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Feed Your Mind with FDA’s New Education Initiative on Genetically Engineered Foods

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US_Food_and_Drug_Administration_Logo

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — You have probably heard of GMOs or genetically modified organisms, but how much do you know about them? GMO is a common term used by consumers to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. While GMOs have been available to consumers since the early 1990s and are a common part of today’s food supply, research shows consumers have limited knowledge and understanding about what GMOs are, why they are used, and how they are made.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), launched Feed Your Mind, a new Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative. The Initiative aims to increase consumer awareness and understanding of genetically engineered foods or GMOs. Find answers to your questions and help educate others with Feed Your Mind’s science-based educational resources, like web pages, fact sheets, infographics, and videos.

What are GMOs?
“GMO” is a common term used to describe a plant, animal, or microorganism that has had its DNA changed through a process scientists call genetic engineering. Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop loss. There are ten GMO crops currently grown and sold in the U.S.: alfalfa, apples, corn, cotton, papayas, potatoes, soybeans, summer squash, and sugar beets.

Are GMOs safe to eat?
Many federal agencies play an important role in ensuring the safety of GMOs. FDA, USDA, and EPA work together to ensure that crops produced through genetic engineering are safe for people, animals, and the environment. Collaboration and coordination among these agencies help make sure food developers understand the importance of a safe food supply and the rules they need to follow when creating new plants through genetic engineering.

Look for “Bioengineered food” on food labels
Soon, you may see the term “bioengineered food” on certain food packaging. Congress used “bioengineered food” to describe certain types of GMOs when it passed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The Standard establishes requirements for labeling foods people eat that are bioengineered or may have bioengineered ingredients. It also defines bioengineered foods as those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.

To learn more about the Feed Your Mind Initiative, visit www.fda.gov/feedyourmind.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKH3alRVQs8 
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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Next Generation Acura TLX Set for Digital Debut on May 28

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Acura will reveal the completely new second-generation Acura TLX sport sedan digitally on May 28. Delivering dramatic gains in style and performance, the new TLX will be the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sport sedan in Acura history, with the Type S being the model’s performance pinnacle. The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

TORRANCE, Calif., May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura will reveal the completely new second-generation Acura TLX sport sedan digitally on May 28. Delivering dramatic gains in style and performance, the new TLX will be the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sport sedan in Acura history, with the Type S being the model’s performance pinnacle. The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

The exterior of the new TLX carries forward the dramatic proportions and design language first introduced on the Acura Precision Concept, in 2016, and later evolved in the Acura Type S Concept, which debuted at Monterey Car Week in August 2019. A teaser image released today, showcases the new TLX’s wide rear silhouette and imposing stance with muscular curves, large diameter quad exhaust outlets and rear diffuser strakes.

The 2021 TLX is the latest step in Acura’s steadfast commitment to bring Precision Crafted Performance to life, as manifested in the second-generation NSX supercar, the third generation RDX, the addition of PMC Edition models produced at the NSX factory, the return of Type S performance variants and a new dedicated 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine set to debut with the TLX Type S.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.  All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Acura will reveal the completely new second-generation Acura TLX sport sedan digitally on May 28. Delivering dramatic gains in style and performance, the new TLX will be the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sport sedan in Acura history, with the Type S being the model’s performance pinnacle. The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

 

Acura Logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1170503/2021_TLX_Animated_Teaser.mp4
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1170502/2021_TLX_Teaser_Image.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

PepsiCo Launches $7 Million Initiative To Help U.S. Communities Hardest Hit By COVID-19

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NEW YORK, May 20, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to alarming evidence of the continued disparate, negative impact of COVID-19, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) and its philanthropic arm, The PepsiCo Foundation, today launched an initiative to provide increased medical and economic aid to communities of color across the country where the company has long worked. The $7 million initiative is a comprehensive project to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.

The program will provide $1 million each to the National Urban League and UnidosUS to help feed families and seniors, increase medical care and testing, expand access to government support and provide technology for remote education and work, with a portion of the funds focused on post-recovery relief. An additional $5 million will go to local nonprofit partners to provide support and services that meet the specific needs of Black and Latino communities, including:

  • COVID-19 testing and screening
  • Access to affordable nutrition
  • Healthcare services
  • Education, job training and business resources
  • Economic and childcare assistance
  • Family and senior housing

The PepsiCo Foundation is also providing a $100,000 grant to the Farmworkers Pandemic Relief Fund, providing critical emergency assistance to America’s farmworkers who are supporting our food supply during the pandemic, many of whom are vulnerable.

“COVID-19 has once again put a spotlight on the deep-rooted health and economic disparities that have long faced communities of color,” said Steven Williams, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Foods North America. “In response to this, we’re helping to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery for Black and Latino communities. But just as these inequities existed well before coronavirus, we will continue to do our part and be a partner to these communities in the months and years ahead.”

PepsiCo’s investment comes as unemployment and infection rates among Black and Latino communities continue to spike. Communities of color represent a higher percentage of total COVID-19 infections than they do the national population while the mortality rate for Black and Latino people combined is more than twice than their white counterparts. This disparity only worsens at the local level—in Milwaukee County, for example, Black populations account for 26% of the population but 70% of coronavirus deaths, and in the Bay Area, Latino residents make up 37% of COVID-19 cases but just 21% of the population. Additionally, the economic effects of COVID-19 are also falling unequally on these communities. In April, 16.7% of Black and 18.9% of Latino Americans were out of work, compared to a national rate of 14.7%. For workers of color, especially women, who account for a disproportionate number of “essential” service workers, plans to reopen pose a significant public health risk.

