Latino Conservation Week Showcases Community’s Commitment to Protecting Public Lands, Kicks Off This Weekend (July 15 – 23)

July 13, 2017

Latinos across the country are celebrating #LatinoConservationWeek with over 100 events nationwide.

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This weekend, the fourth annual Latino Conservation Week (#LatinoConservationWeek, #LCW2017) kicks off, continues through July 23 and will be celebrated with more than 100 events nationwide. The week is an opportunity for Latinos to demonstrate their passion for enjoying and protecting public lands through various outings, volunteer cleanups, educational events, roundtable discussions, film screenings and numerous other community activities in more than 15 states stretching from Massachusetts to California.

“Latinos are passionate about enjoying the outdoors and hold a strong belief that we have a moral obligation to protect it for future generations,” said Maite Arce, president of Hispanic Access Foundation, which launched Latino Conservation Week in 2014 in its effort to showcase this community’s commitment to the outdoors and provide opportunities for engagement. “The week’s events introduce Latinos to new opportunities, new locations and new ways to translate their passion for the outdoors into making a difference for our nation’s treasured natural resources.”

Historically, Latinos have not been actively engaged to participate in our nation’s public lands. Even with widely documented support, only eight percent of Latinos engaged in outdoor recreation in 2015, according to the Outdoor Foundation. Latino Conservation Week helps to break down barriers to the Latino population’s enjoyment of public lands, encourages new opportunities to experience these sites, creates a unique platform for groups to reach out to this community and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.

“As the largest minority group in America – one that is expected to grow to nearly one-third the population by 2050 – the Latino community’s engagement is critical to ensuring the future success and preservation of our nation’s public lands,” said Arce. “We appreciate the vast number of event partners and sponsors who recognize the importance of encouraging more Latinos to go outdoors and experiencing all that our nation’s public lands have to offer.”

Nearly 80 parks, organizations and community groups have joined Latino Conservation Week as sponsors and event partners. These include National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Save the Redwoods League, George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Por la Creacion: Faith-based Alliance, Latino Outdoors, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Atlanta Audubon Society, Los Angeles Audubon Society, Conservation Lands Foundation, Houston Zoo, REI and Whole Foods Market. A full list of participating groups is available here.

“The growth in participation and interest of Latino Conservation Week has been tremendous. What started as 17 events in six states has grown – in just three years – to more than 100 events in as many as 15 states,” said Arce. “This is a national collaborative effort with the potential to positively impact the Latino community and our nation’s treasured spaces.”

The full list of confirmed events is available at http://bit.ly/2uSVhEV.

For media that would like to participate in any of these events, request interviews or need additional information, please contact Robert Fanger at [email protected].

About Hispanic Access Foundation
Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating and helping them access trustworthy support systems. Our vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America. For more information visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

Contact: Robert Fanger
P: 317-410-7668
E: [email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535560/Hispanic_Access_Foundation_Latino_Conservation_Week.jpg

SOURCE Hispanic Access Foundation

Institute for Student Achievement Announces New President to Succeed Retiring Gerry House

July 13, 2017

PRINCETON, New Jersey, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Institute for Student Achievement (ISA), a division of ETS, announced today that Dr. Stephanie Wood-Garnett, Vice President for Policy to Practice at the Alliance for Excellent Education, has been appointed ISA’s next president. Wood-Garnett succeeds Dr. Gerry House who announced her retirement earlier this month after nearly two decades of leadership. Wood-Garnett assumes the presidency July 25.

“Gerry House and ISA have done remarkable things for so many educators and young people in this country,” says ETS President Walt MacDonald. “We are fortunate to have had the benefit of Gerry’s skills, experience and passion for the ISA mission.”

ISA, whose mission is to partner with schools and districts to transform public high schools so that students who are traditionally underserved and underperforming graduate prepared for success in college and careers, has been part of ETS since Jan. 1, 2013. House has been ISA’s president since 2000.

“My work at ISA has truly been the highlight of my professional life,” House says. “I am going to miss the work and the people, but I am so encouraged that Stephanie Wood-Garnett is taking over the leadership. The mission could not be better served.”

