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From the Editor

T his is an exciting month for us at

Cognition because not only do we

celebrate Mothers Day, we also celebrate Mental

Health Awareness Month! As you may already

know our publication is designed to promote

mental health awareness and wellness from an

entertaining standpoint.

We encourage all of our readers to become

educated on mental illness and gain access to care.

Too many lives have been lost and too many

individuals are living undiagnosed. Reduce the

stigma, think about it and talk about mental

illness openly with family and friends because it’s ok! This issue is also

special because we have dedicated it to mothers from all walks of life. It

is always a pleasure to celebrate women and to commend them for their

roles as mothers. To all mothers and advocates of mental health, I wish

you the best and as always think mind, think body, think YOU!

Yours in #WELLNESS,

Malcolm M. Armstrong Jr.

Founder & Chief Editor

marmstrong@cognitionmagazine.com

Follow us on twitter: @cognition_mag

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/cognitionmagazine

Malcolm Armstrong Jr.

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Sponsored By

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2. Editor’s Note 8. Your Child & Addiction 11. Health & Fitness 15. Ask Dr. Ada

17. Cover Story: Kourtney Heart

21. Love & Relationships 22. What Blacks Should

Know: Mental Health Awareness Month

24. Sexual Health: Get Your Groove Back Busy Mom 25. Event Coverage 27. Be Inspired

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17.

27.

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P Your Child & Addiction By: Victoria Malinsky, B.A. ,A.A.

atients in recovery and their families suffer from poor care

and social ostracism because of ignorance. The topic of

addiction has become nothing but a plague of myths and

misconceptions, in attempt to keep kids away from drugs.

However, the reality is all we have done is make it harder for

addicts to want to seek treatment and confide in their family

members that they need help. No one ever wants to see a

loved one suffer. The question is what do we do?

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Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up

and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

Often times, when we confront a loved one about addiction, we do

so in an unreasonable manner. The fact of the matter is, doing that

only causes more harm than good. Any individual who

suffers from addiction will just fight back, because from their

perspective you either don’t understand or are “being ridiculous.”

At this point it is vital to understand that both of you have

conflicting views. So, if you want to effectively approach the

situation, it’s essential you be reasonable. Allow me to clarify

what consists of being reasonable with some tips.

Tip #1- Communicate with respect. You’re more likely

to discuss the topic when you ask questions as opposed

to lecturing them or telling them they have to change.

Tip #2- Engage in “change talk.” Rather than lecturing

about the importance of and reasons why they need to

make a change, open conversation about a resolution

and what they need to do to get to it. This means

having them tell you reasons why changing their

behaviors is needed. “Change talk” addresses the

discrepancies between their words and actions in a

non-confrontational way.

Ex:“Why do you think we’re concerned about your

behavior?”

“What will happen if you don’t change?”

* If there seems to be a difficulty in changing, focus on

being supportive and understanding.

Ex: “How can we help you through this difficult

experience?”

* If you see that they’re expressing little desire to change,

talk about possible extreme consequences.

Ex: “Say you don’t change, what do you think will

happen?”

“What is the best thing you could imagine from changing

your ways?”

Tip #3- Be empathetic. It’s very important to be

compassionate and in order to do so you have to

engage in reflective listening. This entails listening

carefully, then respond with statements like:

“Sounds like you don’t want to stop.” Or

“If things remain the same, what do you think you will feel

like a year from now?”

* Reflections validate what they are feeling (regardless of

whether or not they are under the influence), and doing so

communicates to them that you comprehend what they’re

saying.

Ex: “I understand this is putting a lot of pressure on you and

you aren’t sure if you can quit successfully, this isn’t easy,

but that’s what we’re here for.”

Tip# 4- Be patient. If your son or daughter expresses a

lack of motivation to change, remember that this is a

state of mind and not a trait. In order for someone to

change, one must undergo stages to finally reach

acceptance. This is key for treatment to be successful.

* You can force your son or daughter to go to treatment, but

if they have no motivation to change this may be a wasted

effort. Be prepared for a probable relapse.

* Technically, you can force your minor child into

treatment. Again, if they have no desire for change, relapse

is likely.

