One Year After Government Approval, The Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon Finds Success In Mexico And Along The U.S. Border
GREAT NECK, New York, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spatz FGIA, Inc., www.spatzmedical.com, makers of the Spatz3 Adjustable intragastric balloon, announces that, one year after official government approval, Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloons have met with higher than projected success and acceptance in Mexico. The Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon provides an effective, reversible and less costly alternative to weight loss surgery for individuals who are overweight or obese. This is especially significant due to the high rates of obesity in Mexico. A recent national health survey found that 56% of the population of Mexico City is overweight or clinically obese.
Abraham Renner of Biomedics, Spatz partner in Mexico City, reported, “Up to now, most of the market has been private. However, we see a lot of potential in the public health system, since Mexico has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. In addition, with experienced bariatric physicians working in Mexico, US citizens can take advantage of the warm attention and affordable services offered by bariatric centers along Mexico’s border with California, Arizona and Texas.”
Dr. Jeffrey Brooks, Founder and CEO of Spatz FGIA, Inc. spoke about features that set the Spatz3 balloon apart from its competitors. “We have been quite encouraged by the rapid growth of our market share in Mexico in a relatively short span of time. Both doctors and patients alike appreciate the extra functions afforded by the Spatz3 adjustable balloon. As shown in the recently completed FDA trials, there was a 22% rate of early balloon extraction with the competing Orbera balloon, due to intolerance. The Spatz3 balloon offers the ability to change balloon volume to alleviate intolerance, thereby avoiding the necessity for early extraction. Furthermore, a second wave of weight loss, after midterm balloon volume expansion, is unique to the Spatz3 balloon.”
About Your Company: Spatz FGIA, Inc. is a medical device company that created the next generation gastric balloon for the worldwide obesity epidemic. Now available for commercial use in close to 40 countries, the company’s flagship product, the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System®, offers a unique non-surgical solution for the overweight and obese. The 15-minute out-patient procedure reduces stomach capacity to give patients a feeling of satiety.
Newest national RootMetrics network report rates Verizon #1 again
BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the fifth consecutive testing period, Verizon’s network was rated No. 1 in overall network performance among the four national wireless companies in the United States by RootMetrics in its National Rootscore® Report released today. RootMetrics is an independent mobile analytics firm that uses off-the-shelf consumer smartphones to physically test a wireless network’s capabilities in a number of categories across various geographies.
Scores are based on RootMetrics drive tests – and 6,607 indoor location tests – conducted across 232,000 miles in all 50 states, including 125 metro areas, from July through December 2015. The company evaluated all four U.S. wireless companies in six network performance categories: overall, reliability, speed, data, call, and text performance.
This latest report rated the Verizon Wireless network as first in five categories and tied for first in a sixth. In addition to overall network performance, Verizon was ranked highest for the fifth consecutive testing period in reliability, data and call performance. Verizon also won network speed performance for the fourth consecutive time, and shared a first-place ranking in text performance.
In this report, Verizon improved in Network Reliability and Text RootScore award counts, winning or sharing 272 total State RootScore Awards versus 253 during the 1H 2015 report. Verizon outranks all competitors, ranking first or tied for first with the most wins/ties in six state categories:
- 46 states for Overall Performance (vs. 11 wins/ties for nearest competitors)
- 47 states for Network Reliability (vs. 20 win/ties for nearest competitors)
- 44 states for Data Performance (vs. 9 win/ties for nearest competitors)
- 41 states for Network Speed (vs. 10 win/ties for nearest competitors)
- 45 states for Call Performance (vs. 23 win/ties for nearest competitors)
- 49 states for Text Performance, (including the most outright wins at 10)
“We’re pleased that a 5th straight overall RootMetrics ranking has the Verizon network at the top, but our focus already has turned to winning number six – because our customers depend on us to be even better tomorrow,” said Mike Haberman, vice president-network support for Verizon. “Right now, our teams are assessing how we can enhance network performance across the country.”
“And because we know customers and businesses rely on Verizon to reliably connect more than ever, we’re accelerating our deployment of new technologies to continue to improve our network ahead of growing demand.”
