Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 September 2000 — Page 28

>/

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2000 ■ PAGE C8

From the Desk of Jodo Parenting Tips

A summerfilled with new role models for Black children By MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN Special to the NNPA WASHINGTON — This has been a summer with much good news about young Black athletes who are champions in their fields. How many of us cheered loudly as Venus Williams won the singles tournament at Wimbledon in June, and celebrated all over again when she teamed with her sister Serena to win the Wimbledon doubles championship two days later? How many of us watched proudly as Tiger Woods won July’s British Open by a record-setting margin, becoming the youngest of just five golfers who have won all four of the sport’s major tournaments? It is wonderful to have examples like these to celebrate, partly because all three young stars have been singled out for their hard work and the time and dedication they have put into their accomplishments. As Venus Williams said after her win, “I worked hard all my life. I had a lot of sacrifices, I had a lot of injuries, and I had a lot of tough losses too. But I didn’t let that get to me. I kept working hard and I kept believing.” Young people should know that they, too, should be prepared to work hard and not give up as they follow their dreams — and that if they do this, great things are possible. The Williams sisters and Tiger Woods are also especially exciting because they are excelling in sports which aren’t always associated with Black champions. Children of all colors who want to be the next Venus or Serena or Tiger are now flooding tennis and golf clinics, and Black children who might otherwise never have tried these sports are dreaming of being champions themselves after watching these powerful role models. These talented and dedicated young athletes are simply providing more proof our children can succeed at anything they choose if given a fair chance. Consider another wonderful example: fencing, yet another sport where a new generation of Black athletes are scoring major victories. Peter Westbrook was a bronzemedal winner in fencing at the 1984 Olympics. As a child growing up in aNewark public housing project, he used fencing as a valuable escape, but most of the other young people in his neighborhood never had the opportunity to leam the sport that he did. After becoming an Olympic medallist, Westbrook decided to begin a program to teach fencing to young people from inner-city New York. He created the Peter Westbrook Foundation in 1991. This year three youths from the foundation — Keeth Smart, 21, and his sister Erinn, 20, of Brooklyn, and Akhnaten Spencer-El, 21, of Harlem — will be representing the U.S. at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. These three fencers were among hundreds of young people who have gone through the programs at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, Sm JADA, Page C7

New age treatment promises longevity*

By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER Staff Writer As technological advancements offer cosmetic surgery to prolong a youthful appearance, a new clinic promotes anti-aging treatment to reset Mother Nature’s clock. Dr. Arthur Sumrall, a local dermatologist, launched his Longevity Institute Indiana (LII) four months ago. The clinic, located at 9292 N. Meridian St., houses numerous machines which evaluate overall health conditions inside and out. For the past 25 years. Dr. Sumrall has mastered solutions for skin complications, and began studying alternative aging methods in 19%. He attended several conferences presented by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, which currently has more than 9,000 members consisting of scientists and physicians. These procedures strive towards increasing life expectancy rates and enhancing one ’ s life. “We can help people by assessing where they are in life with their health,” assures Dr. Sumrall. “Since human beings are living longer in this country, why not let them live longerwithabetterqualityoflife?” he added, noting the potential benefits of diagnostic testing and analysis. Most clients seeking anti-aging treatment arrage 34 and over, representing diverse professional.and ethnic backgrounds. After initial consultation, a 12-month comprehensive program is recommended. Through a series of tests, patients find out their internal age, body fluid levels and healthier lifestyle options. A person with high stress levels, for instance, may receive a brain function test and eventually a set of nutritional supplements along with a specific exercise regimen. By restoring appropriate hormone and fluid levels, Dr. Sumrall suggests that aging gracefully without painful health complications becomes a reality. Several new age equipment permits precise evaluations of blood, saliva and skin while delivering computerized results. The inhaled ionized oxygen unit allows clients to breathe charged oxygen, which improves cellular respiration and allows oxygen to work better in one’s system. A biophoton light, using laser energy, can be placed on areas such as the lips, kidney and face to increase the energy in cells.

