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Highrises.com Names Nan & Company Properties Exclusive Houston Partner Broker

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HOUSTON, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Nan & Company Properties has been named the exclusive Houston partner broker of Highrises.com, the number one website for high-rise condominiums. As the partner broker, Nan & Co. will provide listings, news and insights about the Houston market to the thousands of people who visit Highrises.com daily in search of their dream home.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160129/327435LOGO

“Our partnership with Highrises.com comes at a time when the demand for condos is very strong in the Houston market, and we have the resources to meet that demand,” says Nancy Almodovar, Nan & Co. CEO. “Our full-service agents are very knowledgeable in evaluating value for both buyers and sellers, and we provide personal, customized service, guiding clients throughout the entire process.”

Nan & Co. Properties welcomes Kristina Houston to the firm in her role as the partner agent working exclusively on the Highrises.com listings. She is a specialist in condo and high-rise living and brings a wealth of market knowledge to this role.

The city of Houston is one of the top metropolitan areas in the country for condo values, and the number of new condominium listings by real estate agents has increased in the past several years.

“For people who want to own versus, rent, condos are a great option,” says Almodovar. “Buyers can purchase a condo for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home, allowing them to live in their chosen area of town.”

In addition to collaborating with Highrises.com in this new partnership, Nan & Co. Properties continues to offer a variety of real estate services to its clients, catering in particular to foreign nationals.

Named one of Houston’s Best Places to Work by the Houston Business Journal, Nan & Co. Properties specializes in buying and selling luxury residential property and commercial space for clients from all over the world.

Nan & Company Properties has quickly established itself as a fast growing, cutting edge, technology-driven real estate firm. The business has more than 30 agents on its roster serving local and international clients who have decided to make Houston their home. Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, the firm employs agents who can communicate with clients in a number of languages including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Farsi, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

For more information about Nan & Co. Properties, visit www.nanproperties.com.

Contact:
Misty Starks
832-660-4037
[email protected]

Acura Rolls Out American-made NSX Supercar with Super Bowl Commercial Set to Van Halen Classic, Runnin’ with the Devil

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Acura Rolls Out American-made NSX Supercar with Super Bowl Commercial Set to Van Halen Classic, Runnin' with the Devil

– Iconic Van Halen song infuses high-voltage energy into NSX rollout

– Comprehensive activation includes social media sweepstakes, enabling consumers to experience the NSX

– Acura is one of the first brands to use Twitter Conversational Video to launch Super Bowl spot

TORRANCE, California, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura is showcasing the next generation NSX, the only supercar made in America1, to the soundtrack of an iconic American rock song in a new commercial that will debut during Super Bowl 50. The high-energy vocal effects of the Van Halen classic Runnin’ with the Devil provide the powerful beat for the Acura commercial that will appear during the first quarter of the big game. The spot is a showcase of the Precision Crafted Performance brand direction that is core to the Acura brand and vividly represented in the NSX supercar.

Acura Rolls Out American-made NSX Supercar with Super Bowl Commercial Set to Van Halen Classic, Runnin' with the Devil

The new Acura Super Bowl commercial is posted to Acura.com and Acura social media channels for previewing before the big game and is augmented with a series of unique social media activations and live experiences, including one of the first applications of Twitter Conversational Video to launch a Super Bowl spot.

“In our Acura commercial, we wanted to convey the excitement of the NSX to a big Super Bowl audience,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. “The high energy visuals are complemented by a big rock anthem, giving viewers just a taste of the emotion this new Acura supercar elicits.”  

Acura Super Bowl Spot Creative Concept

Tagged with the words “What He Said,” the Acura Super Bowl commercial demonstrates the NSX is better described through raw emotion than words alone. This is the first time Van Halen has released Runnin’ with the Devil for use in advertising. The 30-second visual tour de force relies on the elegant design and powerful inner-workings of the NSX, with Runnin’ with the Devil building softly in the background, before erupting in a powerful crescendo through rapid-fire vocals –  hollers and screams responding to every camera movement across the intricate details of the NSX.

The color palette of the NSX Super Bowl commercial is a deliberately vibrant red, white and blue, a celebration of the all-new 2017 NSX, the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. Exclusive global production of the NSX is set to begin this spring at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio1. Acura was the first international luxury nameplate to develop and manufacture products in America.

