LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions has introduced a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, expanding the program from a certificate degree to meet the needs of the industry that is increasingly seeking graduates of a four-year program.

Applications are now being taken for the program’s first bachelor’s degree co-hort. The priority deadline to apply is October 15, with a final deadline of December 15.

Medical sonography, commonly known as ultrasound scanning, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

Sonography is often used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, obstetrics & gynecology, prostate, heart and blood vessels. Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart disease and vascular disease that can lead to a stroke. It is also used to guide fine-needle tissue biopsies. 

A sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. Sonographers assist physicians in gathering sonographic data necessary to reach diagnostic decisions.

“This is such a rewarding field,” said Marie DeLange, program director for diagnostic medical sonography at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions.

“There is great satisfaction and reward to be able to use critical thinking skills in partnering with physicians to determine a diagnosis to better care for the patient.”  

Loma Linda University’s diagnostic medical sonography degree is a 27-month program, approximately 80 percent of which is classroom coursework and 20 percent completed online. Students spend more than 30 hours a week in a clinical setting. Classes are held once a week for 2 to 5 hours.

Loma Linda University also offers a cardiac sonography certificate, which involves more in-depth study of the heart, including heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes and patient treatment.

The cardiac sonography certificate program begins each autumn, and the program length is 12-months. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam. All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program.

Sonography is a good fit for a career…

• If you want to work in a fast-paced, satisfying career in the medical field…
• If you seek a significant role on the health care team to help in patient diagnosis…
• If you desire more responsibility, working closely with physicians.

The sonography programs at Loma Linda University offer:

• A variety of clinical sites with extensive clinical hours…
• A broad exposure to patient cases…
• A unique student experience with experienced faculty who care about you…
• A learning environment that supports and motivates you toward your success.

This news release follows last month’s announcement that the school has also expanded its nuclear medicine certificate into a bachelor’s degree.

“We continue to offer newly expanded programs so our students — and their future employers — will receive the greatest possible benefit for serving patients,” said Laura Alipoon, EdD, RT, chair of the school’s Department of Radiation Technology. “We look forward to announcing more expanded programs soon.”

Medical sonography, commonly known as ultrasound scanning, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

Sonography is often used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, obstetrics & gynecology, prostate, heart and blood vessels. Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart disease and vascular disease that can lead to a stroke. It is also used to guide fine-needle tissue biopsies. 

A sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. Sonographers assist physicians in gathering sonographic data necessary to reach diagnostic decisions.

“This is such a rewarding field,” said Marie DeLange, program director for diagnostic medical sonography at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions. “There is great satisfaction and reward to be able to use critical thinking skills in partnering with physicians to determine a diagnosis to better care for the patient.”  

Loma Linda University’s diagnostic medical sonography degree is a 27-month program, approximately 80 percent of which is classroom coursework and 20 percent completed online. Students spend more than 30 hours a week in a clinical setting. Classes are held once a week for 2 to 5 hours.

Loma Linda University also offers a cardiac sonography certificate, which involves more in-depth study of the heart, including heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes and patient treatment.

The cardiac sonography certificate program begins each autumn, and the program length is 12-months. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam. All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program.

Sonography is a good fit for a career…

• If you want to work in a fast-paced, satisfying career in the medical field…
• If you seek a significant role on the health care team to help in patient diagnosis…
• If you desire more responsibility, working closely with physicians.

The sonography programs at Loma Linda University offer:

• A variety of clinical sites with extensive clinical hours…
• A broad exposure to patient cases…
• A unique student experience with experienced faculty who care about you…
• A learning environment that supports and motivates you toward your success.

This news release follows last month’s announcement that the school has also expanded its nuclear medicine certificate into a bachelor’s degree.

“We continue to offer newly expanded programs so our students — and their future employers — will receive the greatest possible benefit for serving patients,” said Laura Alipoon, EdD, RT, chair of the school’s Department of Radiation Technology. “We look forward to announcing more expanded programs soon.”

LOMA LINDA, CA Loma Linda University (LLU) Cancer Center is now offering lung cancer screening through a low dose chest CT scan.

The leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and the second most common form of cancer in both men and women, lung cancer typically goes undetected until symptoms present, which is usually in the latter stages of the disease, according to Brian S. Furukawa, MD, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care at LLU School of Medicine.

