The Item from Sumter, South Carolina • 9

is not not any to evaluated NOVEMBER 20, 2009 UN urges help for deprived children By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press Writer UNITED NATIONS UNICEF urged the world to help the 1 billion children still deprived of food, shelter, clean water or health care and the hundreds of millions more threatened by violence two decades after the U.N. adopted a treaty guaranteeing children's rights. On the eve of the anniversary, the U.N. children's agency issued a report Thursday on the chai lenges ahead and the accomplishments since the U.N, General As sembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman called a sharp de cline in child deaths a "remark able achievement," and lauded the increasing number of children attending primary school. More than 70 countries have used the treaty to incorporate children's rights in their national laws, she said, noting a new focus on safeguarding youngsters "from violence, abuse, discrimination and exploitation." Only two nations, the United States and Somalia, have not ratified it. Still, much remains to be done. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 8A MICHAEL B. SMALLS SR.

Michael Bernard Smalls son of the late Samuel Sr. and Pearl Louise Gordon Smalls, was born Oct. 19, 1955, in Baltimore, Md. He departed this life on Nov. 16, 2009, after a lengthy illness.

He was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and worked various jobs. during his life. Michael was devoted to his family, loved to dress and was the family's proud peacock. He was small in stature but big in spirit. He once held the Maryland Lightweight: Boxing Champl onship title.

Although he did not attend church regularly, in the final months he renewed his faith and love for God. Loving memories will be chert ished by three sons, Michael B. Smalls Michael Quinton Taylor and Michael Cornelius Smalls; a daughterin-law, Myra Smalls; five granddaughters, Malaysia Smalls, Tashae Garrett, Tierra Smalls, Jamie Harris and Gamnetta Harris; three grandsons, Malik Smalls, DaShawn Smalls and James Garrett; life partner and caretaker, Leslie Harris; three stepsons, George and Jamall Har ris and Anthony Farrare; eight brothers and five sisters in-law, Samuel Jr. (Elizabeth), Larry Sr. (Phebe), Donald, Ronnie (Jewell), Eric, Tyrone, Frank (Betty) and Gerald (Michelle); two uncles, Robert Smalls Sr.

and Ronnie Gordon; seven aunts, Shirley Plowden, Romelle Presley, Florence Williams, Jenny Pearson, Rose Ann Gordon, Frances Smalls and Blanche Smalls; two nieces and two nephews raised like brothers and sisters, Audrey Jennings, Larry W. Smalls Trinnette Walker and Ernest Thorne; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Salem Minsionary Baptist Church, Job's Mortuary 312 S. Main is in charge of arrangementa, Online memorials may be sent to the family at or visit us on the Web at www.jobsmortu ary.

net, LILLIE MAE M. SMALL BISHOPVILLE. Lillie Mae McDuffle Small, widow of Willie. Rob Small, was born April 18, 1934, in Lee County, to the late James and Isabella Dozier McDuffle. She departed this life on Nov.

14, 2009, at Carolinas Hospital System, Florence, Mrs. Small leaves cherished memories to her loving children, four sons, Willie J. Small of Charlotte, N.C., James (Wilhemenia) Small of Bishopville, David Smalls Linden, and; Ricky L. (Alice) Small of Columbia, and NATION The Associated Press Children collect stagnant water for use at home in Glen View, Harare, Zimbabwe, recently, Even though cheap tools could prevent and cure diarrhea and pneumonia, the illnesses kill an estimated 3.5 million kids under 5 each year globally, which is more than HIV and malaria combined. Veneman said it was unacceptable that more than 24,000 children under the age of 5 die every day from preventable causes like pneumonia, malaria, measles and malnutrition.

Nearly 200 million youngsters are chronically malnourished, more than 140 million are forced to work, and millions of girls and boys of all ages are subjected to sexual violence. "As the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, the convention stands at a pivotal mo- three daughters, Deloris Small of Rahway, Gloria Small and Sandra Small of Bishopville; and a host of other relatives and friends, Funeral service for Mrs. Small will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lee Central High School auditorium, Bishopville, with the Rev. George Magazine officiating, Burdal will follow at St.

Mark Baptist Church cemetery, The viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Square Deal Funeral Home of Bishopville. The family is receiving visitors at the residence, 408 Tubbs Court, Bishopville. Square Deal Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of these arrangements. KATHLEEN WARD MANNING Kathleen Dolores Hawes Drescher Ward, 63, widow of Barney L.

Ward, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Palmetto Health Baptist in Columbia. Born March 27, 1946, in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Orville Warren Hawes Sr. and Anna Marie Cain Hawes, and was first married to the late Wallace N. Drescher.