MacDonald adds, “For nearly 25 years, Dr. Wood-Garnett has helped teachers and school leaders support the academic, social and emotional needs of underserved students. Through her leadership in delivering systemic, programmatic and cultural change to underperforming schools and districts, Stephanie has opened new doors to learning and achievement. That’s an excellent description of ISA’s mission, which makes her the perfect successor.”

“I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Gerry House and ETS working on key education initiatives. The mission of ISA reflects my personal commitment and drive for equity and improved outcomes for underserved students. I’m honored to join the ETS team and the talented professionals at ISA,” says Wood-Garnett. “We have a solid institutional foundation to build on — I’m looking forward to the work!”

Wood-Garnett has been at the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance for Excellent Education since August 2015. The Alliance is a national education policy, practice and advocacy organization. Its mission is to promote high school transformation so that students, particularly those from underserved groups, can graduate prepared for college, life and careers.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Wood-Garnett was a Managing Director at the NewSchools Venture Fund, an Oakland, California-based nonprofit that helps find, fund and support entrepreneurs committed to innovative practices in education. Before that, she served by appointment as the Assistant Commissioner of Teacher and Leader Effectiveness at the New York State Department of Education. Her additional roles in the field of education include: Associate Director/Director of Teacher and Principal Evaluation at the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership; Executive Director of Exemplary Programs for the Bellevue, Washington School District; and Executive Director for the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Wood-Garnett earned a BA in English literature, with a minor in women’s studies, from Dartmouth College; an MA in education and human development, with a focus on higher education administration, from The George Washington University; and a doctorate in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. She has served on the ETS Advisory Committee on Equity in Student and Teacher Assessments.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

About ISA
The Institute for Student Achievement (ISA) partners with schools and districts to transform public high schools so that students who are traditionally underserved and underperforming graduate prepared for success in college. Through a close partnership, ISA provides the organizational and professional development supports that schools, principals and teachers need to succeed, giving students the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve to their fullest potential. To learn more about ISA, visit www.studentachievement.org/.

SOURCE Educational Testing Service

Mary Kay’s “Suits for Shelters” Provides Clothing To Abuse Survivors

July 13, 2017

DALLAS, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A blouse can mean more than cotton and thread to a domestic violence survivor. It symbolizes confidence, acing an interview, a new job and, ultimately, financial freedom from one’s abuser. Mary Kay Inc.’s ninth annual Suits for Shelters program will collect women’s professional attire to give women the ability to pursue lives full of independence and empty of violence.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535584/Mary_Kay_Suits_for_Shelters.jpg

Through Aug. 4, Tootsies, located in the Plaza at Preston Center, will accept community donations. In return, those who donate items will receive a $25 Tootsies gift card. WFAA News Ch. 8 is airing a series of public service announcements to encourage community support and more donations for the annual clothing drive.

“Although it may seem simple, receiving a skirt or blouse truly does have the potential to change a domestic abuse survivor’s life and provide professional opportunities some women may never have thought possible,” said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. “Mary Kay is a proven leader in the fight against domestic violence, and Suits for Shelters is a unique way to engage our community, introducing them to the issues domestic violence survivors face every day.”

A partnership between Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation(SM), Suits for Shelters supports domestic violence survivors with professional attire to help boost confidence as they start their lives free from abuse. Since 2009, Suits for Shelters has collected more than 17,000 pieces of professional clothing for women in need.

“Suits for Shelters is just one way Mary Kay and our community can partner to offer domestic violence survivors a piece of hope as they take their next steps into a life free from their abuser,” said Ryan Rogers, Vice President of The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) and grandson of company founder Mary Kay Ash. “Domestic violence is an epidemic that impacts 1 in 4 women regardless of age, race and socio economic status – it does not discriminate. Women’s shelters in our community and across the United States, provide life-saving services. Mary Kay’s support of these organizations is an important part of our commitment to ending domestic violence once and for all.”