“Across the nation, the burden of COVID-19 is being disproportionately shouldered by Black and Latino communities that are facing higher rates of hospitalization, death and economic hardships,” said Kirk Tanner, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “That’s why PepsiCo, our brands and our people have mobilized to offer our support. And we know a crisis of this scale requires a collective effort. We’re calling on our partners and network to support the communities of color that we are proud to serve and where our teams live and work.”

Support from PepsiCo is directed to 15 of the nation’s hardest-hit metro areas that have high populations of Black and Latino residents and are among the cities where the company has strong ties and where many of its employees live and serve, specifically: Baltimore, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami-Dade, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York City, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Having invested in partnerships to support vulnerable communities across the U.S. for decades, PepsiCo’s new initiative offers near-term public health assistance while also supporting long-term economic revival through employment and homeownership counseling as well as job fairs and employment connections.

Funds are going to local affiliates of UnidosUS and the National Urban League as well as directly to dozens of highly effective local nonprofit organizations, including $500,000 to each of the following:

  • Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to address mental health, food, hygiene, and healthcare inequity for African Americans;
  • Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles Angeleno Campaign to distribute $1,000 cash cards for families experiencing extreme financial hardship; and
  • Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide food, cash assistance, medical care and support for small female-led businesses.

PepsiCo has been a long-time supporter of both the National Urban League and UnidosUS (formerly known as National Council of La Raza) with over 35 years of partnership and partners with a range of minority-focused organizations to positively impact communities throughout the year and during times of crisis. Recognizing the entrenched inequity in the U.S., The PepsiCo Foundation has invested more than $16.5 million in programs that support people of color living in U.S. communities from 2018 into 2019, with investments focused on nutrition and health; education, job training skills development and business growth; job creation and talent development; and advancing equality.

“Our long-valued partnership with PepsiCo has grown even more vital during this time of unprecedented need,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “PepsiCo’s commitment to empowering communities of color allows the Urban League Movement to continue paving a path forward, and to expand and intensify our service as America’s economic first responders.” 

“We are deeply grateful for the generous and timely support of our COVID-19 response from PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS. “At a time when Latinos and other communities of color are being so hard hit, we need immediate action for emergency resources from all sectors. This commitment from PepsiCo will directly support the UnidosUS Esperanza/Hope Fund benefitting our network of Affiliated community-based organizations who are on the frontlines helping combat the health and economic impact of COVID-19 on the Latino community, from creating food delivery programs to offering mental health services via telemedicine portals. We commend PepsiCo for serving as an example of how the business sector can play an important role in addressing the health and economic impacts of this crisis and in the long-term recovery.”

This initiative builds on PepsiCo’s more than $50 million global commitment to provide vital support to those impacted by the devasting COVID-19 virus, which includes distributing more than 50 million nutritious meals to at-risk populations. In addition to increasing access to nutrition, PepsiCo is also funding protective gear for healthcare workers, investing in testing and screening services and providing financial support for U.S. restaurant workers. PepsiCo brands, including Quaker, Aquafina, Gatorade and Stacy’s, have donated more than 8 million servings of foods and beverages to communities across the U.S., including hospitals and healthcare communities. On April 18, Pepsi partnered with Global Citizen to host “One World: Together at Home,” a concert to celebrate healthcare workers that raised $127 million for the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. And Frito-Lay North America is partnering with Feeding America to donate $50 for every #JoyGivers posted through June 12 to raise up to $1 million.

Media assets about this work are available for download at https://pepsi.co/media.

About PepsiCo 
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $67 billion in net revenue in 2019, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, and Tropicana. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business.  For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About The PepsiCo Foundation  
Established in 1962, The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we’re focused on helping alleviate hunger, managing water and waste responsibly and supporting women as champions of nutrition from farm to family. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsico.com/sustainability/philanthropy.

About National Urban League
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.

About UnidosUS  
UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

SOURCE PepsiCo Foundation

Patty Arvielo Wins Gold Stevie® Award for “Woman of the Year”

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Patty Arvielo, President of New American Funding

TUSTIN, Calif., May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding President and Co-Founder, Patty Arvielo, has won two Stevie Awards, including Gold for Woman of the Year – Consumer Services and Silver for her Achievement in Management – Financial Services.

Patty Arvielo, President of New American Funding

Arvielo’s numerous accomplishments since the beginning of 2019, which judges called “incredible and astounding” and “women empowerment at its best” include:

  • Led massive expansion that increased workforce to about 3,300 and opened 63 new retail locations with 198 nationwide
  • Valued member of Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Affordable Homeownership Advisory Council
  • Addressed MBA conference as role model for women and minorities striving to advance their careers
  • At the Harvard Kennedy school, spoke on the ever-changing Latino perspective
  • Member of National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) committee
  • Led “Thrive and Lead,” mentorship program for employees and external mortgage professionals seeking intensive mentoring

“It’s an incredible honor to even be considered for a Stevie Award,” said Arvielo. “While I’m thrilled to receive this recognition, it’s truly a residual of the environment of character, trust and integrity that we have carefully cultivated to build New American Funding into a great place to work.” 

