Medical Miracle in Mississippi

March 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

hivMedical Breakthrough! Dynamic drug results! These are some of the many headlines being spouted by many a media as doctors worldwide scramble to explain, understand and replicate the findings of the “Miracle in Mississippi”. The medical miracle being the 2 ½ year old girl that Dr. Hannah Gay, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of MI, and Dr. Deborah Persaud, a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins Children Center are deeming “functionally cured” of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—making her the 2nd global case ever.  In 2010, the young mother and premature baby were found to be HIV positive. After a battery of tests, including multiple blood draws, DNA testing, the child’s viral load results were among 20,000; which was relatively low for an infant born with the virus. She underwent an aggressive treatment of the HIV/AIDS cocktail AZT and within 29 days her blood work shown that a status of “Undetectable”. For further information on the specific treatment received for the young Mississippi girl check out this interview from CNN.com

The medical world is using the term “functionally cured” rather than a “cure for HIV” for two reasons. Reason one, doctors are attempting to test the validity of the findings of this treatment to be used in new cases and want to replicate these findings. Reason two, for people living with HIV and are “undetectable” there are still hidden viral reservoirs which need treatment therefore usual patients maintain lifelong treatment. As reported by the Center for Disease Control the most recent number of HIV+ cases is approximately 1.4 million in North America while 23.5 million in the Sub-Sahara, therefore the fight against HIV/AIDS is still at the forefront of all our minds. Get Tested, Get Treated, and end the stigma!

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Healthcare Reform and Revolution

July 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

Liberty, justice and healthcare for all! Since his historic election in 2008, President Barrack Obama has been spearheading a campaign to revolutionize American healthcare. Democrats feel they are champions of the people giving insurance to many citizens in need of healthcare while Republicans continuously shout this new law is a tax and that it is a dangerous strong-arming of the government. President Obama had this to say after the law was passed with a 5-4 vote, “Today’s decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives are more secure because of this law.” (CNN.com)  It is interesting to note that Republican candidate Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, proposed a similar healthcare plan now is opposing “Obamacare” and agreeing with other conservatives calling the new mandate a tax.

The new healthcare reform will mandate that most Americans get healthcare insurance by 2014 or face a penalty, or tax. However it also expanded the Medicaid healthcare insurance program for the poor. The law also puts into effect that insurers cannot deny coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and parents may keep their children on their insurance until the age of 26. Romney continues his criticism saying: “What the court did today was said that Obamacare does not violate the Constitution,” Romney said. “What they did not do is say that Obamacare is good law, or good policy.” (Reuters.com) Democrats celebrated this victory of the people with toasts and salutations, Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic leader, paid homage to the dearly departed Ted Kennedy (2009) saying, “Now, Teddy can rest.” (Reuters.com)  To a select few this new healthcare reform seems a tax when it is only saying that those who can afford it should and others who can’t will be provided some semblance of government aid to ensure a better quality of life for all Americans.

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The REAL Modern Family – (FLO)

April 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

There are around 107,000 boys and girls wishing and hoping to get adopted in the U.S. while a tedious system keeps potential parents from building a family.  Having a parent in America is key to the socio-emotional growth of a child and essential for sustainable success. David Wing-Korvak and his partner, Conrad, were ready to adopt.

They endured many hardships through different state legislative issues such as, the fact that in some states only one of the couple could legally adopt a child but not both because they are a same-sex couple. In other states the laws either prohibit same-sex couple adoption or it is unclear as to the legality of the situation. Wing-Korvak saw this murky legal situation as a calling to help other families looking to give a great home to children. David Wing-Korvak told CNN, “It makes your head spin with the questions that are asked of you, with the forms that you have to fill out,” he said. “And then you have on top of that the fact that your family might not be that mom-and-dad home. You’re that gay or lesbian family … and the questions begin to change.”

The couple started their own agency called Families Like Ours to help other gay, lesbian, straight, all families that were ready to navigate the tedious process of adoption. Currently their non-profit organization has a 75% rate of foster care or adoption for families that go through their training. The organization trains over 250 families a year since 2002. The Wing-Korvak’s have had their two sons Chris and Shawn since 2002 and feel that their families are no different than a regular mom and dad household. “It’s not my job to go in and guarantee what the life of that child’s going to be. It’s simply my job to make sure that child has some sort of hope. … We’re going to make this match, and we’re going to move forward. And that kid’s going to have as productive a life as we can help that kid have.”