She was a customer service supervisor. She was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Surviving are four daughters, Cindy D. Vincent, Linda D. Jones (Marty) and Cheri Ward Tisdale (Pat) of Manning, and Susan D.

Green (David) of Irmo; a son, Joey L. Ward (Marcy) of Manning: three stepdaughters, Lynda Ward Barrett (Ricky), Pamela Ward Flagler (Chuck Hines) and Tammie Lynn Ward; a brother, Orville Hawes Jr. Julann) of Farming. dale, N.Y.: two sisters, Barbara Lalonde (Guy) of Jacksonville, N.C., and Jeri Suhrland (Dr. Mark) of Massapequa, N.Y.; grandchildren, Rhiannon Griffin, Ian Vincent, Wil Jones, Kayla Jones, Mart Leigh Jones, Alex Green, Jordan Green, Tyler Ward and Wade Ward; step grandchildren, Shannon Vincent, Desiree'.

Vincent Murray (Dwayne), Donnie Feagin (Frances), Michael Feagin (Angie), R.J. Feagin, Rhette Barrett, Reese -Flagler, Laken Ward and Garrett Farris; and step great grandchildren, Al Isha Murray, Matthew Murray, Veneman ference launching "Its relevance less. The challenge years is to build achieved, working reach those children being denied their told a news conthe report. remains timefor the next 20 on the progress together to who are still rights to sur vival, development, protection and participation." The convention has the widest support of any human rights treaty 193 countries though Veneman said not all are implementing its requirements. Amber Long, Lyn Feagin and Kati- lynn Feagin.

She was preceded in death by a son-in-law. David Vincent. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church with Father David Whitman officiating, Burial will follow in Ward Cemetery in the Davis Station community of Manning. Pallbearers will be Gene Conyers, Michael Feagin, Jack Hassek, Fran Pleti, Jay Livingston, Andy White and De Vaughn Jones.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Stephens Funeral Home in Manning and at other times at the residence. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, P.O, Box 1110, Summerton, SC 29148; CROSS Roads Bible Fellowship Church, P.O, Box 449, Manning, SC 29102; or to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. Stephens Funeral Home Crematory, 304 N. Church Manning, is in charge of arrange ments, (803) 435-2179.

GENEVA WELLS Geneva "Lumpy" Wells, 75, widow Theodore "Red" Wells, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at her residence. She was born July 25, 1934, in Lee County, a daughter of the late Charlie Jr. and Verdell Jackson Wilson. She attended the public schools of Lee County, Mrs.

Wells accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined Asbury United Methodist Church. She leaves to cherish her preclous memories: a daughter, Mary D. Wells of Sumter: two sons, Wallace and Kenneth Wells of the home; two sisters, Ada (Ben) Kelly of Charleston and Ann (John) Hickson of Columbia; three brothers, Dan (Bernice) Wilson of Newport News, Charlie Wilson Ill of Detroit, and James H. Wilson of New York; daughter-in-law, Shirley Wells of Sumter; two brothers-in-law, Jeff Wells of Sumter and Plummer Scarborough of Bishopville; three sisters BEST CARE Grooming Holiday Special $2500 ALL DOGS 803-720-6637 Ch tru PAGE 9A Survey: Southern counties are most obese in nation By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer ATLANTA The first county-by-county survey of obesity reflects past studies that show the rate of obesity is highest in the Southeast and Appalachia. High rates of obesity and diabetes were reported in more than 80 percent of counties in the Appalachian region that includes Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, according to the new research from the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The same problem was seen in about 75 percent of counties in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina. The five counties with the highest rates were Greene and Dallas counties in Alabama and Holmes, Humphreys and Jefferson counties in Mississippi. All are small, rural counties in the west central areas of each state, and each reported obesity rates of around 44 or 43 percent. The national adult obesity rate is roughly 26 per cent.

The statistics are estimates for the year 2007 based on surveys, census figures and other information for that and other years and include a margin of error. The obesity rates in many counties were about the same, so it's difficult to say any county or counties was clearly the single most obese county, CDC officials said. The CDC also released Thursday countyspecific data for diabetes Type 2 is closely tied to obesity. Counties with the lowest rates of both obesity and diabetes were out west Boulder County, Santa Fe County, N.M., and Summit County, Utah, were at the top of each list. under 13 percent of people in those in law, Bessie McDonald (Ray) of Mayesville, Edna (Charles) McElveen of Shiloh and Betty J.

Wells of Washington, D.C.: 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Theodore Wells two sisters, Rosa Lee Frazier and Virginia Coe; a brother, counties were obese, and only about 4 percent reported diabetes, the CDC found. There are a range of possible explanations for counties in the South and Appalachia have the highest rates of obesity and diabetes, experts said. A culture that embraces fatty, unhealthy foods and shuns exercise may be one. Genetics may be another.