Tip #5- Give them advice. No one likes to be told what

to do, taking the role of an advisor rather than a dictator

will likely benefit a positive outcome. Give them the

opportunity to make the right choice. As stated above,

if they choose sobriety on their own they are more

likely to succeed. Optimistically they will choose a

better life.

* Declaimer: This article is written as advice to parents

not as an ultimate solution. Seek professional help

when needed. If the person poses a threat to themselves

or someone else report them to the proper local

authorities. For more information on how to help a

struggling alcoholic/addict please call Your First Step

855-211-7837 or visit yourfirststep.org.

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Health & Fitness

To either lose weight or maintain your

current weight, you need to know how

many calories your body actually needs

to function based on your daily activity

level. There is a relatively easy way to

estimate your daily caloric need starting

with your basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Your BMR is the amount of energy

(calories) expended while your body is at

rest.

To calculate your BMR, you will need to

convert your bodyweight from pounds to

kilograms. 1 kilogram is equal to 2.2

pounds; so, if you weigh 150 pounds,

you would divide 150 by 2.2, which would equal about 68

kilograms. Next, you multiply your weight in kilograms by 24. Then

take that number and, if you are a male, use 1 as a multiplier; or, if a

female, use 0.9.

For example:

Male weighing 150 pounds:

68 kg x 24 = 1632

1632 x 1 = 1632

Female weighing 150 pounds:

68 kg x 24 = 1632

1632 x .9 = 1469 To this number you will have to multiply your lean factor multiplier.

To obtain this number, you will have to know your body fat

percentage. You can get this number by any number of ways,

including caliper measurement, underwater weighing, and

bioelectrical impedance.

Bioelectrical impedance devices can be found in many electronic

home scales, but readings should be taken as mere estimates as

results vary greatly based on hydration factors.

For men, lean factor multipliers are, by levels:

1. 10% to 14% Body Fat Multiplier: 1

2. 14% to 20% Body Fat Multiplier: .95

3. 20% to 28% Body Fat Multiplier: .90

4. Over 28% Body Fat Multiplier: .85

For women, lean factor multipliers are, by levels:

1. 10% to 18% Body Fat Multiplier: 1

2. 18% to 28% Body Fat Multiplier: .95

3. 28% to 38% Body Fat Multiplier: .90

4. Over 38% Body Fat Multiplier: .85

To compute your BMR, you multiply the previous calculation by

your body fat level multiplier.

150 pound male with 18% body fat (level 2)

BMR = 1632 x .95 = 1550 calories

150 pound female with 29% body fat (level 3)

BMR = 1469 x .90 = 1322 calories

Remember, your BMR is your resting caloric expenditure. When

your body does work, it expends energy and calories.

To estimate your daily caloric expenditure based on your activity

level, there is yet another multiplier.

Very light activity: sitting, light walking, and non-strenuous

activities throughout the day, multiplier: 1.3.

Light activity: which includes typing, some walking and

standing throughout the day, multiplier: 1.5.

Moderate activity: walking, jogging, tennis, dancing,

weight training, and other-type activities, multiplier: 1.65.

Heavy activity: heavy labor, climbing, football, and other

activities for 2 to 4 hours a day, multiplier 1.8.

Very heavy activity: moderate and heavy activity for 8 or

more hours a day, plus 2 – 4 hours of intense training per

day, multiplier: 2.

So, if you are the male with a BMR of 1550 calories who falls under

the moderate activity category (1550 x 1.65 = 2558), you would

expend about 2,558 calories each day.

The female with a BMR of 1322 calories who falls under the light

activity category (1322 x 1.5 = 1983) would expend 1,923 calories

each day. You can use these numbers as a baseline to maintain, gain,

or lose weight.

Working with a Louisiana licensed nutritionist, you can vary your

caloric intake to reach your intended goals. It is important to eat a

balanced diet consisting of fats, protein and carbohydrates, based on

your individual activity level. In many instances, the nutritionist is

an overlooked component to health; and in reality, he or she can be

the most important component to success.

Bio

Cory Turner is a freelance writer and an ISSA Certified Fitness

Trainer in New Orleans. A former law enforcement officer and non-

profit leader, he has a keen interest in health and fitness, especially

in promoting community health and wellness and empowering

through improving personal fitness. He can be reached at

coturner@fpnola.com.

