Monthly Programs

The Austin Section of the National Council of Negro Women has had the opportunity to have guest speakers who have been able to provide us with valuable information on maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, reducing stress in our lives and some valuable financial advice.

Samantha Weiss was our guest speaker for our December, 2010 meeting. Samantha is a Registered Dietitian. She is currently a Graduate Research Assistant for the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living. Some of Samantha’s research interests include: child and adolescent obesity prevention, school-based health promotion programs and the effect of diet on chronic disease prevention.

At our December meeting Samantha provided us with tips on maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, the importance of decreasing sodium (salt) and sugars in our diets, exercise and daily water intake.

In January we had a follow up meeting on healthy living. In December Samantha Weiss had done a presentation on healthy living. Goals for maintaining a healthy lifestyle were charted by 1st Vice President, Pat Braithwaite. Some of the health commitments included but not limited to the following: increasing massages to twice per month, keeping cholesterol to under 200, walking daily, increase sleep to eight hours per night, increase water intake to five glasses per day, reading food labels, adding more fruits and vegetables to diet, drinking less Cokes per week.

In June we will revisit the health commitments made in January and evaluate the progress that was made.

In February 2011, Dr. Edna Brinkley was our guest speaker. Dr. Brinkley is a University of Texas graduate with a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Brinkley did a postdoctoral at Southwestern University and FCI- Bastrop ( a men’s federal prison). Dr. Brinkley’s professional works includes producing a clinical training video on mind body wellness. Dr. Brinkley has also coauthored a chapter on cognitive behavioral techniques in the book entitled, “International Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society”.

Dr. Brinkley spoke briefly about the importance of deep and proper breathing to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Dr. Brinkley will also join us on April 11, 2011 to talk more about reducing stress in our lives.

In continuing with the theme of a healthy lifestyle, the March meeting was devoted to financial wellness. Sheri Marshall was our guest speaker

Sheri is very talented in the business and financial fields. She is employed as a financial planner at Virginia College. Sheri owns and operates two businesses. Best Choice Mobile Notary and Document Signing Services specialize in closing mortgage home loans. In 2007 Sheri opened her second business. Unmoveit-Wecleanit Enterprises. This business focuses on commercial janitorial services, new and post constriction clean up.

In addition to working at Virginia College and operating two businesses, Sheri also does tax preparation for low-income families.

At our March 14,2011 meeting Sheri provided valuable information on the new tax laws for 2010 and tips for filing income taxes.