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Tag: Health
Read the latest health news, diet, fitness, medical news and healthcare tips on theindianpanorama.news/health. Get all the healthcare news, including wellness, fitness, diet and weight loss & more.
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Excessive salt consumption associated with cognitive disorders, high blood pressure
Dementia is described as a loss of cognitive functioning, which included thinking, remembering, and reasoning, and it is quite common in Japan. At the moment, treatment satisfaction for dementia is among the lowest, and no medication therapy to cure the condition is available. With the world’s population increasingly ageing, the discovery of dementia prevention and treatment medications is crucial.
Cognitive impairment has been linked to the consumption of excess table salt, a ubiquitous food seasoning. High salt (HS) intake can also lead to hypertension. To prevent adverse health outcomes, the World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 g per day. The involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II)–a hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance–and its receptor “AT1”, as well as that of the physiologically important lipid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 and its receptor “EP1” in hypertension and neurotoxicity is well-recognized. However, the involvement of these systems in HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment remains elusive. To this end, a recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology thoroughly evaluated the aspects of HS-mediated hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment. The study was performed by a team of collaborating researchers from Japan, and has shown how hypertension, mediated by the crosstalk between Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 causes emotional and cognitive dysfunction. Author Hisayoshi Kubota from Fujita Health University’s Graduate School of Health Science comments, “Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. However, studies focusing on the interaction between the peripheral and central nervous system have not sufficiently investigated this association.” According to the published data, the addition of excessive phosphates to the protein “tau” is primarily responsible for this emotional and cognitive consequences. The findings are particularly noteworthy because tau is a key protein of the Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: ANI -
INDRA NOOYI TO BE HONORED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE
By Mabel Pais
Graduation is one of life’s most important and memorable milestones in the life of a student….. and teacher! Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Seton Hall University (shu.org), while congratulating its 2023 graduates for a job well done, celebrates its 167th baccalaureate commencement ceremony on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 9 a.m. at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Rev. Borys Gudziak. (Photo credit : shu.edu) Delivering the commencement keynote address will be His Excellency Borys Gudziak, the Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. At the ceremony, Archbishop Gudziak receives an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters alongside Indra Nooyi, former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2019.
HIS EXCELLENCY BORYS GUDZIAK
Learn more about the Archbishop at ukrarcheparchy.us/most-rev-borys-gudziak/archbishop-borys-gudziak-biography
INDRA NOOYI
Indra Nooyi.(Photo credit : shu.edu) A role model for women and immigrants, Nooyi is celebrated for her empowering messages on inclusivity. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book ‘My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future,’ a memoir that offers insight and a call-to-action on how our society can blend work and family — and advance women — in the 21st century. At PepsiCo, she was the chief architect of ‘Performance with Purpose,’ the company’s mission to deliver sustained growth by making more nutritious products, limiting the company’s environmental footprint, and empowering its associates and people in the communities it serves. Nooyi served as a member of the PepsiCo Board of Directors from 2001 to February 2019, and is now a member of the board of Amazon, where she chairs the audit committee.
MORE INFORMATION
For links to livestream and more information about the speakers and Seton Hall’s 167th baccalaureate ceremony, visit shu.edu/commencement/index.cfm.
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
Learn more at shu.edu.
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LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH SPA DAY: A DAY OF PAMPERING & RENEWAL
By Mabel Pais
Would you like to lift your spirits with a free Spa Day…. those living with breast or ovarian cancer? A Free Day of Pampering and Renewal?
Breast Cancer Awareness, symbol. (Photo credit / mmjccm.org) This Annual Spa Day is available in-person for part of the day or all day virtually on Sunday, May 21, 10 am to 4 pm, and is hosted by the JCC Manhattan. The offer is presented by the
Shirley Kohn Spa Day for Individuals Living with Breast or Ovarian Cancer (mmjccm.org/programs/virtual-jcc-shirley-kohn-spa-day-women-living-breast-or-ovarian-cancer-free-day-pampering).
The free virtual spa day is designed to lift the spirits of those with cancer, and the lineup includes a sampling of spa experiences, including mindful movement, as well as nutrition and self-care.
