Day 1 – May 15, 2008 (Tour De Cure -Diabetes Race Diary)

I would have started this 30 Days to the Race on Monday but I have been down with a terrible cold and I have not had a chance to do anything!

I have mustered energy and will start my diary today. My name is ChiChi – Executive Director/Founder of MNIA, Inc. - producers of the Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. One of our numerous goals include promoting education and to seek global advancement for the Nigerian Woman. We have a very strong mission of “Service and Commitment to our Community and our vision is to “Empower Women through Globalization and Education.”

Having said all that, June 14, 2008, MNIA will ride alongside the Miss Nigeria in America 2007 – Peace Amadi at the 2008 Tour De Cure that will be held at the El Dorado Park in Long Beach, CA and we are preparing for this race.

For the next 30 days, I invite you to join me on my journey as I work out to prepare for this race. I will also share some important information on Diabetes and I hope you all can learn from it. There are questions at the end that I want you to answer to yourself. Ask yourself those questions and get acclimated with Diabetes and other surrounding things. I have provided the website where I got the information from. Please feel free to surf and provide me with feedback. All this information you can read on the Directors Desk at http://www.missnigeriainamerica.org/v2/cont_about_directors.php and also at http://www.nigerianwoman.blogspot.com

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder that affects the way your body uses food for energy. Normally, the sugar you take in is digested and broken down to a simple sugar, known as glucose. The glucose then circulates in your blood where it waits to enter cells to be used as fuel. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move the glucose into cells. A healthy pancreas adjusts the amount of insulin based on the level of glucose. But, if you have diabetes, this process breaks down, and blood sugar levels become too high.

There are two main types of full-blown diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes are completely unable to produce insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells don't respond to it. In either case, the glucose can't move into the cells and blood glucose levels can become high. Over time, these high glucose levels can cause serious complications.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a completely different disease than Type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists believe that it may be a virus that triggers the immune system to attack the cells and permanently destroy them. The pancreas can no longer make the insulin necessary to transport sugar from the blood into the other cells of the body for energy. Sugar builds up in the blood and over time can damage internal organs and blood vessels.

Type 2 Diabetes
A person with Type 2 diabetes has adequate insulin, but the cells have become resistant to it. Type 2 usually occurs in adults over 35 years old, but can affect anyone, including children. The National Institutes of Health state that 95 percent of all diabetes cases are Type 2. Why? It's a lifestyle disease, triggered by obesity, a lack of exercise, increased age and to some degree, genetic predisposition.

All information culled from http://diabetes.about.com

Questions

1. Does Diabetes run in my family?
2. If so, what kind of Diabetes does my family member have?
3. Am I fully aware and informed about Diabetes and the type of Diabetes that my family member has?

These questions are intended to help you become more aware about Diabetes and educate about it.

ChiChi
MNIA, Inc.
Miss Nigeria in America 2008
Live from Los Angeles, CA

Diabetes Awareness Week by Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007

Diabetes Awareness Week - St. Raphael School, Los Angeles, CA

I’ve worked at St. Raphael School for almost 3 years now. And as the school counselor, I’ve come to know my students very well. I know how they are doing personally as well as academically. I also know how well (or not well) they are caring for their health. I’ve seen the endless amount of chips and cookies they consume each day and amount of fast foods and fried foods they eat. I’ve heard all of the excuses they use to try and get out of P.E., as if it’s the biggest waste of their time. Consequently, I’ve watched many of them battle weight problems and even become an example of childhood obesity. So when I began thinking about venues for creating awareness around diabetes, St. Raphael School seemed like a perfect choice. After a couple weeks of bouncing around ideas and talking with the school principal and faculty, the 1st-ever Diabetes Awareness Week was set in motion. The Diabetes Week was from Monday, April 28 through Thursday, May 1, 2008.

Monday, April 28th, 2008
This marked the kick-off. When a majority of the students raised their hands in response to the question: “How many of you know somebody who has diabetes?” I knew we were doing a good thing. We introduced Diabetes Awareness Week to the students and encouraged everyone to learn something new. I’d prepared a kid-friendly power-point presentation to teach the kids about diabetes. I wanted them to know what diabetes was, who it affected, and how we could prevent it. I wanted them to walk away understanding the seriousness of the disease, but also feeling empowered that they could so something about it. In teaching the kids about diabetes, I realized one thing. Kids are motivated to learn about “real life.” As the teachers and I shared our personal experiences with diabetes, the students began to open up and share theirs as well. One 4th-grad girl shared that three of her family members had diabetes and that she was scared of what would happen to them. As I comforted her and encouraged her to share what she was learning with her family members, I watched the other students grow even more attentive than they’d been earlier. It was clear they were eager to learn.