Mary Kay has a long-standing commitment to prevent and end domestic violence. Over the past 15 years, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) have donated more than $53 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs to women’s shelters across the country in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

“Suits for Shelters unites our community in providing a pathway out of abuse for survivors as they seek employment, which is essential to a life free of abuse,” said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. “Empowering women and enriching their lives is part of our corporate fabric, and we know one of the first steps to an enriched life is feeling safe in your own home.”

About Mary Kay
At Mary Kay, success lies in our dedication to irresistible products, a rewarding opportunity and positive community impact. For more than 53 years, Mary Kay has inspired women to achieve their entrepreneurial goals in nearly 40 countries. As a multibillion-dollar company, we offer the latest in cutting-edge skin care, bold color cosmetics and fragrances. Discover more reasons to love Mary Kay at marykay.com

About The Mary Kay Foundation(SM)The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) was created in 1996, and its mission is twofold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) has awarded $70.7 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation(SM), please visit marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/169837/mary_kay___logo.jpg

SOURCE Mary Kay

(Español) El principal motor de la economía del Caribe no puede parar

July 13, 2017

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

HBO Latino® To Premiere Exclusive Concert Film “PEDRO CAPÓ: EN LETRA DE OTRO” On August 11

July 13, 2017

NEW YORK, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HBO LATINO® will premiere its first summer concert film, starring award-winning Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and actor Pedro Capó. PEDRO CAPÓ: EN LETRA DE OTRO premieres on Friday, August 11^th at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT. The concert film honors leading Latin artists he grew up with by performing a selection of their hits – songs we know and love – in his own style. PEDRO CAPÓ: EN LETRA DE OTRO will also be available on HBO On Demand, HBO GO, HBO NOW and affiliate portals.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8038452-hbo-latino-pedro-capo-film/

Set along a summer backdrop, PEDRO CAPÓ: EN LETRA DE OTRO features songs from his forthcoming album En Letra De Otro being released by Sony Music Latin on August 11^th. Artists being covered include Selena, Chayanne, Jon Secada, Jerry Rivera, Luis Miguel, Calle 13, OV7, Fey, and Donato y Estefano. In between performances, Capó discusses his song choices and how the musicaility influences the artistic liberties he takes with each song. “HBO Latino is thrilled to be partnering with Sony Music Latin to bring Pedro’s new project dedicated to covering great songs from the 90s to life,” said Jackie Gagne, Vice President of Multicultural Marketing, HBO. “With this concert, we’re giving audiences an opportunity to reminesce in the nostalgia of the music, while giving Pedro’s fans something fun to watch.”

Born in San Juan, the grandson of international singer-songwriter Bobby Capó, Pedro Capó began his career in the 90s as part of the rock band Marka Registrada. Pedro Capó has had seven #1 radio singles in Puerto Rico, four Latin Grammy^® nominations, won two ASCAP awards, and sold out Puerto Rico’s Coliseo. As a songwriter, Capó has written songs for award-winning international artists like Ricky Martin, Noel Scharjris, and Ednita Nazario.

In addition, Capó is an actor whose theater credits include “The Sweet Spot” at the Apollo and “Azucar! Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz,” which he won two acting awards for. His screen credits include: Shut Up and Do It! and Paraiso Travel (starring John Leguizamo) as well as the upcoming Sol de medianoche, for which he is the lead.

Pedro Capó now joins the elite group of HBO Latino Concerts special subjects, which include Carlos Santana (Live it to Believe it, Live From Mexico), Thalia (Viva Tour En Vivo), Romeo Santos (The King Stays King), Yandel (De Líder a Leyenda), Reik (En Vivo Desde El Auditorio Nacional), Carlos Varela (The Poet of Havana), Alejandro Sanz (Sirope Vivo), Victor Manuelle (Que Suenen Los Tambores), and Juanes (The Juanes Effect and Mis Planes Son Amarte) to bring the channel it’s first summer concert film.

SOURCE HBO Latino

Goya Foods Named Title Sponsor Of The 2017 New York International Salsa Congress

July 13, 2017

NEW YORK, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The New York International Salsa Congress (#goyaNYISC2017), a multi-day Latin music and dance festival, announces the title sponsorship of Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, along with sponsorships by Spanish media giants Telemundo 47 and La Mega radio, T-Mobile and Burju Shoes.

