Former President of Colombia, Andres Pastrana with Dr. Dionisio Gutiérrez
BOGOTA, Colombia, Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a recent meeting in Bogota, Colombia, Dr. Dionisio Gutiérrez, Guatemalan philanthropist, sociologist, and president of the Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo, discussed important issues regarding his home country of Guatemala with Andrés Pastrana, the former President of Colombia from 1998 to 2002. The meeting was part of an ongoing exchange of concepts and ideas by Gutiérrez with well-known political figures throughout Latin America.
According to Gutiérrez, Pastrana explained the complex issues Colombia faced at the onset of his presidency, particularly, the incursion of drug trafficking, the wave of violence and insecurity, and the fragility of the Country’s national security. During his presidency, Pastrana dealt with the task of regaining control of a country in danger of being overrun by political insurgent groups, such as the FARC, and the increasing production of cocaine.
Pastrana shared his experience of collaborating with the United States Government to launch and implement Plan Colombia in 2000, a military and diplomatic initiative that focused on combating insurgent groups and the widespread problem of drug trafficking in Colombia. Pastrana initiated Plan Colombia alongside, former U.S. President, Bill Clinton and secured millions of dollars in aid from international organizations to invest in counter-narcotics and improve the social welfare of Colombia. Pastrana’s efforts ultimately resulted in a significant decrease in drug related kidnappings and murders from 2002 to 2009.
After the meeting, Gutiérrez stated that “the Colombian experience should serve as an example to be emulated in Guatemala, a country currently facing similar challenges to those faced by Colombia three decades ago. The parallels between the two countries are worth noting in identifying solutions to protect democracy and maintain social order.”
For more information, please contact Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo at [email protected]
MIAMI, Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ismael Cala, life and business strategist, lecturer and author of eight bestsellers on the topics of leadership and emotional intelligence, is presenting four new programs this September on his podcast dMENTE Positivo, a space dedicated to awakening consciousness and personal growth.
The following guests and topics will be showcased in September:
Tuesday, September 4: Guest: Papa Jaime, a social leader, director of “Niños de Los Andes” Foundation. This extraordinary human, worthy of our admiration and respect will be interviewed by Ismael Cala. Papa Jaime’s life was dramatically changed the moment he witnessed the death of a young girl whom while being run over by a trailer, kept smiling happily at him for reaching a box of dolls thrown from a car, which turned out to be empty. Although he no longer dedicates himself to digging in the ground for “black gold,” today his humanist works, as he himself explains, find him “penetrating hearts” to extract inner peace and love.
Tuesday, September 11: Guest: Alejandra Llamas, Mexican writer, best-selling author and founder of the MMK Coaching Institute. Are you familiar with the term domestication and its consequences throughout life? In this chapter, Alejandra Llamas considers emotional intelligence and the benefits of knowing how to control emotions.
Tuesday, September 18: Guest: El Arte de Vivir Foundation, From Boone, North Carolina, will be represented by four Latin American instructors. Created by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the mission of this foundation is to teach people valuable tools to create a fuller, happier life, dealing with negativity that causes violence and stress, hence developing enhanced social-emotional abilities.
Tuesday, September 25: Guest: Piter Albeiro, is a brilliant comedian from Colombia and Master Chef Celebrity participant. He will make us wonder why some people’s lives end up being ordinary, while others, such as Piter Albeiro’s, are a mastery gift that will outlast human existence? His greatest personal achievement was breaking free from molds, letting go of his preconceived idea of studying Law and become one of Colombia’s best comedians.
September brings greater joy, peace, awareness and fun with Ismael Cala, Lorena Susso and Moe Morales, offering a feast of extraordinary information provided in these four programs. It is also a time to celebrate podcast dMENTE Positivo was nominated for The Latin Podcast Awards.
It is simultaneously available for downloading from Apple, Podcast, Google Play, Spotify.