Cory Turner, B.S., CFT

Knowing Your Caloric Needs

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Health & Fitness

Top 5 Reasons to Embrace Sunset During

Your Workout

5) It’s After Work: Working out during sunset is perfect for after-work stress relief. The traffic is low and the kids could be at home

doing homework while you exercise. Try it with some of your co-workers. 4) Enjoy Family & Friends: It’s after 5pm and everyone is usually off of work and the kids are out of school. This is the perfect time to exercise with family and friends. 3) Regain Composure: Sunset exercise is a great time to regain focus for the days and weeks ahead. Try a brief meditation during your cool down. 2) Rest Better: A good workout during sunset can promote a better night’s sleep especially since it’s the end of the day (assuming you’ve had a busy day).

1) Low Heat: The number one reason to exercise during sundown is enjoying the benefit of reduced heat. Please keep in mind that it is equally important to stay hydrated even though the heat is minimal.

Gentelle Pedescleaux

Healthy Eats

Microwave Sweet Potato Chips Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) sweet potato, very thinly sliced, divided

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided Cooking Spray

Preparation: Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit a microwave-safe plate; coat parchment lightly with cooking spray. Arrange one-fourth of the potato slices in a single layer on parchment. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon rosemary, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper. Microwave at POWER LEVEL 9 for 4 minutes. Check for crispness. Continue to cook at 30-second intervals until done. Repeat procedure with remaining potato, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Credits: By: Robin Bashinsky of Cooking Light Link to Recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/microwave-sweet-potato-chips-50400000127541/

Gentelle Pedescleaux is a certified Zumba™ instructor and

dance fitness instructor with extensive knowledge on nutrition & fitness. Her incredible dance & fitness techniques have enabled her to instruct in Germany and

the southern region of the United States.

For more information on Gentelle

and her classes at PEDS-Nola contact her at

504-606-5389

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Dispelling the Myths about Hospice

Gulf South Hospice would like to take a minute to inform

the community about the importance of outpatient hospice.

Within this 6 month series of informative articles, Gulf

South Hospice hopes to eliminate the myths, phobias,

reservations, and even ignorance surrounding hospice care.

We can surely agree that hospice can be a difficult subject

because our culture is not fond of talking about death and

life transitions. We must understand that death happens to

everyone, even the ones we love. Hospice is a family and

team oriented program that brings comfort to individuals/

patients faced with limited life expectancy.

Hospice ensures that the patients last days consists of

controlled pain, comfort and constant efforts to preserve

their quality of life. Hospice not only involves care for the

patient, but it also provides support for his or her family

members as well. Hospice care assist families in coping with

the life transition of their loved one for we know that losing

someone we love is not an easy task.

Gulf South Hospice would also like you to know that

hospice is not a “death-bed” concierge service. Hospice

care consists of a concise plan for the last 6 months (usually

longer) of a patients life. Once a patient has been notified of

having limited life expectancy, hospice initiates care to

relive physical pain and to address life transition needs.

Let Gulf South Hospice be at your side for the care of your

loved one during their time of need and life transition. The

sooner hospice care is initiated, the more comfort your

loved one will experience. Let us be there for you.

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Dr. Ada Craige Roberson is a dedicated wife, mother and advocate for those in need. She is a

Licensed Clinical Social Worker within the state of Louisiana and holds a doctoral degree in

Counseling Psychology. Ada has a wealth of experience in working with disadvantaged

individuals and has taken the term “Life Enhancement” into a whole new meaning within the

social services industry. Her ability to truly understand human behavior has allowed her to

transform the lives of many individuals, some of which were hopeless in the eyes of society.

She loves a good piece of fine chocolate, a good challenge and stimulating activities. If you

have an issue you would like to bring to Dr. Ada’s attention please email

askdrada@cognitionmagazine.com or make a post on the Ask Dr. Ada page on

www.cognitionmagazine.com

Ask Dr. Ada

Dr. Ada,

I started dating someone that I am thinking about getting into a relationship with but I know mental

illness runs in their family. I enjoy this person but they can have a negative self image/low self esteem

at times and that kind of worries me. Should I pursue the relationship or hold off?