, Th^. Alphat ^ botiy tpjnd b,991th environment capsule relaxes the body through deep tissue massagbs and aromattierapy, whfcjh also increase the body’s immune system. (Photos/Ken Skelton) 1 • ' ,j '"' ■ .: ;» . . \ " , ■ libilf '• * ■ , 4-V

Another technique involves a high-tech microscope that utilizes blood samples and a television screen to view cells. As each blood cel 1' s shape and size are thoroughly examined, health complications related to gallbladder problems, iron deficiency and weakened immune systems are revealed. Irregular shaped blood cells accompanied by fungus may signify high cholesterol and chemical toxins. “If you think of your body as soil, then nice healthy soil in your body, means you usually don't get sick. We look at the body to see how many things are growing in the blood, and how big they are,” said Josette Pierce, a consultant based out of Columbus, Ohio, where she sells equipment and trains doctors on new age treatment machines. Recently, Pierce participated in LH’s open house and tested several local residents' blood cells. In an attempt to relax clients

after rigorous, yet painless tests. Dr. Sumrall recommends the Alpha 33 body and mind health environment capsule. Patients lie down in this aromatherapy machine which lowers stress and increases the immune system. Every muscle tissue is massaged while soft music plays in the background, all leading up to an invigorating experience. “This country is not going to be able to sustain itself if everyone keeps getting older without having a (healthy) life,” said Dr. Sumrall, recognizing the need for anti-ag-ing methods to improve one’s quality of life. For more information about the Longevity Institute Indiana call (3l7}574-l677or www.longevityinst.com. The clinic is open Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

f

Me %

■'■SiU#

4®-

m f ' . jt mmi

Dr. Arthur Sumrall, a local dermatologist, takes blood, saliva ang,., body fluid samples to evaluate a person’s health utilizing , computerized technology. He promotes anti-aging medicine and,, treatment at his Longevity Institute Indiana, located at 9292 N. . Meridian St. >;y

Dr. George H. Rawls Scholarship funds awarded The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marlon County awarded .funds to the first two recipients of the Dr. George H. Rawls Scholarship. The fund provides tuition assistance for four-years of study at Indiana University School of Medicine. From the left: scholarship recipient Robert Patterson of Gary, Dr. George H. Rawls and scholarship recipient Scott Nelson of Indianapolis.

A heritage of courage

Special to The Recorder Andrew S. Bowman wants today’s African-American children to understand that their freedom was paid for in blood and courage by Black heroes like his grandfather, Andrew Jackson Smith. The memory ofSmith. who lived in Clinton, III., is due to be honored in October with the presentation of the Medal of Honor at the White House. A Civil War soldier in the all-Black 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Smith originally had been nominated for the medal in 1916 for wartime bravery, but the Army turned him down in a move now seen as blatantly racist. Visiting President Clinton recently for the presentation of a plaque in honor of his grandfather, Bowman said he hoped children would leam from, and be inspired by his grandfather’s experience. “He was a brave man with an amazing story, and the more I find out about him, the more amazing it becomes,” said Bowman. 65, who lives in Indianapolis. The plaque honoring Smith says

simply: “For the courage and bravery in the defense of freedom" and was presented to the Vespasian Warner Public Library by U.S. Rep. Tom Ewing as an audience looked on. “This man deserved the honor.” said Ewing, who responding to a question from the audience, said he was happy to apologize on behalf of the United States government for the more than 80-year delay in awarding the medal. Smith, a runaway slave, came to live in Clinton during the Civil War after being befriended by Maj. John Warner, one of the town's leading citizens. Warner, serving with the 41st Illinois Infantry, had met Smith in Kentucky, and Smith joined the regiment as a laborer. African-Americans couldn't serve as soldiers at that time. After both men were wounded in the battle of Shiloh. Warner returned toClinton in 1862. bringing Smith with him. Following the Emancipation Proclamation and the formation of Black regiments. Smith, with Warner’s encouragement, left to join up in 1863. "He

s.

1

wanted to free his mother and thri^ sisters who were still in slavery," said his grandson. Bowman. The bravery that earned his grandfather the Medal of Honor citation occurred on Nov. 30,1864,; in a ferocious fire fight known tty the battle of Honey Hill in Sou^ : . Carolina. The color sergeant, caf 7 rying the regimental and national; flag, was killed and Smith snatched the flags, rallying his comrades ip-, the midst of fearful slaughter. Smitlv, returned to Clinton after the \Mqr/ and later settled in Kentucky, ingin 1931. Bowman, assisted by his wifej> Esther, has spent more than JO years working to build a case fcg, the successful reopening of thfl. Medal of Honor nomination. Tip*, task was begun originally many,, years earlier by Smith's daughter, * 92-year-old Caruth Smith W^ilu> ington, who now lives in a Nevy, Jersey nursing home. f “I so want her to be there when, the Medal of Honor is presented tjy,, the president at the White HousenV Bowman said. “She’s waited so long.”