valley life today magazine -- issue 3

Move WW in here

| F.A.C.E.

The path to wellness begins long before a visit to the doctor’s office or emergency room. By then, disease may be present and treatment is necessary. Fortunately, modern advances in medicine can still lead patients back to the wellness road – even when faced with major illness. Nevertheless, lifestyle changes we make before illness strikes - such as stopping smoking, exercising, and eating nutritious meals – can significantly reduce our chances for future sickness.

Ours is an area with alarming rates of chronic illnesses, including hypertension-related conditions, diabetes, and asthma. We also face a shortage of doctors and medical providers. In this Issue of Valley Life Today we examine what is required to put us back on the road to health.

In Part One - Creating a Community of Healers, we look at efforts to improve our access to primary care physicians, including a feature on the UCR Medical School. Part Two – A Place Where My Soul Can Find Rest, examines mental health, nutrition, and fitness.

Physical, mental, and spiritual health are within reach in the Moreno Valley area. Healthcare is changing right before our eyes. Wellness will be the focus, instead of illness. Healthcare will be patient-centered instead of cold and impersonal.

We are on our way to community wellness! As Renee Zaragoza says - “No Excuses - Get Moving!”

Wherever you are on the path we encourage you to BE WELL.

F i n d i n g t h e Path to Wellness

VALLEY LIFE TODAY

Linnie Frank Bai leyManaging Editor

Val ley L i fe Today Magazine

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” - Ben j amin F rank l in

Linnie Frank Bailey

Valley Life Today Magazine

A Publ icat ion of F.A.C.E. Media

Managing EditorLinnie Frank Bai ley

Design + Art DirectorHector Chavez

WritersLinnie Frank Bai ley

Claudette JackPaola Wong-Ringer

Wendy Wil l iams-ClarkWendy Smith

PhotographersCheryl Leon

Hector ChavezAndre Greer

Anthony Ambrose

Publ isherF.A.C.E. – Family and

Community Empowerment

14950 Riverside Drive, Riverside, CA 92518

951-697-8803

For more information or

an advertis ing packet:[email protected]

Visit our website: vLifeToday.com

Val ley L i fe Today Magazine

Publ ished by :

F.A.C.E .

Creating a Community

of Healers

9.-tHe PrimeCare model

16.-tHe uCr sCHool

of mediCine

20.-“i Can Be a doCtor”

“ T h e r e a r e h u n d r e d s o f p a t h s u p t h e m o u n t a i n , a l l l e a d i n g

i n t h e s a m e d i r e c t i o n , s o i t d o e s n ’ t m a t t e r w h i c h p a t h

y o u t a k e . T h e o n l y o n e w a s t i n g t i m e i s t h e o n e w h o

r u n s a r o u n d a n d a r o u n d t h e m o u n t a i n , t e l l i n g e v e r y -

o n e t h a t h i s o r h e r p a t h i s w r o n g . ” - H i n d u P r o v e r b

Finding the path to

a PlaCe WHere my soul Can find rest

23.-tHe Quest for Wellness28.-everyone Can exerCise32.-vegan or vegetarian?

Wellness

On a recent summer morning in June, vLifeToday, along with Issue

One cover subject, Jamal Samuel and his family, visited

THE GROUP – a Riverside non-profit and a fixture in the city.

At their bi-monthly meetings, THE GROUP addresses issues of

concern in the area and provides a forum for community activists

and leaders.

THE GROUP is led by four indefatigable women: Jennifer

Vaughn-Blakely, Chair; Rose Mayes, Vice-Chair; Katie Greene,

Secretary; and Ola Faye Stephens, Treasurer.

Ward 1 Riverside City Council member Mike Gardner

UCR School of Medicine Dean G. Richard Olds

Ward 2 Riverside City

Council member Andy Melendrez

Alton Garrett, Senior Advisor, Senator

Barbara Boxer Inland Empire Office

Jose Medina, RUSD teacher

and former RCCD Trustee

V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 2V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 266

Valley Life TodayValley Life Today visits

THE GROUP

Valley Life Today Visits THE GROUP

F.A.C.E. Board member, Sylvia

Martin James prays with

Jamal Samuel

THE GROUP member Katie Greene presents award to Mike Fine, RUSD Deputy Superintendent/Business Services and Governmental Relations

THE GROUP members Katie Greene and Jennifer Vaughn-Blakely present award to Dr. Olds, with Jeff Kraus, UCR Government and Community Relations

Sylvia Martin James and Moreno Valley resident and UC Berkeley student Jamal Samuel

Melendrez, Medina and Jose

Montenegro, Riverside County

Department of Mental Health

Jamal’s mom Claudette Jack

vLifeToday Editor Linnie Frank Bailey with community leaders Steve Clute and Jose Medina

V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 2 7

Valley Life TodayValley Life Today

“ I f w e c o u l d g i v e e v e r y i n d i v i d u a l t h e r i g h t a m o u n t o f n o u r i s h m e n t a n d e x e r c i s e , n o t t o o l i t t l e a n d n o t t o o m u c h , w e w o u l d h a v e f o u n d t h e s a f e s t w a y t o h e a l t h . ” - H i p p o c r a t e s

Dr. Emma SimmonS,UCR SOM

Leigh

HutcHinS,

PRiMeCaRe


N orth American Medical Management, C a l i f o r n i a , I n c . ( N A M M ) d e v e l o p s a n d m a n a g e s h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r n e t w o r k s including PrimeCare -- the largest network of independently-contracted physicians in the Inland Empire. Here we talk with NAMM Cal i fornia President, Leigh Hutchins about her background, the local services provided by PrimeCare, and the firm’s commitment to the neighborhoods it serves.

What is PrimeCare?PrimeCare consists of 14 physician networks dedicated to providing personal ized care to their local communit ies . We have served the In land area s ince the mid-ninet ies . In addit ion to San Bernardino and R ivers ide Counties , we also serve parts of San Diego.

Quality, Compassionate, Neighborhood CareThe PrimeCare Model:

IntervIew wIth Leigh hutchins, President,

north AmericAn medicAL mAnAgement

M o s t o f o u r d o c t o r s l i v e a n d w o r k i n t h e communit ies where they practice and are a vital part of their neighborhoods. I t is not unusual for patients to see their Pr imeCare physician at the grocery store, the local school , or at community events . Our emphasis is qual i ty, compassionate, neighborhood care.

