Articles, Books, & Teaching

FINALLY!  I get somewhat of a break!  Since my wonderful, first book signing on February 11th, I have been busy, busy, busy!  After celebrating with my new favorite, chocolate wine, I have since finished up my articles for Ebony News Today, taught a pharmacy technician program and practicing as a pharmacy technician every day of the week.  So, it's good to get a few moments to myself yesterday and today.

My next book signing is scheduled for next month, some time...

Meanwhile, my latest medical article is entitled, "Sickle Cell Set Back."  Click the title above (Articles, Books, & Teaching) to peruse it ;-)

 

New medication 4 breast cancer complication

The topic of breast cancer came up in another one of my conversations today, during the Black Women's Roundtable Discussion, at the Harry T. and Harriet V. Moore Cultural Center, in Mims, Florida.

So, I thought I should post the link to my article that I published last week, which talks about a new medication that treats a major side effect of a breast cancer medication. 

Click on the title above, "New medication 4 breast cancer complication," to read my medical article.

Thanks for stopping by!

The train stops here!

Pay attention to the signs. Later, you'll be glad you did. Trust me!

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

Today ended like one of those days... At times like this, I choose to just sit back, count my blessings, bask in my accomplishments, and pay close attention to the ones who truly support me, while blocking out any pain that any of the other ones ever caused me.

My third book was printed today, and my excitement about receiving the first copy of it was the catalyst that helped me through my day. Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to another day teaching my new pharm tech students =)

I am pleased when I look in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.

Post Pharmacy Errors

The practice of making babies may be fun and all, but the seriousness of it is not a laughing matter. My pharmacy experience runs deep, and I am grateful to report that I have never made a medication error that resulted in the harm or death of a patient. Unfortunately, all of my colleagues can not say the same.

One of my motivations for writing an article on this topic is my belief that everyone should be aware of the risks involved with receiving hospital care. My main point is that all medication errors do NOT occur in the pharmacy. Hopefully, reading my published article, Post Pharmacy Errors, will help my readers understand the players and the processes involved in getting medication to patients.

Meanwhile, from a public health perspective, I feel that the public at large should recognize the baby-making process with more reverence.

Click on the title of above, "Post Pharmacy Errors," to read my article about hospital medication errors.

Thanks a bunch for your interest in my work =)

FAMU & Harris Corporation

Tonight's Scholarship Reception, hosted by the Brevard County Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association in collaboration with Harris Corporation was a hit, once again; several scholarships were presented tonight! Harris Communications is THE leader in engineering systems. I even had the pleasure of chatting with their Chief Technology Officer of Healthcare Solutions, a real smarty pants; FINALLY, a civilian who understands my military health care/pharmacy computer system mumbo-jumbo! I am VERY pleased with tonight's outcome ;-)

Stay tuned for my article on our event!

State of Union Speech

My President is handling his business tonight! Pay attention!!! Mortgage loans, VA funding and job placement (VA Jobs Bill), college tuition, teacher salaries, immigration reform, payroll tax cuts, entrepreneurial funding, jobs & qualified workers... these issues affect us, so pay attention ;-)

Ms. Pepper, in the classroom, again...

I, Ms. Pepper, thoroughly enjoyed teaching a segment of Pharmaceutical Calculations, today! Loved it, Loved it, Loved it =) Will write another article on pharmacy regulation tomorrow =)

Did I mention that I Loved it?!

A Living Dream

I sincerely hope that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not live, dream, and fight in vain. Let's ensure that he did not by seeking understanding of our individual power, and taking the initiative and positively and productively impacting our community.

Click on the title above (A Living Dream), in order to view my article about one of Dr. King's Birthday Celebrations that took place earlier this week, in Brevard County.

Domanique on TV

I can get used to these TV interviews =)

Unexpectations can happen

No, I've never been pregnant. However, I don't have to be an experienced mother to know the importance of Family Planning. My point is... EDUCATE YOURSELF! Whether your pregnancy was planned or not, learn more about birth defects, because it may become a part of your reality. You just never know.

