Study Finds No Racial Disparity in COVID-19 Case Fatality Rates at Montefiore, When Controlling for Key Risk Factors

September 25, 2020

Andrew D. Racine, M.D., Ph.D., system senior vice president and chief medical officer at Montefiore and professor of pediatrics at Einstein

BRONX, New York, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A study from Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine published today in JAMA Network Open found that among 5,902 ethnically diverse COVID-19-positive patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center, the outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients relative to their White counterparts were the same or better.

The study shows that Black and Hispanic patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 presented with more pre-existing conditions, also known as comorbidities, as well as other risk factors. However, researchers found that Black and Hispanic patients had survival rates at least as good as their non-Hispanic White counterparts, when controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status and comorbidities. Similar data trends have been shown in patients hospitalized in other major health systems in Louisiana and the Midwest.

“It is well-documented that communities of color have shouldered the heaviest burden of COVID-19 in the United States, and there have been many explanations offered for why that is the case,” said Andrew D. Racine, M.D., Ph.D., system senior vice president and chief medical officer at Montefiore and professor of pediatrics at Einstein. “We discovered, somewhat surprisingly, that Black and Hispanic patients, when hospitalized, had similar or slightly better survival outcomes compared to White patients.”

According to the study’s authors, these results are important because they suggest that “access to the services available in comprehensive health care environments may attenuate, if not eliminate, racial/ethnic differentials in COVID-19 mortality rates.” The study results suggest that, across racial and ethnic groups, higher mortality rates were primarily driven by older age and the presence of multiple comorbidities, including chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease that are prevalent in Black and Hispanic communities served by Montefiore | Einstein.

Black and Hispanic patients were found more likely to require hospital stays than their White counterparts and had a higher proportion of two or more medical comorbidities–38% and 43% respectively–compared to their White counterparts at 34%. “For patients in this study, the influence of race and ethnicity on COVID outcomes stopped at the hospital door,” explained Dr. Racine.

“The fact that racial disparities may be lessened or eliminated when people with COVID-19 enter a hospital is a stark reminder that we need to increase our focus on what is happening outside our hospitals,” said Rafi Kabarriti, M.D., attending physician, Montefiore and assistant professor of radiation oncology at Einstein. “This includes better access to primary care, and education about preventing and effectively managing chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, and dementia.”

About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2019-20 academic year, Einstein is home to 724 M.D. students, 158 Ph.D. students, 106 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,800 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2019, Einstein received more than $178 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281533/Racine_Andrew_MD_2012_08_2_SELECT.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281534/Kabarriti_Rafi_MD_LC_2015_08_2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675671/Montefiore_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Deepak Chopra and John Maxwell join Ismael Cala in the largest entrepreneurship event in the Americas

September 25, 2020

The online seminar, in alliance with Fernando Anzures and EXMA BE ON, is aimed at entrepreneurial leaders, influencers, professionals from all sectors, students and anyone in the process of reinvention.

MIAMI, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Deepak Chopra and John Maxwell, world leaders in mindfulness and leadership, respectively, will join Ismael Cala, on October 16 and 17, in “The Business of Being You. Seminar on Entrepreneurship”.

“In difficult times, we demonstrate our leadership capabilities. That is why this is the time for entrepreneurship. I am happy to share this event with Ismael Cala and his guests,” said John Maxwell.

The largest entrepreneurship seminar in the Americas will help participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset to take action. Especially under the current circumstances, where the Covid-19 pandemic has created uncertainty in business, but also new opportunities.

“The Business of Being You. Entrepreneurship Seminar” will address topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, sales, mindful leadership, technology and future vision.

In addition to those already mentioned, the experts will include:

-Mario and Lorenzo Hernández, businessmen
–Jacques Giraud, master Coach and academic director of Cala Enterprises
–Valeria Hinojosa, founder of WaterThruSkin
–Juan M. Barrientos, chef at El Cielo
–James Tahhan, chef and triple Emmy Award winner
–Javier Meza, CMO Sparkling Coca-Cola Company
-Beto Pérez, creator and co-founder of Zumba®
-Vilma Núñez, CEO Convierte Más Agency
–Darys Estrella, expert on finance, the stock market, and sustainability
-Calle and Poche, influencers
–Alex Kei, advisor to consultants, authors and executives
–Santiago Siri, CEO of Democracy.Earth and technology expert
–Adriana Cisneros, CEO Grupo Cisneros

The seminar, in alliance with Fernando Anzures and EXMA BE ON, is aimed at entrepreneurial leaders, influencers, professionals from all sectors, students and anyone in the process of transformation and reinvention.

