Thank you The White House.

So as you know I am an advocate for Children and Families, with that I have found that there is a LOT of things going on in The White House to fight for all Children and Family’s right. From Today I will be able to Blog re-post about the Latino Politics in the United States. Here we go!

You can Click on The White House Politics link to catch up with all readings I have posted. 

Gifts

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It is the time of the year where you are shopping to buy things for people in your life that make you smile, that at time make you angry and even make you feel nothing…

But giving a gift is more than just buying something to see someone smile… It can be (if you make it) a gesture of peace, of letting someone you care about know how much you know them (by getting them something they like and would actual wear). It can be whatever you want to make it. And I will have to remind you they too will make it whatever they want to make it also. So… since sometimes others may not see if for what you make the gift…i suggest you make a little note… Tell them why you are giving them a gift. A lot of people have lost the use of the card before the gift, and it was meant to inform them the reason why they are receiving their gift.

I hope when you give, you give whole heatedly. That you give something that’s good for the person, not something that would hurt or jeopardize them or their loves ones. AND have fun making or buying the awesome gift you give.

Smile (if you want)

Jes Sofia

Gratitude, Hope and Actions

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I woke up…
I was able to open my eyes, fell the warmth of my covers and I took a deep breath.

I’ve learned that my actions make a reaction. That what I do does come around. That when I’m in the most of darkest of places I’m able to have hope to get me through. I’ve learned…

But I’ve also become aware that my actions mean more than just doing… for others. And I’m grateful that I’m able to do whatever I can with out forgetting about myself, my family and friends. I’m grateful for that.

So the next time you feel like you do not have anything, keep it simple. You are able to think you have nothing, or feel something… you are breathing.  You are able to have hope if you want it, hope to get you to your next endevour. Allow grace to heal your heart, for I’ve learned we not just have one… we give one to everyone we are kind to, we help and give one to.  Sounds like puppies and rainbows, but where would we be with out the puppies and rainbows?

Keep being grateful, filled with the air you breath everyday. Have hope, have gratitude, act for your and other’s better. Make it your wonderful day.

Smile (if you want to)

Jes Sofia

Announcement by the Department of Homeland Security Regarding Case by Case Review Process and Prosecutorial Discretion

November 17, 2011
The Department of Homeland Security announced that it will begin to review all deportation cases pending before federal immigration courts, following up on the August 18th case by case review memorandum issued by Secretary Napolitano. The Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review, which runs the immigration courts, issued a statement on this announcement, read here.

‘Medicare Explicado’

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Maria Antonieta Collins
As part of helping the commuity, I enjoy reading this… Enjoy.


Seguido en Español Debajo en Ingles.

“New UnitedHealthcare ‘Medicare Explicado’ DVD Educates Hispanics About Medicare and Medicaid

— Award-winning TV personality Maria Antonieta Collins narrates informational DVD to help address gaps in Spanish-language Medicare resources

— DVD aims to alleviate health care disparities in older Hispanics’ access to preventive care

MINNETONKA, Minn., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UnitedHealthcare has released a DVD called “Medicare Explicado” to help Spanish-speaking Medicare beneficiaries learn more about their health care coverage options.

Hosted by popular TV personality and author Maria Antonieta Collins, “Medicare Explicado” answers questions about both Medicare and Medicaid in a culturally relevant, easy-to-understand and engaging way, helping to address disparities in health care that prevent Hispanics from achieving optimal health.

Understanding and enrolling in Medicare can be challenging, especially given the impact of health reform on the program. The health reform law has brought changes to Medicare, most notably to the Annual Election Period and the Part D prescription drug program. This year, the enrollment period began one month earlier, on Oct. 15, and ends Dec. 7, three weeks earlier than in previous years. New discounts on prescription drugs will also be available to beneficiaries who fall into the coverage gap, or “donut hole,” in 2012.