ABOUT ISMAEL CALA
Life and business strategist, for five and a half years Ismael Cala hosted the CNN en Español primetime show CALA. Businessman and social entrepreneur, author of eight best-sellers on the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development, including “The Power of Listening” and “Wake Up with Cala,” Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1969 and holds a degree in Art History from Oriente University. He coauthored “Beat the Curve” with Brian Tracy. He graduated from the School of Communications at York University in Toronto and has a diploma from Seneca College in Television Production. He is the president and founder of Cala Enterprises Corporation and the Ismael Cala Foundation.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Shingles is no longer just an older person’s disease. Nearly one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles (herpes zoster), with the greatest number of cases occurring in people in their 50s. Some will suffer an extremely painful and disfiguring complication called herpes zoster ophthalmicus that can cause blindness. Even though an effective vaccine is available, many continue to go unvaccinated. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that people age 50 and older get the shingles vaccine – 10 years younger than a previous recommendation.
Early symptoms are pain, itching, and tingling of the skin. Redness and numbness lead to a rash. Blisters break open and form scabs. Though the blisters and scabs can last a few weeks, the pain can last much longer, especially in older patients age 65 years and above. While the pain usually resolves in a few weeks or months, it can be severe and debilitating. For some patients, the pain lasts many years, interfering with daily life.
If the virus infects the nerves of the eye, it can lead to:
Breakdown of the cornea so severe it requires a corneal transplant.
“Just do it. That’s what I tell my patients,” said Dianna L. Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The vaccine is safe and effective. The health consequences of going unvaccinated are significant, as are the economic costs. The medical costs from treating shingles and it complications are estimated to be $1 billion.”
The herpes zoster virus is the same virus that causes chicken pox. More than 95 percent of people born in the United States who are older than 40 have had chicken pox. The virus lingers in the body and can be reactivated as shingles many years later. This can be due to your body’s natural aging process. Or it can be due to anything that weakens your immune system.
It is unclear why the risk has increased by almost 70 percent in the past 15 years. But it is clear that shingles is no longer just an older person’s disease. Research shows that the risk goes up after age 40 and rises sharply at age 50.
Unfortunately, only 33.4 percent of eligible people age 60 and older are vaccinated, and approximately 5 percent of people age 50 to 59, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix, between two to six months apart. A doctor or pharmacist can give Shingrix as a shot in the upper arm. The CDC also recommends Shingrix even if you’ve had shingles in the past, are unsure if you have had chickenpox, or if you received an older shingles vaccine called Zostavax. There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
EyeCare America® Helps Save Seniors’ Sight As seniors age, many will develop eye diseases that can become debilitating if not treated in time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program may be able to help. This year-round program is designed for seniors, age 65 and older, who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. Through EyeCare America, seniors may receive a free medical eye examination by ophthalmologists across the country who volunteer their time and services. To see if you or a loved one is eligible, visit eyecareamerica.org.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
About EyeCare America® Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Genentech and Regeneron. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.
Sandra Martinez (left) and Jessica Morales (PRNewsfoto/Regional Center of Orange County)
SANTA ANA, California, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sandra Martinez and Jessica Morales, who work for the Life Steps Foundation, are more than direct support professionals to the woman with disabilities they serve. They are Carla’s roommates, and like family to her and her parents. Their dedication to enhancing Carla’s life was most evident after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The two Rossmoor residents helped this young woman and her family fight back, with a combination of faith and hard work.
Through three surgeries, 60 radiation treatments, two years of chemotherapy and a multitude of appointments, Sandra and Jessica were her constant caregivers, cheerful companions, and passionate advocates. At her side for doctor appointments and chemotherapy sessions to make sure she was calm and felt safe, their unflagging support amazed the medical professionals treating her. Today Carla is healed and planning her 35th birthday party: “Invite everyone I know!” she says.
In recognition of this exceptional dedication, the two women were honored by Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) with the organization’s 2018 Direct Support Professional Spotlight Award.
Describing what she loves most about her work, Jessica said: “It’s a personal relationship, and she has taught me a lot – to be strong and to be brave. I learn from her every day!”