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
Tuesday’s theme was “Eating Healthy.” The goal was to emphasize the effect our eating habits have on our health. I had the students create a “Food Diary” where they listed the foods they had eaten in the past week and were asked to evaluate them according to the U.S. National Heart, Blood, & Lung Institute “Go, Slow, & Whoa” Chart – a chart that tells us how often we should eat certain types of food based on how good they are for us. One 8th-grade student ran up to me during break time and shared her concerns: “Ms. Amadi, I had to circle ‘whoa’ on most of my foods,” she said. “I didn’t know I ate so badly.” I assured her that a lot of students were probably feeling that way and that she should use this as an opportunity to develop better eating habits. I also told her how proud I was of her for being honest with herself. It’s often that brutal honesty with ourselves, that ability to look inward, that is the beginning of change.

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008/Thursday, May 1, 2008
These days went as planned as we talked about the importance of staying active and played “Diabetes Jeopardy” to test the student’s new knowledge. Sure, not every one was ready to go be a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, mixing up terms like “insulin” for “glucose” and “high blood sugar” for “high blood pressure.” But it was clear that everybody had learned something. “I learned that if you don’t eat fruits and vegetables, you’ll get sick,” one 1st-grader told me. “And you’ll have to go to the hospital,” another chimed in, “and you might die!” Wow, I thought to myself. Enough said!

All in all, I was really proud of the way the students engaged themselves during the week. And to my satisfaction, some students and teachers have already asked me about doing this again next year! By doing this, I was reminded that in thinking about how we can “change the world,” we don’t we have to look very far. We are always in some sort of a position to positively impact the people the around us. I’m glad to have started something new at St Raphael’s, something that I know will continue to be of value to the students and faculty. And yes, I will be doing this again next year!

The next major Diabetes Awareness Program is the Tour De Cure Bicycle Race that will be held in Long Beach, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at El Dorado Park. We are Team Nigeria and I will be spearheading this race to continue to raise awareness for Diabetes among Nigerians and Nigerians in the Diaspora. Please continue to check back for more updates and be sure to log on to www.missnigeriainamerica.orgfor more information on MNIA, Inc.

With love,
Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007

To book the Miss Nigeria in America 2007 for an appearance or event, please email Chioma Dike (Publicist) at chio_di@missnigeriainamerica.org or call 310.926.2316

Homelessness By Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007

He stood there...

...on the corner of Adams and Crenshaw – one of the busiest intersections in South Los Angeles – and still nobody saw him. I don’t know why I did. He stood there calm, still, steady… like…like a Los Angeles prop. He had no sign, no cart, no special tricks, or any other bells or whistles. Just a small white cup. A small white cup which he held amazingly still…As if he knew no amount of shaking or juggling would penetrate the passerby. He was probably right.

Maybe it was his eyes. Maybe it was his big burly arms and round tummy. Maybe it was the way the sunlight pierced through his white cup. All I know is that I couldn't take my eyes off of him. About another half-a-mile down the street, I convinced my friend to turn around. I wanted to talk to him. My friend and I took Jerome into a nearby McDonald’s and bought him everything he wanted...a “Quarter Pounder”. We convinced him we could afford more. He asked for some fries.

It’s funny how one person’s story could change you. How since then, I’ve prayed for Jerome almost every time I eat. How since then I’ve frequented the famous cross-section to see who else is there. How since then, I’ve found it incredibly difficult to just walk on by. Walk on by… We’re so good at that aren’t we? It can be easier not to care. Or better yet, to blame. “He’s homeless because he’s on drugs” “She’s homeless because she’s on crack.” “He’s lazy,” “He’s a drop-out,” “He’ll spend the money on booze” But have you ever sat down and listened to a homeless person’s story? While some of these things may be the case, the truth is something got them there.

Job loss, home loss, abandonment, living in the streets, rejection, loneliness, and the resulting substance abuse and addiction…Jerome had been through it all. And trying to get his life back was no easy task. I mean, who wants to hire a homeless, recovering drug-addict? All the desire in the world, yet no opportunity. His story, devastating as it was, was typical. It was a story shared by millions of people nation-wide. It was a story of homelessness in America.