Name: Leigh Hutchins ,President , NAMM Cal i fornia


V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 2

Pr imeCare of Moreno Val ley is one of the 14 networks. This network has nearly 20 primary c a r e p h y s i c i a n s i n private practice in the area and an extensive network of special ists nearby. People who l i v e a n d / o r w o r k i n M o r e n o V a l l e y w i l l

f ind a PrimeCare physician near their home or job. In addit ion, there are several urgent care centers in or near Moreno Val ley with extended evening and weekend hours . (see Sidebar)

There i s a need to recrui t more doctors for the R ivers ide and Moreno Val ley areas because the p h y s i c i a n s u p p l y i s i n a d e q u a t e t o s e r v e t h e population.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are becoming an increasing part of the healthcare landscape. What is PrimeCare’s involvement? (See s idebar – What is an ACO?) Pr imeCare was named as one of the f i r s t 32 Pioneer ACOs by CMS (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) in late 2011. This means we are at the foref ront of implement ing the A C O f o c u s o n p a t i e n t - c e n t e r e d c a r e a n d prevent ion . When we look at d iseases such as d iabetes and hyper tens ion we know we can improve outcomes by l i festy le changes . We are committed to providing resources and education for our patients to lower the disease rates in our Inland communit ies . In addit ion, we are not just a network for t reatment ; we part icipate in health related events including the American Heart Associat ions ‘Go Red for W o m e n ’ c a m p a i g n . A m o n g o t h e r s , w e a l s o support Breast Cancer, Juveni le Diabetes, and Alzheimer research, treatment and prevention activit ies at the local level .

• Le igh Hutch ins adv ises peop le to f ind fun ways to keep f i t . She i s an av id Soccer p layer who has part ic ipated in several local leagues.

• a c c o r d i n g t o t h e C a l i f o r n i a Depar tment o f Publ ic Heal th - - among Cal i fornia’s 58 Count ies, the in land Count ies of riverside a n d S a n B e r n a r d i n o r a n k i n the bo t tom th i rd (and in some cases the bot tom 10) in death

ra tes f rom mos t cancers , d iabetes, and heart-related condi t ions.


What is an Accountable Care Organization?

Accountable Care Organizat ions , or ACOs, represent a new model for the del ivery and management of health care . Whi le st i l l being defined at national and local levels , the tr iple aim of ACOs are better care for pat ients , better populat ion health and lower costs . ACOs focus on patient-centered treatment with an emphasis on prevention and maintaining wel lness , rather than just t reat ing disease . ACOs hope to manage spiral ing health care costs , improve qual i ty, del iver personal ized care , and improve pat ient outcomes.


»The Pr imeCare Network includes over 425 Pr imary Care Physic ians and over 2,000 Special ists in neighborhoods throughout the in land area. Pr imeCare Physic ian Networks include: PrimeCare Medical Group of Chino Valley, Inc. PrimeCare of Citrus Valley, Inc. PrimeCare of Corona, Inc. PrimeCare of Hemet Valley, Inc. PrimeCare of Inland Valley, Inc. PrimeCare of Moreno Valley, Inc. PrimeCare of Redlands, Inc. PrimeCare of Riverside, Inc. PrimeCare of San Bernardino, Inc. PrimeCare of Sun City, Inc. PrimeCare of Temecula, Inc. Coachella Valley Physicians Redlands Family Practice Medical Group, Inc. (a PrimeCare affiliate) Valley Physicians Network Prime Community Care of Central Valley

For more information on PrimeCare community events, MediCare resources, or to locate a PrimeCare physician near you call (800) 956-8000. or visit www.PrimeCare.com. PrimeCare of moreno Valley – pcmorenovalley.com

Affiliated Hospitals • Parkview Community Hospital • Riverside Community Hospital • San Gorgonio memorial Hospital

Affiliated Urgent Cares • Apex Urgent Care, Inc. • Moreno Valley Urgent Care • Parkview Outpatient Urgent Care • Perris Valley Medical Group

»vL i feToday Po l l

( go to the website vLifetoday.com

t o s u b m i t y o u r a n s w e r )

Besides insurance compatibility,

what do you look for when

considering a Physician?

( c h e c k a l l t h a t a p p l y )

□ Prox imi ty to Home

□ Prox imi ty to Work

□ Gender

□ Number o f Years

Exper ience

□ Recommendat ion f rom

Someone You Know

□ Hosp i ta l Phys ic ian

i s Assoc ia ted Wi th

You are one of several top-level female healthcare executives in the Inland area. What is your background and what do you think accounts for the growing number of women reaching senior management positions in the industry?

I have a Bachelor ’s degree in pharmacology from UC Santa Barbara , and a MBA f rom UCLA. I have been with NAMM for 19 years . I think there are many senior level women in healthcare because the industry has been more accepting of women in leadership roles . Women are not only present in greater numbers on the Cl inical Care and Nursing side of health care, but also there are many female managers on the administrative side. Currently, half of my senior management team consists of women. Not because they are female, but because they are highly qual i f ied.


Welcome to a new addition to Valley Life Today magazine. We call this new column “Ask the Expert”. This will be a question and answer type forum; whereby you the reader, can ask any question and we will seek an “expert” in the area/field of your question to provide an answer. There will be different contributing writers for the column. Submit your questions to [email protected].

The theme for this month’s publication is healthcare; therefore keeping in line with that theme this initial article is concerning Prostate Cancer. The “expert” on Prostate Cancer is Rick L. Shepard, M.D. a leading urologist in the Riverside/Corona area.

Dr. Shepard is a board certified diplomate with the American Board of Urology, and is a leading expert in the field of urology and men’s health. He has spoken to various physician and patient groups on the diagnosis and treatment of Prostate Cancer. Dr. Shepard is the Medical Director with PrimeCare of Corona and has been the Chairman of the Department of Surgery with Corona Regional Medical Center and Inland Valley Medical Center.

• accord ing to the amer ican Cancer Society, most men d iagnosed wi th p ros ta te cance r do no t d ie f rom i t . more than 2 .5 m i l l i on men in the Un i ted Sta tes who have been diagnosed wi th prostate cancer at some point are st i l l a l ive today.

• i t is est imated that 1 man in 6 wi l l be diagnosed wi th prostate cancer dur ing his l i fet ime.

• P r o s t a t e c a n c e r a f f e c t s afr ican-americans at a higher r a t e t h a n a n y o t h e r e t h n i c group in the Uni ted States.

Prostate Cancer is the #1 cancer in men with nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed yearly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the second leading cause of death in men with a 24.3% rate, the first being heart disease with a 25.7% rate.

