DID YOU KNOW IN THE NEWS COLUMN ?
CESAR E. CHAVEZ LEGACY AND EDUCATIONAL FUND
EDUCATION IN THE KNOW
HEALTH MATTERS
CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMUNITY
EDUCATION IN THE KNOW
By Joe Michael Gonzales
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For our first column on "EDUCATION IN THE KNOW", I thought it was only appropriate to hear from someone in the educational system. In this case a student by the name of Aakash Singh who graduated from Fox Tech H.S. in 2008. I first meet Kash (as he is called by other students ) when he was a sophomore at Fox Tech. One day he walked into my office of the San Antonio Education Partnership and asked what was my role as his College Access Advisor and what was the Ambassador's Program all about?
After explaining to him my role on campus and the role of an Ambassador, he gave a simple reply " How can I help." From that first day until his graduation, Kash stayed involved with the mission of the Partnership by being a role model for other students and working tirelessly in the community. The following is a letter that was written by Kash explaining how Cesar E. Chavez played an important role not just in his life, but in the lives of others. This letter was dated March 28, 2008, which was the day of the Cesar E. Chavez Banquet.
"My name is Aakash Singh. I am a senior at Fox Tech High School. I am also an Ambassador for the San Antonio Education Partnership and also a Young Ambassador for the Cesar Chavez Legacy and Educational Fund.
I wanted to begin by saying a quote from the life of Mr. Chavez, but as I began writing, I thought of the hardships that led this humble man to say what he said, that have become prophetic in how we think, do and live our lives. Many by now know his educational level, his faith, commitment, valor, endless struggle to make a wrong a right and his tireless quest to reach out to another human being that there is a better tomorrow. He saw value where others did not amongst the laborers in the field whom he recognized needed more than just another crop to pick, but dignity that they were and are feeding the world.
Education to this day is valued higher than that of our material world, but should also be looked at as a means to empower the people to make real positive changes in the work place, in their homes and to serve their communities.
As an Ambassador I see Mr. Chavez not as a revolutionist to take arms, for he never invoked violence, but was a leader of peace and hope to others. His legacy in why he lived are the stepping stones that many of us should and even must live by; in that these same values are as natural as the fruits that grow in the fields through out our great nation.
Cesar Estrada Chavez was a simple man, working and fighting for the rights of the common man, woman and child who deserved to be respected for their contributions to our society. When I as a student who is just beginning to make the new transition into college, I will take his words that he shared with others and also plant them into the hearts and soul of others that I come into contact with, that Cesar E. Chavez is alive and well amongst us.
So as we come together in his annual march, we must remember that we as the masses are representing who he was, why he lived and yes why he died."
VIVA CESAR CHAVEZ !
HEALTH MATERS
By Jennifer Anchondo
Hi Everyone! My name is Jennifer. I am a student at San Antonio College and a new member of the organization. For most of my life I have been a practitioner of health and fitness. At the age 11, I was first introduced to a healthier lifestyle through the martial arts. From then on I learned to embrace the whole concept of well-being not only from a physical stand point, but also from a spiritual one. Your health is much more than just going to the gym or dieting. It’s about the way you live your life in, how you treat your body, your family, strangers and the environment all around us. In fact have you ever had one of those days when you didn’t feel right and just down right tired? Well there’s an easy solution, by being more mindful of what your body is telling you, can actually remedy this problem. But that takes work. In this article I am going to share with you a few ways to make health and fitness a permanent part of your life. O.K. let’s get started.
Step One
Start by being mindful of yourself and your surroundings. Step back for a moment and look at your life. If you are like most people in the world, you probably have deadlines to meet, such as work, school, family and the list goes on. Well guess what? This can place a lot of stress on your shoulders and completely zap your energy. The bottom line is that it always seems you’re in a rush with no end in sight. Sound familiar. Because of this life style it can lead to frustration and a stressful life. Not only is it bad for you, but what about your family or even strangers? What’s happening is that it’s sending out negative vibes. Remember, what you send out, will come right back to you creating a vicious cycle which is not good for you mentally or spiritually.
So...what’s the cure? This might sound familiar, but stay positive and slow down. Easier said than done, right, but it works. How about smiling at people, or giving someone a compliment and actually mean it. Offer help to someone, even if it takes a few extra minutes out of your day. When you help others you send out good energy to the world. Sometimes a simple “thank you” from the people you help is enough to put you in a better mood and improve your energy level. Studies show that doing good deeds lowers your heart rate, improves oxygen consumption and in turn releases endorphins released by the brain. The end result is that you feel better about yourself, happier and content. These are the same benefits you get from exercise, only you don’t have to put in as much effort.
