Salena Collins is Strengthening Her Community with Health

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May 5, 2016

21 Day Yoga Challenge Pose Salena Collins - Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

In the month of April, the US celebrated Public Health Week.

A little background about the week itself: During the first full week of April each year, APHA brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation. For over 20 years, APHA has served as the organizer of NPHW. Every year, the Association develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners about issues related to each year’s theme. APHA creates new NPHW materials each year that can be used during and after NPHW to raise awareness about public health and prevention. (NPHW.org)

We had the pleasure of talking with Salena Collins, owner of the first yoga studio in Inglewood, California, Clear Gardens Yoga. Salena has made it her mission to change the community’s mindset of health–starting with its youth. She has created and implemented the first yoga curriculum in Inglewood Schools and is expanding to other cities.

Learn more about her powerful mission and vision below!

Empire Life: What led you to pursue a career in health education?
Salena Collins: My heart led me to a career in Mindfulness and Health. I strongly believe that mindfulness and health are one in the same. I began practicing Yoga at the age of 17 as a senior in high school. It was at the end of my first class in savasana that I knew I came across something good and life changing. I experienced clarity physically, by leaving any tension behind in class, and clarity mentally by simply tuning in to my breathing and finding an easy pattern.

It was with maturity and growth that I felt an urge to share this with people, children and adults. Children because they are our future, and if they are aware of the power of their thoughts and intentions they are unstoppable. Adults because they are a direct source for a child’s introduction to life, and it is a fact that you can only teach what you know.

EL: What’s your vision for expanding the message of health and yoga?
SC: The vision I hold of the expansion of health and yoga is clear and currently unfolding. The Balance of Life Project was created in 2015 and since has served over 6 ICEF schools. Inner City Education Foundation operates on 10 campuses that serve grades K-12. I intend to expand The Balance of Life Project into a non-profit organization, that encourages mindfulness and heath to all institutions in the Los Angeles area. I envision The Balance of Life Project being a foundational resource of self care for staff and children of schools, group homes, and camps. The focus will be health and mindfulness for everyone involved, because what one does will effect another.

EL: What one piece of advice you have for community-minded entrepreneurs?
SC: If I had one piece of advice for a community-minded entrepreneur, it would be a quote that I live by: how you do anything is how you do everything.

In other words, consistency, honesty, and intention begins with you.

The same focus and intention that you have with those things and/or experiences considered small translate to those things and/or experiences that you consider to be big or important. So start with what you have, and where you are. Growth is inevitable, lucky for us, that’s just how life works.

Keep in the loop with Salena and her amazing mission at her website and yoga studio!

Story Courtesy of EmpireLifeMag.Com

The premier digital lifestyle platform for millennial entrepreneurial women of color. Where BUSINESS, BEING & BEAUTY collide!

Philly Soul Stop LA KISS Ascent

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Jevone Moore

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May 2, 2016

LA KISS QB Nathan Stanley willing himself to the Goal line to score a touchdown, in Anaheim, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News) — LA KISS QB Nathan Stanley willing himself to the Goal Line to score a touchdown, in Anaheim, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

Anaheim, Ca – A Monday Night Football game for the Arena Football League saw the Philadelphia Soul soar past the LA KISS 56-33. The crowd was excited to cheer on their beloved KISS who have been on the road the last few weeks. The KISS gave the Soul too many opportunities to score that lead to their demise.

Turnovers hurt in tonight’s contest giving up two interceptions and fumble was not part of Coach Omarr Smith game plan. Coach Smith said, “We have to take care of the ball and we have to find ways to get the ball in the endzone.”

LA KISS WR separated from the ball in game verse Philadelphia Soul at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

By halftime the Soul was up 35-21 and had to kickoff to Kiss to start the second half. On their opening possession they marched 26 yards on 11 plays before turning the ball over on downs. It only took the Soul two plays and 31 yards to score after that opening up their lead to 42-21.

LA KISS Celebrate after a touchdown in game verse Philadelphia Soul at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

The LA KISS offense behind QB Nathan Stanley threw for 191 yards on 18/41 with 4 touchdowns. He’s main target was Donovan Morgan 7 catches, 3 touchdown for 106 yards. You can always count on Morgan to give you a solid performance but you need a complete game by the team to get a victory.

The Kiss defense gave Soul QB Dan Raudabaugh all the time he wanted in the pocket. The defense line presser was not seen all night, and his numbers showed it. Raudabaugh threw for 250 yards and 6 touchdowns, finding Darius Reynolds for half of those scores.

The LA KISS will have to regroup this week and be ready for an extra home game next Monday May 8th verse Portland Steel at 7pm.