Income and education probably have a lot to do with it, too people living in poor communities may not have the money to eat healthier, more expensive foods or may not have access to gyms or safe jogging trails, they said. The Alabama counties at the top of the list are low- income, mostly African- American communities that probably ended up high on the list because the estimates assumed higher rates of obesity and diabetes in counties with those demographics, said Dr. Jim McVay, director of the health promotion and chronic disease for the Alabama Department of Public Health. "I can't say that those are accurate," he said of the CDC estimates. Some experts said they hope the county estimates will highlight the problem and persuade local officials to focus more attention on combating the problems.

"In the end, it comes down to those that have to direct resources at the local level." said Dr. Miriam Vos, assistant professor of pediatrics at Atlanta's Emory School of Medicine. "It's not something that can change as easily at the federal level." McVay said local efforts are important, but ultimately obesity comes down to individual behavior and trying to change that. "How do you influence people to make lifestyle changes? That's the question," he said. The study was published in the CDC's Mor bidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Harry Wilson; and Kermit Wells, Viewing will be 6 p.m. today with a 7 p.m. at Job's Funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday United Methodist the pastor, the Cooper, officiating, follow in Goodman The body will church at 10 a.m. Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.

The family will receive friends at the home, 2135 Avenue Mayesville, SC 29104. Job's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at or visit us on the Web at www.jobsmortu ary, net. Brain Oxygen-Boosting ting Secret Energizes Mind, Mood and Memory New pill can help sharpen focus, clear away "brain and erase 15 years of lost memory power! For those readers, concept; an aging brain can't The result? Users say the seriously concerned or even embarrassed by forgetting that important name, date or to-do item again, here's some welcome news! A world- renowned brain research university has announced the successful testing of a memory pill that can reclaim as much as 10, even 15 years of mental decline and lost brain power. It's a fast formula developed by US clinical research scientist and best-selling author Joshua Reynolds that took years to perfect.

For close to 40 years, Reynolds, studied more than 1.5 million human brains, analyzing countless brain scans of older people and researching thousands of natural ingredients. Procera AVH contains the three premier brain energy nutrients in precise, clinically tested doses. Reynolds calls huperzine and vinpocetine, "the 3 Miracle Memory Molecules!" Are Aging Brains Starved for Oxygen? Reynolds explains his formula's success. "It's a simple Memory pill Ingres up aging BEFORE Increased oxygen from one of Procera a grandson, held from 3 to wake from 6 to Mortuary, will be held at Asbury Church with Rev. Samuel B.

Interment will Cemetery, be placed in the catch its breath. Once you reach 50, you may have already lost half your brain power. At that age, your brain is literally gasping for oxygen." "With each passing birthday, less and less oxygen gets to your starving brain cells as a result of toxic build-up and impaired neurotransmitter capacity," he adds. "Severely depleted neurotransmitters dull your cognitive powers, constricting your ability to concentrate, to remember things, and to make even the simplest decisions." "Procera AVH fixes all of that," he says. Users report that mental focus returns and memory powers snap back to where they were 10, even 15 years ago, "I was forgetting my employees' names and it was really embarrassing." says user Jeff P.

"After a week on Procera, I started remembering them again and I was much more focused and self-confident." Procera AVH increases the blood circulation in the brain, flooding oxygen-starved cells with fresh supplies of energizing oxygen and vital brain nutrients. It gets the neurons fired up again! brains like: a Christinas treet I neguing' AVI's natural ingredients Vinpocetine effects are felt quickly, like putting on a pair of prescription eye glasses for the very first time, Everything becomes clear and focused like when we were young, "It's amazing, I felt sharper, more focused and alive in just minutes," says Penny S. Not yet available in stores, Reynolds is now making this clinically tested, nonprescription formula available risk-free. All New Users Receive Free Bonus Bottle! Try Procera AVH Risk Free today and receive a Free Bonus Bottle along with a free copy of Reynolds' medically acclaimed book, Brainpower: 20 Days to A Quicker, Calmer, Sharper Mindi, a $20 value. Procera AVH Is clinically shown to quickly improve memory, focus, concentration and energy! And it comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee so you can experience the long term results riskfree, tool Free Rapid Detox Formula for First 500 Callers! Reynolds is also including, with the first 500 orders, a FREE supply of his powerful brain detox formula, Ceraplex, scientifically designed to rapidly flush away environmental toxins from the brain to help enhance memory and focus even further.

This 15 a special introductory offer and supplies are limited, so call now. AFTER Call Toll- Free! 1-800-858-9485 This product intended diagnose, Illustration treat, cure, or prevent disease These statements have been by the FDA. Results may vary.