Now in its 17^th year, the #goyaNYISC2017 attracts over 8,000 attendees from around the world at The New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square from Thursday, August 31, 2017 to Sunday, September 3, 2017 with an official ‘La Clave’ kick-off party held at Iguanas, NYC on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

“Goya Foods has always been much more than a food company; we are about giving back to the community and honoring our Latin culture, roots and heritage,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “Goya is proud to become the title sponsor of this great event while bringing together people from all over the world through music, dance and great food!”

Each year the #goyaNYISC2017 brings together people of all cultures, ages and backgrounds to participate in this multi-day celebration of Latin music and dance. “We are so honored to have Goya, an iconic symbol of our Latin culture, take on title sponsorship of this year’s festival,” said Vilma and Manny Villavicencio and Luis Guerrero, owners of the NYISC. “Goya Foods, along with our sponsors Telemundo 47, La Mega, T-Mobile, and Burju Shoes, are invaluable to our success and ensures that we continue to stage one of the most anticipated events in New York City.”

From novice to professional dancers, the festival attracts people from all walks of life to establish a sense of community, to gain exposure to different styles of dance and to achieve a higher level of knowledge and expression while sharing the true passion for Latin music and dance. “Telemundo 47 is proud to be the exclusive media partner for The New York International Salsa Congress which will bring thousands of fans from around the world right here to New York City. We look forward to offering our viewers coverage of this popular celebration of Latino culture,” said Cristina Schwarz, President and General Manager.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and press coverage, please contact [email protected] or at 845.659.6506.

To purchase tickets & for more information about #goyaNYISC2017 please visit, www.newyorksalsacongress.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Contact:
Natalie Maniscalco
Retro Media NYC
[email protected]
845.659.6506

Video – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/531405/NYISC_2017_Goya_Foods.mp4

SOURCE New York International Salsa Congress

Summer School for Entrepreneurs! Amway Education Offers 10 Video Courses for Existing and Aspiring Business Owners

July 13, 2017

ADA, Michigan, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — School’s in for the summer. Amway, the world’s leading direct selling company^*, is offering an Amway Education “summer school” for entrepreneurs. The “school,” available today through Labor Day, will provide all visitors access to content normally limited to Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs), including 10 videos that cover topics, ranging from how to use social media in their business to how to understand retail margins.

Amway Education has also released a complementary quiz, What’s Your Learning Personality?, providing a visual, interactive way for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to better understand their unique learning personalities. The quiz is also designed to encourage business owners to reflect on what personal traits have made them a successful entrepreneur and, ultimately, what their learning “persona” is in order to continue their professional and personal development.

“We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs learn and acquire the skills they need to be in business for themselves,” said Suzie Fiore, Director of Training and Education at Amway North America. “These courses are a helpful way to hone practical business skills, and the quiz is a resource for entrepreneurs to better understand their unique learning styles and provide direction for leveraging their business ‘persona.'”

The five personas include:

The Seeker: For those with an abundant amount of curiosity and a constant need for new information and business strategies – given in a quick, concise way.
The Juggler: Entrepreneurs with little time to devote to any individual task, but who always complete a to-do list on time and in a professional fashion – organization is key!
The Cornerstone: Industry veterans with business skills that span the spectrum, and a knack for understanding that the small stuff matters for continued success in an evolving world.
The All-Star: For those who are hands-on and committed to seeing projects through, these are the kinds of entrepreneurs that believe sustained success is the only true success.
The Coach: Natural leaders looking to not only start their own business, but who have multiple colleagues who can independently spearhead important projects on their behalf – they love to be the sounding board!

Based on which persona is revealed, users will be directed to two relevant courses on Amway Education’s website to continue their learning experience. Users can choose to view the two videos recommended for them, or explore the remaining courses. The two courses related to each persona are as follows:

The Seeker

1. Find the Need and Offer Product Solutions
2. Retail Margin

The Juggler

1. Reading Body Language
2. Asking the Right Questions

The Cornerstone

1. Creating a Product Testimonial
2. Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Business

The All-Star

1. Customer Follow-Up
2. Business Etiquette

The Coach

1. Public Speaking
2. Active Listening

However, with nearly 100 short videos in total on the Amway Education platform, there are helpful options for entrepreneurs at any stage.