Date: October 16-17, 2020
Medium: Online
Info: +1 (305) 360 9940 – [email protected]
Registration: https://seminarionst.ismaelcala.com/

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Life and business strategist. For five and a half years he was the prime-time host of “Cala” on CNN en Español. Businessman and social entrepreneur. He is the author of eight bestsellers on themes of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development, including El poder de escuchar (‘The Power of Listening’), and Despierta con Cala (‘Wake Up with Cala’). Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1969 and holds a degree in Art History from Oriente University. He graduated from the School of Communication at York University in Toronto and has a diploma from Seneca College in Television Production. He is the President and founder of the Cala Enterprises Corporation and the Ismael Cala Foundation.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

If you purchased Weighted Goods from Walmart in the United States from February 13, 2015 to August 26, 2020 and the Weighted Goods’ unit sale price was not accurately reflected in the final sale price you could receive a payment from a class action settlement

September 25, 2020

MIAMI, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit claims that at times Walmart improperly labeled “Weighted Goods” when it reduced the price of those goods as they neared their expiration dates, allegedly causing instances where customers were overcharged for certain reduced-priced perishable goods and did not receive the full value of the goods purchased. Walmart denies these allegations and all liability regarding the claims asserted in the lawsuit. Neither the Court nor a jury have considered or decided the merits of the allegations in the lawsuit. The parties have negotiated and entered into the proposed Settlement to avoid the risk, uncertain outcome, expense and distraction of continued litigation.

Who is included? The Court has decided that any person who purchased Weighted Goods from Walmart in the United States from February 13, 2015 to August 26, 2020 whose Weighted Goods’ unit sale price was not accurately reflected in the final sale price, is considered a Settlement Class Member. “Weighted Goods” means beef, pork, poultry, fish and other types of goods marked with unit pricing and sold accordingly thereto.

What does the Settlement provide? The Settlement provides for the following relief:

A. Walmart will fund a Qualified Settlement Fund (“QSF”) of between $4,500,000 and, depending on the number of valid claims submitted, up to $9,500,000. The QSF will be used to pay Settlement Class Members who submit a claim, and pay for the costs of notice and administration of the Settlement, attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses, and a service award to the Class Representative.

B. In exchange for the payment, the Class Representative and each Settlement Class Member who has not validly and timely requested exclusion from the Settlement will have fully, finally, and forever released any and all claims against Walmart relating to the nature of the lawsuit.

What are your options? Each Settlement Class Member is entitled to a monetary payment under the Settlement, but the actual amount will not be known until all Claims have been processed. To qualify for a payment from the Settlement, you must submit a Claim Form before January 8, 2021. If you do not want a payment and do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you must exclude yourself with a timely and valid “Opt Out Letter” postmarked no later than November 4, 2020. Unless you exclude yourself, you give up the right to sue Walmart for the same claims that this Settlement resolves. You must exclude yourself from this Settlement Class to continue your own lawsuit. If you are a Settlement Class Member, and have not excluded yourself from the Settlement, you can object to the Settlement if you don’t like any part of it. This objection must be postmarked no later than November 4, 2020. The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on February 26, 2021, to consider whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate and whether to approve attorneys’ fees not to exceed $2,375,000 and litigation expenses not to exceed $100,000, both from the QSF. You may appear at the Fairness Hearing, but you are not required to attend. You may also hire your own attorney, at your own expense, to appear or speak for you at the hearing. The Notice of Class Settlement available at the website explains how to ask the Court for permission to speak at the hearing. For more information, call 1-855-424-1334 or visit www.WalmartWeightedGoodsSettlement.com.

SOURCE United States District Court for Southern District of Florida, Miami Division

Mónica Ovalle’s New Book Poemas De Invierno, An Exquisite Collection Of Poems On Humanity’s Unbridled Emotions And Desires Of The Heart

September 25, 2020

LA PORTE, Indiana, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Poemas de Invierno was written by Mónica Ovalle. Mónica is an author born in Colombia and emigrated to the USA to continue her postgraduate education.