Social Media and Digital Activations and NSX Experience

Acura’s social media activations culminate in delivering a Precision Crafted Performance experience. Through Twitter Conversational Video, viewers generate a pre-populated tweet featuring the 30-second commercial, which when shared using #DriveAcuraNSXContest and tagging a friend, will enter them into a sweepstakes for a VIP NSX driving experience. The sweepstakes will also be accessible via the Acura Twitter and Facebook pages. 

Extending to the digital space, the brand will unveil a 60-second version of the Super Bowl commercial and a countdown clock beginning Jan. 29 that leads to the Feb. 25 launch of the Acura NSX online vehicle configurator. The NSX configurator will enable potential customers and fans alike to design and build their dream NSX. Additionally, starting Feb. 25, those interested in purchasing an NSX can contact an authorized Acura retailer to place their order.

The 2017 Acura NSX

Created to bring a new experience to the supercar segment, the next-generation Acura NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, with cutting-edge and world-first technologies. Much as the first generation NSX did a quarter century ago, the 2017 NSX breaks the mold through a first-of-its-kind Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit, a multi-material body structure, advanced aerodynamics and a cockpit that supports performance driving on every level without sacrificing comfort.

Precision Crafted Performance

Precision Crafted Performance – performance delivered with incredible precision, outstanding quality and elegant, innovative engineering – defines Acura’s core character and authentic brand DNA.  Acura’s Super Bowl commercial and related activations are high-profile elements in a newly-launched brand campaign that focuses on communicating Precision Crafted Performance as the Acura brand direction.

The Acura brand is committed to sharpening its focus on these core values, expressed in the dynamic capabilities and styling of Acura products, as well as in the brand’s marketing and customer experience, in order to create a more distinct and powerful image for Acura in the marketplace.

The Acura Super Bowl commercial can be viewed at Acura.com. Additional media assets and information, including screen shots, 2017 Acura NSX pricing, features and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. The spot was created and produced by MullenLowe, agency of record for Acura.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance through advanced product design and innovative technologies. On March 27, 2016, Acura will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its launch as the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker. More than 90 percent of the products Acura sells in America are built in America using domestic and globally sourced parts. 

The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV. This spring, Acura will launch its next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.

Acura Social Media Channels

Facebook.com/Acura
Twitter.com/Acura 
YouTube.com/Acura 
Instagram.com/Acura

1Manufactured using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Acura Logo.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160128/327256
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/ACURALOGO

Got Milk? Sculptures Expected to Raise Major Contribution for Children with Cancer

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Napa Agriculture, by Maria Kane, George Yepes, Sonia Lopez, Febedelia Ochoa, Sonya Ochoa, Candice Zepeda and Jose Zuno

SAN CLEMENTE, California, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Milk Loves Art project was launched late last year by the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creator of the iconic got milk? campaign. The project’s goal was to promote local artists while giving back to a worthy cause. After executing a highly successful call to artists, a final group was selected and tasked with transforming life-size cow sculptures1 into works of art. The 32 sculptures are being donated to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, who will be auctioning them off. While the exact amount is yet to be determined, the auction could raise several thousand dollars. All proceeds from the sale will go to support the camp program, which offers a cost-free, medically-supervised, camp experience for more than 1,500 children with cancer and their families each year.

Napa Agriculture, by Maria Kane, George Yepes, Sonia Lopez, Febedelia Ochoa, Sonya Ochoa, Candice Zepeda and Jose Zuno

“The response to the call to artists was astounding. I’m grateful to all the artists that got involved and shared our same vision: to give back through art,” said Steve James, Executive Director, CMPB.

After nearly two months of dedicated work, over 20 artists with the Milk Loves Art project are finalizing their unique creations. Ranging from stunning scenery to cultural icons, each work of art celebrates California’s rich cultural heritage – and all were created to benefit children and families going through a difficult time. Renowned artist/muralist, George Yepes, led the creative phase of the project. He worked alongside a variety of artists, as well as actor/screenwriter Jaleel White. “We are all looking forward to the auction, as we know it will make a huge impact in the lives of many families. I feel very proud to have helped bring this initiative to life,” said Yepes. Yepes’ work has been featured in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and the Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego, among others.

Jaleel White contributed to Milk Loves Art by painting one of the cow sculptures in honor of Kobe Bryant and his extensive and successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Other participating artists included: Patric Stillman from San Diego; Man One and Maria Kane from Los Angeles; as well as Lawrence Sullivan and Sonya Fe from Sacramento, to name a few. The charitable initiative also counted on the participation of young and emerging artists from Los Angeles, who all contributed unique designs.