“Sandra and Jessica are wonderful examples of direct support professionals who are always there for people with developmental disabilities,” says Larry Landauer, RCOC’s Executive Director. “California’s regional center system of community care simply couldn’t function without talented professionals like them, and we’re grateful for the passion and commitment they bring to this very important work.”
About Regional Center of Orange County
Regional Center of Orange County is the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate life-long services and supports for more than 21,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com.
About Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is part of an American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) national advocacy campaign. Celebrated annually across the country, it honors the tens of thousands of workers who enable people with developmental and other significant disabilities and their families to live healthy lives in their communities.
Acura ILX Ups its Game with Major Refresh for 2019; New Styling, Improved Tech, and New A-Spec Treatment
TORRANCE, California, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura’s gateway sport sedan, the refreshed and significantly upgraded 2019 ILX, debuts today, ahead of its October market launch. Continuing to capture the highest percentage of millennial buyers of any model in-segment, the 2019 ILX delivers a sportier and more sophisticated design, premium cabin materials, tech-savvy features and distinctive A-Spec sport appearance variant. With the application of Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon Grille to the 2019 ILX, the transformation of the brand’s design language, inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, now stretches across its line-up.
Additional upgrades for 2019 include standard AcuraWatch™ active safety and driver-assistive technology and more luxurious and sporty cabin appointments, as well as an available quicker, more responsive dual-screen user interface with updated graphics, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. All ILX models are powered by a naturally aspirated 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Acura ILX serves a unique and important role as the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand, bringing in the most first-time Acura customers and youngest buyers. ILX also remains a top choice in the entry luxury segment, gaining more than four points of retail market share in the first half of the year and capturing the highest percentage of millennials of any model in segment, something it has done in every year since 2013. ILX recently topped industry quality rankings in its segment, receiving a Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and a quality award in the Small Premium Car segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). Acura ILX also captured the top spot in the entry-luxury car category in Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Luxury Brand Awards – with Acura the #1 ranked brand for the third year in a row.
Sporty, Sophisticated Refresh For 2019, ILX gets a styling refresh to deliver a more sporty and premium vibe. ILX is all-new from the A-pillars forward – inspired by the Acura Precision Concept. The new face of ILX emanates from Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon Grille, framed by 7-element Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and a more sharply sculpted hood. The Precision Concept styling theme continues at the rear with an all-new decklid, fascia, LED taillights and lower diffuser with exposed exhaust outlet. All-new wheel designs for 2019 include a 17-inch split-5 spoke wheel with trim specific finishes and an A-Spec exclusive 18-inch wheel.
Inside, the 2019 Acura ILX receives more intricately styled and reshaped sport seats, front and rear, with available high-contrast piping and stitching. All ILXs now feature power adjustable lumbar for the driver’s seat. Additional interior enhancements include a silver-finished dash trim with a chrome insert and a machine-finished push-button start.
The 2019 ILX’s exterior color palette expands with five new colors – Platinum White Pearl, Majestic Black Pearl1, Performance Red Pearl1, Canyon Bronze Metallic1 and A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl1 – in addition to the current offerings of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The interior colors available include a new-for-2019 Espresso, along with Graystone and Ebony. Exclusive A-Spec interior colors are Ebony and Red, both with Ultrasuede™ inserts.
ILX A-Spec The new ILX A-Spec, available with Premium and Technology Packages, joins the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX sport-utes in receiving the latest-generation A-Spec treatment, with a more distinctive and easily recognizable performance-inspired character, inside and out.
On the exterior, the new ILX A-Spec is distinguished by dark chrome trim for the front grille and lower fascia, LED fog lights, dark appearance for the headlights and taillights, and a gloss-black decklid spoiler. A-Spec models feature 18-inch wheels with an aggressive new design and Shark Gray finish. Apex Blue Pearl, also found on A-Spec variants of RDX and MDX, is now available on the ILX A-Spec.