At the point of pregnancy, it's no longer just about you, so please get prenatal care, PLEASE! Besides, this month is Birth Defect Prevention Month =)

Okay, now that I'm off of my soap box, let me also share one of my recent articles on birth defects with ya ;-) To view it, click the title above, "Unexpectations can happen."

Happy Reading y tenga un buen dia.

Self-massage with rhythm

Okay, so I already covered the health benefits of sex last month. So, I just wanted to announce to my fellow sisters across the globe that there is a sexual alternative on the market as of October 2011, thanks to KANDI BURRUSS, a musical genius! I say she's a genius, not just because she's a grammy-award winning songwriter and singer, but because she identified her talent and applied it in a way that meets the demands of women; I think it's a product line that will definitely become the topic of discussion among women. Even more women, and possibly men, are probably likely to purchase at least one of her toys, if not every one of them! I especially think the "HOLD ON TO ME" weights will come in handy during Kegel exercises ;-)

Obviously, I'm a fan, but you all may also remember when Kandi sang with the R&B group called, "XSCAPE," back in the 90's. But this time, she hit the jackpot with her new line of sex toys. I love her tactful approach with this! For example, her line of toys includes a vibrator that looks like a tube of lipstick, and another that resembles a make-up compact. The kicker though, is the special functionality of one of her toys that allows it to link wirelessly to a sound system, so it can vibrate to the rhythm of her music. Now, you tell me! Was that a genius idea or what?!

Sounds interesting? Well if you want to order or just peruse her online store, click on the title above, "Self-massage with rhythm." Oh, and check out the 1 year warranty and *FREE* UPS Ground shipping ;-)

Meanwhile, don't lose your rhythm!

Dementia on the rise

Did you know that there are different types of Dementia? Did you know that most elderly patients with Dementia do not receive the treatment they need? How about causes of Dementia? Did you know that reactions to medications, poisoning, infections, brain tumors, and lack of nutrition can cause Dementia? Well, it's true! And in some cases, Dementia can be irreversible. Unfortunately, the number of people suffering from Dementia is increasing all over the world.

I'm writing an article on Dementia, which will be added to my subscription of articles. I hope you will take advantage of my attempts to analyze and share important medical data with the public :-)

HOLIDAY FOOLING AROUND

Hopefully, there weren’t too many naughty people “fooling around” over the Christmas Holiday Season. But with sparks of the New Year and Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there is probably more sexual activity taking place than one may think; even the “nice” can be “naughty,” at times. The thing that matters most is safety, despite one’s behavior. Don’t let “Holiday Fooling Around” land you in the hospital.

For men, untreated Gonorrhea can result in increased risk of bladder cancer, prostatitis, and epididymitis. The CDC also reports that bladder cancer is among the top ten cancers in men, in addition to cancers of the prostate, rectum, and mouth. Certain behaviors, such as avoiding smoking and receiving regular colorectal exams, may help decrease risk of some of these cancers. Furthermore, the important roles of sperm production and ejaculation take place in the prostate and epididymis. Consequently, there is an implication that the practice of safe sex could also preserve one’s ability to adequately “fool around” in the future; hopefully, with a monogamously wedded and healthy partner.

Again, the one thing that matters most is safety. Hopefully, ALL gifts were properly wrapped in 2011, and so far in 2012.

Click the title above (HOLIDAY FOOLING AROUND) to read this particular article in its entirety. This and other articles I've written are accessible for viewing, downloading, printing, saving, and e-mailing, once you subscribe. See the SUBSCRIBE button to the right => => => => =>

A Beautiful Curse

How healthy is it for a beautiful woman to be with a man who despises her? Are men intimidated by beautiful women who actually have some smarts about themselves? Is a woman's place in the kitchen, still, in 2012? Personally, I think men are intimidated by beautiful women with smarts. I can even testify to the fact, since I happen to fit into the category of beautiful and smart, according to societal standards.

They stare, regardless. Regardless of whether they are with their wife, girlfriend, children, parents, colleagues, etc., they still stare. "You're so beautiful. Is it possible to get your digits, so we can talk sometime?" Then it picks up from there. He soon discovers that she is well-educated and highly qualified for almost any career. Then comes the condescending remarks about her "independence." The accusations about her "not needing a man," soon follow. It's an endless cycle that's sickening to watch.