The Stevie Awards recognize the achievements of entire managements teams, groups of managers, and individual executives. The Woman of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of women in the workplace. The Achievement in Management Award recognizes the recent achievements of those at the VP level or higher.

To see the list of winners, visit: https://stevieawards.com/aba/management-awards-2.

About Patty Arvielo

Patty Arvielo is the Co-Founder and President of New American Funding. With over 39 years of mortgage industry experience, she leads the company’s sales and operations. A first-generation Latina, Patty created the company’s Latino Focus and New American Dream initiatives to improve the home lending experiences of Latino and African American home buyers. She serves on numerous committees, including the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee (HCFAC). Patty is a popular keynote speaker for mortgage events across the nation and frequently visits Washington, D.C. to lobby for the industry and homeowners. Ernst & Young recognized Patty as 2016 EY Entrepreneur of The Year® Orange County. To learn more about Patty, please visit PattyArvielo.com today.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1170321/Patty_headshot_2019.jpg

SOURCE New American Funding

SBS Entertainment Celebrates Father’s Day with a special edition of ‘Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Live Music Series’

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MIAMI, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — SBS Entertainment, the live music entertainment division of Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), a leading Hispanic-owned media company, will celebrate Father’s Day throughout the month of June with a special edition of its ‘Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Live Music Series.’ Alejandro Fernandez, Banda MS, Gerardo Ortiz and Christian Nodal will headline the exclusive live audio stream performance series across some of SBS’s leading radio stations and the LaMusica app.

“Celebrations have become especially meaningful and have played a significant role in keeping us virtually connected throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” said Alessandra Alarcón. “We’re thrilled to be working with some of the biggest names in Latin music to celebrate fathers, our heroes at home, on the frontlines and in communities across the nation, through their love and passion for music.”

The Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Live Music Series was created with the goal to entertain and support the Hispanic community, who has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with the live audio stream performance and motivational messages by some of the biggest artists who represent all genres of Latin music. The widely popular series premiered on April 24 with performances by Pitbull and Calibre 50, respectively, and has continued every week with artists such as Maluma, Banda Carnaval, Reik, Natti Natasha and many more. Thousands of fans across the U.S. have been tuning in since its inception via SBS’s leading terrestrial stations and LaMusica app.

“This series is very special to my sister, brother and me because we share an extremely close bond with our father and chairman of SBS, Raul Alarcón,” continued Alessandra. “From our house to yours, we encourage the Hispanic community to join us as we tune in to each performance in June. It will be memorable and full of surprises for dads and the whole family.”

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Live Music Series June Dates
All concerts will take place at 7 p.m. ET/CDT/PT and will also be streamed on the LaMusica App

ARTIST

MARKET & PARTICIPATING SBS RADIO STATION

Alejandro Fernandez

Los Angeles – KLAX 97.9 FM; San Francisco – KRZZ 93.3 FM; Chicago – WLEY 107.9 FM

Banda MS

Los Angeles – KLAX 97.9 FM; San Francisco – KRZZ 93.3 FM; Chicago – WLEY 107.9 FM

Gerardo Ortiz

Los Angeles – KLAX 97.9 FM; San Francisco – KRZZ 93.3 FM; Chicago – WLEY 107.9 FM

Christian Nodal

Los Angeles – KLAX 97.9 FM; San Francisco – KRZZ 93.3 FM; Chicago – WLEY 107.9 FM

LATIN MUSIC HAPPENS HERE AT SPANISH BROADCASTING SYSTEM

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. owns and operates 17 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Spanish Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Latin Rhythmic format genres. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform which creates, distributes and markets leading Spanish-language radio programming to over 250 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events and owns multiple bilingual websites, including LaMusica, a mobile app providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

MEDIA CONTACT SBS:

Vladimir Gomez
[email protected]
(786) 470-1644

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Toyota and Discovery Education Announce TeenDrive365 Video Challenge Winners as Part of Digital Learning Program Supporting Students’ Lifelong Safe Driving Habits

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Toyota logo. (PRNewsFoto/Toyota Media Relations)

PLANO, Texas, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) and Discovery Education announced the winners of the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge, a national safe-driving public service announcement competition for high school students. From the nearly 1,000 submissions, ten winners were selected, along with 24 state merit prizes and one People’s Choice winner. See all the winners at teendrive365.com

Toyota logo. (PRNewsFoto/Toyota Media Relations)

High school senior Palmer W. from Hillgrove High School in Georgia takes first place for his original video entitled “HEY!” urging peers to keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and yield from distractions. The full list of winners are:

  • Grand Prize: Palmer W. for “HEY!” from Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga., receives $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery Education film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA
  • Second place prize: Giselle C. for “Don’t Do What I Did” from Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Ark., receives $10,000
  • Third place prize: Holden B. for “The Three R’s of the Road” from Aptos High School in Aptos, Calif., receives $7,500
  • Fourth to tenth place prizes: Each of the following receives $2,500
    • Isaiah C. for “Look Up” from Great Valley High School in Malvern, Penn.
    • Ethan W. for “Stash it, Stow it, Hide it!” from McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas
    • Ethan W. “Driving Mindfully” from Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Mass.
    • Jadin B. for “Distractathon Decathlon” from Bay Port High School in Green Bay, Wis.
    • Grayson Z. for “Cars in the Wild” from Palm Beach Gardens Community High School in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
    • Lynsey R. For “Stay Focused” from Parkland High School in Allentown, Penn.
    • Ayden P. for “A Lesson from Bud” from Village Tech School in Cedar Hill, Texas
  • People’s Choice prize: Ethan W. for “Stash it, Stow it, Hide it!” from McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney, Texas, receives an additional $5,000
  • NEW! State Merit prizes: A total of 24 teams of teens across the country receive exclusive prize pack from TeenDrive365

Since 2011, TMNA’s TeenDrive365 Video Challenge has awarded more than a quarter million dollars to high school students across the United States to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Students submit self-directed 30-60 second videos for a panel of judges to vote. The student-created PSAs are published nationally by TMNA, effectively sharing the importance of safe driving to teens and families.

“The TeenDrive365 Video Challenge demonstrates the power of peer role modeling while showcasing creativity through this dynamic project-based learning initiative,” said Lori McFarling, President of Corporate Education Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We’re proud to partner with Toyota to amplify the importance of teen safe driving.”

The TeenDrive365 Video Challenge supplements TeenDrive365, a digital program produced in partnership between Toyota and Discovery Education, offering no-cost digital learning resources empowering educators, families, and teens with life-saving habits. The Toyota TeenDrive365 resources are available at teendrive365.com and through Discovery Education Experience

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com

About TeenDrive365
TeenDrive365 is a comprehensive program designed by Toyota and Discovery Education to help teens avoid distractions and stay safe behind the wheel. The initiative offers a range of content, tools and resources designed specifically for educators and teens. The program aims to help guide teens through those critical first years behind the wheel, as well as a develop a lifetime of safe driving habits.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education currently serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

Contacts
Victor Vanov Toyota Motor North America [email protected] 
Grace Maliska, Discovery Education, [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785813/TOYOTA_MEDIA_RELATIONS_LOGO.jpg  

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Toyota Launches All-New 2021 Sienna to Suit a Variety of Lifestyles

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Toyota Launches All-New 2021 Sienna to Suit a Variety of Lifestyles

 

PLANO, Texas, May 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Aiming to redefine the segment, the fourth generation Toyota Sienna reimagines the minivan to support a wider array of life stages and activities.  With a standard hybrid powertrain now across all trims and an array of new tech and amenities, the 2021 Toyota Sienna raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility and fuel efficiency in its segment.

Toyota Launches All-New 2021 Sienna to Suit a Variety of Lifestyles

Designed, engineered and assembled  in the U.S., the all-hybrid 2021 Sienna, influenced by the bold and robust character of SUVs, hosts many premium features: kick-open and closed sliding side doors and rear gate, four-zone climate control system, heated second-row super-long slide captain’s chairs with ottomans, onboard vacuum and refrigerator, a segment-first power tilt and telescoping steering column with heated steering wheel, a digital rear-view mirror, 10-in. color head-up display and 12-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is also ready for life’s outdoor adventures with its all-wheel drive option – and is well-positioned for Yakima® accessories, such as a rooftop carrier, cross bars, bike rack and more. The Sienna will also offer an available tow hitch and factory optional 1,500-watt inverter with 120V AC outlet to power camping equipment.

What’s more, all versions of the 2021 Sienna are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. That’s enough to pull a well-equipped compact travel trailer, or simply carry your bikes for that weekend getaway.

Sienna: All-New from the Foundation Up
The fourth-gen Sienna, designed by the combined effort of CALTY’s Newport Beach, CA and Ann Arbor, MI studios, delivers a combination of room, comfort, convenience, fuel efficiency and versatility that other types of vehicles can’t match. Starting with an all new minivan structure based on the TNGA-K Platform, the goal was to optimize everything that is great about minivan function, while wrapping it all into a bold, sexy, and provocative design, expanding the definition of what a next generation minivan should be.

“This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform,” said Chief Engineer Monte Kaehr. “The development of the fourth generation Sienna was a huge undertaking but we always worked towards one single mission—to make the best van yet.”

This bold and innovative approach enabled the design team to create strong and robust proportions with a shoulder-themed body design, and muscular wheel flares that express athleticism. The body surface is boldly sculpted, a fresh departure from the typical, boxy minivan driving on the roads today.

The front design was inspired by the iconic Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train to appear sleek, speedy and confident. The headlights are mounted high and stretched around to the sides as if they are being shaped by the wind. The bold lower grille is contrasted by slim, high tech LED fog lights that are pushed to the corners, enhancing the wide and stable stance.

In the spirit of optimizing interior roominess while avoiding a boxy design, the rear cabin features a speedy pillar that is dynamically angled forward. The taillight flows seamlessly from the sculpted body to the rear, using thin bands of LED lighting to create a signature impression. There is an integrated black taillight canard that not only looks cool, but also improves aerodynamic performance. The crisp, deeply sculpted tailgate with an integrated spoiler is made possible by a molded resin process.

The ultra-sporty XSE model amps up the excitement, sportiness and driving experience to a level never before seen in minivans. With dark 20″ split 5 spoke wheels and aggressive front and rear bumpers that are unique to XSE, this model looks like it was born on a race track.

