Poodle Post: December 2008

Happy Holidays from the Poodle Post!!

International News: 50 Million Pound Challenge Founder Urges the National Council of Presidents to Spread the Message of Health

Washington, D.C. -- During a luncheon at the annual Council of Presidents meeting, Dr. Ian Smith urged the nine leaders of the International, Greek-lettered organizations to work together to change, even save, the lives
of millions through participation in the 50 Million Pound Challenge. Smith launched the free national health initiative in April 2007 to help stem the adverse health effects brought on by the epidemic of excess weight that is taking so many U.S. lives, especially among African Americans. Since then, The Challenge has already improved the lives of its 650,000+ members who have lost almost three million pounds. With a total of more than 1.4 million members, an organized grassroots effort by the National Pan-Hellenic Council would sustain
effort to reach the ultimate 50 million pound goal.

"Too many people in our communities are suffering unnecessarily and in some cases their lives cut short," said Smith Celebrity Fit Club expert and author of NY Times #1 best-seller The Fat Smash Diet. "This is why I need your help. Together, through The 50 Million Pound Challenge, we can join hands and influence millions to step up and fight to reverse the deadly health trends posed by obesity. Working together, our reach and influence are greater and our voice is louder."
"Thanks to sponsor State Farm," Smith continued, "we now offer free interactive tools - including a 30-day diet plan, activity tracker and personal journal - that empower participants with everything they need to make the lifestyle changes that will lead to them feeling better and looking great." Numerous studies show teaming up to lose weight is more effective, and that holds true with The Challenge. Participants have formed and joined more than 15,000 teams on the site. The 83,000 members who have joined one or more of those teams, are losing nearly 22% more weight than the overall average. For those who want to take on the responsibility of organizing their own teams and/or leading a local grassroots effort, Challenge Leader tools are now available online at www.50.millionpounds.com/connect.

“More than 45,000 people register for the Challenge each month. I want to remind participants, that The Challenge is theirs. Sharing individual success is driving the campaign’s success, by motivating others. It’s imperative we inspire more people to join to reach those goals. Too many people are dying from preventable weight-related illnesses. We face an epidemic that affects all Americans, especially the African-American community where lives are cut 5 years shorter than the US average.” Backed by hundreds of civic and celebrity champions, mayors, Congress members, national health and civic groups, The Challenge is one of the most far-reaching initiatives of its kind. Anyone can join at 50 million pounds.com where they can also get a free Challenge kit with a CD, brochure, menu and fitness advice, and a pedometer to count steps.


A study in the July 2007 New England Journal of Medicine found that close friends and family set a powerful example for each other - they tend to gain, but can also lose weight together. The Challenge aims to reach its goal by making it easier for millions to fight the epidemic of excess weight threatening half of all Americans and encourage the positive influence friends have on each other. More than 135 million Americans and two in three adults are overweight, double the rate a few decades ago. Each week, 10,000 die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other illness related to inactivity and diet. African Americans are especially hard hit: 80% of women and 67% of men face higher risk from weight-related diseases, with life expectancy five years below the U.S. average.

For more information, please contact:
Media: Meryl Moss, meryl@mediamuscle.com, 203-226-0199 (o)
General inquiries: Mia Jazo-Harris, mia.jazo-harris.sfdx@statefarm.com, 309-766-5242 (o), 309-533-2011 (cell)


About The 50 Million Pound Challenge
Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge is an historic opportunity and commitment by the African-American community to come together and help people take control of their health by getting fit, losing excess weight and turning back the deadly toll of weight-related diseases that
threaten nearly half of Americans and hits the African-American community especially hard. The Challenge, a campaign supported and endorsed in name and deed by leaders across the community and national civic and health organizations, is sponsored by State Farm.

Information found here

Sigma Style: Money Saving Ways During The Holidays

If you did not wipe everyone off of your holiday list on Black Friday and you still have some shopping to do, here are some tips that will allow your season to still be bright without the hang over of debt.


1. Do it yourself. For an old- fashioned, inexpensive homemade present, consider assembling a mulled-cider kit. When prices drop on 64-ounce jars of apple juice or cider, “grab as many as you can,” says Teri Gault, CEO and founder of the online-grocery site TheGroceryGame.com. Then wrap three sticks of cinnamon and about a tablespoon of whole cloves or allspice in cheesecloth, and tie the packet to the bottle with a bow. Include instructions (“Add the cheesecloth package to the juice and heat until bubbles begin to form”). “It costs maybe $1.50, and it’s a really sweet gift,” Gault says.

2. Check company perks. Your company may have retail partners that offer special deals to employees, like a percentage discount at various retailers, movie chains, or museums. But check company policy before you go crazy. Some discounts are for employees’ use only and can’t be applied toward gifts.


3. Surf the Web for the best prices. Comparison-shopping sites search for the best deals online. A standout: NexTag.com, whose price-history feature charts the highest, median, and lowest prices of products, so you know when you’re getting a steal. Its Price Alert feature will e-mail you when the price drops to the level you choose. Another resource is Google’s shopping tool, Froogle. Enter the item you’re looking for (be as specific as you can), then sort by price, low to high, in the grid view.

4. Calculate the extras. When you’re figuring your gift costs, don’t forget to include taxes, gift wrapping, and shipping charges in the amount you’ve set aside. Less than 21 percent of consumers include those expenses when planning their holiday shopping, according to Visa USA research. Adding $15, plus state and local tax, to the cost of each item will help you stay within your budget.


5. Redeem your reward points. Most airline frequent-flier programs allow you to convert miles into magazine subscriptions, dining certificates, or electronics. Credit-card rewards programs also offer gift-worthy loot.

Information found here

Poodle of the Month: Soror Andrea Pittman

When and where you were inducted? I was inducted on November 14, 1993 at North Carolina State University- Kappa Omega Chapter.

Hobbies: My hobbies include roller skating, reading about and looking at cars and motorcycles. I also enjoy shopping for and looking at shoes. I own 100+ pairs of shoes.

About your family: I was born in Norfolk, Va.....Dad was in the Navy. We moved back to North Carolina after a few years. I am the only girl out of five kids and the youngest. I have 4 nephews and 1 niece. My family still resides in North Carolina and wishes that I would move back.

Why you joined the sorority? Before going to college, I met a member of SGR. She was really nice and helped me out my first semester in college. After she graduated, there were only 2 on campus and then there was 1. That one did more work/service than organizations with 10+ members. She inspired me and I became a member of SGR. Today, that young lady is not only my soror but she is one of my best friends.

What do you love most about the sorority? The one thing that I love most about the sorority is that it allows you to grow in any area your heart desires. When I first came into the organization, I was shy and really did not talk much. I would always get nervous when I had to speak to the group. I knew that I had a lot to offer but just wasn't sure of myself at times. I eventually grew out of that because I had effective leaders in the graduate chapter. I learned that I did not have to be perfect because every soror has insecurities at some point in time.

Anything else that you want to tell about you!!! I love to cook and hang out with friends.

Sigma Sizzles: Deniesha's Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

INGREDIENTS
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

DIRECTIONS
Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

PREP TIME
10 Min
COOK TIME
6 Hrs
READY IN
6 Hrs 10 Min

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