The Homeless in America

Jerome is one of 3.5 million homeless persons in the U.S. And on any given night, he joins 750,000 other people who are forced to live in the streets or share very close quarters with each other in temporary, emergency shelters. An alarming 50% of these people are families with children. A large majority of these families have children under the age of 6. 71% of homeless people live in central cities with Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, and Houston leading the ranks. And while 46% of homeless people report chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, another 22% have serious mental illnesses and/or disabilities. Most have little to no access to medical health care or mental health services.

Jerome is not alone. But this time it is not a good thing. Thankfully, there are people doing something about it.

People Assisting The Homeless (PATH) Homeless Shelter

The PATH Homeless Shelter has set a national standard for responding to the needs of homeless people . It’s a transitional housing facility that is also home to the PATHMall, where homeless people can literally “shop” for services including health care, substance abuse counseling, a job center, mental health services, legal advocacy, and even a beauty salon! I love, love, love, the fact that PATH is not only providing homeless people with a variety of services to help them get back on their feet, they are also equipping them with the tools to regain a sense of self-sufficiency and finally break the cycle of homelessness in their lives.
PathMALL - the one-stop shop. Here, homeless people can literally “shop” for services including health care, substance abuse counseling, a job center, mental health services, legal advocacy, and even a beauty salon.

For more information about PATH, please log on to www.epath.org

MNIA, Inc. will continue to support PATH in achieving their mission which is "To break the cycle of homelessness by empowering homeless people with the tools for self-sufficiency." Having raised over $1000.00 to cook, serve and give love to PATH residents, MNIA, Inc. continues to serve fellow non-profits in the community by teaching Nigerian women and women in general on the positive effects of being of service to the communities that we all serve.

For more information on the programs that MNIA and the current Miss Nigeria in America 2007 is involved with, please log on to www.missnigeriainamerica.org

From the desk of:
Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007 and MNIA, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA

Peace Amadi -Miss Nigeria in America 2007 on trendyafrica.com

Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007 is featured in the current issue of Trendy Africa Online Magazine.

Click HERE for more details.

Trendy Africa is an online community set to take you through an exploratory journey which ultimately would capture the hidden treasures of a beautiful continent - Africa.

Thanks Trendy Africa!

To book the Miss Nigeria in America 2007 or to feature her in your magazine, please contact Chioma Dike (Publicist) at chio_di@missnigeriainamerica.org or call 310.926.2316

MNIA, Inc.

It's that time of the year again...

The Search is on for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America!!

Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Nigeria in America.. Do you have PASSION for others? Are you committed to your community? Can you be a voice for Nigeria? Can you be an ambassador for women?

If you answer yes to all these, then read on....

THE 2008 MISS NIGERIA IN AMERICA BEAUTY PAGEANT DELEGATE APPLICATION

You may apply to be a delegate for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant by completing and submitting the online application and the $25.00 application fee.

Please note the following eligibility requirements must be met in order to proceed with the application process.
*Must be at least 18 years of age and under 25 years of age by August 30, 2008
*Must be in college, college bound or have graduated from college.
*Must be of Nigerian Descent (Either parent or both must be Nigerian).
*Must not be married, never have been married, and never have had a marriage annulled. Must never have given birth to a child, can not be pregnant or be a parent.
*Must be of good health and moral character.
*Must be a naturally born female, and must reside in the United States of America.
*Must agree, that if selected to compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant, they will abide by all the rules and regulations governing that pageant.

The 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant would be held in Los Angeles, California from August 27 – August 30, 2008.

VIDEO APPLICATION

You can submit your YOUTUBE LINK via the online application or mail a copy to:
MNIA, Inc.
9107 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450
Beverly Hills, CA
90210

Applications MUST be accompanied by a video and must meet the following requirements:

1. LENGTH: MAXIMUM OF THREE MINUTES anything over three minutes will not be considered.
2. FORMAT: A DVD or a Mini DV. Please write your name on your item when you submit.
3. CONTENT: Who are you, and why you should be selected to compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Be Creative!

The video will be become the property of the Producers and will not be returned to you, whether or not you are selected as a delegate.

GENERAL RULES

To be considered for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant, you must complete the application form in detail and pay the $25.00 application fee. The deadline to apply for the pageant is JUNE 15, 2008.
You must submit the 3 minute video labeled clearly with your name and application number that you receive when you apply for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Please remember, you can submit your YouTube video via the online application.
All applications will be reviewed and processed and applicants would go through a scheduled phone interview.
Final delegates who would compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant will be notified on or before July 6, 2008.

