The #1 TV Drama In The U.S., “The Walking Dead”, Set To Invade Latino Households On Wed., Jan. 20, At 10pm ET/PT On NBC UNIVERSO
MIAMI, Dec. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, announced today the network will premiere the Spanish-language debut of “The Walking Dead” on Wed., Jan. 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Subsequent airings of new episodes dubbed into Spanish will air weekly on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. To view a sneak peek of the series, click here.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7609251-nbc-universo-the-walking-dead/
“The Walking Dead” tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. Following a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, the series explores the challenges of life in a world overrun by “walkers” or zombies. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and willingness to do anything to survive. The worldwide phenomenon has captivated viewers around the globe spreading to more than 120 countries in 33 different languages.
“Opening up the world of The Walking Dead to new audiences who will now be able to immerse themselves in the drama and suspense of the series is incredibly exciting,” said Robert Kirkman. “The show continues to manifest itself in ways beyond my wildest imagination, and I am thrilled for fans to experience it when it’s released on NBC UNIVERSO in the New Year.”
“The Walking Dead is a global phenomenon that transcends cultural barriers and pushes the element of human survival to the limit,” said Bilai Joa Silar, Senior Vice President, Programming & Production, NBC UNIVERSO. “By adding this blockbuster series to our programming lineup we are offering our viewers the opportunity to discover the universe of the zombie apocalypse and to get hooked in their preferred language… Spanish.”
In addition to enjoying the episodes on TV, subscribers of NBC UNIVERSO on participating cable, satellite, and telco services will also be able to view episodes of “The Walking Dead” 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. Fans can start engaging on social media by using the hashtag #TWDenEspañol and find more content about the show in Spanish on NBC UNIVERSO’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nbcuniverso and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nbcuniverso/. Starting in early January, fans also will be able to visit a microsite that will have highlights of The Walking Dead in Spanish.
“The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion serves as Executive Producer. Charles “Chic” Eglee (Dexter, The Shield, Dark Angel) serves as Executive Producer.
The series stars Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs and Steven Yeun.
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.
NBC UNIVERSO is currently available to 40 million households across the U.S. The network is telecast in HD nationwide on DirecTV; Western U.S. markets served by Comcast Xfinity TV; throughout Bright House Networks’ cable television footprint; and select Cox Communications markets.
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).
About AMC
Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade, or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row with “Mad Men,” and six of the last eight with back-to-back honoree “Breaking Bad.” The network boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last three years with “The Walking Dead.” AMC’s current original drama series include “The Walking Dead,” “Better Call Saul,” “Hell on Wheels,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” and the forthcoming “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Broke” and “Preacher.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men” and the upcoming “The West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.
Follow us on Twitter at:
@NBCUNIVERSO @NBCUNIVERSOPR
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dawn Page
786.337.6032
[email protected]
Astrid Rivera
786.337.6031
[email protected]
Main Street Bondholders Launches New Radio Campaign Urging Governor Garcia Padilla to Take Constructive Action during Remaining Tenure
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Main Street Bondholders launches a new radio campaign in Puerto Rico, featuring Main Street Bondholders member Teresa Garcia.
In the ad, Garcia highlights the plight facing all small Puerto Rico bondholders, who stand to lose their life savings. She says:
“I am like thousands of Puerto Ricans that have worked hard and invested our savings in Puerto Rican bonds. We have paid our taxes, and investing in Puerto Rican bonds we help Puerto Rico progress… You are turning your back on us if you don’t pay your obligations.”
Spanish:
“Soy como miles de puertorriqueños que han trabajado fuerte e invertido nuestros ahorros en Bonos de Puerto Rico. Hemos pagado nuestras contribuciones e invirtiendo en Bonos de Puerto Rico hemos ayudado a que Puerto Rico Progrese… Usted está dándonos la espalda si usted no paga sus obligaciones.”
The radio ad urges Governor Garcia Padilla to use his remaining tenure to take constructive action toward working with bondholders and repairing the Island’s financial credibility and transparency.
“Congress has sent a clear message to Governor Garcia Padilla and the Puerto Rican government: ‘Get your house in order,'” said Garcia. “The threat of a Federal Control Board is very real, and the Governor needs to turn his focus to restoring our financial credibility by respecting the Constitution, instilling financial transparency, and continuing to pay obligations on time.”