Dr. Shepard states there may be no symptoms of Prostate Cancer that would indicate an immediate trip to the doctor. This is why regular screenings are highly recommended. A simple blood test called a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is all you need to be initially screened for the disease. It will create a baseline for your doctor in order to monitor you. If you have a PSA that comes back with elevated levels then further testing is required.

African-American males have an increased risk of Prostate Cancer; therefore testing should begin early, with the recommended age to begin annual screenings being age 40.

If you have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer or you know someone who does have Prostate Cancer, make sure you keep all of your medical appointments and know all your treatment options. If you don’t have a doctor or

Dr. Rick Shepard


Ask the Expert .Ask the Expert .

would like a second opinion, Dr. Shepard is top rated in his field. Check with your insurance carrier to see if Dr. Shepard is listed as a specialist, if he is call and make an appointment. Additionally, there is a Prostate Cancer support group that meets monthly in Riverside, for more information check out their website: http://www.rivfound.org.

In conclusion gentlemen, it is up to you to be your own health advocate — get regular checkups. Being your own health advocate means leading a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke – quit. Get regular exercise and watch what you eat, watch your sun exposure (use SPF), and if you drink alcohol keep it moderate. There is nothing you can do if you are genetically predisposed to cancer, but you do have the power within you to avoid the other risk factors. And remember, at all times; be open and honest with your doctor. You might think that some information is trivial and doesn’t need to be shared with your doctor, but that one thing could save your life, so be open and honest. Your doctor has most likely heard and seen worse, there is no need to be embarrassed, after all it is your life. Take good care of it!

Submitted by Wendy E. Smith, Freelance writer

The c h i e f c o n d i t i o n o n wh i c h , l i f e , h e a l t h a n d v i g o r d e pend o n , i s a c t i o n . I t i s b y a c t i o n t h a t a n o r g a n-

i sm de v e l o p s i t s f a c u l t i e s , i n c r e a s e s i t s e n e r gy , a n d a t t a i n s t h e f u l f i l l m en t o f i t s d e s t i n y .

-Co l i n P owe l l

• Riverside County faces a critical shortage of primary care physicians. The Inland Empire has 37 doctors per 100K patients; the optimum numbers are 80 doctors per 100K patients.

• Nearly 30 percent of physicians in California are over 60 years old and will be retiring in large numbers within the next decade..

• While Latinos represent over 40 percent of Californians, only 5 percent of the state’sphysicians are Latinos.

Dr. Emma SimmonS,ucR


Dr. Emma Simmons credits “helpers along the way” for shepherding her on a path that began in rural Mississippi and led to her current position as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Medicine.

From a professor at tiny Tougaloo College in Mississippi who insisted she apply to the Brown University Medical Program -- to Dr. G. Richard Olds, one of her early mentors at Brown who is now the Dean of the UCR School of Medicine – she stresses it was her mentors who contributed greatly to her success.

These days, Dr. Simmons herself is a mentor. She counsels medical school students and is charged with implementing the K-12 bridge programs aimed at bringing students into the medical profession.

Reflecting on her own trek to become a doctor, she says the journey was unexpected. “I knew I wanted to go into the health care profession, but I had no real intention of going to medical school. It was one of my instructors in college who encouraged me to go this route.”

A Humble Beginning

Dr. Simmons, who has seven siblings, hails from Laurel, Mississippi, a small town in the rural southeast part of the state. In recalling her background, she describes a warm, nourishing environment, albeit limited by a lack of resources.

“My parents pushed us to do well,” she says, “But they didn’t know what was available or how to help us with school. My dad only had a fifth grade education and mom wanted to be a nurse, but options were limited for black women in her time.”

Initially, the schools she attended were segregated. By the time she went to integrated schools, she felt less confident. This is where mentors came in, she says. “My teachers (some she least expected) said ‘you can do it’ and stressed the need to ‘succeed to compete.’ I realized that some of my peers were holding me back and I had to choose a different path.”

“Some mentors, such as teachers and instructors, are just for a season,” she continues, explaining how supporters outside the family can play a vital role in a child’s development. “Children know their parents want them to be successful, but sometimes getting positive reinforcement from someone else is the key. It reinforces what the parents tell them and they listen.”

Simmons’s graduated as her high school valedictorian, and from there went to a HBCU (Historically Black College & University) -- Tougaloo College, a small Christian college in her home state. She credits the supportive nature of the college with increasing her confidence and desire to succeed. U

CR

SC

HO

OL

OF

MED

ICIN

E


Even though, Tougaloo is a liberal arts institution, Simmons knew her interests were in science-related courses. Preparing for a career in nursing, she was instead encouraged to apply to a physician training program at Brown University in Rhode Island. In her sophomore year she was accepted into Brown’s medical school program. After graduation in 1991, she completed her residency in Family Medicine at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. She later completed an MPH from Brown University in 2004.

Her experience at Brown changed her life in fundamental ways. She credits Dr Olds as being instrumental to her success during her first year. However, apart from her medical studies – she also met her future spouse at Brown. She married fellow med student Scott Allen and after becoming physicians, the couple practiced in the Mississippi Delta for a while before returning to Providence, Rhode Island where Dr. Simmons later joined the research faculty of the Brown University Center for Primary Care & Prevention.

It was her former mentor Dr. Olds who recruited her to join the founding staff of the UCR School of Medicine. He says, “I always knew if I had the opportunity to staff a medical school I would want people like Emma Simmons – someone excited about what she does who also understands the importance of mentoring others. She embodies the mission of this school because she lives it! The same with her spouse Scott, who was also a student of mine, I am thrilled they accepted my offer and moved to our area!”

Dr. Simmons, her husband and two children (Miles 18, and Kari 11) moved to the area last year after she accepted the Associate Dean position with UCR. They first lived in an apartment in Riverside near the Moreno Valley city limit. Her husband, who is also an Associate Professor at the UCR SOM, accepted a clinical position with the nearby Riverside County Medical Center. She says she fell in love with the city and its surrounding communities and enjoys the many ethnic restaurants, adding, “The warmth and friendliness of the people in Moreno Valley remind me of my southern roots.”

“This Community Needs This School”

Simmons considers herself blessed to be at the forefront of the UCR Medical School, which is awaiting accreditation this year. The school has galvanized community leaders who are leading the effort to make the school fully funded and operational. Once the school receives accreditation it can admit its first four-year class. Currently, medical students spend their first two years at UCR for classroom training, and their second two years with physicians at UCLA. A full, four-year program will allow student doctors to serve in the Inland area where the need is critical.