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Whitney Houston Dies at 48

February 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

One day before the 54th Grammys, an international talent was plucked from the world. Four words that sent chills as I read and reread them on my phone, “Whitney Houston is dead”. Whitney Houston (1963-2012) age 48, a woman, actress, songwriter, mother, a superstar and legend is gone. It was her publicist Kristin Foster that broke the news to AP this evening. Houston’s body was found by her bodyguard in the Beverly Hilton, despite resuscitation efforts she was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. Cnn.com detailed, “Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were “no obvious signs of criminal intent” and that the cause of her death is being investigated.” No cause of death has been revealed, yet it is publicly known she struggled with inner demons and drug abuse.

Whitney Houston’s legacy began in 1985 with her self-titled album that sold 25 million copies worldwide. Houston’s music career consisted of seven albums, three movie soundtracks, over 200 million albums and singles sold. She had countless tracks top the charts such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” “I Have Nothing” “Queen of the Night” “I’m Every Woman”  “My Love is Your Love” and more. Her iconic singing style inspired young ingénues like Christina Aguillera, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Monica, and GLEE singer, Amber Riley to spread their melodic tones for the world. In her lifetime Whitney Houston received 30 Billboard awards, 22 American Music Awards, 6 Grammys, and 2 Emmys. Many fans are shaken by the fact that they will not see Houston making her film return in the remake of the 1976 classic Sparkle. Her music will live in on in the hearts, ears, and voices of generations to come.

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It’s Good to be Gay in 2012?

February 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

Love is in the air as February rolls into view during 2012; Gay Marriage is more than an afterthought in the minds of many it is a movement. The movement seems to be headed in a positive direction as politicians are heading to the altar, states putting in positive votes; it looks like love does conquer all.

It seems that Washington State may soon be passing Gay Marriage legislation and while that is promising its good news to hear the support of the nation’s largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks in support of the cause. The Seattle Times published a statement of Kalen Holmes, Executive Vice President of Starbucks Coffeehouse, “Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples” (HuffingtonPost.com)

Out, proud and retiring Congress Democratic Mass. Rep Barney Frank is now engaged to his longtime partner Jim Ready and they are ready to jump the broom. Harry Gural, spokesman for Frank, told CNN the couple plans to marry in Massachusetts. Wedding Bells will be heard from Mass to NYC since, Daniel O’Donnell NY lawmaker and advocate of the Gay Marriage law that past last June will now be tying the knot! O’Donnell and his long-term partner of 31-years are officially fulfilling their vows of love and commitment on January 29, in East Manhattan.

Good news for Gay Marriage and Gay Support has gone Global as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon advocated for gay rights in Africa recently. Moon spoke with African Leaders in Ethiopia, for an African Union summit, saying discrimination based on sexual orientation, “had been ignored or even sanctioned by many states for far too long”. (HuffingtonPost.com)African leaders have not publicly made statements in response to his strong views as of late.

As 2012 moves along it seems good to be gay so far this year!

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Obama’s New Plan for a New Government

January 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

Recent polls show a steady yet slight decline in the American public’s approval of President Barrack Obama. A Fox News ongoing poll asking “Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barrack Obama is doing as president?” currently presents 44% Approve, 51% Disapprove and 5% are Undecided. Negative press and minimal losses in the polls have not stopped the President from doing his job and attempting to keep his campaign promises. In his last State of the Union address Pres. Obama spoke of change, “[We] need to think bigger. In the coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, consolidate, and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America.” (npr.org)  Almost a year later President Obama moves forward, prepared with his proposal of restructuring the government to create immense economic gain for the nation and clarity for the government.

Historically, Pres. Obama noted that presidents could submit federal reorganization plans to Congress for a simple up-or-down vote—a power which expired in 1984. Obama’s plan to streamline the government would bring about tremendous economic change saving the government more than $3 Billion by cutting up 2,000 jobs within the government. In addition the adjustments in the government will elevate the Small Business Agency to a cabinet-level agency and weed out any reductive bureaucracy, saving money and time.

Obama commented the growing bureaucracy, “Congressional committees fought to protect their turf. Lobbyists fought to keep things unchanged because they’re the only ones who can navigate the bureaucracy. And because it’s always easier to add than to subtract in Washington, inertia prevented any real reform from happening.” (Cnn.com) Many Republicans in Congress rebut that the plan of reorganization is long overdue in and criticize president’s recent government additions during his time in office. Others are more than willing to jump on board work with Obama as a bipartisan government without the “red tape”.

Keating Holland, CNN poll director, spoke on the plans ability to aid the president with incumbency, “If he gets his way and can brag about reorganizing the government, that may help him in the fall” (Cnn.com) President Obama stays the course with his public politics which maintains that he is still working toward his goal to change the world with his audacity to hope in the American people.

