Preventing Listeriosis in Pregnant Hispanic Women in the U.S.
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting pregnant women about the risks of listeriosis, a foodborne disease that can severely affect a pregnant women and her unborn child.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7953451-fda-listeriosis-prevention-pregnant-women/
Listeria can affect all races and ethnic groups, but pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis due to hormonal changes that affect the immune system during pregnancy. Pregnant Hispanic women are about 24 times more likely than the general population to get listeriosis. A pregnant mother may pass Listeria onto her unborn baby without even knowing it because she doesn’t feel sick at all, yet the disease can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, the delivery of a low birthweight infant, a wide range of health problems for a newborn, or even infant death.
The FDA has developed a Community Educator’s Guide in English and Spanish, which includes a variety of printable and customizable materials, to help educate communities on this serious foodborne risk.
Learn more and download the guide at:
https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/PeopleAtRisk/ucm062993.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079667.htm
What Is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria, which are commonly found in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and the intestinal tract of animals such as milk cows. Listeria can also be found in soft cheeses or other products made from unpasteurized milk and processed foods that have become contaminated — such as deli meats. Unlike many other foodborne bacteria, Listeria grows at refrigerator temperatures. However, cooking and commercial processes like pasteurization destroy Listeria.
Pregnant Hispanic Women are at Greater Risk
Pregnant Hispanic women can be at particular risk for listeriosis because of certain cultural dietary choices. In many Latin American cultures, it is common to eat soft cheeses like Queso Fresco, which are often made from “raw” (unpasteurized) milk. Many women are simply unaware that cheese made with unpasteurized milk can contain potentially deadly bacteria.
In some Hispanic communities in the U.S., people have been known to purchase raw milk and use it to make cheese, and then sell it door-to-door. Unlicensed vendors also sell it from carts. This cheese can sometimes also be found in small neighborhood stores.
Symptom of Listeriosis
Listeriosis can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea, or upset stomach. If infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. In extreme cases, death can occur.
Preventing Listeriosis in Pregnant Women
The FDA advises all pregnant women not to eat soft cheeses unless they are made with pasteurized milk and to follow these additional tips to avoid the illness:
Do NOT eat:
- Soft cheeses (such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, Blue-veined cheeses, Queso Blanco, Queso Fresco, Asadero, and Penela) – unless they’re made with pasteurized milk
- Hot dogs and luncheon meats unless they’re reheated until steaming
- Refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads
- Refrigerated smoked seafood-unless it’s in a cooked dish, such as a casserole
Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)
Latino Focus Events Coming to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
TUSTIN, California, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, presents its Latino Focus event series, The Hispennial Generation: Marketing to the Nuevo Latino, in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ. The events, hosted by New American Funding President Patty Arvielo, will educate attendees on marketing to hispennials, the millennial generation of Hispanics.
“I’m passionate about increasing homeownership in Latino communities, bringing Latino Focus to Arizona is exciting and a great fit for this initiative,” commented Arvielo.
The events will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about needs specific to millennial Hispanic consumers and to hear from guest speakers on topics including:
- Challenges for hispennial homebuyers
- Social media and technology
- Techniques to remain relevant to this group.
In Phoenix, A.Z. Araujo, founder of A.Z. & Associates Real Estate Group, will be speaking about the millennial generation, trends, needs and opportunities.
In Tucson, two prominent figures of the Latino Community will be sharing their insights. Humberto N. Stevens, managing partner of J. Nelson Company, a corporate development and capital funding firm, will be speaking on the Hispanic market and its economic power. Raul E. Aguirre, President and CEO of REA Media Group will address the cultural nuances of this burgeoning group.
The workshops will be held on April 20, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. -11:00 A.M. at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, 9495 W Coyotes Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 and on April 21, 2017 from 12:00 P.M. -2:00 P.M. at the Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85757.
To learn more please visit http://www.latinofocus.com.
In 2013, New American Funding formed the Latino Focus Committee to develop services that enhance the quality of the lending experience among Hispanic consumers, aiming to enrich the Hispanic community through homeownership.