PROGRAM
JCC Shirley Kohn Spa Day for Women Living with Breast or Ovarian Cancer: A Free Day of Pampering and Renewal
Sunday, May 21 from 10AM–4PM
Keynote: Author Maria Sirois
Drop in for part of the free, virtual event, or tune in for the whole day
Schedule highlights include Meditation, Zentangle, Positive Psychology, Self Care Massage, Health Harp Music + Yoga.
RSVP
If you’d like to attend, RSVP Lauren Magy: lmagy@mmjccm.org.
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BROADWAY’S BEST FOR PD INVOLVES IN THE CHALLENGE
Exercise Class for PD. (Photo credit / mmjccm.org) By Mabel Pais
Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: When PD Enters the Relationship, is a free in-person event, with virtual streaming option, hosted by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (MMJCCM) on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00 PM. The final Broadway’s Best event of the season will feature a panel of experts on how Parkinson’s impacts a relationship, from intimacy to balancing needs of care partners, to communication strategies, and even the importance of dance in a relationship.
The experts joining the panel for May’s Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s include David Loud, Broadway actor, musical director, arranger (vocal arrangements: New York, New York), and author, who is living with Parkinson’s; Rebecca Gilbert, M.D., chief scientific officer, American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA); and Gloria Lebeaux, LCSW, director of social work services at the Barry + Florence Friedberg JCC.
PROGRAM
Moderator: Caroline Kohles, MMJJC senior program director of Health + Wellness
David Leventhal, program director of Dance for PD, featuring a movement segment, demonstrates how to improve communication and connection through dance.
Matt Castle, Broadway actor – conversation & musical performances and his husband
Frank Galgano, director, musical arranger, and actor
Both are two years into their PD journey.
Musical Performances
Ziyang Zhou and Xavier Cornell of David Loud’s Manhattan School of Music give musical performances
Discussion
The lively discussion will also feature personal stories from Rhoda Cahan and Sam Rudick, a couple living with PD for nearly a decade.
REGISTRATION
Register for attendance in-person at (mmjccm.org/programs/person-broadways-best-parkinsons-when-pd-enters-relationship) and for virtual attendance at (mmjccm.org/programs/virtual-broadways-best-parkinsons-when-pd-enters-relationship).
Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s
This free hybrid event is part of a groundbreaking MMJCCM Parkinson’s program
(mmjccm.org/parkinsons) founded 15 years ago to improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s.
Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: When PD Enters A Relationship begins at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 24 at the MMJCCM, in person, as well as online.
The initiative helps improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s. Through education, exercise, and other programs, and in collaboration with the medical and local communities, people impacted by Parkinson’s remain active, connected, and empowered.
Bios of Co-Hosts and Participants
Learn about each co-host and participants Rhoda Cahan and Sam Rudick, Matt Castle, Frank Galgano, Rebecca Gilbert, M.D., Gloria Lebeaux, David Leventhal, David Loud at mmjccm.org/parkinsons.
Caroline Kohles is the senior program director, Health + Wellness, at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. In her 19 years at the JCC, she has spearheaded a progressive slate of fitness programming, creating 100-plus group fitness class schedules and health and wellness programs for populations ranging from tweens/teens to prenatal/postnatal moms and seniors. Her signature work includes developing a range of cancer care programs and she designed the nationally and internationally recognized Edmond J. Safra Parkinson’s program at the JCC, now in its 16th year. She is also co-founder of NIA New York, a holistic lifestyle and fitness practice.
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
Learn more at mmjccm.org. Follow the JCC on
Instagram – instagram.com/mm_jccmanhattan,
Facebook – facebook.com/jccinmanhattan, and
Twitter – twitter.com/MM_JCCManhattan
(Mabel Pais writes on Health & Wellness, Education, The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Cuisine, Spirituality, and Business)
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A Crusade for a World Without Childhood Blindness
Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja The Eye Foundation of America extended its crusade for a World without Childhood Blindness when it reached out to Guatemala, a nation in Central America which has a population of 18 million. A study for the eye health of people in Central America says: “Blindness prevention programs should focus on accessibility to eye examinations, cataract surgeries, control of infectious studies, and spectacles distribution.”. From April 20 to 23, 2023, EFA took the first step of examining eyes.
