ISAAC

HAMM
VISIONARY IN MOTION

7 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

FOR SMALL BUSINESS
OWNERS

FIVE STEPS TO
ENSURE A
HEALTH CRISIS
DOESN'T MEAN
FINANCIAL RUIN

KEEPING FAMILY
TRAVEL FUN
AFFORDABLE AND
STRESS-FREE
July 2010 1 Exceed Magazine
July 2010 2 Exceed Magazine
 Join

Along with EnVogue,

Lyfe Jennings, JJ Hairston &
Youthful Praise, and many
more...at

Saturday, July 17, 2010 12pm to 8pm

Penn’s Landing Great Plaza
ENTER for VIP Meet & Greet Tickets
www.globalfusionfestival.com
July 2010 3 Exceed Magazine
 Table of Contents

Edit or ’s Message What Are You Willing to Do?

Somet imes w e find ourse lve s in a p lace of ut ter d issat isfac-
tion and unhapp ine ss, w ith w here we are in life. It’s
he lpful t o know t hat there are t hing s t hat we CAN change,
if and w hen we are w illing to t ake the nece ssary steps. —
Page 6

Special Features
Exceed Pr ofile Visionary in Motion: A One on One with Isaac
Hamm Founder of IM3 Media
We had the p leasure of sitt ing w ith “Ike ” to talk ab out his
vision, his goals and his p lans. T his life long stud ent of the
music industry is an e ntre preneur, a teacher and a lead er,
mak ing his mark in t he community and moving to d o great
things. —Page 8

Corporate Corner Creating Team Synergy - 3 T ips For Boosting

Cooperation by Building Trust

Doe s y our t eam r un like a we ll oiled machine? W ithout

trust, te ams will be d amag ed. Tr ust, like oil for an e ng ine,
prov ide s the v ital lubr ication and v iscosity be tween team
member s t o creat e sy nergy and increase prod uct iv ity. —
Page 10

Community Care s July is Hemochromatosis Screening Awarenes s

Month

Hemo chromato si s (HH) i s a di sease that resul ts fro m

excessi ve amounts of i ron i n the body (i ron overl oad) .
Learn more about ri sks, symptoms and treatmen t. —
Page 24

iEx ceed Reg ister Online Learning Anytime, Anywhere.

Led by ex pert instructors - I nter act ive d iscussion areas -
New cour se s beg in monthly - 6 week s, 12 lessons - 24/7
learning - Ope n t o any one !— Page 26

July 2010 4 Exceed Magazine

 Exceed Magazine July 2010

Departments
Home & Family Keeping Family Travel Fun , Affordable and St ress-
Free
A few p ie ce s of adv ice t o can make y our next v acation
relax ing a nd af fo rdab le - a nd a b last for your wh o le f am ily.
— Page 12

Educat ion & Care er So, Do You Know Your Worth?

You would be shock ed if y ou k new the actual d ollar v alue
your e mp loy er p laces on your job and more imp ort antly...
YOU! —Page 14

Business & Finance 7 Time Management T ips For Small Business Owners
Busy busine ss ow ner s ev erywhe re find t hemse lves working
longer and longe r hour s to manage their companies and ke ep
the ir busine sses afloat in a shaky economy. T hese 7 t ip s, if
follow ed consiste nt ly, w ill he lp you accomplish all of y our
task s and maybe eve n leave y ou w it h a litt le t ime le ft f or
your se lf at t he end of the week. — Page 1 6

Mind & Body Five Steps to Ensure a H ealth Crisis Doesn't Mean
Financial Ruin
A ser ious long-t erm illne ss or d isability can hav e a d evas-
tating, often irr eversible, affect on a family 's financial we ll
-being. But there a few things you can do to prevent this
from ruining your financial w ell-be ing. — Page 18

Spir it & Soul Learn From Yesterday, Live For Today, Hope For
Tomorrow

A c los er, in-dept h look at t hese w is e w or ds fr om E in ste in,

and practical insig ht on how to app ly them today.
—Page 20

July 2010 5 Exceed Magazine

 Editor’s Message

What Are You Willing to Do?

Do you look back on the past few years and wonder, "how did I get here?" Do
you wonder why success or money or relationships seem so easy for some
people...but not for you? Do you suspect that you're not living your dreams?
Do you sometimes feel adrift? Or like you're spinning your wheels?

You're not alone! And, you don’t have struggle alone.