For this reason, Dean Olds has made it clear that he will not wait for funding from the state or ‘perfect conditions’ saying it is imperative for the Inland community to have this School of Medicine. He is

»vLi feToday Pol l (go to the webs i te

vL i fetoday.com to submi t your answer )What do you think are the most important reasons to have the UCR

School of Medicine? (check a l l tha t app ly )□ To at t ract h igh qual i ty physic ians

and researchers to the area.

□ To diversi fy the physic ian workforce and train doctors who are cul tural ly competent.

□ To replace the large number of

doctors who wi l l be ret i r ing in

the years ahead. □ To encourage doctors to start a

pract ice in the area. □ To encourage doctors to l ive in

the area and get involved in the community. □ To grow the heal th technology

industry. □ To help end the current doctor

shortage in the i .e.


looking at innovative, out-of-the box training for his medical students, including sending them out into the field with established physicians for hands-on training.

Both Dr. Simmons and Dean Olds understand the need for more diversity in medicine, especially in an area with a high Latino population. One of the goals of the UCR medical school is to reflect the diversity of the campus and the surrounding area. Approximately half of incoming students will come from UCR. “We have a diverse pool of undergraduate students right here at UCR,” says Dr. Simmons quoting statistics on the dire need for more Latino and African-American physicians. However, she says recruitment should begin prior to high school to encourage students to prepare for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculums which lead to careers like medicine. She describes several programs – called Pathways -- the School of Medicine has developed to support recruitment. (See sidebar)

The mission of the UCR School of Medicine is to improve the health of the Inland population which suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition, the area has an extreme shortage of primary care doctors.

With so many new doctors going into highly-paid specialist fields, there is a critical need for primary care physicians. Studies show minority doctors tend to go into primary care at a greater rate. Dr. Simmons believes this is because they feel more of a responsibility to serve their communities. And, she adds that the majority of doctors start their practice in the area where they are trained. This bodes well for the area in economic terms, with the school turning out a cadre of physicians in the decades ahead.

Enthusiastic and engaging, Dr. Simmons takes her role as advisor seriously. She hopes to mentor many students in the years to come. Her own journey underscores the importance of having someone to turn to. “In some cases, students are without someone to say ‘you can do it.’ A mentor pushes you to make you fly. None of us makes it in isolation; someone encouraged us and gave us resilience; teaching us how to get up from a fall. I tell students ‘It’s okay to ask for help. It can be life-altering.’”

Dr. Simmons sees the future physicians trained at the UCR School of Medicine as being on the leading edge of disease prevention and community wellness,

stressing, “This community needs this school -- it will save lives!”

UCR School of Medicine UCR School of Medicine Pathway Programs are designed to recruit future students and support existing ones. The goal is to increase the pipeline of students considering health careers all the way to the elementary school level. Several programs already exist in secondary schools in the area. Other programs include: • The FastStart program: helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds make a strong start in their college studies and acclimate to college life. • The Medical Scholars program: is a community of highly motivated students interested in careers in the health sciences.• The Health Professions Advising Center: supports the aspirations of pre-med and pre-health undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and other allied health professions.• The Future Physician Leaders program: provides mentorship for pre-medical students who are interested in serving the community as physician leaders in the Coachella Valley and Riverside-San Bernardino regions.

For more information on the UCR School of Medicine, visit the website: medschool.UCR.edu


L o c a l w r i t e r W e n d y W i l l i a m s - C l a r k d e s c r i b e s h e r s t e p - d a u g h t e r ’ s q u e s t t o b e c o m e a p h y s i c i a n :

“ W e a l l k n o w t h a t l i f e i s a s e r i e s o f e v e n t s t h a t j o i n t o g e t h e r t o s h a p e o u r d e s t i n y . T h e s e e v e n t s c a n h a v e a l a s t i n g i m p a c t o n t h e w a y w e s e e o u r f u t u r e a n d t h e c a r e e r s w e c h o o s e . A t a g e 1 0 , M o r e n o Va l l e y r e s i d e n t P o r c h e C l a r k s t a r t e d h e r d a y a l m o s t l i k e a n y o t h e r f o u r t h g r a d e r ; i s y o u r h o m e w o r k d o n e ? C h e c k . A r e y o u r c h o r e s d o n e ? C h e c k . D o n ’ t f o r g e t a b o u t y o u r b r o t h e r ? C h e c k .

T h e p a t h w h i c h l e d m y s t e p - d a u g h t e r t o d r e a m o f e n t e r i n g t h e m e d i c a l w o r l d w a s o n e e v e n t , a brother being born with Down’s Syndrome. Down’s S y n d r o m e i s a c h r o m o s o m a l c o n d i t i o n t h a t i s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a d e l a y i n c o g n i t i v e a b i l i t y a n d phys ica l growth, as wel l as a part icular set of fac ia l character i s t i cs . Th i s event , however confus ing to a s i b l i n g , g a v e t h i s y o u n g w o m a n t h e d r i v e s h e needed to pursue a career to one day “ f ix h is bra in a n d l e a r n t o t a k e c a r e o f p e o p l e w h o c a n ’ t t a k e c a r e o f t h e m s e l v e s . ”

S h e r e m e m b e r s , l o o k i n g a t h i m , a n d w a n t i n g t o k n o w w h y s h e c o u l d n ’ t d o a n y t h i n g t o h e l p h i m . A n d t h e n i t c a m e t o h e r , “ I c a n b e a d o c t o r . ” A t a y o u n g a g e s h e d e c i d e d , “ I w a s p u t o n t h i s e a r t h f o r a r e a s o n , t o h e l p p e o p l e , a n d s o t h a t i s w h a t I a m g o i n g t o d o .”

N o t e n t i r e l y s u r e w h e r e t o s t a r t , s h e u n d e r s t o o d t h e n e e d t o g e t g o o d g r a d e s t h r o u g h o u t e l e m e n t a r y a n d j u n i o r h i g h s c h o o l . B u t i t was a t V i s ta De l Lago High S c h o o l i n M o r e n o V a l l e y t h a t h e r j o u r n e y t o o k i t s f i rs t rea l s teps . “ There were n o t a l o t o f p l a c e s t o g o t o f i n d i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t becoming a physic ian, s o I w e n t t o t h e l i b r a r y , a n d r e l i e d o n t h e I n t e r n e t ” .