These challenges are often compounded for the more than 9 million Americans who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as “dual-eligibles.” Medicare and Medicaid both provide government-sponsored health insurance. However, they differ in many ways, including eligibility criteria, enrollment procedures and the types of services that are covered. It is important for dual-eligibles to understand both programs to ensure they are taking full advantage of the health care services and preventive screenings available to them.

Navigating Medicare and Medicaid can be especially challenging for Hispanics who do not speak English or people who speak English as a second language.

“UnitedHealthcare created ‘Medicare Explicado’ to help address the shortage of Spanish-language Medicare and Medicaid resources, enabling Hispanics to learn more about their coverage options and become more educated health care consumers,” said Russell C. Petrella, Ph.D., president of UnitedHealthcare Community & State, the country’s largest Medicaid managed care company.

Delivering Key Medicare, Medicaid Information in a Consumer-Friendly Way

“Medicare Explicado” is designed to enhance Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries’ understanding of their health care options. It details how Medicare and Medicaid work and addresses different aspects of the programs, including eligibility, enrollment procedures and tips for choosing a plan. The information is delivered in a simple, easy-to-understand way by Collins, a well-known and trusted journalist in the Hispanic community.

“Throughout my news career, I learned about our health care system and Medicare, yet I found that as much as I had learned, there were still many details I didn’t know,” said Collins. “As I get older, I have more health care needs, but I take care of myself. Unfortunately, many of my fellow Latinos can’t or don’t know how to access our health care system. This ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ video is a useful tool to point them in the right direction.”

“Medicare Explicado” was developed using content from UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Made Clear Show Me Guide. Throughout the 38-minute DVD, Collins directs viewers to ask their UnitedHealthcare representative for a printed copy of the Show Me Guide or to visit www.solucionesdemedicare.com if they have questions or want more details about any of the topics addressed in the DVD.

Millions of Older Hispanics Are Not Receiving Medicare-Covered Preventive Care

According to a March 2011 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – in partnership with the Administration on Aging, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – gaps exist among people who receive potentially life-saving preventive services and those who do not.

The report found that 47 percent of Hispanics indicated that they were not screened for colorectal cancer, compared with 34 percent of Caucasians. More than 50 percent of Hispanics reported never receiving a pneumococcal vaccination, compared with 36 percent of Caucasians.

According to the report, these disparities in accessing important preventive services cannot be attributed solely to patient-doctor interactions. The causes are complex and could include older adults’ lack of awareness of the services recommended for their age group or services that are covered by Medicare. To increase the use of preventive services in underserved communities, the report recommends several strategies, including building awareness through media.

“Medicare Explicado” can be viewed for free by logging on to www.solucionesdemedicare.com

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. ”

Español

“Nuevo DVD “Medicare Explicado” de UnitedHealthcare informa a los hispanos acerca de las opciones de beneficios de Medicare y Medicaid

– La galardonada personalidad de televisión María Antonieta Collins narra el DVD informativo para ayudar a superar las deficiencias en la disponibilidad de recursos de Medicare en español

– El DVD apunta a reducir las desigualdades en el acceso a la atención preventiva por parte de los adultos mayores hispanos

MINNETONKA, Minnesota, 16 de noviembre de 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UnitedHealthcare ha lanzado un DVD llamado “Medicare Explicado” para ayudar a los beneficiarios de Medicare que hablan español a conocer más sobre sus opciones de cobertura de salud.

Presentado por la personalidad de TV y autora María Antonieta Collins, “Medicare Explicado” responde los interrogantes acerca de Medicare y Medicaid de una manera culturalmente relevante, fácil de entender y cautivadora, ayudando a abordar las disparidades en la atención médica que impiden que los hispanos alcancen una salud óptima.

