Dr. Michael Omidi MD cofounder of No More Poverty Supports Jessica’s Hope Foundation

1. Dr. Michael Omidi MD cofounder of No More Poverty Supports Jessica’s Hope Foundation Dr. Michael Omidi MD, along with his brother Julian Omidi, is cofounder of No More Poverty, an organization promoting the works of charities that strive to end poverty and the conditions that cause poverty both in the U. S. and abroad. In this article, Dr. Michael Omidi discusses the Omidi brothers’ sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project, a foundation that sends healthy care packages to U.S. soldiers overseas. We have all, at one point or another, had to work when we weren’t at our physical or mental peak; we were sick, exhausted or just lacked motivation. Now, imagine working in conditions of extreme stress for 12 and sometimes 14 hour shifts, where you might have to carry 50lbs of body armor in extreme desert heat. These are the conditions in which our soldiers often find themselves, and being run down or unfocused might cause injury or even death. Our foundation, No More Poverty, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Jessica’s Hope Project; an organization that strives to keep our soldiers at their strongest and healthiest. Jessica’s Hope project began when its founder, Jessica Maddin, read an article that reported the health statistics of U.S. Marines. It stated that the average serviceman or woman would likely lose approximately 40lbs in body weight during deployment. This is due, in part, to the rigid fitness standards to which soldiers must adhere, but also, unfortunately, to caloric deprivation. It is not uncommon for a soldier on a mission to have to rely on only the sustenance of his

2. or her field rations, and these are frequently insubstantial. In order to maintain muscle mass and brain function, an active person must consume an adequate amount of calories and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fats. If not, then that person will likely suffer from symptoms of malnutrition, which are generally fatigue and dizziness, two conditions that can put a soldier at grave risk. Jessica decided to write to the CEO of 24-Hour Fitness, where she worked as a receptionist, and ask for donations of health supplements. Several days later, she received $17,000 worth of protein bars, muscle milk powder, vitamins and nutritional supplements. Working in her grandmother’s living room, she packed individual boxes of health supplies and shipped them to the servicemen and women in all branches of the U.S. military. These healthy care packages were a huge hit. The soldiers did receive care packages from loved ones, but they were typically filled with candies, chips, chewing gum and other snacks that they missed, but would not sustain them on their grueling work days. Soon, Jessica’s Hope Project was flooded with letters and emails thanking her for the much needed and thoughtful items. To date, Jessica’s Hope Project has mailed more than one thousand healthy care packages, and with the help of No More Poverty, will continue to send more. For more details you can visit our website: http://nmp.org/