“Continued education is critical to developing entrepreneurial skills to both start a new business and grow an already thriving venture,” said Dr. David B. Audretsch, an advisor to Amway Education, and a professor and director of the Institute for Development Strategies at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. “The vast library of courses within Amway Education is relevant to those serious about starting a business – and the quiz is a good place to start for those who might just be curious to learn more.”

Amway Education is available in the United States, Canada and Dominican Republic and is available in five languages: Spanish, Mandarin, French, Korean and English.

For more information on Amway Education and to view the courses available via Summer School for Entrepreneurs, visit www.amway.com/amwayeducation.

To take the quiz, visit www.whatsyourlearningtype.com.

About Amway Education
Amway Education, designed to support the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, is built on Amway’s legacy of providing quality mentorship and business development support for its Independent Business Owners (IBOs) for nearly 60 years. Informed by IBOs for aspiring and current business owners, Amway Education provides best-in-class content and resources to support those who want to become their best selves – in business and in life.

About Amway
Amway is an $8.8 billion direct selling business based in Ada, Michigan, USA. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry™ skincare and color cosmetics, eSpring™ water treatment systems and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by Amway Business Owners. Global sales in 2015 made Amway the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2016 Direct Selling News Global 100. The company’s annual sales figure includes revenue from direct selling operations and other business holdings. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

^*According to the Direct Selling News 2017 Global 100.

Media Contact:
Nicole Santos
Kwittken
[email protected]
(646) 747-7158

SOURCE Amway Education

March of Dimes highlights drastically higher costs of having a baby under the Senate health care plan

July 13, 2017

WHITE PLAINS, New York, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The March of Dimes and Avalere, a health care consulting firm, today released a new study highlighting both the financial and potential health implications that the Senate health care plan could have on moms and babies, especially those born too sick or too soon.

The analysis confirms that removing maternity coverage from plans could cause the cost of having a baby to skyrocket from $4,100 to $15,000 and also subject a new mother to unlimited out-of-pocket expenses if there are complications during birth; meanwhile, a maximum of only $10 a month in premiums would be realized. Women who do want to buy maternity coverage could see premiums increase by 25 percent to 70 percent if maternity care is no longer considered an essential health benefit.

“The March of Dimes believes all pregnant women need affordable health care to have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies,” says Stacey D. Stewart, president of the March of Dimes. “Our study shows that the cost of having a baby could escalate drastically under the changes proposed in the Senate health care bill — and that’s for having a healthy baby. If a woman has pregnancy complications, or the baby is born sick or prematurely, health care costs could skyrocket even further.”

The changes proposed by the Senate could return the individual health insurance market to the pre-2010 status quo, when maternity care was excluded from most plans or offered only as a costly rider. Prior to the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that all plans cover maternity and newborn care, only 13 percent of plans did so routinely.

“We need to do more to prevent preterm birth because it’s the leading cause of death among babies in this country, and can lead to long-term health problems and lifelong disabilities,” Ms. Stewart says. “But in fact, federal government data released in July show that preterm births actually are on the rise. There was an alarming 2 percent increase in the preterm birth rate between 2015 and 2016. Now is not the time to make it more expensive for a woman to get the prenatal care she needs for her own and her baby’s health.”

“These policy issues being considered by Congress are a matter of life and death for millions of American families. The March of Dimes calls upon all U.S. Senators to reject the Better Care Reconciliation Act and go back to the drawing board to produce legislation that will support the needs of mothers, babies and families,” Ms. Stewart says.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit peristats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513643/March_of_Dimes_Foundation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE March of Dimes

How to Experience the Great American Solar Eclipse Without Damaging Your Vision

July 12, 2017

AAO Logo (PRNewsFoto/American Academy of Ophthalmology)

SAN FRANCISCO, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On Aug. 21, millions of people in the U.S. will see day turn to night as a total solar eclipse passes over North America. The last time this happened from coast to coast was 1918. Temperatures will drop rapidly as the moon completely covers the sun. You will be able to see the spectacular colors and light of the sun’s atmosphere, a sight revealed to us only during a total solar eclipse.