We all lead such busy, demanding lives. It's too easy to put ourselves and our
own needs (and even our own lives) last, and silently drift into dissatisfaction.

So my question for you is, what are you willing to do about it?

I encourage you to sit back evaluate where you are RIGHT NOW, and then
visualize where you would like to be this time, next year . How will you get
there? Do you need to save more money? Take a class? Do you need to
forgive someone who has hurt you in the past? Do you need to exercise
more? The truth is: Something is holding you back and it’s up to YOU to de-
termine what it is, and work through it. But are you WILLING? In order for
change to take place, you have to be agreeable, ready to take the next step.

I recently had my granddaughter over for a weekend. She was just learning how to walk, and just like any other
toddler, she was eager to get on the floor and do it. So I obliged her. We were upstairs so I took her by the
hand and began walking in the hallway with her. We came to the top of the stairs and she got so excited, she
took a step down. No hesitation, no fear, no thoughts about falling and no questions about her ability to do it.
Just the determination to get to the next step. She wanted to go. So we did it, together. We ended up down-
stairs, and then back upstairs about two or three times before she decided to move on.

When it comes to reaching our goals in life, we have to have that SAME sense of determination, BUT we also
have to be WILLING to take the steps to get there! Baby steps if necessary. And sometimes, we even have to
solicit the assistance of someone who is able to help guide you. Maybe someone who has already been where
you are today, and can provide the support you need to get you to your next level of achievement.

You know what you want. So, I challenge you this month to reach out to someone who will partner with you to
take those steps to get it. Whether it be a financial coach, an exercise buddy or a spiritual mentor...decide
today what change you want to see in your life, and make the call.

The next step is right there. Are you willing to take it?

Katrena Patterson
Founder & Editor
Exceed Magazine
www.exceedmagonline.com

July 2010 6 Exceed Magazine

 JULY 2010

PUBLISHER
Dennis Smith Communications, LLC
PO Box 42455
Philadelphia, PA 19101

PRESIDENT/FOUNDER/EDITOR

Katrena Patterson Blackson

VICE PRESIDENT,
SALES & MARKETING
Michael A. Blackson, Sr.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Robert Prodigy Photography

Hunt 4 Photos

Special Thanks to Fotolia

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jason Dick

Barry R Parker

Mike Weaver

Elliot Zovighian

Special Thanks to ARA Content

EXCEED MAGAZINE
is published monthly by

Dennis Smith Communications, LLC

PO Box 42455
Philadelphia, PA 19101

Contents © 2010.
All rights reserved.

No part of the magazine may

reprinted in whole or in part without
written permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed in articles or

advertisements unless otherwise
noted, do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the Publisher.

July 2010 7 Exceed Magazine

 Exceed Profile

Visionary in Motion
A One on One with
ISAAC HAMM
Founder of IM3 Media
By Katrena Patterson Blackson
You can see the passion and excitement in Isaac
Hamm’s eyes, as he paints a vivid picture of his vision
for you. As a lifelong student of the music industry,
with more than a decade of experience
under his belt, this young man has a great deal of
insight to share, a heart to serve and the determination to make his vision come to pass.
I had the pleasure of sitting with “Ike” to talk about his vision, his goals and his plans.
After seeing him in action, there’s NO doubt in my mind—he’s making his mark and
MOVING FORWARD. Get ready. Isaac Hamm is a name that you WILL hear and respect
for years to come.

EM: How long have you been interested in the music industry?

IH: I have had always had a general interest in the entertainment industry, particularly television. I had planned to
become a producer. However it wasn’t until I attended college that I became fascinated with the music business. I
knew I had found my niche.

EM: How did you get started in the business of artist management and promotion?

IH: While attending college I secured an internship with radio station 103.9, now known as 100.3 The Beat. The ex-
perience I gained was invaluable. The classroom was no match for what I learned on the job. One of the things I no-
ticed the most was that many artists did not have formal representation and that they lacked knowledge. I quickly
learned that while an artists’ talent may be undeniable without proper packaging and a solid, sensible marketing plan
they may as well be performing in their bedrooms. I saw a lot of artists, new and established, who struggled and it
bothered me. As a result, New Artist Spotlight was founded in 2001. My first client was “Young Sir”, host of the now
-defunct BET television show, The Center.

EM: What kinds of challenges have you had with building your business?