The Eye Foundation of America held eye examination camps at four locations in Guatemala and examined 256 patients from April 20 to April 23, 2023. Dr. V. K Raju, an eminent ophthalmologist based in Morgantown, West Virginia who founded the Eye Foundation of America some four decades ago, with a mission to rid the world of childhood blindness, conducted the eye examination, and identified around 72 cases of Cataract and other eye problems. Surgery for cataract is likely to take place in October, according to India’s Ambassador to Guatemala Mr. Manoj Mohapatra who was instrumental in organizing the camps in cooperation with the local government authorities.
Prof. Indrajit Saluja, publisher and editor of The Indian Panorama coordinated between the Eye Foundation of America and the Indian Embassy in Guatemala. The eye examination camps are being seen as India’s efforts at extending a friendly hand to Guatemala in the field of medical care. India is already extending support to Guatemala in pharmaceuticals.
Prof. Indrajit Saluja, editor and publisher of The Indian Panorama who is an ardent supporter of the Eye Foundation of America and who was instrumental in bringing Dr Raju and Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra together for the eye examination projects, accompanied Dr. V.K. Raju.
At the breakfast meeting hosted by H.E. Manoj Mohapatra, India’s Ambassador to Guatemala. L to R: Dr. VK Raju, Mr. Kenneth Ordoñez, Ms. Diana Brown, Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, and Dr. Edgar Lopez. Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra hosted a breakfast meeting at which Dr. V.K. Raju was introduced to local Rotarians Mr. Kenneth Ordoñez and Ms. Diana Brown, and Dr. Edgar Lopez.
Introducing Dr. Raju, Prof. Indrajit Saluja said: “He has been running the Eye Foundation of America for four decades. He is an eminent ophthalmologist, much honored and awarded. He has been organizing eye camps in Africa, in India, and in India’s neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
Dr. Raju has a dream. And I wish that dream is fulfilled during his lifetime. He dreams of a world free from childhood blindness. And he has been devoting his time and investing his earnings into realizing his dream. He often says that if rotary can realize the dream of eradicating polio from the face of the planet, why can’t we fulfil the dream of removing childhood blindness from the face of the planet. You see, if somebody gets a cataract at the age of 60, he may have 20 or 30 years to live, not that much pain for him. But you think of a child of 5 or 10 years, and he goes blind. He has a lifespan of 80 years. He will be a burden on himself, a burden on his family, a burden on the community, and everybody.
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja and Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra discussing the arrangements and program for the eye examination camps. Dr. Raju keeps reminding everyone that 80% of our learning comes through vision. See how important vision is. Dr. VK Raju shared his thoughts with the group. He emphasizes the need of 3 wills- political will, professional will and people’s will. If they join things will happen. Otherwise, yes, a little tidbit happens, and you put it into newspapers and all that, but really nothing happens.
A view of Eye Examination camp site at Tecpan Dr. Raju also pointed out the need to have local surgeons to perform surgery. Ambassador Mohapatra spoke about a doctor from New York who visits Guatemala routinely to provide medical assistance here. He said the local people assist him and he is doing a god job. He said he was certain that once Dr. Raju is known in Guatemala people will come forward to assist him. For now, the ambassador said he would ensure initial assistance and help is provided to the Eye Foundation of America. The ambassador spoke about the cooperation he secured for the eye camps from the local municipalities.
Dr. VK Raju examining patients.Dr. VK Raju examining patients.Dr. Raju, himself a Rotarian and an admirer of Rotary ethics, appreciated the commitment of the Rotary Club in Guatemala to provide all assistance and help in organizing the next camps at which Dr. Raju will be directing surgery on the patients identified at the initial eye examination camps. He thanked Rotarians Ms. Diana Brown and Mr. Kenneth Ordonez, who were present for a discussion at the breakfast hosted by Ambassador Mohapatra on April 19, 2023.
Dr. Raju presenting a plaque to Isabel who received it on behalf of Major of Tecpan Obisco Puac. 
Isabel and volunteers with Dr. Raju, Prof. Saluja, Raul, Social Secretary to Ambassador of India and Danny from the Embassy of India. 
Dr. Raju presenting a plaque to Major of Chiquimula Roland Aquino. 
Volunteers with Dr. Raju Another gentleman who Dr. Raju thanked profusely is Dr Edgar Lopez who promised to stand by the Eye Foundation of America in all its efforts to fulfil its mission to have a world without childhood blindness.