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A look at Father, Financial shark, and Republican forerunner Mitt Romney

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

Is Obama in for another four years? Are the Republicans too split with debate over differing opinions to focus on a single candidate for their party’s primary? Not necessarily, would be a good judge of answer. However skewed the Republican Party may be at the current moment the latest update comes from the IOWA caucus results.  Statistical analysis of the polls (FoxNews.com) at the Iowa caucus present results: 26% of college graduates support Mitt Romney, 38% of all other religious groups support Romney, 49% of those polled at the caucus believe that Romney “Can defeat Barrack Obama”. While Mitt Romney is the forerunner in the Republican GOP candidates he stirs up controversy with his future financial plans as commander-in-chief.

Mitt Romney recently spoke with the press about how he was going to cut the funding for Big Bird, legendary icon of the Sesame Street. Romney plans to cut the government funding for PBS, the National Endowment of the Arts, and the National Endowment of the Humanities. “They all get money from government,” Romney said. “They are going to have to stand on their own.” (Cnn.com) Romney feels the programs are “wasteful” of government spending. His financial saves approximately $450 million dollars from PBS and $170 million from the National Endowment of the Arts —small change in the 3.5 “trillion” dollars the government will spend this year. Romney also proposed cutting the size of the workforce and changing Medicaid to a block grant program.

His financial savvy impress others but the reality is that Congress controls the power of the government funding not the President! Romney’s sons stand at the ready to defend their father’s reputation in on the campaign trail speaking with CNN senior correspondent Dana Bash. “We know there are going to be a lot of tough ads. Anything that we hear said we know who he is; he’s a great man of integrity and great father and leader. We know we have to have thick skin,” Matt Romney said (Cnn.com). The interview was filled with similar declarations from four of the five sons; Romney is a father, financial shark, and the Republican GOP forerunner sure to continue to be in headlines and upcoming debates.

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Knowledge is Power: Knowing Your Status is not a Stigma!

December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Gudiry

World AIDS day is Today, December 1st each year is set aside to give homage and hope to the progress and the history of this epidemic. A documented 1.2 million cases of people living with HIV in the U.S. only 40 percent are taking their medications regularly (based on CDC report released Tuesday).  Atlanta health officials documented that only about 1 in 4 of those infected with the disease is properly taking their medications, primarily due to their lack of being tested for the virus. Living with HIV and AIDS in 2011 might seem a stark reality, a stigmatized existence, or a medical diagnosis that can be overcome.

In Jacksonville, Florida considered to be part of the “bible belt”, some of its 821,000 residents experience the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.  Fear of exposure and fear of stigma with this virus are only aiding in its epidemic. Jacksonville’s own Duval County documented a 33% increase in HIV infections in early 2011. Donna Fuchs, executive director of Northeast Florida AIDS Network, found it hard to set up her organization back in 2000. “HIV carries a huge stigma in our city,” stated Fuchs. (CNN.com) One property owner blatantly told Fuchs that he didn’t want people with AIDS coming into his office building.  Fuchs is not the only AIDS organization on her block but goes on to describe the need to disguise the building, one example of this was taking away the red ribbon on their sign, to appease their clients. Todd Reese, associate director of Health Care Center operations at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, “No one walks into any building or floor that has any association with HIV.”(CNN.com)

In light of the negativity hat is brought in the narrow-minded scope in places like Jacksonville, there are still some who find a way to light the path for others to live. Veronica Hicks, 50 Jacksonville native, HIV positive and she is creating a positive change in her church by starting a support group and testing awareness ministry. Hicks felt that as long as she embraced her status and was open she could create change.

The Center for Disease Control also reported that about 28 percent of individuals infected are properly medicating themselves in order to keep the virus at low levels. Through early detection comes the ability to fight the virus and live a longer fuller life. Magic Johnson, former NBA star turn HIV/AIDS advocate after being infect for 20 years, told CNN: “Early detection saved my life! I’ve done everything I was supposed to do to be here 20 years later. Back 20 years ago there was only one drug now there’s over 30 drugs to take care of you and prolong your life.”  Johnson spoke about having the proper frame of mind and saying that mental acceptance was essential in defeating the disease and prolonging his life!

If you are interested in learning more about HIV and AIDS check out One.org or WorldAIDSday.org as well. GET TESTED and KNOW YOUR STATUS!

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Stop the Insanity! Payroll taxes, Super Committee Failure and Budget Cuts

November 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

Don’t let Black Friday fool you! Spending too much too soon could have its consequences in the New Year!  Payroll taxes may be on the rise says Capitol Hill analysts and even President Obama.  The current financial problem is whether to extend the payroll tax hiatus or to allow it to expire.