Mónica said this about her book: “I’m very excited to present my book of poems (Spanish Version) in the United States, it is an important milestone of my second career as a writer, that came to light after years of being an avid reader and while searching for inner growth and personal evolution.”

The book is a surprisingly intense and heartfelt compilation of poems. They seem to be a repository of experiences and emotions not only of the author but also of the universal feminine feeling. In it, the almost-always silent idealized love is gathered, overwhelming loves are lived, passions without limits, and bitterness and disappointments are also wiped away.

Rarely expressed so talentedly and honestly, those reserved feeling finds an eloquent voice in Poemas de Invierno.

Published by Page Publishing, Mónica Ovalle’s new book Poemas de Invierno is filled with thought-provoking poems that tug the heart and brim the soul with impassioned feelings of love, nostalgia, and the realization of unspoken dreams.

Consumers who wish to feel the rush of love and gape at life’s beauty can purchase Poemas de Invierno in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1280306/M_nica_Ovalle.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Carmen Machicao-Fuentes’s new book Y…Soy Feliz, a profound account of the author’s journey where faith brought happiness in his life

September 25, 2020

ALABASTER, Alabama, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Y…Soy Feliz was created by Carmen Machicao-Fuentes. Carmen Machicao-Fuentes is an author who hails from Santa Cruz-Bolivia. She is a business administrator, tourist guide, and technical professor in the area of hospitality and travel agencies. She also serves in the women’s ministry and other areas in the Agape Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Carmen Machicao-Fuentes said this about her book: “This is a message of inspiration, feelings, and simplicity. When I tell you about this small part of my life, I want to tell you that I am a real person like you and that when I remember the difficult moments I have experienced, it is to give me courage and make you see that you can come out of them triumphantly. When the people of God (Israel) in the time of Moses and Joshua went through moments of affliction and God released them from the trial with a miracle, in gratitude, when they arrived at a certain place, they made a monument to remember the presence of God in the time of their need. And they celebrated it with rejoicing. I want to look at my monument and remember with joy what strengthened me. I learned from it, and it was surely to be happy.”

Published by Page Publishing, Carmen Machicao-Fuentes’s new book Y…Soy Feliz hopes to bring inspiration to the readers with his spiritual insights that guided him and paved a path for genuine joy and fulfillment in his life.

Consumers who wish to find wisdom on a monument of pure divinely inspired happiness can purchase Y…Soy Feliz in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1280190/Carmen_Machicao_Fuentes.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Acura Selects Championship-Winning Teams for 2021 DPi Effort

September 24, 2020

Meyer Shank Racing will field the #60 Acura ARX-05 in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

TORRANCE, California, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura Motorsports today announced it will partner with Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing to campaign a pair of Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype International entries in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, beginning in 2021.

“It is a pleasure to announce that Wayne Taylor Racing will be joining the Acura ARX-05 IMSA program in 2021, along with Meyer Shank Racing, which will build on our very successful partnership by moving up to the prototype ranks,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura Brand Officer. “We’re confident that both teams will help us build on the successes we’ve achieved to date in IMSA competition, as we continue to apply Precision Crafted Performance to all of our activities – on the race circuits of North America, in our production vehicles, and in the market place.

“We also want to thank Roger Penske, who has long been an important part of the Acura family as one of our great Acura dealers. It has been a privilege to have Roger as part of the Acura Motorsports family over the past three years.”

Defending IMSA GTD class champion Meyer Shank Racing [MSR] is in its third decade of operation. With wins in some of the biggest races in the sport, the Ohio-based team played a key role in the development of the successful Acura NSX GT3 Evo, and has raced the car to victory lane in four consecutive seasons, culminating in the drivers’ and teams’ titles in 2019. Acura and MSR are the current leaders in all three major GTD title championships.

“When Acura and HPD chose Meyer Shank Racing to debut the Acura NSX GT3 in 2017, it was a big moment in our history. I’m really proud of building a championship-winning program and everything that we’ve been able to accomplish together with the NSX,” said Michael Shank, co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing. “As a team, we’ve been working toward the opportunity to go and fight for overall wins for a long time, and I am eager to get going with this program. But we have some work to do first, and we are 100 percent focused on bringing another IMSA championship home with the Acura NSX in 2020.”