July 2010 8 Exceed Magazine

IH: My initial challenge was credibility. I was so much
younger than most of my peers and I needed a start
so I sought to be mentored by more experienced
promoters who I respected. However, that was an
exercise in frustration but that’s not necessarily a
negative. Philly will let you know quick that you must
show and prove before anybody takes you seriously.
I have been putting in work consistently over the
past nine years, building relationships and establish-
ing trust among my peers. As a young promoter and
budding businessman I had to find my own way. I
did not want to become known as just another party
promoter; I wanted to create events and experiences
with the spotlight on the artists – not me. That is
what New Artist Spotlight is all about. The challenge
is to remain credible and to distinguish my events in
interesting ways that keeps audiences engaged.
Growth comes with experience but for me longevity
and relevance is the ultimate challenge. I have so
much more to learn and so far to go in this business.
EM: How has your business evolved since you first
began?
EM: Do you see yourself expanding globally, or would
you like to keep it here in the city of Philadelphia?
IH: As I said earlier, it’s all about progression. The
world is becoming a smaller place, and with the
power of the Internet going global is technically just
one click away. We are living in unprecedented
times.
EM: What advice do you have for people who want to
enter into the music industry?
IH: Stay focused; know your craft; have something
to offer; do your research; and most important get
your education because you’re going to need it. The
complexities and highly fluid nature of the new music
business model considers demographical changes
and tastes to technological advances. And that’s a
simplistic view but when you think about what that
all entails it becomes clear that knowledge is power.
I’m not 100% sold on the phrase of “It’s not what
you know, but who you know” because nowadays it’s
what you know that gets you to who you know”

IH: I began by managing artists and moved on to

host a bi-weekly R&B showcase, Hidden Soul
Wednesdays. Today I’m confident enough to step
out and host my first annual Black Music Month spe-
cial event, “The Comeback”. It’s all about progres-
sion.

EM: Who were your strongest influences growing up?

IH: My sister, Cherron. She’s there for me and I trust

her because she keeps it real with me. She’s smart,
she understands me and she has always supported
EM: If you could do ONE thing differently, what
me through all the ups and downs and the outright
would it be?
craziness this business brings. I’m proud of her.

IH: There are many things I would change but at the

EM: Where do you see IM3 Media and New Artist
Spotlight in the future?
IH: Empowerment via community activism and
creative education will become key missions. I am in
the preliminary stages of partnering with local
non-profit organizations. There will be more to come.
EM: What's your vision and ultimate goal?
same time I'm glad I went through them. Those
things have got me to where I am now in my career.
Who knows where or what I would be doing today.
I’m still learning and ready for that next challenge
life is going to throw at me.
EM: We wish you MUCH success, and thank you for
sharing with us! to connect with Isaac today just
visit his site at www.im3media.com

IH: Philanthropy and making sure that Philadelphia

music lives on.

July 2010 9 Exceed Magazine

 Corporate Corner

CREATING TEAM SYNERGY

3 TIPS FOR BOOSTING COOPERATION
BY BUILDING TRUST
By Mike Weaver

Does your team run like a well oiled machine? When the oil pressure in your car is low, a warning light
flashes and a buzzer sounds, which warns you stop the engine immediately-or risk severely damaging your
engine. Just as oil keeps an engine running, trust between team members is critical to create synergy, im-
prove collaboration, and increase productivity.

July 2010 10 Exceed Magazine

3 vitals characteristics to foster trust and create
synergy

Dependability - This morning after arriving at a local

restaurant for a meeting, I sat down on a chair. I
trusted inherently that the chair would hold me up
when I sat down. There was never a question in my
mind that the chair would do its job. Why? My past
experience told me that these chairs and others
chairs like it are dependable. They hadn't ever let me
down. When I concluded that the chair was depend-
able, my trust in it, to fulfill its role, increased. Can
the same be said of us? Can others depend on us
consistently to follow through on what we promise?
Do we show up on time? Trust between people is
built when we back up our words with consistent ac-
tion.

Transparency - What you see is what you get, there

are no hidden agendas or secrets. There are people
who may be professionally competent, but personally
suspect. Secrets overshadow their life. They cloud
their ability to bond completely with other team
members. If we always have something to hide, we
can never be fully present with team members
around us. Combine professional competence and
transparency, you get a trusted team member that
cares for others on the team.