• The number of African-American students applying to medical school is increasing. Last year African-American applicants increased by 4.8 percent. However, there is sti l l a critical shortage of African-American doctors.

• Diversity among physicians is desired to overcome language and cultural barriers,

reduce healthcare disparities, and support patient centered care.

“I Can be a Doctor!” One Young Woman’s StoryB y W e n d y W i l l i a m s - C l a r k

Porche Clark:


Pho

to o

f Porch

e By:Josh

William

s

S h e b e g a n r e s e a r c h i n g c o l l e g e c o u r s e s a t R i v e r s i d e C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e ( R C C ) a n d t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a a t R i v e r s i d e ( U C R ) . A f t e r s h e g r a d u a t e d f r o m h i g h s c h o o l , s h e e n r o l l e d a t R C C . I t w a s i n h e r f r e s h m a n y e a r t h a t s h e f i r s t h e a r d a b o u t t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f a f o u r - y e a r m e d i c a l s c h o o l b e i n g o f f e r e d a t U C R .

T h e U C R / U C L A T h o m a s H a i d e r P r o g r a m i n B i o m e d i c a l S c i e n c e i s c u r r e n t l y R i v e r s i d e C o u n t y ’ s o n l y m e d i c a l p r o g r a m t h a t p r o v i d e s U C R s t u d e n t s a c c e s s t o 2 4 - s e a t s a n n u a l l y a t U C L A . S t u d e n t s c o m p l e t e t h e i r f i r s t t w o y e a r s a t U C R t h e n m o v e o n t o t a k e t h e i r r e m a i n i n g t w o y e a r s a t U C L A , r e c e i v i n g t h e i r M D d e g r e e f r o m U C L A . U C R i s i n t h e p r o c e s s o f b e c o m i n g a n i n d e p e n d e n t f o u r - y e a r m e d i c a l s c h o o l , w i t h a t a r g e t d a t e t o o p e n i n 2 0 1 3 .

G r a d u a t i n g f r o m R C C i n 2 0 0 8 , M s . C l a r k w a s a c c e p t e d t o U C R a s a p s y c h o l o g y m a j o r . S h e d i d n o t i m m e d i a t e l y e n r o l l i n t o t h e H a i d e r p r o g r a m , b e c a u s e s h e w a n t s t o c o m p l e t e h e r e d u c a t i o n a n d g r a d u a t e w i t h h e r M D f r o m U C R . “ T h e r e i s a c e r t a i n e s t e e m a t t a c h e d t o g r o w i n g up, complet ing your educat ion near home, a n d w o r k i n g i n t h e s a m e c o m m u n i t y . I t ’ s l i k e g i v i n g b a c k ! ”

Ms . C la rk graduated f rom UCR wi th a Bache lors o f Arts degree in Psychology in 2011 and i s current ly ta k in g p r e- me d co ur se s a t U CR . S he i s sc he du le d t o t a k e t h e p r a c t i c e M e d i c a l C o l l e g e A d m i s s i o n s Te s t o r M C AT S i n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 a n d h o p e s t o e n t e r t h e U C M e d i c a l P r o g r a m i n 2 0 1 3 t o b e c o m e p a r t o f i t s f i r s t g r a d u a t i n g c l a s s .

C u r r e n t l y , s h e w o r k s a t K a i s e r P e r m a n e n t e i n R i v e r s i d e , a n d u n d e r t h e t u t e l a g e o f t h e d o c t o r s and medica l s ta f f there , she cont inues her goa l o f provid ing serv ices to pat ients in R ivers ide County. She a lso has dedicated her t ime to volunteer work in the community, inc luding Habitat for Humanity and the Path o f L i fe mobi le hea l thcare veh ic le . In addi t ion , she wa lks in the Re lay fo r L i fe fo r B reast C a n c e r a n d v o l u n t e e r s a t t h e S e n i o r L i v i n g h o m e a t A i r F o r c e V i l l a g e W e s t . Q u i t e a b u s y s c h e d u l e f o r t h i s y o u n g w o m a n !

I n 2 0 1 3 , M s . C l a r k ’ s v o l u n t e e r w o r k w i l l t a k e h e r t o E t h i o p i a , w h e r e s h e w i l l w o r k w i t h a p h y s i c i a n f r o m K a i s e r P e r m a n e n t e a t t h e L e a r n i n g V i l l a g e , “ a c o m m u n i t y d e v e l o p m e n t r e s o u r c e c e n t e r w h e r e c h i l d r e n a n d a d u l t s , w o m e n a n d m e n c a n d i s c o v e r a n d d e v e l o p t h e i r n a t u r a l t a l e n t s t o f r e e t h e m s e l v e s f r o m t h e b o n d a g e s o f p o v e r t y , d i s e a s e , a n d h a r m f u l c u l t u r a l t r a d i t i o n s ” .

P o r c h e C l a r k h a s a l r e a d y f u l f i l l e d h e r c h i l d h o o d m i s s i o n t o h e l p p e o p l e , a n d h e r u l t i m a t e d r e a m i n c h e s c l o s e r - - P o r c h e C l a r k , M . D .”


• In 2010, adults living below the poverty level were three times more likely to have serious psychological distress as compared to adults over twice the poverty level. In general; minorities have less access to, and less availability of mental health services. (Office of Minority Health, HHS)

• CDC Research has suggested that less than one-half of people with serious mental illness receive treatment.

Jennifer VaugHn-Blakely

A PlAce where my Soul cAn find reSt

“H a v e p a t i e n c e w i t h a l l t h i n g s b u t f i r s t w i t h y o u r -

s e l f . Ne v e r c o n f u s e y o u r m i s t a k e s w i t h y o u r v a l u e

a s a h uman b e i n g . Y o u ’ r e a p e r f e c t l y v a l u a b l e , c r e-

a t i v e , w o r t hwh i l e p e r s o n s imp l y b e c a u s e y o u e x i s t .

And n o amoun t o f t r i umph s a n d t r i b u l a t i o n s c a n e v e r

c h a n ge t h a t . Un c o nd i t i o n a l s e l f - a c c e p t a n c e i s t h e

c o r e o f a p e a c e f u l m i n d ” . - S t . F r a n c e s d e S a l e s


wel lness as def ined by d ic t ionary.com: the qua l i ty or s tate o f be ing hea l thy in body and mind , e s p e c i a l l y a s t h e r e s u l t o f d e l i b e r a t e e f f o r t . M a k i n g t h e ‘d e l i b e r a t e e f f o r t ’ t o b e p h y s i c a l l y a n d menta l ly wel l can be chal lenging in t imes of economic upheaval that leave fami l ies and indiv iduals s t r e s s e d a n d f r u s t r a t e d . A d d t o t h a t t h e r a p i d t e c h n o l o g i c a l c h a n g e s t h a t h a v e u s c o n s t a n t l y w i r e d a n d ‘c o m m u n i c a t e d t o ’ a l l t h r o u g h o u t o u r d a y .