Entender e inscribirse a Medicare puede ser un reto, especialmente teniendo en cuenta el impacto de la reforma de salud en el programa. La ley de reforma de la salud ha traído cambios en Medicare, más concretamente para el Período de Elección Anual y para la Parte D, el programa de prescripción de medicamentos. Este año, el período de inscripción se inició un mes antes, el 15 de octubre, y termina el 7 de diciembre, tres semanas antes que en años anteriores. Nuevos descuentos en medicamentos recetados también estarán disponibles para los beneficiarios que caigan en la brecha de la cobertura, o período sin cobertura (“donut hole”), en el año 2012.

Estos desafíos son a menudo complicados para los más de 9 millones de estadounidenses que son elegibles tanto para Medicare como para Medicaid, también conocidos como de “doble elegibilidad”. Tanto Medicare como Medicaid ofrecen seguro de salud patrocinado por el gobierno. Sin embargo, difieren en muchos aspectos, incluyendo los criterios de elegibilidad, los procedimientos de inscripción y los tipos de servicios que están cubiertos. Es importante que las personas de doble elegibilidad comprendan los dos programas para garantizar que estén aprovechando al máximo los servicios de atención médica y exámenes preventivos puestos a su disposición.

Navegar por Medicare y Medicaid puede ser especialmente difícil para los hispanos que no hablan inglés o las personas que hablan inglés como segunda lengua.

“UnitedHealthcare creó ‘Medicare Explicado’ para ayudar a resolver las deficiencias de recursos de Medicare y Medicaid en idioma español, permitiendo a los hispanos conocer más acerca de sus opciones de cobertura de salud y convertirse en consumidores de atención de la salud más informados”, expresó el Dr. Russell C. Petrella, Presidente de UnitedHealthcare Community & State, la más grande compañía de atención administrada de Medicaid en el país

Entrega de información clave de Medicare y Medicaid de una manera amigable para el consumidor

“Medicare Explicado” está diseñado para mejorar la comprensión de los hispanos beneficiarios de Medicare de sus opciones de atención médica. Detalla cómo Medicare y Medicaid trabajan y explica diferentes aspectos de los programas, incluyendo la elegibilidad, procedimientos de inscripción y consejos para elegir un plan. Collins, una reconocida periodista que goza de la confianza de la comunidad hispana, proporciona la información de una manera sencilla y fácil de entender.

“Durante toda mi carrera en las noticias aprendí acerca de nuestro sistema de salud y Medicare, sin embargo me encontré con que a pesar de todo lo que había aprendido, todavía había muchos detalles que ignoraba”, expresó Collins. “A medida que envejezco, tengo más necesidades de atención médica, pero me ocupo de mí misma. Desafortunadamente, muchos de mis compañeros latinos no pueden o no saben cómo acceder a nuestro sistema de salud. Este video que cuenta las cosas tal como son, es una herramienta útil para guiarlos en la dirección correcta”.

“Medicare Explicado” fue desarrollado utilizando contenido de la guía Medicare Made Clear Show Me Guide (Medicare explica – Guía explicativa) de UnitedHealthcare. Durante el DVD de 38 minutos, Collins orienta a los espectadores para que pidan a su representante de UnitedHealthcare una copia impresa de la guía Show Me Guide o visiten www.solucionesdemedicare.com si tienen preguntas o desean obtener más información acerca de cualquiera de los temas tratados en el DVD.

Millones de adultos mayores hispanos no están recibiendo cobertura de Medicare de Atención Preventiva

De acuerdo con un informe de marzo del 2011 publicado por los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades – en colaboración con la Administración para el Envejecimiento, la Agencia para la Investigación y Calidad de la Salud y los Centros para Servicios de Medicaid y Medicare – existen brechas entre las personas que reciben servicios preventivos que potencialmente salvan vidas y entre las que no.

El informe encontró que el 47 por ciento de los hispanos indicaron que no fueron sometidos a chequeos de detección del cáncer colorrectal, en comparación con el 34 por ciento de los caucásicos. Más del 50 por ciento de los hispanos indicaron nunca haber recibido una vacuna neumocócica, en comparación con el 36 por ciento de los caucásicos.

