Cruise Away Stress

Recently, I have had little time to post as much as I would have liked.  However, I have been doing a better job (at least in my mind) at balancing my the stress that comes along with my personal and professional responsibilities.  Meanwhile, a friend of mine, at Gadabout Travel, has been busy sharing wonderful travel packages and entertaining us with their catchy music video, performed by their sales team and based on a catchy chorus!  Remember, whatever it takes to keep your stress in check, do it!  Also,  WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW, and and call your agent ;-)

Thanks for stopping by, Tootles!

Mental Illness: Is It a Crime?

The million dollar question is, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH THOSE PEOPLE?”  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continues to stack cases against itself, and it seems that not even the Department of Justice can force the LAPD to bring its abusive shenanigans to a halt.  According to the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice, patterns of excessive force by the LAPD were identified as early as May 2000.  Meanwhile, those patterns of excessive force continue to be perpetuated by the LAPD, as recently demonstrated in the July 22, 2012 killing of Ms. Alesia Thomas. 

Police and fire departments have been considered a “safe haven” for innocent babies for years, now.  Certainly, there was nothing criminal about a mother leaving her children at a local police department, especially when she was suffering from a mental illness and felt incapable of caring for them herself.  Why not receive the children and place them in a loving home?  Why hunt down the children's mother and beat her to death?  Is this how motherly pleas for help are rewarded in Los Angeles, California?  Well, according to the LAPD Chief of Police, who takes the tone of a good 'ole “Mr. Charlie,” the Department is not required by California statutes to disclose any evidence associated with the death of Ms. Thomas.  The Chief's tone in expressing such statement is clearly evasive and uncooperative, and lacks regard for circumstances surrounding Ms. Thomas' demise.  In fact, the Chief fails to demonstrate any compassion at all, as he refers to Ms. Thomas' death as “The July 22, 2012 incident” claiming that the investigation is still on-going.  Perhaps, future police training at LAPD should include a workshop on tact and decorum.  However, the likelihood of that happening is probably close to nil. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Thomas’ family has been unable to realize any level of peace, since there is no hope of closure, more than six months after her death.  Two children are now motherless because of the abuse and neglect of men and women who call themselves “officers of law enforcement.”  This and other cases like it are nauseating, mainly due to the blatant lack of accountability.  Someone needs to grow a pair, and rebuild the LAPD with law-abiding, disciplined, ethical police officers and leaders.  And they might want to get it down soon, before the public gets too riled up.  But then again, it may take another Rodney King-Riot, to get “those people” to get a clue about implementing justice.

Until then, the overzealous civil rights Attorney Benjamin Crump is on the job, making countless inquiries of the justice system to intercede.  Attorney Crump has managed to obtain more than 10,000 signatures for his online petition within the first day, in addition to support of the New York Times, and a LAPD officer, who witnessed the attack against Ms. Thomas and the moments following her death.  All he is asking is for the LAPD to provide a simple explanation of facts, delineating exactly what happened to Ms. Alesia Thomas on July 22, 2012, while she was in the custody of LAPD's officers.  Such a question is rather simple, even to the lay person.  Ms. Thomas' family has a right to know.  So, why does it take such a renowned attorney, known for winning lawsuits across the United States to initiate simple justice?  If each member of the LAPD is doing their job, as esteemed, competent employees and officers of law enforcement, then adequate documentation of such a serious event would be readily accessible, an assessment could be expeditiously completed, and a solution would implemented.  So again, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THOSE PEOPLE and why is it taking so long to disclose all that happened to Ms. Alesia Thomas on the night of July 22, 2012?

Obama Part II: Blacks, Latinos, gays, & military

It is quite the honor and pleasure to observe this weekend and today as a celebration of freedom for my people.  How apropos it is that our 44th President, the intelligent, skillful, debonair, distinguished, and Black President Barack H. Obama is delivering his inaugural speech at 12:11 p.m. today.  On the day that we nationally celebrate the birthday of our great civil rights leader, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


In the past, medical injustices, such as the Tuskeegee Experiment, plagued the African-American community.  As a result, the American Medical Association was able to develop diagnostic and treatment protocols for the bacterial disease called, "Syphilis," courtesy of, but unconsentually through my people. 