“Not only can we now detect lung cancer at an early stage when it is curable, but with our multi-disciplinary approach our team can help patients modify his or her risk factors,” Furukawa said. “The most important thing you can do to decrease your risk of getting lung cancer is to quit smoking.”

CT, or computed tomography, is an imaging procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed pictures or scans of areas inside the body. CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels typically provide greater detail than traditional X-rays.

A recent study comparing yearly screening with a low dose chest CT versus chest X-ray showed a 20 percent reduction in mortality in patients at high risk for lung cancer. 

Although getting a CT scan is relatively quick and easy, screening is an individual choice. The Lung Cancer Screening clinic educates patients on the risks and benefits of screening to help them decide on which is best for them. The clinic also works with patients to help them quit smoking. In addition, if a scan reveals a concerning finding, a multi-disciplinary team of specialists is ready to discuss the next best steps to take for further work up and a treatment plan if cancer is detected. 

“There is a dedicated team to provide care at every level to our patients,” Furukawa said. 

To learn more about low dose CT for lung cancer, or to see if you are eligible, visit lomalindalung.org or call 1-800-78-CANCER.

By Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragements of my people…

The Hebrew Doctrine is the only doctrine that ensures their believers of a life expectancy beyond the grave. I myself laid out each brochure of each faith before me, and considered the strength of the faith. It was the best thing that was going on. We are the only faith that promises eternal life through the sacrificial blood atonement which places us back in terms with the Mighty One.

Our ancestors followed the precepts in the literal ceremonials, pointing ahead into the future of Messia, [of whom would come through the loins of a Hebress woman.] The Word came in the flesh, in the person of Yahshua, and there are those of our forebears that beheld His glory [John 1]. We in this day, observe these same ceremonials in the Spirit, by faith, not by anything we can touch and feel, see and smell. Yah is a spirit. These festivals of old were and are summed up in the life and death of Jesus the Christ. In Genesis, we observe the Mighty One taking a skin [we suppose a lamb] making the covering for their sin. We have Yahshua taking His blood into the presence of Yah as the atonement for the world, regardless of complexions of skin. This life is offered to all. It takes you to receive it. It’s freely given. You don’t have to pay for the Word of Yah. The so-called preachers are cheating you. Those of us that believe in this message are promised eternal life with the Father, and when we sleep [we will] be awaken in Paradise and we will see our loved ones again; mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, all of us will unite up under the banner of Love, over our heads in Yah’s Kingdom. This is the gift that God gives to those of us that believe.

Erica Brown

Helping clients shine is one of the key tasks of Erica Brown, the newly appointed Associate Creative Director and Senior Graphic Designer at Sonshine Communications.  In this new role, Erica is responsible for managing creative design, graphic services, and creative packaging.

“Erica has an exceptional eye for detail and creativity,” says Bernadette Morris, president/CEO. “She often veers away from the norm and strives to develop products that are extremely innovative and out of the box. She is a valuable asset to our team.”

The consummate professional, Erica has been a part of the Sonshine team for nearly 15 years.  Her award-winning designs have included campaigns for the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Transportation, the U.S. General Services Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among others.

Erica holds a Master of Communication Arts degree from New York Institute of Technology. In addition, her work has afforded her with multiple awards including recognition from the American Advertising Federation, and the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.

Sonshine Communications is a leading public relations, marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Miami, Florida.  Sonshine works with a diverse array of government agencies, non-profits and businesses in numerous industries nationwide.

For more information on how you can experience the Sonshine Communications, please call (305) 948-8063 or visit www.sonshine.com.

Danyelle Ridley

By Chief Petty Officer Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach

A 2013 Pacific High School graduate and San Bernadino, California native is serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron that flies one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced aircraft, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Danyielle Ridley is an aviation structural mechanic with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 “Super Hornets”, stationed in Lemoore, California. The squadron is currently training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

As an aviation structural mechanic, Ridley is responsible for repairing the structure the jet aircraft and changing the hydraulic components.

“I enjoy anything with hydraulics,” said Ridley. “I think it’s interesting how it works. I never knew anything about hydraulics until I joined the Navy.”