UCLA Splits With USC on the Track

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Jevone Moore

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May 2, 2016

NCAA Track & Field 2016: UCLA vs USC Dual Meet — Jackson

Senior Andre Chapman exploding out of the blocks at UCLA vs USC Dual Meet at UCLA on campus at Drake Stadium in Westwood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Westwood, Ca – The Crosstown foes split the win in Track & Field dual meet. Each event was weighted equally so both coaches had their own game plan to accumulate the most points possible. So after 19 events UCLA men’s team defeated USC 103-60. The Women of Troy came out on top 97-66 over the Bruins. So each school left the track with bragging rights for a year.

On the day the teams competed in 38 total events, the sprints were dominated by USC behind Adoree Jackson who won the 100m dash with a time of 10.38 which was a PR for him. He also added a win in the Long Jump of 25-4.75/7.74m, this is one event Jackson looking to be in Brazil for the Olympics. Women of Troy Senior sprinter Tynia Gaither took the victory in 100m & 200m to cap off her last official rival meet.

NCAA 2016 UCLA vs USC Dual Meet at UCLA on campus at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Bruin Olympian to be Nicholas Scarveils dominated shot put with a throw of 66.10.75, then came away with the double winning the discus 189-1. Not far behind for the Bruins was second year Braheme Days who shot put 65-3.50 and show next year he can take the reins. In the 400m hurdles the Bruins took a sweep behind senior Andre Chapman ran a season best of 52.72 to win the event while senior Jarrett Gonzales followed at 52.94 and 110m Hurdles winner Misana Viltz took third.

Bruin Senior Faith Anumba led a sweep in the triple jump as she won with a mark of 41-1. Sophomore Efe Agege was second at 40-2 while freshman Lillianna Hebert was third with a mark of 38-3.50. UCLA also went 1-2 on the men’s side as Idrees Bernard notched a personal best with a mark of 50-6.75. CJ Alumbres followed at 49-8.50.

USC men’s team ran a 4x100m relay featuring three football players and they also won with a season-best time by the Trojans of 39.89 to earn five points. USC’s team was freshman Dominic Davis, sophomore Ricky Morgan, freshman Ronald Jones and Jackson.

With the PAC-12 Track & Field Championship around the corner in Washington these great performances will propel both schools in their quest for the Crown.

To See More Photos Click Here Full Image 360

LA Rams Are on the Clock – Draft 2016

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Jevone Moore

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April 26, 2016

NFL Pre Draft Press Conference for the Los Angeles Rams with Head Coach Jeff Fisher & General Manager Les Snead at Courtyard L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Ca on April 26, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca- With the NFL 2016 Draft less than 48 hours away the newest team in the Los Angeles Market The LA Rams spoke to the press about their No.1 Pick! General Manager Les Snead & Head Coach Jeff Fisher were all smiles on Tuesday armed with answers on how they see this year draft going. The Rams Draft headquarters will be right in the heart of downtown for next few days and the place of rebirth for now of the Rams.

The Rams have the No. 1 pick and four other selections to add to their existing squad. Their other picks will be 4th round 11th (110 overall), 4th round 14th (113), 6th round 17th (177) and 30th (190). This will hold true if they don’t make any draft day moves but the Rams made their most impressive move already. On April 14th in a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans, the Rams acquired the first overall pick.

QB Jarod Goff spotting a target. Photo by Jevone Moore — Jared Goff High Release at Coliseum

Pac-12 Football Media Day Jared Goff — At PAC-12 Media Day Photos by Jevone Moore

Coach Fisher answered the question everyone’s asking, Who will be No. 1 pick? Fisher said, “We will pick an offensive player.” Most chucked at the response, so as expected they are keeping their cards close to their chest. The top two prospects are Jared Goff (6’4, 215) Cal Bears whose strengths are his arm, makes all throws even the deep ball well and good footwork as works in the pocket. At Cal playing for Coach Sonny Dykes he set a PAC-12 record throwing for 4,719 yards with 43 touchdowns in his senior campaign. Carson Wentz (6’5, 237) North Dakota State a two time FCS Championship QB, teams like that he played in pro style offense already. His tall portioned frame sets up well to play and be durable in the NFL. His high release point gives him a naturally catchable ball combined with his accuracy.

Coach Fisher told both men, “Be ready to hand the ball off a lot. ” (2015 No. 1 pick Todd Gurley)

If history repeats itself like it always does, since 1937 the Rams have drafted players from 294 different schools. The PAC-12 conference has been the top source for their picks with over 178 players (UCLA 44 picks).

