Informed Puerto Rico Travelers Take Recommended Zika Precautions And Enjoy Worry-Free Experience

May 12, 2016

More than 60 Groups and Conventions visited Puerto Rico in March and April (Photo Credit: Meet Puerto Rico)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With more than 60 groups and conventions visiting Puerto Rico during the months of March and April, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) remains confident that with a robust information and education campaign about Zika, tourism, Puerto Rico’s economic engine, will be resilient. Although there have been some future group cancellations over the next two years the PRTC is anticipating that the tide will be stemmed, banking on educated consumers.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/PUERTO-RICO-TOURISM-Zika-Testimonial-Dr-Larry-W-Anderson.mp4

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160512/366968

“Accurate information about Zika is the key to making educated decisions about visiting Puerto Rico,” said Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director, PRTC. “We have an obligation to provide the real facts about the virus and trust that travelers will not let perceptions drive travel decisions. Once they put it into perspective, we feel certain that Puerto Rico will continue to attract visitors from around the world who will enjoy a worry-free experience”.

Thousands of doctors, hundreds of marketers, dozens of CEOs, and other groups including nurses, meteorologists and sports enthusiasts hit the island for both business and leisure over the last eight weeks.

“[W]e found the precautions were no different than what we would do anywhere else under normal circumstances,” said Dr. Larry W. Anderson, DO, FACOFP dist, who recently attended the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Spring Convention in San Juan. “[T]he city of San Juan and the hotels and the restaurants have been very intentional of making sure that there is no place for mosquitos to hatch, to lay eggs, or to breed. And we’ve found it very pleasant.”

Don Welsh, President and CEO, Destination Marketing Association International commented, “On behalf of our industry association, I would say that we were extremely pleased with the experience here in San Juan…and we look forward to coming back, if not with this meeting with another meeting, and we’ll come back also as tourists.”

The PRTC has launched an educational website PuertoRicoNow.SeePuertoRico.com to arm travelers with the most current information about Zika and Puerto Rico, so they are better able to decipher reality from perception, make fact-based travel plans and choose Puerto Rico as their go-to destination.

Letter Carriers’ 24th Annual Food Drive set for Saturday, May 14 throughout nation

May 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 24^th annual food drive this Saturday, May 14. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community.

Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable goods next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on May 14. Letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food agencies. Visit www.nalc.org/food to learn more.

It’s the nation’s largest single-day food drive and 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.

With the economic struggles many Americans face, the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is as critical as ever. Hunger affects about 50 million people around the country, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.

“As letter carriers, we are honored to be able to help people in need,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “On a daily basis we see the struggles in the communities we serve, and we believe it’s important to do all we can to help.”

People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, peanut butter, rice or cereal, next to their mailbox before the regular mail delivery on Saturday. The nation’s 175,000 letter carriers will collect the donations and bring them to local food banks, pantries or shelters. National partners assisting the NALC in the food drive are: U.S. Postal Service, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, United Way Worldwide, United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, Valpak and Valassis.

This year’s effort includes a public service announcement with award-winning actor and director Edward James Olmos. Television networks and stations can use this link to find and download high-quality 30- and 60-second versions of the PSA, in English and Spanish.

In its 23 years, the Letter Carrier food drive has collected more than 1.4 billion pounds of food, and in each of the last 12 years it has collected more than 70 million pounds. The goal this year is to build on that success, given the continuing problem of hunger in the United States.

People who have questions about the drive in their area should ask their letter carrier, contact their local post office, or go to nalc.org/food, facebook.com/StampOutHunger or twitter.com/StampOutHunger.

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://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110406/DC78673LOGO

PhRMA Member Companies Invested $58.8 Billion in R&D in 2015

May 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America’s (PhRMA) member companies invested an estimated $58.8 billion in research and development (R&D) in 2015, up 10.3 percent from 2014. New R&D data based on findings from the 2016 PhRMA annual member survey released today in the 2016 Biopharmaceutical Research Industry Profile and corresponding industry chart pack, Biopharmaceuticals In Perspective, highlight the wide-reaching impact of PhRMA member companies on the economy and biopharmaceutical innovation.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091027/PHRMALOGO

In the United States, the biopharmaceutical industry is a driver of economic growth and global competitiveness, and it is the most research-intensive sector of the U.S. economy, investing on average six times more in R&D as a percentage of sales than all other manufacturing industries. The sector also accounted for an estimated 17 percent of all U.S. business R&D spending, the largest share of R&D spending by U.S. businesses. Overall, PhRMA member companies alone represented the majority of all biopharmaceutical R&D spending in the United States.