The F/A-18 Hornet, an all-weather aircraft, is used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, it is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support, according to Navy sources.

The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day or night precision strike. Compared to the original aircraft, according to Navy officials, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability and improved carrier suitability.

“I like that this is a training command—it gives us lots of room to learn,” said Ridley.

As a member of one of the Navy’s squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Ridley and other VFA-122 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied at VFA-122, according to Navy officials. Since the squadron is the 10^th largest in the world, with over 100 aircraft operating, sailors must make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft. 

Serving in the Navy, Ridley is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and citizen through handling numerous responsibilities.

“I first joined the Navy just to get education, but something about it makes me want to do it forever,” Ridley added. “It’s never boring at work, it’s not repetitive. Jets are exciting.”

This week GWAAP is What It Do! They will be dropping EP, “F.R.O.M.” on 9/1/17! Keep your eyes and ears on the lookout. Be sure to follow them at facebook.com/gwaapfam and www.facebook.com/lueproductions.

Until next week, L’z!

Although we are half way through summer, the kiddos are still trying to enjoy their last few days before it’s time to hit the books again, and not to mention the days are still hot and just getting hotter! Whether you spend these hot days outside having picnics or enjoying that dip in the ocean or pool, it is important to stay safe. The American Red Cross offers these 15 safety tips to make sure your summer fun stays safe, fun and stress free.

HEAT SAFETY.

1. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
2. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors – they absorb the sun’s rays.
3. Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
4. Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
5. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. 

WATER SAFETY.

1. Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
2. Actively supervise children by staying within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers.
3. Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.
4. Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and close adult supervision.
5. Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

GRILLING SAFETY.

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
5. Use long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

The Red Cross Emergency App can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. The Red Cross First Aid App gives instant access to expert guidance on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.

RIVERSIDE, CA- On Sunday, June 11, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation, presented scholarships to six young women from the Inland Empire who have demonstrated high scholastic achievements and outstanding character.  The recipients are Brooklynn Brumley of Rancho Verde High School, Celeste Gaynair of Sultana High School, Raylene Graham of Arroyo Valley High School, Kalaya Hill of Arroyo Valley High School, Wendy Osorio of Ramona High School, and Jenna Owens of Rancho Verde High School.  These High School Seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of candidates with stellar grades and strong records of community service.

On Wednesday, June 21, Eta Nu Omega continued its Summer of Giving by “Painting for a Purpose” at Phearless Art Studio in Moreno Valley raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign.  Held annually on the summer solstice, this sunrise to sunset event recognizes the challenging journey faced by those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers.  The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. used this day to call attention to the 47 million people around the world that are impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease.  In addition to individual donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Phearless Art Studio donated a portion of the proceeds collected from Eta Nu Omega’s Paint Night to the Alzheimer’s Association.

On Saturday, July 22, Eta Nu Omega co-hosted a “Concert Under the Stars” at the beautiful Hafif Estate in La Verne, CA to raise additional money for special projects such as support to a local domestic violence shelter, academic enrichment and personal development programs for high school and middle school students in Grand Terrace (ASCEND) and Fontana (Emerging Young Leaders).

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its Inland Ivy Foundation for scholarships and other charitable activities geared towards enriching the lives of men, women and children in the Inland Empire. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest female Greek letter organization for college educated women founded in 1908.

 Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Going around doing things you know you have no business doing; all because you want to fit in! Ye adulterers and adulteresses know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God [James 4:4]. You need to have a realization in your heart, that you are now a child of God, and you don’t have any business fooling with the things of the world. As Christians, we have to be ever so careful who we associate ourselves with. We have to be careful who we allow to be in our space. Fools cannot be real friends to a child of God. It is impossible, for they are incompatible by nature. They have nothing of value to offer. Avoid the company of fools and you will save yourself harm! Walk with the wise and you will become wise!

[Romans 12:2] says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [Ephesians 5:15-16] says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” So come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning … I say this to your shame” [1 Corinthians 15:33-34]. Listen, [Psalm 1:1] says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. What a simple rule for wisdom and life! Get rid of foolish friends, and choose the wise for friends. You will grow in wisdom and avoid much trouble in life.  