Likeablilty - Let's be honest, when we like the people

with whom we work, we are more productive. A few
weeks ago, we interviewed potential candidates for a
job opening in my workplace. The decision came
down to two people, both with similar work experi-
ence and skill levels. In the end, we simply liked one
of the candidates more than the other. Likeability
was a factor in adding her to our team. Her skill level
gave us the confidence that we could entrust the
work to her, but her likeability indicated to us that
can actually work with her as a team member. In his
book, The Likeability Factor, Tim Sanders writes,
"Likeable people inspire others to give more," and
"engage more deeply in conversations around pro-
jects and tasks, and people pay more attention to
them...eliminating misunderstandings. Misunder-
standings can be the heart of unproductive activity at
work." Taking time to have lunch regularly as a team
and spending time together outside the workplace
increases the likeabilty factor and thereby trust be-
tween team members.

July 2010 11 Exceed Magazine

 Home & Family

SIMPLE RULES TO KEEP FAMILY TRAVEL

FUN, AFFORDABLE AND STRESS-FREE
(ARA) - If you've watched any of the "Vacation"
traveling with children to go over your plan ahead of
movies, you've seen what can go wrong on a family
time and make them aware of it, so they know what to
vacation. While hilarity is the end result of the mis-
expect. It's also a chance to get them excited about
haps in the movies, certain blunders aren't as funny
your vacation. By sitting down and finding out the
in real life. Therefore, it's important to ensure that
things each family member would like to do during
you and your children will remember your trip for the
your trip, you'll ensure everyone comes home happy.
right reasons.
Many of your destinations may offer free travel guides
that can aid in planning, which can also be found at
By following a few pieces of advice, you can make Offers.com/travel.
your next vacation relaxing and affordable - and a
blast for your whole family. Try these tips courtesy of
Travel light. Instead of cramming a stroller into your
website Offers.com, which specializes in aggregating
car, consider renting a stroller at the attractions you
the best money-saving offers for consumers and has
plan on visiting. When booking a hotel room, check to
a section dedicated specifically to travel coupons and
see if they have cribs available for your younger chil-
discounts.
dren. By eliminating extra items from your load, you'll
keep your sanity.
Score free meals. When you're feeding a whole fam-
ily, costs add up quickly. Look for hotels that offer a
free breakfast so you can save on one meal each
day. Many hotels now offer oatmeal, waffles, eggs
and other, more kid-friendly selections, in addition to
the traditional coffee and pastries. To save on other
meals, it might be wise to find a hotel room with a
refrigerator so you can stock up on sandwich meat
and snacks.

Find kid-friendly travel. Search for travel discounts

where kids fly free or for a reduced rate. In addition,
especially if you have younger children who aren't
used to flying, you might want to look for airlines
that offer in-flight entertainment options like child-
friendly movies. If you're driving, consider renting a Take advantage of coupons and deals. Since many
vehicle with built-in child seats or entertainment op- destinations are competing for your dollar, there are
tions like a DVD player. plenty of deals and travel coupons to be had. When
looking at booking flights or accommodations, or even
restaurants once you are on the road, check for money
Choose a resort with more. Many all-inclusive resorts
-saving offers online before purchasing. Same goes for
are especially tailored to families with children of all
theme parks or other attractions you plan to visit. The
ages, so if your children are farther apart in age, this
easiest and fastest way to find offers is to visit a web-
may be a good option. Many family-friendly resorts
site like Offers.com, whose staff does the work for you
cater to children, tweens and teens alike with age-
by compiling easy-to-navigate, easy-to-search and
appropriate activities such as story time, sports and
verified and updated travel specials for you to peruse.
game rooms. Some also offer kids' camps so mom
You never know, you might even find a deal that al-
and dad can enjoy a little alone time.
lows you to explore an opportunity you hadn't yet
thought of.
Have a plan. It's especially important when you are

July 2010 12 Exceed Magazine

July 2010 13 Exceed Magazine
 Education & Career

SO, DO YOU KNOW

YOUR WORTH?
By Elliot Zovighian

Do you know what your worth is? Sure the first thing
you're going to say is that you're priceless. I'm sure
your mother agrees. But human resource depart-
ments have spent millions figuring out this very ques-
tion. Your job has a worth. It has its threshold and its
bottom. You fit somewhere in between pending your
education, experience, and skill set. You would be shocked if you knew the actual dollar value your employer places
on your job and more importantly... YOU!

A few years ago I was on the company baseball team. I didn't have a car at the time, so I got a ride when I could
with the head of our HR department. We would chat about this and that but I always brought it back as to what
exactly he did and how he came to the conclusions he did concerning our company and employees. You see I had
never worked in a 'corporate' environment before. I never had a 9 to 5 job. So I was intrigued about the valuation
process.