“Mike and I are both eager to expand our IMSA program and get to once again work with Acura and HPD,” said MSR co-owner Jim Meyer. “Mike has built such a strong IMSA program over the last decade, and this is another step that we’re looking forward to pursuing.”

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wayne Taylor Racing [WTR] has built a proven track record of success and ingenuity in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Prototype class, including two IMSA driver championships [in 2013 and 2017] and the 2017 IMSA DPi team championship. A three-time champion as a driver in sports car competition and Le Mans winner in 1998, Taylor’s Acura roots stretch back to 1992, when he drove for the championship-winning Comptech Acura team in IMSA Camel Lights competition.

WTR also has played an important role in winning eight IMSA manufacturer championships and has scored multiple victories in endurance racing’s most iconic events – the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, and Six Hours at Watkins Glen.

“I am extremely excited to have this opportunity given to me by HPD and Acura Motorsports,” said Wayne Taylor, owner of Wayne Taylor Racing. “Since getting to know everyone at HPD and Acura Motorsports, I feel that they have a lot of respect for the Wayne Taylor Racing family. What I really like is that they have the same passion and vision as I do. I am looking forward to running the DPi for the next few years. I am equally excited to be able to bring my long-term partnership with Konica Minolta, Rick Taylor and Michael Mathe to the program. We all can’t wait to get started.”

“We welcome Wayne Taylor Racing into the Acura Motorsports family, and very much anticipate their contributions to our prototype program,” said Ted Klaus, president of HPD, the competition arm for Acura Motorsports. “Equally, we look forward to growing our successful partnership with Meyer Shank Racing, now in DPi. Our intention is to have Acura Motorsports partner with MSR and WTR, to not only continue our championship ways in DPi, but to collaborate to develop the next generation Acura LMDh. Finally, we want to thank Team Penske for their outstanding effort and impressive results together with Acura and HPD these past three years.”

In addition to sweeping all three major IMSA DPi championships in 2019 – for Manufacturers, Drivers and Teams – the Acura ARX-05 has scored six race wins, 14 additional podium finishes, and 11 poles from 25 races in two-and-a-half seasons of IMSA multi-manufacturer competition that has included Cadillac, Mazda and Nissan. Acura comes to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course seeking a third consecutive win this season, as well as a third consecutive victory in this weekend’s Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio.

Acura Motorsports also campaigns the Acura NSX GT3 Evo in the IMSA GTD category, with defending GTD champion Meyer Shank Racing and the Gradient Racing organizations. Winner of the IMSA GTD driver and team titles in 2019 – and the current GTD championship leader – the NSX program is expected to continue in IMSA competition in 2021.

The Acura ARX-05 has added to a rich legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships, including the 1991-93 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer and driver championships; 53 IMSA and American Le Mans Series class or overall race victories; and the 2009 American Le Mans Series manufacturer, driver and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes.

The Acura ARX-05 [Acura Racing eXperimental, generation 5] is the latest in a line of endurance prototypes to be fielded by the company dating back to 1991, just five years after the 1986 launch of the Acura brand. Based on the ORECA 07 chassis, the ARX-05 features Acura-specific bodywork and utilizes the race-proven, production-based Acura AR35TT twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering – all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sports sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All 2021 model Acura vehicles sold in North America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Acura Motorsports
Acura Motorsports programs have been integral to the Acura brand since its launch in 1986. The rich legacy of Acura sports car racing includes the 1991, 1992, and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer/driver championships; and the 2009 American LeMans manufacturer, driver, and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes. Acura currently campaigns the ARX-05 DPi in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and won the team, manufacturer, and driver championships in 2019. The NSX GT3 Evo, available through HPD for North American customers, won multiple championships in 2019 in both the IMSA and SRO World Challenge series.

About Honda Performance Development
Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993. From pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA Sports Cars to commercial racing programs, HPD powers the dreams of professional and amateur racers from age 4 to 40+. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America. HPD specializes in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts, as well as technical and race support. HPD offers parts and race support to Honda and Acura amateur and professional motorsports racers, and is continually expanding its palette of racing programs that make Honda racing products available to all racing styles, from karting and Quarter Midgets to the highest levels of pro racing.