Listen to the ad on the Main Street Bondholders website.
Main Street Bondholders Coalition is a project of the 60 Plus Association, and is comprised of small bondholders from across America who are committed to a policy process that returns Puerto Rico to sound financial management, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of their retirement savings.
Aeromexico will fly His Holiness Pope Francis during his upcoming visit to Mexico
MEXICO CITY, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At an internal event held to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, Aeromexico announced that it will fly His Holiness Pope Francis during his first apostolic journey to Mexico.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130315/MX77534LOGO
Aeromexico will use two different types of aircraft for the papal flights, including a Boeing 737-800 Sky Interior with 160 passenger seats to fly His Holiness and his entourage to the cities of Morelia and Tuxtla Gutierrez, and a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 243 passenger seats for the trip to Ciudad Juarez, and from there to Ciampino Airport in Rome.
This is the first time a pontiff will travel on board a Boeing 787, an aircraft widely regarded as the most advanced commercial airplane, on his way back to Rome that will last approximately 13 hours.
Aeromexico CEO Andres Conesa spoke at the event and said, “We thank the Holy See and the relevant authorities for trusting us with this special operation. I can assure you that everyone involved will work with the utmost enthusiasm and dedication to make sure that His Holiness Pope Francis enjoys the natural warmth and hospitality that characterize the Mexican people, and the excellence of our service as Mexico’s global airline.”
This will mark the fourth time a pope has flown with Aeromexico, as the carrier served as the official airline for Pope John Paul II on his visits to Mexico. The first and most symbolic of these visits was held in January 1979 when a DC-10 called “Mexico City” carried the Pope from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to Mexico City, before taking His Holiness back to Rome.
During Pope John Paul II’s second visit, Aeromexico flew the pontiff to different cities in Mexico including Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Monterrey, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, and Zacatecas with one of its MD-88 airplanes, and took the Pope back to Rome on its DC10-30 called Chapultepec Castle.
Lastly, on August 1, 2002, a Boeing 767 christened “Mexico Siempre Fiel” (Mexico, Always Faithful) flew Pope John Paul II back to Rome after his fifth visit to Mexico.
As on previous visits, a team formed by representatives from different Divisions within Aeromexico is working together with the authorities and the pastoral visiting team to make sure that all of the flight services scheduled for the trip are provided with the highest possible level of efficiency and safety.
About Grupo Aeromexico
Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide commercial aviation services in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights from its main hub in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its route network spans over 80 cities on three continents including 46 destinations in Mexico, 16 in the United States, 16 in Latin America, three in Europe, three in Canada and two in Asia.
The Group’s fleet around 130 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777 and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 145, 170, 175 and 190 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 MAX 737 airliners and ten 787-9 Dreamliners.
As a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 178 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 636 premium airport lounges around the world.
Aeromexico also offers travel options through its code share partners Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, LAN, TACA and TAM with extensive connectivity in countries like Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
Nominees Announced For The 2016 Diversity Volume Leadership Awards
DETROIT, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) and IHS Automotive, part of IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS) and a leading source of critical information and insight to the global automotive industry, today announced the nominees for the first 2016 Diversity Volume Leadership Awards (DVL Awards).
The Diversity Volume Leadership Awards will precede the North American International Auto Show on Sunday, January 10, 2016. The invitation-only awards program, reception and dinner will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Room 410-A at Cobo Center in Detroit.
One of the premier industry events, the DVL Awards will annually celebrate segment leaders. It is the only event of its kind focused on multicultural automotive buyers.
Of the top industry honors presented to automotive manufacturers, nominees for the DVL Awards have demonstrated the highest new vehicle registrations with ethnic, women and millennial consumers. New vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive has been used to determine the nominees based on 2015 model year actual U.S. personal new vehicle registration volumes (October 2014 through September 2015). This year’s awards are based on an analysis of more than 13 million personal new vehicle registrations.