He said he started by comparing the position to the pay scale other companies were offering the same job. Then
there was the education of the employee. Then there came the experience and tenure of the employee. Then can
what other skills the employer brought to the job. An employee never really knows where he sits in the grand
scheme of things. But you can do you part to make sure you're not only valuable to the company, but valuable
monetarily to your bank account.

Get training. Get as much training as you possibly can. Most companies offer upgrading and courses for a host if
things. Take advantage of it, Most of them will be geared toward your jobs needs. Cross train if you can. You are
certainly more valuable if you can do multiple things rather than one. Join committees. Join the health and safety
committee or a social committee. Taking an active interest in your company's welfare will do wonders. If you want
to apply for an in house job, take one that offers a promotion into a job of responsibility. Remember you don't go to
work to be everyone's best friend, and knowledge doesn't pay nearly as much as responsibility. If you really want to
make the big bucks at work, be a boss. Bosses may seem like they do less work but their ass in on the line if things
go awry.

You job will only pay so much. You have to decide if you're worth what they're willing to pay you or if you're worth
more. If so, you have some tough decisions to make. If you're unsatisfied or cannot pay the bills, you may need a
career change. There world is open to you if you train for it. Or you could get the ultimate pay cheque by working
for yourself.

July 2010 14 Exceed Magazine

 “...Are you serious about your career?

If so, you need to get started creating a well

conceived and detailed career plan.”

~ Peggy McKee, PHC Consulting

July 2010 15 Exceed Magazine

 Business & Finance

7 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR SMALL

BUSINESS OWNERS

The old adage; "Time is money", is still true today, especially in the world of
the business owner. Busy business owners everywhere find themselves
working longer and longer hours to manage their companies and keep their
businesses afloat in a shaky economy. These 7 tips, if followed consistently,
will help you accomplish all of your tasks and maybe even leave you with a
little time left for yourself at the end of the week:

July 2010 16 Exceed Magazine

1. Take advantage of the 80/20 Rule. The 80/20 rule
states that 80% of your profit is derived from 20% of
your products or services. Invest some time to research
which of your products and services fit into the 20%,
then focus most your time and effort into those. Cut
back the time and resources used on the less productive
80%.
2. Learn when to say "no". Every time someone asks
you to do something, consider whether or not it is a
good use of your time. If it does not meet your goals, or
is something that can be delegated, just say "no". Re-
specting your own time and setting boundaries early on
will set the tone with your employees, and they will
quickly learn what to ask for help with and what to han-
dle on their own, saving you even more time later.
3. Try not to multi-task. The legendary multi-tasking
employee is still being sought after in job advertise-
ments, and it remains a prized skill in America's corpo-
rate culture. However, numerous recent studies have
shown that multi-tasking is not as efficient as moving
sequentially from one task to the next and maintaining
your focus. Multi-tasking will actually drain your energy
level, and is more likely to cause errors in your work,
which only increase the time it takes to complete tasks.
4. Set time limits for tasks. One example would be
sending and receiving email messages. Many business
owners received hundreds of emails a day. If you limit
yourself to say, one hour a day of handling email mes-
sages, and prioritizing them based on importance; you
will have more time to manage your business. Also, if a
lot of communication is needed, consider talking on the
phone or meeting briefly in person. This could save you
a lot of time versus crafting a lengthy email, then wait-
ing for a response, etc...
5. Prioritize Everything. Rank your activities on a daily
basis as to their importance, and tackle the most impor-
tant activities during the times of the day you are at
your most productive. For instance, many executives
find the morning the most productive time of the day.
Yet, some spend much of their morning catching up on
July 2010
emails, even though that may be one of their lower priority
items of the day. Revisit your priorities often. By prioritizing
regularly, you will ensure that you are getting your most
important work done, which will ease your mind and make
you more productive throughout the week.
6. Periodic downtime and mental breaks. Schedule yourself
frequent short breaks throughout the day, so you do not
get bogged down. Toiling at it straight for hours at a time
will cause you to tire easily, make errors, and actually slow
down your overall productivity. By giving your brain space,
and allowing it small breaks (maybe a brief walk outside, or
a short chat with an employee) you will find yourself ac-
complishing more at the end of the day because you will be
more refreshed during the majority of the time you are
working.
7. Consider outsourcing. Chances are there are several
tasks you perform throughout your day that are not the
core focus of your business. Some of these tasks may slow
you down, frustrate you and eat up your time because they
are not your particular areas of expertise. Outsourcing cer-
tain functions to a managed services company will free you
up to do what you do best, while providing expertise and
experience in those areas where you are not an expert.
There is nothing like the independence, challenge and free-
dom associated with owning your own business. However, if
you are not careful, it can end up consuming all of your
time and leaving you feeling exhausted. Try following these
7 tips for increased peace of mind, more energy, and extra
time.
About the Author
Jason Dick is a certified technical specialist with an internet market-
ing background. He currently writes original content containing tips
for business owners on both general and technical topics.
Northwest Computer Support is a one-stop IT services provider help-
ing businesses in the Northwest manage their IT needs since 1977.
They are truly a comprehensive IT solutions provider with services
ranging from Green IT and SharePoint to management consulting,
help desk, and network management.
Visit http://www.nwcsupport.com for an overview of their entire
menu of IT services.
17 Exceed Magazine
 Mind & Body
(ARA) - A serious long-term illness or
disability can have a devastating, often
irreversible, affect on a family's financial
well-being. In fact, health care expenses
are among the most common cause of
bankruptcies, according to findings
published in the "American Journal of
Medicine" last year.
Most people are not financially prepared to have
their employment interrupted, even briefly. For ex-
ample, studies find more than 60 percent of work-
ers live paycheck to paycheck. The U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce reports that the personal sav-
ings rate in March was just 2.7 percent of after-tax
income.
So, what can you do to ease the financial risks if
you are one of the millions who must stop working
each year because of a serious health condition?
"First, have hope, because there are things you can
do to take control," says Paul Gada, personal fi-
nance director for the Allsup Disability Life Planning
Center. Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation
and Medicare plan selection services.
July 2010
FIVE STEPS TO
ENSURE A
HEALTH CRISIS
DOESN'T MEAN
FINANCIAL
RUIN
According to Gada, seeking help is essential. "Many
people are afraid and overwhelmed. Asking for help
is a sign of strength and being your own best advo-
cate can help you feel more in control."
Among the first steps people with serious health
conditions or their caregivers should take quickly
are:
* Create a financial plan. The plan should focus
on establishing a budget and making certain you
are spending down your assets in the least harmful
way. Generally, this means using your savings or
other resources before withdrawing from retirement
accounts that could trigger a penalty or using high
interest-rate credit, which could have you paying
off interest for years.
Unfortunately, approximately 15 percent of people
awaiting SSDI report raiding their retirement sav-
ings. Additionally, 17 percent are relying on their
credit cards and 7 percent on home equity lines of
credit to meet financial needs until they receive
their SSDI benefits, according to the Allsup Disabil-
ity Finance online poll. The poll was conducted
online this spring with 138 respondents.
18 Exceed Magazine
* Contact your mortgage company or landlord. As part of this, identify housing assistance programs. For
example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has programs to assist with mortgage
modifications, as well as rental assistance that can lower housing costs drastically. However, there are waiting
lists, so it's important to sign up as soon as possible.

"People are often reluctant to reach out to their mortgage company or their landlord, they start missing pay-
ments, and the foreclosure or eviction process starts before they finally explain the situation," says Gada. "By
that time, it may be too late."

* Seek assistance with utilities, food and other necessities. Conserve your resources by finding assis-
tance to help you cope. Hundreds of federal, local and private resources are available in most communities.
These can range from neighborhood food pantries to federally funded programs, such as Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Local phone companies provide reduced-rate support for home phone
service. Associations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Family Caregiver Association also
offer guidance.

Many more people indicate they are considering assistance than are actually securing this assistance, according
to an Allsup poll. They may not understand how to apply or they may not meet the income thresholds initially,
but could later on as they spend down their assets.

"It can be overwhelming and people too often give up," explains Gada, adding that Allsup offers links to many
of these resources from its website.

* Secure health care coverage. Continuing medical treatment is

vital. Among the options are COBRA through your former employer, a
spouse's plan or other private coverage, such as through the health
insurance exchanges being established as part of the health care
legislation enacted earlier this year. Compare plans closely to make
sure you are getting the coverage needed and that you understand
the costs. Additionally, if you must take expensive prescription drugs,
check if the pharmaceutical company offers a prescription-drug
assistance program.

* Pursue income sources, including SSDI. If you have paid into the Social Security Disability Insurance
program, you may be eligible for benefits. If you are eligible, it's essential to apply quickly as it can take up to
two years or more to be approved. Gada advises seeking help with your SSDI application to speed the process.
For example, people with disabilities represented by Allsup are significantly more likely to receive SSDI benefits
at the initial level.