Step Two
Respect your body. Many of us don’t make time for ourselves. We often don’t get around to exercising because we’re just “too tired”! We make terrible choices in how we eat, don’t get enough sleep, or don't drink enough water. Well guess what? You’ve just cooked a fine recipe for high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and many more serious health problems. Basically you are trashing your body, all because of making bad choices. To feel better about yourself and having a healthier well-being, the cure can be simple. I’ve include some helpful tips that just might work for you. These are just recommendations and it’s up to you on how you following these steps.
Step Three
What about your everyday ABC’s Hmm…How many of us are guilty of not getting enough sleep, drinking water or even eating right? Well, here are some helpful tips that might work.
Proper Sleep
When you get enough sleep, not only do you feel better, but you have a better outlook on life.
a. Create a regular bedtime routine.
b. Take a bath and don’t forget to brush your teeth.
c. Set the alarm and wake up and get your day started. Watch out for the snooze button.
d. No late time snacking.
e. No reading, watching TV, listening to the radio, or even talking on the phone.
Water Intake
Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water and because of this you need water to regulate your body temperature and it’s good for your organs, removes waste, and protects your joints.
a. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. That’s right.
b. The good thing about plain old water is that it keeps you hydrated and flushes out any toxins that may accumulate in your body.
c. Water regulates your body’s core temperature, lubricates achy joints, and stimulates the metabolism.
d. Water is one of the best tools for weight loss, because it often replaces high-calorie drinks like soda, juices, and alcohol. Plus it can curb your appetite and help you lose weight.
e. Drinking water can clear up your skin and give you a healthy glow. It won’t happen over-night, but give it time.
f. Being properly hydrated can not only give you added energy, but can relieve headaches, muscle weakness and dizziness.
Eating Habits
Experts agree that the key to healthy eating is regulated by time and consumption. In short it means eating a variety of foods without getting to many bad calories that can produce great healthy results.
a. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, which should include whole grain products, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and other protein rich foods.
b. Eat at least 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables.
c. Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that’s right for you depends on many factors, such as you sex, height, age, and heredity. Also, being too skinny can have adverse effects.
d. Eat moderate portions. Don’t eat with your eyes, but keep portion sizes reasonable.
e. Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating.
f. Remember foods are not good or bad, but selecting foods based on your total eating patterns, rather than just eating to make you feel full is the key to developing good eating habits.
These are only a few very basic ways in which you can begin to change your habits for a better quality of life, as you begin your journey on your road to a healthier lifestyle. I hope that you will keep in mind that this is not about vanity or a quick fix, but healthy tips with you in mind. Every choice you make will affect your well-being and that includes those around you. This is not something that should be taken lightly, but please do not feel discouraged. It's not the end of the journey, but simply a new journey to a better life.
As a final note, please see a physician in what’s best for your personal health care, or locate a registered dietitian in your area, or call the consumer nutrition hot line (800-366-1655) of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics. Till next time, I’m Jennifer with Health Matters.
CHRISTMAS in the Community
Third Annual 2011
"Greeting of Peace this Christmas"
The Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation of San Antonio is asking for your help in giving families and their children in our communities a Christmas to remember. Each year we host a day of giving toys, can food items, clothing, and a warm meal to 200 plus families. The need is great, but with your help, the giving of the Christmas Spirit of hope, peace, and sharing means the world to these children and families.
Donation
Children Ages: 4 to 14
Adults: All ages (Clothing Items)
Children Items: Toys, clothing, children’s movies/books and non perisable food items (can, cereal, soda, water and etc.)
Date of Event: December 22, 2011
Time: 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Drop Off Location: 1504 E. Commerce (Corner of E. Commerce/Hackberry)
Further Contact Information:
Cesar E. Chavez Learning and Community Center
1504 E. Commerce
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-226-3731
iueorg@aol.com or joegm@att.net
A personal note from the Education Director/Joe Michael Gonzales
Volunteers needed on 12-21 and 12-22 to help Santa distribute toys, food and clothing. If you can help please call the center. Your support and good will is greatly appreciated. May the Lord bless you, give you guidance and give you and your love ones peace. Merry Christmas to all.
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