So, why the animosity? Perhaps, both men and women are struggling within themselves to fight the attraction they have for beautiful women with smarts; not all beautiful women are gold-digging hoochies, ya know. This issue gets serious though, when jealousy turns into envy. Last year, I learned the difference between jealousy and envy from Pastor Creflo Dollar; I love that teaching preacher! Basically, he explained that jealousy is wanting what someone else has. However, it's no longer jealousy, but yet ENVY, when someone pursues you, in order to take what you have or block your plans.

So, is it fair to trigger depression and Avoidant personality disorder in another, due to your own insecurities? Of course, not! So, stop it! Pray, talk it over, or seek counseling. Whatever it is that you need to do to become a better you, do it. But please, stop blaming the beautiful people for your problems.

So, what's the solution to this dilemma? Clearly, it's a multi-faceted issue. Therefore, a careful and comprehensive approach is required. My concern is time. How long will it take before correction is introduced to and accepted by various cultures?

Meanwhile, beautiful women are left to endure degradation by insecure men and women, many of whom call themselves "Christians."

Believe me, I was sure to cover this topic in Book #3, which is currently in the proofing stage, due to be published soon. Hope to see you at my BOOK SIGNING PARTY!

Click on the above title (A Beautiful Curse) for more details on Avoidant personality disorder. And yes, there's a medical code for this one, too ;-)

Pride or CAUTION?

It's Day ONE of the New Year, and I am feeling encouraged! Believe it or not, I feel even better than I look! My Pastor preached an interesting Word and the choir sang some very important hymns that are quite personal to me; one in particular is called, "Encourage Yourself." It's the story of most of my adult life. However, there was one part of today's sermon that I happen to slightly disagree with...

Back when I was growing up, the "setting" and time may have been more conducive to confidence and compassion. But nowadays, folk seem to prey on the weakness of others. So, it may not be "Pride" per se, that is stopping folk from reaching out for help. Perhaps, it may be caution. Perhaps, folk are more cautious about airing their dirty laundry, due to the fear of not knowing in whom they can actually confide. Personally, I can relate. What I should say is that I can 100% relate. In fact, my third book, which I happen to be working on right now, spells out a few scenarios of abused trust.

Also, more often than not, our light shines so brightly that it offends others in the process. Well, as I stated earlier this morning, LET IT SHINE! (Matthew 5:16) Please, do not make the mistake I made in the past by trying to cover your light, trying to blend in or avoid offending someone else; that doesn't mean be boastful or prideful, however. Meanwhile, let them leave the room, if they can't stand the luminance of your light, not vice versa. This is another hot topic in Book #3, including a couple of scenarios regarding lady "survivors" trying to date the facade of a man. Remember ladies, the man is the head of the household, the leader. So, pick one who won't lead you into a ditch.

My book signing is a little over a month away, and I am on schedule with Book #3. So, stay tuned ;-)

Maybe life is a game of chess, after all.

Avoid DUI Traps!

In case you remember me from my former life as a DUI Immobilizer, please know that this post is coming from a more PROACTIVE approach... Don't drink and drive- and don't ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don't have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357. ~NO more excuses~

DEA arrests & BOOK #3

My goal today is to finish up another chapter in my third book, which is due to be published in February 2011! I'm very excited about that and my book signing party =) Meanwhile, I am also reading up on a few things, such as Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) arrests, as I prepare my mind to write another article. As I sit here, reading over my old notes on DEA arrests, I realized that I should share some of this with you all. I gathered some recent data from DEA to share.

Between October 3, 2011 and December 19, 2011, the following physicians and facilities were busted by the DEA, basically for improper prescribing and/or distribution of narcotics. Their names, offense, and date are listed below.

Oh, and if your doctor's name is listed, you might want to go ahead and call your insurance company and switch doctor's offices.