“Investing more than half a trillion dollars in R&D since 2000, our member companies remain tireless in their commitment to driving innovation and delivering greater value than ever before,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. “It is through this increased R&D that the U.S. biopharmaceutical industry continues to lead the world in the development of new medicines to address unmet medical needs of patients.”

Long-term R&D investments made by the biopharmaceutical industry have led to more medicines in clinical development than ever before, more than 7,000 medicines globally. From 2000 to 2015, more than 550 new medicines were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – including a record 56 new medicines in 2015. Given just 12 percent of medicines in clinical trials ever make it to patients, it is critical we have pragmatic, pro-innovation policies to sustain the long-term investments needed to develop tomorrow’s cures.

Each day, PhRMA member companies learn more about different types of diseases and harness scientific advances to discover new treatments and cures for patients. As highlighted in the recently released “Medicines in Development for Rare Diseases,” the biopharmaceutical industry is currently developing more than 560 medicines for patients with rare diseases. The industry is also making strides in the development of treatments for Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease, among other devastating conditions. This progress underscores the need for public policies that maintain a health care system that recognizes the value of medicines and incentivizes researchers to continue to develop new treatments and cures for patients.

The 2015 R&D numbers reflect investment made by PhRMA’s 31 member companies.

About PhRMA
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than half a trillion dollars in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $58.8 billion in 2015 alone.

Connect with PhRMA
For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:
www.PhRMA.org
www.FromHopetoCures.org
www.Facebook.com/PhRMA
www.Twitter.com/PhRMA

CONTACT: Holly Campbell
202-835-3460

‘ACES’ Program Puts LA Youth from Disadvantaged Communities on Path to College, Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math

May 12, 2016

Los Angeles high school students enrolled in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Students (ACES) Pathway Program get a head start on college and careers.

LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Emerald Cities Collaborative’s (ECC) commitment to building a sustainable and just economy for the next generation of young people from disadvantaged communities has taken unique form in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Students (ACES) Pathway Program in Los Angeles, where the Washington, D.C-based nonprofit has a local office.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160510/366063

The ACES Pathway Program is giving more than 170 LA-area high schoolers from diverse backgrounds the chance to explore “STEAM” (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) careers by earning community college credit for related courses and gaining hands-on work experience alongside industry professionals during paid summer internships. The college credits are transferrable to campuses within the California State University and University of California systems, giving the students a head start towards a degree. To learn more about ECC’s work to expand economic opportunities for residents of disadvantaged communities in and around LA, please visit http://emeraldcities.org/cities/losangeles.

Win-win-win!
For all those reasons, “ACES is a win-win-win” for young people who might not otherwise find fulfilling, family-supporting careers in the STEAM disciplines – or even attend college at all – says Emerald Cities Los Angeles Program Director Veronica Soto, who oversees ECC’s involvement in the program.

ACES partners with local schools, including Alhambra High School, Legacy STEAM High School, Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, San Gabrielino High School, Mark Keppel High School, SIATech Charter, YouthBuild-Boyle Heights and 5 Keys Charter.

Participating campuses within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) – where ACES students take courses in engineering, surveying, building information modeling (BIM), robotics, geographical information system (GIS) mapping and design by computer – include East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles City College and Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

In addition to financial and staff support from Emerald Cities Los Angeles, ACES receives staff support from the LACCD’s $6.2 billion Build Program – a community economic development program emphasizing local business and local hire participation – and in-kind support in the form of classroom space at the Boyle Heights Technology YouthSource Center, part of a citywide program offering job skills training, tutoring, college preparation and other services.

No Barriers
ACES creates academic pathways regardless of participants’ GPAs and socio-economic challenges by employing a collaborative, proactive case management approach that engages high school principals and teachers, community college faculty and administrators, charter school executive directors and counselors at Boyle Heights Youth Technology Center.

Besides the introductory STEAM-related college courses, field trips to construction sites and universities and work-related seminars prepare ACES students for summer internships with industry partners.