These events are produced in collaboration with Freddie Mac and Radian.
About New American Funding
New American Funding is a national mortgage banker licensed in 48 states with 130+ branch locations offering a variety of home loan options including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement, and VA Automatic mortgage lender.
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WomenHeart Announces its Most Significant Donation in the Fight Against Heart Disease in Women
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease announced the most generous donation in the history of the organization. Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, is pleased to donate more than $2.3 million to the organization through its #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign, which was hosted in all its stores from February 1st through March 31st. This significant contribution further demonstrates Burlington’s continued commitment to the fight against heart disease in women.
Funds raised through its #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign will support WomenHeart’s education, support and advocacy resources for the nearly 48 million women living with or at risk of heart disease.
This year’s #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign included a partnership with Kelly Rowland, Grammy Award-winning artist and heart health advocate, who served as the voice and supporter of the campaign. The nationwide campaign took place in all 593 Burlington stores across the country, giving customers the opportunity to donate $1 or more to support WomenHeart at checkout.
Throughout the promotion, 47 Burlington store locations nationwide (a store in each State/Territory where Burlington has locations) hosted a Night Out to #KnockOutHeartDisease event, offering free heart health screenings in partnership with WomenHeart. Customers had the opportunity to get their blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and BMI checked by a certified health professional, and receive bi-lingual (English/Spanish) women’s heart health information and tips for living heart healthy.
Providing the chance for women to get their heart screened at a Burlington store allowed women to learn about the status of their heart health. Those that participated in the screening were encouraged to spread the word by tagging two friends to do the same with the hashtag #KnockOutHeartDisease. Burlington Stores donated $25,000 to WomenHeart to support this social media campaign.
“At Burlington, we support causes that are important to our associates and customers. As the leading cause of death in women, Burlington is dedicated to providing resources to educate women on the importance of their heart health. I am proud of our 35,000 associates and millions of customers nationwide for their commitment to this cause,” says Tom Kingsbury, President, CEO and Chairman, Burlington Stores.
“The #KnockOutHeartDisease Campaign has not only raised money for our cause, but has also raised awareness of our mission through events, social media and in the news” says Mary McGowan, CEO, WomenHeart. “We are thankful to Burlington customers and associates for their extraordinary ongoing dedication, and look forward to the progress we can make towards improving the lives of women living with or at risk for heart disease as a result of this partnership.”
Over the past six years, Burlington and its generous customers have raised more than $8 million to support WomenHeart and its free education and support services for women living with heart disease. Donations from Burlington allow WomenHeart to significantly expand its National Hospital Alliance – an innovative partnership that helps ensure female heart disease patients nationwide have access to information, education and patient support services through the hospitals in their communities. Burlington funds have also enabled the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high-risk population for heart disease – through its Para la Mujer Hispana initiative.
About Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington is a national off-price retailer offering style for less at up to 65 percent off other retailers’ prices every day. Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children’s clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington has 593 stores in 45 States and Puerto Rico. For more, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.
About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation’s first and still only patient-centered organization solely serving the nearly 48 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. WomenHeart is devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, physicians, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To receive a free online heart health action kit or to donate, visit www.womenheart.org.
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Run, Don’t Walk! Johnny Rockets Launches Into Spring With New Limited Time Menu
LAKE FOREST, Calif., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — There’s a change in the air, and a welcome rise in temperature. And just in time for the longer days and spring festivities, the Johnny Rockets’ new limited time menu delivers fresh excitement with unexpected flavor combinations at restaurants across the country starting today.
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Known for its world-famous, fresh and never frozen handcrafted burgers, the new seasonal menu will surprise fans of the diner’s Stay Original classic quality dining experience by adding a new twist to select menu items, from burgers to starter appetizers.