Nominees for the 2016 Diversity Volume Leadership Awards are as follows:
|
Ethnic Volume Leaders by IHS Automotive Regions |
|||
|
Great Lakes Region |
Chevrolet Equinox |
Chevrolet Malibu |
American Honda CR-V |
|
Mideast Region |
American Honda Accord |
American Honda CR-V |
Toyota Motor Sales RAV4 |
|
New England Region |
American Honda Accord |
American Honda Accord |
Toyota Motor Sales RAV4 |
|
Plains Region |
Chevrolet Silverado |
Ford Motor Company F-Series |
Toyota Motor Sales RAV4 |
|
Rocky Mountain Region |
Chevrolet Silverado |
Ford Motor Company F-Series |
RAM Ram |
|
Southeast Region |
American Honda Accord |
Toyota Motor Sales Camry |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
|
Southwest Region |
Chevrolet Silverado |
Ford Motor Company F-Series |
RAM, Ram |
|
Western Region |
American Honda Accord |
American Honda Civic |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
|
Volume Leaders – Millennials and Women |
|||
|
Top Women’s Vehicle |
American Honda Civic |
American Honda CR-V |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
|
Top Women’s Luxury Vehicle |
Buick Encore |
Lexus RX |
Mercedes-Benz, LLC C-Class |
|
Top Ethnic Millennial Vehicle |
American Honda Accord |
Toyota Motor Sales Camry |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
|
Volume Leaders by Ethnic Consumer Group |
|||
|
Top Vehicle – African American |
American Honda Accord |
Nissan North America Altima |
Toyota Motor Sales Camry |
|
Top Vehicle – Hispanic |
American Honda Accord |
American Honda Civic |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
|
Top Vehicle – Asian Pacific Islander |
American Honda Accord |
American Honda CR-V |
Toyota Motor Sales Camry |
|
Top Vehicle – Native American |
Chevrolet Silverado |
Ford Motor Company F-Series |
RAM Ram |
|
Top Luxury Vehicle – African American |
Cadillac SRX |
Lexus ES |
Mercedes-Benz, LLC C-Class |
|
Top Luxury Vehicle – Hispanic |
Lexus IS |
Lexus RX |
Mercedes-Benz, LLC C-Class |
|
Top Luxury Vehicle – Asian Pacific Islander |
Acura MDX |
Lexus RX |
Mercedes-Benz, LLC C-Class |
|
Top Luxury Vehicle – Native American |
Buick Enclave |
Buick Encore |
Buick Verano |
|
Top Overall Ethnic Vehicle (Luxury or Non-Luxury) |
American Honda Accord |
Toyota Motor Sales Camry |
Toyota Motor Sales Corolla |
The Diversity Volume Leadership Awards would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from the following organizations:
|
CORPORATE SPONSORS |
EVENT SPONSORS |
MEDIA SPONSORS |
|
Cox Automotive |
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles |
Black Enterprise |
|
General Motors |
Ford Motor Company |
Latino Magazine |
|
Nissan |
American Honda |
|
|
Toyota Motor Sales |
Hyundai Motor Company |
|
|
Volkswagen Group of America |
Kia Motors America |
|
|
Mercedes-Benz, LLC |
||
|
Mini of North America |
Connect with DVL Awards:
Hashtag: #DVLawards and #DVLawards2016
Website: www.namad.org and www.ihs.com/automotive
Twitter: twitter.com/NAMAD_USA
Facebook: facebook.com/NAMAD_USA-468806139894019
Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/e/automotive-diversity-volume-leadership-awards-tickets 19899329430
About The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers
The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers’ (NAMAD) objective is to pursue the meaningful presence and participation of minority businesses and diverse employees across all aspects of the automotive economic sector, including:
- Increasing the number of minority-owned dealerships in communities across America.
- Advocating workplace and supplier diversity in the automotive manufacturing environment.
- Supporting minority engagement in the automotive retail sales and service sectors.
We are committed to developing strategic relationships and advocating for the advancement of business policies and practices that ensure diversity and economic parity remain a priority in all aspects of the American automotive industry.
NAMAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. For information on National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers visit: www.namad.org
About IHS Automotive (www.ihs.com/automotive)
IHS Automotive, part of IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), offers clients the most comprehensive content and deepest expertise and insight on the automotive industry available anywhere in the world today. With the 2013 addition of Polk, IHS Automotive now provides expertise and predictive insight across the entire automotive value chain from product inception—across design and production—to the sales and marketing efforts used to maximize potential in the marketplace. No other source provides a more complete picture of the global automotive industry. IHS is the leading source of information, insight and analytics in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape. IHS has been in business since 1959 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, IHS is committed to sustainable, profitable growth and employs approximately 8,600 people in 32 countries around the world.