People don’t even enjoy events any more , or take down-t ime, because they are constant ly checking e - m a i l , p o s t s , o r t w e e t s . I s i t a n y w o n d e r t h a t m e n t a l l y s o m a n y a r e o n e d g e a n d s e e k i n g s o l a c e ? N e w s r e p o r t s r e m i n d u s d a i l y t h a t m e n t a l i l l n e s s c a n b e j u s t a s d e a d l y a s p h y s i c a l i l l n e s s – f o r b o t h t h e p e r s o n w h o i s s u f f e r i n g , a n d t h e i r c o m m u n i t y .

Inland cit ies are not exempt from the ravages of mental i l lness, including depression, violence, and suicide. Mental i l lness, l ike physical i l lness, has no boundaries of age, race, creed, income, or gender. There is however a stigma to mental i l lness that prevents people from seeking treatment.

“If you have a physical ai lment that is keeping you from functioning you go to a doctor; it should be the same if your i l lness is mental ,” says Jose Montenegro, Western Region Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for Riverside County’s Department of Mental Health. “My job is to help reduce the stigma and disparities in our community when it comes to seeking help.”

Traditionally, the Latino and African-American communities have been hesitant to identify the need for mental health treatment, thinking it is a disease not prevalent within their ethnic group and that their issues can be solved on their own. Montenegro says, “ ‘ I ’m not crazy! ’ or ‘ I don’t want to talk to a

the QueSt for wellneSSBy: wendy williAmS-clArk And

linnie frAnk BAiley

V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 2 23V L i f e T o d a y . c o m | D i s c o v e r t h e G r e a t n e s s | J u l y 2 0 1 2

counselor about my issues,’ is something he hears frequently from members of the brown

and black communities. “What they don’t realize is that 80% of people who receive mental health services return to a sense of normalcy and are able to continue their l ives.”

Another community member working to bring mental health services to our area is Jennifer Vaughn-Blakely, a community consultant for the Rivers ide County Mental Health Department. She says her goal is to, “build a community based center to provide services to address the needs of ‘un-served, underserved and inappropriately-served’ individuals in the community.” T h e s e n e e d s i n c l u d e m a k i n g m e n t a l w e l l n e s s information more accessible and more user-friendly, and engaging organizat ions that local people can

relate to -- such as churches and community centers. One such organization in western Riverside County is the African-American Family Wellness Group, made up of residents and local community and faith-based organizat ions. Their goal is to ensure that mental health services , awareness , and educat ion, ref lect the culture of African-Americans in Riverside County. This group, st i l l in i ts infancy, was formed in 2011 and is focused on providing needed services to their community.

According to Vaughn-Blakely, “Not everyone responds to the same type of services. Cultural differences affect the ideas, knowledge, beliefs and values of individuals. There is a real need to have prov iders in the community that understand these differences and are able to provide services that are culturally relevant.”

The African-American Family Wellness group meets monthly and is looking for members who can help in def ining the needs of the community. Vaughn-Blake ly says they are concerned with recent reports from Moreno Valley and elsewhere in Riverside County which indicate suicide rates for youths have increased.

“We are looking to the community to help us address the mental health issues and needs of African-Americans. Particularly in the areas of prevention and early intervention. Membership is open to all concerned citizens!”

»vLi feToday Pol l (go to the webs i te

vL i fetoday.com to submi t your answer )Within the past 90 days, have

you or a close family member

experienced the following that

left you unable to function well in your daily life? (check a l l tha t app ly )□ Anxiety

□ Depression □ Extreme Stress □ Thoughts of Suic ide □ Domest ic Violence □ Bi-polar Disorder


More information can be found by contacting

the African-American family wellness Group T h e S u n d a n c e C o m p a n y 5 1 9 8 A r l i n g t o n A v e . # 3 1 6 R i v e r s i d e , C A 9 2 5 0 4 9 5 1 - 7 8 0 - 7 7 3 0 E - m a i l : S n D n c C o 1 @ a o l . c o m

L i k e w i s e , M o n t e n e g r o r e p o r t s t h e r e a r e f r e e m e n t a l h e a l t h w e l l n e s s w o r k s h o p s h e l d i n R i v e r s i d e t h a t a r e p r e s e n t e d i n S p a n i s h . T h e s e s s i o n s a r e h e l d i n t h e C o m m u n i t y R o o m o f t h e C a s a B l a n c a L i b r a r y – 2 9 8 5 M a d i s o n S t r e e t , R i v e r s i d e , C A 9 2 5 0 4 . U p c o m i n g s e s s i o n s i n c l u d e :• A u g u s t 3 0 – W h a t i s A n x i e t y ?• S e p t e m b e r 2 7 – W h a t i s N e g a t i v e P e e r P r e s s u r e & B u l l y i n g ?• N o v e m b e r 1 – N u t r i t i o n a n d P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y / E x e r c i s e .• N o v e m b e r 2 9 , L o v e & A f f e c t i o n – K e y s t o C h i l d D i s c i p l i n e .F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h i s p r o g r a m c o n t a c t

R i v e r s i d e C o u n t y C u l t u r a l C o m p e t e n c y P r o g r a m ( 9 5 1 - 9 5 5 - 7 1 7 2 ) .

Both Montenegro and Vaughn-Blakely insist that it is imperative to get help when illness strikes. Montenegro offers this additional advice for ALL of us dealing with the stress of everyday life: “Everyday do at least one thing for YOU – something that you enjoy! Even if only for a half-hour, every single day you should do this and on the weekend take even more time. Maybe it’s reading, walking, cooking --whatever positive activity that makes you feel good…do it!”