Dr. VK Raju told The Indian Panorama that his visit to Guatemala could not have taken place without the cooperation of H. E. Manoj Mohapatra, India’s ambassador to Guatemala who engaged with the local Rotary Club and the local government to extend support to the project.He also expressed his gratitude to the majors of Tecpan, Chiquimula, and Flores, and the Congresswoman of Puerto Barrios, and her young daughter who is seeking election to Congress for their great help.
Dr. Raju expressed his appreciation for the volunteers at each camp location who gave their best. The interpreters did a fantastic job facilitating a dialogue between the doctor and the patients.
Dr. Raju had special thanks reserved for the Ambassador’s social secretary Raul and Danny at the wheels of the vehicle who extended assistance ungrudgingly all through the long trips over four days.
Above all, Dr. Raju said, he was grateful to the patients who came in large numbers and waited patiently for their turn to be examined. He said he would love to see them on a follow up visit.
Eye Examination camp at Puerto Barrios: a section of the patients. 
Dr. VK Raju examining patients. 
Dr. Raju presenting a plaque to Ms. Thelma Ramirez, Congresswoman, Izabal. 
Eye Examination camp at Flores Peten: a section of the patients. 
Volunteers with Dr. Raju -
India logs 7,533 new Covid cases, active infections above 53,000-mark
India recorded 7,533 new coronavirus cases, raising the tally to 4.49 crore, while the active cases decreased to 53,852, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday, April 28.
The death toll has increased to 5,31,468 with 44 deaths, which included 16 fatalities reconciled by Kerala, data updated by the ministry at 8 am stated. The active cases now comprise 0.12 per cent of the total infections, it said.
The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.69 per cent, according to the data shared on the ministry’s website. The number of people who have recovered from the disease surged to 4,43,47,024, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.18 per cent. India has so far recorded a total of 4.49 crore Covid cases.
According to the ministry’s website, a total of 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive. -
MJH-NYC HOSTS ANNUAL GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE
By Mabel Pais
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (mjhnyc.org) hosts New York’s Annual Gathering of Remembrance on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET.
Annual Gathering of Remembrance. (Credit : mjhnyc.org.) The program will be held in person, for the first time since 2019, and the Museum returns to Temple Emanu-El of New York City (emanuelnyc.org), after the hiatus. The annual program is part of the Museum’s Yom HaShoah tribute and serves the organization’s mission to “never forget” and honor the memory of those who were lost during the Holocaust, as well as survivors and their descendants. This memorial serves as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and envisions a brighter future.
The ‘Annual Gathering of Remembrance’ program will feature music, remarks from Holocaust survivors and public figures, and a moving candle lighting ceremony. The event will take place the day before Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on the evening of Monday, April 17 and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, April 18. The event will also be live streamed online on the Museum’s website at mjhnyc.org/agr, and YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuseumJewishHeritage. “This moment is one of the most important days of the year, when we honor the memory of all the brave souls who perished and show solidarity with those who survived one of the most horrific chapters in our world’s history,” says the Museum’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bruce Ratner. “We have a responsibility to carry on the legacies of those we lost, and to continue fighting prejudice and hate and make the world a more understanding place.”
“The Annual Gathering of Remembrance is essential to our mission at the Museum. We are proud to gather on this day to remember those who were lost in the Holocaust and those survivors who we’ve lost in the past year,” says Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. “We are also uplifted by the second, third, and fourth generation survivors who will join us in song and candle lighting, as our memories move l’dor va’dor, from generation to generation. This tribute will welcome multiple generations in person here in New York, a city with one of the world’s largest communities of Holocaust survivors, as loved ones and community members from around the world also tune in virtually.”
Speakers will include Museum President and CEO Jack Kliger, Board President Bruce Ratner, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Israeli Consul General Asaf Zamir, Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich, and others. Musical guests will include Joyce Rosenzweig, Steven Skybell, Valeriya Sholokhova, the HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and more.
“It is an honor to come together in person to remember the lives of those who were lost in the Holocaust and to read the names of survivors whom we’ve lost in the past year at Temple Emanu-El,” says Museum Trustee Rita Lerner, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and the event Co-Chair.
Speakers will include Museum President and CEO Jack Kliger, Board President Bruce Ratner, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Israeli Consul General Asaf Zamir, Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich, and others. Musical guests will include Joyce Rosenzweig, Steven Skybell, Valeriya Sholokhova, the HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and more.