"It's heartbreaking to hear of people with serious illnesses and disabilities unable to work and struggling month
after month to pay for food or medical costs until they're financially wiped out," says Gada. "It shouldn't be that
way. There are steps people can take, but they need to ask for help and know how to get it."

More information on financial assistance is available at

www.Allsup.com or (800) 279-4357.

July 2010 19 Exceed Magazine

 Spirit & Soul

Learn From Yesterday,

Live For Today,
Hope For Tomorrow
By Barry R Parker

The above title is a quote by Einstein, and it is, indeed, excellent advice. Einstein was, of course, one of the
greatest scientists who ever lived, if not the greatest. Much of modern physics is based on his discoveries. In
later life, however, he also became a philosopher of considerable importance, and he gave us a lot of useful
information about life. His quotes are seen everywhere. The above quote can be generalized to: Learn from the
Past, Live in the Present, Hope for the Future. And if you do each of these, you will, indeed, be much happier.

What do we mean by each of the above statements? Let's look at them in turn.

Learn from Yesterday

We should, indeed, learn from the past -- particularly from the mistakes we have made in the past. We cer-
tainly don't want to make the same mistakes again. But we also don't want to spend a lot of time thinking
about these mistakes; they're over and done, and there's nothing we can do about them except learn form
them. So don't continue to rehash them, and don't become obsessed with them. If you do, they could become
a source of frustration, and they could make you fearful of failure in the future. In short, they could make you
very insecure, and this is, of course, something you don't want. So learn from them, and forget them.

It is, of course, okay to think about the past occasionally, savoring some of the joys you have experienced, but
you should return to the present as quickly as possible. Don't develop a nostalgia for the past. This is a com-
mon fault with many people; they daydream about how happy their past life was, and how dull and humdrum
their present life is. Maybe your past life was better in some respects, but too many people magnify the happi-
ness of their past life and forget about the struggles and sorrows they experienced. If your present life appears
to be dull compared to your past life, it's up to you to make it better.

Don't keep longing for the past, Today is much more important. It's the present -- what's happening now --
and you should make the most of it.

Live for Today

Enjoy the day you're living in. Wake up in the morning with confidence, and a feeling that the day is going to
be the best you have ever experienced. One of the best ways to do this is to relax and live each day as if it
were your last.

July 2010 20 Exceed Magazine

 Pure joy, pure calm & pure bliss
all come from paying attention to
the simple moments.

July 2010 21 Exceed Magazine

 Take control of your life.
Increase your income.
Impact the world!

SIGN UP FOR A FREE WEBINAR

http://mycompass.eventbrite.com

July 2010 22 Exceed Magazine

Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow (Continued from page 20)

Dale Carnegie encourages everyone to live in "Day-tight compartments." And it's the best advice anyone could give
you. As he says, " Half the beds in our hospitals are reserved for patients with nervous and mental troubles, pa-
tients who have collapsed under the crushing burden of accumulated yesterdays and fearful tomorrows. Yet a vast
majority of these people would be walking the streets today, leading happy, useful lives, if they had heeded the
words... "Live in day-tight compartments."

In other words: Shut off the past. Shut off the future. Live for today! This doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for
the future; it means you should not have any anxiety about the future. If you fret and worry about the future con-
tinuously, you could end up in the nuthouse.

So live one day at a time. Think of each new day as a new adventure -- a new life. Tell yourself that it's going to be
the best day of your life. One of the major tragedies of many peoples life is that they keep putting things off. In
particular, they put life itself off. They're always telling themselves that life will be better -- after they marry, when
they retire, and so on. And as they wait, life passes, and suddenly they discover that it has left them behind. They
have forgotten, or perhaps never learned, how to enjoy life, or maybe they've been too busy and haven't had
enough time. Life is in the living, and it's important to learn this. "Today is our most important possession. Don't
throw it away. Cherish it. Live it. Enjoy it!"

Our happiness and peace of mind are determined, to a large degree, in how efficiently we shut out yesterday and
tomorrow. Most of your thinking should therefore be directed at what you will be doing between now and when you
go to bed.

Happy people don't allow past failures and problems, or worries about the future, to plague them day after day. If
you do, you will likely end up depressed, anxious and frustrated, and that's no way to live. Remember that today is
the most important day of your life. So when you begin drifting into the past or future, bring yourself back to the
present as quickly as possible.