What can you do if you find yourself faced with a mental health crisis? Find treatment (many insurance plans include mental health treatment and there are free services available), find a support group, or visit your local church, spiritual counselor or Community Center. Help is available, resources include:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - - suicidepreventionlifel ine.org• To f ind Mental Health serv ices in R ivers ide County contact the Community Access and Referra l , Evaluat ion, and Support L ine (CARES) at 1-800-706-7500• HELPl ine - 24 Hour Cr is is/Suic ide Intervent ion - - Free , conf ident ia l Cr is is/Suic ide Intervent ion serv ice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (951) 686-HELP (951-686-4357)• Veterans Cris is Line -- The Veterans Cris is Line is a Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA) resource that connects Veterans in cris is or their famil ies and fr iends with qualif ied, caring VA professionals . Conf ident ia l support i s avai lable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 1-800-273-8255 -- Press 1

If you or someone you know is experiencing a psychiatric emergency call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the nearest

emergency room.


For advert is ing information:

e-mail : info@vl i fetoday.com or cal l : 951-215-6262


Call – 951-215-6262e-mail – info@vl i fetoday.com

www.vLifeToday.com

Display your business, organization, events or campaigns.* ‡

* A d s m u s t b e a p p ro v e d b y p u b l i s h e r, F. A . C. E . ‡ Va l l e y L i f e To d a y a n d F. A . C. E . d o n o t e n d o r s e p o l i t i c a l c a n d i d a te s b u t e n c o u ra g e s e v e r y o n e to vo te.

one of the most captivating magazine / journals in the Area!

Advertise in

Moreno Valley native Renee Zaragoza refused to use her five young children as an excuse for not exercising. Nevertheless, she is the first to admit it took desperation to get her moving. She recalls 13 years ago following the birth of her second child when her weight ballooned to 200 pounds, “I knew I had to do something to get in shape but I didn’t know how I could do it since childcare and homemaking took up so much of my time. Then I noticed that my neighbor would run while pushing her baby in the stroller. I decided to try it.”

She was off! Renee began running with her two children in a stroller. She soon discovered she was pregnant with twins and slowed down a bit, but got back to it after they were born. By the time

she was expecting her fifth child she was able to continue running throughout the pregnancy.

Renee kept going and was quite a sight as she ran with five kids in tow. She put the twins in a double stroller, had one child stand in back of them, and strapped the baby to her. The oldest child ran alongside her. She says she was determined to keep fit and eventually started running marathons. She even runs up the path leading up to the infamous ‘M Trail’ in Moreno Valley (the top of the hill where the ‘M’ is located).

renee ZaragoZa, Cover Model

»vLi feToday Pol l (go to the webs i te vL i fetoday.com

to submi t your answer )How Often Do You Exercise? □ Several Times a Week

□ Once a Week □ Once a Month □ Rarely

□ Never

No ExcusEs…EvEryoNE

caN ExErcisE!No ExcusEs…EvEryoNE




caN ExErcisE!


• What is CrossFit? CrossFit is an elite fitness brand consisting of intense strength and conditioning training. It is used by many law enforcement, fire department, and military operations. For more information visit www.CrossFit.com

• Experts say that as little as two hours total a week of exercise will lead to good health.

“Lack of activ ity destroys the good condit ion

of every human being, whi le movement and

methodical physical exercise save it and

preserve it.” Plato

Today, not only is she in great shape, but she is a trainer helping others to get fit and not give up on exercise. Renee works at Fitness 19 on Iris Street in Moreno Valley and leads the popular CrossFit intensive training program. The 35 year old mother of five still spends lots of time with her children, now aged 8 to 15, and along with her spouse, enjoys family hikes, camping, and sporting events.

She says that even with busy lifestyles, including work and family responsibilities, people should still find time for exercise, even if they only have a half-hour.

“There is no excuse,” says Renee. “You have to find what works best for you and get moving!”


&Do not be surprised to see Valley Life Today’s Design and Art Director, Hector Chavez, around town with his camera on weekend mornings. As our primary photographer (and graphics designer) Hector travels the city in search of images to use in the magazine. Recently he took a trip up to the ‘M’ which is visible to all in the area. Look for his panoramic images of the valley below in this and upcoming issues. Here Hector describes the ‘M’ Trail climb.

“I like to hike so I set out on a Saturday morning for the Box Spring Mountain Park – home of the trail that would take me to the ‘M.” I drove to the end of Pigeon Pass Road and parked in a

dirt lot. I found the trail and headed up. What I didn’t realize as I climbed higher is that there are several trails and if you’re not careful you will go in circles. (I admit I made a few

loops). On the way up I ran into a few people walking down. I guess they had started the hike in early a.m.

It took me about two hours to reach the ‘M’ but I was taking pictures along the way. It could be done in an hour

and a beginner hiker could tackle it. Just take normal hiking gear, a stick (although the only animals I saw were birds and lizards), and of course water. I had cell phone coverage the entire time. (This amazed me considering my normal cell coverage is not good! I won’t mention my carrier.) I think I was expecting the ‘M’ to be some kind of paint but it is large white cement measuring somewhere between 30 to 40 feet. Also, it is not a perfect ‘M.’ The dirt around the ‘M’ is loose so I didn’t

climb any further.

I took great panoramic shots from the top and would recommend the hike to others!”Hector Chavez

Hector ChavezHector Chavez the 'M' trailthe 'M' trail&


LA CUL

TURA DE HO

Y CULTURE)

(TODAY’S

C ebollas, ajos, tomates. These three ingredients bring back such nice memories and always a smile to my face when I cook. Oh, my

latin roots! Good homemade cooking is so nourishing to the soul. This combination we call adrezo, is the foundation to much of our peruvian

cuisine. At a time in which fast foods are abundant and our weight inbalance reflects the habits we have developed, it is nice to be

reminded that we have other choices.

I want to share with you this simple peruvian dish called Saltado de Pollo, it is very popular in my country and you serve it

next to rice (I have to thank my chinese ancestors for that influence). It will give you an idea of how we incorporate vegetables in our dishes and mix in the necessary starches which complement our daily diets. Keep in mind

though, that while it is good for you, size portions matter. Enjoy.

Ingredients: • Two white potatoes, peeled and cut as french fries • Olive oil as needed • A couple of chicken breasts neatly sliced • One large red onion, sliced • Two large tomatoes, sliced • 1/8 cup red vinegar • Garlic, soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. Place the potatoes in the oven until cooked (unless you insist on frying them!) 2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. 3. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Fry the chicken until it is cooked. 4. Remove the meat from the pan and with more olive oil, sautee the garlic and onions for a couple of minutes. 5. Stir the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes soften. Pour vinegar and soy sauce as needed. Add cooked potatoes and chicken. 6. Serve next to steamed rice.