“We’re staying true to the classic quality burger and enjoyable dining experience that fans know and love us for, but are excited to venture into new flavor territory this spring,” said James Walker, President of Global Operations & Development for Johnny Rockets. “For a limited time, we’re expanding our menu with a range of innovative new flavor offerings — from creamy avocados, crunchy bacon, and flame roasted red peppers to fresh basil. We’re building on the Johnny Rockets brand promise to offer a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
Johnny Rockets Limited Time Menu
Crunchy Bacon Avocado Ranch Burger — begins with a quarter-pound of 100% fresh never-frozen Certified Angus Beef and layers of American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon strips, crispy onion rings, sliced avocado, ranch dressing, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun — a wrap-your-mouth-around burger that you can’t put down.
Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich — a 100% all natural grilled chicken breast topped with creamy melted provolone, flame roasted red peppers, fresh leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes and basil pesto mayonnaise on a toasted brioche bun. Savory, natural flavors complement a simply delicious offering.
Spicy Houston — a popular fan favorite, this unique Texan-style burger pairs bold flavors including jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and Smokin’ Chipotle Ranch. Delish! With just the right amount of heat, it’s leaps above the average burger.
Loaded Street® Tots, Shrooms & Rings — a new tasty shareable platter full of crispy potato tots loaded with fried onion rings and fried mushrooms. Uniquely created by Johnny Rockets, this starter is perfect for sharing with a deserving friend or two.
Oreo® Cookies & Cream Shake — featured by demand! The finest USDA certified premium vanilla ice cream is handspun with whole milk, and real whipped cream then loaded with crunchy cookie bits — yummy, creamy indulgence.
About Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant franchise that offers high quality, innovative menu items including fresh frozen 100% beef, made-to-order hamburgers, Veggie Boca® burger, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts. This dynamic lifestyle brand offers friendly service and upbeat music contributing to the chain’s signature atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. Founded in 1986, Johnny Rockets operates more than 400 franchise and corporate locations in 28 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.johnnyrockets.com, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/johnnyrockets, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/johnnyrockets, and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnnyrockets/.
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RideCell Selected as a Finalist in Two Categories for the 2017 TU-Automotive Awards
SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — RideCell™ Inc., the leading global carsharing and ridesharing platform provider, has been selected as a finalist for the 2017 TU-Automotive Awards for Best Auto Mobility Product or Service. In addition, Founder and CEO, Aarjav Trivedi, has been nominated for Influencer of the Year.
TU-Automotive serves as the communications hub for automotive telematics and connected vehicle services that are redefining our automotive future. The awards committee acknowledges the most notable innovations and talent in the connected car industry with their annual awards selections.
The 2017 TU-Automotive Awards finalists have been selected by a panel of experts in each segment of the connected car industry. Over 400 nominations were considered for 10 categories. The winners will be announced at the TU awards ceremony on June 6, 2017.
“It is an honor to be recognized in these two categories along with such notable finalists,” said Aarjav. “We are grateful to TU Automotive for recognizing the power and impact of our mobility-as-a-service solution and our vision for the future of transportation.”
Honorees selected alongside RideCell for the Best Auto Mobility Product or Service category include Audi Traffic Light Information by Audi of America, Olli by Local Motors with IBM, and QualComm® Drive Data Platform by Qualcomm. For the Influencer of the Year category, Aarjav is joined by automotive leaders such as Doug Davis, SVP and GM, Automated Driving Group, Intel Corporation and Joe Speed, Watson IoT AutoLAB Product Owner, IBM.
About RideCell
Headquartered in San Francisco, RideCell is on a mission to empower auto OEMs, new mobility providers and private fleets to launch and manage their own intelligent ridesharing and carsharing services. Our intelligent software platform runs new mobility services, such as carsharing, ridesharing, and other innovative transportation offerings. End-to-end integration and automation accelerate time to market, enabling RideCell customers to launch mobility services quickly, operate efficiently, and scale revenues as business grows. Founded in 2009, RideCell has already processed over 20 million rides and has a team of more than 70 professionals. The company now powers over 20 mobility offerings including BMW, the UC Berkeley, UCSF, 3M, and SouthWest Transit.