Hope for Tomorrow

It's not that the future is unimportant. It is, and you should prepare for it. Prepare for it, but don't be anxious
about it, and don't worry needlessly about it. Life is full of problems related to the future: financial problems, wor-
ries over your health, worries about getting old. Some of these will come to pass (such as growing old), but many
of them will remain nothing more than worries.

So force yourself to remain optimistic about the future, and the best way to do this is to foster hope. Never lose
hope; hope encourages you to set goals and strive to accomplish them. It makes you optimistic and gives you faith
in the future; it's the thing that spurs you on. It makes you dream of better things, and it makes you feel good.

Anxiety, on the other hand, depresses and frustrates you. And it can easily get out of control. Anxiety feeds on
anxiety -- it's a vicious circle. So get rid of it as quickly as possible, and the way to do this is to fight against all
negative feelings and negative thoughts related to the future. Don't be fearful of the future -- look forward to it.

About the Author

Barry Parker, Ph. D., is a professor emeritus (physics) at Idaho State University. He is the author of 25 books on science, health,
writing, and music. His website is http://BarryParkerbooks.com and he has several blogs, one of them is at
http://Barrysbuzz123.blogspot.com. He has done research in biophysics (mutations in the DNA molecule) and in relativity theory
(Einstein's field theory), has a strong interest in health and fitness, self-improvement, and in music (particularly piano). He taught a
writing class at ISU for several years. One of his recent books is "Feel Great Feel Alive."

July 2010 23 Exceed Magazine

 Community Cares

July is Hemochromatosis Screening

Awareness Month
What is hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron).
This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body’s tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron
buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body’s organs.

What are the causes?

Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A
person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis
is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of
the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.

What are the symptoms?

Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:

♦ Fatigue (feeling very tired)

♦ Weakness

♦ Weight loss

♦ Abdominal pain

♦ Joint pain

Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

How is it detected?

The iron overload associated with hemochromatosis can be detected through two blood tests. The tests measure how much iron is
in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor’s office.

If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is
not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver
problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).

What is the treatment?

Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. The treatment is safe and effective. Patients
can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.

To get more information about hemochromatosis and its treatment visit the
Hemochromatosis Information Center at http://www.hemochromatosis.org

July 2010 24 Exceed Magazine

EM: How long have you been interested in the music
industry?

IH: I have had always had a general interest in the

entertainment industry, particularly television. I had
planned to become a producer. However it wasn’t
until I attended college that I became fascinated Your water is vital to your
with the music business. I knew I had found my
niche.
home and your health.
EM: How did you get started in the business of artist
management and promotion?

IH: While attending college I secured an internship

You rely on it for
with radio station 103.9, now known as 100.3 The
cooking and cleaning,
Beat. The experience I gained was invaluable. The
classroom was no match for what I learned on the
washing and bathing,
job. One of the things I noticed the most was that
many artists did not have formal representation and
drinking and nourishing.
that they lacked knowledge. I quickly learned that
while an artists’ talent may be undeniable without
proper packaging and a solid, sensible marketing
When you think about all of the ways water touches our lives,
plan they may as well be performing in their bed-
rooms. I saw a lot of artists, new and established,
you see why it’s so important that we make sure that water is
who struggled and it bothered me. As a result, New
Artist Spotlight was founded in 2001. My first client
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EM: What kinds of challenges have you had with
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Call today at 1-888-708-8223.

IH: My initial challenge was credibility. I was so
much younger than most of my peers and I needed
a start so I sought to be mentored by more experi-
enced promoters who I respected. However, that
was an exercise in frustration but that’s not neces-
sarily a negative. Philly will let you know quick that
you must show and prove before anybody takes you
seriously. I have been putting in work consistently
over the past nine years, building relationships and
establishing trust among my peers. As a young pro-
moter and budding businessman I had to find my
own way. I did not want to become known as just
another party promoter; I wanted to create events
and experiences with the spotlight on the artists –
not me. That is what New Artist Spotlight is all
about. The challenge is to remain credible and to
distinguish my events in interesting ways that keeps
audiences engaged. Growth comes with experience
but for me longevity and relevance is the ultimate
challenge. I have so much more to learn and so far
to go in this business.
July 2010 25 Exceed Magazine
 iExceed Register

"Discipline is the bridge between goals

and accomplishments."

-Jim Rohn

July 2010 26 Exceed Magazine

July 2010 27 Exceed Magazine
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