Network reliability is a product of engineering. Verizon continues to enhance its network by aggressively deploying new technology such as LTE Advanced and carrier aggregation – which uses software to combine multiple network channels running on different spectrum bands into one big pipe – to significantly increase sustained speeds for customers. Add in the continuing deployment of small cells and distributed antenna systems, plus expanding XLTE coverage to effectively double the available 4G LTE network bandwidth, and cities nationwide should continue to see faster peak speeds and increased network capacity for data-hungry consumer and business customers.
Verizon’s focus on network also is evident in the newest Metro Area RootScore reports, where Verizon increased its number of total awards. In all, Verizon won or tied for 597 Metro Area RootScore awards. Verizon’s wireless network was also recognized by RootMetrics as earning or sharing the most first place rankings among the nation’s top airports in the second half of 2015, with 25 Data RootScore Awards.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) employs a diverse workforce of 177,700 and generated nearly $132 billion in 2015 revenues. Verizon operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 112 million retail connections nationwide. Headquartered in New York, the company also provides communications and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide.
VERIZON’S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon’s online News Center at www.verizon.com/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
Network rankings based on RootMetrics US National, State, and Airport RootScore Reports, covering July – December 2015. Performance rankings of four mobile networks rely on scores calculated from random samples across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon. Visit www.rootmetrics.com for more details.
Media contact:
Chuck Hamby
908.559.6673
[email protected]
Twitter: @Chucktopia
MPA’s Hot 100 Recognizes Industry Innovation, Names Rick and Patty Arvielo
TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, today announces that Mortgage Professional America (MPA) named their CEO and President, Rick and Patty Arvielo, on their Hot 100 list. MPA is a source of news and analysis for the mortgage industry, geared toward engaging finance professionals with current developing trends.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160216/333828
The Arvielos’ activity includes:
- Patty hosting educational seminars such as the recent “Hispennial Generation: Marketing to el Nuevo Latino” event
- Patty heading MBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, working toward more involvement by women and minorities in the future of mortgage banking
- Rick spearheading the mobilization of New American Funding proprietary technologies, launching their mobile app for Loan Officers, GoGo LO
- Rick’s election to the MAA (Mortgage Action Alliance) steering committee, working to provide insight and help expand the reach of the MAA
- Leading the company in social responsibility, including employee involvement with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mercy House, and Habitat for Humanity
This year, Rick Arvielo led an advocacy campaign at New American Funding on behalf of MORPAC, the Mortgage Bankers Association Political Action Committee, and rallied New American Funding employees to contribute more to MORPAC than any other company in the history of the association. Patty Arvielo continues to gain traction in the Latino market through the company’s multicultural division and Latino Focus Committee, whose stated mission is to identify and address challenges undeserved markets face in their pursuit of homeownership while enhancing the quality of their lending experience.
Since 2003, the Arvielos have led New American Funding to rapid, sustainable growth. In 2015, the company nearly doubled their 2014 total dollar volume, opened 27 new retail branches across the nation, and was recognized by Inc.5000 for their tremendous growth.
To learn more about New American Funding’s leadership and industry activism visit http://teamnewamerican.com/
About New American Funding
New American Funding is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement and VA Automatic mortgage lender. The company is licensed in multiple states across the nation, has over 100 branch locations and offers a variety of purchase home loan and refinance loan options, including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.newamericanfunding.com
NBC UNIVERSO Reveals The 16 Cheftestants Who Compete On The First Season Of “Top Chef Mexico” Premiering This Thursday, February 18 At 9pm/8c
MIAMI, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, today revealed the names of the 16 cheftestants who battle it out on “Top Chef Mexico” premiering Thursday February 18 at 9pm/8c. The 13-episode competition series based on Bravo’s international franchise Top Chef is hosted by actress, Ana Claudia Talancón and is produced by Cinemateli Content.
The competing chefs are divided into four groups and are evaluated by Judges and world-renowned chefs Guillermo González Beristáin, Aquiles Chávez, Martha Ortíz and Juantxo Sánchez. The success of each cheftestant is based on four elements: talent, intelligence, technique and luck.
In the first episode, each competing chef must create a dish inspired by their own cultural roots. Special guest judge Guy Santoro judges their technique and ultimately decides who remains in the competition. The final elimination cuts two Cheftestants, who are forced to pack their knives and go home.