To ensure a pathway to union apprenticeship upon high school graduation, students also are enrolled in apprenticeship preparation training conducted by YouthBuild-Boyle Heights, which uses the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) created by the National Building and Construction Trades Council.

Diversity, Mentoring, Doing it All
“The ACES Program aims to increase the diversity of students pursuing academic pathways in the design and construction disciplines and to develop mentoring between industry professionals and students,” Soto observes. “Seminars focusing on topics such as work-readiness and financial literacy gear up ACES students for their summer internship experiences,” she added.

ACES participants such as STEAM Legacy High School senior and scholar-athlete Ricardo Marquina do it all, juggling a full high school class schedule plus at least one college course, as well as extracurricular activities. Active in football, volleyball and the yearbook staff, Marquina is also a member of the National Honor Society with plans to major in engineering.

During his paid internship last summer at the LACCD Build Program, Marquina worked on BIM files alongside an office architect, among other tasks. “Through ACES, I learned to use auto-cad, sketch-up and other software,” he said. “The college classes benefited me because engineers are using these software programs.”

He added, “Also, I’ve got some experience working in a project office that will help me in the future. The challenging part for me was working in the office, because I wasn’t used to working in an environment where everyone is quiet doing their work.”

A Transformative Program
STEAM Legacy High School Principal Carla Barrera-Ortiz said ACES “has transformed our school’s culture and academic program by giving our students direct access to college-level coursework, workforce development and hands-on training through paid internship opportunities.

“Because of the ACES program,” she continued, “student enrollment at Legacy STEAM H.S. has increased by over 45 percent since we opened in 2012. ACES has helped our school create a direct pipeline into the architecture, construction and engineering career pathways within a community that has historically been under-represented in the STEM fields.”

Delivering on the Promise
Following its recent accreditation review, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges “recognized and celebrated ACES as a dynamic program that delivers its promise to increase college and career readiness for our STEAM students,” Barrera-Ortiz added. “This partnership is helping STEAM High School realize its vision and mission, as promised to our students and their families.”

Soto said that upon securing the necessary funding, ACES will be expanded to other Los Angeles regions, specifically South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Emerald Cities Collaborative (www.emeraldcities.org) is a national nonprofit network of organizations working together to advance a sustainable environment while creating economic opportunities for all. ECC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and works in a number of “Emerald Cities” nationwide with local and national partners that bring resources and expertise from the community, labor, business and government sectors.

CONTACT: Ronnie Kweller, [email protected], 202-688-0880, 202-276-9327

Jason Resendez, Director of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Latino Network, Appointed to AT&T’s Advisory Panel on Access and Aging

May 12, 2016

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s announced that Jason Resendez, Director of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Latino Network and the LatinosAgainstAlzheimer’s Coalition, will join AT&T’s Advisory Panel on Access and Aging as an external advisor.

AT&T’s Advisory Panel on Access and Aging (AAPAA) is composed of national leaders in assistive technology, aging and cross-disability issues. It provides advice and counsel to AT&T’s subsidiaries, affiliates and leadership teams regarding issues of mutual interest. The panel discusses relevant areas of overlap between technology and disability as it relates to AT&T products and services.

“Jason’s experience working at the intersections of Latino aging issues, community engagement and technology access will inform our efforts to empower our customers to live independently through accessible technology solutions,” said Mark Balsano, AT&T Deputy Chief Accessibility Officer. “This commitment becomes even more important in the face of growing health challenges like dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Resendez leads the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Latino Network and the LatinosAgainstAlzheimer’s Coalition, the nation’s first-ever national coalition of Latino organizations working together to address Alzheimer’s growing impact on the Latino community. Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to get Alzheimer’s than non-Hispanic whites and, on average, present symptoms seven years earlier than other communities. Further, Latinos are disproportionately represented in the older age groups most at risk of Alzheimer’s.

Resendez spearheads opinion leadership outreach, coalition management and patient and caregiver advocacy. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is dedicated to ensuring that the race for an Alzheimer’s cure is inclusive of Latino priorities, voices and advocates.

“From brain health research to caregiving support, technology can be a tool for addressing the myriad of challenges and opportunities that aging presents for consumers, society and the economy,” said Resendez. “I’m proud to work hand-in-hand with an industry leader like AT&T to address these challenges through innovative technology solutions for families struggling with diseases like Alzheimer’s.”