So, you bet I am motivated to research and write about patient rights, health disparities and the impact of pharmacogenomics on health care choices, especially patient choices on medication use.  As a United States Navy Veteran, woman of color, with an overwhelming passion for writing and studying pharmaceutical outcomes, policy, & research, I have finally concluded that it is my duty to heighten awareness of such injustices, while introducing helpful information to the public that can aid in making more intelligent decisions about health and options to healthcare.  Besides, there was a time when I would have been prohibited from learning to read and write.  Now, I openly, legally, and zealously write every chance I get, and without reprimand.  Some love it, and the others do not matter much ;-)


As our President pointed out today, our journey is not complete until equality is actually reached.  To me this includes access to healthcare, health information, and education as well as military enlistment, discharge, and treatment of military veterans.  Meanwhile, I am standing by, readily available to document injustices and
overcome them with the sword of literacy.  Won't you join me?


Find out how to receive notifications and copies of my posts by sending me a simple email message.  Please type DOMZ WORK in the subject line and EMAIL ME by clicking HERE!

Now, let's CELEBRATE our 44th President and our freedom =)  Thanks again for stopping by!!!! 

Rest or Arrest

Rest now or your body will force you to later.  Start by choosing to do the things that make your heart smile, instead of depending on someone else to make your heart smile for you.  Think of things that bring you enjoyment (such as reading my articles ) and start doing those things.  If you're already doing things that make you happy, keep up the good work!  

Take a look at this link ====> TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF  for more step-by-step guidance on controlling your thoughts for the sake of your own health.

Thanks again for stopping by!  Salud!!!

Unprivate Fantasy

Fantasies are usually kept private, selectively shared with special individuals we trust.  For example, whenever your medical and pharmacy records, IRS, paystubs and banking statements, insurance and mortgage documents, or birth/death/marriage certificates are copied, you tend to have expectations, right?  My assumption, similar to my own expectation, is that you expect your copies to be accessible to a select few and particularly authorized individuals.  Well, honey... I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears that everyone who shares our expectation is living in a fantasy land of oblivion.

It's sad, infuriating, and unfair, but I'm afraid it's true.  Here's a video from CBS News explaining how ====> UNPRIVATE our personal business really is =( 

As usual, thanks for stopping by!  See ya soon ;-)

Why are you STILL single?!@#$%^&*()

You're so beautiful and smart, and ... Why aren't you married?  Well, I'll tell you why I'm not married.  I'm not married because I break off relationships at the hint of betrayal, especially in the form of infidelity and physical/emotional abuse; my sweet kindness is often mistaken for a weakness.  But like I told my godfather (God Bless his soul; R.I.P.), when I left my ex-husband... "I will not tolerate maltreatment."  By this, I mean I MUST be the main priority or we can NOT be together, period.  For example, unlimited access is a two-way street; courtship must precede marriage; pampering is a must; my pretty-face-intelliegence-multi-skill combo package will not be dismissed or overlooked, we will not shack up together and/or make babies prior to marriage; in-laws will not have more influence over our relationship than I; and I like my diamonds in princess cut ;-)

Loosen up, Domanique!  You're too uptight!!!  My response: "OH, WELL!"  Why should I put my needs and desires on the back burner, only to let a man have his way?    Meanwhile, I'm still in my prime and it's full-steam ahead with my career and educational goals, personal improvement, and emotional stability.  All of whom are not or can not actively contribute to my career and educational goals, personal improvement, and emotional stability (Translation: MY OVERALL WELL-BEING & HAPPINESS) are hereby disqualified from all activity pertaining to Domanique Culpepper.  No apologies.  My uncle used to say, "I laugh and joke, but I don't play!" 