Bold Design Meets Spacious Interior

Toyota called the third-generation Sienna a “swagger wagon,” but the 2021 model takes it to a whole new level.

Learning from today’s minivan customers that they do not want to feel like they are driving a bus, the design team took this to heart and thought carefully about how to combine the practical attributes of a minivan with the emotional desire for having a more personalized driving experience.

The key terms used to redefine the minivan experience were Confidence, Refinement, and Smart innovation. With this in mind, a modern instrument panel was created of bold, horizontal layers to express a wide and spacious interior, with a large center touch display, handy storage capability, and the innovative Bridge Console, which is the key to allocating personalized space to the driver and front passenger.

The Bridge Console is an innovative solution that is a departure from common minivan layouts. The bridge is ergonomically positioned high between the driver and passenger for ease of use, and elegantly connects the instrument panel to the center armrest. This unique feature enables the driver to have a more stress-free and comfortable driving experience. The shifter and necessary functions are all within easy reach, along with cup holders, available wireless charger, and ample storage bins for smaller items. Beneath the bridge is a large open area for convenient storage of larger personal items such as a purse or bag.

To further celebrate the interior spaciousness, the available Super Long Slide second-row captain chairs slide 25 inches, providing unprecedented legroom and flexibility to maximize comfort, especially when used with the available ottoman feature.  Even large adults can relax comfortably.  With all the features, the best seats of any row in the segment!

The Sienna LE and some XLE models come equipped in eight-seat configurations with two captain chairs, a long slide second row seat and a stowable middle seat. Some XLE models, as well as the XSE, Limited and Platinum are seven-seat models featuring the Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs with the Limited and Platinum FWD models equipped with ottomans.

There are smart solutions and first-class comfort throughout the interior to make this the most sophisticated, versatile and enjoyable Sienna ever.

Safety

In addition to exemplary collision protection provided by the TNGA-K Platform the 2021 Sienna comes standard with second-generation Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive active safety system that includes:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection/Lowlight Detection
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Lane Trace Assist
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Road Sign Assist

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is designed to provide automatic braking capability should the driver not react in time in certain emergency situations. The PCS system is not only designed to detect a vehicle ahead, but it can also detect a bicyclist and even a pedestrian in low light situations. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all Sienna models, as well.

The 2021 Sienna is equipped with 10 airbags: driver and front passenger airbags; driver’s knee airbag; passenger seat cushion airbag; front seat side airbags; rear outboard seat side airbags, plus curtain side airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Toyota takes safety a step further with a features like a rear passenger seatbelt reminder and electric parking brake (EPB) – as well as a new feature called Rear Seat Reminder. Designed with family safety in mind, the rear occupant detection is based on door sequencing logic in which the Combi Meter MID provides a warning “Attention: Check Rear Seat for Passengers and Cargo.”

Confident Driving Performance

To give the Sienna driver confidence to compete with all the SUVs on the road, a natural and intuitive connection between the driver and the vehicle is achieved with the optimized geometry of TNGA-K Platform combined with a trailing-arm multi-link rear suspension and increased body rigidity.

A Quiet Place to Make Some Noise

Like all Toyota vehicles built on the new TNGA-K Platform, the 2021 Sienna benefits from a multitude of measures that bring library quiet to the cabin. In particular, Toyota engineers focused on reducing noises in the frequencies where conversation takes place.

The high-strength TNGA-K Platform resists noise intrusion and curbs vibration through the steering, floor and vehicle structure. Extensive, strategically placed noise insulation and body sealant further keep outside noises where they belong – outside.

Of course, with all the onboard connectivity Sienna offers (seven USB ports, available WiFi, optional JBL 1,200-watt amp/12-speaker Premium Audio and 1080p HD rear entertainment system), conversation is just one of the things made better by the quieter cabin.

If interior noise level should rise, say, due to a minor altercation between certain young passengers, Sienna’s unique available Driver Easy Speak is the driver’s best friend. Introduced on the third-generation Sienna, this feature is essentially a built-in PA system that carries the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers right to the source of the disturbance.

In short, the Sienna offers all of the luxuries of a large SUV, but with room for a family, (7) USB ports and up to 18 cup holders.

Seeing the Invisible

The Sienna has always offered a high, broad view of the road that instills a feeling of confidence behind the wheel. The high seating position and big windows make the Sienna an excellent sightseeing machine, while privacy glass behind the front row means passengers are not riding in a fishbowl.

Over the years, the Sienna has augmented its excellent outward visibility and sightlines with technology to see more of what’s behind and around the vehicle. The 2021 model delivers the latest generation of that tech:

  • The standard backup camera features projected path, while higher grade models have a wide-angle monitor to show even more of what is behind the vehicle.
  • Every driver could use a little magic now and then, and the Sienna has it with an available digital rear-view mirror. It functions as a standard mirror most of the time. But if rear-seat passengers or some cargo block the view to the rear, the touch of a switch makes all obstructions disappear, replaced by the camera’s image from behind the vehicle. The digital mirror also integrates a HomeLink® transceiver to conveniently operate garage doors and other compatible devices.
  • The available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is the next-best thing to launching a camera drone to look around the vehicle, but a lot easier to use. This tech provides a live, 360-degree view to help the driver to see potential obstacles. This is especially critical for seeing children or small animals that might be close to the vehicle. And, Curb View can help prevent scuffing those beautiful 20-inch wheels.
  • The 2021 Sienna Platinum comes standard with a 10-inch color head-up display, controlled via voice recognition and steering wheel switch. The display projects vital information at eye level, such as speed, navigation directions and TSS 2.0 functions.