Presently, a payroll tax holiday has been in effect says CNN.com: “Employees normally pay 6.2% on the first $106,800 of their wages into Social Security, but this year they’ve only been paying 4.2%”. The tax break benefitted 121 million families across the nation and on average an employee brought home an extra $934. However this tax break will expire in January of 2012 which would result in raising taxes during a time of economic recovery. House Speaker John Boehner wrote an open invitation to Pres. Obama about talks on the payroll tax extension, “We told the president in September that we stand ready to have an honest and fruitful discussion with him regarding the payroll tax extension, and that invitation stands. (FoxNews.com)”

In the wake of Congress’ “super committee” failure budget cuts are to ensue.  The “super committee” included a 12 member bi-partisan (6 Democrats, 6 Republicans) committee that would work out the financial crisis with diplomacy. Sen. John Kerry, member of the super committee, spoke frankly about the Republicans blatant defense of the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy to CNN on Monday: “We got totally hung up by people who were insisting that not only could they not raise any additional revenue from the wealthiest people in the world, but they wanted to give them an additional tax cut,” Kerry said. “This is insanity.”  Sen. Joe Lieberman of Conneticut, maintained strong feelings on the weight of such indecision and called for, “a vote on the Senate floor before the end of this year and show that elected officials in Washington are capable of protecting the economic future of the American people. (CNN.com)”

On the upside, the Gross National Product grew by 2.0% in the third quarter (in comparison to its meager 1.3% in 2nd quarter) the Unemployment rate is still at 9.0%. America is financially in a bind as it attempts to spring forward into the New Year without undergoing more money malarkey. Pres. Obama presents a determined strong front about Congress needing action on balancing its budget, “One way or another, we will be trimming the deficit by at least $2.2 trillion over the next 10 years.” As the election year approaches President Barack Obama’s consistency to see through his plans reassures Americans of his respect for his position and duty to his people.

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Murderer or Medical Malpractice: The Verdict of Dr. Conrad Murray

November 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

By Stephfon Guidry

“You’ve been hit by …a smooth criminal” words from an iconic performer, the quintessential King of Pop, Michael Jackson, a pioneer of music and inspiration to millions died on June 25, 2009. The passing of Jackson is a tragic loss to fans around the globe and over the course of the six week trial, the L.A. Supreme Court found enough details around Dr. Conrad Murray’s medical treatment of Jackson for a conviction. The verdict is in, Dr. Conrad Murray, concierge physician to Michael Jackson, is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

The true story behind Michael Jackson’s death was uncovered through the collective testimonies of medical experts, household staff, video footage, and even Murray’s former girlfriend.  It was unsettling for the jury to listen and witness footage of Jackson’s emaciated frame lying in a hospital bed while Murray gave him treatment for his “extreme insomnia” just weeks before his death.

The details of the ill-fated last night of Michael Jackson were clarified through witness testimonies of the household staff and security. Dr. Conrad Murray serviced Jackson with sedatives– lorazepam and midazolam–to help him with his insomnia, Jackson had also taken a Valium. The security testified saying that under Murray’s care Jackson was given fatal dosages of mixed sedative cocktail only propofal was listed to the initial story given to the police who responded to the 911 call. Testimonies revealed that as Jackson went into cardiac arrest Murray became frantic and attempted to revive the doomed Jackson without the use of the necessary emergency medical equipment. Finally emergency services were called too late, although Dr. Murray testified saying that he believed Jackson administered more propofal leading to his death.  The truth about Michael Jackson’s death is still elusive however a verdict of guilty befell Dr. Conrad Murray do to his negligent and unorthodox medical care of the pop star.

Dr. Conrad Murray may face up to four years in prison for his crimes. However, due to recent changes in California law, which transfers nonviolent crimes to county jail, it is unlikely he will serve his sentence in the state prison. Murray is to be held without bail until sentencing on November 29, Los Angeles Supreme Court Judge, Michael Pastor commented, “This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment. … This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being.” (CNN.com) The sentiments of the judge were shared by many in the Jackson family: Jermaine lamented saying, “Justice was served.” Rebbie commented, “Nothing will bring him back, but I’m happy [Murray] was found guilty.” In addition Letoya Jackson tweeted “VICTORY!!!” on Twitter (FoxNews.com) . The verdict is yet the civil suit against the doctor is not settled and Murray could also face losing his license to practice medicine. Fans all share in this sense of closure to the long trial of Dr. Conrad Murray knowing that justice was not blind to the tragedy against the Man in the Mirror.

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