IHS is a registered trademark of IHS Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. © 2015 IHS Inc. All rights reserved.
Help is Here for Hispanic Healthcare Consumers in California
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) announced the launch of a Spanish language version of MyPatientRights.org, an online resource for Hispanic and Latino health care consumers in California who have been denied coverage, experience delays or are dissatisfied with the decisions made by their health plan.
“MyPatientRights.org is critical for any patient,” said Ysabel Duron, founder and CEO of Latinas Contra Cancer. “The stress of living with and treating a chronic disease is difficult enough, facing a cancer diagnosis can be life changing. Often patients and their family hardly know where to turn. It’s doubly helpful now that it’s in Spanish for the types of patients and community members that turn to us for help.”
More than 50 million people in the U.S. identify as Hispanic American and by 2060 that number is expected to double. As the Latino community grows, so will the prevalence of chronic conditions that Hispanics face. In a recent survey by the National Council of La Raza, 60.5 percent of Hispanics surveyed had a chronic disease, which includes diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, among others.
“MyPatientRights.org is a beacon of light in a stormy health care sea, particularly for patients with a chronic condition,” said Liz Helms, president and CEO of the CCCC. “With the future of the nation’s health closely linked to the well-being of the Hispanic and Latino communities, it is imperative they access quality, affordable health care and navigate the complaint system when they are not able to access the specialists or medicines they need.”
MyPatientRights.org includes step-by-step instructions for filing a complaint with a health plan, the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and/or the Department of Insurance (DOI). It also includes testimonials from patients who have experienced lengthy delays or denials.
To date, MyPatientRights.org has collected the following types of complaints:
- Denials to specialists
- Denials to important procedures
- Denials to culturally/linguistically appropriate providers
- Barriers to prescription medicines
- Delays receiving tests for chronic diseases
- Medical bills from out-of-network providers
- Balanced billing issues
“California Latinos face many barriers accessing appropriate care, including cost in time, money, immigration status and language,” said Helms. “MyPatientRights.org fill a critical need, ensuring the biggest risk factors for chronic disease patients within the Hispanic community are addressed through education and information on where, when and how to demand life-saving care.”
Please visit www.MyPatientRights.org for more information.
About The California Chronic Care Coalition
The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) is a unique alliance of more than 30 leading consumer health organizations and provider groups that engage policy makers, industry leaders, providers and consumers to improve the health of Californians with chronic conditions. We envision a system of care that is accessible, affordable and of a high quality that emphasizes prevention, coordinated care and the patient’s wellness and longevity. http://www.chroniccareca.org/
HispanoPost, a new digital platform offering original editorial and video content for the worldwide Spanish-speakers
MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HispanoPost launches this week Hispanopost.com: an emerging online platform distributing editorial and multimedia information, based on investigative and citizen journalism, that provides relevant, rigorous and quality content, highlighting the main topics Spanish-language audiences around the globe feel concerned about.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151215/296365LOGO
The media outlet has been operating in its beta version since the first week of December 2015. Although Miami-based, the platform has a large list of correspondents within the US, Latin America, Spain and Middle East. HispanoPost will provide immediate and reliable access to a broad-based digital audience, concerned about what is happening not only locally but also globally.
“Our main objective is to satisfy the increasing need between the digital audience that understands news throughout the multi-device platform, the quality content and video streaming. HispanoPost will cover information and stories that are not covered by the conventional media. HispanoPost will not be limited to the breaking news formula going beyond the daily current affairs. Drug trafficking, political corruption or immigration issues are an example of the documentaries and features we offer,” says Manuel Aguilera, CEO of HispanoPost.
At HispanoPost, the video becomes the backbone of the digital platform and sets the production of monthly news documentaries as the key goal. For this purpose, the streaming format, the use of drones and the investigative and citizen journalism, will be the main resources that can be found in the mobile application.