###

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is an innovative non-profit organization demanding – and delivering – a solution to Alzheimer’s. Driven by the suffering of millions of families, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s presses for greater urgency from government, industry, and the scientific community in the quest for an Alzheimer’s cure – accomplishing this through effective leadership, collaborative advocacy, and strategic investments.

Contact: Tim Tassa
Phone: 202-263-2580
Email: [email protected]

(Español) State Farm® pagó $118 millones, un récord en reclamos por lesiones relacionadas con perros en 2015

May 12, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Tobacco Free Florida Exposes The Risks Of Secondhand Smoke

May 12, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed May 8 -14 as Tobacco Free Florida Week and to celebrate, the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program is launching a new initiative, Secondhand Smoke Exposed, to educate Floridians about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7829951-tobacco-free-florida/

This year’s theme, Secondhand Smoke Exposed, focuses on exposing the truth about the common myth that secondhand smoke is harmless. The fact is that breathing even small amounts can be dangerous.¹

“Since 1964, approximately 2,500,000 non-smokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “We want all residents and their family members to live long and healthy lives; it is important for everyone to know that smoking affects more than just the user.”

May is also Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and tobacco smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers.² Children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke are likely to experience more frequent and more severe attacks, which can put their lives in danger.³ In fact, more than 40 percent of children who go to the emergency room for asthma attacks live with smokers.⁴

Despite the growing trend of smoke-free policies and the substantial decrease of smokers in the state, many of Florida’s most vulnerable are still involuntarily affected by secondhand smoke, which has hundreds of toxic chemicals including about 70 that are known to cause cancer.⁵ Secondhand smoke greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, which is Florida’s number-one cancer killer.⁶ Each year, primarily due to secondhand smoke exposure, an estimated 7,300 non-smoking Americans die of lung cancer.⁷

Florida residents benefit from the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA), which was amended in 2003 to prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces. The Florida Department of Health has a dedicated phone line (1-800-337-3742) where you can report violations to the FCIAA. Floridians can help protect themselves and their families by reporting unlawful smoking, while making the state an even better place to live.

If you smoke, the best thing you can do to protect your loved ones is to quit. Floridians who want to quit smoking are encouraged to use Tobacco Free Florida’s free and proven-effective services. More information is available at tobaccofreeflorida.com.

*Editor’s Note: Tobacco Free Florida’s assistance with local tobacco free policy efforts are not lobbying, but are services to build awareness and support of jurisdictional voluntary initiatives to improve the health of Floridians.

About Tobacco Free Florida Week

The eighth annual Tobacco Free Florida Week takes place from May 8-14. Join the conversation on social media using #SecondhandSmokeExposed.

About Tobacco Free Florida

The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to use one of the state’s three ways to quit. Since 2007, more than 137,000 Floridians have successfully quit, using one of these free services. To learn more about Tobacco Free Florida and the state’s free quit resources, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006.
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma: Common Asthma Triggers [last updated 2012 Aug 20; accessed 2014 May 5].
³ Surgeon General: The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA; 2006.
⁴ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ―The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General.‖ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006.
⁵ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010.
⁶ American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2012. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2012.
⁷ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014.

ACDelco Marks a Century of Aftermarket Leadership

May 11, 2016

GRAND BLANC, Mich., May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On May 11, 1916, General Motors founder William C. “Billy” Durant assembled a dream team of premium automotive brands into a new company called United Motors Corporation – the forerunner of ACDelco – to provide a single source for service and replacement parts to the growing number of car buyers.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160511/366428LOGO

Today, ACDelco is celebrating its 100^th birthday not only by reflecting on its deep heritage, but planning its future as the automotive industry is being transformed again. The brand that flew over the Atlantic with Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart; on the racetrack with Dale Earnhardt and into outer space on Apollo moon missions is leveraging its GM roots to understand the advanced powertrains, telematics and technologies that will reshape the future for everyday motorists.

“No business achieves this kind of a milestone by itself, and we’re grateful for the support of our parts customers and employees who’ve helped make ACDelco what it is today,” said Robert Sanford, general director, ACDelco. “We’re honored that so many insist on using ACDelco parts, and we’re looking forward to another 100 years of aftermarket leadership.”