MNIA, Inc.
Beverly Hills, CA

Diabetes and You ! - Week One

When I sat back and actually thought to myself, “when was the last time I went to see a doctor for a physical, sparking a chance to be tested for diabetes?” Like myself, I’m sure many of you can testify to that uneasy feeling you get when it comes to doctors, hospitals, needles and things of that nature. Sometimes even when we know there’s a problem, we still choose not to go. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s silly, not to mention detrimental to let this uneasy feeling stop us from getting checked-out for abnormalities in our system. We put all sorts of unnatural things into our bodies (junk food, processed food, sodas, etc.), and place all sorts of strain on our bodies, and expect that everything will be normal. But as we neglect our bodies, the less we remember to get “checked-out”. As this occurs, the more we can expect the little problems to turn into big dilemmas and before we know, we’re spending big bucks on treatments, medications and hospital visits on conditions that would not have existed had we taken time for early detection and prevention all together.

Out of the 20.8 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it! A level of concern is raised when the majority of this figure are of African descent. But one cannot fix what on does not know. That is why its important for us to be attentive to our bodies and health. Chances are nothing may be wrong, but if there is something wrong, it’s better to know now and make a plan to heal than to continue to unknowingly worsen your situation until its too late.

My people please take this quick test: http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp and get a feel for your risk of developing diabetes. This literally took me 10 seconds to do. And if you find you are at a moderate to high risk of developing diabetes, please make an appointment to be tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition in which blood-sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify for full-blown diabetes).This is a quick test that you can do during your next annual physical And for those of you at a low risk of developing diabetes, don’t take advantage of your health. Be good to your body and get your regular check-ups. Remember, doctors are our friends, but we must first be concerned about our bodies and our health before anyone else can be. It’s your body and temple.

Diabetes is a silent killer. Don’t let it sneak up on you.

With love,
Ms. Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007

Diabetes.................... the Silent Killer!

Four months ago, we lost a valuable member of Nigerian community and close friend of my family. While the world hung bright lights, exchanged gifts, and sung Christmas carols, we gathered around the grieving wife and children, offering our condolences, sobered by the untimely death of a strong, otherwise-healthy, young man. Diabetes. Another couple weeks later, I’d called a friend to check on her, only to find out that her dad had spent some quality holiday time in the hospital battling a myriad of serious disease complications. Diabetes. Two weeks ago, I’d learned that a friend had lost yet another relative who lived in Nigeria . His health had been deteriorating for quite some time, but nobody knew what the problem was. It was not until he died that doctors found what killed him. Diabetes.

In a very short period of time, I’ve gained a sense of the impending danger that more and more Nigerians will find themselves in if people continue to ignore this problem. As Nigerians, we take pride in our beauty, strength, and ability to overcome any obstacle that comes our way…and deservingly so! I too, find a voice in me that can admit no failure, no weakness, and no acceptance of anything but the best. But too often time, we hide a little ways from the stark reality: we are not invincible. And we cannot continue to ignore the warning signs of diseases familiar to our people, or discount the responsibility we have to educate ourselves and take care of our bodies, and expect to leave unscathed.

Diabetes Stats:-
-Over 143 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes.
-In the U.S. nearly 1 in 10 American adults (about 20.8 million people) have diabetes. Yet, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it!
-Of the African countries, Nigeria has the largest population of people living with diabetes with an estimated 1.5 million.
-African-Americans are more likely than any other ethnic group to develop Type 2 diabetes. This includes all Africans living in America .
-Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. and a major leading cause of death worldwide. It is indeed a chronic disease with currently no cure.

As you read the stats, one cannot help but think one thing: “No, not another one. Not another disease killing off our people.” That’s why as the Miss Nigeria in America 2007, I have decided to do something about it.

Riding for the Cure
On Saturday, June 14th, 2008, Miss Nigeria in America 2007 alongside MNIA, Inc.and supporters will ride the “Tour de Cure” as a symbol of our commitment to this campaign. The “Tour de Cure” is a 15-mile, bicycling event taking place in Long Beach , California.
It’s an American Diabetes Association sponsored event for all those who care to take a stand against diabetes and support the mission: “to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes.”
I will ride to support the efforts of the American Diabetes Association.
Every mile I ride, every dollar I raise will go towards diabetes research.
I will ride to create an awareness around diabetes in the African community, and specifically in the Nigerian community.
I will ride because I believe that if we rally around this cause – educating ourselves about ways to prevent and control diabetes - we will eradicate the disabling affect of diabetes on our community and the community at large.
I will ride for my country - Nigeria.

Will you ride for yours? In the upcoming weeks, I invite you to follow me as I prepare for this race. I will have write-ups concerning diabetes
For more information about Diabetes, please visit

Sincerely Yours,

Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007