Thanks,

Confused One

Confused One,

If you have any reservations for any reason regarding entering into a relationship with someone, I

would suggest you hold off. Now, the fact that someone has a family history of mental illness doesn't

automatically mean that they will suffer from mental illness themselves. However, you should indeed

be concerned about the self esteem issues. Low self esteem can be damaging to relationships,

particularly as it relates to one’s ability to add value to the relationship. Healthy relationships require

both partners to have the capacity to bring something meaningful to the relationship that serves some

benefit to the other person. When one of the partners have low self esteem, it will likely be difficult for

them to feel as if they have anything beneficial to bring to the table. In turn, their expectations

regarding being worthy of receiving anything meaningful and beneficial to them in the relationship are

likely relatively low. This can take quite a toll on the relationship, ultimately leaving the partner with

the healthier self image feeling unfulfilled and in search of a more emotionally compatible partner.

Dr. Ada Craige Roberson

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Dr. Ada,

I am 27 and really confused on love. I ended a relationship and now dating again and I want to run and

scream. My ex is now an irresponsible hippie and the potentials remind me of Norman Bates. Is there

hope for the dating world or should I just join a convent now? P.S. no I’m not trying to find love in the

club either…I’ve tried coffee shops and libraries and the all end up being somewhat abnormal to me.

–Gina G.

Gina G., There is definitely hope for the dating world. No need to join the convent just yet. If you haven't

already done so, I suggest that you spend some time figuring out what you're looking for in a mate. It

may be helpful to actually write down your requirements. Try making three columns with the

following headings:

1) Must have...

2) Would like...

3) Deal breakers...

Do your best to place everything that you're looking for in a mate or that you can't live within a mate,

under the appropriate column. Once you're done, look at everything that you have placed in the "Must

have..." column and think about what someone with those qualities may be looking for in a mate. For

example, you may feel that your ideal mate must own his home. What type of women do you think

that guy would want? Someone who has her own place or someone living with their parents? As you

go through your list, assess if you are bringing to the table what your ideal mate would be attracted to

in the various areas you have listed. If not, you have two choices. You can work on becoming what

you want to attract, or you can revise your expectations. Good luck.

What is the best way to rid you of negative thoughts? I have been trying to be optimistic about my new

business venture but negative thoughts keep popping in and I want to have a better outlook.

– Ms. Bodywrap

Ms. Bodywrapz,

It sounds like you may be experiencing some anxiety related to your new business venture. Entering

into something new, while exciting, can also being forth fear related to the uncertainty. That fear can

often lead to feelings of anxiety. There are several techniques that you can use to try to combat negative

thoughts, including positive self talk, affirmations, deep breathing techniques, and meditation. However,

one of the main ways that you can have a better outlook on your new business venture is to be confident

that you are prepared and capable of making it a success. Have faith in yourself and your business. Plan

and prepare for anticipated bumps in the road. Dedicate yourself to making sound, reasoned business

decisions. It may even be a good idea to find a mentor that you can lean on and learn from.

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Kourtney Heart...

C ognition Magazine

spent a picturesque day in the park with NOLA’s sweetheart songstress Kourtney Heart and her

mom Marilyn. The young rising star tells us about

what keeps her motivated and focused

as well as her relationship with her

mother.

Interview by: Malcolm M. Armstrong Jr. Images by: Q. Bleu Photography Hair by: Hair Artistry by Ashlee Rene’ Makeup by: Lynn Dizzle

Mom & MUSIC

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CM: Who is Kourtney Heart?

KH: I'm still figuring out who I

am in life. I'm in love with

discovering new things about me

and working hard to perfect my

craft. I'm just a young woman

with a lot of ambition.

CM: When and how did you

know you could sing?

KH: Since about the age of three

years old I've been singing. I

figured out that it was my gift at

eleven just singing around the

house and with my daddy.

CM: Tell us about the

experience and the process of

being discovered by DJ. Raj

Smoove.

KH: I was about thirteen

attending a teen center for

non-violence camp and there was

a celebrity look alike dance.