Según el informe, estas disparidades en el acceso a servicios preventivos importantes no pueden atribuirse únicamente a la interacción médico – paciente. Las causas son complejas y pueden incluir la falta de conocimiento por parte de los adultos mayores de los servicios recomendados para su grupo de edad o de los servicios que están cubiertos por Medicare. Para incrementar el uso de servicios preventivos en comunidades marginadas, el informe recomienda varias estrategias, incluyendo la creación de conciencia a través de los medios de comunicación.

“Medicare Explicado” se puede ver de forma gratuita ingresando a www.solucionesdemedicare.com
Acerca de UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare está dedicada a ayudar a personas de todo el país a llevar vidas más saludables simplificando la experiencia de la atención médica, satisfaciendo las necesidades de salud y bienestar del consumidor y manteniendo relaciones de confianza con los proveedores de atención. La compañía ofrece un amplio espectro de programas de beneficios de salud a personas, empleadores y a los beneficiarios de Medicare y Medicaid. UnitedHealthcare presta sus servicios a más de 38 millones de personas y es una de las compañías de UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), una compañía diversificada dedicada a la salud y al bienestar del grupo Fortune 50.”

FUENTE  UnitedHealthcare
SOURCE  UnitedHealthcare

Family Special Time…its Time.

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What is Family Special Time?

Time that is for Family…

Special Time…

Special Family…

Well… its all of the Above! 🙂 We are VERY busy! Good for you, not make time for your family like you make for work… You are working for you and for them after all right? If there is nagging and screaming when you get home… working hard is hardly working…

So what does Family Special time look like?

Tonight, for many families I help/ed it is Game night… Not like the Kardashian Game night… There is no negativity allowed. Its more like SIMPLY playing a game, and creating an outcome at various sections of the game as to where the losers are the winner and vise versa. 

Art Night

Where you can paint, draw, COLOR, create something for your children’s room together. For those less artistic, you can have your children draw you (don’t get offended if they don’t get you right, laugh) “It’s not the situation … It’s your reaction to the situation – Robert Conklin”  For older families… go to a Museum on free days. 


Family on a Budget? 


OMAGOSH! I love the 99 cent store. you have a plethora of toys, and art and crafts things you can buy. They have paints, markers, paints, cups, plates, cans, food, pasta for less than 99 cents! Oh yes, you will defiantly see me buying loads of crafts there…  You can even buy SUPER nice frames and decorate them with Jelly Paints.  


Holiday Special time


Mother’s day: Christmas: Father’s day: President’s day! (Use all the holidays in the books to make an excuse for Family special time! 🙂 ) buy 99 cent cloths and add sprinkles. Cutting paper. If you are a single mother, have them paint their hand in your card. Single father? Have your kids/older kids, create something for you with tire tubes, cups, and a box… you have not made a funny monster you can color.


Anytime Special time


Ask everyone in the family to write down the positive things about your family. A letter… So healing. At times you can even have them just write a letter of what they think about their lives and family. it can be hurtful to hear sometimes, but it can be healing for them if they are not used to telling or saying much. You can then follow it up with STEPPING UP  (as if you didn’t already right? Here is more) as a parent and after taking a few moments of taking deep breaths… follow up with your loved ones on making a list of ideas that you can do to fix the situation. Most of the time children want something to do with spending money… so before you mention the list, tell them “lets make a list that we can work with out spending money, lets be creative.” And Its an opportune time to teach them about want vs. needs. And the following time you write a letter, remind them of all the great and awesome they are. 
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Night Special time

Make a routine of not screaming to your kids to bed… Go with them…HUH? 
Tuck them in, read them a story, ask them what they likes about their day. Yes even older kids like to be tucked in. Hugs and kisses. 


Make up a Game night! 


I love doing this one! Its my favorite! 
http://0.tqn.com/d/chemistry/1/0/U/6/germanium.jpgEarlier this week i was working with an AMAZING family who have accomplished sooo much! And we didn’t have a game. But we had a Bowl and Pennys. Awe yeah! 