Below, the complete list of Cheftestants:
Adria Marina: Tijuana, BC / Chef Owner of Foodtruck Don Ramen y Azarosa
Adriana Cavita: México City / Private Chef
Alejandra García: Tijuana, BC / Chef Owner of Alejandra García Asesorías & Catering
Andrea Martínez: Monterrey, Nuevo León / Chef Owner of Comuna
Christian Bravo: Puebla/ Chef at Christian Bravo Catering and Hotel Casa Lecanda in Mérida, Yucatán
Eduardo Morali: México City /Chef Owner of Eloise and Loretta
Fernando Martínez: Uruapan, Michoacán / Executive Chef at Yubán in México City
Irving Quiroz: Toluca Estado de México / Independent Pastry Chef at Chocosolutions in Monterrey, Nuevo León
Jose Miguel García: Ciudad de México/ Chef Owner of La Barraca Valenciana
Katsuji Tanabe: Los Angeles/ Chef Owner of Mexikosher
Kori Sutton: Los Angeles/ Private Chef
Manuel Moralo: Badajoz, España / Chef Owner de AliOli, Paellas & Tapas en la Ciudad de México
Matteo Salas:Milán, Italia /Chef at Aperi in San Miguel de Allende
Pía Quintana: Ciudad de México / Executive Chef at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in Los Cabos, BCS
Rodolfo Castellanos: Oaxaca/Chef Owner of Restaurante Origen
Sergio Howland: México City/Chef Owner of Ostrería Amici y Brunella Brewing Co. in Hermosillo, Sonora
The competitors live throughout six weeks, isolated from their homes and restaurants, in an exclusive hotel next to the Alameda Central, one of the most emblematic plazas of Mexico City. Each episode is broadly comprised of two culinary challenges, a quick fire and elimination. The Quick-fire Challenge is designed to test the Chef’s culinary skills under pressure and the Elimination Challenge determines which Chefs move on in the competition.
The winner of “Top Chef Meixco” wins a cash prize of $1,000,000 Mexican pesos and a feature in Travel & Leisure Mexico.
Foodies can start engaging on social media using the hashtag #TopChefMex and find more content about the show in Spanish on NBC UNIVERSO’s Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/nbcuniverso and https://www.facebook.com/TopChefTV.
To obtain additional information, fans can also visit http://www.nbcuniverso.com/shows/top-chef-mexico.
In addition to enjoying the episodes on TV, subscribers of NBC UNIVERSO on participating cable, satellite, and telco services can also preview episodes of “Top Chef México” on Video on Demand, as well as on www.nbcuniverso.com and the NBC UNIVERSO NOW app by entering the subscriber’s log-in information.
To find NBC UNIVERSO on your satellite, telco or cable TV channel lineup, go to Channel 410 on DIRECTV; Channel 838 on DISH Network; Channel 3009 or 3010 on AT&T U-verse; and visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentra for the NBC UNIVERSO channel number on your local cable TV listings.
About NBC UNIVERSO
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy, emotional programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL, Premier League and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com).
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National Network of Hispanic Mentors in Nursing Unveiled
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Building on the success of its campaign Hispanics in Nursing launched in 2015, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and Hispanic Communications Network-La Red Hispana announced the second phase of a national bilingual campaign to increase diversity in nursing. This year’s campaign includes the launch of public service-style radio messages featuring true stories and personal experiences of 21 real-life nursing students who seek to inspire Hispanic students to seriously consider the possibility of pursuing a nursing career. “Our 21 NAHN role models took time while in nursing school to volunteer and share their personal stories of challenges and solutions, for which we are grateful” said Angie Millan, DNP, RN, FAAN, Project Director of the grant. “NAHN is delighted to partner with HCN for a second year to feature these nursing students in the role model radio and video interviews.”
“Hispanics in Nursing was designed to address the educational and professional disparities in the healthcare field, increasing the exposure of successful Hispanic role models in the nursing profession”, said NAHN President, Daniel M. Suarez, MA, RN.
The goal of the five-year campaign is to inform Hispanic men and women of all ages about careers in the field of health, especially in nursing, as well as the requirements for completion. Although it is aimed at Spanish speakers, many materials and resources will be offered in both English and Spanish.