Whoever won the contest won

money. I went as Beyonce

Knowles, won the contest and

decided to sing instead of giving

a speech. Raj loved my voice

and saw potential. He got my

mom’s number, ignored me for a

few months, but fate brought us right back together.

That's when spell it out was born. It's been magic ever

since.

CM: How did the release of your first single “Spell It

Out” change your music career?

KH: Spell it out definitely helped me understand the

music industry a little better just because it was my first

single on the radio. It was the beginning of me having

confidence and being excited to work harder.

CM: How did you feel hearing yourself on the radio

for the first time?

KH: Hearing myself on the radio for the first time was

super weird. I kinda go numb when I'm excited; it was a

blessing. My family was so excited. I'm so thankful that

my grandparents got to experience that moment, one of

the best moments of my life.

CM: How did you balance school and

music?

KH: Balance wasn't easy at all. It took

double work and extreme focus. I had to

switch to online schooling during the

second semester of my senior year. But

walking across that stage for graduation

made all those late nights of studying

worth every second.

CM: Is Kourtney Heart dating? (Why

or why not?)

KH: I'm currently single only because I'm

too in love with the music. Besides, I love

a guy who can match my hustle. The time

will come, just no time soon lol.

CM: How was the journey of becoming

“Kourtney Heart” for your family?

KH: It's weird how that happens. I believe

that my family is still trying to

comprehend the whole Kourtney Heart

thing. They're so happy and proud of me

and pray for me every day and night. I'm

grateful that they still treat me the same.

My siblings could literally care less lol.

CM: Who kept you on track in your

family and how? KH: I give all credit to Momma Heart!

That woman has taught me so much in life

and she continues to teach me every day. I'm so in love

with the woman my mother is. She allows me to talk to

her about any and everything and that keeps me balanced.

It’s good just having someone to vent to so you don't feel

alone during transitions in your life. She taught me to be

fearless and has kept me strong in faith. I forever thank

God for sending me to her.

CM: How did you handle the fame of being a local

celebrity at a young age? KH: I kinda just always focused on the music and what

my next move should be. I never focus on the fame. It’s

all flattering but still weird to me. I don't see myself as

famous at all.

CM: What do you like and what do you not like about

the fame? KH: I love how fame allows you to touch people with

your craft. It makes you realize how passionate and

supportive people you never met could be of you.

However, I'm not a fan of opinions on my private life and

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all the downfalls of living your life in the public eye.

CM: Tell us about your experience in working with

the late Magnolia Shorty and what did you learn? KH: I learned a lot about her. She was very humble. It

blew me away. She was just very professional. I always

like to take traits from people that I admire and that trait

stuck with me.

CM: After “My Boy” was released, how did you come

across Memphitz? KH: “My Boy” grew its legs and started to migrate all

over the south before the point of meeting Memph. He

was in a club when it came on and loved the reaction

from the crowd. I happened to know some of the people

who he loves, such as his wife Toya and his brother-in-

laws. Eventually I met him and it was a great experience

working with him!

CM: What happed after your requested release from

your contract with Jive Records? KH: I was thankful for that experience, but I'm even

more thankful now because I got a chance to see both

sides of the fence in this industry. Since I asked to be

released I've been working harder and growing more. I'm

so happy at where my music stands right now because it

took a lot of experience and growing up for the new and

improved Kourtney to show through my writing.

CM: How do you feel about the success of “A

Gemini’s Diary”? KH: Forever one of the greatest feelings ever. My fans

are still downloading the mixtape. I was so very proud of

it when working on it. I couldn't wait to release it. It was

mainly my writing so it blew me away that people

supported it so hard.

CM: What is next for Kourtney Heart? KH: I've been in the studio a lot lately, growing, writing,

producing, arranging etc. But I'm so excited about

Essence 2013! This show will be phenomenal! I have a

whole new fresh team, sound, look, and feel and I'm

ready for the world.