©2017 RideCell is a registered trademark of RideCell, Inc. Other brand names may be trademarks of their respective owner(s). Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
RideCell Media Contact:
Kacey Heller
[email protected]
415.277.4917
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WiserTogether empowers people through Actionable Treatment Guidance with its new Solution, “Return to Health®”
BOSTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — WiserTogether today announces a relaunch of the company’s healthcare treatment platform for its enterprise clients and their employees, members and patients. The new flagship solution, Return to Health®, also introduced as a mobile app, empowers health consumers to improve their decision-making leading to greater adherence and decreased cost. Return to Health® integrates clinical guidelines, exclusive consumer preference ratings, cost transparency, and return to health timeline data with the specific condition and attributes of the user. The solution synthesizes this vast array of data into Best, Good and Poor treatment categories, enabling the individual to understand, act and adhere to the most appropriate next step on their road to improved health. WiserTogether’s Return to Health® automates the steps necessary to act on their treatment choices and facilitates a true Shared Decision Process with their provider.
The Return to Health® platform was launched in January 2017 and half of the WiserTogether client base has already chosen to launch the enhanced tool. Clients who have implemented are seeing an average increase of 62% in their population’s utilization and engagement.
By delivering understandable and actionable treatment guidance insights to individuals, WiserTogether clients enable their employees, members and patients to make informed decisions and to engage in a more effective shared interaction with their providers, facilitating improved outcomes, reduced costs and a faster return to health.
“With the exponential growth of clinical treatment information available online, some appropriate and some not, it is increasingly challenging for individuals to determine what the most appropriate treatment options are for them,” said Max Kahn, WiserTogether CEO. “We are excited about the capabilities within the Return to Health® platform to effectively guide people to the right treatments for them and facilitate the steps to return to health, leading to better outcomes and lower costs for our clients.”
“Enabling individuals and populations to be knowledgeable about their treatment options and an equal partner in the treatment decision process leads to better compliance, better outcomes and lower costs for everyone,” commented Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7wireVentures. “It is exciting to see the new capabilities within the Return to Health® platform from WiserTogether. The company is positioned to truly guide and empower people, delivering value to organizations responsible for populations.”
Key components of the Return to Health® platform include:
- Available on any platform with its native Mobile Apps for Apple and Android and its cloud-based design.
- Aligns clinical guideline efficacy, consumer preference, cost and return to health timeline data with treatment options for each condition.
- Categorizes each treatment into “Best”, “Good” and “Poor” categories based on the condition identified and specific attributes of the patient/consumer.
- Provides referential information on both the condition and treatment, enabling the consumer to research their condition and treatments as needed.
- Facilitates the “actions” necessary to move forward on the treatments the individual identified. This includes buying supplies for “do it yourself” treatments, scheduling an appointment with the “right” specialty provider in-network, or connecting with tele-health or other facilities as appropriate.
WiserTogether will be attending the RedBrick Health Client Summit May 8-10 in Scottsdale, AZ and the NG Healthcare Summit June 26-28 in Sarasota, FL. For more information or to request a demo of Return to Health®, please contact Scott Leisher at [email protected].
About WiserTogether
WiserTogether is a leader in consumer-focused healthcare information technology solutions that advance clinical outcomes, financial and patient satisfaction results. Our innovative solutions enable consumers to circumvent the immense amount of data on the internet and in the market and effectively guide individuals to the best treatment options for them. To learn more visit https://wisertogether.com.
Media Contact:
Karen Gardner
WiserTogether Public Relations
[email protected]
(617) 549-1909
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Latino Legislators Call On Arkansas Governor To Stop String Of Executions Scheduled For Next Week
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), called on Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison to immediately stop the execution of eight human beings that are set to face capital punishment starting on Monday. NHCSL has repeatedly called on Congress and the states to put an end to this inhumane practice, approving a bipartisan resolution last year calling for the end of the death penalty in the United States. In addition, earlier this week, NHCSL joined several organizations from across the ideological spectrum, including their partners at Equal Justice USA, co-signing a letter to Arkansas Governor Hutchison requesting a stay of the 8 pending executions.
NHCSL also recognizes Pfizer’s commitment to the proper use of the medications it manufactures and commends the company for demanding that the Arkansas Department of Corrections return the drugs it uses for lethal injection, as they were improperly sold by a third-party distributor contrary to Pfizer policy.