The final design concepts are of high impact and include: a tribute to historic highway 101 and its string of missions along the California coastline; California’s history of musical diversity; a tribute to the popular entertainment and comic convention in San Diego; as well as a tribute to old Hollywood and legendary Hispanic stars.

For more information about Milk Loves Art, visit: www.gotmilk.com and follow got milk? via social media on Facebook @gotmilk, Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

About Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times® is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California. Camp gives more than 1,500 children with cancer and their families the chance to “take a break” from the disease and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors. The program is free and helps kids look towards a future beyond cancer. Camp is designed to build courage, foster hope and promote healing outside of treatment centers and hospitals. With trained medical staff onsite to support and monitor treatment regimens, children are able to enjoy horseback riding, archery, ropes courses, arts & crafts and the chance to just be kids. Since 1982, the Camp has served more than 36,000 campers. To learn more, visit www.rmhcsc.org/camp.

1 CowParade Holdings is the owner of the copyrights in and to the shapes of the cow canvases.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160128/327211 

FIBRA Prologis Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Earnings Results

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2015.

FIBRA Prologis began trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange June 4, 2014. As such, results in the fourth quarter of 2015 reflect the second year-over-year comparable period for FIBRA Prologis. However, the company does not have comparable financial results from the prior full year. For prior full year comparisons, the company includes operating performance of the properties in its portfolio prior to ownership by FIBRA Prologis, when the properties were managed by its sponsor.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR

  • Operating portfolio occupancy increased to 96.5 percent, exceeding guidance
  • Net effective rents on rollover increased 10.5 percent
  • Same store cash NOI grew 4.5 percent
  • Completed US$120.6 million of asset acquisitions

Funds from operations (FFO) per CBFI was Ps. 0.6850 (US$0.0412) for the fourth quarter compared with Ps. 0.5295 (US$0.0359) for the same period in 2014. For the full year 2015, FFO per CBFI was Ps. 2.6226 (US$0.1295), including realized exchange loss per CBFI of Ps. 0.5848 (US$0.0374) from the reimbursement of the value-added tax paid in connection with the acquisition of the initial portfolio. 

Net earnings per CBFI in the fourth quarter was Ps. 1.8128 (US$0.1085) compared with Ps. 0.8847 (US$0.0681) for the same period in 2014. For the full year 2015, net earnings per CBFI was PS. 3.8804 (US$0.2399).

OPERATIONS OUTPERFORM EXPECTATIONS

“We had an exceptional year, achieving record occupancy levels and solid rent growth that exceeded most of our objectives,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Mexico. “This outperformance is the result of favorable market conditions in which the demand for modern, well-located logistics facilities is greater than the supply.”

Operating Portfolio

4Q15

4Q14

Notes

Period End Occupancy 

96.5%

96.3%

Outperformed guidance by 25 basis points

Leases Signed

1.8 MSF

1.8 MSF

Customer Retention

97.5%

90.6%

Net Effective Rent Change

10.3%

13.4%

10.5% for full year 2015

Same Store NOI (Cash)

0.8%

5.5%

4.5% for full year 2015

Same Store NOI (IFRS)

-2.4%

N/A

CAPITAL ACTIVITY EXPANDS BEST-IN-CLASS PORTFOLIO

US$ in millions

4Q15

2015

Notes

Acquisitions

Class-A Buildings

US$96.9

US$101.8

1.4 MSF in global markets

Intermodal Facility

US$14.0

US$14.0

1.1 MSF facility in Mexico City

Total Logistic Facilities

US$110.9

US$115.8

      Weighted avg stabilized cap rate

6.8%

6.9%

Land Parcel

US$4.8

US$4.8

Acquired with a building in Monterrey

Total Acquisitions

US$115.7

US$120.6

Dispositions

Specialized Manufacturing Facility

US$22.3

US$22.3

Acquired by existing customer

      Weighted avg stabilized cap rate

8.6%

8.6%

“Our proprietary access to the Prologis development pipeline is a unique competitive advantage that allows us to acquire Class-A logistics facilities that are fully occupied and complement our portfolio,” Gutierrez added.

STRENGTHENS FINANCIAL POSITION

As of December 31, 2015, FIBRA Prologis’ liquidity was approximately Ps. 7.6 billion (US$441.6 million), which included approximately Ps. 6.9 billion (US$400.0 million) of available capacity on its unsecured credit facility and Ps. 721.2 million (US$ 41.6 million) of unrestricted cash.

