours, culture and unique vacation experiences of the Caribbean.

According to the Canadian 2011 Census, Ajax alone has a population of 109,600. Almost 40% of the population is a visible minority with the largest visible minority groups from the Caribbean Islands.Tourism Officials, the media, artists, performers, celebrity chefs, sponsors and strategic partners will participate in Caribbean Week activities all across Ajax.

The official week will take place on Monday June 20th to Monday June 27th 2016, where local and corporate businesses in the area will be hosting different events showcasing Caribbean Inspired themes. 

Paula Fennell, Regional Manager of JNMS,  Mary Galvan, Executive Director of the Caribbean Event Organization of Ontario and  Jerrold Johnson, Chief Representative Officer of JNBS will be hosting the evening’s proclamation.

We ask you all for your support in celebrating this historical week, filled with an abundance of fun filled activities showcasing Caribbean Culture.

Vendor Applications You still have time to be apart of this great event 

For booth applications, terms of participation, rules and regulations, booth set up procedures and early bird specials download the vendors package http://www.durhamcaribbeanfestival.com/vendors.html 

or you can Contact Michelle Smith  416-567-7556

(Caribbean Event Organization of Ontario)


Cultural diversity is a part of our Canadian identity. It is a part of our country, our workplaces and our schools, a part of our day-to-day lives. Our friends, neighbours and coworkers likely all stem from a variety of ethnic groups. This diversity is an asset; we can learn from one another but, first, we must understand one another in order to work together effectively. The Durham Caribbean Festival has been created to raise awareness of cultural diversity and to help dispel negative stereotypes.


The Caribbean Event Organization of Ontario believes that the diversity in our community is a fundamental strength of our region. Our mission to improve the quality of life for the residents of our region is best fulfilled when we embrace diversity as a value and a practice.

This has been your Social buzz with Michelle Smith your Health and Social Advocate  See you at Durham Caribbean Festival. 

Thank you to the  Durham  Caribbean Festival team  for Getting Pink  in  support of Breast Cancer Awareness  you can still Support Get Pink'd  by donating  -------DONATE HERE

If you are  looking for an energetic, impactful inspirational  speaker who will “keep it real” with your audience?  Michelle Smith certainly delivers, be it keynotes, seminars. hosting events, media interviews or  workshops, Michelle  will hit a home run with your audience  To Book Michelle for Your Next event 

Learn  more about your health and wellness through Michelle's weekly articles in The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper conveniently located in over 320 locations throughout the GTA or  visit on Line http://torontocaribbean.com/

 Visit http://www.durhamcaribbeanfestival.com/

Check out last year's blog

http://janursing.blogspot.ca/2015/06/durham-caribbean-festival-officially.html