Wayne Taylor Racing will run the #10 Acura ARX-05 in 2021, and will debut at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1279662/Acura_and_Meyer_Shank_Racing.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1279663/Acura_and_Wayne_Taylor_Racing.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

Blinds.com Announces Eco-Friendly Cellular Shade Collection Made from Recycled Plastic Water Bottles

September 24, 2020

HOUSTON, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blinds.com, a Home Depot company, announces SimplyEco Cellular Shades – a new line of eco-friendly window treatments made from recycled plastic water bottles.

According to recent information published by National Geographic, it takes about 450 years for a plastic water bottle to completely degrade. Each minute, over 1 million plastic bottles are sold worldwide, and only about 30% of those find their way to recycling plants in the United States.

“We’re proud to add SimplyEco Cellular Shades to our lineup of popular window treatments,” says Amber Hall, vice president of merchandising at Blinds.com. “This new eco-conscious line demonstrates not just a high level of dedication to providing customers with style and function, but also a responsibility to our planet as part of the solution for keeping plastics out of our oceans.”

INNOVATION FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS

Cellular shades are already a great window treatment choice for the eco-conscious consumer – the shades’ naturally insulating properties can make a positive impact on energy bills year-round. According to the Department of Energy, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 20% heating and energy savings. In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 80%, reducing the total solar gain to 15% or less when installed with a tight fit.

The new SimplyEco shades go one step further for the eco-conscious – they’re made from recycled plastic bottles. A major step forward for the industry and the first of its kind offered by Blinds.com, this new line offers a stunning solution for both beautiful home fashion and environmental consciousness. “It takes about 12 recycled plastic water bottles to make one standard size SimplyEco shade,” says Hall. “These new shades can help save money on energy bills and help save the planet from accumulating excessive plastic waste.”

A SMART FIT FOR EVERY HOME

Cellular shades are some of the easiest window treatments to clean and operate, making them a popular and long-lasting addition to any home.

Available now in standard cordless style, the new SimplyEco cellular shades are easily lifted up or down from the bottom rail. This new line of innovative window treatments is available in both blackout and light-filtering options, allowing greater choice over privacy and light control. These shades are cordless by default, making them a safer choice for homes with children or pets. Custom sizes are available to fit almost any rectangular window from 18″ to 72″ wide.

The SimplyEco Cellular Shade line will expand in early 2021 with top-down, bottom-up functionality for even more customizable options.

BEAUTIFUL COLORS FOR ANY ROOM

Innovative and eco-friendly, these lightweight and energy-efficient shades come in a 1.5″ single cell size and are available in a hand-picked range of popular neutrals.

This new line of cellular shades features a curated selection of six classic colors. Choose from our popular range of neutrals such as ivory, alabaster, gray cloud and more to perfectly accent any room. As an added bonus, the street-facing side of all window treatments in this line are consistent in color, allowing homes to maintain a uniform appearance for greater curb appeal.

LEARN MORE AND GET THE LOOK

SimplyEco Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shade
SimplyEco Cordless Blackout Cellular Shade
The Blinds.com Blog: How Shades Made from Water Bottles Can Help Lower Your Energy Bills

For more window treatment inspiration and expert information, read the Blinds.com Cellular Shade Buying Guide, How to Measure for Cellular Shades, and How to Install Cellular Shades.

About Blinds.com: Blinds.com is part of The Home Depot’s industry-leading family of brands and is the largest eCommerce retailer of window treatments in the world – covering over a million windows a year since 1996. Blinds.com makes it surprisingly easy to shop from home for custom blinds, shades, shutters and outdoor shades, with easy online ordering and shipping right to your door. Blinds.com guarantees the perfect fit for your windows, whether you want to DIY, need expert design help, or prefer measure and installation services. Shop online at Blinds.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1223926/blinds_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blinds.com

Leon Medical Centers, Inc. Is Awarded The Coveted HIMSS Stage 7 Designation

September 24, 2020

MIAMI, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Miami-based Leon Medical Centers, Inc. announced today that they have been honored with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Stage 7 Award, for its continuous efforts to improve patient outcomes through the implementation of EHR technology practices. HIMSS is the world’s leading non-profit advocacy and accrediting organization in the healthcare IT industry, which recognizes and ranks the preeminent healthcare organizations across the globe. National rankings are evaluated based on healthcare technology adoption within the organization on a scale from 0-7; with zero being completely paper-based and seven being a fully electronic implementation across all health records and associated tools within the organization.