LAUSD 5K “Move It’ – LA Rams LB Cameron Lynch

By

Jevone Moore

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April 23, 2016

Los Angeles, Ca – The LAUSD 5K “Move It” Challenge and Health Festival took place this Saturday, April 23rd at Dodger Stadium beginning at 8:00 AM. The excitement was widespread for all who took part in the fun and festive District-wide event.

Before the race the main stage had a few special guest from Los Angeles Rams LB Cameron Lynch and mascot Rampage to get the crowd excited for this event. Aussie native Kym Johnson from Dancing with Stars was on hand to add to excitement. Hollywood High had their band and cheer squad hype up the crowd as well to show off the great talent inside the LAUSD family.

There were two course a 1K for younger kids and 5K for rest of family. After the races everyone had opportunity to go to Health and Nutrition Workshops and Booths, Interactive Kids Zone filled with Games, and Sports Clinics. The main stage continued with Live Entertainment, finishers of races turned in raffle ticket for chance of winning great prizes.

GOALS

Encourage LAUSD students, families, and employees to move every day, eat balanced meals, and train to walk or run in a 5K

Raise funds to support school athletic programs and student field trips that contribute to LAUSD students’ health and wellness

Create an annual campaign that puts the District’s commitment to health and fitness into action

Another great hit were the food trucks that had great dishes for all tastebuds. In the end this fundraising event was here to support a healthier LAUSD!

Distracted Driving Awareness – LA Rams Todd Gurley – Kelley Blue Book

By

Jevone Moore

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April 22, 2016

NFL Running Back of LA Rams Todd Gurley speaking at Kelley Blue Book Distracted Driving Awareness Event at Inglewood High School in Inglewood, Ca on April 21, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360) — NFL Running Back of LA Rams Todd Gurley with few Inglewood High football players before the Kelley Blue Book Distracted Driving Awareness Event. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Inglewood, Ca – It’s always great to see folks coming together for a great cause of bringing awareness to #DriveSmart. Kelley Blue Book, with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and The Conor Lynch Foundation hosted “Distracted Driving Awareness event featuring Los Angeles Rams Running Back Todd Gurley. This event took place at Inglewood High School in the gym before 1,100 students and the school band.

The focus was to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving during Distracted Driver Awareness Month (April). KBB teamed up with the NHTSA an Lynch Foundation to educate students on the importance of driver safety. Todd Gurley was able to tell his personal story to the kids how distracted driving had took the life of one his high school friends. Gurley said, ” If I can reach just one student with today’s message, it’s well worth it.”

Their was a video portion of the assembly that told of High School boy from Notre Dame High School who lost his life due to a distracted driver hitting him. The students were also presented stats like, 61% of drivers use mobile phones while driving in the US. The NHTSA estimates that 25 percent of all crashes involves some form of driver distraction.

FACT – According to distraction.gov, the average time a driver takes their eyes off the road while testing is five seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. Pretty scary fact when you think how many folks text and drive.

Take the Pledge: “One Text or Call Could Wreck It All”

L.A. Clippers Glide To Game 1 Win

By

Jevone Moore

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April 17, 2016

Chris Paul gliding in the paint during the 2016 NBA Playoffs Basketball (5) Portland Trail Blazers vs (4) Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on April 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca- The Los Angeles Clippers did what they were suppose to do, that’s win on your home court. Clippers were able to easily defeat the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 115-95. They played big ball a lot with their line up having Blake Griffin back.

The Clippers had six players in double figures in the win which allowed everyone to get involved. They only made 6 three point shots all in second half, so Portland will have a tough time once they shoot their normal percentage from downtown.

A great first round battle No 5 Portland vs No 4 Los Angeles that saw a 42-42 tie just before half. The Clippers finished the 2nd quarter with 8 consecutive points for 50-42 halftime lead. All that was missing in an exciting first half was Kevin Love droppin’ dimes with the Hoopers. There was no family love on the court between Damian Lillard of Portland and Jordan or Paul.

The Clippers had no three point baskets in the first half with only two attempts. The conventional two pointer was the name of the game. When you shoot 50% in first half you really don’t need to three ball. They also had a slight edge in points in the paint in first half 20/16. The eight point halftime lead was the largest in the half.

You could tell earlier in this game the Paul was looking to score with 14 points in first half of the game before finishing with team high 28 points. Big time players have to find a way to step up and lead their team any way they can.

Doc was asked what was impression of Griffin tonight?, “He was great. Assertive, I loved his energy.”

Now the team will get a practice in tomorrow and regroup and be ready to play Wednesday night back at Staples for game two in this first round match of No 4 vs No 5 game. If the Clippers can continue to win the points in paint & 2nd chance points they will be hard to beat.

Portland vs Clippers 7:30pm at Staples Center April 20th….