Ultimately,we must respect and accept one another, to include honesty, submission, and trust; as you can see, I take these things seriously.  When these traits are absent from relationships, the balance is thrown off, and we move closer to an unhealthy relationship; at this moment, I am re-living the writing of my third book, entitled TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A TRAIN WRECK...and I am now, VERY pleased to have come to the epiphany of it all, put it on paper, and published it!

At the end of the day, it's about creating and maintaining healthy relationships.  The same goes for all of my relationships actually, whether friendships, familial relationships, workplace dynamics, or social/professional networking.  So, in the words of my wonderful Grandma Lottie, I must say, "Pee or get off the pot!"

Again, thanks for stopping by!  Toodles!!!

Why I Write?

I enjoy writing very much; whether it's a medical topic or a community involvement.  It's therapy for me, and allows me to express myself in ways that I have been unable through other ways.  It's also a quiet process, so there's no chaos to irritate or startle me... It's peaceful and brings me great comfort.  Teaching gives me the social interaction I crave, but writing provides a sense of safety that I require.

So, please know that I am working on Book #4.  It's just taking a little longer than expected.  However, Christmas Break is a good time for me to wrap it up ;-)  Meanwhile, BLOOD ON THE OTHER SIDE, A PEPPER UNPICKED, and TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A TRAINWRECK are still available for your special attention.  If you have read all three, and ready for Book #4, it would be my pleasure to discuss any parts of any of my three published books.  All you have to do is post a comment here or send me an email message by clicking here!

As usual, thanks for stopping by!

HIV Status at Home

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 3, 2012, OraQuick is now on the market!  It is the first at-home-HIV Test to hit the market.  Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, and Navarro Discount Pharmacy currently carry OraQuick.  For $40.00 each, the public now has access and control over their own HIV testing and results.  However, testing should not be performed prior to 3 months after exposure.  Know your status ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Young children killed

Special Prayers for the families of the 18 children found shot to death at a Connecticut elementary school ♥  Click here for CBS News Report

Private sweat

It's called "hyperhidrosis,"otherwise known as a condition of excessive sweat.  As discussed today on the T.V. program called "The Doctors," excessive sweat tends to cause body odor.  The type of odor produced is dependent on the body area that sweats, such as armpits and private areas.  However, there are ways to prevent such embarrassing odors from occurring.  One way that was discussed today is for women to wear cotton panties, with or without a pantyliner; careful that the panties are not too tight, which can cause additional sweating.

Other tactics that help reduce body odor include frequent bathing and personal hygiene.  Also, application of baby powder can help reduce wetness that can be responsible for body odor.

This topic reminds me of an episode of the T.V. series called, "Shahs of Sunset," when Lilly encountered "crotch juice" on one of her designs that was used during a previous fitting.  I can definitely understand her concern.  However, let us remember that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) within bodily fluids of HIV+ individuals would not transmit HIV onto garments; other infections, such as STDs, is another matter. 

Consequently, wearing such a contaminated garment would not infect the next person with HIV.  ON THE OTHER HAND, I do NOT condone wearing intimate garments worn by others, ESPECIALLY when they have not been cleaned... pantyliner or not!

Prison: AIDS & Excecution

Did you know that inmates infected with AIDS can be released early?  Click here to read more.

World AIDS Day

Did you know that today is World AIDS Day?

The Obama Administration's strategy to combat HIV/AIDS was released last year (2011).  Reduction of new infections, increase in access to healthcare, reduction in health disparities, and achievement of a more coordinated national response to HIV/AIDS are among the main goals.  To do this, the Obama Administration is advancing education about HIV/AIDS.  The focus is on African-Americans, Latinos, and gay men.  Come 2014, The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) has been expanded to include HIV-testing and will ensure healthcare coverage to all Americans, including those living with HIV/AIDS.

I love that President Obama issued a presidential proclamation for World AIDS Day; CLICK HERE to read President Obama's Proclamation.

Thanks for stopping by!

Pharmacy robbery!