RSVP – In Person & Virtual
Anyone wishing to attend the ‘Annual Gathering of Remembrance’ or view it online should RSVP at mjhnyc.org/agr.
A number of organizations are partnering with the Museum to create the ceremony.
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York’s contribution to the global responsibility to Never Forget. It is the third-largest Holocaust Museum in the world. For more information, visit: mjhnyc.org.
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BOOSTING BRAIN HEALTH & WELLBEING WITH MINDFUL EATING
Healthy Eating. Credit : mmjccm.org By Mabel Pais
Brain Health Kitchen + Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: Boosting Brain Health with Food is an in-person event, with virtual streaming option, on Monday, April 17 at 6:00 PM. This event takes place at the JCC Manhattan.
The event features a panel of experts on how the foods we eat influence our health and wellbeing in relation to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. The conversation will be followed by a live musical performance and book signing. “The brain is the new frontier. There is great interest in the impact of nutrients and food quality on our health and brain function,” shares Kohles. “For example, we know that ultra-processed foods aren’t good for us but some studies now show that they might impact our cognitive function. If eating whole foods can help reduce the risk of dementia then we need to be talking about it.”
PROGRAM
Panelists
Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the ‘Brain Health Kitchen,’ the only cooking school focused on cognitive wellness, to learn how maintaining brain health is easy, accessible, and delicious.
Matthew E. Fink, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and neurologist-in-chief at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, to hear the latest updates in brain research.
Marisa Seifan, a former federal prosecutor turned CEO and co-founder of Honeybrains, to discover why she created the first restaurant dedicated to better brain health.
Suzette Shahmoon, cognitive hypnotherapist, explains on how caregivers can benefit from healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
Moderator
Caroline Kohles, MMJCCM senior director of Health + Wellness.
Book Signing
Annie Fenn, author of her debut book, ‘The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s through Food’ will present insights through her over 100 recipes designed to promote brain health and cognitive decline prevention through mindful eating.
Conclusion
Live musical performance.
Brain Health Kitchen + Broadway’s Best for Parkinson’s: Boosting Brain Health with Food
This hybrid event is part of a groundbreaking JCC program (mmjccm.org/parkinsons) founded 15 years ago to improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s. The initiative helps improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s. Through education, exercise, and other programs, and in collaboration with the medical and local communities, people impacted by Parkinson’s remain active, connected, and empowered.
REGISTRATION
The event is free to people living with PD by using discount code PARKINSON100, but the general public must purchase tickets. Registration is recommended for both the in person (mmjccm.org/programs/person-brain-health-kitchen-and-broadways-best-pd-boosting-brain-health-food) and virtual (mmjccm.org/programs/virtual-brain-health-kitchen-and-broadways-best-pd-boosting-brain-health-food) experience.
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
Learn more at mmjccm.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine, The Arts and Entertainment and Spirituality)
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SFIFF CELEBRATES 11 DAYS OF FILMS & EVENTS
By Mabel Pais
The San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM) returns for the 66th year. It is considered the longest-running film festival in the Americas. This year’s program, curated from over 5,000 submissions and invitations features work from 37 countries and spotlights new work from Bay Area Filmmakers. These will screen exclusively in theaters across San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, April 13–April 23.
The 2023 SFFILM Festival will run in theaters across the Bay Area, including the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, the Dolby Cinema @ 1275 Market, the Castro Theatre, the Premier Theater, The Walt Disney Family Museum, and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). The central hub of the Festival will be at CGV San Francisco to allow for maximum viewing; this location will also feature a hospitality lounge presented by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for guests to meet and mingle with each other in between screenings.
BIG NIGHTS + SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Night: “Stephen Curry: Underrated”
Peter Nicks (USA 2023, 110 min)
Thursday, April 13 | 6:30 pm PT | Grand Lake Theatre
Thursday, April 13 | 9:30 pm PT | Grand Lake Theatre
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
Award-winning filmmaker Peter Nicks delivers a searing documentary illuminating the career of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. Intertwining Curry’s emergence at Davidson College with thrilling footage of the 2021–22 Golden State Warriors season when the team won its fourth championship of the Curry era, Nicks deftly builds a portrait of a man who continually defies expectations. With unique access, heart-pounding edits, and electrifying footage, Stephen Curry: Underrated tells the remarkable story of a local legend. Expected Guests: Director Peter Nicks, and producer Ryan Coogler.