According to Aguilera, “HispanoPost is suited to the radical transformation that the media is experimenting in terms of audiences, immediacy and platform offering. HispanoPost is connecting exclusively with an entire generation by combining storytelling with a mobile video platform, making a link between digital users and mobile video viewers.”
Offering more than any other Spanish-language online media, HispanoPost is designed to provide the best original stories, documentaries and reports striking exclusives and high-quality content, without putting aside the political scenario, economy, sports and society, particularly to what is happening in the US, Latin America and Spain.
A big network of experienced journalists, multimedia reporters and native on new technologies are one of the main of the strengths at HispanoPost. Spanish Journalist Manuel Aguilera, former Director of Spanish-language newspapers El Mundo.es/America, Univisión.com and Diario las Américas, leads this engaging editorial project. By his side stand Mark Wieting, Chief Editor of Hispanopost.com and Juan Pablo Herranz, Business Development Director of HispanoPost Media Group, among a large net of worldwide correspondents willing to report ” the other side of news.”
ALCOPOPS: Sweet, Cheap, and Dangerous to Youth
SAN RAFAEL, California, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice and the San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition have published a new report titled: “ALCOPOPS: Sweet, Cheap, and Dangerous to Youth.”
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO
The report traces the transformation of alcopops from their introduction in the 1990s as sweet, bubbly products, to today’s dangerous, “binge-in-a-can,” 23-25-ounce, supersized alcopops with 12-14% alcohol content.
The report describes how the alcohol industry makes alcopops (AKA flavored malt beverages or FMBs) seductively attractive to youth, resulting in harmful consumption. It also suggests how communities can respond effectively to reduce the danger and the harm the products cause.
“Our new report is an urgent call to action to limit the size and alcohol content of alcopops,” stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO, Alcohol Justice. “Alcopops, simply put, promote binge drinking, injury, and death for America’s youth.
Report Findings:
- Alcopops are popular among youth due to their sweet taste, extensive variety of flavors, low price, high alcohol content, and widespread availability.
- Compared to other types of alcohol, alcopops cause disproportionate harm to youth.
Report Recommendations:
- The most effective evidence-based methods of reducing alcopop-related harm among youth are to increase prices, decrease availability, and limit advertising.
- State or local laws to regulate size and alcohol content and off-sale package sizes, bans on single-serve containers, city resolutions, and Alcopop-Free Zones® are promising policies to decrease harm from alcopops.
Alcohol Justice and the San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition invite policymakers, community organizations, parents, educators, elected officials, and anyone with an interest in the health and safety of youth to consider actions and policies to limit alcopops availability. For more information, please contact Jorge Castillo, Advocacy Director, Alcohol Justice: [email protected]
Download an electronic copy of “ALCOPOPS: Sweet, Cheap, and Dangerous to Youth.”
Watch the new report video. Download the new Alcopop Factsheet.
Contact: Michael Scippa 415-548-0492
Jorge Castillo 213-840-3336
Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know It; Are You At Risk?
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it.1 Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050.2 Before Glaucoma Awareness Month begins in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is sharing a list of risk factors that can lead to the disease.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151214/295851
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130405/MM89329LOGO
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which links the eyes to the brain. It is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss in a person’s side vision, then in his or her central vision. With early diagnosis and treatment, sight can be preserved. However, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so it is imperative that people know the risk factors.
Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with glaucoma have a nine times higher risk of developing the disease, according to one study.3
- Older Age: As people age, their risk for glaucoma increases. Because this is the case for several eye diseases, the Academy recommends that adults start getting regular comprehensive eye exams at age 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision. It is important to get comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist, a physician specializing in medical and surgical eye care.
- African, Hispanic or Asian Heritage: People of African and Hispanic heritage are three times more likely to have the most common form of glaucoma than Caucasians. Glaucoma-related blindness is at least six times more prevalent in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans. Additionally, people of Asian heritage are at an increased risk of a sudden and acute form of glaucoma known as angle-closure glaucoma.
- Nearsightedness: People who are nearsighted are more likely to have glaucoma. One study even found that the more severe the nearsightedness, the higher the risk of glaucoma.4
- Type 2 Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes increases risk of glaucoma. The longer a person has lived with diabetes, the greater their risk for glaucoma becomes.
