Theme: Health

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza - Community Room
3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Los Angeles, California, 90008
United States

Bill Releford

Podiatrist

Dr. Bill J. Releford, a podiatric surgeon based in Los Angeles. He established the Diabetic Foot Institute in 1995. Dr. Releford specializes in diabetic amputation prevention in an effort to reduce the astronomical diabetes-related amputation rate experienced by African Americans. Because Dr. Releford's own mother passed from diabetes-related complications, he's made the fight against diabetes his career and "personal assignment". Additionally, Dr. Releford authored the book 5 Colors A Day to Better Health in February 2009 to address the lack of awareness about healthy food choices and the risk of experiencing complications from cardiovascular disease. Dr. Releford and his community outreach efforts have been highlighted in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, THE VIEW, THE DOCTORS, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams as well as the TODAY SHOW.

Gail Jackson

Bio-identical hormone balancing

Dr. Jackson specializes in bio-identical hormones balancing in the form of worry-free soft PELLETS. These small inserts are time released over a six month period with immediate symptom relief. They are placed painlessly underneath the skin and offer relief of the symptoms related to menopause...free of increased cancer risk. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women corrects imbalances in the body. This therapy is a natural relief from depression, anxiety, hot flashes and night sweats. A balanced woman also experiences weight loss and an increased desire for sex. The hormones are derived from a natural plant source of yam and are formulated to be biologically identical to the human form of estradiol and testosterone. Dr. Gail Jackson is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is on staff at the Cedars-Sinai medical center. She has done extensive research in the area of bio-identical hormone balancing and holistic medicine.

Lianca Lyons

Mental Health

Lianca Lyons was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II in 2013. Through medication, therapy, AND Jesus; self-reflection, personal growth, and determination, she found her way to living in peace and harmony. She believes the crisis of mental health for men and women of color, especially as an African-American Christian woman, is an epidemic that goes unaddressed, uneducated, and is simply "prayed away”. She began sharing her mental health journey as a platform to give hope through shared experiences to those who struggle with any form of mental illness. She created “For Mental Clarity” as a life example that the small things you consistently do everyday can add up to make a big difference every day. She made a commitment to God that she would share her journey through life's ups and downs, failures and victories, that through diligence, self-care, self advocacy, and the grace of God, it is possible to live a balanced, healthy, and happy life.

Robin Barkins

Advocate

Her transformative journey began at the tender age of fifteen when she acquired HIV. Upon receiving this devastating news, she spiraled into self-destructive activities as a sex worker and substance abuser. She thought her life was over. After ten years, she finally made the decision to attend a drug recovery program. In the process of becoming sober, she learned new coping skills and strategies to deal with life. With a brand-new lease on life, Ms. Barkins regained her confidence and cultivated a healthy self-esteem. In 2010, Ms. Barkins chose to go public with her story because she knew that her journey could have an impact on other people’s lives. She is a Peer Re-Entry Community Health Worker at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center. Ms. Barkins manages the cases of individuals who are coming out of jail or prison and prepares them to reenter society. She follows the Whole-Person Care Model to prioritize her client’s health and mental and social well being.