“The campaign highlights the profiles of nursing students and access to Hispanic nurses who can be personal and professional mentors along the entire educational route to a career in nursing. This initiative provides an unprecedented level of support”, said Alison Rodden, CEO of Hispanic Communications Network.
Nursing mentors share the same passion, dedication and commitment to service that has made them successful not only personally, in many cases as role models for other family members, but also in a professional and economical sense because nursing is a career that offers professional flexibility and a good salary.
The interviews will not only be available at www.hispanicsinnursing.org but also in bilingual format at www.carrerasenenfermeria.org. Prospective nursing students can access contact information for qualified nursing professionals willing to serve as mentors.
About National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
NAHN National Association of Hispanic Nurses® is a non-profit professional association committed to the promotion of the professionalism and dedication of Hispanic nurses by providing equal access to educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic nurses. NAHN is also dedicated to the improvement of the quality of health and nursing care of Hispanic consumers. Founded in 1975, today NAHN’s community of members, supporters and social followers is 5,000 and growing. Follow NAHN on Twitter @NAHNNursing.
About Hispanic Communications Network (HCN) – La Red Hispana
Hispanic Communications Network (HCN)-La Red Hispana is a mission-driven media and cause marketing organization based in Washington, DC. HCN serves as the largest producer of media content with an educational focus to improve quality of life for Spanish-speaking consumers in the United States. HCN’s primary mission since 1982 has been the production of daily radio programming on issues such as immigration, health, finance, the environment, workforce development, civic engagement, and information relevant to Hispanic public education and outreach campaigns. The company’s digital affiliate network launched in the fall of 2015. For more information visit hcnmedia.com and laredhispana.org.
Contact: Mercy Padilla
(202) 360-4112
[email protected]
MoneyGram Foundation Pledges Support to Victims of Natural Disasters and Catastrophic Events
DALLAS, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The MoneyGram Foundation is proud to announce that it will support emergency response efforts initiated by AmeriCares and Save the Children in 2016.
“MoneyGram recognizes that when disasters strike, preparedness is essential,” said Pamela H. Patsley, MoneyGram International’s executive chairman. “We are committed to helping those affected by natural disasters and catastrophic events throughout the world. We know that pledging our support early in the year will give Save the Children and AmeriCares the resources to quickly and effectively provide help wherever it’s most needed in 2016.”
The MoneyGram Foundation joins AmeriCares as an Annual Emergency Response Partner for 2016. The foundation also supported AmeriCares’ disaster relief efforts in 2015. AmeriCares is an emergency response and global health organization that meets the immediate health needs of disaster survivors, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities. The funds raised through Annual Emergency Response Partners like MoneyGram enable AmeriCares to sustain preparedness initiatives necessary to launch swift and effective responses to about 30 disasters and humanitarian crises every year.
Additionally, the MoneyGram Foundation continues its relationship with Save the Children by supporting the Children’s Emergency Fund. The foundation has previously worked with Save the Children through educational grants. Save the Children is a global leader in child-focused humanitarian response that encompasses lifesaving relief, recovery, and preparedness. Its highly trained, on-the-ground teams also provide disaster-risk-reduction initiatives to build the resiliency of families and local communities. The Children’s Emergency Fund offers Save the Children immediately available funds to act quickly and strategically when a crisis occurs.
Through these organizations, the MoneyGram Foundation provides relief in the immediate wake of a disaster. This is consistent with the foundation’s mission to make a real and meaningful impact around the world by improving the lives of children, families and communities.
To learn more about the MoneyGram Foundation and the projects it supports, please visit moneygramfoundation.org.
About MoneyGram Foundation
MoneyGram established the MoneyGram Foundation in 2012 to help children around the world gain access to educational facilities and learning resources. Its mission is firmly rooted in the belief that education is at the heart of better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment. The MoneyGram Foundation is focused on inspiring minds and improving lives and grants funds to deserving organizations with this mission in mind. To learn more, please visit moneygramfoundation.org or connect with us on Facebook.
About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.
Media Contact:
Michelle Buckalew
[email protected]
+1 214-979-1418