“We are honored to receive this highly coveted recognition from HIMSS and would like to thank everyone in our organization for their steadfast dedication and commitment to our patients,” said Albert Maury, President and CEO of Leon Medical Centers. “We are committed to providing an array of the highest-quality healthcare services and thrive to continue improving our patient outcomes, ensuring that they are receiving the best performing outpatient services available,” added Maury.

Leon Medical Centers is the only Medicare Advantage medical center in the entire country that has received the internationally recognized and prestigious distinction, which honors healthcare institutions that use technology at the most advanced levels and more importantly use it to measurably improve their patients’ lives.

“HIMSS congratulates Leon Medical Centers for achieving Stage 7 on the outpatient EMR Adoption Model (O-EMRAM). Stage 7 represents a culture of continuous improvement and care throughout the organization. Their efforts have allowed Leon Medical Centers to create a true medical home for the residents of Miami.” said Philip W. Bradley, FHIMSS, HIMSS Analytics Regional Director, North America.

Leon Medical Centers joins a prestigious group of HIMSS 7 recipients such as the Cleveland Clinic, UMass Memorial Health Care, University of North Carolina Health Care (Chapel Hill), Spring Hill Medical Center, and Duke Health among others.

For additional information visit leonmedicalcenters.com. Follow us on Instagram @leon.medical on Instagram, Facebook @LeonMedicalCenters, and Twitter @LeonMedical, and using hashtag #SoloHayUnLeon

About Leon Medical Centers, Inc.

Established in 1996, Leon Medical Centers has grown to become one of Miami’s leading healthcare services providers, serving Medicare patients in seven conveniently located centers throughout Miami-Dade County, and at satellite locations in various South Florida hospitals. Learn more about Leon Medical Centers at http://www.leonmedicalcenters.com, and at @leon.medical on Instagram, @LeonMedicalCenters on Facebook, and @LeonMedical on Twitter.

About HIMSS Analytics

HIMSS Analytics is a global healthcare IT market intelligence, research, and standards organization assisting clientele in both healthcare delivery and healthcare technology solutions business development to make lasting improvements in efficiency and performance. www.himssanalytics.org

Media Contact:
Anna del Rio Chong
[email protected]
305-979-5945

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNGtma6zkLI

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1280940/Leon_Medical_Centers_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Leon Medical Centers

Seven Million American Women of Childbearing Age Live in Counties with Limited or No Maternity Care, Contributing to Maternal and Infant Health Crisis, Finds New March of Dimes Report

September 24, 2020

ARLINGTON, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, today released a new report entitled Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S. The report, published with the support of partners at RB’s Enfa portfolio of brands through our joint Better Starts for All initiative, finds that seven million American women of childbearing age, 35 percent of which are women of color, live in counties without access or with severely limited access to vital maternity care where 500,000 babies are born each year. More than 2 million women live in maternity care deserts, counties with no access to maternity care, facing additional barriers to care. Without access to routine, quality health care these moms and babies have an increased risk of serious health complications, including maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, as well as low birth weight and preterm.

“Maternity care deserts expose the serious and sometimes deadly issues that can result from lack of access to care for moms and babies,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “This situation is unacceptable, especially when considering that COVID-19 has put additional strain on our healthcare system and potentially forced the closure of additional maternity wards. We must work to address the systemic health disparities that exist in our nation and find real solutions for these seven million women living without full access and mobilize virtual services, including telehealth and peer-to-peer support services, to provide aide to women living in these deserts.”

The 2020 report showcases the maternity care desert status of all counties across the U.S. based on the most recent data on availability of hospitals, birth centers, OB providers and health insurance. It also includes new sections on COVID-19 and pregnancy, telemedicine and information on the role of doulas in maternity care. Due to the impact of COVID-19, health systems and/or hospital-based maternity care centers located in both urban and rural areas are facing unpresented financial declines that could necessitate the increased closure of maternity care centers, further contributing to the troubling gap.