CM: How can we find out more about Kourtney

Heart? (Website/ social media) KH: You can contact me at www.KourtneyHeart.com

YouTube/kourtneyheartvideos

twitter/kourtneyheart

Instagram/Kaykakessss

Vine/Pharoah

Keek/Kaykakessss

Facebook/Kourtneyheart

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21

Love & Relationships

I n May we celebrate the

wonderful blessing of mothers. It

is a day that we as a society have set

aside to acknowledge, thank, and

celebrate motherhood. While we are

thinking about Moms this month, it’s a

great time to think about the realities

of Moms. Not just what it is like to

be a Mom or the gratitude that we

have towards mothers work, or the thankless yet very

rewarding efforts that it takes to be a mama, but the

conversations and struggles that mothers have. Every

Moms journey is drastically different; the challenges that

she faces, the things she has to think about, the hurdles she

has to jump, and the things she has to decide about.

A conversation that is often neglected or spoken about in

very negative terms is the “Moms that date”. There is so

much controversy in regards to how Moms do this, how

and who they let into their lives and their offspring, and

how they create a balance between their family life and

being a single individual. There is no right or wrong way to

date as a Mom. It is a very different experience for

everyone yet there are some universal rules that should

apply. I say this not as someone judging, or as an over

educated professional, or as someone just being “a-know-it

-all” but as someone who has observes and lives with this

reality.

Of all of the things that I have learned on my personal

journey, the most complicated concept to navigate has been

dating. For me, there has always been a fine line of what I

deemed appropriate, smart, and safe in regards to having a

significant other not only enter my life but the realm that is

my child’s existence.

Whatever you choose as a single mother in regards to your

children and the way you deal with men, just make sure it’s

a solid choice that is based off the best interest for you and

your kid and not based off the passion and lust that new

courtships bring up.

My advice to single moms that date would be:

Take your time.

Don’t be desperate.

Be picky, do not just take up with any old body.

Be ready, open, and honest.

Wait to get your kids involved.

Listen to your gut.

Do not ever allow someone to become more

important than your child

Be realistic. While in the beginning people want

to say that the stress and baggage of dating

someone with child is a non-issue, if they do

not have children of their own it can be a hard

reality to grasp that as a mother/parent your kid

will always (as it should) come before your

relationship.

Be open to communicate and listen.

Listen to your kids. If they don’t like your new

love interest, it’s a done deal.

For dating or relationship advice email AJ McCreary

at amccreary@cognitionmagazine.com

Alanna McCreary

The Dating Mom

22

What Blacks Should Know

Pathways to Wellness: Leading Full and

Productive Lives

W ellness—it’s essential to living a full and

productive life. We may have different

ideas about what wellness means, but

it involves a set of skills and

strategies that prevent the onset or

shorten the duration of illness and

promote recovery and well-being. It’s

about keeping healthy as well as

getting healthy. Pathways to

Wellness— this year’s theme of May

is Mental Health Month calls

attention to strategies and approaches

that help all Americans achieve

wellness and good mental and overall

health. Wellness is more than an

absence of disease. It involves

complete general, mental and social

well-being. And mental health is an

essential component of overall health

and well-being. The fact is our

overall well-being is tied to the

balance that exists between our

emotional, physical, spiritual and

mental health.

Whatever our situation, we are all at risk of stress given

the demands of daily life and the challenges it brings—at

home, at work and in life. Steps that build and maintain

well-being and help us all achieve wellness involve a

balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, a sense of

self-worth, development of coping skills that promote

resiliency, emotional awareness, and connections to

family, friends and the community.

These steps should be complemented by taking stock of

one’s well-being through regular mental health checkups.

Just as we check our blood pressure and get cancer

screenings, it’s a good idea to take periodic reading of our

emotional well-being. One recent study said everyone

should get their mental health checked as often as they get

a physical, and many doctors routinely screen for mental

health, which typically include a series of questions about

lifestyle, eating and drinking habits and mental wellness.

But a checkup doesn’t necessarily require a special trip to

the doctor. There are also online screening tools you can

use. While conditions like depression

are common, roughly 1 in 5

Americans have a mental health

condition they are extremely treatable.

Fully embracing the concept of

wellness not only improves health in

the mind, body and spirit, but also

maximizes one’s potential to lead a

full and productive life.

Using strategies that promote

resiliency and strengthen mental

health and prevent mental health and

substance use conditions lead to

improved general health and a

healthier society: greater academic

achievement by our children, a more

productive economy, and families that

stay together.