We each had to through the penny in the bowl and hope it didn’t jump out. if it stayed inside that person would have to tell everyone to do something fun (sing a song, dance, hug, tell a joke). it was so much fun! The family was having a blast. No money spent, we used it though…lol

More?…. 


I have loads. 


Cooking Family Night (tacos! Wraps) Something simple and Yummy 

Hugs! 


Movie Night 


Walk around your neighborhood, Know it, be safe about it. Daylight. 


Park day! 


Read a funny Book. 


Help others, Volunteer together 




Any thing you want to read about? Leave me a note please. 🙂 



Smile (if you want)



Jes Sofia

The Executive Office for Immigration Review Improves Asylum Clock Policies

November 15, 2011
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced new guidance on the EOIR asylum clock for immigration judges, court administrators and immigration court staff.  EOIR has issued Operating Policies and Procedures Memorandum 11-02: The Asylum Clock to provide uniform policies regarding the EOIR asylum clock for all immigration courts. The memorandum goes into effect on December 19, 2011. Read the full statement here.

Easy Chinese Recipes

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From the Writer of Easy Chinese Recipes: Family Favorites From Dim Sum to Kung Pao.

I’m am very happy to say that I am in LOVE with this cook book.  How many can cook Chinese food with out trying to figure out what to do next? I sure was… trying VERY hard to figure out what came next! until now! 

black pepper beef

Yield: Serves 2 as a main dish with rice or 4 as part of a multicourse meal

ingredients:
8 oz (250 g) beef tenderloin, flank steak or flap meat, cut
into pieces
2 ½ tablespoons cooking oil
1 clove garlic, minced
One 1 in (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
½ small green bell pepper, deseeded and cut into pieces
½ small red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into pieces
½ onion, cut into strips
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste

Marinade:
1 ½ teaspoons Maggi seasoning sauce
½ teaspoons soy sauce
½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or sherry
½ teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon sugar

directions:
1. Marinate the beef with all the Marinade ingredients, about 15 minutes.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the beef until the beef is browned on the outside but still pink inside. Dish out and set aside.

3. Heat the remaining oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and the ginger until aromatic, and then add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, and black pepper. Stir-fry until you smell the aroma from the ingredients in the wok.

4.Transfer the beef back into the wok or skillet. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked through and the center of the meat is no longer pink, about 1-2 minutes. Dish out and serve immediately with steamed rice.

How to buy this cook Book! >>>  Easy Chinese Recipes

Smile (if you want) <<< stomach full I’m happy and smiling!

Jes Sofia

With Permission from the Writer: Bee Yinn Low

More Than Just My Name

You come and go… at least that is what I know life to be.  Something I was brought into because my parents chose to. 
Like with everything in life… everything has an end, and today… as I sat down, spoke to my friend about the life we have lived, and want to have… I said, “I want to make a difference in my lifetime, leave a brand… names engraved in something more than just a grave.” Knowing that I do make a difference in other lives on a daily basis. How does I DARE to say? Because I’m told… I see changes and I go with the flow. 
So tonight’s blog… I write to encourage you to make something for yourself with out malice. With out talking about others, hurting other, but helping others. With out the small rumors you tell your friends, but acknowledged and encourage the ones around you. Its hard, don’t I know it! It like telling the hot coco not to have marshmallows. But I encourage you; to live your dreams, make them a reality. Not to hurt others while you climb your latter, or move your mountain. To believe in what you know to be true and allow other that influence you be of positive demeanor, influence and positive lifestyles.
I say this now because someone once told me…. “Give love and love will be given back to you…” In the words of a great man who made super bowl 27 one of the many best things I’ve ever participated in. “give love and love will be given to you…stay strong your hip will heal soon.” MJ 1993
 I’m in 2.32…
Smile (if you want)
Jes Sofia