Additionally, when the cornea – the clear, round dome on the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil – is abnormally thin, IOP readings may be falsely low. This puts patients at increased risk for undiagnosed glaucoma. This is common among those who have had refractive surgery, such as LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy. Another risk factor associated with glaucoma is a history of eye trauma.
“Many of my patients are surprised to learn that one or more of these factors put them at an increased risk,” said Andrew Iwach, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and glaucoma specialist. “Being aware of your personal risk of glaucoma is the first step to saving your sight. If you are at risk, get an exam from an ophthalmologist – the sooner you do, the better we can protect you from vision loss.”
Glaucoma treatment ranges from medicated eye drops to a variety of surgeries that can help reduce high IOP. This may involve procedures that make small changes in the eye to help fluid drain more easily. In some cases, small devices knowns as shunts or stents are inserted in the eye to increase the flow of the eye’s fluid.
People age 65 or older and concerned about their eye disease risk may be eligible for a medical eye exam at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America™. In addition, those who are at an increased risk for glaucoma may also qualify for a glaucoma exam through EyeCare America. This public service program from the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need across the United States. To see if you, your friends or family members are eligible, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
To learn more about glaucoma, its risk factors and its treatment, visit www.geteyesmart.org.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the leading membership association of eye physicians and surgeons in the United States and globally. Its 32,000 members are passionate about preserving vision and fighting preventable blindness. They are also educators, humanitarians and advocates for their patients. The Academy is a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy’s EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. For more information, visit www.aao.org.
About EyeCare America™
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2798086/
[2] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/glaucoma
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9869795
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20570359
Lopez Negrete Communications Brings on Colette Peterson as Senior Director of Media Strategies
HOUSTON, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Colette Peterson, formerly of FCB and General Motors Mediaworks, has joined Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. as senior director of media strategies. Peterson has joined to lead the Lopez Negrete media team across Lopez Negrete’s offices in Burbank, CA; Houston, TX; New York City, NY; and Mexico City, Mexico. A veteran of the industry with more than 20 years of experience, Peterson brings her expertise in strategic planning, account management, resource management and more to all Lopez Negrete clients.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151215/296245
Beginning with her work for the Multicultural Group of Western International Media, Peterson has emphasized a complete market approach. Hispanic media has always been at the forefront of Peterson’s career, from the Multicultural Group of Western International Media to her contributions to the General Motors Hispanic team, as well as the Hispanic Media Council for Taco Bell. Her career within the Hispanic segment led her to Lopez Negrete.
“Working in the Hispanic segment is a thrill,” Peterson said, “because we’ve seen and will continue to see changes in the media landscape that will allow us to further reach our targets in previously limited ways. I believe we’ve found a place within the industry that allows a level of sophistication never seen before.”
“We’re proud and excited to welcome Colette Peterson to the agency – and as we do so, we also welcome what I feel is a new era in the agency’s evolution and history,” said Alex López Negrete, president, CEO and co-founder of Lopez Negrete Communications. “As our industry and our consumer continue to evolve and shift beyond an in-language paradigm to one that is also inclusive of an in-culture paradigm, her level of insight and vision will allow us to take our initiatives and our results to an entirely new level for our clients.”
Peterson will be working out of Lopez Negrete’s Burbank facilities, where she will work closely with some of Lopez Negrete’s biggest media clients, such as NBC Universal Motion Pictures Group.
ABOUT LOPEZ NEGRETE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. specializes in providing full-service marketing services to corporations wishing to reach and engage with the Hispanic marketplace in America, and stands as the largest Hispanic, independently owned and operated, full-service agency in the United States. Founded in 1985 by Alex and Cathy López Negrete, the agency offers thought leadership and a full range of marketing, advertising and communications services, including strategic planning, research and consumer insights, media planning and buying, creative, brand strategy, digital/social/mobile marketing services, public relations, and promotions. Award winning throughout a rich, 30-year history, Lopez Negrete counts as clients some of the nation’s largest corporations and their prestigious brands, including Verizon, Bank of America, Walmart Stores, Inc., SAMSUNG Telecommunications America, NBC Universal Motion Pictures Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Feld Entertainment, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Southern California Edison. With national headquarters in Houston, Texas and offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City, Lopez Negrete employs more than 230 employees who keep clients at the forefront of a burgeoning Hispanic market.