Mental Health Awareness Month

By: Mental Health America Resources: www.mentalhealthamerica.net

23

Bipolar Disorder

5.7 million Adults

90% of individuals that have died from suicide had

a diagnosable mental disorder

Suicide Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

2.4 million Adults Schizophrenia

7.7 million Adults

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

2.2 million Adults

Major Depressive Disorder

14.8 million Adults

Below are “at a glance” statistics for some of the most common mental illnesses. These statistics are based on Americans aged 18 years and older.

Mental Disorders In America

26.2% of Americans 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable

mental illness =

One in Four Americans

Resource: National Institute of Mental Health www.Nimh.nih.gov

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Sexual Health

Get Your Groove Back Busy Mom It’s hard being a mother nowadays,

more than any other time. Not only do

you have to deal with the task of raising

children some of you are doing this on

your own but you also have to deal with

demanding jobs, careers and the usual

complications that arise from the

intimate relationship or marriage you

may be involved in. Basically, you

have very little time to squeeze in for yourself and may

place your sexual needs on a shelf…and then forgot

about them. You lost that groove and now have to figure

out how to regain that fulfilling sexual experience that

you once had.

But who can blame you, a busy mother, when you forget

about your sexuality and its importance? When you

entered motherhood, you agreed to devote a large

portion of your life to this new life. Sometimes as a new

mother, you may fall into the pattern of forgetting

yourself and defining yourself as only a mom. In that

mindset, you might forget that you’re also your own

person and a partner in a relationship or marriage. This

can be fixed by planning a date for just yourself or for

you and your partner and sending the children off to a

baby-sitter for an evening. This will remind you that

while you are a mother, there are still other equally

important facets of you. A sexual partner that is still

desirable is one aspect.

And don’t fret about sometimes losing your groove.

According to University of Washington sociology

professor Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D from an article on

improving your sex life In Shape Magazine, losing

interest in sex while being a busy mother is definitely

not an abnormal issue. “Parenting is a full-time job, so

it's not surprising that sex is taking a backseat to your

responsibilities," she explained.

Fortunately, just because you lose interest in sex, or

experience a decline in good sex, doesn’t mean you

can’t get it back. One of the best things about human

sexuality is that it can always return. But just like

everything else in life, it will take some work to get

back into the groove.

According to Boston therapist Terry Real, that’s exactly

what may happen: working on your sex life, “even when

you’re not into it”, even if at first you have to schedule

sex as if it’s a chore. Rather than waiting for your sex

life to just suddenly come back full force on its own

without any effort on your part, you would need to try to

set aside time in your busy schedule for an intimate

evening with your partner. Start off with kisses and

cuddling and soon your body and mind will be reminded

of what you forgot. Eventually you’ll see an

improvement in sexual experiences, and an increase in

the enthusiasm that once came with it.

The best way to describe working on rebuilding an

intense sex life is to compare it to getting your body in

better shape. Ever tried to lose weight by promising to

exercise and eat healthier? If you did, you remember

that it did take a lot of work; you weren’t excited about

getting away from the TV long enough to go to the gym

and you probably realized that committing yourself to a

daily exercise regimen was a lot more of a chore than

you imagined. This attitude was eventually replaced

with more enthusiasm once you noticed positive

changes in your body. This is how you will approach

working on your sex life it’s going to be something else

to add on your already full “to do” list, but once you

notice your recharged sex drive, you’ll soon find that the

effort placed into it was worth it. As you schedule sex

with your partner, try to find new ways to excite each

other. If lack of sex is due to just boredom in the

bedroom, this can always be remedied by switching up

with new positions in bed, for instance sometimes the

body needs to be excited by something new. But once

again, this requires communication and effort from you

and your partner.

Paris Hughes

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Events

F irst Priority Management, LLC and Trae Productions, Inc in association with Step It up

Entertainment hosted their annual Skate against Crime Celebrity Mixer at Airline Skating Rink in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 12th 2013. This local star studded production was hosted to promote anti-crime awareness especially after the death of Little Miss Paige DeJean whom was murdered after a stray bullet entered her home while she was asleep. NOLA entertainment personalities such as JC Styles, Sissy Nobby, Rapper 3D Na’ Tee, Partners-N-Crime, and Kris Baptiste plus many more came out to support the efforts and celebrate the memory of Paige Dejean.