Interior enhancements for the ILX A-Spec include a graphite-silver dash accent with chrome insert, A-Spec badged steering wheel with contrast stitching and aluminum sport pedals. The all-new sport seats are finished in A-Spec exclusive Ebony or Red leather with black Ultrasuede™ center panels and high contrast stitching.
Technology Enhancements For 2019, every ILX comes standard with the AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technology, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). This makes Acura the only luxury brand to provide these features as standard equipment across all its sedans and SUVs.
In addition, ILX continues to be equipped with Acura’s Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and with additional standard safety and driver assistive features, including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, advanced front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and pedestrian injury-mitigation design features, along with Acura’s available blind spot information (BSI) system and rear cross traffic monitor.
The 2019 ILX is equipped with an available refreshed dual-screen On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™ 2.0) interface with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. New software improves system response time, offering more intuitive menus and command structures for a seamless and speedy user experience – approximately 30 percent faster. An enhanced 7-inch touchscreen has a capacitive display that is more responsive to touch and is positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.
The 2019 Acura ILX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in October of this year.
About Acura Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, representing the original values of the Acura brand – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.
The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium, luxury sedan, 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 as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.
Five of the six models in the Acura lineup are made exclusively in Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.
For More Information Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.
Lilly Rocha, President, Latino Food Industry Association
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) has announced the appointment of a talented food industry veteran to the position of President of the organization. Lilly Rocha, founder of the Sabor Latino Food Industry Trade show, will now lead the nation’s first national association representing Latinos involved in every aspect of the food industry.
“We are honored that Lilly Rocha has accepted our offer to lead the Latino Food Industry Association as we launch a new era of growth and expansion of our services for our members,” said Ruben Smith, Chair of the LFIA board. “Her years of experience and dedication to the introduction and expansion of Latino food to the nation’s many diverse communities will serve as a real asset to our organization.”
Ms. Rocha is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, who also attended St. Mary’s University in London, England. She graduated from UC Berkeley during the height of the dot.com bubble in Silicon Valley and her first job was as an event/project manager for NOKIA in Mountain View, Calif.
It was during that time that Ms. Rocha developed a serious interest in trade show & conference management, which eventually led her to earn both the CMP & CMM certifications (the highest in the meeting planning industry). Her company, Space 67 Productions, has produced corporate events since 2009. After successfully managing and growing corporate trade shows for many organizations around the world, she founded the Sabor Latino Food Industry Trade Show in 2013.
With her expertise in sales, marketing and project management, Sabor Latino has become a recognized brand in the Latin Food industry and serves as the premier business platform for Latin food professionals. In addition to serving as President, Ms. Rocha will also maintain her seat on the LFIA board.
“I am honored that the Board asked me to take the helm of this dynamic and influential organization,” said Ms. Rocha. “LFIA’s focus and purpose is to advance the growth and influence of Latinos in one of the nation’s most lucrative and influential business arenas, and I’m prepared and anxious to lead that effort.”
Ms. Rocha developed a passion for healthy eating while a student at UC Berkeley, which grew into a commitment to wholesome living. She enthusiastically shares her passion for healthy eating and other causes while volunteering for the following organizations: The American Heart Association, Long Beach Memorial Women’s Heart Institute, The Heart & Vascular Institute at LBMMC, NLBWA-National, LGELP-USC & ATC School Culinary Program in Montebello, CA. She is also an avid rock climber.
About LIFA The Latino Food Industry Association was established to represent Latinos in all aspects of the food industry and is the leading voice addressing the growing influence of this important and growing demographic. The U.S. Economy has benefited from the sheer size of this consumer segment. With an estimated 54 Million Latinos representing 17% of the U.S. population, it is easy to see how this consumer market has influenced the food and beverage industries in the U.S. To stay competitive in burgeoning marketplace LIFA provides its members with the necessary tools to compete and succeed in the food industry. That support includes: compliance workshops, advocacy, legislative updates, operational trainings, technology, marketing and branding improvements.