Net debt as a percentage of investment properties was 29.1 percent, fixed charge coverage was 3.86 and net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 4.58. 

“In 2015, we successfully executed our plan to strengthen our financial position by lowering our overall cost of debt, extending our maturities and increasing our liquidity,” said Jorge Girault, senior vice president, Finance, Prologis Mexico. “As a result of this activity, we resolved all of our 2016 debt maturities and increased our weighted average term from 3 years to 4.5 years, maintaining the weighted average cost of debt at approximately 5 percent.”

As previously announced, during 2015, FIBRA Prologis completed US$650 million of new unsecured syndicated debt. This includes the recast and upsize of the previous line of credit to a US$400 million unsecured credit line facility and a US$250 million of an unsecured term loan that was used to pay off US$134 million of secured debt maturing in December 2016.

Subsequent to year end, FIBRA Prologis refinanced US$107.0 million, including prepayment cost, of the secured loans maturing in 2016.  The secured facility matures in January 2026 and was priced at a 4.67 percent fixed interest rate. In addition, the company entered in a three-year forward interest rate SWAP agreement, starting on June 23, 2016, to fix the US LIBOR rate of the US$250 million unsecured credit facility to 1.065 percent.

GUIDANCE ESTABLISHED FOR 2016 – Full Year Distributions to Increase 10.0 percent

 (US$ in million, except per CBFI amounts)

Low

High

Notes

FFO per CBFI

US$0.1650

US$0.1800

Excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements

Full Year 2016 Distributions per CBFI

US$0.1100

US$0.1100

Represents approximately 95 percent of 2016 forecasted AFFO and undistributed AFFO from 2015

Year End Occupancy

95.5%

96.5%

Same Store NOI (Cash)

2.0%

3.0%

Based in U.S. dollars

Annual Capital Expenditures as % of NOI

14.0%

16.0%

Building Acquisitions

US$100.0

US$150.0

Asset Management and Professional Fees

US$18.0

US$20.0

WEBCAST & CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

FIBRA Prologis will host a live webcast/conference call to discuss quarterly results, current market conditions and future outlook on January 29, 2016, at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET. Interested parties are encouraged to access the webcast by clicking the microphone icon located near the top of the FIBRA Prologis Investor Relations website (www.fibraprologis.com). Interested parties also can participate via conference call by dialing +1 877 256 7020 (toll-free from the United States and Canada) or +1 973 409 9692 from all other countries and entering conference code 9746070.

A telephonic replay will be available Jan 29–Feb 12 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 9746070. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of December 31, 2015, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 188 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 32.6 million square feet (3 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature.  All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and  the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140703/124469

Neighbors Emergency Center Harlingen, TX Location to Open January 30

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PEARLAND, Texas, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Neighbors Emergency Center Harlingen, TX location will start seeing patients this Saturday, January 30. Harlingen is a city nestled in a region of South Texas known as the “The Rio Grande Valley.”

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160128/327077
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141208/162979LOGO

The newly announced Harlingen emergency center will be the first Neighbors Emergency Center in South Texas and represents one of many new locations to open by the end of 2016.

Paul Alleyne, MD, Chief Medical Officer said, “We are proud to serve the Harlingen community. We believe Harlingen will greatly benefit from Neighbors’ personalized 24-hour emergency care experience while offering the same level of access and services as a hospital-based emergency room.”

Neighbors Health System, the parent company of Neighbors Emergency Center, was named the 4th fastest growing company by the Houston Business Journal’s ‎Fast 100 companies, along with being named the HBJ’s #3 Best Place to Work for 2015. Neighbors Emergency Center freestanding emergency rooms have also been awarded “The Best ER” in Baytown, TX and Pearland, TX along with the Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces #1 midsize company for 2015.

About Neighbors Emergency Center:
Neighbors Health System operates Neighbors Emergency Center, a series of 24-hour freestanding emergency centers that have seen exponential growth in Texas since 2009. Neighbors Emergency Center believes in providing extraordinary care that is dedicated to making lives better every day, with an unfaltering vision to be The Best Neighbors Ever. This means providing unparalleled medical care driven by compassion, respect, and dedication and a focus on our patients, our culture, and the community.

Neighbors’ 18+ locations service many communities, including Houston, Austin, El Paso, Beaumont, and the Permian Basin, with plans for centers in areas that include North Texas and Colorado in 2016.