Hybrid Done Right

The 2021 Sienna driver might not even notice the new model’s most significant engineering advance: the hybrid powertrain. That’s the point. The Toyota Hybrid System II delivers 243 total horsepower and a manufacturer-estimated 33 combined MPG fuel economy, the latter setting a benchmark for the segment, all while operating seamlessly and transparently.

The Sienna driver will feel ultra-smooth acceleration and hear very little noise. What is noticeable is the kick in low-speed torque from two electric motors working in concert with the high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine.

Critically, the Sienna has no plug, and there is no need to ever recharge the hybrid battery pack, and certainly no need to spend a couple of thousand dollars installing a battery charger in a garage. The Toyota Hybrid System II charges the hybrid battery automatically as the vehicle drives.

Many Sienna owners have been repeat customers; a 2021 might be their second, third or fourth Sienna over the years. They’ll appreciate that, like all past models, the new version is strictly gas-and-go, but now with fewer stops for gas thanks to the hybrid system’s efficiency.

The Sienna, though, does offer some performance-control surprises. Selectable EV, NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes let the driver tailor the van’s driving personality. NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving; SPORT mode unlocks boost from the hybrid system for improved acceleration response; ECO mode extracts maximum mileage from the fuel and battery, and EV mode allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.

The driver can use a sequential shifting feature to “downshift,” which increases the regenerative braking in steps. It’s ideal for driving in hilly areas, for example, acting as a lower gear while increasing recovered energy sent to the HV battery. As a bonus, the Sienna’s hybrid system enhances ride smoothness by finely controlling the drive torque to suppress pitch and dive under acceleration and deceleration.

The Sienna benefits from Toyota’s 20+ years of global hybrid leadership and well documented quality, dependability and reliability. Plus, the powertrain warranty covers all hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Gearheads buy vans, too. They’ll be intrigued by the gas engine’s 41-percent thermal efficiency, one of the highest of any internal combustion automobile engines on the market (excepting other Toyota hybrid models). The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump and electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further improve engine efficiency.

The Hybrid That Thinks About Fuel Economy

A 7-inch color Multi-information Display within the instrument panel includes a Hybrid System Indicator to show system output and regeneration status and encourage eco-driving habits. As on other Toyota hybrid models, the display suggests the optimal acceleration amount for eco driving and provides a game-like scoring function for the driver.

Using navigation system operation (when equipped), Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) analyzes driving habits and memorized road and traffic conditions to optimize hybrid battery charging. When the driver activates PED, the system learns repeating routes and can predict when and where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. Then, through optimum accelerator pedal release timing guidance, the feature can reduce energy consumption, especially when driving through hilly areas or in traffic congestion. All the owner has to do is drive. Sienna will optimize fuel economy on its own.

Electronic On-demand All Wheel Drive

Sienna has long offered optional all-wheel drive, and the 2021 model is no exception. The 2021 Sienna is the only vehicle in its segment that combines a hybrid powertrain with AWD, and the system is available on all model grades for an exceptionally attractive price.

Sienna uses a new kind of AWD called Electronic on-demand AWD. Instead of a heavy AWD transfer case and space-robbing driveshaft to the rear wheels, this AWD system uses a separate independent electric motor to power the rear wheels the instant additional traction is needed and at all vehicle speeds.

Like the hybrid system, the Hybrid AWD system works seamlessly and transparently. During off-the-line starts, Hybrid AWD pre-emptively sends up to 80 percent of driving force to the rear wheels to help prevent front-wheel slip. The Hybrid AWD system also enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer, giving the Sienna a more confident handling feel.

Torque distribution then varies with conditions, from 100:0 in constant-speed driving to 20:80 on slippery surfaces. Torque distribution is indicated on the Multi-information Display.

Sienna, the Entertainer

Got devices? The 2021 Sienna offers a smorgasbord of connectivity and entertainment, with new Toyota Audio systems offering something for everyone aboard:

  • Toyota Audio (standard on LE grade): includes a 9-in. touch-screen, 6 speakers, AM/FM, Android Auto TM , Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa compatibility; 7 USB ports; hands-free phone capability, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, and SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial. Toyota Connected Services include Safety Connect® with 1-year trial and Wi-Fi Connect capability.
  • Toyota Audio Plus (standard for XLE, optional for LE): adds to the above: AM/FM/HD radio, 8 speakers, Siri® Eyes Free and Safety Connect® with 3-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon (up to 2GB within a 6-month trial).
  • Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation (standard on XSE): adds navigation to the Toyota Audio Plus system.
  • Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL® Premium Audio (standard on Limited and Platinum, optional for XLE and XSE): adds 12 speakers including subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplification, plus Clari-Fi® digital restoration technology to Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation.

Sienna Feature Highlights

In the Toyota tradition, the 2021 Toyota Sienna comes well equipped in the LE grade and adds more amenities and tech in the higher grades. Options are conveniently grouped in the LE Plus, XLE Plus and XSE Plus packages.