I knew it!  I knew it!  I knew it!!!!  Another attempted robbery of a pharmacy took place last night (Tuesday, November 27, 2012) at a Palm Bay, Florida Walgreens.  The 20-year old robber pointed a gun at a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist, demanding that they provide him with their oxycodone supply.  Multiple Walgreens customers and patients waiting to get prescriptions filled were key in getting help to the pharmacy, as they used their mobile telephones to call 911. 

Most of my pharmacy career (90%) has been worked in a secure environment, such as military, hospital, and home health pharmacies.  Since working in a retail pharmacy environment over recent months, I must say that it is my least favorite, mainly because of the safety risk, especially since the work space is far too accessible to the public for my comfort.  I say install plexiglass and a teller speaker, for starters!

It's a shame that we can't even go to work in peace anymore.  We have got to make more changes to ensure a safer work environment for pharmacy staff.  But at least the pharmacy robber, in this case, was arrested and detained at a local hospital, where his gunshot wounds are being treated.  Other than that, no one was hurt.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Birth defects

What do you know about birth defects?  Well, since last month was National Awareness for birth defects, and this month (November) is National Awareness for premature births, I thought it to be appropriate to share an article that I wrote about birth defects.  They're usually unexpected.  So, why not take a moment to increase your awareness on Birth Defects now?

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Military Woman Serves in Vain

As a recent newlywed, (July 27, 2012), Nikki Hoskins, of Arkansas, is also a widow.  During a business meeting that other employees attended, Mrs. Hoskins' husband (Ernest Hoskins) was shot in the face at point blank range by his employer on Friday, November 9, 2012.  The shooting resulted in his death, and the shooter (Mr. Hoskins' boss) has NOT been arrested yet.  His name is Chris Reynolds, and who's to say that he hasn't fled the state of Arkansas yet!  If he's bold enough to call police and report that he killed a man in cold blood, AND the Arkansas State Police Department refuses to arrest Chris Reynolds, who's to say!

The irony of this case is that Mrs. Hoskins, 24-years old, is also an Army Specialist Hoskins in the United States Army, and Veterans Day was celebrated less than 72 hours after her husband's murder.  So, while Army Specialist Hoskins fights for our United States, who's helping her fight for justice in the cold-blooded killing of her husband?  Thank God she has Attorney Benjamin Crump and his legal team on her side.  Look for a press conference on this blatant injustice, around about... NOW! 

Hear what the victim's family has to say... Video Clip of Hoskins Family

Keep it clean!

Okay, y'all!  It's time to start prepping our Thanksgiving dinners =)  Yay!  (I love Thanksgiving!!!)  But please, keep it clean and stay out of the emergency room, would ya?  Here's why I say... STAY OUT OF THE E.R.

 

Awareness

November is American Diabetes Month, National Alzheimer's Disease
Awareness Month, as well as National Hospice Month.  Please take part =)

Marijuana

Even though some states have "legalized" marijuana (weed) use, whether medicinal or recreational, federal law supercedes state law. In other words, you can still be arrested by federal officials for possession and use of marijuana. So, if you must indulge, be careful!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Our Veterans Day

Today is reserved to celebrate those who have served and are currently serving our great United States of America.  We say "Happy Veterans Day," but is it indeed a "Happy" time for Veterans and our families.  As a United States Navy Veteran, I can tell you that Veterans Day is a bittersweet time for me and many others.  We mourn over the time spent away from our families, military experiences that have negatively impacted our lives, and the memories of watching others suffer and lose their lives for our country.  Realistically, those are not happy times.  However, we managed to rise above it all.  Now, survivors of military life can look back over those days and feel an intrinsic sense of pride for having pulled through and continue to overcome adversity.  It's not easy, but we are soldiers, so we can never give up the fight.  Knowing this makes me happy, and because of that I can earnestly say, "HAPPY VETERANS DAY!"

Excitement redirected

With all the excitement going around, I just want to send out an extra safety reminder. Remember, the PULL OUT method is not truly effective. If you're having unprotected sex, please realize that pre-cum or residual semen inside the tip of the penis, can contain enough sperm to fertilize an egg = pregnancy. Another reason to wrap it up ;-)