Santa Clara Super Bowl Events Include Headliners Huey Lewis & the News and Heart

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SANTA CLARA, California, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With Super Bowl 50 quickly approaching, the game’s host city, Santa Clara, is planning on kicking off Super Bowl week January 31st with an outdoor concert and fireworks for 5,000 + fans at Mission College headlined by Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers Ann & Nancy Wilson from the legendary group “Heart.”

The city’s biggest pre-Super Bowl event is the Super Community Celebration on February 6th at Santa Clara University. Expecting 10,000 + visitors, the all-day event concludes with a performance by Huey Lewis & the News whose first number one hit “Power of Love” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song from the blockbuster film Back to the Future.

The celebration from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. includes a celebrity flag football game featuring former Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin and Tony Dorsett as team captains. The pep rally will have Super Bowl winning players signing autographs, professional cheerleader dance performances, and the award winning Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. Activities also include a Fan Experience Zone, Play 60 event for youth, Moveable Feast food trucks, live music throughout the day, and much more. Tickets are available on a stand-by basis on day of event only.  

Another must-see event for all ages is “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” exhibit at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara through April 3, 2016. The exhibit features the best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s vast collection, including over 200 precious football mementos; award-winning photography, including rare photos; one-of-a-kind documents; interactive exhibits that challenge both mind and body; spectacular footage from NFL films; the Vince Lombardi Trophy; and more.

For more information on Santa Clara and Super Bowl activities, visit www.santaclara.org and/or www.santaclaraca.gov/supercommunity

www.santaclara.org

CONTACT: David Andre
+1 408.380.1235
[email protected]

 

Antidepressant Use Common Among Reproductive-Aged Women;

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WHITE PLAINS, New York, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — More than 15 percent of reproductive-aged women have filled a prescription for an antidepressant medication during the years 2008–2013, according to a new analysis published today in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7709851-march-of-dimes-antidepressant-pregnancy-study/

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150409/197662LOGO

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and the CDC is working with the March of Dimes to raise awareness about the use of antidepressant medications by women of reproductive age, and what women should know and do for their own health and that of their babies. There is conflicting evidence about the potential link between some antidepressants and certain birth defects. Some commonly used antidepressants are sertraline (Zoloft), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), and citalopram (Celexa).

“Women experiencing depression and anxiety need treatment. We don’t advocate anyone going off their medication as this can also have serious consequences,” said Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH, medical advisor to the March of Dimes. “We urge women to speak to their doctors about all their medications and discuss alternatives.  Sometimes it’s possible for women to switch to another type of treatment, such as counseling.”

In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every four and a half minutes, and one out of every five deaths in the first year of life is caused by a birth defect.  In addition to the human toll, birth defects incur hospital-related economic costs that exceed $2.6 billion annually.

The new analysis looked at annual claims of more than 5.8 million privately-insured women between the ages of 15 and 44 who had a prescription for an antidepressant filled between 2008 and 2013. They found that older women are more than twice as likely as younger women to fill an antidepressant prescription. The most common prescription was sertraline (Zoloft), filled by an average of 3.3 percent of women of childbearing age, followed by bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) by 2.7 percent of women, then citalopram (Celexa) by 2.6 percent, escitalopram by 2.5 percent, and fluoxetine by 2.3 percent.  Sertraline, the antidepressant used most often, was not linked to an increased risk of birth defects, according to research.

“Antidepressant Prescription Claims among Reproductive-Aged Women — United States 2008–2013,” by April L. Dawson, MPH of CDC, Janis Biermann, MS of the March of Dimes and others, appears today in MMWR.

The CDC’s Treating for Two: Safer Medication Use in Pregnancy initiative focuses on providing women and their healthcare providers with reliable and accessible information on medications commonly used during pregnancy. This initiative aims to expand and accelerate research and to deliver up-to-date information to women and healthcare providers so that they have enough information to make informed treatment decisions and can take the safest medications to manage their conditions. More information is available at: www.cdc.gov/treatingfortwo.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.  Find out how you can help prevent premature birth and birth defects by joining March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Shortcut, The Mobile Barbershop, Upgrades App with Breakthrough Innovation and Product Offerings

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NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After a year of providing exceptional on-demand handsomeness to busy, professional men in New York City, Shortcut, the preeminent mobile barber service, is releasing an optimized app to begin bringing its grooming services nationwide.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160127/326814
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160127/326816LOGO

Initially launched in late 2014, Shortcut completely overhauled its product to include more sophisticated design and personalization functions to create an even more fluid experience for consumers and barbers alike.