TICKETS
Tickets are available to Opening Night Film & Party, Second Showing (screening only) for members & the general public.
Centerpiece: “Past Lives”
Celine Song (USA/South Korea 2023, 106 min)
Tuesday, April 18 | 8 pm PT | Castro Theatre
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
Playwright Celine Song makes a masterful leap to film with this tenderly wrought relationship drama revolving around long-separated childhood friends’ attempts to define their unusual connection over two reunions set 12 years apart. Expected Guests: Director Celine Song, and actor Greta Lee.
TICKETS
Tickets are available for members and the general public.
Closing Night: “I’m A Virgo”
Boots Riley (USA 2023, 115 min)
Sunday, April 23 | 6 pm PT | CGV 3
Sunday, April 23 | 7:30 pm PT | CGV 2
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
From visionary filmmaker Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You, Festival 2018), I’m A Virgo is a darkly comedic fantastical coming-of-age joyride about Cootie (Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us), a 13-foot-tall young Black man in Oakland, CA. Having grown up hidden away, passing time on a diet of comic books and TV shows, he escapes to experience the beauty and contradictions of the real world. He forms friendships, finds love, navigates awkward situations, and encounters his idol, the real-life superhero named The Hero, played by Walton Goggins. Riley will be in attendance at this special screening of the first four episodes of I’m A Virgo, which will be followed by a Q&A, presented by Prime Video. Expected Guests: Creator, Co-Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, Director, Boots Riley.
TICKETS
Tickets are available for members and the general public.
For the complete film lineup, visit sffilm.org.
FILMS CONNECTED TO THE INDIAN DIASPORA
DOCUMENTARIES: INTERNATIONAL
Against the Tide. (Credit : SFFILM.) Against the Tide
Sarvnik Kaur (India 2023, 97 min)
Thursday, April 20 | 6 pm PT | CGV 3
Saturday, April 22 | 5:30 pm PT | BAMPFA
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
As the Arabian Sea’s fish population dwindles, two fishermen from Mumbai’s Koli community endeavor to change their fortunes. United by a shared ambition, their friendship is tested when each man chooses different technology. While Rakesh adheres to ancient practices handed down through generations of ancestors, Ganesh seeks modern methods that in the short-term promise a bigger catch but contribute to overfishing, dooming both men’s long-term prospects. Ultimately powerless against the raging waters and growing mountains of debt, Rakesh and Ganesh sway along the waves of life, trying their best to keep their heads above the water that threatens to engulf them. Bookending it all, amidst centuries-old songs of valor and courage, is the customary hum of fishing boats and their promise of hope. ‘Against the Tide’ won a special jury prize for vérité filmmaking at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is an SFFILM Documentary Film Fund recipient.
SHORTS
How We Get Free
Geeta Gandbhir (USA 2023, 31 min)
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
In Denver, an intrepid activist runs for office with the aim of eliminating cash bail.
Birdsong. (Credit : SFFILM.) Birdsong
Omi Zola Gupta + Sparsh Ahuja (UK/Laos 2023, 18 min)
CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
A meditation on the act of listening and perceiving, guided by the vanishing Hmong tradition of whistling.
Growing up with Memory Loss | A Gift for My 16th Birthday
Keertana Sreekumar (USA 2023, 3 min)
BAY AREA PREMIERE
A young artist with an impaired memory reflects on what it means to grow up.
Hop Heel Drop. (Credit : SFFILM.) Hop Heel Drop
Sania Bhatia (USA 2023, 3 min)
Tap dancer Sydney Barnas shares her story of encouragement and passion for movement.
American Ball Game
Teja Mettu + Krish Mysoor (USA 2023, 9 min)
WORLD PREMIERE
With twisting dark humor, Dan uncomfortably tries to fit in with his friend’s white family.
Connect with SFIFF:
Hashtags: #SFFILM and #SFFILMFestival
Twitter: @SFFILM
Instagram: @sffilm
Facebook: facebook.com/SFFILM
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/sffilm
2023 San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival)
The official SFFILM program—curated from over 5,000 submissions and invitations—includes premieres, eagerly anticipated award titles, debut work from emerging storytellers, international narrative and documentary, mid-lengths and shorts, a Cine Latino section, and the Golden Gate Award juried competition. Filmmakers and guests can network at industry meetings and talks, and everyone will get to celebrate the magic of cinema with SFFILM’s prestigious Persistence of Vision, Mel Novikoff, Sloan Science in Cinema awards, and a tribute to a special honoree.