Since its birth in Flint, Mich., ACDelco – the true GM Original Equipment aftermarket parts brand – has evolved into a global force in the automotive aftermarket. Its catalog of more than 90,000 parts across 37 lines undergoes rigorous testing and validation cycles to ensure quality, fit, form and function.

In addition to premium parts, ACDelco was among the first aftermarket providers to focus on the importance of training technicians on proper installation techniques. Another earlier iteration of ACDelco – United Motors Service – offered its first course in automotive air conditioning repair in the 1970s, at each of its 30 GM Training Centers across the U.S.

ACDelco is marking its centennial several ways: by honoring its top Professional Service Center stores; giving 100 scholarships to future technicians attending GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) college programs; and helping families in need during Day of Service events throughout the country. During the Day of Service events, ACDelco will partner with the GM Foundation and Safe Kids to perform repairs and offer child seat safety inspections free of charge.

Top Shops: Through July 30, ACDelco is accepting nominations for its Top Shops contest, which will reward members of ACDelco’s Professional Service Center (PSC) program who practice the best service, customer care and community engagement.

Five Grand Prize winners – and their guests – will win a trip to Las Vegas and receive special recognition by ACDelco at the Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) show, Oct. 31 through Nov. 3. Visit acdelcopsctopshops.com for more information and nomination requirements.

“100 Years, 100 Futures”: ACDelco is investing in the next generation of technicians by teaming up with the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) to distribute 100 scholarships to students pursuing careers as automotive technicians.

The scholarships will help defray the costs of college for students enrolled in the GM ASEP program, which combines classroom and real-world, paid internships at sponsoring GM dealerships and independent ACDelco PSC program shops.

Beginning this month, five scholarship recipients will be announced weekly through GM ASEP and ACDelco social media channels, emails and newsletters.

ACDelco Day of Service: ACDelco is using its centennial to help give back to the local communities it serves. During the week of May 11 – in 17 cities across the U.S. – ACDelco will partner with the GM Foundation, local chapters of Safe Kids Worldwide and its PSC program shops to help families in need repair their vehicles. Follow ACDelco’s Facebook page to learn more about these events as they happen.

Watch ACDelco Make History Again: Visit ACDelco.com/100years to learn more about ACDelco’s history and plans for the next 100 years.

ACDelco is the exclusive Original Equipment parts brand for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, as well as provider of premium aftermarket parts for most other makes and models. Other available applications include off-road, marine and industrial. With a century of history behind it and nearly 90,000 parts across 37 product lines, ACDelco is the preferred choice of professional technicians and do-it-yourselfers around the world. To find an ACDelco Professional Service Center program participant or parts retailer, visit acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDELCO. Find ACDelco on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

May 12 Forum Explores Pre-K Age 4 Learning Standards Across the Nation

May 11, 2016

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Educational Testing Service (ETS) will release and discuss a new report “Exploring Pre-K Age 4 Learning Standards and Their Role in Early Childhood Education: Research and Policy Implications.” Authors Andrea DeBruin-Parecki and Carly Slutzky will offer updates and new insights about current pre-K learning standards. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/DC33419LOGO

Ensuring a strong start for our earliest learners is at the forefront of many policymakers’ minds, but how do states define what young children need to learn before kindergarten? Currently in the United States, 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia have established prekindergarten (pre-K) age 4 learning standards that are intended to outline skills and knowledge that set children on a path to success in kindergarten and later on. These standards are a centralizing force in early childhood education, providing a bridge between preschool and the elementary grades.

The report reviews the development and history of pre-K standards, differences across state standards, alignment of standards, impact of standards on teachers, and consideration of national pre-K learning standards.

WHO:

Andrea DeBruin-Parecki, Principal Research Project Manager, ETS Early Childhood Research and Assessment Center.
Carly Slutzky, Senior Research Associate, ETS Early Childhood Research and Assessment Center.
Steven Hicks, Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
Judith Walker, the Early Learning Branch Chief for the Division of Early Childhood Development at the ‎Maryland State Department of Education.
Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, President of the National Alliance for Hispanic Families.