Paola Wong-Ringer teaches Latino Culture and language to individuals, organizations, and businesses. She can be reached at www.thelatineducator.com,

“Alimentos Y Alimento“By Paola Wong-Ringer


“Let’s start with definitions...DEFINITION OF A VEGETARIAN: A person who mostly eats vegetables and refrains from eating meat, fish, or other animal products; Most vegetarians exclude meat but consume animal products such as butter, cheese, milk, and eggs. DEFINITION OF A VEGAN: A person who excludes all animal protein from his/her diet (including dairy).

I am now a vegan, however, I was not raised a vegetarian or a vegan. I was born in the West Indies, on the island of St. Vincent. My parents were farmers and raised livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, and

chickens. We harvested everything that we ate, and there was a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans, legumes, and root crops on our dinner table.

As I recall, our diet was plant-based even though we had animals. And when we did eat meat, I can assure you that the meat did not taste like the meats you buy from the supermarket today. My father cut and fed fresh grass (elephant grass) to the animals on a daily basis and would sometimes let them graze in the green pastures. There were no hormones

given to the livestock.

Everything that we cultivated was free from pesticides, and our produce tasted great. How I wish I could enjoy some of those tasty foods again. Our foods were fresh, and now I would say they were ‘organic,’ nothing added. As I can recall, none of us had any health problems, except for the common cold, now and again; obesity was not an issue for any of us.

Over the years, I have seen the effects of an unhealthy diet on my family. For quite some time, I thought that we were eating healthy, but in reality, we were not. It manifested itself when my children began to suffer from

ailments including asthma and digestive problems. After many allergy tests were done, we concluded that some of the foods they were eating contributed to their ailments, and when those foods were eliminated from their diets they got better; however, I must admit that those changes did not occur overnight.

Eventually, I gravitated toward a more plant-based diet and herbal remedies for mild illnesses like colds and indigestion. We have been much healthier because of the changes to out diet. I believe that if there are no underlying factors that prevent nutrients from being properly absorbed into the body, then, chances are, if you change your diet to plant-based, you might live a longer and healthier life. It will also help you to lose weight.

Much of our diets today are based on eating meat at every meal. It may not be easy to change overnight, but at least try to eliminate meat one day a week. Some families have Meatless Mondays. Even if you do

serve meat, don’t forget to add plenty vegetables; it can’t hurt and just might make you a little healthier!

(Note – Valley Life Today does not advocate the use of any herbal remedy or special diet. Check with your doctor or a nutritionist for guidelines.)

“Could You be a Vegan or Vegetarian?B y : C l a u d e t t e J a c k


All Book Descriptions are from Amazon.com

Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine by Bryant Terry. (2009; Da Capo Press; Available as e-book)Book Description: Bryant Terry offers recipes that leave out heavy salt and refined sugar, “bad” fats, and unhealthy cooking techniques, and leave in the down-home flavor. Reinterpreting popular dishes from African and Caribbean countries as well as his favorite childhood dishes, Terry reinvents African-American and Southern cuisine—capitalizing on the complex flavors of the tradition, without the animal products. Includes recipes for: Double Mustard Greens & Roasted Yam Soup; Cajun-Creole-Spiced Tempeh Pieces with Creamy Grits; Caramelized Grapefruit, Avocado, and Watercress Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette; and Sweet Cornmeal-Coconut Butter Drop Biscuits.

The Urban Vegan: 250 Simple, Sumptuous Recipes from Street Cart Favorites to Haute by Dynise Balcavage (2009; Three Forks; Available as e-book)Book Description: Recipes are organized by themes including cafe culture, breakfast at the diner, lunch cart, urban garden, haute cuisine, “just desserts,” and happy hour. At-a-glance icons signify which recipes are low-fat, fast, omnivore-friendly, kid-friendly, and frugal. Also included are essential tips covering vegan cuisine, an overview of the vegan pantry, and numerous menu ideas that will please even the staunchest omnivores. Includes recipes for: Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake, Chocoholic Waffles, Rapini Panini, Hot & Sour Coconut Soup, Savory French Terrine and Hedonist’s Stuffed Mushrooms.

Quick-Fix Vegan: Healthy, Homestyle Meals in 30 Minutes or Less by Robin Robertson (2011; Andrews McMeel Publishing; Available as e-book)Book Description: Quick-Fix Vegan draws upon a myriad of ethnic influences including French, Mexican, Moroccan,

Vegan C ookbooks :

Mediterranean, Greek, Cajun, East Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern, and features recipes such as Spicy Black Bean Hummus with Orange, Korean Hotpot, Rotini with Creamy Avocado-Herb Sauce, Moroccan-Spiced Pumpkin Soup, BBQ Pinto-Portobello Sandwiches, Burmese Ginger Salad, Autumn Harvest Gratin, and Catalan-Style Creme Brulee.

How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman (2007; Wiley; Available as e-book)How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian includes more

than 2,000 recipes and variations-far more than any other vegetarian cookbook. The book covers the whole

spectrum of meatless cooking-including salads, soups, eggs and dairy, vegetables and fruit, pasta, grains, legumes, tofu and other meat substitutes, breads, condiments, desserts, and beverages.

Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison (2007; Clarkson Potter; Available

as e-book)Book Description: At the heart of the book is the A-to-Z vegetable chapter, which describes the unique personalities of readily available vegetables, the sauces and seasonings that best complement them,

and the simplest ways to prepare them. “Becoming a Cook” teaches cooking basics, from holding a knife to

planning a menu, and “Foundations of Flavor” discusses how to use sauces, herbs, spices, oils, and vinegars to add flavor and character to meatless dishes. In each chapter, the recipes range from those suitable for

everyday dining to dishes for special occasions.

List of Vegetar ian B ooks


Where the peaceful waters flow,

It is there I will dip my toes;

Where the grass is green and mowed,

It is there I will plant my feet;

Where the sky is blue and clear,

It is there I will spread my wings;

Where the ground is smooth and solid,

It is there I will walk;

Where the trail is long and winding,

It is there I will run;

Where the hill is steep and rugged,

It is there I will climb;

Where the valley is lush and fertile,

It is there I will grow;

Where the night is dark and starry,

It is there I will rest;

Where the peaceful waters flow,

It is there I will look for the narrow

gate, and enter.

LB


valley life today magazine -- issue 3

Documents

e i s t h e

t h e o n

t t e r w

doctor t h e r e

d i n g i n t h e s

t h s u p t h e

o u n t

i n g e v e r y o n