Alkima Williamson, the mother of Page stated “Everyone came out to support her (Paige) even if they didn’t know her. It was really nice.” The event is hosted annually during the month of Paige’s birthday and a portion of the proceeds collected will go to the Paige DeJean Scholarship Fund for Criminal Justice Majors at Southeastern Louisiana College. Alkima concluded the event by stating “We need to take a stand and I will continue to do this and try and fight crime until I leave this place.” For more pictures on the mixer visit www.cognitionmagazine.com/events

Skate Against Crime Celebrity Mixer

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Events

T he evening of April 26th 2013 was filled with pink decor, live music, laughter, and

food. Singer and former cancer survivor Gina Brown in conjunction with the Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health Program hosted one of Gina’s quarterly breast cancer awareness functions at the Amour of Elegance in New Orleans East. The ladies in attendance were pampered and serenaded by a crew of all male manicurists, bartenders, models, and masseuses. Organizer Gina Brown stated that “We are here to celebrate life and those people whom are actually survivors of cancer, as well as those that may be going through.” The highlight of the evening was the vocal auction where ladies were serenaded by male vocalist and placed bids based on their talent. Gina emphasized the importance of early detection/screening for breast cancer and the importance of using her friends in the music industry to promote good causes such as this one. Brown summarized the evening’s event by stating “When God gives you a gift you are supposed to share it. I hope everyone here tonight takes their gift and use it as a platform for something positive.” For more pictures on Gina’s Pink Passion party visit www.cognitionmagazine.com/events

Girls Night Out… Pink Passion Party

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Be Inspired

Here’s a little known secret that can be

shared without shattering intimate

confidences or causing worlds to

collide. The actual truth behind a

runner’s sober expression is that he has

no love for the act of running; in fact,

there are many runners who will admit

that there is no joy in running at all.

And so, their faces are focused and

calculated, they never sport a smile or

a whimsical expression when you see

them on street. Every once in a while

you may come upon that one guy or

that one girl, who is a little different

than most, because they feel that

running, as a means of exercise, is an

exhilarating and rewarding

experience. But honestly, even for

them, there is some part of their ritual

run that they abhor.

No runner likes the start, the hills, rain,

steps, the heat, or traffic. Any runner

will tell you that there is more to the

run than the run itself. First there’s the

shoe, the perfect shoe that cradles the

heel and ankle and leaves room for the

toes. Then, the proper running attire

must be taken into consideration. For

instance, that favored pair of shorts

that stretches with every lunge. Next

there’s the endless stretching of the

hamstrings, calves, back, and gluteus

maximus muscles to safeguard from

injury. Pinpointing the best route that

will cater to the runners needs is next,

along with finding the right music to

keep the pace. Finally, there is the run.

Honestly, the runner runs with one

single thought and that is to reach their

finish line. In order to achieve their

finish, they must learn to build and

strengthen their endurance. The runner

is keenly conscious of every element

of an endurance run. The runner is

ever watching the path before him

judging the certainty of the surface for

reliability. Depending on the terrain,

the foot has to be planted in a manner

that ensures balance to leap, skip, or

jump over what they encounter on the

path. Every runner has a plan for

overcoming the drama of the streets,

whether it’s assuming authority over

wily drivers by raising their hands in

an offensive move to leaping over

fallen debris on sidewalks. In a

runner’s mind, the race must continue

no matter the consequences. What

runners love is beating the odds. They

find joy in accomplishing their goal in

spite of the ever present probability of

failing. They have learned to develop

their endurance in the face of

adversity. Their joy comes in knowing

they kept going; they endured through

the most difficult circumstances.

Learning to endure in a race means to

prepare and be equipped for any

possibility while on the path. Building

endurance is an exercise that requires

concentrated work, but promises

gratifying results. A runner is well

acquainted with an unforgiving

pavement that intimidates joints and

enrages fear; but in the end waves a

red ribboned symbol of completion.

The Finish By: Elizabeth Parker

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