While you cannot completely prepare yourself for the sight of a total solar eclipse, ophthalmologists — physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care — want you to be prepared with proper eye protection. Viewing even the smallest sliver of a crescent sun peeking out from behind the moon is enough to cause irreversible damage to your vision.

Russell N. Van Gelder, MD, Ph.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, has treated patients who have lost vision to the sun.

“The complete solar eclipse is a wonderful and memorable phenomenon that should be experienced by everyone in the eclipse path,” said Dr. Van Gelder. “It is essential, however, that viewing is done safely. Viewing the sun directly, even for brief periods, can cause permanent damage to the retina and result in blindness. I have patients who viewed the sun 40 years ago, who remain without central vision in their affected eyes.”

Dr. Van Gelder explains that the lenses in your eyes act like a magnifying glass, one that is 5 times more powerful than a handheld magnifier. Think about how you can use that typical handheld magnifier to focus the sun to burn holes in paper. That’s what happens when you look at the sun without eye protection. You focus the sun’s light on the retina, burning holes in light-sensitive photoreceptor cells, causing blindness.

There is one exception to this rule. There is a brief phase during a total solar eclipse when it is safe to look directly at the sun. This phase is called totality, and it lasts about 2 minutes. It occurs when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face. But as soon as the sun begins to reappear, put the solar filters back on. The path of totality for the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse is about 70 miles wide and stretches from Oregon to South Carolina. It passes through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Outside the path of totality, sky watchers will see a partial solar eclipse.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535177/AAO_Solar_Eclipse_Safety_Tips_Infographic.jpg

There are no exceptions to the rules for safely viewing a partial solar eclipse. To make sure people have the facts, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has teamed up with the American Astronomical Society to offer these five tips:

Use specially designed solar eclipse glasses and viewers to block the sun’s harmful rays. Ordinary sunglasses, even dark ones, are not strong enough to protect your eyes. To date, only four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet international safety standards:

Rainbow Symphony
American Paper Optics
Thousand Oaks Optical
TSE 17

Inspect your solar filter before the eclipse, and don’t use it if it’s scratched or damaged.
Another option is to view the eclipse through #14 welder’s glass. That’s much darker than the shades arc welders typically wear.
Use solar filters on camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes.
Do not use solar eclipse glasses to look through a camera, binoculars or a telescope. The sun can melt the filter and damage your eyes.

For more information on solar eclipse safety, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart^®website. The American Astronomical Society also has resources on its website, including tips for how to shoot still images or video of a solar eclipse.

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.

SOURCE American Academy of Ophthalmology

Impressive National Results for Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive

July 12, 2017

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 25^th annual food drive by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), held on Saturday, May 13, collected 75 million pounds, the third-highest total in the event’s history.

Combined with last year’s record of 80.1 million pounds, that makes a two-year total of 155 million pounds – the highest back-to-back total in the drive’s history.

“It’s an honor to be able to help people in need by leading an effort that brings out the best in so many Americans,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said.

Hunger affects about 50 million people around the country, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.

The Stamp Out Hunger^® Food Drive is the country’s largest single-day food drive. It is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Customers leave their donation of non-perishable goods in paper bags next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail that day. The nation’s 175,000 letter carriers collect the food donations left and distribute them to local food agencies.

The timing is important, with food banks, pantries and shelters running low on donations from the winter-holidays and with summer looming, when most school meal programs are suspended.

Several national partners assisted the NALC in this year’s food drive: the U.S. Postal Service, United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, United Way Worldwide, AARP Foundation, AFL-CIO, Valpak and Valassis.

In the quarter-century since it began, the annual food drive has collected almost 1.6 billion pounds of food.

********

The 280,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers represents letter carriers across the country employed by the U.S. Postal Service, along with retired letter carriers. Founded by Civil War veterans in 1889, the NALC is among the country’s oldest labor unions.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/353615/national_association_of_letter_carriers_logo.jpg

SOURCE National Association of Letter Carriers

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