NHCSL’s stance against the death penalty is based on the clear evidence of bias against Latinos and other minorities in the application of the death penalty, the high costs of death row to tax payers, and the ineffectiveness of capital punishment in reducing crime, among several other reasons. According to the text of the coalition letter: “Racial bias extends far beyond who is sentenced to death. Studies show that when the victim is white, a defendant is more likely to be charged with, and sentenced to, death. Nationally, almost half (47%) of all murder victims since the 1970s are black, but for cases ending in an execution, only 17% of murder victims are black. This is but one piece of the long, familiar story of systemic bias in our criminal justice system.”
“When faith leaders, civil society, the private sector, and citizens of conscience unite behind a just cause, elected leaders should listen. The death penalty has a documented history of being applied arbitrarily, based on racial and ethnic bias, and too often used against the innocent. State-sponsored executions should not happen next week in Arkansas or ever again across our great country,” said NHCSL President, State Representative, Ángel Cruz (PA), adding that: “Latino legislators reiterate our call for an immediate and permanent ban on the death penalty, at the state and federal levels, to prevent the type of irreversible injustice that is the death penalty. We also stand firm behind our belief that the government should devote its scarce resources to prevention and rehabilitation, where taxpayers’ dollars will be more effective.”
A recent Washington Post editorial called the hastily scheduled pending executions in Arkansas a “state-sponsored killing spree” and similarly called on Gov. Hutchison to stop the upcoming executions. Though the state has not executed a prisoner in 12 years, it is set to speed-up the execution of 8 prisoners in 11 days due to the upcoming expiration of the drugs it uses for lethal injections. The Post editorial pointedly stated that “Mr. Hutchinson’s plan is not just unseemly. It is a scenario for subhuman suffering. If the state goes forward, it will be a blot on Arkansas, and on America.”
The likelihood of an innocent person being executed is too high and is increasing, Hispanic state lawmakers also warned. According to the text of NHCSL’s resolution: “…evidence suggests that Latinos have been executed despite possible innocence. Since 1973, more than 150 innocent people have been exonerated and released from death row after having been wrongfully convicted. These men and women collectively spent more than four centuries on death rows throughout the United States.”
The NHCSL resolution further reviews compelling evidence that shows that states without the death penalty consistently record lower rates of crime than those that do apply capital punishment. Further, NHCSL raised concerns over the fact that of the top ten counties that most actively seek the death sentence, all of them have large or majority Latino populations. In fact, the Fair Punishment Project recently released a report outlining death penalty cases in these counties.
The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 390 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.
NPCA: “National Park Week” Celebration Underscores the $12 Billion Need to Restore America’s Parks
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This week, Americans and international visitors will explore the country’s 417 national parks free of charge on the weekends of April 15-16 and April 22-23, in celebration of National Park Week. Awaiting visitors are places that share America’s history, roaring waterfalls and towering mountains – as well as repair needs that affect nearly every park across the country.
This year’s National Park Week caps off a record-breaking year; in 2016, national parks welcomed nearly 331 million visitors, a nearly 7.7 percent increase from the previous year.
But as visitation increases, so does the pressure on park staff and infrastructure. The National Park Service has long been understaffed and underfunded and currently faces nearly $12 billion in needed infrastructure repairs. Without an adequate investment by Congress, park managers do not have enough money to make those repairs. Congress is expected to finalize the budget for this fiscal year later this month, and next month, the president will offer a budget that is expected to undermine national parks’ many budget needs.
“As we celebrate National Park Week, we hope visitors are inspired by the once-in-a-lifetime experiences our parks offer – and leave feeling empowered to speak up for them,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association. “National Park Week provides the opportunity for visitors to become Park Advocates. And one of the best things people can do after their visit is to join National Parks Conservation Association in urging Congress and the Administration to work together to address this challenge so that the Park Service can continue preserving America’s favorite places.”
Legislation recently introduced in Congress, the National Park Service Legacy Act, S. 751, would address the Park Service’s $12 billion maintenance backlog. The bill was introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and has bipartisan support in the Senate.
About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.2 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.