The SFFILM Festival always centers the Bay Area with selections by local creators and crews, and serves students, teachers, and families with Youth Works, family friendly workshops, and educational screenings through Schools at the Festival that reaches thousands of students each year.
SFFILM
SFFILM’s mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM connects and inspires audiences, students and teachers, and filmmakers through film exhibition, youth education, and artist development programs.
Annual public film programs include the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM Festival) which is the longest running film festival in the Americas, Doc Stories documentary series, special events with the best and brightest in contemporary film, and family programming.
SFFILM Education serves more than 15,000 students and educators with learning opportunities designed to cultivate media literacy, global citizenship, and a lifelong love of movies. SFFILM Makers supports the careers of independent filmmakers from the Bay Area and beyond with grants, residencies, and other creative development services. For more information, visit sffilm.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality.)
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Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during Covid, here’s what to watch for
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among teens, including increasing numbers of patients with eating disorders. In fact, research indicates that the number of teens with eating disorders at least doubled during the pandemic.
This is particularly concerning given that eating disorders are among the most deadly of all mental health diagnoses, and teens with eating disorders are at higher risk for suicide than the general population.
While experts don’t know exactly why eating disorders develop, studies show that body dissatisfaction and desire for weight loss are key contributors.
This can make conversations around weight and healthy behaviours particularly tricky with teens and young adults.
As an adolescent medicine doctor specialising in eating disorders, I have seen firsthand the increases in patients with eating disorders as well as the detrimental effects of eating disorder stereotypes. I regularly work with families to help teens develop positive relationships with body image, eating and exercise.
Understanding the signs of a possible eating disorder is important, as studies suggest that timely diagnosis and treatment leads to better long-term outcomes and to better chances of full recovery.
Eating disorders, which often start in adolescence, include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorders and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.
Each eating disorder has specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a diagnosis, which is made by a professional with eating disorder expertise.
Research suggests that up to 10 per cent of people will develop an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Source: PTI
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Fed delivers small rate hike, says ‘some additional’ tightening possible
Washington (TIP)- The Federal Reserve on Wednesday, March 22, raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, but indicated it was on the verge of pausing further increases in borrowing costs amid recent turmoil in financial markets spurred by the collapse of two U.S. banks. The move set the U.S. central bank’s benchmark overnight interest rate in the 4.75%-5.00% range, with updated projections showing 10 of 18 Fed policymakers still expect rates to rise another quarter of a percentage point by the end of this year, the same endpoint seen in the December projections.
But in a key shift driven by the sudden failures this month of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, the Fed’s latest policy statement no longer says that “ongoing increases” in rates will likely be appropriate. That language had been in every policy statement since the March 16, 2022 decision to start the rate hiking cycle.
Instead, the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee said only that “some additional policy firming may be appropriate,” leaving open the chance that one more quarter-of-a-percentage-point rate increase, perhaps at the Fed’s next meeting, would represent at least an initial stopping point for the rate hikes.
Though the policy statement said the U.S. banking system is “sound and resilient,” it also noted that recent stress in the banking sector is “likely to result in tighter credit conditions for households and businesses and to weigh on economic activity, hiring, and inflation.”
There were no dissents on the policy decision.
The document made no presumption that the battle with inflation has been won. The new statement dropped language saying that inflation “has eased” and replaced it with the declaration that inflation “remains elevated.”
Job gains are “robust,” according to the Fed. Officials projected the unemployment rate to end the year at 4.5%, slightly below the 4.6% seen as of December, while the outlook for economic growth fell slightly to 0.4% from 0.5% in the previous projections. Inflation is now seen ending the year at 3.3%, compared to 3.1% in the last projections.
The outcome of the two-day meeting this week marks an abrupt repositioning of the central bank’s strategy from just two weeks ago, when Fed Chair Jerome Powell testified in Congress that hotter-than-expected inflation would likely force the central bank to raise interest rates higher and possibly faster than expected.
The March 10 collapse of California-based SVB and the subsequent collapse of New York-based Signature Bank highlighted broader concerns about the health of the banking sector, and raised the possibility that further Fed rate increases might tip the economy towards a financial crisis. Source: Reuters