The Limited and Platinum grades have no packages but do offer two factory options: Digital Rearview Mirror and 1080p HD Entertainment Center with 11.6-in. display, HDMI input, remote control and two wireless headphones (also optional on XLE and XSE). A 1,500-watt inverter is also available for XLE grade and above.

The sporty XSE and lavish Platinum grades fill their wheel wells with standard 20-inch aluminum clad wheels with P235/50R20 tires for FWD – the first-ever 20-inch wheels on a Sienna. (A minivan can look snazzy without giving up room.)  While the Limited FWD grade comes standard with 18-inch wheels.

Feature

Availability

Power windows with one-touch auto up/down, jam protection in all positions

Standard for all

Dual power sliding side doors

Standard for LE

Kick-type hands-free dual power sliding side doors and power back door with back door with jam protection

Standard on XLE and above

Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers and separate rear digital control panel

Standard for LE

Four-zone automatic climate control with air filter, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers and separate rear digital control panel

Standard on XLE and above

Fabric-trimmed front seats with seatback pockets; 8-way adjustable driver’s seat

Standard for LE

Softex® trimmed heated front seats with seatback pockets; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat

Standard for XLE

Softex® sport–trimmed heated front seats with seatback pockets; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat

Standard for XSE

Heated front seats

Optional on LE (when combined with heated steering wheel); Standard on XLE and above

Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with driver memory function; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat  and power tilt and telescoping steering column

Standard for Limited and Platinum

Vacuum and storage box

Standard for Limited

Vacuum and refrigerator

Standard for Platinum

Second-row sunshades

Standard for LE, XLE, XSE

Second-and third-row sunshades

Standard for Limited and Platinum

Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade

Optional for LE, standard for all others

10-in. color head-up display (HUD) with speedometer, navigation and Hybrid System Indicator

Standard for Platinum

Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360 Degree View and Curb View

Standard for Platinum

Front and Rear Parking Sonar

Standard on XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum

Tow Hitch

Available on LE, XLE and XSE

Tire Fix Kit

Standard for all

Spare Tire

Optional on all

Toyota Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60-months/60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contacts:

Nicky Hamila
469-292-3596
[email protected]

Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on ToyotaNewsroom.com
For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331

Toyota logo

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Canela Media Launches Free Streaming Service Targeting U.S. Latinos

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NEW YORK, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Canela Media, a minority and female-owned leading digital media tech company, announces the launch of Canela.TV, a streaming service that enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos by providing free access to unique, culturally relevant content. With more than 8,000 hours of entertainment for adults and children including comedies, docuseries, novelas, cartoons, dramas and action films, the brand aims to disrupt the television model and serve as the destination for premium video at home and on-the-go.

“Hispanic millennials are a diverse and intricate generation in search of quality content that reflects the depth of our culture through an accurate portrayal of Hispanics’ life experiences,” said Isabel Rafferty, CEO and Founder at Canela Media. “Through Canela.TV we are expanding and enhancing the entertainment options available to this consumer through content that is captivating, high-quality, culturally relevant and free 24/7, accessible on any device of their choice.”  

Entertainment is a significant part of Hispanic households with more than seven in 10 Hispanics streaming movies and shows on a weekly basis, according to Mintel. However, as the bilingual population continues to grow, their choices are not only driven by language, but rather relevance. Canela.TV has carefully curated a library of series and films in Spanish and English that will reflect and celebrate the Hispanic identity through compelling storylines from leading partners including Atr3s Media, Caracol Television, Legendary, Polka, Shoreline, and Spanglish, to mention a few. Among the award-winning content includes:

  1. Mas de 100 Mentiras (Series) – this Spanish thriller will keep viewers on their toes as a hacker leaks the deep, dark secrets found in five students’ mobile phones, turning it into the worst digital catastrophe of their lives.
     
  2. Argentina, Tierra de Amor y Venganza (Series) – an Argentinian drama that follows the journey of Torcuato and Bruno, two Spanish friends, who flee from the Civil War to take refuge in Argentine territory, but their differing luck leads them to betrayal.
     
  3. Guapas (Series) – this dramatic comedy from Argentina features five women between their 30s and 50s, who all lose their fortune when their bank closes overnight, forcing them to reevaluate their priorities as they form a priceless friendship.
     
  4. Huevo Kids (Kids) – from the popular Huevocartoon productions, come Huevo Kids, featuring five eggs who live inside a refrigerator and offer educational content for children including math problems, geometry, colors, etc.  
     
  5. Todos tus Muertos (Movie) – what would you do if you woke up to find a pile of corpses on your land? This award-winning Colombian film features Salvador, a farm worker who discovers dead bodies on his crops and must deal with it without the help of local authorities.
     
  6. Chavela (Documentary) – this award-winning documentary features the captivating life of Costa Rican singer Chavela Vargas, and how her passionate rendition of ranchera songs transformed her into an icon.  
     
  7. Underground: La Historia del Reggaeton (Series) – set in the 90s, this series features a group of young music producers and singers in Puerto Rico who create Reggaeton, a new music genre that initially wasn’t well-received but ended up conquering the world.

Canela.TV can be accessed anytime, anywhere at no cost and is now available for download at App Store and Google Play, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Smart TVs.