Additional key findings of the report include:

54% of counties across the U.S. have limited or no access to maternity care and 35% of these counties are considered deserts.
More than 2 million women of reproductive age live in one of 1,095 maternity care desert counties, with no hospital offering obstetric (OB) care, no birth center, and no OB provider.
An additional 4.8 million women of reproductive age live in counties with limited access to maternity care.
An urban environment does not equate to better care. 3.3 million women (47.5%) live in urban counties, yet still lack full access to maternity care. 740,000 of these women live in maternity care deserts with no access to maternity care.
Women of color represent 35% of the women of childbearing age in areas of no or very limited access to maternity care.
Since the last Maternity Care Deserts report in 2018, March of Dimes found six percent of counties had shifted, with equal percentages achieving higher and lower levels of care and three counties moving out of the maternity care desert classification.

Policymakers and advocates must come to together to tackle the impossible gaps so many of our mothers are facing through a coordinated series of policies demanding equity, access and prevention – an agenda March of Dimes calls #BlanketChange.

Through the #BlanketChange agenda, March of Dimes and its partners are calling on candidates and elected official to protect and improve maternal and infant health by:

Eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities and driving economic, social and health equity by focusing on prevention, treatment and social determinants of health.
Improving access to care through expanding critical health programs and closing gaps in coverage.
Addressing preventable health conditions through expanding research and improving maternal morbidity and mortality data collection.

“This is not a rural issue or urban issue – this is an American issue. Just as you can’t separate the health of moms and babies, you can’t take moms and babies out of their economic and social environment – the community where they live and the larger systems that guide our health care, housing, education, and employment systems. This is why it is critical to adopt a holistic and comprehensive agenda to support moms and babies,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Scientific Officer at March of Dimes. “In this election year, March of Dimes is calling on candidates and policymakers at all levels – federal, state and local – to take the steps to address the maternal and infant health crisis.”

In the U.S., significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in maternal care with communities of color disproportionately impacted by the maternal and infant health crisis. Ensuring access to maternity care for all women has the potential to reduce disparities and improve birth outcomes for all.

“The United States is in the grips of a national maternal and infant health crisis, and it’s well-beyond the point that our country should treat it like one,” said Olympian and March of Dimes advocate Allyson Felix. “This crisis is disproportionately impacting moms and babies of color and we urgently need blanket policy change that can improve access to care, eliminate health disparities, address preventable conditions, and drive health and social equity. It’s time for communities, candidates, and policymakers to address these issues with the attention and action they deserve.”

Visit BlanketChange.org to learn more and join the following organizations that have already signed on to support the #BlanketChange campaign to date.

#BlanketChange Partner Organizations Include:

4Kira4Moms
A Better Balance
AMAG Pharmaceuticals
American Academy of Pediatrics
American College of Clinical Pharmacy
American Organization for Nursing Leadership
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs
Charity Miles
Child Welfare League of America
Children’s Defense Fund
Clearblue®
Community Health Charities
District Motherhued
DONA International
EMD Serono
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
First Focus Campaign for Children
Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Inc.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs
Kiwanis International
Macy’s
Mama Glow
March for Moms
Maternal Safety Foundation
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
National Basketball Wives Association
National Birth Equity Collaborative
National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association
National WIC Association
Nurse-Family Partnership
Our Little Preemie
Ovia Health
Philips
Preeclampsia Foundation
RB’s Enfa portfolio of brands
Sisters in Loss
Society for Reproductive Investigation
Star Legacy Foundation
Tara Hansen Foundation
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The Coalition of Labor Union Women
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
ZERO TO THREE
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.

Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

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SOURCE March of Dimes

If You Bought Electronics Such as a Portable Computer, Power Tool, Camcorder, or Mobile Phone Containing a Lithium Ion Battery or a Replacement Battery from January 1, 2000 through May 31, 2011, the Amount of Money You Could Receive from $113.45 Million in Settlements May Have Changed and Your Legal Rights May Be Affected.

September 24, 2020

OAKLAND, California, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP regarding In re Lithium ION Batteries Antitrust Litigation.

A Federal Court authorized this Notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

What Are The Settlements?