Barry M. Schultz, M.D.; Decision and Order (December 19, 2011)
Kamal Tiwari, M.D.; Pain Management and Surgery Center of Southern Indiana; Decision and Order (November 18, 2011)
Robert G. Crummie, M.D.; Decision and Order (November 17, 2011)
Silviu Ziscovici, M.D.; Decision and Order (November 17, 2011)
James L. Hooper, M.D.; Decision and Order (November 17, 2011)
Joseph Giacchino, M.D.; Decision and Order (November 17, 2011)
Scott D. Fedosky, M.D.; Denial of Application (November 17, 2011)
Treasure Coast Specialty Pharmacy Decision and Order (October 28, 2011)
Abelardo E. Lecompte-Torres, M.D. Decision and Order (October 28, 2011)
Aaron Gloskowski, D.O.; Decision and Order (October 28, 2011)
Linda Sue Cheek, M.D., Decision and Order (October 28, 2011)
Shawn M. Gallegos, D.D.S., Decision and Order (October 28, 2011)
David T. Koon, M.D.; Revocation of Registration (October 28, 2011)
Carlos Gonzalez, M.D., Decision and Order (October 11, 2011)
Robert Raymond Reppy, D.O.; Decision and Order (October 3, 2011)

Entitlement: According to you

So, your back hurts and you're having migraine headaches ALL the time. Or maybe it's your wrist, leg, or ankle. Whatever the ailment, maybe you're feeling like you're entitled to Social Security Disability. Well, according to Social Security Administration's (SSA) listings, maybe you do qualify!

Basically, SSA uses a list of diagnoses and corresponding qualifiers of each that serve as a set of criteria for determining whether an applicant is eligible to receive monetary benefits from the SSA fund. The process is usually lengthy, and can include a series of examinations, copies of medical records, and interviews. However, whether you qualify for SSA Disability benefits is not dependent on how serious you think your ailment is. As a former disability adjudicator, I can tell you that if a physician never documented your ailment in your medical record in a way that it meets a SSA listing, then you're probably not going to be approved for SSA Disability.

Furthermore, if you are receiving benefits for your child, who could otherwise function "normally," please stop telling them to "act crazy" when the social worker comes over for a home visit. The check might be helpful to you now, but the paper trail will only hinder your child in the future. Also, do realize that SSA Disability is not a retire plan! In other words, it's not an option for you just because you're tired of working. That's what 401K plans are for.

I could go on... and I probably will. But it will be an article specific for my subscribers. So, take advantage of the opportunity to subscribe to my work. I promise you will not be the same after reading what I have to say ;-)

To catch a glimpse of details about medical record documentation, click the title (Entitlement: According to you) above.

To subscribe, don't look "to the left, to the left," instead you will find the SUBSCRIBE button to the RIGHT of this post. Happy Reading!!!

Your size my fault

Okay, before I get going with this one, please understand that the intent of this post is to inform and promote awareness, so as to improve future decision-making... hopefully ;-) However, if the shoe fits, or in this case the condom, then sport it!

Sexual compatibility can make or break a relationship, as we all know. In fact, there seems to be some tension between guys who fit into Magnum condoms and guys who fit into Trojan condoms. Guys, please hear me out on this one... Stop giving women a hard time because of your "inadequacies." Chances are she identified your issue before you revealed it to her. Chances also are that she actually cares about you despite it. So, try coming to terms with it yourself, instead of taking your frustration out on her. Breaking up with her is probably not the most effective strategy. And remember, what goes around, comes around ;-)

Ladies... you know I love you all. Besides, I'm a lady myself. But I have to warn my sisters to stop treating men according to a hierarchy of size. Bigger does not mean better... More importantly, his ability to provide for you and protect you and the family is not dependent on his size. Guys, stop acting like the two (abilities outside the bedroom and abilities in the bedroom) are interrelated.

Likewise, guys... Just because you're extraordinarily endowed does not make you "The Man." There's more work to go into an actual relationship, other than what you can bring to the bed. Can you even change a tire? How about a light bulb?

Look for scenarios related to this topic in my next book, which is due to be published in February 2012, just in time for my book signing party on February 11th ;-)

Click the title above (Your size my fault) to view details of me, as an author, on Amazon.com