When: Thursday, May 12
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (lunch provided)

Where: ETS
1800 K Street NW, Ninth Floor
Washington, DC 20006

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

State Farm® Paid Record $118 Million for Dog-Related Injury Claims in 2015

May 11, 2016

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois, May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — One of the most traumatizing accidents that can happen to anyone is being bitten or injured by man’s best friend. Dog-related injuries result in physical and emotional scars to the victim. For the dog, it can result in abandonment or euthanasia. Last year State Farm paid a record $118 million as a result of 3,100 dog-related injury claims. Over the past decade, the insurer has paid nearly $1 billion for claims resulting from accidents involving a dog. While the number of dog-related injury claims paid by State Farm decreased 9.6% between 2014 and 2015, the amount paid for dog-related injury claims by State Farm increased 3.4%.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/72928512-state-farm-dog-bite-prevention-2016/

While an overwhelming majority of interactions with dogs don’t result in injury, most dog bites could be prevented by practicing responsible pet ownership. National Dog Bite Prevention Week®, led by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is May 15-21, 2016. State Farm and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition have joined forces to educate adults and children about ways to reduce dog-related injuries.

State Farm: Top 10 States for Dog-Related Injury Claims in 2015

State	Number of Dog-Related Injury Claims	Amount Paid for Dog-Related Injury Claims
1. California	383 claims	$18.3 million
2. Illinois	338 claims	$11.2 million
3. Texas	165 claims	$4.9 million
4. Pennsylvania	161 claims	$4.8 million
5. Ohio	149 claims	$4.8 million
6. New York	147 claims	$6.2 million
7. Michigan	126 claims	$3.7 million
8. Georgia	114 claims	$4.2 million
9. Indiana	110 claims	$4.2 million
10. Minnesota	101 claims	$3.6 million

Source: State Farm – Homeowner, Renter, Farm & Ranch, and Commercial property claims

State Farm does not ask what breed of dog is owned when writing homeowner or renters insurance. Under the right circumstances, any dog might bite, regardless of breed. That is why the insurer works closely with internationally renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell to focus on educating individuals about responsible dog ownership and safely interacting with dogs.

“Educating the general public about dog bite prevention is more vital than ever,” says Stilwell. “As a dog behavior expert and someone who also understands the pain and trauma of a serious bite, I fully support the need to raise awareness and stop these incidents from occurring.”

Children make up more than 50% of all dog bite victims. The elderly and home service people like mail carriers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims. The US Postal Service reported that 6,500 postal carriers were attacked or bitten by dogs in 2015. That is an increase of nearly 14% compared to reported attacks in 2014. This increase is due in large part to last year’s half-billion package delivery increase stemming from internet sales.

Insurance is an important aspect to being a responsible dog owner. When renting a property make sure to have rental insurance because most landlords do not provide coverage should there be a dog bite incident. If you are a homeowner, talk to your insurance agent about what is covered under a standard homeowner policy related to dogs.

Join State Farm, www.statefarm.com; Victoria Stilwell, www.positively.org; Insurance Information Institute, iii.org; U.S. Postal Service, usps.com; American Humane Association, americanhumane.org; American Veterinary Medical Association, avma.org; and the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org; to drive home the message that dog-related injuries can be prevented by educating children and adults about safely interacting with dogs and reinforcing responsible dog ownership.

About State Farm
The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto, home and individual life insurance in the United States. Its 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve more than 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2015 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

About Victoria Stilwell
Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality, author and public speaker best known as the star of the international hit TV series Greatest American Dog and It’s Me or the Dog, through which she reaches audiences in over 100 countries. The torchbearer for force-free positive reinforcement dog training methods, Stilwell is the Editor-in-Chief of Positively.com and is the CEO of both Victoria Stilwell, Inc. and Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT): the world’s premier global network of positive reinforcement dog trainers. A co-founder of the National Dog Bite Prevention Task Force, Stilwell is also committed to helping the cause of animal rescue and rehabilitation, working closely with organizations around the world to increase awareness about puppy mills, dogfighting, animal abuse, pet overpopulation, dog bite prevention, breed-specific legislation and other animal-related issues. Appearing frequently in the global media, Stilwell is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior. She serves as a National Ambassador for the American Humane Association and is on the Advisory Boards of DogTV, Dognition, RedRover and Canine Assistants. She is also the CEO of the Victoria Stilwell Foundation, providing animal behavior expertise and funding to smaller rescue shelters and positive training-based canine assistance organizations.

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