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Texas Association of Realtors Young Professionals Network (YPN) recently named five Texas Realtors to receive its “Texas Realtors to Watch Award” for their excellence in leadership, community involvement, and sales in 2018. These Texas Realtors under the age of 40 have demonstrated distinguished service in the real estate industry and the recipients will be honored at the YPN Night Out during the Texas REALTORS Conference on Friday, September 7.
“The Texas Realtors honored today not only go the extra mile to help homebuyers and sellers, but they also advocate for knowledge sharing to help foster and grow their fellow Realtors around them every single day,” said Kaki Lybbert, 2018 Chairman of TAR. “This award signifies the passion and dedication that all Realtors share at every stage of their career to be advocates of Texas real estate and protecting private property home ownership rights.”
The honorees also hold critical roles in their associations of Realtors to further support their profession. Honoree involvement includes a broad range of positions held as board officers and committee members, spokespersons, and advisory group participants. The award winners also have played a strong role in political and legislative advocacy.
The award recipients are:
Benjamin Rodriguez of Triangle Real Estate LLC in Beaumont
Vanessa Dirks of REMAX – Hub City Rentals in Lubbock
Cameron Willmann of Keller Williams Realty – Midland in Permian Basin
Kathy Wade-Turner of Better Home and Gardens Real Estate Preferred Living in Bryan-College Station
Julie Reupke of Mustang Island Realty in Corpus Christi
About the Texas Association of REALTORS® With more than 114,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas. Visit www.texasrealestate.com to learn more.
Texas Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network The Young Professionals Network is a dynamic entry point for real estate professionals striving to become more successful in their careers and gain leadership experience. YPN’s growth has been driven by REALTORS®. YPN has evolved from a magazine offshoot to a determined, passionate, savvy group of members who use social media effectively and transparently and who are committed to strengthening the REALTOR® brand.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, #VoteTogether, an initiative of Civic Nation, is launching a national campaign aimed at increasing voter participation in the 2018 elections by making involvement in the democratic process fun and inclusive. At thousands of nonpartisan events hosted at and near polling places across the country, #VoteTogether partners will bring together families, friends and neighbors in celebration of civic engagement and the act of voting. #VoteTogether events—including block parties, BBQs, and parades – will take place during early voting and on Election Day. The program is launching in partnership with 140 state and local organizations, several corporate partners, and with 500 events committed.
#VoteTogether is also encouraging individuals to be part of the movement by hosting celebrations in their community. As part of today’s announcement, #VoteTogether is teaming up with MTV’s +1 the Vote campaign to award grants of up to $1,000 to 50 #VoteTogether event hosts across the country. The grants – which will be awarded one per state – will go toward event costs like refreshments, entertainment, and decorations. To host an event and apply for a grant, visit https://votetogetherusa.org.
“#VoteTogether aims to inspire communities to make voting a time of togetherness,” said Angie Jean-Marie, Director of #VoteTogether. “We believe that shifting the culture of voting to make it a fun and positive shared experience will build civic pride and improve voter participation.”
#VoteTogether is also unveiling an event guide and other website resources including downloadable, ready-to-print party decorations, invitations, door hangers, and more. In the coming weeks, #VoteTogether will add an interactive map to its website, allowing users to find nearby #VoteTogether celebrations and a store where event hosts can purchase party kits for their celebrations.
In addition to MTV, the program is launching with the support of partners, including: This Bar Saves Lives which is providing in-kind donations to events; Florida Civic Engagement Table, Virginia Civic Engagement Table, Mile 22, and Civic TN which are state partners; All Americans Vote, Students Learn Students Vote, ALL IN, United State of Women, Creative Artists Agency, Tumblr, Hillel International, DoSomething.org, and When We All Vote which are national partners; In Good Co., Blue Ocean, and the Creative Alliance for pro-bono branding and marketing; Phenomenon and Daughter & Sons for film and video production; and Collab, Portal A, and Socialyte for influencer engagement.