“Our beta product was a critical learning experience for the company,” said Irvin Slobodskaya, Co-Founder and CEO of Shortcut. “We took the time to listen to our early users and learn about the pressure points of the haircut process. That data informed a lot of the thinking around our latest product, which derives best practices from brick and mortar barbershops, while also providing a series of solutions to other industry inefficiencies.”

Feature upgrades include:

  • Both instant booking and scheduling of haircuts up to a week in advance
  • A clipper cut offering at a lower price point for haircuts that do not require scissors
  • Personalized hair preferences to better match users with the optimal barber
  • A “favorite barber” function to choose a dedicated grooming professional for each booking
  • Mobile payment for more seamless transactions
  • Feedback and rating system for Shortcut barbers
  • In-app rewards and promotions to save on grooming services

The new app is now available for download on iOS in the App Store. Special offers and other updates can also be found on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Shortcut experience begins by choosing either a haircut or clipper cut on the app home page. Users can request the next available appointment or request the barber of their choice up to a week in advance. At the specified appointment time, a barber is dispatched to the user’s location. Starting at $65 for a single haircut and $45 for a clipper cut, Shortcut barbers are fully equipped to handle all men’s hairstyle requests, provide quick beard trims on-the-go, as well as suggest maintenance tips to complement any style. All cleanup is handled to complete the appointment.

Shortcut is currently available in the vast majority of Manhattan with plans to begin expansion into the outer boroughs and other urban markets.

ABOUT SHORTCUT
Shortcut is an on-demand grooming provider that connects busy, professional men to premium barbers and stylists. Making handsome simple, the Shortcut app coordinates the delivery of haircuts to your home, office or hotel at your convenience. The team of master barbers and stylists are handpicked, vetted and carefully trained to deliver an unparalleled grooming experience.

Shortcut services can be easily booked through the Shortcut app from 8am – midnight, seven days a week. For more information, visit www.getshortcut.co.

Contact:
Irvin Slobodskaya
516.728.7980
[email protected]

NBC UNIVERSO To Premiere “Top Chef Mexico” Hosted By Actress Ana Claudia Talancón Thursday, February 18 At 9pm/8c

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Host/Conductora Ana Claudia Talancon and Judges/Jueces de "Top Chef Mexico" Aquiles Chavez, Martha Ortiz, Juantxo Sanchez and Guillermo Gonzalez Beristain

MIAMI, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, announced today the network premiere of the first season of “Top Chef Mexico” on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 9pm/8c. Hosted by actress Ana Claudia Talancón, the 13 episode reality competition television series is based on Bravo’s international franchise Top Chef and is produced by Cinemateli Content. Professional chefs will compete against each other in various cooking-themed challenges and judges will eliminate one chef, until the last remaining contestant wins the coveted title of “Top Chef México.” To view the video promo, click here.

“I am proud to be part of this exquisite project that shows México on a better light. Top Chef México showcases our culture, our traditions and the love we have for Mexican cuisine. Viewers will be delighted with the contestants’ talent, professionalism, their passion and will get to know first class chefs,” said Ana Claudia Talancón.

The future of the 16 cheftestants will be in the hands of four judges, renowned chefs:

The cheftestants will live throughout six weeks, isolated from their homes, restaurants and social

life and will share rooms in an exclusive hotel next on 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 will determine which Chefs will move on in the competition.

The winning chef is selected based on several factors including flavor, technique, presentation and concept development based on the challenge requirements. They are also judged on their ability to work together with the other participants. In this occasion, in “Top Chef México, chefs compete for a cash prize of $1,000,000 Mexican pesos and a feature in Travel & Leisure Mexico magazine.

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 NBC UNIVERSO https://www.facebook.com/nbcuniverso and https://www.facebook.com/TopChefTV.

To obtain additional information, fans can also visit https://www.topchefmexicotv.com.

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 “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.

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).

Follow us on Twitter at:
@NBCUNIVERSO @NBCUNIVERSOPR

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dawn Page
786.337.6032
[email protected]

Astrid Rivera
786.337.6031
[email protected]

Host/Conductora Ana Claudia Talancon and Judges/Jueces de "Top Chef Mexico" Aquiles Chavez, Martha Ortiz, Juantxo Sanchez and Guillermo Gonzalez Beristain

 

Ana Claudia Talancon, Host of "Top Chef Mexico" to premiere on NBC UNIVERSO Thursday, Feb. 18 at 9pm/8c

 

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK06Nh5lTz0 
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160127/326861
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160127/326863