West LA College Drop a Close One

By

Jevone Moore

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April 17, 2016

JUCO Baseball 2016: Antelope Valley College vs West L.A. College special game supporting Autism Awareness at West LA College in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca – West LA College Baseball had something special brewing on warm Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats wore special powder blue uniforms with multi-colored puzzle pieces for Autism Awareness. They dropped a close game in extra innings to Antelope Valley College 5-4 in 10th inning. Even the close lose could not diminish the positive awareness that was raised. Pregame ceremony included checks to support Autism and first pitch by few youth with Autism.

West LA went down fast in the 1st inning giving up a two run homerun to left fielder Timothy Dodd who sent ball sailing over gate in left. It was great way to start off the game before West LA tightened up their defense.

The score stayed same 0-2 with both teams playing good defense and make sure to leave guys stranded on base. Antelope Valley pitcher Arturo Sanchez finally gave up a double in 5th inn to center fielder Brandon Bailey who drove in first run. Before the inning was over West LA had drove in one more run before leaving Bailey on 3rd base.

It looked like this 2-2 game was leaning towards West LA, in 6th inning after an error to reach first Antelope Valley went down then 1-2-3. With the bats warming up Andrew Figueroa got on base and stole base to put himself into scoring position. Then Andrew Banuelos singled to bring in Figueroa, next Javier Garcia hit a monster triple to a gap deep center-right field. But Sanchez regrouped fast and struck out the next batter keeping score 4-2.

West LA continued to play heads up baseball only allowing one run in 8th, before an error in 9th to allow for the game to go extra innings. In the top 10th inning Antelope Valley John Serrato had the winning RBI single for the come from behind win 4-5.

To see FULL PHOTO GALLERY CLICK FULL IMAGE 360

NPHC Greeks Service to Our Youth – Compton Centennial HS

By

Jevone Moore

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April 15, 2016

Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Adopt a school at Compton Centennial High School in front of the marquee in Compton, Ca. on April 15th. (Photos by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Compton, Ca- It’s always a way to make change, that can lead to a DREAM! Today at Compton Centennial High School the youth received a special treat and trust of positive energy. The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Los Angeles Alumni Chapter chose Compton Centennial High School for their adopted school program.

Today service was from the heart of each person who went into a classroom and spoke about their experiences in life. A common theme echoed by the adults to the youth today was strive for college, go after your dreams and write them on paper. The great teachers at Centennial allowed for a break in class time for their students to be inspired by business professional who graduated from college against different obstacles.

Brother Sherman Mitchell a Sigma, CSUN Alum from Compton High School shared how he sat in these same seats next door and choose to make a choice of following his dream. Now two master degrees later, being a homeowner in Compton and still being a positive influence to his community.

The Sigma’s have been doing programs at Centennial for the last couple years. The school’s great leadership has allowed for a great partnership. Michael Baslee Activities Director at the school who also teaches a leadership, History classes at Centennial is a member of Phi Beta Sigma. He has been a guiding force to allow other opportunities like this to serve on campus and make direct impact. Also giving support is Principal of Operations Douglas Brown who had some of his brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi also attend today’s event of speaking to the youth. We even had few women from the Sororities of Zeta Phi Beta, & Alpha Kappa Alpha. After the event Brown said, “Next year we would like to have all nine greek organizations here.”

So Thank You from the Centennial Community to the Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Take look below at little fun strolling at Lunch time for the youth in the quad.

The New USC Trojans Taking Form

By

Jevone Moore

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April 13, 2016

NCAA 2016 USC Trojans Spring Practice on campus in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, Ca – This marks the first Spring Practice session with new Head Coach Clay Helton and newly named Offensive Coordinator Tee Martin. You can tell something new is in the air at Howard Jones Practice Field. They will take the field in 2016-17 season with a new quarterback as well.

The practice had a good tempo to every period with guys flying around but, a glaring difference coaches were taking an extra second or two to coach up the players. Before it was last get as many reps in as possible oppose to0 the new coach it up now on the fly routine.

Redshirt Junior quarterback Max Browne seems to be the No 1 guy taking all the first team reps, with redshirt freshman Sam Darnold as the No 2. Not too far behind is redshirt sophomore Jalen Greene who has moved back from playing receiver last season this spring.

We spoke to OC Martin after practice to gain his insight on how he felt the team was doing under his reign. He said, “Our goal this spring was to create an identity & we’re doing that, but we are not a finished product yet.” You can tell after watching these great weapons Browne has around him the Trojans will be fun to watch. A few guys stood out in practice from JuJu Smith-Schuster hands, Darreus Rogers looked faster, and the true sophomore RB Ronald Jones II.