#VoteTogether’s campaign to make voting more celebratory is based on research conducted in 2016 and 2017 by Civic Nation and Columbia University political science professor, Donald P. Green. The studies showed that community celebrations positively impacted voter participation between one and four percentage points. These results, along with the feedback from participating organizations, indicate that voting celebrations are a useful tool to increase democratic participation.
ABOUT #VOTETOGETHER An initiative of Civic Nation, #VoteTogether aims to increase voter participation by making voting fun and inclusive. With a coalition of national, state, and local partners, #VoteTogether is helping to organize thousands of non-partisan, family-friendly celebrations at and near polling locations across the country during early vote and on Election Day. Learn more at: https://votetogetherusa.org/.
ABOUT CIVIC NATION Civic Nation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing some of our nation’s most pressing challenges through organizing, engagement and public awareness. It does this by working in partnership with the Creative Alliance which is a collaborative of 83 creative companies that do pro bono work for Civic Nation to turn ideas into action.
ABOUT MTV’S “+1 THE VOTE” CAMPAIGN +1 the Vote is MTV’s first-ever midterm campaign, which gives young people the tools to invite a friend to vote with them on Election Day. The campaign includes a first-of-its-kind digital experience which allows young people to register to vote, identify which of their friends aren’t registered to vote, and then encourage those friends to register. Additionally, MTV will encourage its audience to #VoteTogether by supercharging youth participation with more than 1,000 parties and events at the polls across all 50 states.
LEAWOOD, Kansas, Sept. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Imagine this: your child is playing a game of soccer or basketball. As they go to kick the ball or defend a shot, they accidentally collide with another player and they both end up on the ground, dazed and a little stunned. Or this: As you’re driving home, you’re involved in a rear-end collision that tosses you violently forward and back, leaving you with a headache and feeling dizzy.
What do these situations have in common? Both can cause a concussion, a traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
“Concussions can happen to anyone, during any activity,” says Dr. Melinda Dunn, a family physician in Overland Park, Kansas. “You don’t have to be playing a sport – it could be a fall, or other accident. Even a mild concussion can have serious implications.”
As a family doctor, Dunn takes care of patients of all ages, from babies and young children, teenagers, adults and older adults. Dunn is trained to address a broad spectrum of health issues including chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and acute injuries such as concussions.
As students head back to school and fall team sports begin, it’s especially important for parents to be aware of the causes and symptoms of a concussion. According to familydoctor.org, more than half of the emergency room visits for traumatic brain injuries are for children 5 to 18 years of age. While we most commonly hear about them in the news related to football, concussions can happen in almost any sport or activity.
Knowing what to look for after a blow to the head is important so you can take steps to prevent more serious damage in the future. Symptoms of a concussion may include a headache, trouble focusing, memory loss, a dazed appearance, confusion, dizziness or balance issues, blurry vision, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise and changes in mood, behavior or sleep. Signs may show up soon after the injury, but some symptoms may not show up for hours or even days.
If you suspect a concussion, contact your family doctor. Be prepared to tell them what happened as well as what symptoms are present. If the incident occurred during a sporting event, parents should not let their child return to play until they have been medically cleared.
Once someone has experienced a concussion, the risk of having another goes up. And a second concussion can be more severe.
“Safety should always be the first priority,” Dunn says. “There’s no guaranteed way to prevent a concussion, but you can lower your risk by wearing properly fitted protective gear like a helmet and always wearing your seatbelt.”
For more information on concussion symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment, go to familydoctor.org.
About American Academy of Family Physicians Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Family Physicians represents 131,400 physicians and medical students nationwide, and it is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.
Family physicians conduct approximately one in five of the total medical office visits in the United States per year – more than any other specialty. Family physicians provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and cost-effective care dedicated to improving the health of patients, families and communities. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing and personal patient-physician relationship where the family physician serves as the hub of each patient’s integrated care team. More Americans depend on family physicians than on any other medical specialty.
To learn more about the AAFP and family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. Follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.