About Canela Media

Canela Media is a leading digital media tech company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences leading with its free streaming service, Canela.TV, offering on-demand Latino-focused movies and TV entertainment through multiple platforms.  Additionally, Canela Media reaches more than 20 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites and influencer database. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream – U.S. Hispanics. Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the fourth largest Hispanic ad-focused company and is female- and minority-owned. For more information please visit http://www.CanelaMedia.com.

SOURCE Canela Media

Children Not Immune To Coronavirus; New Study From Pandemic Epicenter Describes Severe COVID-19 Response In Children

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Montefiore

NEW YORK, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While most children infected with the novel coronavirus have mild symptoms, a subset requires hospitalization and a small number require intensive care. A new report from pediatric anesthesiologists, infectious disease specialists and pediatricians at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized with COVID-19, during the early days of the pandemic.

Montefiore

Published in the Journal of Pediatrics, the report compares 46 children between one month and 21 years old, who received care either on a general unit, or in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU) at CHAM. This is the largest single-center study from the United States to date to describe in detail the full spectrum of COVID-19 disease in hospitalized children.

Researchers found that children requiring intensive care had higher levels of inflammation and needed additional breathing support, compared to those who were treated on a general unit. Of the children being cared for in the PCCU, almost 80% had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which is more commonly associated with critically ill adult COVID-19 patients, and almost 50% of children with ARDS were placed on ventilators. On average, children in the PCCU stayed in the hospital four days longer than children on the general unit. Researchers at CHAM and Einstein also found that while obesity and/or asthma was highly prevalent in children in this study, these complications did not increase the likelihood that a child would need enhanced levels of care.

“We know that in adults, obesity is a risk factor for more severe disease, however, surprisingly, our study found that children admitted to the intensive care unit did not have a higher prevalence of obesity than those on the general unit,” said lead author Jerry Y. Chao, M.D., M.Sc., pediatric anesthesiologist, CHAM, and assistant professor of anesthesiology, Einstein.

Researchers also found that more than half of the children had no known contact with a COVID-positive person. This may reflect the fact that the virus can be spread by asymptomatic people and COVID-19 may be more prevalent in communities with a high population density.

“Thankfully most children with COVID-19 fare well, and some do not have any symptoms at all, but this research is a sobering reminder that children are not immune to this virus and some do require a higher level of care,” said senior author Shivanand S. Medar, M.D., FAAP., attending physician, Cardiac Intensive Care, CHAM, and assistant professor of pediatrics, Einstein. “These preliminary findings contribute to our understanding of COVID-19 in pediatric patients, but more research is needed to determine how the virus truly impacts children.”

Co-authors of the paper include Kim Derespina, M.D., critical care attending, CHAM, and assistant professor of pediatrics, Einstein; Michael D. Cabana, M.D., M.P.H., Physician-in-Chief at CHAM and The Michael I. Cohen, M.D., University Chair, Department of Pediatrics at Einstein and Montefiore; and Betsy Herold, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases and vice chair for research, CHAM and Einstein, and professor of pediatrics, of microbiology & immunology, and of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health, Einstein.

For next steps, the investigators plan to follow the patients and examine their long-term outcomes.

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.

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SOURCE Montefiore Health System

HITEC Announces 2020 HITEC 50 Recognizing Top Hispanic Technology Leaders In Latin America, Spain and Portugal

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CHICAGO, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HITEC, the premier global executive leadership organization of senior-level business and technology executives, announced today the award recipients of the 2020 HITEC 50.

“During these unprecedented times, we are proud to recognize the top 50 technology leaders across the Americas that have contributed to the advancements in their field, which ultimately, allows the world to stay connected,” said Omar Duque, HITEC President.  “We’re living in a world where physical contact is limited, yet we stay connected across the globe now more than ever and technology has been the driving force providing us this ability of interconnectedness. We are proud to recognize these global technology leaders,” Duque said. 

The HITEC 50 list, highlighted since 2011, is a compilation of the top Hispanic Professionals in Technology across Latin America, Spain and Portugal to celebrate their leadership and achievements. Honorees are evaluated on their accomplishments in the ever-changing global landscape of technology and for their mentoring and professional development activities. 

“The HITEC 50 represents a group of technology leaders that we, as a global community, look to for inspiration, innovation and impact.  It is an honor to recognize and celebrate the HITEC 50 leaders and to showcase HITEC’s global reach throughout Ibero-America,” said Guillermo Diaz, Jr., HITEC Chairman and CEO of Kloudspot, Inc. 

Click here to view the full list of the HITEC 50.

HITEC 50 – Latin America/Ibero-America Objectives:

  • Recognize talented individuals and highlight their achievements.
  • Foster business and professional growth for our members
  • Build and develop strategic business relationships that will encourage growth within the industry globally.

About HITEC:
Founded to increase Hispanic representation in the diversity-challenged technology industry, HITEC, is a premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives who have built outstanding careers in information technology. HITEC’s premiere network spans the Americas and is focused on building stronger technology and executive leaders, leadership teams, corporations, and role models in a rapidly changing, flatter, and information technology-centric world. These global leaders include executives leading Global 1000 corporations while others lead some of the largest Hispanic-owned technology firms across the Americas. HITEC enables business and professional growth for its members and fills the executive pipeline with the next generation of Hispanic technology leaders.

SOURCE Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council