Several manufacturers of lithium ion batteries¹have agreed to pay $113.45 million in Settlements to resolve claims that they fixed the price of Lithium-Ion Batteries, causing individuals and businesses to pay more for products like portable computers, power tools, camcorders, mobile phones, or replacement batteries for any of these products. A federal court previously approved the Settlements but is now considering whether to finally approve a Revised Settlement Distribution Plan.

A more detailed notice, which includes additional information about the settlements, is available at the settlement website (www.reversethecharge.com) or by calling 1-855-730-8645.

What Is This Notice About?

You are receiving this email because you may be a Class Member and the proposed plan to distribute funds from the settlements has changed. There is a deadline to object before the Court decides whether to grant final approval of the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan.

Am I Included?

If you indirectly bought a lithium ion battery or battery pack made by the Settling Defendants during the period from January 1, 2000 through May 31, 2011, you may be affected by the change to the distribution plan. This includes finished products that contain such batteries, including: (i) portable computers; (ii) power tools; (iii) camcorders; (iv) mobile phones, tablet computers, cameras and digital audio players; or (iv) a replacement battery for any of these products. Purchasers of the finished products in category (iv) or non-specified products may only make claims against the proceeds of the Sony settlement. “Indirectly” means the product was purchased from someone other than the battery manufacturer, such as a retail store.

What is the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan?

The Settlement Fund is $113.45 million. After deducting Court-approved attorneys’ fees, service awards, notice and administration costs, and litigation expenses, the remaining Net Settlement Fund will be divided into two funds. 90% of the Net Settlement Fund will be available for distribution to Class Members who are residents of the following Repealer States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. All other states and/or jurisdictions are “Non-Repealer” States. The rest (10% of the Net Settlement Fund) will be available for distribution to Class Members who are residents of other states. However, the plan for distributing the Settlement Funds is not final and may be changed by the Court after considering any and all objections by Class Members. If the Court determines that further changes to the allocation of the Settlement Funds are appropriate, those changes will be posted on the settlement website (www.reversethecharge.com), which also provides more details about the Settlements. The Court has the discretion not to pay any “de minimis” claims where the value of the claim does not justify the cost of distribution.

How Has the Distribution Plan Changed?

Previously, the proceeds of the Sony settlement were to be distributed regardless of the Class Member’s state of residence. The other settlements were to be distributed differently based on state of residence, as described above. Under the new plan, the Sony settlement proceeds will be distributed in the same way as the other settlements, according to the state of residence.

How Can I Get A Payment And How Much Will I Receive?

Money from all settlements in this case will be distributed together on a per-device basis, but the amount you receive from each settlement will depend on the Court-approved Revised Settlement Distribution Plan as outlined above. If final approval is granted to the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan, Class Members who have already filed a valid and timely claim will receive cash payments once the Settlements have become final, which may not be for some time. The deadline to file a claim has already passed. The deadline was July 19, 2019. If you did not already file a claim, you will not receive a cash payment from the Settlements.

What Are My Rights?

You may object to the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan in writing by November 16, 2020. The Settlement Agreements, along with details on how to object to the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan, are available at the settlement website (www.reversethecharge.com).

The Court will hold a Final Fairness Hearing on December 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., to consider whether to approve or modify the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan. The hearing will be conducted on a Zoom platform with the link posted on the Court’s PACER site and at the settlement website (www.reversethecharge.com). If you object, you or your own attorney may appear and speak at the hearing to comment on the Revised Settlement Distribution Plan, but you are not required to appear. The hearing may be moved to a different date or time without additional notice, so it is a good idea to check the website for additional information. Please do not contact the Court about this case. Detailed information is available at the settlement website (www.reversethecharge.com) or by calling 1-855-730-8645.

Source: United States District Court for the Northern District of California

¹The “Settling Defendants” are Sony Corporation, Sony Energy Devices Corporation, and Sony Electronics Inc. (collectively “Sony”); LG Chem, Ltd. and LG Chem America, Inc. (“LG Chem”); Hitachi Maxell Ltd. and Maxell Corporation of America (“Hitachi Maxell“); NEC Corporation (“NEC”); Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and Samsung SDI America, Inc. (“SDI”); TOKIN Corporation (“TOKIN”); Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”); and Panasonic Corporation, Panasonic Corporation of North America, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., and SANYO North America Corporation (“Panasonic”).

SOURCE United States District Court for the Northern District of California

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