The Bible declares, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” [I Corinthians 15:33]. The warning about deception is to save you. I ask you, How did Lot, Abraham’s nephew, end up in a cave with nothing but his two daughters pregnant by his incest? He moved toward Sodom and made friends in that wicked city [Genesis 13:12]. What a disaster it turned out to be for him, his wife, and five daughters. Be not deceived!  Fools cannot be real friends to a child of God. It is impossible, for they are incompatible by nature. They have nothing of value to offer. I tell you, if you lie down with the dogs, you will rise up with fleas. Do not go in their direction [Psalms 1:1; Proverbs 1:10, 15; 4:15; 9:6), and have no fellowship with them [Proverbs 14:7; Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:11-12]. The clincher of Jehoshaphat’s story in [2 Chronicles] is the devastating effect that his compromise with the world had on his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and on the whole southern kingdom. In [Chapters 21 and 22] we read that after Jehoshaphat’s death, his son Jehoram [married to Athaliah] slaughtered all his brothers and then turned the nation to idolatry [see 21:6]. God struck him with a terrible disease of the bowels and he died after eight years in office. His son Ahaziah became king and lasted one year before he was murdered [see 22:3-4]. Ahaziah’s wicked mother Athaliah then slew all his sons [her own grandsons] except for Joash [a one-year-old] who was rescued and hidden from her. The Davidic kingly line from which Christ was descended came that close to being snuffed out! And then the wicked Athaliah ruled the land for six years. All this was the result of Jehoshaphat’s compromise with the wicked Ahab! Do not be deceived. He who lie down with dogs, will rise up with fleas!

My aim is to walk with God, to follow His Word of truth, and to help you do the same.

By Naomi K. Bonman 

Summer time is the time for good food, good company, and good music. This is the experience that many are hopeful for when attending the LA Soul Fest. After a successful year, last year during the 1st annual LA Soul Fest, concert goers were amped for this year’s show and line-up. Despite Sunday’s cancellation, many still made the most of the first two-days.

This year the festival was held at a new location closer to Downtown Los Angeles at Exposition Park, and with a new location came several changes. The first change was within the staffing. There seemed to be miscommunication between event staff, the public relations crew, and the promotion company, Airborne Tickets. For press, checking-in was a bit confusing on Friday where some of us kept getting the run around prior to picking up credentials. Guests also said stated that they had difficulties when claiming their VIP, The passes at the “box office”. 

“Friday and Saturday for us Florida tourist was nice,” Tanya Hurt explains. “I’m very disappointed they canceled Sunday’s show…well I guess seeing how they were disorganized with VIP tickets on Friday should have been a foreshadow of what was to come.” 

Despite the confusion with check-in everything seemed to run smoothly on Friday, even regarding some of the talent skipping the red carpet due to not getting their full pay. Each artist performed and put on a great show in order not to disappoint fans.

Saturday night was a different story. The evening was more hectic with artists not showing up due to no payment. Tyrese went on a rampage via social media about his pay. He was supposed to close out Saturday night’s show as the main headliner. BJ the Chicago Kid was due to open the show, but he dropped as well. However, Anthony Hamilton and Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh saved the show by doing extended sets. 

After Saturday night’s disappointments, it was excepted that Sunday would run much smoother, but due to unforeseen circumstances the show was pulled. The news came at the last minute when guests was already lined up waiting for the gates to open. Several traveled distances and booked hotel fares for the festival, and felt as if they wasted money and that their vacation turned into a disaster. Guests were told via email that they would receive full refunds for Sunday’s show, although some also believed that they should also receive a partial refund for Saturday night since some of the artists did not perform as hoped for.

“Thank you for your support and patronage over the last two years,” Mark Douglas, CEO of Airborne Tickets/Director of LA Soul Fest, explained. “We apologize for your experience regarding Sunday’s event cancellation. We did everything in our power to make this show a success, but fell short financially. We ask for your patience in this matter, as we work to deliver the best possible service to all our customers during these circumstances.”

This is one of those unfortunate situations where you just scratch your head and ask, “Now how do we recover from this?” Hopefully in the future the promoters can rethink and re-manage things to have a successful event like the first year. They may have to go back to the original venue and layout plan, and invest in acquiring sponsors because vendors alone can’t cover all the expenses and payouts of an event that is this massive with A-list talent. 

Photos by Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals